The Westchester County Association hosted “Meeting Demand - The Policy and Politics behind New York’s Energy Outlook” on Tuesday June 12^th 2012 at the Reckson Metro Center in White Plains, New York.

This event was orchestrated by a group of 4 panelists who shared their own thoughts of what’s happening in New York. Among the panelist were Dr. Matthew Cordaro, Jerry Kremer, Joseph Oates and Michael Romita. Roger Curtis moderated the event and Marc Spitzer ended with the Keynote.

Matthew Cordaro expressed his view of the Energy Highway and Jerry Kremer warned the audience of the threat that well-funded Anti-Energy groups pose. He went on to ask us to join him in begging the question “Why are non-profit organizations funded to stop anything that equals progress”. It was very encouraging to hear Joseph Oates mention how New York is becoming more diverse in how we generate our energy and out of the energy we generate 24% comes from a renewable source. With this push for diversity, a win-win relationship will be created for customers and companies. Customers will benefit from a lower price while companies will help keep the environment safe. Michael Romita explained how 40% of capacity that feeds New York will potentially be lost if refineries are forced to close down. He also pointed out how the community and the State share conflicting views on the idea of “Fracking”; the community is against it while the State supports it.

As the event wrapped up it was Marc Spitzer’s turn to end with the keynote. He amused the audience by relating most of his points to personal life experiences but, in his ending point he explained how each state should have its own standards in reference to energy management; it’s not something that can be one size fits all.