ATLANTIC CITY – The state Board of Public Utilities (BPU) Oct. 20 announced and celebrated the winners of the 2009 NJ Clean Energy Leadership Awards in six categories at a special dinner held during the 2009 Clean Energy Conference & Leadership Awards and one local businessman was honored.

Daniel Cohen, of Fishermen's Energy, one of the groups working on an offshore wind energy initiative, won the Clean Energy Advocate of the Year.

This newly established award was created to honor an individual that has pursued an agenda to support the development or utilization of clean energy in New Jersey.

“Daniel Cohen has been an avid supporter for the development of offshore wind in New Jersey. Advocating at the state and national level, he has helped move New Jersey closer to the development of offshore wind at both a near shore pilot project in State waters and a utility scale project in federal waters,” said Jeanne Fox, BPU President. She then presented Daniel Cohen with his award.

These awards honor individuals, local and county governments, businesses, institutions and organizations that have improved New Jersey’s economic competitiveness and have demonstrated effective solutions for climate change through the effective and innovative use of energy efficiency and renewable technologies.

“We received over fifty nominations in the different award categories. And, while we had very clear winners in some categories, there were other categories where the race was fairly close, further reinforcing the excellent work that so many organizations have undertaken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are changing our climate,” said BPU President Jeanne M. Fox.

“The success of New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program requires partners who share our commitment and dedication,” added BPU Commissioner Joseph Fiordaliso. “While tonight, we recognize New Jersey’s clean energy leaders, we also celebrate all our partners and the work that they do.”

Since 2001, New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program has invested nearly $1.2 billion to promote energy efficiency and renewable technologies for businesses, local governments and residents. The program has saved more than 22 million megawatt hours of electricity and over 70 million decatherms of natural gas from energy efficiency programs and another 9 million megawatt hours from renewable energy sources and combined heat and power.

For more details on the 2009 New Jersey Clean Energy Leadership Awards or information on clean energy incentives for school districts, local governments, businesses and residents, visit www.NJCleanEnergy.com or call 1-866-NJSMART.