Cahill Secures $6.5 Million Solar Energy Consortium

April 9, 2008

Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D – Ulster, Dutchess), Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee, announced that he has secured $6.5 million in the 2008-2009 State for The Solar Energy Consortium (TSEC). The Consortium will use to attract solar companies to the region.

“This funding will provide a tremendous boost to our goal of making the Hudson Valley a global leader in the research and development of renewable energy,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “The advancement of solar power is critical to addressing our energy and global climate change challenges. With this money TSEC can now hit the ground running to make sure that happens right here in Ulster County.”

"The exceptional leadership of Kevin Cahill in his role as Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee and his continuing support and mentoring of The Solar Energy Consortium is greatly appreciated," said Vincent Cozzolino, CEO of The Solar Energy Consortium. “TSEC could not have achieved the success it has in its short existence without the support and vision of Assemblymember Cahill.”

The mission of the not-for-profit organization is to integrate and harness the state’s vast financial, technical, scientific, academic and manufacturing capabilities to double the efficiency of solar technology. TSEC aims to dramatically reduce the costs of solar and thrust it into an atmosphere where it can compete and succeed in the traditional market as a clean, renewable, efficient and cheap source of power. The funding announced today will allow the leaders of the project to offer incentives to solar companies if they pledge to relocate to the Hudson Valley and join the Consortium.

“Investment in clean, renewable energy systems will help lessen our collective carbon footprint, improve public health and enhance air quality while diversifying our energy portfolio and creating well-paying jobs in our region and throughout the state,” said Mr. Cahill. “This project is exactly the type of innovative economic development Ulster County needs and ensuring its success has been one of my top priorities.”

Assemblymember Cahill has been working closely with the founders of the Consortium to gain the support of the Legislature and the Governor for funding to be allocated in the state budget. $5 million of the announced funding was included in the Executive Budget proposed in January. Mr. Cahill worked with his colleague Senator Larkin to secure an additional $1.5 million in capital monies to complete the $6.5 million package.

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