New Statewide Group Introduces PA Wind Power Coalition at DU Launch

Wind energy industry leaders, environmental advocates and policymakers will meet on the energy-efficient Duquesne campus to announce the launch of the ChoosePAWind coalition and the coalition’s new website—www.choosepawind.com—which touts the economic and environmental benefits of wind power for Pennsylvania.

The gathering will be on Thursday, Feb. 2, at 11 a.m. in the Power Center.

Speakers include Stephen Schillo, vice president for management and business, who will talk about the University’s decision to buy all PA-generated wind power to supplement the power generated in the on-campus Energy Center.

“We are proud to be part of this initiative and a purchaser of Pennsylvania wind,” Schillo said. “The operation of Duquesne University has been green for years because of our commitment to environmental responsibility. But we’ve taken it a step beyond, with the purchase of all PA-generated wind power. Wind energy contributes to sustainability efforts and has played a role in creating jobs and boosting the local economy.”

Other speakers, who will discuss the wind energy industry as well as its economic role, will be:

• Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County executive
• John Hanger, special counsel, Eckert Seamans Cherin Mellott LLC
• Audrey Russo, president and CEO, Pittsburgh Technology Council
• Bob White, vice president, AES
• Katie Bellezza, marketing manager, EverPower.

Fitzgerald notes the importance of wind as a key part of Pennsylvania’s energy solution. “From natural gas to solar and wind energy, Pennsylvania has the ability to generate energy from a variety of local resources. A commitment to wind energy is another great example of how Pennsylvania is becoming a leader in producing more domestic energy.”