(Mark your calendars: RealShare Hotels 2011, Sept. 15 in New York City)

ALBANY-Making it the first environmental recovery bill of its kind nationwide, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has signed legislation that encourages new investments in electric generating and clean energy facilities across New York State late Thursday. Called the “Power NY Act of 2011,” the energy package establishes a faster permitting process for facilities greater than 25 megawatts, creates a new siting board that will expedite applications more efficiently and safeguards neighborhoods with built-in environmental protections from potentially harmful developments.

At the bill signing, Cuomo said the bill will “lead to new investment” and has the potential to spur the creation of thousands of jobs in the engineering, science and technology fields. “We must rebuild and expand New York's energy infrastructure to meet the demands of the 21st century and grow our economy,” Cuomo said. “The act gives community members a voice in the siting process and will maintain New York's position as a leader in environmental protection. I thank the legislature for their support of this legislation."