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RochesterEnvironment.com

November 2009 NewsLinks Archived 

RochesterEnvironment.com

These archived Newslinks for this month represent just one month in over a decade of posting Rochester-area NewsLinks for our area.

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Don't have the time to check this site every day for Rochester environmental news --Get RochesterEnvironment.com Newsletter one a week in your e-mail. & get all the news, events, actions for the week. RENewsletter - a WEEKLY newsletter about Rochester, New York's environment.  Get the most important news of the day and monitor your environment. This newsletter provides you with the news you need, not simply the news you want--like most other media services. 

• Lifton calls for full review of N.Y. drilling regulations | Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton, D/WF-125th Dist., is recommending a full review and revision of the state Department of Environmental Conservation regulations on oil and gas drilling in New York State. (November 30, 09) theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal | Ithaca news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Ithaca, NY  [more on Energy in our area}
• Summit of local leaders discusses pros, cons of gas drilling | theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal OWEGO -- Development of the Marcellus Shale, the largest natural gas resource in the country, has the potential of creating thousands of jobs, an economic development official said Monday. (November 30, 09) theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal | Ithaca news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Ithaca, NY [more on Energy in our area}
• LED Bulbs Save Substantial Energy, Study by Osram Finds - NYTimes.com Does the latest generation of energy-saving light bulbs save energy? A comprehensive study conducted by Osram, the German lighting company, provides evidence that they do. (November 29, 09) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Energy in our area]
• Countdown to Copenhagen: The 'people's summit' - Climate Change, Environment - The Independent Seven days to go: It's not just world leaders who will be gathering in Denmark next week. Environmental activists will be there too | Only seven days to go now, in the Countdown to Copenhagen – one week until 192 nations come together to try to negotiate a new international climate treaty that will allow the world to deal with the potentially catastrophic threat of global warming. (November 30, 09) The Independent | News | UK and Worldwide News | Newspaper [more on Climate Change]
• Seneca Falls Power Co. loses appeal over Seneca Lake water | theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal A federal agency has sided with Seneca Lake residents and landowners against a power company found to be drawing too much water from the lake for its hydroelectric operations, two congressman announced Wednesday. theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal | Ithaca news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Ithaca, NY (November 29, 09) [More on Seneca Lake]
• WXXI: Informational Summit to be Held on Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Project (2009-11-30)  - An informational summit is being held in the Southern Tier Monday afternoon on a major drilling project being considered for parts of the state. (November 30, 2009) WXXI NewsRoom [more on [more on Energy in our area]
• Alternative fueling stations to come to Rochester, Monroe County | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle New places to fill up alternative-fuel vehicles are headed to Monroe County, and it's possible the public will have access to them. (November 30, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Energy in our area]
• Methane gas in Irondequoit found during legal battle | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The methane issue on Timrod Drive was exposed because of a legal battle that has been going on for years involving a proposed $250 million riverfront development project. (November 29, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Brownfields in our area]
• Irondequoit residents living above old dump sit on uneasy ground | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Time and again over the last quarter-century, state and local agencies raised questions and alarms about possible threats to residents of Timrod Drive but never acted, an investigation by the Democrat and Chronicle found. On at least two occasions, officials recommended testing to see whether Timrod Drive residents faced any health risks, but the testing was never done. (November 29, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Brownfields in our area]
• NREL: News Feature - NREL Uncovers Clean Energy Leaders State by State An exclusive state-by-state analysis by the U.S Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows that clean energy development is spreading rapidly throughout the country, often in conjunction with public policies designed to spur such growth.  (November 20, 09) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Home Page  [more on Energy in our area]
• The Copenhagen Diagnosis The Copenhagen Diagnosis: Climate Science Report It is more than three years since the drafting of text was completed for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (AR4). In the meantime, many hundreds of papers have been published on a suite of topics related to human-induced climate change. The purpose of this report is to synthesize the most policy-relevant climate science published since the close-off of material for the last IPCC report. The rationale is two-fold. (November 29, 09) The Copenhagen Diagnosis [more on Climate Change in our area]
• Four energy projects to share $88 million in federal stimulus money ALBANY - Four New York advanced-energy projects will receive more than $88 million in funding to support Smart Grid demonstration and energy storage projects through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These projects were competitively selected with 28 other projects funded nationwide to help build a smarter, more efficient and more resilient electrical grid. New York strengthened the applications by pledging a 10 percent match or $8.8 million from New York’s Innovation Economy Matching Grants Program. In total, the awards of $620 million announced Tuesday by U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu will be leveraged with $1 billion in funds from the private sector to support more than $1.6 billion in total Smart Grid projects nationally. (November 28, 09) New York State News on the Net! [more on Energy in our area]
• Green Committee surveys Geneva neighborhoods  GENEVA — The city’s new Green Committee took advantage of the recent neighborhood meetings to distribute a quality-of-life survey. Committee members said they are seeking information from city residents on the quality of life in neighborhoods as they look to find a focus to their work. (November 27, 09) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Green Living in our area]
• Ash borer menace is confined to discovery area so far | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle With winter approaching, it appears New York has dodged major problems from the invasive emerald ash borer, at least for this year. The bright-green beetles, which have killed tens of million of ash trees in other states, was discovered in June in a stand of trees along Interstate 86 in Cattaraugus County. The borer larvae have now hunkered down until spring, and there's no evidence they have spread any farther (November 28, 09) [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• Cornell Chronicle: Professors brief Congress on carbon offsets By sequestering carbon, farmers and other land managers could earn and sell carbon credits. This revenue could provide incentives for best management practices and buffer such land managers from rising fossil fuel costs that may arise from new energy and carbon policies, asserted two Cornell professors in Congressional briefings Nov. 18-19.  (November 24, 09) Cornell Center for a Sustainable Future - News [more on Climate Change in our area]
• RIT Seeks to Improve Health Communication to Create Healthier Communities Symposium features Rep. Eric Massa and Assemblymember Susan John Most health-care experts agree that the communication and marketing of information on healthy lifestyles, current diseases and cures, and health care policy and delivery is central to strong community health and the efficient operation of the health care system as a whole. In an effort to improve health communication and better inform the public on its role in the health care system, Rochester Institute of Technology is hosting the Health Communication Symposium from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dec. 7 in the Louise M. Slaughter Building on the RIT campus. For more information about the event including a full schedule, visit www.rit.edu/cla/communication/hcom/index.php. The symposium is free and open to the public. November 27, 09) RIT - University News [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• H1N1 Vaccine Study at University of Rochester - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports Rochester, N.Y. - Scientists at the University of Rochester are looking for 80 people to take part in H1N1 flu vaccine studies. The goal of the study is to find out how the virus affects the immune system before and after the vaccine. {November 25, 09) Home - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• NYSGS to play key role in national geothermal energy search ALBANY - As part of a nationwide project to identify and assess new sources of renewable geothermal energy that could help mitigate global warming, the New York State Geological Survey (NYSGS) has received a $280,000 federal grant to collect data that will help scientists to better understand the potential for geothermal resources  in New York State.  (November 26, 09) New York State News on the Net! [more on Climate Change in our area]
• Corporate America Prepares, and Braces, for Emissions Rules - NYTimes.com The nation’s corporations have long been bracing for the day when they would be required to carry out sharp cuts in the emissions that cause global warming. That day seemed to move a bit closer on Wednesday, when President Obama outlined a national target for such reductions. (November 26, 09) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Climate Change in our area]
• STATE OFFERS TIPS ON HOW TO SERVE IT SAFELY ON THANKSGIVING  | Prevent Food Borne Illness by Practicing Food Safety for Holiday Meals   New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker and Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D. today reminded consumers to follow cooking and preparation tips when preparing meals during the upcoming holiday season. Many food borne illnesses are preventable if consumers take simple measures to protect themselves and their families. (November 24, 09) New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets  [more on Food & Environment in our area]
• ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH AES TO DISCLOSE CLIMATE CHANGE RISKS TO INVESTORS Latest agreement in Cuomo’s disclosure initiative requires AES to fully detail financial liabilities posed by regulation of global warming pollution   NEW YORK, N.Y. (November 19, 2009) - Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced an agreement that requires the AES Corporation (AES) - a global energy company operating in 29 countries with annual revenues exceeding $16 billion - to disclose timely and relevant information to investors about financial risks associated with the production of global warming pollution.  (November 19, 09) HOME - OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ANDREW M. CUOMO [more on Climate Change in our area]
• ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH FORTUNA ENERGY ALLOWING N.Y. LANDOWNERS TO NEGOTIATE NEW NATURAL GAS LEASES Natural gas drilling company agrees to stop misleading tactics to unilaterally extend leases on New Yorkers’ properties Fortuna Energy, Inc. will allow hundreds of landowners out of the improperly extended leases and will pay $192,500 in settlement ALBANY, N.Y. (November 24, 2009) - Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that his office has reached an agreement with Fortuna Energy, Inc. (Fortuna) that will allow customers who were misled and ended up extending their natural gas leases with the company to renegotiate their terms. The settlement also stops Fortuna from employing industry-prevalent misleading and deceptive tactics to secure leases from New York landowners. (November 24, 09) HOME - OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ANDREW M. CUOMO [more on Energy in our area]
• DEC Offers A New Way To Help Support Kids Connecting With Nature - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation One Teen's Inspiration Leads To Creation of a Fund to Help Others A Western New York teen has become the inspiration for a new initiative that will help others attend one of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) environmental education summer camps. Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today that DEC has joined with the National Heritage Trust (NHT) to establish a summer camp scholarship fund in memory of Emily Timbrook, who attended and later volunteered at Camp Rushford in Allegany County. (November 23, 09) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation [more on Environmental Education in our area]
• 11/24/2009: Easy and Effective Ways to Reduce Food Waste at Thanksgiving Most people generate more trash than normal during the holidays. In fact, the volume of household waste in the United States generally increases 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day – that’s about 1 million extra tons. Did you know that food waste accounts for 18% of municipal solid waste sent to landfills? More than 30 million tons of food waste is sent to the landfills each year. In the U.S., less than 3% of food waste is being diverted from landfills. (November 24, 09) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [more on Food & Environment in our area]
• Lawmakers lobby for high-speed rail funds | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information Local, state and federal lawmakers, including Louise Slaughter, D-Perinton, and Daniel Maffei, D-Syracuse, convened Monday in Syracuse to lobby for stimulus funding for high-speed rail in New York. (November 25, 09) Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information [more on Transportation in our area]
• Yale Environment 360: East Antarctic Ice Sheet Appears to Be Melting Faster, Study Says East Antarctica’s massive ice sheets, which scientists believed to be relatively unaffected by global warming, have been melting at an accelerating rate since 2002, according to a new study. Using a NASA satellite that can measure gravity and mass from space, researchers from the University of Texas estimated that East Antarctica lost an average of 57 billion metric tons of ice a year from 2002 to 2009, with the melt rate appearing to accelerate after 2006 (November 23, 09) Yale Environment 360 [more on Climate Rochester]
• WindTamer Corporation Announces First Turbine Sales ROCHESTER, NY--(Marketwire - November 23, 2009) - WindTamer Corporation ("WindTamer" or the "Company") (OTCBB: WNDT), a developer and manufacturer of a patented new wind turbine technology, announced that the first sales of its WindTamer turbines were made during the week of November 16, 2009. (November 23, 09) Marketwire: press release distribution, newswire, public relations, investor relations, breaking news, media monitoring [more on Wind Power in our area]
• H1N1 flu leads Rochester-area companies to limit personal contact | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Many beefing up flu prevention strategies  | Area companies are taking a number of steps like these to fend off the onslaught of the flu virus, starting by sharing information on basic health precautions, offering flu shots and urging employees to stay home if they get sick. (November 24, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Hoyt among leaders for high speed rail | WIVB.com Coalition met in Syracuse to announce potential | SYRACUSE, N.Y. (RELEASE) - The High Speed Rail New York Coalition held a press conference to announce the potential regional impact of High Speed Rail on Monday, November 23, 2009. Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, Congressman Dan Maffei, Congressman Michael Arcuri, Senator Malcolm Smith and numerous New York State legislators attended the event. (November 23, 09) Buffalo News, Buffalo Weather | News 4 Buffalo, NY | WIVB.com [more on Transportation in our area]
• Supervisors gearing up for water vote  |Seneca County officials considering change in administration of districts  WATERLOO — Seneca County supervisors will vote Tuesday on the creation of a new department to administer the county’s water district and its two sewer districts. The board’s Public Works Committee unanimously recommended the move last week. The committee also proposed having that department operate under the direction of County Engineer Jason McCormick.  (November 23, 09)  Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Walter Quality in our area]
• Don't burn those leaves | Richmond, N.Y. — In recent weeks, the Richmond Fire Department has responded to about 20 fires. No, there isn’t an arsonist on the loose. The uptick in fire calls is a direct result of new regulations on open burning in New York. {November 23, 09)  [more on Air Quality in our area]
• Sewers at Capacity, Pollution Spills Into Waterways - Series - NYTimes.com In the last three years alone, more than 9,400 of the nation’s 25,000 sewage systems — including those in major cities — have reported violating the law by dumping untreated or partly treated human waste, chemicals and other hazardous materials into rivers and lakes and elsewhere, according to data from state environmental agencies and the Environmental Protection Agency. (November 22, 09) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Water Quality in our area]
• NY Saves $3.1 Million In Energy Efficiency Program  | ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Turning off lights, turning down the heat and buying with an eye toward energy efficiency is saving New York more than $3.1 million so far this fiscal year. Home - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports [more on Energy in our area]
• Gas-drilling oversight reconsidered; burden may not fall to counties | theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal Who's going to pay to ensure local water wells are not polluted by Marcellus shale drilling? State officials said last week they are still trying to figure that out, but health departments in Tompkins and other counties may be off the hook. The state's proposal that would require local health departments to oversee gas drilling is being reconsidered in light of an order by Gov. David Paterson. (November 22, 09) theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal | Ithaca news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Ithaca, NY [more on Energy in our area]
• Not all favor extension of trail to Honeoye Falls | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle MENDON — A new draft feasibility study recommending a multi-use trail connecting Honeoye Falls with the main line of the Lehigh Valley Trail is being met with excitement by area residents but also some opposition. (November 23, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Parks in our area]
• Monroe County seeks ideas for Greece Canal Park | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The Monroe County Parks Department has $2 million to spend on Greece Canal Park and wants park users to weigh in with ideas for upgrades and improvements. (November 23, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Parks in our area]
• Dry cleaner on Monroe Ave. reports release of solvents | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle A third dry cleaner in a three-block stretch of Monroe Avenue in Brighton has reported releases of toxic solvents into the environment, adding to an already complicated cleanup effort that began in the neighborhood six years ago. (November 23, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Brownfields in our area]
• Braddock Bay seeks to realize its economic potential | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Amid the cattails, marshlands, migratory bird paths and blue-green waters of Braddock Bay, those who live, work and play in one of the state's largest coastal wetland ecosystems see something else: economic opportunity. (November 22, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Green Business in our area]
• Canandaigua poised to acquire new park - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. — Town residents could start hiking up to a new park on County Road 32 as soon as next summer. The town made a purchase offer of $125,000 to acquire a portion of the John Miller Farm along County Road 32 and Route 21. The land encompasses 23 acres that would be accessible via a parking area at the corner of Route 21 and Bliss Road, which would connect to a trail that would lead up to the site’s high point, where the town hopes to erect a gazebo. (November 21, 09) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Parks in our area]
• Marcellus Shale: 15 Pennsylvania families suing Cabot Oil over well pollution | theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal DIMOCK, Pa. -- Fifteen families have filed suit against one of the nation's largest natural gas drillers, alleging the company polluted their water wells in northeastern Pennsylvania. (November 21, 09) theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal | Ithaca news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Ithaca, NY [More on Energy in our area]
• State urged to withdraw drilling regulatory plan   ITHACA - At a four-hour-long Ithaca hearing, the State Department of Conservation repeatedly was urged to withdraw its proposed program to regulate natural gas drilling in the Marcellus shale underlying Tompkins County and surrounding regions of New York State.  The Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG) sponsored the session to focus discussion on the gas drilling issue and to increase the opportunity for local residents to submit comments to state regulators. (November 21-22, 2009) New York State News on the Net! [More on Energy in our area]
• Asian carp may have breached barrier - JSOnline The decade-old battle to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes might be over. New research shows the fish likely have made it past the $9 million electric fish barrier on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, a source familiar with the situation told the Journal Sentinel late Thursday. The barrier is considered the last chance to stop the super-sized fish that can upend entire ecosystems, and recent environmental DNA tests showed that the carp had advanced to within a mile of the barrier. (November 19, 09) Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Breaking news, sports, business, watchdog journalism, multimedia  {more on Great Lakes]
• 584 pounds of medications turned in - JSOnline Residents of five Milwaukee County communities dropped off 584 pounds of unused or expired medications at their local police departments in recent months, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District officials said Thursday. The pharmaceuticals were collected this week; MMSD will pay for proper disposal. (November 19, 09) Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Breaking news, sports, business, watchdog journalism, multimedia  [more on Water Quality in our area]
• Campus Times - Woodlands a valuable resource Under rain and dreary skies, Professor of Biology Robert Minckley’s Ecosystem Conservation and Human Society class trudged through UR’s Woodlands near Whipple Park in Brighton. Teaching Assistant and sophomore Margaret Ball gave instructions to the students from the front of the line, asking them to consider the function of each individual part of the woodlands as a part of the class assignment to measure the woodlands’ dollar worth. (November 19, 09) Campus Times [more on Plants in our area]
• DEC Reports: More than 26.5 Million Tires Removed from Tire Dumps across New York - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Fortino, Mohawk Sites Now Tire Free - Abatement Plan Also Uncovers Unreported Stockpiles In fall 2004, New York was awash in waste tires, with scores of tire dumps spread across the state harboring an estimated 34 million used tires. Built up over many decades, these dump sites threatened the environment and public health and safety.  (November 21, 09)  [more on Brownfields in our area]
• 11/20/2009: New Interactive Tools Show Continuing SO2 Reductions at Coal-Fired Power Plants WASHINGTON - New interactive tracking tools are now available on EPA’s Web site to help the public follow nation-wide changes in sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from coal-fired power plants. Using interactive charts and Google Earth satellite maps, the public can now observe recent changes in SO2 emissions and other indicators at individual coal-fired power plants in the Acid Rain Program. (November 20, 09)  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [more on Climate Change in our area]
• Monroe County Reports H1N1 Death  | The Monroe County Health Department confirms a local death from the H1N1 virus. (November 19, 09) Rochester | 24 Hour Local News | TOP STORIES [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• 2009 H1N1 Flu and Travel | CDC Travelers' Health People in the United States and many other countries around the world are getting sick with 2009 H1N1 flu. It’s important to think about how the flu may affect your travel plans. On this page, you can find helpful information about 2009 H1N1 flu and travel. (November 19, 09) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Rumors of Copenhagen’s demise have been greatly exaggerated | Grist Waking up on a dreary Sunday morning this weekend in Copenhagen (where I’ve recently moved to prepare for the upcoming climate talks in December), I was met with a barrage of headlines, mostly from U.S. media,  telling me that Copenhagen is doomed to total failure and I might as well head off to Mexico City where next year’s summit will be held. The New York Times cried out: World Leaders Agree to Delay a Deal on Climate Change. The Washington Post bellowed: Copenhagen talks unlikely to yield climate accord, leaders told. Not the best way to start a Sunday morning.  (November 16, 09) Grist | Environmental News, Commentary, Advice [more on Climate Change]
• ENVIRONMENT: Feds set aside money for Great Lakes cleanup - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper There is no shortage of environmental problems with the Rochester Embayment, a recessed section of Lake Ontario that stretches from Parma to Webster. The Embayment is listed as a federal area of concern because of the negative effects of the water quality on fish and wildlife populations, the added cost of treating water for municipal use, and other issues. (November 19, 09)  [more on Water Quality in our area]
• News 10 Now | 24 Hour Local News | TOP STORIES | Auburn dealing with crows The crows are back in Auburn and as they have for the past couple of years, the Department of Public Works is trying to chase the birds out of the city. (November 19, 09) News 10 Now | 24 Hour Local News | TOP STORIES [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Federal judge approves Onondaga County using green technology to reduce Onondaga Lake pollution | News from The Post-Standard - Syracuse, NY - Onondaga County got the final go-ahead Monday to scrap plans for three new sewage plants — including one in Armory Square — and instead reduce sewer overflows with trees, vegetated roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavement and rain barrels.  (November 16, 09) Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com [more on Walter Quality in our area]
• » A Date Set for First GLRI RFP’s - Healthy Lakes - Healthy Lives The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative was just signed weeks ago, but already the date is set for the RFP’s release: November 20, 2009 – that is this Friday! Folks have two months to respond to the RFP and the powers that be have another month or two to review the proposals before announcing funding decisions. Still, all told, it should be early in 2010 when the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative dollars start going to work.  (November 17, 09) - Healthy Lakes - Healthy Lives [more on Great Lakes]
• Monroe County Cuts the Ribbon on its First Dog Park | Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks cut the ribbon as Monroe County opened its first Dog Park at Greece Canal Park. Funding for the Dog Park was raised from non-County government partners by the Friends of the Monroe County Dog Parks. The Monroe County Dog Park is an off-leash area that is one acre in size and is completely enclosed by a five-foot-tall fence. It includes separate areas for both small and large dogs. --from MyMonroe. Opening Up Government. | Monroe County, NY
• GOV SITE - GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES INTENTION TO ELIMINATE NEW LICENSE PLATE REQUIREMENT IF LEGISLATURE WORKS WITH HIM TO IDENTIFY REAL, RESPONSIBLE ALTERNATIVE SAVINGS MEASURES PRIOR TO RELEASE OF 2010-11 EXECUTIVE BUDGET Bill Strengthens New York’s Position to Access $454 Million in Federal Funds for Clean Energy Retrofits  | Governor David A. Paterson, Congressman Steve Israel, and Legislative Leaders today announced the passage of the municipal clean energy loan program legislation. The Senate and Assembly passed the bill, which empowers communities to launch Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loan programs, today during an extraordinary session of the Legislature. The legislation allows municipalities to leverage federal funds in order to provide loans to commercial and residential property owners to finance energy efficiency retrofits and renewable energy systems. Property owners could then opt into these programs and reap an immediate savings on their energy costs and repay their loans via an annual charge on their property tax bill. (November 16, 09) Press Releases (more on Energy in our area]
• Zero Waste looking to derail landfill spur SENECA FALLS — Local activists have begun a campaign against applications for grants that would help bring downstate trash to the Seneca Meadows Landfill by railroad. The Finger Lakes Zero Waste Coalition, a Geneva-based environmental organization, is urging people to write to government officials. (November 17, 09) Finger Lakes Times Online   [more on Recycling in our area]
• TRANSPORTATION: Bus station in transit - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper The Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority is sitting on millions of dollars that it can use for a new transit center, and some of that money will expire if they don't have plans in place by September 2010. (November 11, 09) Rochester City Newspaper [more on Transportation in our area]
• Observatory - Changes in the Climate and a Windier Great Lake - NYTimes.com Chalk up another effect of climate change: it’s getting windier over Lake Superior. That is the conclusion of a study by scientists who have looked at the effects of increasing surface water temperatures in the lake and air temperatures over it. The water has warmed faster than the air, creating instability in the air mass that results in stronger winds. (November 17, 09) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Climate Change in our area]
• Pushing a greener agenda -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY:2971: ALBANY -- The annual Eco Show brought together major manufacturers and mom-and-pop operations for a display of environmentally friendly businesses.   Despite increasing consciousness about "going green," the third annual show at Empire State Plaza on Friday and Saturday struggled with light attendance and regulations that barred organic food vendors from sharing their wares.  (November 15, 09 ) Albany NY News - Times Union - Serving Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy [more on Green Living in our area]
• 11/16/2009: New EPA Web Site Provides Tools to Cut Energy Costs and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Homes WASHINGTON – Home owners, buyers and renters have a new resource for going green indoors and outdoors. EPA’s new Green Homes Web site will help people make their homes greener with tips on reducing energy consumption, carbon footprints, waste generation and water usage, as well as improving indoor air quality. EPA Green Homes | US EPA (November 16, 09) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [more on Green Living in our area]
• Study: Chemicals in plastic can make boys act more like girls Chemicals found in many plastics are causing little boys to act more like little girls, according to new research. A team at the University of Rochester studying the safety of phthalates -- chemicals in the plastic used in many household objects – found that they can actually disrupt hormones, according to BBC News. The chemicals affect the baby's developing brain by deactivating testosterone, the male sex hormone, according to the BBC. (November 18, 2009) New York News, Traffic, Sports, Weather, Photos, Entertainment, and Gossip - NY Daily News [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Schumer introduces BPA legislation | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Sen. Charles Schumer today introduced legislation that would ban bisphenol-A, also known as BPA, from food and beverage containers marketed to children 3 and younger and then went on to address health reform during an appearance at the Westside YMCA in Gates. (November 17, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• The great recycling debate Wayne County could go private LYONS — Wayne County’s recycling program could end after June 2010, with local trash haulers on the line to fill the void. The Board of Supervisors’ Finance and Economic Development and Planning committees will review a proposed law Monday that would pull the county out of the recycling business. Recent concerns among supervisors about the program’s growing cost spurred talk of the change. (November 16, 09) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Recycling in our area]
• Cleveland good source for greening strategies | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle In Pittsburgh, they are planting vacant lots with switchgrass, which could be used for making biofuel. In Flint, Mich., officials and residents are debating whether to clear whole blocks of their city and either start over, or turn the land back to nature. The same as in Youngstown, Ohio, which is studying the profitability of a "wetlands mitigation bank," selling credits to developers elsewhere in the watershed. (November 15, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Green Living in our area]
• City turns to greening, right-sizing strategy to battle vacancy | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Maybe the way to build up Rochester is to tear it down, shrink its hollowed-out neighborhoods, green its major roadways. Plant gardens. Re-establish wetlands. Don't build housing tracts; build forests instead. (November 15, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Green Living in our area]
• 11/13/2009: Make Everyday America Recycles Day WASHINGTON – Want to help the environment? Why not spend some time this America Recycles Day, November 15th, looking for new opportunities to recycle throughout the year? Keeping good recycling habits at home, work, and on the go can help with climate change. By reusing, recycling, and being smarter in the amounts and types of materials used, people can save energy, use fewer natural resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More information on recycling: http://www.epa.gov/recycle/ More information on America Recycles Day: http://www.americarecyclesday.org  (November 13, 2009)  [more on Recycling in our area]
• Additional Attention Given to Ginna Nuclear Plant - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports Rochester, N.Y. – A federal agency is giving some attention to Ginna Nuclear Power Plant because of a maintenance issue. (November 13, 09) Home - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports [more on Energy in our area]
• Toward a Stalemate in Copenhagen - Global Climate Change Lobby Washington — In the poor, but mineral-rich mountains of the eastern United States known as Appalachia, coal millionaire Don Blankenship hosts a rally for “Friends of America” to hear country music and “learn how environmental extremists and corporate America are both trying to destroy your jobs.”  (November 4, 2009) Global Climate Change Lobby - A Center for Public Integrity Investigation [more on Climate Change in our area]
• America Recycles Day: The Value Of Proper E-Waste Recycling : TreeHugger This Sunday, November 15th, marks the 12th annual America Recycles Day, a nationally recognized day for Americans to recycle and purchase recycled products. While the global waste stream continues to grow, current trends indicate that electronic waste (e-waste) is the fastest growing commodity within the waste stream. In fact, volumes are growing at more than three times the rate of other wastes and have doubled in the last decade. (November 13, 09)  [more on Recycling in our area]
• Extremely green makeover begins : City & Region : The Buffalo News Reality show will give home's salvaged supplies new life in neighborhood The Powell family is getting a new home from "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" — and Buffalo ReUse is getting most of their old home. (November 9, 09) The Buffalo News [more on Green Living in our area]
• Lafarge plant health risk under study -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY:2978: State, Harvard University to examine effects of pollution from Ravena cement site  | RAVENA -- People who live near the massive smokestacks of the Lafarge cement plant have wondered for years if pollution might be making them or their children ill. Almost half a century after the plant opened, two studies will examine that question -- one conducted by the state, the other by private experts from Harvard University. (November 13, 09)  Albany NY News - Times Union - Serving Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Watertown Daily Times | DEC releases strategy for site OGDENSBURG — More than 24 years and $2.5 million after the cleanup began, the state says there has been sufficient cleanup of the former Diamond International property. The state Department of Environmental Conservation released its proposed remedial action plan for the 17-acre site Monday. The plan did not call for any further cleanup, but recommends that the land not be redeveloped for single-family homes. (November 10, 09) http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/ [more on Brownfields in our area]
• Natural gas quest: Tompkins County planners skeptical drilling safeguards will be enforced | theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal Tompkins County planners believe that some of the mitigation measures outlined in the state DEC's 809-page draft gas drilling environmental impact statement could be very useful -- if only they could count on such measures being enforced. (November 13, 09) theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal | Ithaca news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Ithaca, NY [more on Energy in our area]
• AuburnPub.com - Council OKs sludge storage facility AUBURN - The city of Auburn will soon have a place to put its sludge. The city council passed two measures Thursday to fund and build a facility that will store biosolids produced at the city sewer plant. (November 13, 09) AuburnPub.com - A product of The Citizen
• Monroe County Hosts Free Public H1N1 Vaccine Clinics | ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - Beginning next week, Monroe County is holding a series of free H1N1 flu vaccination clinics. But -- for now -- only high risk residents can get the shots. The county is calling this "Phase One," which means only pregnant woman, residents who are 6 months to 24 years old, people who live with or care for children under 6 months old, or residents with a chronic medical condition qualify. (November 10, 09) WXXI | Go Public. [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• What Would Failure at Copenhagen Mean for Climate Change?: Scientific American The planet's quickening pace toward irreversible climate change grows far more dire if world leaders fail to find a way to stem emissions this December, experts warn.  (November 10, 09) Science News, Articles and Information | Scientific American [more on Climate Change in our area]
• Workshop focuses on wind energy industry | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information Representatives from some 60 companies were part of a half-day workshop Tuesday in Rochester to learn about the wind energy industry. The workshop was sponsored by Greater Rochester Enterprise Inc. and the Great Lakes Wind Network. (November 10, 09)  Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Zebra Mussels (and Lots of Other Species) Invading Great Lakes and No One Can Decide What to Do About It : TreeHugger Out of the 185 invasive species in and around the Great Lakes, zebra mussels are posing a painful problem. The mussels have sharp shells and a tendency to slice up the feet of beach-goers. The mussels have hitched rides in the ballasts of ships coming into port, and while politicians have tried to get the shipping industry to help curb the problem through regulations, there haven't been any successes. Well, unless you're looking at it from the perspective of zebra mussels. But with 15,000 lakes to worry about, standing around bickering about what to do isn't helping the situation.  (November 09,09) http://www.treehugger.com/ [more on Zebra Mussels in our area]
• DEC Announces Deer Management Meeting - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that a public meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 12, to solicit public input on the management of the state's deer resource. The meeting will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Region 2 Annex, located at 11-15 47th Avenue, Long Island City. DEC is holding a statewide series of meetings designed to help prioritize the issues that are most important to New York's deer hunters and the public. Similar to previous efforts held in 2000, 2002, and 2005, the meetings will provide hunters and other members of the public the opportunity to participate in New York's long range deer management planning, provide an update on the status of the state's deer herd, and an overview of DEC's deer management programs. (November 10, 09) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on the Deer Problem in our area]
• 2 Ontario County deaths linked to H1N1 | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The Ontario County Public Heath Department said Tuesday that laboratory testing has linked the deaths of two area adults to H1N1 flu. Meanwhile, it was announced Tuesday that in Monroe County, a total of 20,000 doses for mass inoculations will be divided among five sites each on Nov. 19 and 21  (November 11, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Watchdog: New York State Regulation of Natural Gas Wells Has Been "Woefully Insufficient for Decades." The New York-based Toxics Targeting went through the Department of Environmental Conservation’s own database of hazardous substances spills over the past thirty years. They found 270 cases documenting fires, explosions, wastewater spills, well contamination and ecological damage related to gas drilling. (November 11, 09) Democracy Now! | Radio and TV News [more on Energy in our area]
• Natural gas quest: State files show 270 drilling accidents in past 30 years | theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal The state's depiction of a clean, tightly regulated natural gas industry just got a shot of muck in the eye. As the debate over the merits of Marcellus Shale development reaches a crescendo, an Ithaca researcher has culled a list of 270 files documenting wastewater spills, well contamination, explosions, methane migration and ecological damage related to gas production in the state since 1979. (November 9, 09) theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal | Ithaca news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Ithaca, NY [more on Energy in our area]
• Panel criticizes report of former ordnance site’s risk : Niagara County : The Buffalo News Contamination study is called ‘meaningless’ A review of risks posed by contamination at a former federal weapons site in Lewiston and Porter has been called “meaningless” and incomplete by a volunteer panel of area residents with technical expertise in the issues. The Army Corps of Engineers ignored evidence of radiological contamination when it characterized potential dangers at the former Lake Ontario Ordnance Works site, according to the LOOW Restoration Advisory Board. (November 9, 09) The Buffalo News [more on Brownfields in our area]
• How Green Is My Hallway? |A student-led initiative helps freshmen guide their classmates toward more sustainable living. Rochester Review :: University of Rochester [more on Green Living in our area]
• 11/09/2009: EPA Pays Visit to St. Nicks Alliance; Brooklyn Nonprofit Provides Green Job Training through Brownfields Grants (New York, NY) Walter Mugdan, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Regional Director of Emergency Response and Remedial Division, was joined by Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez and Councilmember Diana Reyna to check out the progress of an EPA-funded job training program at St. Nicks Alliance in Brooklyn, New York and to speak with students and community members about the importance of green jobs. St. Nicks Alliance was a recent recipient of $500,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to help train community members for jobs assessing and cleaning up brownfields sites. (November 9, 09) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [more on Green Business in our area]
• Following construction of a super-green house on Syracuse’s Near West Side | Green CNY Blog - syracuse.com Syracuse, NY -- In January, three designs for energy-efficient “green” houses won a national competition called “From the Ground Up.” The challenge set forth by the Syracuse University School of Architecture and its partners was to “provide a new model for formerly vital, urban residential neighborhoods throughout the United States through the creation of sustainable, affordable housing.”  (November 9, 09) Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com [more on Green Living in our area]
• Is Marcellus Shale too hot to handle? -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY:2945: As New York gears up for gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale, state officials have made a potentially troubling discovery about the wastewater created by the process: It's radioactive. And they have yet to say how they'll deal with it.  (November 8, 09)  http://timesunion.com/ [more on Energy in our area]
• City school district to harness the wind - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. — The city school district will soon generate some of its power from the wind via a campus turbine that will double as a hands-on educational tool for students.  (November 6, 2009) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Electronic junk goes to good end | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Dozens of old televisions, computer monitors and other electronic gadgets were collected during a recycling event at the Seneca Park Zoo on Sunday. Usually, about 7,000 pounds of electronics are collected at the events, said Tina Crandall, conservation education coordinator for the Seneca Park Zoo. (November 9, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Recycling in our area]
• New business group backs climate-change bill A new group of businesses - including retail giant Gap Inc. and several large utility companies - joined the lobbying fray over climate change on Wednesday, arguing that Congress must pass legislation to limit greenhouse gases as soon as possible.  (November 5, 09) http://www.sfgate.com/ [more on Green Business]
• Go Green: Science Stars   | It's a green future for some middle school students in the Rochester City School District. (November 6, 09) RochesterHomePage [more on Environmental Education in our area]
• GOV SITE - GOVERNOR PATERSON URGES NEW YORKERS TO TAKE PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO REDUCE SPREAD OF H1N1 FLU IN NEW YORK STATE As cases of H1N1 flu increase in New York State, Governor David A. Paterson today urged New Yorkers to stay home if sick, avoid going to a hospital emergency room unless flu symptoms are severe and follow additional preventive measures to limit the spread of H1N1 influenza to others. “H1N1 flu activity is widespread across the State and, not surprisingly, the number of positive flu tests has tripled within a week’s time,” Governor Paterson said. “It’s critical that New Yorkers take preventive measures to reduce the risk of contracting H1N1 flu and spreading it to others. As we wait for larger vaccine shipments to arrive in New York, I urge New Yorkers to use good judgment and stay home if they are sick and only go to a hospital emergency department if they or a family member experiences severe flu symptoms.”  (November 6, 09) Press Releases [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• DEC Proposes Changes to Brownfield Cleanup Process to Help Increase Community Revitalization - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today proposed two new policies to speed up the time it takes for abandoned, contaminated industrial parcels known as brownfields to go from community blight to community asset. The proposals will streamline the process by allowing certain properties to pre-qualify for inclusion in the state's Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) and by shortening the time frame from application approval to execution of a cleanup agreement with the state. As a result, communities will know sooner about the potential to remediate and market properties for reuse and redevelopment. (November 5, 09) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Brownfields in our area]
• DEC aims to streamline brownfield cleanups | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information Officials from the state Department of Environmental Conservation proposed two new policies that they say would streamline the cleanup of brownfield sites. (November 7, 09) Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information [more on Brownfields in our area]
• Irondequoit schedules forum on coyotes - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Irondequoit, N.Y. — In response to recent coyote sightings in and around Irondequoit, the town has scheduled a community forum that will include a formal presentation and time for questions and answers. (November 5, 2009) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Wildlife in our area]
• GOV SITE - GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES SECOND MAJOR INFLUX OF AID TO COMMUNITIES FOR PROTECTING WATER INFRASTRUCTURE More than $700 Million Directed to New York in Past Year Federal Trend of Reduced Support Dramatically Reversed Governor David A. Paterson today hailed the signing of an EPA appropriations bill that includes a dramatic increase in aid to local communities for water infrastructure projects. These projects will address looming infrastructure needs – reversing the trend of steep declines in federal aid that had jeopardized communities’ ability to protect public health, lakes, streams and rivers. President Obama signed the appropriations bill on Friday, which approved $2.1 billion for Clean Water State Revolving Loan Funds (CWSRF) across the nation, along with another $1.38 billion for Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds (DWSRF). Based on the traditional federal funding formulas, New York will receive $228.9 million for clean water and $88.6 million for drinking water. (November 5, 09) Press Releases [more on Water Quality in our area]
• Wind-energy firm takes town of Italy to court | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Angered by a Town Board vote in Italy, Yates County, to kill a turbine proposal, a wind-energy company is asking a judge to override the elected board members and allow the project to go forward. Ecogen Wind LLC, which had been seeking permission from the town government to erect 17 415-foot-tall wind turbines in hilly Italy, claimed in its court papers filed Wednesday afternoon that town leaders dodged and delayed a decision on the proposal since 2002. (November 5, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Clean energy to boost US manufacturing jobs-study | Green Business | Reuters WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. clean energy legislation could help create 850,000 manufacturing jobs around the country, a report from a group representing business and environmental interests said on Wednesday. The study conducted the Blue Green Alliance found that policies such as a renewable electricity mandate would provide steady demand for clean energy and put Americans to work building the components needed to make wind turbines, solar panels and other technologies. (November 4, 09)  [more on Green Business in our area]
• Onondaga County Legislature approves green plan to reduce pollution going into Onondaga Lake | News from The Post-Standard - Syracuse, NY - Onondaga County’s innovative plan to promote rain gardens, green roofs and rain barrels as alternatives to building new sewage treatment plants took another step forward Wednesday when the county Legislature unanimously approved the plan. (November 5, 09) [more on Water Quality in our area]
• Tompkins Council of Governments holds info session on natural gas drilling ITHACA - At an information meeting sponsored by the Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG), citizens were told that the state’s proposed program to regulate natural gas drilling is complex, but that members of the public should not hesitate to make their voices heard on the issue and how gas drilling could affect the Tompkins County area. About 300 people attended the session, which came two weeks before a formal public hearing in Ithaca November 19, also sponsored by TCCOG, where the public will be invited to make formal verbal comments and provide written statements that TCCOG will submit to the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on the draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (dSGEIS).  The more than 800-page document is the State’s plan to regulate drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus shale underlying Tompkins County and surrounding regions.  The DEC has now extended the public comment deadline to December 31, 2009. (November 5. 09) New York State News on the Net! [more on Energy in our area]
• Sheriff's Office Collecting Pharmaceutical Waste at B-Zone Substation on Tuesdays Monroe County Sheriff Patrick O’Flynn announced that the Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the County Department of Environmental Services (DES) to expand Monroe County’s pharmaceutical waste collection program. Residents can drop off their unused, unwanted and/or expired medications to the Sheriff’s B-Zone Substation at 245 Summit Point Drive on Tuesdays only from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “This drop-off provides residents with a location to safely and securely dispose of any medicines they are currently not using,” said Sheriff O’Flynn. “This also shows how the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is exploring new ways to ensure the safety of our citizens by keeping potentially harmful pharmaceuticals out of our landfills and water supply.” call the Monroe County DES at 753-7600 (option #3) or check out the County’s household hazardous waste appointment scheduler at www.MonroeCounty.gov/HHW  --from MyMonroe. Opening Up Government. | Monroe County, NY
• GOV SITE - GOVERNOR PATERSON RELEASES COUNTY-BY-COUNTY STIMULUS BENEFIT DATA Greater Rochester Region Expected to Receive at Least $779 Million in ARRA Funds New York Counties Expected to Receive at Least $18 Billion in ARRA Funds Governor David A. Paterson today released a report outlining the distribution of more than $18 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) spending throughout New York State, broken down by county and New York City. The Greater Rochester region of Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Wayne and Wyoming counties is expected to receive at least $779 million in ARRA funds. (November 2. 09) http://www.ny.gov/governor [more on Green Business in our area}
• ENVIRONMENT: DEC extends shale comment period - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper The state Department of Environmental Conservation today announced that it's extending the comment period for its new Marcellus and Utica Shales natural gas drilling regulations. The comment period will now end December 31, which adds a full month. (November 4, 09) Rochester City Newspaper [more on Energy in our area]
• WATER: Merger talks under way - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy confirms what many have long suspected: the city and the county are in talks to possibly merge water systems. "There are a number of issues that I think we have to work out," he says. "Like anything, nothing happens quickly, but we've been talking for some time on it. And nobody has said, 'No, it's not going to happen.'"  (November 4, 09) Rochester City Newspaper [more on Water Quality in our area]
• President Obama quietly signs landmark Great Lakes cleanup bill | OPEN: Ohio Politics - cleveland.com - - cleveland.com Without fanfare, President Barack Obama has okayed a large cash infusion to help clean up the Great Lakes, quietly signing a bill that was years in the making and marks a rare bipartisan milestone. (November 2, 09) Cleveland OH Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - cleveland.com [more on Great Lakes]
• Tear down mental walls on climate, German chancellor says | McClatchy WASHINGTON — German Chancellor Angela Merkel made an impassioned plea Tuesday to a joint session of Congress to work together on efforts to curb global warming and to help forge a binding climate-change deal at an international meeting next month.  (November 3, 2009) McClatchy | Homepage [more on Climate Change in our area]
• Common Pain Relievers May Dilute Power of Flu Shots | Reuters ROCHESTER, N.Y., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With flu vaccination season in full swing, research from the University of Rochester Medical Center cautions that use of many common pain killers -- Advil, Tylenol, aspirin -- at the time of injection may blunt the effect of the shot and have a negative effect on the immune system. (November 3, 2009) Reuters.com - World News, Financial News, Breaking US & International News [more on Environmental Health]
• America's Most Toxic Cities - Forbes.com Poor air quality, lack of clean water and a high rate of superfund sites make these metros most contaminated. In Atlanta, Ga., you'll find southern gentility, a world-class music scene--and 21,000 tons of environmental waste. In spite of its charms, the city's combination of air pollution, contaminated land and atmospheric chemicals makes it the most toxic city in the country. Click here to for an interactive chart to see how your city ranks.  (November 2, 09)  Forbes.com - Business News, Financial News, Stock Market Analysis, Technology & Global Headline News
• 15,000 reasons to worry about state's lakes - JSOnline The natives of the Caspian Sea region first turned up in North America in the summer of 1988, thanks to overseas freighters' longstanding - and ongoing - practice of dumping their contaminated ballast water in the Great Lakes, which are now home to more than 185 non-native species. (November 2, 09) Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Breaking news, sports, business, watchdog journalism, multimedia [more on Great Lakes]
• University of Rochester Professor Riccardo Betti advises Congress on Future of Fusion : University of Rochester News University of Rochester mechanical engineering Professor Riccardo Betti testified before Congress Thursday morning, touting recent achievements on the path to making fusion (the process by which the sun and other stars create energy) a reliable, plentiful, and efficient source of energy, and emphasizing the importance of the government's continued support of fusion research.  (November 2, 09) University of Rochester: News [more on Energy in our area]
• Feeling stressed? Take a walk in the woods | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Are we better people when we stop to smell the roses? Yes. Indeed, a walk in the woods or an hour tending the garden can also help us better appreciate our relationships and our community, even to be more generous. New research conducted at the University of Rochester and co-authored by Richard Ryan, professor of psychology, psychiatry and education, involved four separate studies in which subjects were exposed to man-made or natural settings. In three studies, subjects were shown four images for two minutes each; half saw buildings, roads and other cityscapes, the others saw landscapes, lakes and deserts. In a fourth study, participants were randomly assigned to work in a lab with or without plants. (November 2, 09)[more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Toxic gas scare in Ontario County | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and ChronicleThe combination of a dead body and possibly toxic chemicals found inside a parked car prompted the evacuation of homes in a half-mile radius of a park in Ontario County Monday evening.  (November 2, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Contaminated beef traced to western N.Y. | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle ROCHESTER — Contaminated fresh ground beef caused a possible E. coli outbreak that killed two people and sent 16 others to hospitals, federal health officials said Monday.  (November 2, 09)  [more on Food & Environment in our area]
• Dairy Power Summit calls for affordable methane digesters | CNY Farms Blog - syracuse.com Salina, NY -- Officials have to tap grants from the federal and state governments and work with power utilities to get more methane digesters onto New York dairy farms. (October 29, 09)  [more on Green Business in our area]
• Health Issues Follow Natural Gas Drilling In Texas : NPR Vast new natural gas fields have opened up thanks to an advanced drilling technique. While natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel than coal or petroleum, extracting it is still hard, dirty work. Some people who live near the massive Barnett Shale gas deposit in north Texas, have complaints. Health and environmental concerns are prompting state regulators to take a closer look. (November 2, 09) Morning Edition : NPR [more on Energy in our area]
• DEC Commissioner Announces Initiative to Update Clean Water Funding Programs - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Goal: Modernize Scoring System and Promote Asset Management New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced that the agency will update the system used to score applications for clean water infrastructure loans. The changes will provide communities with more incentives for employing land use planning and asset management planning. "The state's clean water loan program provides much needed assistance to New York's communities," Commissioner Grannis said. "To make this even better, we need to improve the system used to prioritize applications to maximize the benefits of these loans." (November 2, 09) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Water Quality in our area]
• Beetles brought in to Lansing to battle hemlock-killing infestation | stargazette.com | Star-Gazette Defenders released at Cornell site | There's a new predator prowling the woods around Cayuga Lake. It's a bit smaller than an apple seed, so hikers need not worry, but the tiny beetle Laricobius nigrinus could be a savior for the area's hemlock trees.  (October 29, 09) stargazette.com | Star-Gazette | Elmira news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Elmira, New York [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• Water bottle deposit begins calmly | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle As the first stores started implementing New York state's new 5-cent deposit for some bottled water Saturday morning, local retailers said they heard little grumbling from customers. (November 1, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Recycling in our area]
• Penfield buys 2.5-acre parcel | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The town of Penfield recently purchased a 2.5-acre parcel on Irondequoit Bay as part of its open space initiative. (November 2, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Urban Sprawl  in our area]
• Stimulus funds to pay for Webster upgrades | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle A $154,400 grant included in the federal economic stimulus program could help save energy and make the walk to school a little safer for some Webster Central School District students. (November 2, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Green Business in our area]