GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES NEW YORK-OWNED SKI RESORTS TO BE POWERED BY 100 PERCENT RENEWABLE ENERGY BY 2030

Commitment Supports Governor Cuomo’s Clean Energy Standard, which requires that 50 Percent of the State’s Electricity Come from Renewable Energy Sources by 2030

Belleayre, Gore & Whiteface Become First Eastern-Based Ski Resorts to Partner with The Climate Reality Project I AM PRO SNOW Initiative

ALBANY, N.Y. --- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the three New York-owned ski resorts, Belleayre Ski Resort, Gore Mountain and Whiteface Mountain, have pledged to be powered by 100 percent renewal electricity by 2030, joining The Climate Reality Project’s I AM PRO SNOW 100% Committed campaign. The initiative corresponds with Governor Cuomo’s Clean Energy Standard, which requires that half of all electricity used in New York come from renewable sources by 2030.

“Belleayre, Gore and Whiteface are key drivers of their local tourism economies, and with this commitment they are joining New York’s nation-leading efforts to fight climate change, reduce our carbon footprint and foster the development of renewable resources,” Governor Cuomo said. “This commitment to New York’s future, along with landmark new state investments in these facilities, will help ensure these resorts’ continued vitality for generations to come.”

The FY 2018 Executive Budget includes a proposed $20 million to upgrade the facilities at Whiteface and Gore Mountains to build upon the region’s burgeoning tourism industry, and has also announced an additional $8 million for upgrades at Belleayre Ski Center this year.

The I AM PRO SNOW 100% Committed program helps meet the Governor’s Reforming the Energy Vision’s strategic plan for building a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system across the state. By committing to this important cause, Belleayre, Gore, and Whiteface mountains are working to move away from the dirty fossil fuels driving climate change and shift to 100 percent clean, renewable energy. The initiative, coordinated by The Climate Reality Project’s I AM PRO SNOW program, encourages ski resorts, towns, businesses and other mountain communities around the world to commit to being powered by 100-percent renewable energy by 2030.

“The Climate Reality Project’s I AM PRO SNOW program and 100% Committed is proud to partner with the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority’s managed ski areas: Belleayre, Gore and Whiteface,” said Ken Berlin, CEO of The Climate Reality Project. “Recognizing the devastating impact the climate crisis will have on snow; the turn these ski areas are making towards solutions brings us all hope. Our community of renewable partners grows each day, and we can’t wait to see who joins us next.”

“As leaders in the ski industry, it is our responsibility to be stewards of the environment. Over the past several years, each of ORDA’s managed ski resorts have taken steps towards becoming even more environmentally friendly and efficient,” New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority interim president/CEO Mike Pratt said. “We have done this through our modernizing snowmaking systems and lifts’ drives. We have also modernized our building systems and lighting. Lastly, we are purchasing renewable power and have a 5.3 MWdc solar PPA.”

Ulster County Executive Michael Hein said, “Ulster County is the only net carbon neutral county in the State of New York and 100 percent of our Government’s electricity comes from renewal resources so we are thrilled with Governor Cuomo’s announcement that all New York State owned ski centers, including Belleayre, are to be powered by 100-percent renewable energy by 2030,”

“Winter weather sports and activities are key to the local economies across the state – especially in the North Country. Visitors from all over come to this region to ski, snowshoe, ice skate and more and it is crucial that we preserve the natural resources we have. With Whiteface Mountain joining the Climate Reality Project’s I AM PRO SNOW initiative, we as a community can do our part to combat the climate crisis and commit ourselves to a renewable energy future,” Essex County Board of Supervisors Chairman Randy Preston added.

Chairman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors Ron Conover said, "We must do what we can to protect New York’s stunning resources – from our mountains and rivers, to our lakes and more – and with ski resorts like Belleayre, Gore and Whiteface committing themselves to a 100 percent clean energy future by 2030, we help safeguard our resources so families and winter-lovers can enjoy our unparalleled attractions well into the future.”

About The Climate Reality Project

Founded by Nobel Laureate and former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, The Climate Reality Project is one of the world’s leading organizations dedicated to mobilizing action on the climate crisis. With a global movement more than five million strong and a grassroots network of trained Climate Reality Leader activists, the organization is spreading the truth about the climate crisis and building popular support for clean energy solutions. For more information, visit www.climaterealityproject.org or follow Climate Reality on Twitter at @ClimateReality.

About ORDA

Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface, Belleayre and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speed skating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, ORDA has brought millions of athletes, spectators and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.