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Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester Welcomes U.S. Representative John Hall for Solar Energy Press Conference

Mount Kisco, NY (July 28, 2009) – Standing outside the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester's new solar roof with Club members who will now have a chance at a safer, cleaner and healthier world, U.S. Representative John Hall announced that more than 100,000 new clean energy jobs are expected to be created by major comprehensive energy legislation recently passed by Congress. Hall was introduced by Tom O'Brien, the Club's Board President, and joined by Westchester County Legislator Peter Harckman.

The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester recently installed a 50.4 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system made by Mercury Solar Systems. The environmental impact of the Boys and Girls system is equal to reducing CO2 emissions by 99,765 lbs a year, planting 5 acres of trees, recycling 939,946 cans of soda, and not burning 5,029 gallons of gasoline. Robison Oil constructed a 10-year power purchase agreement with a monthly payment that matches the Club's current energy costs.

"The Club was able to take advantage of tax incentives offered by the state and federal government making the new solar panels a viable alternative energy solution," said Board President Tom O'Brien. "We've significantly reduced our carbon footprint without a financial burden and stepped firmly into the future! It's a win-win situation for everyone involved and a wonderful lesson to our board, community, and children on the importance of energy conservation."

The American Clean Energy and Security Act promotes all forms of American clean energy, including wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass. It also will significantly reduce dangerous pollution by limiting emissions from electric utilities, oil refineries, and other major sources.

"By creating a market for solar and wind technology, companies like Mercury Solar will be doing more of these types of installations, and more organizations like the Boys and Girls Club will choose to install renewable power systems," said Congressman John Hall. "Because of this bill, renewable energy companies will have more customers, more demand for their products, make more money, and be able to create more jobs. They will also be able to take advantage of the R&D money the federal government is providing in order to do the cutting edge research to stay ahead of their overseas competitors."

The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester is located at 351 Main Street, Mt. Kisco, NY and can be reached at (914) 666-8069 or by visiting www.bgcnw.com. To contact the Club's Teen Center, located at 317 Main Street in Mt. Kisco, please call (914) 733-0033.

About the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester
The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester was established in 1939 as a place for "boys to get off the streets." It is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and enabling young people, especially those who need it most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Located in Mt. Kisco, NY, the 36,000-square-foot facility features an eight-lane pool, Child Care Center, gymnasium, games room, and two computer labs, and an additional 1,600-foot Teen Center facility. The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester serves 2,500 youths, boys and girls ages 6 months to 18 years, from more than 60 Northern Westchester communities. The Club has been ranked among the outstanding Clubs in the national network of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Press Contacts: Kelly Lee, Co-Communications, 914-666-0066, kelly@cocommunications.com

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Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester
351 Main Street, Mt. Kisco, New York 10549 (914) 666-8069