NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York State's pension fund will invest $500 million in green ventures, including clean technology and renewable energy, over the next three years, the state comptroller said on Monday.

Thomas DiNapoli, a Democrat, who runs the pensions, said in a statement: "It's not just about doing good for the environment; going green is good for the bottom line too."

(Reporting by Joan Gralla; Editing by James Dalgleish)