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The American Council On Renewable Energy Commemorates the Life and Work of Lt. Col. William C. Holmberg

Washington, D.C. – It is with deep sadness that the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) observes the passing of retired Marine Lt. Col. William “Bill” Holmberg. He was 88. Holmberg was a longtime friend and co-founder of ACORE and a steadfast champion for the renewable energy industry. At various times throughout his career, he served on ACORE’s Board of Directors, Advisory Board and staff.

“Bill was a friend and mentor to me and many others in renewable energy. We will miss his quiet wisdom, great resolve – and the twinkle in his eye,” said Dan Reicher, chairman of ACORE’s board and Executive Director of the Steyer-Taylor Center for Energy Policy & Finance at Stanford University.

Holmberg was born in Sumas, Washington, and after winning appointment to the United States Naval Academy, graduating with the Class of 1951, he served for twenty-one years in the United States Marine Corps, nineteen of which were as an officer. Holmberg was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism during his service on the Korean Peninsula. He also spent thirteen years in public service with the federal government, notably with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, supporting sustainable agriculture and energy technologies with a focus on biofuels.

Several ACORE staff who knew Holmberg well and worked with him shared their thoughts:

Todd Foley, SVP for Policy and Government Affairs at ACORE, said, “From my perspective having known him since the late 1980s at US EPA and then working more closely with him at ACORE, Bill was all about service to his country, to our Earth and, in recent years, to our organization and its mission. He was a great Marine, Cold Warrior and champion for the environment – a real hero. He was also a great leader at ACORE, terrific colleague and mentor to many of us, including those who’ve been around awhile and especially young people getting their start. He leaves an incredible legacy and will be sorely missed.”

Tom Weirich, SVP of Corporate Relations at ACORE, said, “Bill was a hero not only on the battlefield as one of the most decorated Marines in US History, but also as a hero for our industry during a time when we needed direction, growth, and a vision. I salute Bill for accomplishing his mission and for instilling in us, the new generation of renewable energy leaders, a cause and industry to fight for. Rest in peace, Bill, we will continue your mission.”

James Hewett, Program Manager at ACORE, said, “Bill Holmberg will forever be remembered as both a true American hero and a pioneer for the renewable energy industry. I am honored to have had the privilege of working for and learning for him. The entire renewable energy community owes a great deal to Bill for his tireless work from 1970 to his passing. We have all lost a great friend and mentor.”

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About ACORE:
ACORE is a national non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the renewable energy sector through market development, policy changes, and financial innovation. With a savvy staff of experts, fifteen years of experience promoting renewable energy and hundreds of member companies from across the spectrum of renewable energy technologies, consumers, and investors, ACORE is uniquely well-positioned to strategically promote the policies and financial structures essential to renewable energy growth. The organization’s annual conferences in Washington, D.C., New York and San Francisco set the industry standard in providing important venues for key leaders to meet, discuss recent developments, and hear the latest from senior government officials and seasoned experts. Additional information is available at: www.acore.org

ACORE Media Contact:
Kevin Haley, ACORE
haley@acore.org;
(202) 777-7584