WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/—The Clean Economy Network (CEN) group today announced that it has joined forces with the Renewable Energy Business Network (REBN), creating the first national organization of cleantech and green business, academic, public policy, community and non-profit leaders. The joining of the organizations results in the creation of a national, strong and unified voice in support of policies that favor the development of a clean American economy based on clean energy and technologies.

The CEN group promotes the rapid expansion of a clean economy that creates new sustainable jobs, increases energy and resource security, and addresses climate change. It engages individuals interested in building a clean economy through the Clean Economy Network Foundation (CENF), an education-oriented 501(c)(3) organization ; Clean Economy Network, Inc. (CENI), a non-partisan 501(c)(4) advocacy organization; and a Political Action Committee (PAC) currently in formation.

The 17 REBN chapters will now be integrated into CENF, and REBN members and all interested participants will now have the opportunity to join CENI to participate in advocacy activities. The newly unified community has more than 10,000 members across all 50 states, with 17 chapters in the U.S. and Canada.

“Building a clean economy presents us with a sustainable path to growth, and will be a major driver of US competitiveness over the next three decades,” said Jeff Anderson, Executive Director of CEN. “Our alliance offers an influential rallying point for business, policy, and community leaders who support that goal.”

The expanded organization plans to launch another five chapters in the coming months, with the goal of doubling the number of chapters and members by the end of 2010.

“It is of critical importance for those building the clean economy to have a support network, at the business level and the policy level,” said David Vieau, CEO of A123 Systems and Board Member, CENF. “This consolidation around CEN will help this emerging community reach its full potential and remain competitive in the international marketplace.”

“Realizing our nation’s economic and environmental goals will require thoughtful policies and market-based support to create the foundation of a clean energy economy,” said John Woolard, President and CEO of Bright Source Energy. “CEN will serve as an important organizing body and play a vital role in helping create new jobs and implement the technologies that will make our nation the world leader in clean energy.”

As part of the launch of the blended organization, CENF unveiled its new website (www.cleaneconomynetwork.org).

“By uniting our organizations, we bring significant new resources to further our educational and community-building mission,” said Rob Day, one of REBN’s co-founders.  “It allows us to accelerate the building of an effective, open network for business and community leaders interested in building a clean economy, and enable them to learn more about the critical role policy plays in shaping the competitive landscape.”

Initially started as a grassroots effort, the CEN group has already become an active leader in promoting the growth of the clean economy. In October, CENI partnered with CERES to stage a day of advocacy in Washington, D.C., bringing 250 leaders to the capital for meetings with senior White House officials and members of the US Senate.

About The Clean Economy Network

The CEN group promotes the rapid expansion of a clean economy that creates new sustainable jobs, increases energy and resource security, and addresses climate change. It will engage cleantech and green business, academic, public policy, community and non-profit leaders through the Clean Economy Network Foundation (CENF), an education-oriented 501(c)(3) organization; Clean Economy Network, Inc. (CENI), a non-partisan 501(c)(4) advocacy organization; and a Political Action Committee (PAC) currently in formation.

The CEN group helps to:

    --  Create the foundation for a market-based, clean economy;
    --  Foster the development, commercialization, and rapid adoption of new
        technologies and business practices;
    --  Promote policies that are rooted in competition and encourage
        innovation; and

    --  Facilitate increased transparency and cooperation within and among the
        government, non-profit and private sectors.

Learn more about CENF at www.cleaneconomynetwork.org. Learn more about CENI at www.cleaneconomy.net.

About the Renewable Energy Business Network

The Renewable Energy Business Network (REBN) enables business professionals with an interest in renewable energy to connect with one another, to promote the growth of the renewable energy industry. REBN is dedicated to educating and providing professional opportunities for entrepreneurs, potential entrepreneurs, and angel investors.

SOURCE Clean Economy Network

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