We are proud of the fact that The Association was well ahead of the curve when it led the formation of the Energy $mart Park Initiative (E$PI) three years ago.  Now it seems appropriate to step back and take stock of our accomplishments and the challenges that lie ahead.  Can we better position ourselves to influence an orderly, relatively smooth regional transition to an Energy $mart future?  If so, what unique contributions can we make to the debate surrounding the rising tide of interest in, and concern about, energy availability, affordability, and the negative effects of our current addiction to nefossil fuels? Most importantly, how do these issues intersect with our mission and long-term goals for the Adirondack Park and the residents of its human communities?  With these questions in mind, we have identified three major areas of programmatic emphasis regarding energy and climate change that we intend to pursue moving forward.

June 1, 2007

Contacts: See List Below

Lake Placid, NY – Responding to what has been called the greatest challenge of our generation, a group of 25 energy experts, state agency representatives, local officials, and members of the academic community gathered here over several days last week to hammer out a set of strategies to deal directly with the urgent need for a regional transition away from the use of fossil fuels, and toward clean, green, and affordable climate friendly sources of locally produced energy.  Calling itself the Adirondack Energy $mart Park Coalition (E$P), the group met in the bucolic setting of the Uihlein Foundation’s Heaven Hill Farm on the outskirts of Lake Placid.