Carmel, NY - With electricity prices on the rise this year in New York, U.S. Representative John Hall (D-NY19) is hosting the fourth in his series of energy independence forums on Saturday, November 17th at 3:00pm in the Town of Wappinger.  This public event will spotlight the use of small hydro and tidal power.

 

“New York has some of the highest electricity rates in the country," said Hall.  "We need to explore how harnessing energy from the waterways here in the Hudson Valley can bring down our electricity costs in a clean, renewable way."

 

One speaker at the event will explain how one of the Hudson Valley’s small hydro plants works, including its history, how much it contributes to the energy grid, and how small hydro plants can help us on our path to energy independence.  Another forum participant will address the technological and regulatory hurdles he has faced in his determined efforts to set up a small hydro plant to power a farm and conference center.  The last speaker will focus on new technologies, specifically an innovative pilot project which uses small 35kw turbines in the East River to power a large grocery.  For consumers, Hall will address ways individuals can spur development of hydro power by investing in the alternative energy technology. 

 

“The approach to achieving energy independence and fighting rising oil and electricity costs has to be two-fold,” said Hall.  “To combat rising prices, I’ve helped cosponsor measures in the House to create a tax credit for electricity produced from innovative marine and hydrokinetic power.  To invest in America’s energy future, I helped to pass legislation which would require energy companies to produce at least 15% electricity from renewable sources, including hydro, by 2020.”

 

Hall is the only member of the New York delegation to serve as a member of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming in the House of Representatives.

 

“It is my hope that these forums will help the Hudson Valley to become a leader in the production and use of small hydro power and other new energy sources.  We need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and bring down the high cost of electricity, because it is hitting families where it hurts—in their pocketbooks,” said Hall.

 

These new innovations are beginning to capture the power of natural water movement, including waves and temperature shifts.  Small local hydro plants take advantage of New York’s network of rivers and lakes and streams to provide environmentally friendly energy.  The new hydrokinetic power facility in the East River uses turbines and advanced technology to catch the power of water movement while monitoring fish and plant life in the river.  Hall plans to work with his colleagues in Congress to remove some of the regulations to make it easier for local municipalities and small businesses to invest in innovative facilities.

 

Other forums in Hall’s energy independence series have highlighted wind power, solar energy, and biofuels.  Hall plans a fifth forum in December.

 

Saturday’s public event will open with a report from Hall on Congressional efforts to promote energy independence and invest in renewable energy, especially hydro power.  Experts then will give presentations on hydro power in the Hudson Valley and throughout New York State, followed by a question and answer session with the audience.  Joseph Ruggiero, Supervisor of the Town of Wappinger, will serve as the forum moderator.

 

The guest speakers and topics include:

 

- Sarah Bower, President of Wappingers Falls Hydro-Electric Company:  “How a Small Local Hydro Plant Helps Power the Grid”

 

- Ken Kleinpeter, Director of Farm and Facilities, Glynwood Farm:  “Glynwood Farm’s Experience with a Small Hydro Start-up”

 

- Joseph H. Sayer, Senior Project Manager at NYSERDA:  “Focus on New Technology: Kinetic Hydropower in New York’s East River”

 

Saturday, November 17th
3:00 - 4:30pm             

Congressman Hall's Energy Independence Forum on Small  Hydro and Tidal Power

 

Town of Wappinger Town Hall
20 Middlebush Road
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

 

For more information, the public can call Congressman Hall's office at 845-225-3641 x371.

 

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