Energy - Rochester, NY area
RochesterEnvironment.com
The prospect of Climate Change for our area looms large and the extent of change will most probably be influenced by where we get our energy in the future.
Find out about energy and how it relates to Rochester. Also, discover alternative energy sources that are environmentally friendly. Rochester, because of its many schools of higher education, is becoming an innovative leader in developing many kinds of renewable energy sources.
Page Contents: Energy NewsLinks | Energy Discussions | Energy & Climate Change | Fracking & Energy and Environment |Wind Power | Solar Power| Tips & Help on Conserving Energy | Energy Information | Official Energy sites | Alternative Energy Information | Taking Action on Energy |Energy Blogs | Energy Essays |
4/16/2012
- NYS cannot update its
Energy Highway without
talking about
Climate Change as it is the most Powerful Idea related to our
energy future. We cannot plan our energy use without looking
through the lens of Climate Change because we have to reduce
greenhouse gases as we produce energy and we have to at the same
time make our
energy
highway robust enough to adapt to the
Likely Changes coming to our state because of Climate Change.
Upgrading our energy highway, without instructing the public on
Climate Change is a failure of leadership on our true energy needs
for the future. New
York Energy Highway "In his State of the State address, Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo introduced the N.Y. Energy Highway, envisioned as a
public-private initiative to upgrade and modernize New York State’s
energy system. The Governor’s New York Energy Highway Task Force is
issuing a Request For Information (RFI) to invite innovative ideas
from interested parties, including the State’s investor-owned
utilities, private developers, investors and other respondents. On
April 19, 2012 the Task Force will hold a Conference of RFI
Respondents and Interested Parties. The conference will include an
overview of the Energy Highway initiative, details on the RFI
process, and an opportunity to ask related questions. Attendance is
encouraged, but not required for respondents to the RFI. "
SEARCH: Use search engine below to find anything posted since 1998.
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Energy Discussions
Discussions on Energy issues concerning the Rochester, NY area. Click on the article and join in one of the discussions below at my blog Environmental Thoughts.
- Energy options and the big lie Do we really have no “workable alternatives” to coal, oil, and nuclear power for our energy needs”? While the tragedy of nuclear power rages on in Japan, the media and our politicians are avoiding the recent catastrophes from each of the major power sources. Three of the world’s chief sources of large-scale energy production — coal, oil and nuclear power — have all experienced eye-popping accidents in just the past year. The Upper Big Branch coal mine explosion in West Virginia, the Deepwater Horizon blowout and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the unfolding nuclear crisis in Japan have dramatized the dangers of conventional power generation at a time when the world has no workable alternatives able to operate at sufficient scale. (March 13, 2011) “U.S. Nuclear Industry Faces New Uncertainty” New York Times This dependency on coal, oil, and nuclear power, though widely held as gospel, it is merely an assumption—not a fact. There are other major workable alternatives to coal and oil: renewable energy from wind, solar, and wave power with battery backup and conservation thrown into the mix. more...
- Energy Warning This news item each year always amazes me: a four-minute siren test in case of a nuclear plant accident. It amazes me because one doesn’t hear a peep from the public on what this siren means. (It means that a very dangerous energy source that requires iodine pills for radiation leaks so your thyroid gland doesn’t get cooked, and the haunting spectacle of an accident and fallout that could last years, decades, or maybe more could occur.) more...
- 10/11/2010 - Your decision to go nuclear The best way to stop terrorists from infiltrating our nuclear plants is not to have nuclear power plants in the first place. Although it is commendable that NY Senator Schumer is taking action to make sure our nuclear plants stay safe from those people intent on harming us, the public should take a closer look at the tiger whose tail they have latched onto as a major energy source. SCHUMER: NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION TO MAKE CRITICAL SECURITY IMPROVEMENS AT NUCLEAR PLANTS NATION-WIDE; IMPROVEMENS COME AFTER AUDIT COMPLETED AT SCHUMER'S REQUEST [sic] This is an issue for the Rochester, NY region: “Nuclear power plants across the nation, including Ginna Nuclear Power Plant in Wayne County, need to improve security procedures to prevent possible terrorist infiltration, according to an audit by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The audit was requested in March after it was discovered that suspected al-Qaeda member Sharif Mobley had worked in New Jersey nuclear power plants for six years before he was arrested in Yemen in early March with other suspected al-Qaeda members.” (October 5, 2010) Ginna, other nuclear power plants need to improve security | Democrat and Chronicle | more..
- Knowing the impact of your Energy Source Matters: Check out this major study on how the burning of coal for our energy affects our health and environment. You can use interactive maps to Find Your Risk from Power Plant Pollution in your area. Many will avoid this study because it will make them uncomfortable about using our present energy sources, but they should read it. Much of the energy that we have used to heat our homes and light up our lights has taken a great toll on our health and our environment. It’s important to acknowledge this when making energy choices—or when we avoid backing renewable, non-pollution, choices like off-shore wind when they are offered in our area This report shows that much has been done to reduce the negative effects of coal and more needs to be done. It shows that governmental measures to reduce the pollution from coal work. But, it doesn’t show that moving to renewable energy wholesale would eliminate all of the effects of burning coal because the pollution affects of coal go further than just burning it. Digging it, transporting, and getting rid of the waste, and the removal of mountain tops all are a part of an energy source that needs to end. The Toll from Coal - Clean Air Task Force (CATF) more...
- Is our government forcing Renewable energy on us? One of the arguments launched against renewable energy (solar, wind, biofuels, geothermal) is that unless they were heavily subsidized by our government, they wouldn’t have a chance. The inference, I suppose, is that we wouldn’t be talking about these delusional energy options at all if some socialistic scheme weren’t keeping them alive and shoving them down the public’s throat. Actually, big oil is getting the big bucks from the government. “$45 billion over 10 years” is light years away from what any renewable source of energy could, in its wildest dreams, get from our government. In my opinion, if the government wanted its best tax dollar for the buck on energy, it would be best spent our money on increasing battery energy storage capabilities. Small batteries with exceptional energy storage capacity could truly revolutionize energy option around the world. Imagine, you wouldn’t have to be connected to the grid, or you could back-up the grid, you could power your vehicle, your home, or whatever with whatever energy source you could invent because you would be able to store that energy efficiently. Water, solar, wind, geothermal, bicycle, or anything that could produce energy could be stored in a battery. But, we’ve ball-and-chained ourselves to the fossil fuel industries and the proponents of this greenhouse-gas-emitting energy source are forcing off us the bridge into the dark waters below because they’re making so much money—from our money. more...
- Rochester’s hands across the sand A recent demonstration at Charlotte Beach against the BP Oil Spill was well covered by the local media, as far they went that is. (July 3, 2010) Rochester News, Restaurants, more by Top Local Experts
- Rochester’s energy solutions, connecting the dots At the risk of pushing everyone’s buttons, you’d think the disastrous BP oil spill, the din over drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Gas Shale, a couple of recent nuclear power issues, and the energy bill stalled in Congress, would galvanize the local press and the public to seriously consider wind power for some of our energy needs. (Check here for the above stories: Rochester Environmental News ). But the New York State Power Authority’s Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project (GLOW) isn’t getting much attention. more...
- If Your Grid Is Dirty If you are getting your power from a dirty electric grid, you are using dirty power. In other words, if your electric lamp is plugged into a system that is powered somewhere along your power line with a power generator that pollutes or emits greenhouse gases into our atmosphere (or otherwise harms our environment), your lamp is using dirty power. (Presently, we New Yorkers get 18% of our power from coal; 17% from hydroelectric, 1% wind, 1% biomass, 1% solar, 1% solid waste, 12% oil, 29% nuclear, and 22% natural gas.) more...
- Gassing the News A good example of how dysfunctional our present media is on our environment, specifically on natural gas drilling, can be made by a point-by-point comparison of National Public Radio’s (NPR) three-part series on natural gas and recent coverage by ProPublica on the same subject: more...
- Energy A Moral Issue: As we turn on our lights, run our air conditioners, and charge our gadgets we do so mostly by burning coal. Coal pollutes and adds dramatically to manmade global warming. So, when we decide not to conserve electricity or not to allow a renewable energy source near our home, we condemn many to the hazards of mountain top removal. That wind turbine won’t be in our backyard, but that blasted mountain top which tailing will pollute that wants and disfigure the lands will be in somebody else’s backyard. Morally, though, we all live in the coal fields because we use the power of coal and won’t allow a better power source to run our lives. more...
- Sacrificing Beauty In their efforts to preserve the aesthetics of their community under the looming threat of renewable energy, the folks over at Cleveland’s city council may be ‘throwing the baby out with the bathwater.’ In their haste to get in front of the potential problems a new energy infrastructure might entail, they maybe be crippling our ability to keep our way of life. OK, that’s a bit strong, but let me go on. Ostensibly, Cleveland city council wants to make sure that their new wind farms don’t become a ‘visual nuisance’ or ‘unsafe.’ They think, and I quote the reporter: “…civic beauty should not be sacrificed on the altar of sustainability.” (April 15, 2009) Cleveland proposes ordinance to regulate aesthetics and safety of wind turbines - Arts - Cleveland.com In truth, they may be merely trying to stop a form of energy they just don’t like. more...
- Our Generation’s Responsibility Tragically, our media has not brought to the forefront the importance of the new rage in gas drilling in New York State. And, the public doesn’t seem to care where they get their fossil fuels, just as long as fuel prices remain low. That’s too bad because this issue—natural gas drilling in the wide-spread Marcellus Shale—could have a big impact on our air, land, and water quality. more...
- Could we be the new Green Leaders? Could our region be leading the way to clean up Brownfields and creating sites for renewable Energy? Green Shoots from Brown Fields: Scientific American Uncle Sam looks to eliminate the biggest hurdle to expanding renewable energy--the need for suitable sites to place commercial-scale wind and solar farms--by reusing hundreds of old mines, landfills and industrial sites When the Bethlehem Steel mill in Lackawanna, N.Y., finally shut its doors for good eight years ago, it took away thousands of jobs and left behind a polluted and unsightly mess. Science News, Articles and Information | Scientific American more...
Energy reports and documents as they relate to Climate Change
How we get our energy is one of the most important factors in Climate Change in our region. Using fossil fuels--gas, oil, coal, even biomass--creates even more greenhouse gas and warms our atmosphere. Read these reports and studies that link how we use energy to Climate Change:
- Special Report on Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation (SRREN) http://srren.ipcc-wg3.de/report/IPCC_SRREN_Full_Report "The IPCC 4th Assessment Report (AR4) covered the full range of mitigation options, which necessarily limited its treatment of renewable energy (RE) sources. Within the constraints of time and space, the AR4 showed that RE has the potential to contribute to the mitigation of climate change via the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector. Following the AR4, many governments as well as important actors in civil society and the private sector asked for more substantial information and broader coverage of all questions pertaining to the use of RE. As expressed by the interventions of many governments at the 25th Plenary Session of the IPCC at Mauritius – at which the scoping of an IPCC Special Report on Renewable Energies was approved - this is particularly true of certain countries and regions where specific information is lacking. Following the scoping meeting in Luebeck Germany in January, 2008, the outline of the IPCC WG III’s Special Report on Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation (SRREN) was approved at the IPCC Plenary in Budapest in April, 2008. "
- Integrated Assessment for Effective Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in New York State (Project Update.pdf) This project addresses a key issue identified in the EMEP research plan. Prior to devoting limited research dollars to intensive studies, an integrated assessment of potential impacts and adaptation strategies will be useful in identifying impacts and needs specific to New York. Working interactively with stakeholders, the assessment will identify critical vulnerabilities, climate risks, and adaptation strategies specific to NYS, for a range of key sectors: agriculture, coastal zones, ecosystems, energy, infrastructure, public health, and water resources. For each sector, the economic costs and benefits of impacts and adaptation strategies also will be assessed. Responding to Climate Change in New York State [5.67MB .pdf] text only [263KB .pdf]
UnWasteNY
"unwasteNY is a public service of the New York State Public Service
Commission (PSC) in collaboration with the New York State Energy
Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), electric and gas
utilities, other state agencies, and community-based organizations.
These organizations have joined forces to help New Yorkers see
energy in a new light. unwasteNY is designed to help home and
business owners across the state learn effective ways to eliminate
energy waste by modifying behaviors, participating in do-it-yourself
activities, and taking advantage of an array of New York State
energy efficiency programs available to them. All New Yorkers are
invited to join the unwasteNY, a groundbreaking online community
where members can connect with others and share simple ways to
unwaste. "
Tips and Help on Conserving Energy
There are several expert and dedicated websites for finding out how to save money and save the planet through energy conservation.
- Get money to save energy: From the White House, find out about the Homestar Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program that will create jobs and save homeowners energy costs. Fact Sheet: Homestar Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program | The White House "Fact Sheet: Homestar Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program WASHINGTON--In his State of the Union address, the President called on Congress to pass a program of incentives for homeowners who make energy efficiency investments in their homes. Today, while touring a training facility at Savannah Technical College, the President outlined more details of a new “HOMESTAR” program that would help create jobs by encouraging American families to invest in energy saving home improvements. Consistent with the President’s call for a HOMESTAR program, the Senate Democratic leadership included a proposal of this kind as part of their Jobs Agenda released on February 4, 2010. The President looks forward to continuing to work with Members of Congress, business, environmental and labor leaders to enact a HOMESTAR program into law. "
- UnWasteNY "unwasteNY is a public service of the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) in collaboration with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), electric and gas utilities, other state agencies, and community-based organizations. These organizations have joined forces to help New Yorkers see energy in a new light. unwasteNY is designed to help home and business owners across the state learn effective ways to eliminate energy waste by modifying behaviors, participating in do-it-yourself activities, and taking advantage of an array of New York State energy efficiency programs available to them. All New Yorkers are invited to join the unwasteNY, a groundbreaking online community where members can connect with others and share simple ways to unwaste. "
- Official Google Blog: Power to the people "Imagine how hard it would be to stick to a budget in a store with no prices. Well, that's pretty much how we buy electricity today. Your utility company sends you a bill at the end of the month with very few details. Most people don't know how much electricity their appliances use, where in the house they are wasting electricity, or how much the bill might go up during different seasons. But in a world where everyone had a detailed understanding of their home energy use, we could find all sorts of ways to save energy and lower electricity bills. In fact, studies show that access to home energy information results in savings between 5-15% on monthly electricity bills. It may not sound like much, but if half of America's households cut their energy demand by 10 percent, it would be the equivalent of taking eight million cars off the road. "
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) | Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance HEAP may help you pay for Electricity, Propane, Natural Gas, Wood, Oil, Kerosene, Coal, or any other heating fuel. HEAP is a federally funded program that issues heating benefits to supplement a household’s annual energy cost. HEAP also offers an emergency benefit for households in a heat or heat related energy emergency. Additionally, HEAP offers a furnace repair and/or replacement benefit for households with inoperable heating equipment
- AskPSC - The Public Service Commission is responsible for the intake and resolution of consumer complaints involving New York's utilities (energy, telephone, cable and water) and competitive energy service companies operating in New York State.
- PROJECT-HOUSE.US Project H.O.U.S.E. is designed to be a comprehensive resource for anyone who is looking for information, motivation, organizations, etc. in regard to reducing our carbon footprint, saving money & energy, and sustaining a liveable planet. Please click on all the tabs to fully access the information and resources available to you on this site.
- Rochester Green Living Our goal is to help lower the environmental impact of the homes and lives of those living in the greater Rochester area. To reach that goal we provide workshops in sustainability, promote local green events, provide a free local resource in sustainable information, and create connections to other green organizations throughout New York. We hope we will be the first stop on your journey to a deeper understanding of sustainability.
- Energy Conservation Five Ways the Consumer Can Reduce Electricity Consumption, Reduce Electricity Bills and Reduce Harmful Air Emissions from Power Plants. --from HOME - OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ANDREW M. CUOMO
- Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association The Renewable Energy Association is a non-profit organization that educates, advocates, promotes, and publicly demonstrates renewable energy technologies. National interest in safe sustainable energy technologies is growing daily. With utility restructuring occurring all over the country, the opportunity for customer choice of greener energy consumption has never been greater. Will your choice mean greener energy? The Renewable Energy Association invites you to explore that possibility and learn about the world of renewable energy.
-
From Rochester Gas & Electric
check out:
RGE:
NewWind Energy: Yes! Sign Me Up for NewWind Energy®
Today! A small charge of $5 added to your monthly
electricity bill covers the expense of 200 kilowatt-hours of
wind energy being delivered to the New York power grid. Rest
assured RG&E will continue to deliver your electricity safely
and reliably. Nonresidential customers can call 1.877.RGE.WIND
(1.877.743.9463) for ordering information.
- Fuel Economy | US EPA Beginning with 2008 models, all fuel economy estimates based on new test methods, which EPA finalized in December 2006. The new methods better account for actual driving conditions that can lower fuel economy, such as high speed, aggressive driving, use of air conditioning, and cold temperature operation. The new estimates will give drivers a more accurate estimate of the fuel economy they are likely to achieve on the road. Because of the new methods, the estimates for most 2008 models will be lower than their 2007 counterparts. To aid consumers shopping for new cars, EPA has also redesigned the fuel economy window sticker posted on all new cars and light trucks to be easier to read and understand. --from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Take the Green Ribbon Pledge to conserve energy for a secure future. Join the people who have taken the pledge to conserve energy for a secure future! There are hundreds of things you can do every day to reduce energy consumption. And cutting down energy use is the most important thing you can do to secure our future from the negative effects of unreliable, unstable and environmentally damaging energy sources.
- Ask PSC Welcome to the NYS Public Service Commission's consumer information website. Contact us at Ask A Question below or visit the NYS Department of Public Service. Ask PSC: Utility services:
- CLEAN AIR AND ENERGY PROJECT Fighting Global Warming and Reducing Energy Costs Past energy policy choices have saddled New Yorkers with a whole host of problems. Power plants are the state’s largest source of industrial air pollution, causing global warming, mercury contamination and unhealthy air quality. Volatile energy markets and skyrocketing costs are hammering consumers --from NYPIRG
- Alliance to Save Energy - A coalition of business, government, environmental, and consumer leaders who promote the efficient and clean use of energy worldwide. Lots of helpful tips, and true believers can sign up to have the "e-FFICIENCY NEWS" delivered to their e-mail boxes.
- Northeast Sustainable Energy Association The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) is the nations's leading regional membership organization focused on promoting the understanding, development, and adoption of energy conservation and non-polluting, renewable energy technologies. We work to bring clean electricity, green transportation, and healthy, efficient buildings into everyday use in order to improve the environment, protect human health, and nurture local economies. For more than a quarter century, NESEA has facilitated and enhanced a network of professionals, practitioners, and other citizens in pursuit of responsible energy use. Our programs and activities focus on the northeastern United States (from Washington, DC to Maine).
- Renew Penfield is a One Stop Resource for Energy Efficiency Savings Assistance and Incentives "RenewPenfield.org, a one-stop resource for members of our community who wish to learn more about energy conservation and opportunities to reduce home and business energy expenses. "
- How clean is the electricity I use? - Power Profiler | Clean Energy | US EPA "How clean is the electricity I use? - Power Profiler In the United States, electricity is generated in many different ways, with a wide variation in environmental impact. Electricity generation from the combustion of fossil fuels contributes toward unhealthy air quality, acid rain, and global climate change. Many electricity customers can choose their provider of electricity or can purchase green power from their utility. In fact, you might now have the option of choosing cleaner, more environmentally friendly sources of energy. Power Profiler will: Determine your power grid region based on your ZIP code and electric utility Compare the fuel mix and air emissions rates of the electricity in your region to the national average Determine the air emissions impacts of electricity use in your home or business " -from US Environmental Protection Agency
Knowing the impact of your Energy Source Matters: Check out this major study on how the burning of coal for our energy affects our health and environment. You can use interactive maps to Find Your Risk from Power Plant Pollution in your area. Many will avoid this study because it will make them uncomfortable about using our present energy sources, but they should read it. Much of the energy that we have used to heat our homes and light up our lights has taken a great toll on our health and our environment. It’s important to acknowledge this when making energy choices—or when we avoid backing renewable, non-pollution, choices like off-shore wind when they are offered in our area This report shows that much has been done to reduce the negative effects of coal and more needs to be done. It shows that governmental measures to reduce the pollution from coal work. But, it doesn’t show that moving to renewable energy wholesale would eliminate all of the effects of burning coal because the pollution affects of coal go further than just burning it. Digging it, transporting, and getting rid of the waste, and the removal of mountain tops all are a part of an energy source that needs to end. The Toll from Coal - Clean Air Task Force (CATF) "Among all industrial sources of air pollution, none poses greater risks to human health and the environment than coal-fired power plants. Emissions from coalfired power plants contribute to global warming, ozone smog, acid rain, regional haze, and–perhaps most consequential of all from a public health standpoint – fine particle pollution. In 2000 and again in 2004, the Clean Air Task Force commissioned comprehensive studies of health impacts caused by fine particle air pollution from the nation's roughly 500 coal-fired power plants. " (September 2010) Clean Air Task Force
Energy Information for the Rochester, NY area
Our area has energy options such as nuclear energy and natural gas and there are websites that offer information sources for them.
- RIT - The Sustainability Institute "The Sustainability Institute (TSI) at Rochester Institute of Technology is an exciting and wholly unique initiative. TSI will play a major role in enabling the transformation of global industrial enterprises into sustainable systems by undertaking comprehensive interdisciplinary initiatives in education, research, and technology transfer. Programs within the SI will take a holistic approach toward optimizing production and consumption systems by simultaneously addressing material flow, energy utilization, societal needs, ecological impacts, technology and policy factors, and the economics of sustainable business enterprises. Graduates of TSI will be prepared to effect meaningful change on a global scale."
- Cornell Cooperative Extension's Natural Gas Development Resource Center "The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Natural Gas Development Resource Center brings together information from a variety of sources, including academic research, industry analysis, local government officials and citizens. Our goal is to provide a space for dialogue and learning that will lead to informed decision making by all concerned parties."
- NRC: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is an independent agency established by the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to regulate civilian use of nuclear materials. NRC is headed by a five-member Commission. The NRC's mission is to regulate the Nation's civilian use of byproduct, source, and special nuclear materials to ensure adequate protection of public health and safety, to promote the common defense and security, and to protect the environment.
- US Nuclear Power Plant Addresses and WWW Sites This list identifies the owners and/or operating companies and Mapquest locations for US power plants. Maps are linked from plant names. Websites are linked from the company names.
- How does your choice of electricity affect our environment? Use these handy new tools by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to locate your energy sources and how much coal, nuclear, or renewable energy they use. 03/08/2011: EPA Updates Database on Health and Environmental Impacts of Electricity Generation/ WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency updated its database that helps Americans understand the health and environmental impacts of electricity generation. EPA’s Emissions and Generation Integrated Resource Database (eGRID) and Power Profiler now include data from 2007, an update from 2005. eGRID is a comprehensive database of emissions from almost all electric power generated in the United States. More information about eGRID: http://www.epa.gov/egrid More information about Power Profiler: http://www.epa.gov/powerprofiler
- New York Energy Highway "In his State of the State address, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo introduced the N.Y. Energy Highway, envisioned as a public-private initiative to upgrade and modernize New York State’s energy system. The Governor’s New York Energy Highway Task Force is issuing a Request For Information (RFI) to invite innovative ideas from interested parties, including the State’s investor-owned utilities, private developers, investors and other respondents. On April 19, 2012 the Task Force will hold a Conference of RFI Respondents and Interested Parties. The conference will include an overview of the Energy Highway initiative, details on the RFI process, and an opportunity to ask related questions. Attendance is encouraged, but not required for respondents to the RFI. "
Infographic:
Ramping Up Renewables Renewable energy is growing
rapidly and is already a significant source of electricity in many
states and countries.
View infographic The amount of electricity generated from
renewable sources such as wind and solar power increased nearly
four-fold in the United States from 2007 to 2012. Nine states
currently generate 10 percent or more of their electricity from wind
and solar power, including Iowa (24%), Minnesota (14%), Colorado
(12%), and Oregon (10%). Nationwide, the U.S. generates only 3.6
percent of its electricity from wind and solar power, much less than
many other countries, including Denmark (30%), Spain (19%), and
Germany (15%). -from
Union of Concerned Scientists
Official Energy Resources for our area
Governmental role in our Energy equation is represented by various institutions.
- NYSERDA - New York State Energy Research and Development Authority The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a public benefit corporation created in 1975 by the New York State Legislature. NYSERDA administers the New York Energy $martSM program, which is designed to support certain public benefit programs during the transition to a more competitive electricity market. Some 2,700 projects in more than 30 programs are funded by a charge on the electricity transmitted and distributed by the State's investor-owned utilities. The New York Energy $martSM program provides energy efficiency services, including those directed at the low-income sector, research and development, and environmental protection activities.
- New York Power Authority: We're the country's largest state-owned, nonprofit power organization, producing some of the cheapest electricity in North America. Our 17 generating facilities and over 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines produce the power to help sustain more than 400,000 jobs statewide. We are a national leader in promoting energy efficiency and the use of renewable-fuel and clean-energy technologies.
- Get Energy tips and news and policy from the US Department of Energy: Department of Energy - Homepage "The Department of Energy's overarching mission is to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the United States; to promote scientific and technological innovation in support of that mission; and to ensure the environmental cleanup of the national nuclear weapons complex. The Department's strategic goals to achieve the mission are designed to deliver results along five strategic themes: Energy Security: Promoting America’s energy security through reliable, clean, and affordable energy Nuclear Security: Ensuring America’s nuclear security Scientific Discovery and Innovation: Strengthening U.S. scientific discovery, economic competitiveness, and improving quality of life through innovations in science and technology Environmental Responsibility: Protecting the environment by providing a responsible resolution to the environmental legacy of nuclear weapons production Management Excellence: Enabling the mission through sound management Within these themes there are sixteen strategic goals which are designed to help DOE successfully achieve its mission and vision. "
- Energy Empowers "Welcome to Energy Empowers: an information service capturing the hearts and minds of the people building America's clean energy economy. The Department of Energy (DOE) recognizes the importance of discussing successful domestic outcomes within the clean energy sector. Here at Energy Empowers, we're telling your stories to give a glimpse of how, together, we are building America's new energy economy — by improving efficiency, by building sustainable businesses that create new jobs, and by dusting off age-old skills and using them in new ways to generate clean energy. It's our mission to put names and faces to the people who work on energy efficiency in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors and renewable projects, including solar, wind and water, biomass, geothermal, and hydrogen and fuel cells, supported by the DOE and beyond. " - Department of Energy
New
York Energy $mart(SM) NYSERDA's residential programs
are programs that work - programs that help
homeowners and
renters reduce their energy costs; programs that help
multifamily building owners provide energy-efficient apartments
for their tenants; programs that reduce the impact homes have on the
environment; and programs that provide
training to
contractors on how to provide quality energy efficiency services
to their neighbors. Working with a select group of
contractors,
builders,
multifamily partners,
retailers, and
manufacturers, we have created a
statewide network of partners who offer energy efficiency
solutions that can help reduce your energy usage and costs. Find the
program that can help you become more energy efficient:
Owners of Existing Homes
Buyers of New Homes
Low and Moderate Income Homeowners and Renters
Renters
Owners and Managers of Existing Multifamily Buildings
Developers and Owners of Multifamily Buildings
Teachers & Students
Shoppers interested in Energy Efficient Products
Alternative Energy Information
Learn about the alternative energy ideas that may be coming to the Rochester, NY area
- American Solar Energy Society: The Solar Nonprofit Advancing Education, Research, Advocacy, News, and Insight Since 1954 Established in 1954, the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is the nation's leading association of solar professionals & advocates. Our mission is to inspire an era of energy innovation and speed the transition to a sustainable energy economy. We advance education, research and policy. Leading for more than 50 years ASES leads national efforts to increase the use of solar energy, energy efficiency and other sustainable technologies in the U.S. We publish the award-winning SOLAR TODAY magazine, organize and present the ASES National Solar Conference and lead the ASES National Solar Tour – the largest grassroots solar event in the world.
- BCSE - The Business Council for Sustainable Energy was created in 1992 by the business leaders from the energy efficiency, renewable energy, natural gas, independent power and electric utility industries and is also committed to economic growth through sustainable energy development.
- Welcome to the Renewable Fuels Association As the national trade association for the U.S. ethanol industry, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has been working as the "Voice of the Ethanol Industry" since 1981 to secure a strong marketplace for ethanol. Ethanol is sold nationwide as a high-octane fuel that delivers improved vehicle performance while reducing emissions and improving air quality. By reducing foreign oil imports, ethanol creates American jobs and provides value-added markets to bolster agriculture and rural America. In the midst of record growth, the ethanol industry will continue to play a larger role in meeting our nation's energy needs.
- Genesee Region Clean Communities Genesee Region Clean Communities is a U. S. Department of Energy sponsored program designed to encourage the use of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) and their underlying support systems throughout the Greater Rochester area. Our organization is built on the premise that we can change our communities for the better through cooperation and voluntary partnerships, working to reduce our reliance on imported oil and improve air quality. Through GRCC, we develop public/private partnerships to promote alternative fuels and vehicles, fuel blends, fuel economy, hybrid vehicles, and idle reduction
- NYSEIA - The only statewide non-profit membership and trade association dedicated solely to advancing solar energy use in New York State. The only statewide non-profit membership and trade association dedicated solely to advancing the solar energy industry in New York State
ENERGY
STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money
and protect the environment through energy efficient products and
practices. Results are already adding up. Americans, with the help
of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2009 alone to avoid
greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 30 million cars —
all while saving nearly $17 billion on their utility bills.
Find stores nearby that have earned EPA’s Energy Star: Showing ENERGY STAR Labeled Retails | Find stores that sell Energy Star qualified products ENERGY STAR "
Taking Action for Rochester-area energy solutions
Groups in the Rochester area who mission is advocacy for alternative and better energy conservation
- Dealing with Light Trespass Problems in New York State - SELENE of NY Light pollution is rapidly degrading the sky's quiet majesty and our nighttime environment. Excessive and misdirected outdoor illumination wastes precious energy, resources, and dollars; it increases power plant-generated air pollution, causes glare that blinds drivers and pedestrians, intrudes onto our property, and invades our privacy. SELENE's mission is to advocate for better lighting practices in NY State and to ensure the passage of the The Healthy, Safe, and Energy Efficient Outdoor Lighting Act