CNSE and New Energy New York present the 2nd Annual New Energy Symposium

First-ever NY Hydrogen Expo is part of expanded two-day event that attracts 450

(ALBANY, NY) More than 450 attendees, including high-level energy industry executives, top state and federal government officials and leading university researchers, are gathering at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) of the University at Albany on July 30 and 31 for the second annual New Energy Symposium, presented by New Energy New York (NENY) and CNSE's Energy and Environmental Technology Applications Center (E2TAC).

Expanded this year to two full days, the event is highlighted by the first-ever New York Hydrogen Expo, organized in partnership with the National Hydrogen Association and Energetics, which includes a "Ride & Drive" at which individuals are able to test drive hydrogen-fueled vehicles made by several automakers, including Toyota, General Motors, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

Designed to showcase the growing importance of alternative energy technologies, as well as New York's leadership in developing and supporting clean and renewable energy companies, the New Energy Symposium is co-chaired by U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and KeySpan Chairman and CEO Robert Catell, and features keynote speeches from U.S. Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand; New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) President and CEO Paul Tonko; NYS Foundation for Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) Acting Executive Director Edward Reinfurt; NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Alexander "Pete" Grannis; KeySpan Energy Executive Vice President David Manning; and Rocky Mountain Institute CEO Amory Lovins.

In addition, a series of panel discussions are being held covering a host of topics related to alternative energy, including investment opportunities, energy policy, photovoltaics, biofuels, wind technology and commercialization, that involve representatives from over 65 leading energy companies from New York and beyond. Two hands-on alternative energy workshops targeted toward middle school and high school teachers were presented by The NEED Project and MRS Enterprises LLC. The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) is providing hybrid buses to transport attendees throughout the event.

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said, "It is exciting to see New York State's emergence as a recognized leader in the development of clean and renewable energy technologies that are critical to reducing our dependence on foreign oil. The companies represented here today are breaking new ground in technology development, while at the same time creating new jobs and opportunities across the state."

"The New Energy Symposium is a positive step in addressing America's challenging energy needs," said Robert Catell, Chairman and CEO of KeySpan Energy. "It reinforces New York's strong commitment to developing and supporting alternative energy technologies that will provide clean and renewable energy."