An all-inclusive, "how to do it" fair and conference demonstrating smart, clean energy solutions will take place Friday and Saturday, September 12 and 13, at Bear Mountain Inn and State Park.

Exhibitors and presenters at the "ReCharge" energy expo and conference will feature cutting-edge technologies and services like fuel cells, photovoltaic (PV) products, hybrid vehicles, geothermal designs and lighting solutions from energy-use audits to LED flashlights.

Demonstrations include a fuel cell unit the size of a refrigerator that can power a house or a small store, a six-foot wind turbine and a solar hot tub.

Energy efficiency, renewable energy products and innovations will be featured for businesses, residences, municipalities, institutions and kids. Partner and supporting organizations will talk about technologies, financial incentives and opportunities that support a market transformation toward greater energy efficiency, environmentally sustainable building practices and use of renewable energy.

Public officials, businesses and energy entrepreneurs will attend Friday sessions. Saturday’s program includes demonstrations for homeowners and families.

Blue-chip sponsors. The event is being presented by the Energy Project at Pace University’s law school, ranked third in the nation for environmental law, and co-hosted by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC).

Participants and endorsers include a blue-chip roster of companies, government agencies and advocacy groups. They range from Sharp Electronics, Inc. and Paul Miller Toyota to the New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA), the New York Power Authority (NYPA), the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the New York State Public Service Commission (NYSPSC), and the Rockland County Solid Waste Management Authority (RCSWMA).

"It is evident now more than ever that we must move toward a more sustainable energy future. This event offers a wonderful opportunity for everyone to learn how," said Carol Ash, Executive Director of the PIPC. "PIPC is thrilled to be hosting this event and we look forward to hosting many more."

Added Fred Zalcman, Executive Director of Pace Energy Project: "Energy choices influence energy costs, reliability, security, the environment and public health. The vision of this expo and conference is an outgrowth of our advocacy work to support clean energy alternatives that are available here and now."

Peter Smith, Acting President of NYSERDA, will make opening remarks at Friday’s conference. NYSERDA administers the New York Energy $mart^SM program which is designed to help businesses and residents in the state reduce their energy costs, as well as protect the environment and strengthen the state’s economy. After Mr. Smith’s opening remarks an extensive panel of leading industry experts will guide participants through that they can take toward a more sustainable energy future.

Smith said: "It is more critical than ever that people are aware of the kinds of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs available to help them save energy and reduce their energy costs. Governor Pataki and NYSERDA support these programs to protect our environment, increase economic development, and ensure a secure energy future."

Buildings, energy loads, purchasing. Commercial and municipal tracks are being offered on topics that include: Global Environmental Leadership: Showing the Way to a Sustainable Energy Future Through Corporate Policies and Products; Energy Savings Opportunities for Existing Commercial & Institutional Buildings; Controlling Electricity Loads: Strategies for Demand Reduction; The Power of Choice: Green Purchasing Options; Municipalities as Leaders: NYS executive order 111 and the Challenge to Local Municipal Governments.

Municipal officials who have successfully installed programs to buy solar energy or used other policy tools will be "role models" for other municipalities interested in energy efficiency and conservation. A panel of energy entrepreneurs will explain new methods businesses can use to reduce costs and save energy.

At Saturday’s ongoing workshops and displays, attendees can learn from industry professionals, governmental agencies and community advocacy groups and get questions answered. Topics that day include: solar energy, wind energy, clean energy credits ("green tags"), Energy Star appliances, Energy $mart Communities, and much more.

Activities, art projects and music provided by the RCSWMA Education Center will teach young people about simple sustainable energy solutions within their reach.

Those interested in more information can visit the website, www.rechargeexpo.com, or contact Dorice Madronero at the Pace Energy Project, phone 914/422-4415 or E-Mail dmadronero@law.pace.edu.

The Pace University Energy Project has been a primary provider of legal advocacy, coordination, technical and policy support, education and outreach to a broad range of sustainable energy stakeholders since 1987.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) New York Energy $mart^SM program is designed to lower electricity costs by encouraging energy efficiency as the State's electric utilities move to competition. The programs are available to all electric distribution customers (residential, commercial, institutional and industrial) of Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric.

All New York Energy $mart^SM programs are funded by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) paid by electric distribution customers of participating utilities. NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation established by law in 1975, administers SBC funds and programs under an agreement with the Public Service Commission. 

Founded in 1976, Pace Law School is located in White Plains, N.Y., 20 miles north of New York City. The School offers the J.D. program for full-time, and part-time day, and evening students. Its post-graduate program includes the LL.M. and S.J.D. degrees in Environmental Law and an LL.M. in Comparative Legal Studies. Pace has one of the nation's top-rated environmental law programs and its Clinical Education Program also is nationally ranked, offering clinics in domestic violence prosecution, securities arbitration, criminal justice, and disability rights.