The Clean Tech Center hosts Presidential Energy Advisor Carol Browner

Clean Tech Center Hosts Presidential Energy Advisor Carol M. Browner

President Obama's chief energy advisor Carol M. Browner recently visited the Clean Tech Center at the invitation of Congressman Dan Maffei for a meeting with a coalition of education and industry partners involved in renewable and clean energy development. Congressman Maffei convened the meeting with the Clean Tech Center and the Syracuse CoE to showcase green innovation and collaboration in Central Upstate New York, working with the region’s “Green Team.”

The event included presidents of regional colleges and universities, clean tech entrepreneurs and organizational partners who made presentations on clean tech initiatives underway in the region. Also attending the meeting was Judith Enck, Governor David Paterson's deputy secretary for the environment, and Rick Fedrizzi, president of the U.S. Green Building Council. Participants included Tech Garden and Syracuse Chamber of Commerce officials, as well as other Clean Tech project partners such as the MDA and the SyracuseCoE.

Browner discussed the federal agenda to develop renewable and clean technologies, and Judith Enck laid out a New York State strategy for the group who responded with policy, regulatory and investment suggestions.

"Central New York can be the Silicon Valley of green technology," said Congressman Maffei. "We have as much or more to offer as larger communities do in terms of putting the nation's agenda of green technology and innovation forward," Maffei said.

Browner agreed. "What I find very unique here is the breadth of collaboration that you have been able to attain."

Browner noted that the partnerships and innovation being created across the region will position it as a place fully capable of attracting worldwide attention. “It shows what can be done. I am extremely impressed," she added.

Browner also visited the new SyracuseCoE headquarters building, set to open later this year. The building is intended to be an example of taking a brownfield site and redeveloping it as green innovation showcase. “I see a community that is collaborating to create a different energy future -- to create not only a clean energy building but also a healthy building," said Browner about the SyracuseCoE building.

Congressman Dan Maffei, who coordinated Browner's visit, also announced that he included more than a million dollars in House bills for green projects in the Central New York - Syracuse area. He expressed confidence that the Senate will approve the funding.