“Today, America is dependent on foreign oil. The continued reliance on imported fossil fuels is not only harmful to our environment, but also our national security and economy. That is why I have led the effort to create a high-tech clean energy sector in our part of New York. Sustainable energy is the future, and America is already quickly falling behind European and Chinese green technology capacity. If we do not quickly begin to promote these industries, America will continue to be forced to import the technology necessary to meet its energy needs. New York can and should lead this effort, and we've already made great progress.” -Maurice

• Creating Green Jobs in the Hudson Valley: As Congress worked over the past several years toward passing a major renewable energy bill and reforming the oil and gas industries, Maurice has been independently working to establish New York as a solar energy leader. In 2007, he helped organize and create The Solar Energy Consortium (TSEC) in New York. The consortium is an industry-driven, non-profit organization that provides leadership, organization, resources, and support for the establishment of a major solar energy industry cluster in New York. Over the last three years, he has secured more than $31 million in federal funds for solar and solar-related initiatives in New York. To date, over 600 new jobs have been created in upstate New York. By the end of 2011, TSEC companies plan to bring more than 1,000 new green jobs to the region. As a result of this work, New York is well-positioned to benefit from the solar and other renewable energy investments that will be made across the country. In 2009, New York had more grid-connected solar capacity than the sunny states of Hawaii, Texas and New Mexico, and this year commercial solar panel production began in the Hudson Valley.
• The American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act: ACES was passed by the House of Representatives with Maurice’s support. This legislation requires electric utilities to meet 20 percent of their electricity demand through renewable energy sources and energy efficiency by 2020. To combat climate change, the bill reduces carbon emissions from major U.S. sources by 17 percent in 2020 and more than 80 percent by 2050 when compared to 2005 levels. ACES would also create a system of carbon emissions trading, commonly known as cap-and-trade. Under this system, the government would determine a maximum amount of allowable emissions. Companies and other groups will be issued credits that determine their allowed emissions. Those that reduce their emissions will be able to sell their additional credits to polluters. This incentivizes emitting less carbon. Unfortunately, the Senate will not likely pass comprehensive climate change legislation this year.
• Commitment to Clean, Sustainable Energy: Aside from his work with solar energy, Maurice helped secure a $100 million loan guarantee for Taylor Biomass Energy in Montgomery, New York through the Department of Energy. This loan will create 480 green jobs while creating the nation's first commercially-sized biomass gasification facility that utilizes municipal solid waste (MSW) to produce electricity. Taylor Biomass represents the type of alternative solution America desperately needs to achieve energy independence.
• Improving Energy Efficiency Standards: In order to achieve energy independence, we must not only transition to renewable alternatives, but also improve our efficiency standards. Maurice supported the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act, which provides up-front rebates of up to $3,000 for energy-efficiency home renovations. The Silver Star program provides rebates at the time of sale for specific energy-saving investments, including insulation, duct sealing, energy efficient windows and doors, air sealing and water heaters. Homeowners will receive up to $1,500 per improvement with a maximum rebate of $3,000. The Gold Star program rewards homeowners who conduct a comprehensive energy audit and implement measures to reduce energy use. Under this option, consumers will receive $3,000 for a demonstrated savings of 20 percent, plus an additional $1,000 for each additional 5 percent energy savings up to $8,000.

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