Executive Speeches

Excerpts from remarks of Frank S. McCullough, Jr., chairman of the New York Power Authority, at an event marking designation of the Power Authority’s office building in White Plains as the first existing building in New York State to obtain the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Gold-EB rating, White Plains, New York.

January 25, 2007

On behalf of the Power Authority’s trustees, I thank and congratulate Tim Carey and the Authority staff members who dedicated so much of their time and talent to the extraordinary LEED initiative.

You have brought a bold new dimension to the Authority’s long history of leadership in protecting the environment and conserving vital resources. This building—with its green attributes and its gold designation—will stand as a tribute to all that you have accomplished.

I’ve heard it said that persistence is one of several symptoms of greatness.  And my friend Tim Carey is nothing if not persistent.  The recognition that we receive today would not have happened without Tim’s leadership, his vision and his commitment to improving the environment.

A few years ago, Tim directed the effort to construct the nation’s first green residential high-rise building—The Solaire, at Battery Park City.  In the process, he became a tireless advocate for sustainable development—and, in fact, recently began serving as a member of the U.S. Green Building Council’s national board.

When Tim took office as the Power Authority’s president and CEO at just about this

time last year, one of his top priorities from day one was to transform the Rappleyea building into an environmentalist’s dream—and to win LEED recognition.  He never lost sight of that goal—and he didn’t allow anyone else to lose sight of it, either.

Tim’s first year on the job also saw the Power Authority invest about $110 million in energy efficiency and clean energy projects throughout the state—breaking our previous annual record.  We also in this past year passed the $1 billion mark for total investment in such projects since the late 1980s.

All of this translates into sizable benefits:  Energy and taxpayer dollars saved.  Oil displaced.  Greenhouse-gas emissions avoided.

I can tell you that the Power Authority’s trustees are determined to keep up the momentum and to ensure that the Authority continues to play a major role in meeting the energy challenges that face our state and nation.

The successful effort to win the LEED Gold-EB designation underscores that commitment and gives us new impetus.  This is truly a day to savor a highly significant and satisfying achievement.  I have every confidence that others lie ahead for all of us at the Power Authority.