Sierra Club Launches Statewide Renewable Energy Campaign

Event in Buffalo kicks off Renewable Energy Week Asking Governor Cuomo: “Let’s Turn, Not Burn.” 

Buffalo, NY: On Tuesday, April 16, the Sierra Club Niagara Group will join with Western New York Council on Occupational Safety & Health, WNY Drilling Defense, WNY Peace Center, Clean Air Coalition of Western New York, PUSH Buffalo, Re-ENERGIZE Buffalo, Riverside-Salem United Church of Christ, Wind Action Group, and Residents for Responsible Government to hold a press conference on the Buffalo waterfront at Dug’s Dive to launch the “Let’s Turn, Not Burn” campaign. It kicks off Sierra Club’s Renewable Energy Week, which includes events across the state and a robust advertising campaign in Buffalo, Rochester, Binghamton, Auburn and Albany calling on Governor Cuomo to take administrative action to create jobs and grow the economy with renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.

WHAT:  Press conference to launch Renewable Energy Week in New York State

WHO:

• Prof. Robert Howarth of Cornell University
• Mayor Paul Dyster of Niagara Falls
• Bob Ciesielski Energy Committee Chair, Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter and Niagara Group
• Erin Heaney, Director, Clean Air Coalition of Western New York
• Lynda Schneekloth, Chair of Sierra Club Niagara Group

WHEN: Tuesday, April 16 at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:  Buffalo waterfront at Dug’s Dive, 1111 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo, New York 14203

VISUALS: Fully operational wind turbines visible from the location, banners, people with signs

Background:

At a time when the state’s remaining coal plants are increasingly uneconomical, the “Let’s Turn, Not Burn” campaign is asking the Governor use his administrative power to bring job-creating renewable energy online to replace outdated coal, gas and nuclear plants, and meet and extend the state’s renewable energy goals. Upstate New York is well positioned to benefit from a renewable energy economy because of its potential for both wind and solar power and ready work force. Developing these sources would cut dangerous pollution and fulfill the Governor’s commitment to economic development in upstate.

Update 4.16.2013, 1pm:  Click here to see photos of event and full page Buffalo News ad.