LI Group Gets State Grant To Establish Clean Energy Hub

EAST MEADOW, NY — The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County has been awarded millions of dollars in state grants to establish a clean energy hub for Long Island.

The Cornell Cooperative Extenstion, which is based in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, was one of 12 recipients of grants to establish regional clean energy hubs. The hubs will serve as centers for outreach, awareness and education about the state's transition to clean energy.

"As New York continues moving toward a green economy, community outreach and education is essential to ensuring all New Yorkers can participate in and benefit from this transition," Gov. Kathy Hochul said. "In true New York fashion, these organizations are coming together to help their fellow New Yorkers and ensure every community has the opportunity to thrive."

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County was awarded $4 million to establish the hub.

Each Hub will be composed of a network of organizations responsible for establishing and fostering partnerships in their area over the next four years to deliver services at the community level and offer new ways to coordinate and promote clean energy outreach, engagement and education services throughout their communities.

Organizations with experience in providing outreach and education services in clean energy and energy efficiency, and integrating those with social services, housing, economic development, health and training, were encouraged to participate.

"Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County is honored to serve as the lead contractor for the NYSERDA Regional Clean Energy Hub for the Long Island Region," said Gregory Sandor, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County. "We believe our coalition of proven renewable energy and community engagement leaders (institutions, universities, associations and business leaders) makes up a superb team. Our Long Island Clean Energy Hub is committed to providing solutions that will make a tangible difference in our communities and provide measurable results."

The Hubs were selected through a competitive process to advance an inclusive green economy in New York State that focuses on:

• Delivering community-based engagement, outreach and consumer awareness of clean energy technologies and opportunities
• Coordinating programs and funding resources to increase participation in clean energy projects
• Conducting equitable stakeholder engagement to incorporate community perspectives and increase public input into the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's program, policy, and strategy development
• Increasing local capacity to engage with community residents about clean energy policy, technologies and opportunities
• Advancing diversity in the clean energy workforce by working with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, trade unions and training providers to help clean energy businesses connect with and hire individuals from priority populations or underserved communities, and increase the number and diversity of participating contractors in the clean energy sector
• Establishing strategic partnerships across the clean energy ecosystem in a particular region to benefit disadvantaged or underserved communities
• Advancing local projects that address regional barriers that prevent disadvantaged communities from participating in or benefiting from the clean energy economy