Clean Energy

Suffolk County, Long Island has an important role to play in New York state’s clean energy evolution. New York State is embarking on a transition to an inclusive, clean energy-powered economy. New York State's nation-leading climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates well-paid, rewarding jobs and fosters a green economy across all sectors of the economy and socioeconomic groups, ensuring that the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged and traditional underserved communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economywide carbon neutrality by mid-century.

All residents, businesses, and communities in Suffolk County and New York State will have access to new opportunities to benefit from this transition including home improvements and household energy consumption savings, rebates for businesses and personal transportation, and clean energy careers. Suffolk County is already ranked #1 amongst ALL New York State counties in the number of clean energy jobs. In furtherance of this growth, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Clean Energy staffers can help businesses find new employees in the clean energy space as well as identify workforce training and certification opportunities for individuals and businesses alike.

While the clean energy goals for New York are ambitious, CCE-Suffolk Clean Energy staff are available to help individual homeowners, renters, small businesses and non-profit organizations make the transition as seamless and painless as possible. Our staff is ready and eager to engage with the community to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, pursue and implement long-term sustainability projects, respond to key environmental challenges and opportunities, accelerate economic growth, and advance the quality of life for all New Yorkers equitably. Please contact our staff to discuss opportunities to collaborate on our green energy economy.

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August Ruckdeschel is a former Long Island vegetable farmer with a B.S. in Business Administration from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, VA and a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Colorado in Boulder. August worked in the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development & Planning for ten years as the Farmland and Open Space Coordinator and Economic Development Specialist in the Agriculture & Marine industries. For five years, August also taught a Masters-level class entitled Food Policy and Health Outcomes in the United States at the Stony Brook University School of Medicine.

Julia Mei Hanzl has been passionate about science from a young age when she volunteered at Seatuck Environmental Association and now has a B.S. in Environmental Geochemical Science from SUNY New Paltz. Since then, she has had the privilege of working with nature loving organizations and has found her place at the Clean Energy Hub at the Suffolk Cornell Cooperative Extension. Julia is excited to spread the word about energy efficiency on Long Island.

Bridget Foley has worn many hats as a writer and climate science communicator. After earning a B.A. in Environmental Humanities from Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Bridget followed the thread of New York State environmental policy and community organizing into public service. For four years, Bridget worked in the Suffolk County Executive’s Office, providing editorial and operational support to senior staff and community partners throughout major initiatives. Bridget is delighted to combine many elements of their background and uplift Long Islanders’ clean energy agency with Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Contact August Ruckdeschel Clean Energy Coordinator ar2464@cornell.edu 631-727-7850 x11350

Julia Mei Hanzl Community Energy Educator jh2868@cornell.edu 631-727-7850 x11369

Bridget Foley Community Energy Educator  bf392@cornell.edu 631-727-7850

Last updated November 6, 2025