We already have all of the key elements of a green economy right here in Southern Tier. The one thing we have yet to do though is incorporate all of our ‘green’ efforts into a unified economic strategy.
By mobilizing a green economy, we can encourage innovation, create new jobs, conserve reusable resources, and build a cleaner, healthier community. Local economies that use “green” principles:
- Invest in research and development of clean, renewable energy for economic growth;
- Are actively developing a “green collar” workforce;
- Understand that agriculture is a major economic driver, with vast potential in terms of the production of local foods and for renewable fuels; and
- Are more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
According to an editorial in the Press & Sun-Bulletin (March 25, 2008), “The Southern Tier region really needs to develop a business and residential environment that’s as attractive as its natural environment.” A unified effort to develop and promote a local green economy could very well make our region unique in Upstate New York; making the Southern Tier more attractive to investors, young professionals and residents of all ages.
One month after that editorial was published, I responded by convening a Green Economy Summit with over 60 community leaders to discuss opportunities in the Southern Tier. The summit featured Susan Christopherson, Professor in the Department of City and Regional Planning at Cornell University, and Gay Nicholson, Program Coordinator, Sustainable Tompkins.
The good news is that here in Broome County and in the Southern Tier we are already leading the way in many of these areas. Our university and community college, county and local governments, manufacturers, homebuilders, engineers, architects, farmers, energy consultants, environmentalists, policy makers, etc. have all played an important role in advancing these “green” ideas.
Bringing together local community leaders was the first step in developing a cohesive approach. My goal for this summit was to produce concrete steps and a comprehensive vision for growing our green economy.
In 2009, I convened a follow-up to the Green Economy Summit to focus on how the federal stimulus package could be used to advance local green jobs. Other topics covered included: workforce development for clean technology industries in the Southern Tier; local access to green jobs; weatherization programs; and updates from local governments.
Guest speakers at the briefing include: Guy Caroselli, Energy Services Director, Tioga Opportunities; Matthew Ryan, Mayor, City Of Binghamton; Terry Stark, Director, Broome-Tioga Workforce NY; and Frank Surdey, Managing Economist, New York State Department of Labor.
Homes and businesses burdened by rising utility costs often consume can also find relief through an emerging green economy. In addition, the renewed interest in Energy Efficiency and Building Science has the potential to create new jobs and promote the development of a more sustainable community.
Also in 2009, Governor Paterson signed into law the State Green Building Construction Act, which I authored. It requires New York to establish its own green building standard for use on all state construction projects.