Get Empowered: Renewable Energy Now! A Panel Discussion on Post-Fossil Fuel Energy Solutions

Press release from Westchester for Change:

Westchester for Change presents: Get Empowered: Renewable Energy Now! A Panel Discussion on Post-Fossil Fuel Energy Solutions that Preserve New York’s Natural Resources on Tuesday, April 26, at Greenburgh Town Hall, 177 Hillside Avenue in Greenburgh, New York from 7-9 p.m. The League of Women Voters of Westchester and NYPIRG are co-sponsoring the event.

Westchester for Change is a grassroots organization of over 750 members that provides educational forums open to the public on pertinent issues. This is part of a series of energy-related topics including the forum entitled Energy Legislation and the Environment: Spotlight on Capitol Hill, a screening of the film Gasland by Josh Fox, and a presentation on the detrimental effects of hydraulic fracturing by a New York City grassroots group, United for Action, that drew over 65 attendees in March.

This forum will focus on how we can reconcile what New York HAS with what New York NEEDS. Speakers will discuss the costs and benefits of investment in post-fossil fuel, non-nuclear, renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro-power, geothermal, and others, which can protect New York’s precious water supply and environment while providing necessary growth in the economic sector. How can New York’s need for economic development be coupled with the need for renewable energy to generate viable alternatives to dangerous gas drilling (hydraulic fracturing) and nuclear power?

Megan Klein, Associate Attorney of Earthjustice will moderate the panel and there will be a question and answer period following the presentations.

SPEAKERS:

Dr. Jannette Barth, Ph.D. is an economist who resides in Westchester County and is a property owner in the Marcellus Shale region. In her presentation entitled, “Unanswered Questions about the Impact of Gas Drilling in the Marcellus Shale,” she will dispel some myths regarding shale gas drilling, with particular emphasis on economic impact. Dr. Barth has presented on this subject in various upstate New York locations, in Pennsylvania, and in the Hudson Valley.

James Van Nostrand, Executive Director of the Pace Energy and Climate Center, will discuss the current and future development of renewable energy sources in New York State and the economic and environmental benefits of moving toward these sources of energy. Mr. Van Nostrand will also brief the audience on pending legislation in New York State and suggest specific grassroots advocacy actions to the attendees.

Judith Martin, Principal and owner of Green Home Consulting, will teach us about the use of renewable energy sources on commercial and municipal buildings, schools and homes. She will also cover energy conservation in buildings, which goes hand-in-hand with whatever form of energy is being used.