NEWS RELEASE   
March 6, 2020

Contact: Sarah Young
307.287.7160
WY Integrated Test Center Receives 2020 Climate Leadership Award
Initiative Recognized with ‘Innovative Partnership Certificate’
Detroit, Michigan – The Wyoming Integrated Test Center was awarded an ‘Innovative Partnership Certificate’ yesterday at the 2020 Climate Leadership Awards in Detroit, recognizing the pioneering initiative that has brought together private and public leaders to drive the next generation of clean energy technology in the heart of coal country.  

“Tackling our world’s greatest challenges requires creativity, grit, courage and, perhaps most importantly, collaboration,” said Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon. “Wyoming recognizes the tremendous skill, expertise and shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions that our private sector partners bring to the table. I believe innovative partnerships, like the Wyoming ITC, will yield some of the most successful and significant breakthroughs in modern history – breakthroughs critical to ensuring the long-term viability of our nation’s energy resources and responsible stewardship of our planet.”

“Wyoming’s leadership is bringing the best minds together to advance energy technologies, reduce emissions and sustain the economy,” said Duane Highley, CEO of Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association. “The Wyoming ITC richly deserves recognition for its unique approach to meaningfully enable innovation and advance climate solutions.”  

“Basin Electric supports the ITC because our cooperative believes in an all of the above energy generation strategy, utilizing multiple sources of fuel to serve our members. This critical research could help unlock a means to continue using an abundant and reliable fuel source while reducing our carbon footprint,” said Paul Sukut, Basin Electric CEO and general manager. “It’s exciting to see the ITC being recognized for their important research that will not only be a benefit to our members, but also the communities in which we live.”
 
“Electric cooperatives are proud to play a significant role in the ongoing energy evolution by supporting the development of new energy research and technologies,” said NRECA CEO Jim Matheson. “In many communities, affordable baseload energy sources like coal and natural gas will remain essential to ensuring reliable power for local families and businesses. The Wyoming ITC demonstrates the power of cooperation across the public and private sectors as it jumpstarts energy innovation and finds new ways to leverage existing resources.”

The ninth annual Climate Leadership Awards took place yesterday in Detroit, Michigan during the Climate Leadership Conference, which brings together forward-thinking leaders from business, government, academia, and the non-profit community to address climate change through policy, innovation, and business solutions. The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) and The Climate Registry (TCR) bestowed a total of 18 awards to 13 organizations, two partnerships, and three individuals. The Innovative Partnership Certificate recognizes organizations working collaboratively on leading edge climate initiatives that are above and beyond business as usual. 

“Congratulations to the 2020 Climate Leadership Award winner the Wyoming Integrated Test Center for their stand-out achievements,” said Amy Holm, Executive Director of The Climate Registry. “At a time when the world urgently needs more climate ambition, these organizations and individuals demonstrate what is possible.”

Awardees are honored for exemplary corporate, organizational, and individual leadership in reducing carbon pollution and addressing climate change in their operations and strategies. This year’s awardees represent a wide array of sectors, including manufacturing, technology, academia, local government, financial services and consumer goods. 
Sarah Young (center), Director for Public Affairs and Communications for the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority, accepts the Climate Leadership Award on behalf of the Wyoming Integrated Test Center at the awards ceremony in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, March 5. Young is joined by Bob Perciasepe, President of C2ES, and Amy Holm, Executive Director of the Climate Registry. Photo is free for use, courtesy C2ES.

More information about the Climate Leadership Award winners is available at https://www.climateleadershipconference.org/awards/
Wyoming Integrated Test Center
c/o Wyoming Infrastructure Authority
325 W 18th Street, Suite 1
Cheyenne, WY 82001
307-635-3573 or  info@wyomingitc.org
www.wyomingitc.org