February 2011 NewsLinks Archived

RochesterEnvironment.com

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U.S. OKs First Deep-Water Well In Gulf Since Spill : NPR The federal government has approved the first new drilling permit for a deep-water oil well in the Gulf of Mexico since the BP oil spill last April. The new permit, issued Monday, gives Noble Energy the go-ahead to finish drilling a new well about 70 miles southeast of Venice, La. The government stopped deep-well drilling after the BP oil blowout in April 2010, though 37 shallow-water wells have gone ahead since then. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Environment says it is satisfied that Noble Energy has better capping technology than BP did. Several safety mechanisms failed at the BP Macondo well and led to the largest spill in U.S. history. (February 26, 2011) NPR : National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts : NPR [more on Energy in our area]
The Public Speaks at Federal Transportation Town Hall in Rochester | Mobilizing the Region With the public more or less shut out of a planned Congressional forum on the next federal transportation bill in Rochester, NY, advocates stepped in, putting on a “Transportation Equity Town Hall” last Thursday to discuss the transportation challenges, needs and policies impacting the region. Over 30 people from the Rochester area attended, including bus riders, cyclists, and representatives of community-based organizations, transportation advocacy groups, unions, and advocates for the aging and disabled. (February 23, 2011) Mobilizing the Region [more on Transportation in our area]
Gas Drillers Recycle Wastewater, but Risks Remain - NYTimes.com As drilling for natural gas started to climb sharply about 10 years ago, energy companies faced mounting criticism over an extraction process that involves pumping millions of gallons of water into the ground for each well and can leave significant amounts of hazardous contaminants in the water that comes back to the surface. (March 1, 2011) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Energy in our area]
Regulators say Kewaunee nuclear plant can operate until 2033 - JSOnline The Nuclear Regulatory Commission renewed the operating license Thursday for Kewaunee Power Station, east of Green Bay on the Lake Michigan shore, allowing the nuclear plant to run for 20 additional years until December 2033. The commission concluded that Dominion Energy Kewaunee, an affiliate of Dominion Resources Inc., had demonstrated "the capability to manage the effects of plant aging and that there were no safety concerns that would preclude license renewal." The NRC's Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards - an independent body of technical experts that advise the Commission - issued its letter recommending the license be renewed. (February 24, 2011) Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Breaking news, sports, business, watchdog journalism, multimedia in Wisconsin [more on Energy in our area.]
AMERICA’S GREAT OUTDOORS: Salazar Announces Draft Vision for Future of Refuge System WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced a draft vision plan to guide the growth and management of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The draft document, developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Wildlife Refuge Association, articulates a 10-year vision for the Refuge System. The vision document, entitled Conserving the Future: Wildlife Refuges and the Next Generation, offers nearly 100 draft recommendations to protect and improve the world’s premier system of public lands and water set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife and plants for the continuing benefit of the American people. Starting today, the draft document will be available for public comment until Earth Day, April 22, 2011. Northeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
DEC Announces Plans to Modify Baitfish Transport Regulations - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Revised Rules Will Address Overland Transport Restrictions New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Joe Martens today announced that DEC will propose revisions to the current rule restricting overland transport of uncertified baitfish. "I appreciate the helpful criticism of the Department's existing baitfish regulations and we are revising the rule accordingly," said Acting Commissioner Joe Martens. "Fishing is an important part of our outdoor sports economy, and we expect anglers will welcome this change and support our common goal of protecting New York's world class fisheries." (February 28, 2011) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on VHS in our area]
Clarkson University, SUNY Fredonia, SUNY Oswego to Receive $6.5 Million from EPA to Monitor Great Lakes Fish - oneidadispatch.com The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Clarkson University a $6.5 million five-year grant to continue its partnership with SUNY Fredonia and SUNY Oswego to conduct the Great Lakes Fish Monitoring and Surveillance Program (GLFMSP). The EPA awarded this same partnership team $1.75 million in 2006 to provide chemical analysis of Great Lakes fish tissue. The funding is part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Principal investigators Thomas M. Holsen, professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Clarkson; Philip K. Hopke, director of the Institute for a Sustainable Environment at Clarkson, and Bernard S. Crimmins in the Center for Air Resources Engineering and Science at Clarkson are responsible for the overall management of the program . James Pagano, director, Environmental Research Center (ERC), Department of Chemistry at SUNY Oswego, and Michael Milligan, professor, Department of Chemistry at SUNY Fredonia are also principal investigators in this study. (February 27, 2011) The Oneida Daily Dispatch : Serving Madison and Oneida counties (OneidaDispatch.com) [more on Wildlife in our area]
No danger exists with control rods at two area nuclear plants | syracuse.com Scriba, NY -- Problems with cracking in control rod blades at a foreign boiling water reactor nuclear plant have resulted in inspections of similar rods at two nuclear plants in Scriba. Nine Mile Point Nuclear Plant Unit I and James FitzPatrick Nuclear Plant use the same rods as those found to be cracked in a plant in an unidentified country, company and federal officials said. Inspectors at both plants have checked the rods and there is no danger posed at either plant, they said. (February 25, 2011) Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com [more on Energy in our area]
Ban on hydrofracking nearly ready for board action - Southern Erie County - The Buffalo News The Wales Town Board will soon entertain an ordinance banning the controversial gas-drilling practice of hydrofracking Tasked with writing the ordinance, Councilman Michael Simon said during a work session meeting of the board last week that the law should be ready for board consideration soon. (February 27, 2011) The Buffalo News - breaking local news, sports, business, entertainment, weather and multimedia [more on Energy in our area]
Going Green: Emerald Ash Borer - YNN, Your News Now The emerald ash borer is lethal to a very popular tree in New York State, the ash tree. It was first discovered in the western part of the state, Cattaraugus County, in 2009. “Unfortunately, last year we found a very large infestation in Ulster County and that infestation is also believed to be in Greene County too right up against the western shore of the Hudson River. That is where we see the front line of the emerald ash borer movement east so we're putting a lot effort this year into determining the exact location of this invasive species working with the United States Forest Service and several other state partners,” said Rob Davies, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. (February 27, 2011) TOP STORIES - Rochester - YNN, Your News Now [more on Invasive Species in our area]
Regulation Lax as Gas Wells’ Tainted Water Hits Rivers - NYTimes.com The American landscape is dotted with hundreds of thousands of new wells and drilling rigs, as the country scrambles to tap into this century’s gold rush — for natural gas. The gas has always been there, of course, trapped deep underground in countless tiny bubbles, like frozen spills of seltzer water between thin layers of shale rock. But drilling companies have only in recent years developed techniques to unlock the enormous reserves, thought to be enough to supply the country with gas for heating buildings, generating electricity and powering vehicles for up to a hundred years. (February 26, 2011) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Energy in our area]
E.P.A. Issues Scaled-Back Emissions Rules for Boilers - NYTimes.com Responding to a changed political climate and a court-ordered deadline, the Obama administration issued significantly revised new air pollution rules on Wednesday that will make it easier for operators of thousands of industrial boilers and incinerators to meet federal air quality standards. The new regulations represent a major step back from more demanding and costly rules proposed last spring that provoked an outcry from members of Congress from both parties and from thousands of affected businesses. One industry-financed study said the proposed standard would cost businesses $20 billion to comply and cause the loss of more than 300,000 jobs. (February 23, 2011) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Air Quality in our area]
Black Bear Research in New York. DEC and the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (located at Cornell University) are initiating two black bear research projects in south-central New York to (1) estimate bear population density using a genetic (DNA) identification technique, and (2) understand bear movements and habitat selection in core bear ranges and fringe areas in which bears have recently begun to inhabit. This research will help DEC better anticipate and manage changes to bear population size and geographic distribution in the south-central area of the state. The projects are in the early stages of development, but brief descriptions are provided on page three in the December issue of the Coop Unit's newsletter, NY Coop News (PDF, 1.24mb). New York State Department of Environmental Conservation [more on Wildlife in our area]
02/25/2011: Up to $40 million available from EPA for Great Lakes restoration projects (CHICAGO - Feb. 25, 2011) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that the agency is requesting applications from states, municipalities, tribes and nonprofit organizations for new projects to protect and restore the Great Lakes. President Obama has proposed a total of $300 million in funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in Fiscal Year 2011, with approximately $40 million of that total allocated to EPA for distribution through this competitive grant program. The final budget is subject to Congressional appropriation. (February 25, 2011) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on the Great Lakes in our area]
Bills on Marcellus Shale drilling to be heard | syracuse.com ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — A House committee will be hearing about legislation relating to drilling of the Marcellus Shale in western Maryland. The House Environmental Matters Committee will hold hearings on Wednesday. A measure sponsored by Delegate Wendell Beitzel, R-Garrett, would require regulations to be sent to a legislative panel by the end of the year relating to natural gas exploration and production. The Marcellus Shale is a mineral-rich geological formation that extends from New York to Virginia (February 23, 2011) Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com [more on Energy in our area]
DEC Accepting Applications for Environmental Excellence Awards - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Annual Competition Will Recognize Innovative and Sustainable Practices Applications are now being accepted for the 2011 Environmental Excellence Awards program, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. The program recognizes businesses, governments, not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, and individuals in New York State that are achieving environmental excellence through innovative and environmentally sustainable practices or partnerships. (February 24, 2011) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation [more on Environmental Education in our area]
Residents Pack Strip Mine Meeting - RochesterHomePage.net Residents used an informational meeting Wednesday night to voice their displeasure over a proposed strip mine. The West Bloomfield Planning Board hosted the meeting at the Ionia Fire Hall. (February 24, 2011) RochesterHomePage [more on Environmental Health in our area]
VIDEO: Invasive emerald ash borer upsets Great Lakes ecosystem, economy | Great Lakes Echo The invasive, tree-eating emerald ash borer is a costly addition to the Great Lakes region. It took less than 10 years for the destructive beetle to spread to all eight Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces. State officials and homeowners employ insecticides, tree-removal strategies, bans on moving firewood and even biological controls to prevent further costly infestations. (February 24, 2011) Great Lakes Echo - Environmental news across the basin [more on Invasive Species in our area]
How Great Lakes states stack up in powerplant CO2 emissions | Great Lakes Echo Four Great Lakes states rank in the top ten–for 2010 power plant carbon dioxide emissions. A recent report by the Environmental Integrity Project shows carbon dioxide emissions from power plants rose 5.56 percent nationwide. More than 2.4 billion tons of carbon dioxide, a common greenhouse gas, were released nationally. Texas topped the list with about 257 million tons. Ohio led the Great Lakes states and placed third nationally. Staff used data from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Markets database. Sulfur dioxide emissions decreased nationwide between 2009 and 2010 while nitrogen oxide increased slightly. 23: New York 40,031,704 tons (February 23, 2011) Great Lakes Echo - Environmental news across the basin [more on Air Quality in our area]
State PSC increases gas-plant oversight | 520 - An Environmental Blog | Rochester Democrat and Chronicle The state Public Service Commission, which oversees New York’s electric and gas utilities, has begun a major analysis of how well utilities are executing the cleanup of several hundred old manufactured gas sites. Before the advent of natural gas transported by pipeline from distant gas fields, local utilities made gas for local distribution. Coal was the primary raw material, though there were others. The gas was burned for light and heat and for cooking until natural gas arrived in bulk in the mid-20th century. (February 17, 2011) 520 - An Environmental Blog | Rochester Democrat and Chronicle [more on Brownfields in our area]
Brighton's Buckland Creek is on restoration list | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com This September, my daughter will be "crossing the creek," making the transition from Twelve Corners Middle School to her freshman year at Brighton High School. And Buckland Creek, the tiny stream that runs between the schools, also will be in a state of transformation thanks to $20,000 in a restoration grant to Monroe County from the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The grant will enable the town to better control the flow of the stream and restore habitats for plants and wildlife along its banks. (February 15, 2011) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Wetlands in our area]
Green pest control may get swatted - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. — A state program to control pests without using chemicals and other potentially harmful materials is on the chopping block. The Integrated Pest Management Program, which funds research to find safe and environmentally friendly ways to control pests — everything from fungus on grapes to weeds in athletic fields — will lose its state funding and shut down March 31, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive budget. Cornell University has begun a lobbying effort, with copies of letters to Cuomo and information about the program on the website. February 24, 2011) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Pesticides in our area]
ENVIRONMENT: RIT helps track ecological changes - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper An early low-tech method for determining air safety in coal mines was to bring a canary into the mine shaft. If carbon monoxide or methane gas reached perilously high levels or oxygen was dangerously low, the canary would die. That signaled miners to immediately vacate the mine. The National Ecological Observatory Network could be described as the country's high-technology equivalent to the canary. NEON is a network of scientists throughout the US committed to a massive 30-year study of the possible long-term impacts of environmental changes on people. And the Rochester Institute of Technology is one of the research universities involved in NEON's efforts. (February 23, 2011) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper [more on Environmental Education in our area]
PARKS: Plan will set path for Powder Mills - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper By the end of summer, county officials hope to complete Powder Mills Park's first master plan. The 380-acre park in Pittsford and Perinton has been part of the county system since the 1930's. The fish hatchery and skiing hill are prominent features, but Irondequoit Creek also flows through it. Last week, county parks officials held a forum to gather public input for the plan. (February 23, 2011) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper [more on Parks in our area]
Indian Point schedules reactor maintenance BUCHANAN - Control room operators will remove Indian Point’s unit 3 nuclear power plant from service this evening in order to repair a leak from a pipe that carries nonradioactive river water to the plant. The river water contained in the pipe is used to cool components in the turbine building, located on the non-nuclear side of the plant. The pipe leak is located outdoors between the river and the building that houses the turbines and generator. (February 23, 2011)New York State News on the Net! [more on Energy in our area]
Art exhibit to honor Christine Sevilla opens Friday, Feb. 25 - Webster, NY - Webster Post Rochester, N.Y. — An art exhibit to honor the late Christine Sevilla, an environmentalist and artist from Perinton who passed away in 2009, will open this Friday, Feb. 25. Arena Art Group of Rochester will present the "Something Old, Something New" exhibit at Williams Gallery,located at First Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Road South, in Rochester. The exhibit will run through April 14. (February 22, 2011) Homepage - Webster, NY - Webster Post
Solar Start-Up Projects Up to 4,000 Jobs Here - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com Rochester, N.Y. – A solar energy company says it can bring 2,000 to 4,000 jobs to Rochester in two years– if it can successfully manufacture its technology. That’s where Kodak comes in. Kodak is working with 10 clean technology start-ups to commercialize their research. Kodak has the expertise and the equipment in chemical and material sciences. The company also has lots of left over capacity from its heyday in film. (February 22, 2011) Home - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com [more on Solar Power in our area]
New Jersey solar company visits Kodak | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com Rep. Louise Slaughter and the head of a New Jersey solar technology company on Tuesday toured an Eastman Kodak facility that could be a key part of the solar company's future. Slaughter, D-Fairport, and Natcore Technology Inc. CEO Chuck Provini checked out the thin-film coating capabilities in Building 308 at Eastman Business Park. (February 23, 2011) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Solar Power in our area]
U.S. help for Great Lakes in danger; preservationists step up campaign | Detroit Free Press | freep.com Great Lakes scientists and environmental groups are dramatically stepping up their lobbying efforts in Congress to try to avoid a 50% cut in funding for Great Lakes restoration. "This is a very critical time," said Jeff Skelding, director of the Healing Our Waters Coalition in Washington, D.C. Last year, Great Lakes groups were euphoric after Congress approved $475 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, money that would be used to clean up everything from toxic sites to beach pollution and restore wildlife habitat. That historic appropriation was to be the first installment of $5 billion President Barack Obama promised during his election campaign to fix the severely stressed lakes during the next decade. (February 21, 2011) Detroit Free Press | Detroit news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Detroit, Michigan | freep.com [more on Great Lakes in our area]
Victor center hosts talk on green buildings Finger Lakes Community College will host an expert on green building design in a free lecture on Wednesday, March 2, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the FLCC Victor Campus Center, 200 Victor Heights Parkway, off Route 251. Cathy Ahern, director of engineering services for facilities management services at Rochester Institute of Technology, will discuss Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building certification and RIT’s LEED construction projects. The public is welcome to attend. (February 17, 2011) The Latest from FLCC [more on Events in our area]
Employers can Innovate to Reduce Toxic Chemical Use - Environment New York New Environment New York Report: Businesses Can Innovate to Reduce Toxic Chemical Use New York, NY – Today Environment New York released Safer By Design: Businesses Can Replace Toxic Ingredients through Green Chemistry, a new report that highlights 14 businesses across the country that are innovating to cut toxic chemicals from their products, while creating green jobs and boosting the economy. “Currently, these businesses are the exception and not the rule. But by harnessing American ingenuity, businesses can actually design their products and processes to be safer,” said Eric Whalen of Environment New York. (February 16, 2011) Home - Environment New York [more on Green Business in our area]
02/18/2011: EPA Seeks Public Comment on Plan to Review Regulations WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting the public to provide input on a plan that will guide EPA’s retrospective reviews of regulations as part of the agency’s response to President Obama’s January 18, 2011 Executive Order (EO) 13563, “Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review.” EO 13563 directs each federal agency to consider “how best to promote retrospective analysis of rules that may be outmoded, ineffective, insufficient, or excessively burdensome.” Specifically, the EO calls on every agency to develop “a preliminary plan, consistent with law and its resources and regulatory priorities, under which the agency will periodically review its existing significant regulations to determine whether such regulations should be modified, streamlined, expanded or repealed to make the agency’s regulatory program more effective and or less burdensome in achieving its regulatory objectives.” (February 18, 2011) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases
Opponents plan next step to stop Bruce Power shipments - Owen Sound Sun Times - Ontario, CA Opponents on both sides of the Canada-U. S. border are continuing efforts to stop the shipment by Bruce Power of 16 decommissioned radioactive steam generators through the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Sierra Club Canada was to hold a conference call today to discuss a possible court appeal of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission's Feb. 4 decision to grant Bruce Power a licence to transport the generators, which the company and CNSC consider low-level nuclear waste, to Sweden, John Bennett, the club's executive director, said Thursday. The CNSC decision can be appealed to the Federal Court of Canada within 30 days of being handed down, according to Aurele Gervais, the spokesman for the commission. (February 18, 2011) Owen Sound Sun Times - Ontario, CA [more on Energy in our area]
DEC updates progress on local contaminated sites - Utica, NY - The Observer-Dispatch, Utica, New York The state Department of Environmental Conservation has updated the progress of work it is performing on two contaminated sites in the Mohawk Valley. (February 16, 2011) Home - Utica, NY - The Observer-Dispatch, Utica, New York [more on Brownfields in our area]
Activists: Cuts delay Great Lakes sewage fix-ups - WSJ.com TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Great Lakes advocacy groups say proposed federal budget cuts would damage efforts to deal with one of the region's biggest environmental problems — sewage overflows. A federal program makes loans to fix crumbling sewage treatment systems. One-third of the money goes to the Great Lakes, where sewage overflows after heavy rains sometimes cause beach closures. (February 16, 2011) Business News & Financial News - The Wall Street Journal - Wsj.com [more on Great Lakes in our area]
President Obama Announces Plan for Community-Based Conservation through the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Barack Obama today announced the Administration’s action plan, under the America’s Great Outdoors initiative, to achieve lasting conservation of the outdoor spaces that power our nation’s economy, shape our culture, and build our outdoor traditions. By making the Federal Government a better partner with American communities, this initiative seeks to reinvigorate our approach to conservation and reconnect Americans, especially young people, with the lands and waters that are used for farming and ranching, hunting and fishing, and for families to spend quality time together. Recognizing that many of these places and resources are disappearing and under intense pressure, the President established the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative last April to work with the American people in developing a conservation and recreation agenda that makes sense for the 21st century. (February 16, 2011) Northeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [more on Environmental Education in our area]
Peculiar geese deaths baffle wildlife officials - Toledo Blade Several dozen Canada geese along western Lake Erie's shoreline have recently died or are presumed dead while others have become so sick they cannot hold up their heads, fly, or maintain control of their motor functions. State wildlife investigators are stumped, awaiting word on tests that a national wildlife laboratory in Wisconsin has been doing on some of the dead birds. (February 18, 2011) Home - Toledo Blade [more on Wildlife in our area]
Toxic algae in Lake Erie might also carry estrogenlike chemical affecting fish reproduction, report says | cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Toxic algae -- already a summer plague of Lake Erie and hundreds of shallow inland lakes -- might be even more dangerous than first believed. A team of biologists and endocrinologists reported this week that unknown organic chemical harbored in the algae -- separate from the known toxin microcystis -- may be interfering with certain fish reproductive systems. (February 18, 2011) Cleveland OH Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - cleveland.com [more on Great Lakes in our area]
Last Call for New York's "Great Appliance Swap Out" | www.WHEC.com Nearly $1 million in rebates is still available for New Yorkers who purchase energy efficient appliances through “New York’s Great Appliance Swap Out". According to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the program has provided more than $15 million dollars in rebates to more than 157,000 New Yorkers. (February 18, 2011) Rochester, NY News | www.WHEC.com [more on Energy in our area]
Politicos, stars take the stage in Washington, to protect drinking water WASHINGTON – Three House members including Maurice Hinchey of Ulster County joined forces Thursday with Sullivan County actor Mark Ruffalo and “Gasland” director Josh Fox in Washington to call for baseline federal rules and oversight to protect drinking water. They are concerned about hydrofracking, or the high pressure pumping of chemicals into shale formations to extract gas. (February 18, 2011)New York State News on the Net! [more on Water Quality in our area]
Ontario’s wind power ‘flip-flop’ draws ire - The Globe and Mail The McGuinty government announced late Friday that it will not allow any offshore wind projects to proceed until further scientific research is conducted into its environmental impact. The surprise decision drew praise from turbine opponents who are concerned over health effects and visual blight, but scorn from environmentalists and businesses that support renewable power. (February 16, 2011) Home - The Globe and Mail [more on Wind Power in our area]
City of Canandaigua recycling: Revised, ready - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. — A monthly recycling pickup program should start in May, as the city has completed updating an ordinance that would allow for the program’s implementation. The program, which will be voluntary, will allow residents to use containers, or “toters,” between 64 and 96 gallons to hold their recyclable items. They’ll be emptied at least once a month, but residents can put them out for pickup once the toters are full. (February 18, 2010) Latest News - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Recycling in our area]
SCHNEIDERMAN URGES U.S. HOUSE ENERGY CHAIR TO KEEP ENVIRONMENTAL REGS THAT CUT TOXIC AIR POLLUTION IN NEW YORK Schneiderman Leads Coalition of Five State AGs in Warning that Proposed U.S. House Resolution Would Weaken Hard-Fought Protections for Health and the Environment Ravena and two other plants collectively account for 20% of all mercury emitted annually in New York [En Español] NEW YORK – Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, leading a coalition of attorneys general from Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and Massachusetts, called on the U.S. House of Representatives leadership today to rebuff efforts to remove critical environmental regulations that protect New York communities from toxic pollution. In a letter to Rep. Fred Upton, Chairman, House Energy & Commerce Committee, Schneiderman and his fellow attorneys general detail their opposition to House Joint Resolution No. 9, which would undo strict, new limits on the cement industry’s emissions of mercury and other toxic substances hazardous to human health and the environment. The resolution was referred to Chairman Upton’s committee on February 1. (February 14, 2011) HOME - OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL [more on Energy in our area]
SCHNEIDERMAN CHALLENGES FEDS' NEW PLAN TO DUMP NUCLEAR WASTE AT INDIAN POINT FOR 60 YEARS POST-CLOSURE A.G. Sues Nuclear Regulatory Commission for Authorizing Nuke Plants to Dump Radioactive Wastes onsite for 60 Years After Closure, Without Mandated Review Schneiderman: Whether For or Against Re-Licensing Indian Point, We Can All Agree that Environmental, Public Health & Safety Risks Should Be Assessed Before Dumping Waste There After Plant is Closed [En Español] BUCHANAN – New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced that he is suing the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for approving a regulation that would allow the use of Indian Point and nuclear power facilities across the nation as storage sites for radioactive waste for at least 60 years after their closure. The NRC’s approval would allow the long-term storage of nuclear waste without completing the federally required review of the public health, safety and environmental hazards such storage would pose. Attorney General Schneiderman is leading a coalition of state attorneys general, including Connecticut and Vermont’s, in calling on the federal government to conduct necessary impact studies before deciding that nuclear waste should be stored onsite. (February 15, 2011) HOME - OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL [more on Energy in our area]
WXXI: NY AG Sues Over Nuclear Waste Storage (2011-02-16) WHITE PLAINS, NY (WXXI) - New York is joining Connecticut and Vermont in filing suit against the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for it's decision to allow the use of nuclear power facilities as storage sites for nuclear waste. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the suit, and was highly critical of the NRC's new "final rule." Schneiderman says he filed a petition demanding the NRC conduct a full environmental impact study before it issues a final rule on this issue. (February 16, 2011) WXXI NewsRoom [more on Energy in our area]
DEC Announces "State Of Lake Ontario" Meetings - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced three upcoming public meetings during the month of March to discuss Lake Ontario fisheries. The annual "State of Lake Ontario" public meetings will be held in Niagara, Monroe and Oswego counties. "DEC is committed to sound management of Lake Ontario fisheries to maintain high-quality angling opportunities and associated economic benefits," Chief of DEC's Bureau of Fisheries Phil Hulbert said. "The State of Lake Ontario meetings provide an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in the lake to interact with the scientists who study its fisheries." Lake Ontario and its embayments and tributaries support thriving populations of fish, including a variety of trout and salmon, bass, walleye, yellow perch and panfish. New York's waters of Lake Ontario comprise over 2.7 million acres, and a 2007 statewide angler survey estimated over 2.6 million angler days expended on Lake Ontario and major tributaries. The estimated value of these fisheries exceeded $112 million to the local New York economy. Monday, March 14, 2011: 7 - 10 p.m. at the Imaging Sciences Auditorium, in Chester F. Carlson Building (76) on the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) campus, Rochester, 14623 (Monroe County). The meeting is co-hosted by RIT and the Monroe County Fishery Advisory Board. (February 16, 2011) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation [more on Wildlife in our area]
Asian carp chief outlines federal government efforts - JSOnline Official questioned on pace of Army Corps' study | President Barack Obama's Asian carp chief appeared in downtown Milwaukee Tuesday to outline efforts the federal government is taking to protect the world's largest freshwater system from one of the region's most dreaded invasive species - the jumping, ecosystem-ravaging carp. "We've all learned to live with different waves of invasions," said John Goss of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. As Goss spoke, he stood in a downtown conference room that overlooks the blue waters of a Lake Michigan that in recent years has been rocked by such noxious invaders as sea lamprey, alewives, zebra mussels, quagga mussels, round gobies, spiny water fleas and the fish-killing viral disease known as VHS. (February 15, 2011) Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Breaking news, sports, business, watchdog journalism, multimedia in Wisconsin [more on Invasive Species in our area]
Court adjourns couple's case over nesting bald eagles | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com The eagles landed in the state Court of Claims Wednesday morning, but their stay was brief. In an unusually high-profile case for the little-known court, companies owned by Rochester-area restaurateur Mario Daniele and his family filed a legal action in early January seeking $1 million in compensation related to the presence of a nesting pair of bald eagles on property they own near Irondequoit Bay. (February 17, 2011) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Wildlife in our area]
RIT team envisions algae as new biofuel | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com HENRIETTA — Algae cultures started in flasks of wastewater by a Rochester Institute of Technology graduate student could grow into a commercial source of diesel fuel. This fuel would not only be less polluting than standard diesel, but also cleanse the wastewater that nurtures the algae. (February 17, 2011) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Energy in our area]
Wind power for the Great Lakes? Canada says ‘Nay’ - SmartPlanet The Ontario government put all plans for offshore wind power on hold last Friday. The province canceled a contract with Windstream Energy for a wind farm on Lake Ontario. It also said it would not approve the four other projects on deck until it gained more insight into the impact of wind power within freshwater environments. So far there is only one such wind project in the world. (February 15, 2011) SmartPlanet - We Make You Smarter - People, Business & Technology [more on Wind Power in our area]
EPA Budget Proposal Focuses on Air and Climate Rules, Cuts Water Grants - NYTimes.com U.S. EPA would take a 12.6 percent funding cut under President Obama's budget request for fiscal 2012, which would shrink the amount of grants for state and local water projects while keeping money flowing toward enforcement and the new air pollution regulations that House Republicans are trying to starve of funding. (February 14, 2011) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Climate Change in our area]
Great Lakes restoration funding continues to shrink - JSOnline Funding drops from $475 million in 2010 to $225 million this year if the House Appropriations Committee has its way. The Obama administration's much-trumpeted Great Lakes restoration plan continues to shrink in the face of federal budget woes. It was conceived as a 10-year, $5 billion program to do things like clean up toxic messes, restore wetlands, stem the influx of invasive species and promote native fisheries. But the funding has shrunk from $475 million in 2010 to $225 million this year if the House Appropriations Committee has its way. That figure, included in the committee's continuing resolution passed Friday to wrap up the current year's budget, was $75 million lower than the $300 million President Barack Obama had requested for this year. The Senate has yet to weigh in. (February 15, 2011) Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Breaking news, sports, business, watchdog journalism, multimedia in Wisconsin [more on Great Lakes in our area]
02/15/2011: EPA Assistant Administrator Paul Anastas to Speak at State of Green Business Forum WASHINGTON – Dr. Paul Anastas, science advisor and assistant administrator of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Research and Development will give a keynote interview at the GreenBiz.com’s State of Green Business Forum on Feb. 16. The forum will bring together the world’s foremost innovators, thought leaders, and executives across all industries to discuss sustainability opportunities and challenges, and how to leverage that knowledge for a more sustainable 2011. Who: Dr. Paul Anastas, assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Research and Development What: State of Green Business Forum When: Wednesday, February 16, 2011, from 5:00 - 5:30 p.m. Where: National Press Club, 529 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. More information on the forum: http://www.greenbiz.com/stateofgreenbusinessforum2011/dc (February 15, 2011) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Green Business in our area]
Green building technology topic of seminar | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information Area builders and architects can learn about green building technologies at a daylong seminar Wednesday. The event is presented by the Rochester Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the New York Upstate Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, the Consulate General of Canada in New York and CMHC International. Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information (February 15, 2011) [more on Green Business in our area]
Environmental Watchdog: NY Green Stimulus Dollars “Well Spent” NEW YORK - Federal stimulus dollars are paying dividends for New Yorkers, an environmental group says - for commuters, the environment, public health and the potential for thousands of new jobs. With the state slated to receive more than $30 billion in federal stimulus money, some feared the state might end up wasting both money and open space on unneeded projects. After studying the $5 billion already slated for "green" projects, however, Allison Jenkins, fiscal policy program director for Environmental Advocates of New York, says a lot of good is coming from that federal funding. In addition to needed highway repairs, there is also money for light rail and the state's ancient public water system. (February 16, 2011) Public News Service [more on Environmental Health in our area]
Ideas for Powder Mills Park needed - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Pittsford, N.Y. — A public input workshop on the future possibilities for Powder Mills Park is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, at Park Road Elementary School, 50 Park Road. (February 16, 2011) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Parks in our area]
SCHNEIDERMAN URGES U.S. HOUSE ENERGY CHAIR TO KEEP ENVIRONMENTAL REGS THAT CUT TOXIC AIR POLLUTION IN NEW YORK Schneiderman Leads Coalition of Five State AGs in Warning that Proposed U.S. House Resolution Would Weaken Hard-Fought Protections for Health and the Environment Ravena and two other plants collectively account for 20% of all mercury emitted annually in New York NEW YORK – Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, leading a coalition of attorneys general from Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and Massachusetts, called on the U.S. House of Representatives leadership today to rebuff efforts to remove critical environmental regulations that protect New York communities from toxic pollution. In a letter to Rep. Fred Upton, Chairman, House Energy & Commerce Committee, Schneiderman and his fellow attorneys general detail their opposition to House Joint Resolution No. 9, which would undo strict, new limits on the cement industry’s emissions of mercury and other toxic substances hazardous to human health and the environment. The resolution was referred to Chairman Upton’s committee on February 1. (February 14, 2011) HOME - OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL [more on Air Quality in our area]
New mussels becoming Canandaigua Lake nuisance - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. — The zebra mussels that have called Canandaigua Lake home are being pushed out by a new invasive species — the quagga mussel. Bruce Gilman, professor of environmental conservation and horticulture at Finger Lakes Community College, said the quagga mussels have probably been in the lake for a year or two, given their length of about two centimeters. At this point, Gilman suspects they make up the majority of the lake’s mussel population. (February 15, 2011) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Invasive Species in our area]
NRC delays hearing on Indian Point relicensing after state, environmental groups file petitions | LoHud.com | The Journal News BUCHANAN — Indian Point's case to continue making electricity beyond 2015 won't be heard until next year — primarily because of arguments against the nuclear plant put forth by the state and environmental groups. Officials from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission had expected to hold the hearing this year, but have now agreed to allow new arguments to be considered. "Apparently we have quite a ways to go before we get to a hearing," commission spokesman Neil Sheehan said Friday. "There have been a number of extensions granted to parties in this and it's taking more time than we expected." (February 13, 2011) LoHud.com | The Journal News | Westchester, Rockland, Putnam news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, New York [more on Energy in our area]
Cornell Chronicle: Recyclemania Kickoff Feb. 7 The Class of 2014 Council and R5 Operations (Cornell's recycling team) kicked off Recyclemania on Ho Plaza, Feb. 7, launching an eight-week competition -- among more than 600 colleges and universities -- to recycle, reuse and compost campuswide as much as possible. This is Cornell's first year participating in the contest, which is intended to raise awareness and build enthusiasm for the initiative. The competition runs through April 2. (February 10, 2011) Cornell Center for a Sustainable Future - News [more on Recycling in our area]
John Hanger, PA’s Former Environmental Chief, Talks About Challenges of Keeping Gas Drilling Safe - ProPublica John Hanger, who led Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection until January, recently talked with ProPublica about the challenges of trying to regulate [1] the expanding drilling industry. Hanger joined the DEP in 2008, when gas drilling in the state's Marcellus Shale formation was ramping up. During his tenure, the department tightened drilling regulations by limiting the discharge of certain pollutants into rivers and streams, strengthening standards for new wells, banning development within 150 feet of certain waterways and requiring drillers to include water-use and waste-disposal plans with their well permit applications. Before he joined the department, Hanger was president and CEO of PennFuture, an environmental organization. He left the DEP when Tom Corbett took over as governor. (February 10, 2011) Propublica [more on Energy in our area]
Oh, Deer! NY Trees are Lunch ALBANY, N.Y. - Nearly one-third of the state's forested land is not generating enough new growth to replace the canopy in the event of a major disturbance such as a windstorm or insect invasion. A study by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), has found the main culprit is deer. As anyone with a backyard garden can attest, deer have a voracious appetite for green, growing things. Cornell University professor Dr. Paul Curtis says seedlings and saplings are high on their menu. (February 14, 2011) Public News Service [more on Wildlife in our area]
Irondequoit Bay eagle case tests land rights | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com The Daniele family of local restaurant fame has filed a $1 million lawsuit against New York, claiming the value of property owned by family companies on Irondequoit Bay would be destroyed by state efforts to protect a pair of bald eagles that dwell there. The majestic birds have nested near the southern end of the bay since 2007 and raised nine fledglings there. Bald eagles are no longer listed as an endangered species but are still considered threatened, and are protected from human encroachment by federal and state laws (February 13, 2011) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Wildlife in our area]
Brain Worm in New York's Moose. In mid-October 2010, the NYSDEC Wildlife Pathology Unit), which is responsible for diagnosing and monitoring causes of sickness and death in New York State's animals, examined a two and a half year old male moose exhibiting abnormal behavior in the Town of Steuben, Oneida County. The moose was lying down in a cow pasture and appeared blind; it could not stand when prodded by a DEC Biologist. The moose was subsequently euthanized and submitted to the Wildlife Pathology Unit for necropsy (animal autopsy) where it was diagnosed with brain worm infection) (review the case report online). Brain worm) is a nematode (roundworm) called Parelaphostrongylus tenuis that commonly parasitizes white-tailed deer (the definitive host) and typically causes the deer little to no harm. When P. tenuis infects moose, sheep, llamas, or elk it will result in abnormal behavior that leads to loss of body condition and eventual death. Over the years, several biologists have speculated that New York's large white-tailed deer population with its attendant P. tenuis infections would limit the population growth of moose in New York; however, this has yet to be seen. The Wildlife Pathology Unit has confirmed brain worm infections in six of 18 moose examined in 2009-2010, which were found in Clinton, Essex, Oneida, Rensselaer, and Saratoga Counties. (February 11, 2011) Field Notes - Noteworthy News from NY Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources
DEC Commissioner Urges Caution On Fracking | New York League of Conservation Voters Joseph Martens, whom Gov. Andrew Cuomo has nominated to lead the Department of Environmental Conservation, said this week that New York "won't undertake drilling until it can be done safely." Speaking before a state legislative budget committee, Martens also suggested that DEC will release its study of hydraulic fracturing (also called hydrofracking) even if the EPA hasn't finished its own study of the practice. (February 10, 2011) New York League of Conservation Voters | Electing for the Environment [more on Energy in our area]
Comments gathered at downtown Rochester transit workshop | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com The public had its last opportunity to weigh in on three exterior design options for a downtown transit center during a workshop Thursday at the Radisson Hotel Rochester Riverside. And while it generally appears that the bulk of the design work for the $47 million bus transfer hub is completed, some additional changes — prompted by comments at the workshop — will be made, architects and Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority representatives said. (February 11, 2011) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Transportation in our area]
Group urges more study of plan to store liquid gas in mines WATKINS GLEN — A detailed geological assessment and additional testing should be done before a decision is made to store liquid propane gas in salt mines near the south end of Seneca Lake. (February 10, 2011) Finger Lakes Times: Finger Lakes Times [more on Energy in our area]
Beavers get to stay put in Lagoon Park - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. — The beavers that call Lagoon Park home can continue to do so without fear. Instead of trapping to control the population and minimize damage, the city will look into wrapping the trees with hardware cloth, a type of metal netting, to keep the beavers from turning trees into lunch. (February 10, 2011) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Wildlife in our area]
Solar panels power savings at Greater Rochester airport | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com Solar panels installed on the roof of the Greater Rochester International Airport terminal building are expected to save the Monroe County Airport Authority more than $640,000 in electricity expenses. Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks announced the new energy initiative at the airport Thursday morning, but the 50,000 square feet of solar panels have been operational for about a month. (February 11, 2011) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Solar Power in our area]
EERE News: DOE Announces Resources to Help Communities Benefit from Solar Energy Updated publications offer valuable information on adopting and financing solar technologies across the United States February 09, 2011 As part of the Department of Energy's SunShot initiative to dramatically reduce the cost of installed solar energy by the end of the decade, DOE today introduced the second edition of Solar Powering Your Community: A Guide for Local Governments. The guide is a comprehensive resource that will help communities accelerate their adoption of solar energy technologies. Additionally, the guide is intended to help communities better understand the steps necessary to permit and license solar energy installations and how to streamline those processes, which can deliver significant savings in the total costs of installing solar systems. (February 9, 2011) EERE: News Home Page [more on Solar Power in our area]
Rochester airport to finally get rooftop solar panels | Innovation Trail The Innovation Trail has learned that the installation of rooftop solar panels at the Greater Rochester International Airport is scheduled to begin on Monday. Airport Director David Damelio says the solar panels were received earlier this week, and that work will begin on the 13th, weather permitting. It's the first step toward realizing the airport's long-delayed Green Energy Initiatives Project. (February 10, 2011) Innovation Trail [more on Solar Power in our area]
Solar Panels for Rochester Airport - RochesterHomePage.net Rochester's airport is going green and it may end up saving passengers some green as well. In a month's time, enough solar panels to fill a football field will go on top of the roof at Rochester International Airport. The project is capable of providing 100-thousand watts of power. (February 9, 2011) Rochester, NY News | www.WHEC.com [more on Solar Power in our area]
EPA Wants to Look at Full Lifecycle of Fracking in New Study - ProPublica The EPA has proposed examining every aspect of hydraulic fracturing, from water withdrawals to waste disposal, according to a draft plan the agency released Tuesday. If the study goes forward as planned, it would be the most comprehensive investigation of whether the drilling technique risks polluting drinking water near oil and gas wells across the nation. The agency wants to look at the potential impacts on drinking water of each stage involved in hydraulic fracturing, where drillers mix water with chemicals and sand and inject the fluid into wells to release oil or natural gas. In addition to examining the actual injection, the study would look at withdrawals, the mixing of the chemicals, and wastewater management and disposal. The agency, under a mandate from Congress, will only look at the impact of these practices on drinking water. (February 9, 2011) ProPublica [more on Energy in our area]
Buffalo takes a stand on fracking - News Blog - Rochester City Newspaper Buffalo has become the first city in New York to ban hydraulic fracturing within its boundaries, though the measure is largely symbolic. The Marcellus Shale lies under the bottom half of Erie County, though Buffalo is just past the edge of the formation. (February 9, 2011) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper [more on Energy in our area]
DEVELOPMENT: Sprawling communities, spiraling costs - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper Residential and commercial development has spread into and beyond the suburbs, consuming vast acres of green space at the expense of farmland and forests. It's led to new or expanded roads, required the extension of water lines and sewage systems, and even forced fire departments to buy new equipment. Initial expenses and long-term maintenance of all this infrastructure means spending taxpayer money. Lots of it. (February 9, 2011) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper [more on Urban Sprawl in our area]
Climate Change in Wisconsin - 1330 WHBL Sheboygan's News Radio Madison, Wis. (WHBL) - Wisconsin’s average annual temperature is expected to rise by 6-to-7 degrees in the next 40 years. And that might affect the quality of nature – plus the way we fish and farm. Those predictions come from the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at U-W Madison. It updated the forecasts made in 2007 by the Inter-governmental panel on Climate Change, and applied them specifically to the Badger State. The study says northwest Wisconsin will see the biggest rise in temperatures by the middle of the century – and the warming will be much less near Lake Michigan. (February 9, 2011) 1330 WHBL Sheboygan's News Radio [more on Climate Change in our area]
Nuclear-waste transport plan facing a fight Groups vow to continue opposition | Environmentalists and a coalition representing Great Lakes cities including Windsor say they will continue to fight a proposed shipment of radioactive waste despite regulatory approval in Canada. On Friday, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission granted a one-year licence to Bruce Power to ship 16 decommissioned steam generators through the lakes en route to a recycling plant in Sweden. (February 8, 2011) The Windsor Star [more on Energy in our area]
First and Only Chevy Volt in Rochester Leaves Showroom - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com Rochester, N.Y. - Three battery operated Chevy Volts have been sold in Rochester. But so far only one has been delivered. Before it left the showroom today a Hoselton salesman showed off the dashboard electric monitoring unit. It was like a full colored graphic video game edged with a bit more science. (February 9, 2011) Home - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com [more on Transportation in our area]
Gas Prices Going Up Gas prices are getting more expensive in this month of February, and the prices could keep going up. The Energy Department is reporting that the national average for a gallon of unleaded regular is now $3.13. That's the highest price ever posted during the month of February and that dates back more than 20 years. (February 8, 2011) ROCHESTER'S NEWS LEADER NEWSRADIO 1180 WHAM [more on Energy in our area]
Obama calls for $53 billion high-speed rail - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow MPNnow.com — President Barack Obama is calling for a six-year, $53 billion spending plan for high-speed rail, as he seeks to use infrastructure spending to jumpstart job creation. An initial $8 billion in spending will be part of the budget plan Obama is set to release Monday. If Congress approves the plan, the money would go toward developing or improving trains that travel up to 250 miles per hour, and connecting existing rail lines to new projects. The White House wouldn't say where the money for the rest of the program would come from, though it's likely Obama would seek funding in future budgets or transportation bills. (February 9, 2011) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Transportation in our area]
Monroe County will offer trees and shrubs for low fees | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District is launching its annual tree and shrub program. The district now offers more than 55 species of bare-root conifers, hardwood trees, shrubs and groundcovers, as well as seed mixes and other products used in conservation projects. (February 9, 2011) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Plants in our area]
No park closures planned this year | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle ALBANY — The state's parks will stay open, for now. Acting state Parks Commissioner Andy Beers testified Tuesday at a budget hearing that no park closures are planned for this year, despite orders from Gov. Andrew Cuomo to cut spending by 10 percent at state agencies. Beers told lawmakers that he believes the agency can make the cuts without closing any of the parks. The 125-year-old park system is the oldest in the nation with 178 parks and 35 historic sites. (February 9, 2011) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Parks in our area]
State 'fix' losing credit - Times Union Builders make lucrative use of state tax credits meant for site cleanup ALBANY -- It could take years to fix the state program that, while intended to clean polluted sites, has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars flowing into a relative handful of costly mega-projects with mini-cleanups. In three years, the Brownfield Cleanup Program cost taxpayers more than $464 million in tax credits, which are cash payments directly from the state treasury, but created only about $340 million in cleanups, according to a Times Union analysis of annual reports by the state Department of Taxation and Finance. (February 7, 2011) [more on Brownfields in our area]
The Canadian Press: Federal report says despite abundance of water in Great Lakes region, some areas can run short TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Despite having more fresh water than anywhere else in the world, the Great Lakes region could experience shortages in some locations because of climate shifts or surging demand, a federal analysis says. The five-year study by the U.S. Geological Survey, obtained by The Associated Press ahead of its scheduled release Monday, describes the Great Lakes as an aquatic treasure trove. The lakes themselves have 6 quadrillion gallons — enough to spread a foot-deep layer across North America, South America and Africa — and the volume of groundwater surpasses that of Lake Huron. (February 7, 2011) The Canadian Press [more on Great Lakes in our area]
WXXI: Nuclear Waste Shipment on Great Lakes Approved (2011-02-08) ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - A coalition of Great Lakes mayors is opposing an extraordinarily large shipment of nuclear waste across several of the lakes, including Lake Ontario. The shipment just won approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Canadian company Bruce Power plans to ship16 school-bus sized, radioactive generators for recycling in Sweden this spring. David Ullrich is the Director of the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Cities Initiative. He says the organization of mayors is worried the ship could sink and contaminate the lakes and the St. Lawrence River. (February 7, 2011) WXXI NewsRoom [more on Energy in our area]
N.J. solar firm eyes facility at Eastman Business Park | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information New Jersey-based solar technology company Natcore Technology Inc. is negotiating with Eastman Kodak Co. to open a research laboratory and production facility at Eastman Business Park, officials said Friday. “We think that Kodak’s roll-to-roll film manufacturing equipment could be a perfect fit for our flexible solar cell technology and that, finally, we can help create jobs here in America for Americans,” said Charles Provini, Natcore president and CEO, in a statement released by Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-Perinton. (February 4, 2011) Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information [more on Solar Power in our area]
Two tech firms get funds from NYSERDA | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information American Aerogel Corp. will get $331,000 and Environmental Energy Technologies Inc. will get $270,000 through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority for environmentally friendly projects, officials announced Monday. American Aerogel, a maker of aerogels and simulated products at its Buffalo Road facility in Rochester since 1995, will use its funding to develop a high-tech material to insulate refrigerated trailers, NYSERDA officials said in a statement. (February 7, 2011) Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information [more on Transportation in our area]
NYSERDA funds 17 energy-saving transportation ideas from Long Island to Rochester | NewsLI.com (New York City) - The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced the award of $4.6 million to help 17 New York State companies develop and commercialize innovative new transportation technologies that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, decrease reliance on fossil fuels, and create jobs. (February 7, 2011) NewsLI.com - Long Island News, News Long Island [more on Transportation in our area]
Clean Air Act funds to help clean Lake Champlain ALBANY - $200,000 in recovered funds will assist Champlain Valley farmers in combating water pollution in Lake Champlain. The money, recovered from a 2007 case in which a major power company violated the Clean Air Act, will target phosphorous reduction from area farms, improving their operations, fighting pollution, and improving the health of Lake Champlain. "A healthy Lake Champlain and a vibrant agricultural sector are both vital to sustaining the Champlain Valley's economy and way of life," said Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. "Our office will continue to fight to protect our natural resources on behalf of New Yorkers. At no cost to taxpayers, these funds will help area farmers improve their operations, while furthering their responsible stewardship of the environment. By promoting the vitality of area farms and Lake Champlain, this funding is an investment in the future of the Champlain Valley.” (February 7, 2011) New York State News on the Net! [more on Air Quality in our area]
Seneca Meadows to accept recyclables Starting Monday, Seneca County residents will have the option of dropping off their recyclables at the Seneca Meadows Landfill on Salcman Road. The free program is sponsored by the Seneca County Recycling Department, WeCare Waste & Recycling and the landfill. Drop off hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 6 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday and 7 to 11 a.m. Sundays. (February 6, 2011) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Recycling in our area]
Congress to examine highway, transit needs at Rochester hearing | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Congress begins reauthorizing federal highway and transit programs this month with a series of field hearings around the country, including a Feb. 18 stop in Rochester. Officials in New York and other states want the legislation to guarantee that 90 percent of the money the federal government spends on highways, public transit, bridges and tunnels will be distributed to states, up from 81 percent now, according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. The amount each state gets is based on a complex formula that takes into account how much a state pays in gasoline taxes. (February 7, 2011) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Transportation in our area]
Rochester air quality improves, study finds | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Though the change probably isn't noticeable to most people, air quality in Rochester has improved markedly in recent years — and public health may well improve as a consequence. Thanks to falling levels of key air pollutants given off by cars, trucks and power plants, the air contains far fewer of the irritants that might cause a scratchy nose in a healthy person, and definitely can worsen asthma in someone who suffers from that potentially serious respiratory disease. (February 6, 2011) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Air Quality in our area]
Habitat For Humanity Goes Green From Now On - RochesterHomePage.net Flower City Habitat for Humanity is taking a big step in going green. From now on, all of the new homes that are built will be energy star qualified. Since it began in 1984, Flower City Habitat for Humanity has built 180 homes in Rochester. (February 4, 2011) RochesterHomePage [more on Green Living in our area]
A.G. SCHNEIDERMAN SENDS LOCAL FARMERS $200,000 TO JOIN THEIR FIGHT TO REDUCE POLLUTION IN LAKE CHAMPLAIN Funds Recovered from a 2007 Clean Air Act Case Will Help Farmers in Essex & Washington Counties Improve Operations, Fight Pollution & Improve Lake Health ALBANY - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the dedication of $200,000 in recovered funds to assist Champlain Valley farmers in combating water pollution in Lake Champlain. The money, recovered from a 2007 case in which a major power company violated the Clean Air Act, will target phosphorous reduction from area farms, improving their operations, fighting pollution, and improving the health of Lake Champlain. (February 5, 20110) HOME - OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL [more on Air Quality in our area]
Shale gas exploration on hold New rules sought for industry. 'Clear, concise and non-contradictory' regulatory framework called essential | Strident public opposition to shale gas development in Quebec, along with warnings by environment minister Pierre Arcand, have effectively shut down exploration and shifted the onus to a regulatory report late this month. But whatever the report may say, the industry won't go back to drilling again until the province draws up a clear and effective regulatory framework for shale gas operators that is separate from the mining law, Michael Binnion, CEO of Calgary's Questerre Energy Inc., said yesterday. (February 3, 2011) The Gazette (more on Energy in our area)
Asian carp aren't only invasive threat to Lake Erie | thenews-messenger.com | The News-Messenger A small invasive fish is competing directly against an important native fish species for food in Lake Erie, according to new Ohio Sea Grant research. Invasive round gobies feed at roughly the same time of day as native smallmouth bass, allowing gobies to greatly affect bass, the lake's third most popular sport fish. Dr. Chris Winslow, of Kutztown University and research students at The Ohio State University's Stone Laboratory, used results from SCUBA diving, videotaping and trawling to determine that round gobies feed from early morning through early evening, which directly overlaps with smallmouth bass activity. This causes the goby to have a large impact on juvenile smallmouth bass feeding behavior. (February 3, 2011) thenews-messenger.com | The News-Messenger | Fremont news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Fremont, Ohio [more on Invasive Species in our area]
E.P.A. Plans New Limits on Toxic Chemicals in Drinking Water WASHINGTON — The Obama administration said Wednesday that it would impose limits on permissible levels of a new set of toxic chemicals in drinking water, including the first standards for perchlorate, a dangerous compound found in rocket fuel and fireworks that has contaminated water supplies in 26 states. (February 2, 2011) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Water Quality in our area]
Sean Hanna to hold key role on Assembly environmental matters - Henrietta, NY - Henrietta Post Mendon, N.Y. — Assemblyman Sean Hanna, R-Mendon, is a freshman lawmaker, but he will play a key role in deciding environmental matters in Albany. Hanna, who represents the 130th district, was appointed to five Assembly committees, including as Ranking Minority Member for the Environmental Conservation Committee. (February 3, 20100) Homepage - Henrietta, NY - Henrietta Post
EPA Offers Proven Solutions to Support Sustainable Community Goals WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the formation of Sustainable Communities Building Blocks, a program designed to help interested communities adopt sustainable planning methods. Sustainable planning helps safeguard the environment and spur economic development while also improving Americans’ health. Interested communities are invited to apply to receive technical assistance during a day-long session that will help them achieve their sustainable planning goals. The application period opens on February 3 and ends on February 23, 2011. (February 3, 2011) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Green Living in our area]
Lawmakers oppose Power Authority windmill project LOCKPORT—The Niagara County Legislature voted, 14-4, Tuesday to oppose the New York Power Authority’s Great Lakes wind power project. “We listened to our citizens, and we reflect the voice of the people,” said Legislator David E. Godfrey, R-Wilson. But Legislator Renae Kimble, D-Niagara Falls, a project supporter, said the Legislature’s special committee investigating the project had ignored 3,000 letters she said had been received in favor of it. She said she has had the letters since October. (February 2, 2011) The Buffalo News - breaking local news, sports, business, entertainment, weather and multimedia [more on Wind Power in our area]
Residents Pack Strip Mine Meeting - RochesterHomePage.net Residents used an informational meeting Wednesday night to voice their displeasure over a proposed strip mine. The West Bloomfield Planning Board hosted the meeting at the Ionia Fire Hall. The Elam Sand & Gravel Corporation wants to create a gravel strip mine along Strong Road near Route 64. The meeting was standing room only as residents from West Bloomfield, Victor and Mendon expressed concern for the 45 acres of land targeted for the proposed strip mine. "I don't want it to be, I'm going to use the word, I don't want it to be raped by machines and noise," said Victor resident Kay Edwards, who has lived in the area her whole life. (February 1, 2011) RochesterHomePage [more on Environmental Health in our area]
TRANSIT: Public will see bus station design options on Feb. 10 The RGRTA will unveil design options for the Mortimer Street bus station at a public workshop at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 10. The workshop will be held at the Radisson Hotel, 120 East Main Street. (February 1, 2011) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper [more on Transportation in our area]
New Jersey lawsuit seeks to stop hydrofracking, or natural gas drilling TRENTON, N.J. — Two environmental groups have filed a lawsuit seeking to stop exploratory drilling of natural gas wells in the Delaware River basin. The Delaware Riverkeeper Network and Damascus Citizens for Sustainability filed the suit Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Trenton. The Delaware River Basin Commission is in the process of adopting regulations for the natural gas drilling industry. Energy companies have leased thousands of acres of land in the Delaware River basin hoping to tap vast stores of natural gas in a rock formation known as the Marcellus Shale. (February 1, 2011) Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com [more on Energy in our area]
DEC cuts foreshadow tough times in state government | Innovation Trail There's a new rules on the books. New Yorkers can’t feed the bears, even if they claim they're just trying to feed the birds. "You might not have been intending to feed the bears but it does get to be a problem," explains Tom Tasber, an educator at the Finch Hollow Nature Center in Broome County. Bear education falls within his job description - but not bear enforcement. That’s the Department of Environmental Conservation’s job. And not just bears. A trip to the DEC website brings home the wide range of its activity. The agency licenses crematoriums (they create air emissions). It patrols fisheries. (February 1, 2011) Environmental Health Rochester | RochesterEnvironment.com [more on Environmental Health in our area]
High Falls to host first major "green" festival - Webster, NY - Webster Post Greece, N.Y. — For two days this fall, High Falls in Rochester will be the destination for people interested in learning how to green their homes, their businesses, and their lives. The Greentopia Festival, held on Sept. 17 and 18, is Rochester’s and the Finger Lakes’ celebration of the green movement sweeping around the globe, and will be the first festival of its kind in the northeast.The festival is free to visitors and will be supported by local business sponsors. Monroe Litho, Northern Biodiesel, Wilmorite Management Group and WXXI have already signed on to support the event. (February 1, 2011) Homepage - Webster, NY - Webster Post [more on Environmental Education in our area]
EPA Partners Continue Large Green Power Purchases SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its list of the top 50 partner organizations using the most renewable electricity to help reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and protect people’s health. Green power is generated from renewable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass, and low-impact hydropower. Purchases of green power help accelerate the nation’s voluntary green power market and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants that threaten Americans’ health from the power sector. (February 1, 2011) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Green Business in our area]
01/31/2011: EPA Proposes to Retain National Air Quality Standards for Carbon Monoxide / Air monitoring revisions would ensure people are protected WASHINGTON – After a careful review of the best available science, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to keep the current national air quality standards for carbon monoxide (CO), while taking steps to gather additional data through more focused monitoring. The science shows that the current standards will protect people, especially those susceptible to health problems associated with breathing CO from the outdoor air. CO can cause harmful health effects by reducing oxygen delivery to the body’s organs (like the heart and brain) and tissues. At extremely high levels, CO can cause death. (January 31, 2011) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
Victor recycler thrives converting electronics parts to cash | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Action by New York state officials in 2000 provided a healthy boost for Regional Computer Recycling & Recovery, and a new state law is expected to further the company's growth. After the state Department of Environmental Conservation reminded businesses of regulations requiring unwanted electronics to be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way, the Victor company that provides such services benefited. (February 1, 2011) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Green Business in our area]

Website Name

RochesterEnvironment.com

February 2011 NewsLinks Archived

RochesterEnvironment.com