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Clean technology trade groups merge

Boston Business Journal
October 22, 2007

In recognition of its rising influence in the economy, the clean technology sector consolidated its two major trade groups into the New England Clean Energy Council Monday.

The council, a result of a merger of the Clean Energy Council and the New England Energy Innovation Collaborative, was formed to build a clean energy cluster in the area and bring together individuals from the public, private and academic sectors. The council's ranks include CEOs of 30 area clean energy companies, various law firm partners and representatives from a dozen New England venture capital firms.

A recent census performed by the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust and Global insight showed that clean energy already supports 14,400 jobs in Massachusetts and is projected to grow at over 20 percent per year.

The council has already began its push into the public policy arena, hosting at Workforce Summit October 30 to formulate policy recommendations on employee training and retention.

One Beacon Hill leader is already looking forward to working with the trade group.

"I am encouraged by the creation of new organizations like the New England Clean Energy Council that provide a forum in which to discuss the complex issues associated with energy reform," said House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi (D-Boston), who is pushing his own energy legislation in the legislature. "I look forward to working with the Council on this critically-important issue."