Jeffrey Williams, Deputy Director of Public Policy for the New York Farm Bureau has been named to New York's Renewable Energy Task Force. Under Lieutenant Governor Paterson's leadership, the goal of the Task Force will be to identify and recommend ways of expanding the state's use of renewable energy and alternative fuels.

"Not only is our nation facing an impending energy crisis, we are facing the most challenging environmental crisis of our time as we struggle to deal with climate change and curb our greenhouse gas emissions," said Lieutenant Governor Paterson.

"Renewable energy development will not only lead us towards energy independence, but it will protect our planet and provide healthier environments for our children and families to live. The members of the Renewable Energy Task Force bring a broad range of knowledge and experience to the effort to dramatically expand our use of renewable energy and alternative fuels."

The Task Force consists of representatives of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Long Island Power Authority, the New York Power Authority, as well as representatives from the renewable energy and alternative fuel industries, environmental and agricultural organizations, academia, local government, energy policy, environmental justice and green building and industry development sectors.

The Renewable Energy Task Force will help in the implementation of the administration's plans to reduce electricity use by 15 percent from forecasted levels by the year 2015 through new energy efficiency programs in industry and government. The plan focuses on energy efficiency, conservation, and investment in renewable energy sources as the keys to achieving economic and environmental goals.