August 2008 News

• Renewable Energy Blows Into U of R - It's a resource you can't see or smell. Wind may be invisible but it's powering all U of R's dormitories. (Aug 30, 08) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
• Three additional mosquito samples test positive on Long Island SUFFOLK COUNTY - The New York State Department of Health has notified Suffolk County that two additional mosquito samples collected in Riverhead have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus; and an additional mosquito pool from Commack tested positive for West Nile virus. All samples were collected between August 5th and 15th. (Aug 31, 08) (Sept 1, 08) New York State News on the Net!
• EEE Found in bird-biting mosquitoes in Oswego County OSWEGO - Dr. Dennis Norfleet, Interim Public Health Director for the Oswego County Health Department, announced that the Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus was found in a pool of mosquitoes collected near the Toad Harbor Swamp in West Monroe. The virus has only been found in the type of mosquitoes that bite birds, not in mosquitoes that feed on humans or mammals, said Dr. Norfleet. (Sept 1, 08) New York State News on the Net!
• GoErie.com: Sierra Club opposes plant Group issues statement citing Port Erie Power's health hazards - Clean power or major polluter? Job creator or health threat? The debate over those questions has raged for almost a year and a half since plans were unveiled for a massive tires-to-energy plant in east Erie. In recent weeks, the debate over plans for Port Erie Power has only grown. The Lake Erie Group of the Sierra Club is the latest group to state its opposition to the plant. (Aug 31, 08) GoErie.com
• DEC Launches New Web Page for Marcellus Shale Info - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Features Details About Drilling, Leasing; Links to Database As landowners and municipal officials continue to seek information about possible horizontal drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale formation, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has launched a new Web page designed to provide details about drilling processes, leasing, federal and state laws, links to relevant sites, and the upcoming review of potential environmental impacts. The new page named Marcellus Shale can be found at DEC's website. "As drilling companies seek to secure leases around the Southern Tier and Catskill Foothills, New Yorkers are raising questions about this potential new activity. And they need accurate information," said DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis. "This new Web page - which will be regularly updated - will provide a fact-based resource about Marcellus Shale exploration and the environmental review." (Aug. 28, 08) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
• Inside Ethanol You may have noticed something different at the gas pumps, the last time you filled up. More service stations are selling gasoline combined with ethanol. It's called E-10 and can be used in any car. (Aug. 29, 08) RochesterHomePage.net
• Case of Possible Bat Rabies Exposure Highlights Need for Greater Public Awareness Tompkins County Seeks Individual for Post-Exposure Treatment After Bat Tests Positive for Rabies ALBANY, NY (Aug 28, 2008) – State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., today urged all New Yorkers to know how to prevent rabies exposure and respond in the event of a possible rabies exposure following a search this week for a man who handled a bat that later tested positive for rabies. Testing conducted at the State Health (Aug 28, 08) New York State Department of Health
• Three additional Long Island mosquito samples test positive for West Nile virus HAUPPAUGE - The New York State Department of Health has notified Suffolk County that three additional mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. All samples were collected between August 13 and 14. (Aug. 29,08 ) New York State News on the Net!
• Possible bat rabies exposure highlights need for greater public awareness ALBANY – State Health Commissioner Dr. Richard Daines, Thursday urged all New Yorkers to know how to prevent rabies exposure and respond in the event of a possible rabies exposure following a search this week for a man who handled a bat that later tested positive for rabies. (Aug. 29, 08) New York State News on the Net!
• Rochester-area motorists not satisfied with lower gas prices | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Don't look now; you might jinx it. But gas prices are well on their way back down. The average price of a gallon of regular in the Rochester area dropped to $3.86 on Thursday, 39 cents below the record reached last month. (Aug 29, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• Local Restaurant Going Green - Going green when dining out – and we're not talking about just being a vegetarian. Reducing our carbon footprint has become such a consideration that restaurateurs are trying to pick up on it. (Aug 26, 08) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
• Will Thirsty States Get Great Lakes Water? | Water | AlterNet | A new compact protecting the Great Lakes is set to pass Congress, but there are a few green critics with serious concerns. | For 25 years, residents around the Great Lakes have worried that thirstier regions (or even countries) would make designs on their water. The lakes' bounty as the single largest freshwater source in the world (holding 18 percent of the Earth's available surface freshwater) has inspired the eight surrounding states to try to formulate a legal shield ensuring their water stays in their own backyards. (Aug. 26, 08)  AlterNet
• CUOMO REACHES LANDMARK AGREEMENT WITH MAJOR ENERGY COMPANY, XCEL ENERGY, TO REQUIRE DISCLOSURE OF FINANCIAL RISKS OF CLIMATE CHANGE TO INVESTORS First-Ever Binding and Enforceable Agreement Requiring a Company to Detail Financial Liabilities Related to Climate Change | Xcel Energy is One of Nation’s Largest Utility Emitters of Carbon Dioxide | NEW YORK, NY (August 27, 2008) - Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the first-ever binding and enforceable agreement requiring a major national energy company to disclose the financial risks that climate change poses to its investors. Cuomo’s agreement with Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) (“Xcel”) comes as many power companies, including Xcel, are investing in new coal-burning power generation that will significantly contribute to global warming emissions. - Office of New York State Attorney General Andrew M Cuomo
• Monroe County Opens Alternative Fuels Station | ROCHESTER, NY (2008-08-21) About ten percent of Monroe County's cars and trucks are already "green vehicles," and the county plans to go all-green by 2012.(Aug. 26, 08) http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wxxi/news.newsmain
• Fill ‘er up — with hydrogen - Rochester, NY - MPNnow The hydrogen highway now includes another pit stop in Monroe County. The county, Rochester Institute of Technology and General Motors representatives officially announced the opening of the Green Fuel Station Aug. 21 on Scottsville Road, near the Greater Rochester International Airport. (Aug. 26, 08) - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
• Governor Paterson Calls on Federal Government to Assist New York's Municipalities in Maintaining the State's Rivers, Lakes and Streams - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation | Steep Decline in Federal Aid Creates Looming Crisis for Water Infrastructure Statewide; More Than $50 Billion in Repairs and Upgrades Are Needed Over the Next 20 Years; Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Named as Co-Chair of New Clean Water Collaborative | Governor David A. Paterson today announced the formation of an environmental and government collaborative to help tackle a looming water infrastructure crisis facing New York State. The Clean Water Collaborative will focus on funding solutions for the state's mounting waste water and drinking water infrastructure needs. Due to decreasing federal aid, New York communities will have to spend in excess of $50 billion over the next 20 years to make required upgrades to meet federal requirements. (Aug 14, 08) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
• DEC: Water crisis looms NEW YORK STATE — Saying the state is facing a looming water infrastructure crisis, Gov. David Paterson has formed a task force, called the New Clean Water Collaborative, to press the federal government for funding to make needed repairs and upgrades. (Aug. 24, 08) The Daily Gazette - Schenectady, NY
• Wind Energy Powers Residential Buildings on River Campus | University of Rochester Announces Initiative as Part of Sustainable Practices | This fall, when University of Rochester students switch on their lights or watch TV, they will contribute to a cleaner environment because 100 percent of the electricity used in residential life buildings on the River Campus is now offset with wind energy. (Aug 25, 08) University of Rochester: News
• Penfield Green Initiative seeks public input | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The Penfield Green Initiative will host a public meeting on Sept. 8 to give town residents an opportunity to share their feelings about issues important to their neighborhoods. (Aug. 26, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• New York's Communities Compete for Best Tasting Water at New York State Fair Group 1: 12:30 p.m. South Otselic Water District (Chenango County) Monroe County Water Authority (Monroe County) Bethpage Water District (Nassau County) Village of Pulaski (Oswego County) Town of Rotterdam (Schenectady County | Albany, NY (Aug. 25, 2008) - Ten municipalities will square off in the championship of the 2008 New York State Water Taste Test to determine the best tasting drinking water in New York on Tuesday, August 26, at the New York State Fair in Syracuse. This popular, nonscientific competition cosponsored by the New York State Department of Health and the New York Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), will take place at 12:30 p.m. behind the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation booth (the Aquarium Building) on the fairgrounds. Results will be available at approximately 3:45 p.m. Tuesday. | Group 1: 12:30 p.m. South Otselic Water District (Chenango County) Monroe County Water Authority (Monroe County) Bethpage Water District (Nassau County) Village of Pulaski (Oswego County) Town of Rotterdam (Schenectady County 
• CUOMO FILES LAWSUIT TO FORCE BUSH EPA TO CONTROL GLOBAL WARMING POLLUTION FROM BIG OIL REFINERIES Cuomos Coalition of Twelve States, the District of Columbia, and the City of New York Sues EPA for Refusing to Adopt Pollution Controls, Violating Clean Air Act ~ Todays Action is the Latest Front in New Yorks Effort to Fight Global Warming | NEW YORK, NY (August 25, 2008) - Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced he is suing the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for failing to adopt regulations that control emissions of global warming pollution from oil refineries. Cuomo is leading a group of twelve states, the District of Columbia, and the City of New York in a suit that challenges the EPAs refusal to require new or renovated oil refineries to install technologies that control global warming pollution, in violation of the Clean Air Act. (Aug 25, 08) Office of New York State Attorney General Andrew M Cuomo
• AG files lawsuit to force EPA to control oil refinery pollution | NEW YORK - Attorney General Andrew Cuomo Monday announced he is suing the federal Environmental Protection Agency for failing to adopt regulations that control what it claims are emissions of global warming pollution from oil refineries. Cuomo is leading a group of 12 states, the District of Columbia, and the City of New York in a suit that challenges the EPAs refusal to require new or renovated oil refineries to install technologies that control global warming pollution, in violation of the Clean Air Act. (Aug. 26, 08) New York State News on the Net!
• Drilling Boom Revives Hopes for Natural Gas - NYTimes.com HOUSTON — American natural gas production is rising at a clip not seen in half a century, pushing down prices of the fuel and reversing conventional wisdom that domestic gas fields were in irreversible decline. (Aug. 25, 08) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia
• Bill seeks uniform gas prices in New York | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle ALBANY — Gasoline prices are coming down, and lawmakers hope that a bill they passed earlier this month will lower them further, especially in affluent areas. But oil companies warn that if Gov. David Paterson signs the measure, it could have the opposite effect. (Aug. 26, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• Binghamton Regional Sustainability Coalition to discuss gas drilling and local food systems | BINGHAMTON – The Binghamton Regional Sustainability Coalition welcomes interested parties to their action meeting on Thursday August 28, to discuss gas drilling and local food systems. The meeting will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Tabernacle United Methodist Church at 83 Main Street, Binghamton. (Aug 25, 08) New York State News on the Net!
• State, local waters plagued by potentially harmful bacteria | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle At the edges of two small ponds in a Greece subdivision are two pairs of small signs nailed to posts. "WARNING," two of the signs read. "Avoid contact with water. Do not allow pets to drink from pond." (Aug 25, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• Go Green - P2I at RIT In Go Green news, the promise of P2I. P2I stands for the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute, hosted by RIT. An open house was held there Friday. (Aug 23, 08) GoGreen
• Green Fuel Station One of Few in Nation - 13WHAM.com (Rochester, N.Y.) - As governments try to figure out ways to spend fewer of your tax dollars, more leaders are looking at cars. Thursday, Monroe County showed off a brand new green fueling station, complete with different types of alternative energy. (Aug. 21, 08) Local News - 13WHAM.com
• Pollutants a concern in lake development - Rochester, NY - MPNnow In a keynote at the annual meeting on Saturday for the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Alliance, Dr. Thomas Drennen, environmental economist, warned members that development must be balanced with preservation on Canandaigua Lake to avoid what he calls a tipping point. (Aug 24, 08) - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
• New York State Unveils New Pollution Prevention Institute; Green Manufacturing Center Showcased at Open House Hosted by Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner ROCHESTER, N.Y., Aug. 22 (AScribe Newswire) -- Pete Grannis, Commissioner of New York's Department of Environmental Conservation, hosted an open house today at Rochester Institute of Technology, showcasing the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute, also known as NYSP2I. This new institute intends to help New York state businesses be more sustainable by applying cleaner production and product stewardship practices. These practices have proven to reduce environmental impact, while enhancing the economic viability of industry. The open house included technology demonstrations of pollution prevention methods being developed by the institute AScribe - The Public Interest Newswire
• Lake Ontario coastal water under siege | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle After the Great Lakes cleanup of the 1970s, pollution levels plummeted, fish began to thrive and algae receded to a minor annoyance. But three decades after that massive, multibillion-dollar cleanup, the waters of four of the five Great Lakes are once again plagued by smelly, slimy algae. (Aug. 24, 08) school, is now considered by the city to be too contaminated to consider buying. (Aug 22, 08)  democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• We have seen the wind New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg isn't crazy, but he is creative, in a way that policy-makers elsewhere might want to try emulating. (Aug 22, 08) Ottawa Citizen
• Vapors end deal for new School 54 | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle A defunct Rochester charter school located in the former Mapledale Party House, once eyed by the city as a possible site for a public school, is now considered by the city to be too contaminated to consider buying. (Aug 22, 08)  democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• MAYOR ROBERT J. DUFFY STATEMENT REGARDING GOV. PATERSON'S APPOINTMENT OF DENNIS MULLEN AS ESD UPSTATE PRESIDENT I was pleased to learn that Governor Paterson nominated Dennis Mullen, president and CEO of the Greater Rochester Enterprise Inc., as Upstate President of Empire State Development Corp. (ESD). Dennis has been a tremendous advocate for upstate, working with his team to attract new businesses to the area and enhancing the Rochester region’s profile as a leader in alternative energy, biotechnology, optics and food and beverage manufacturing. (Aub 22, 08) Welcome to the City of Rochester
• Ginna Shows Off New Training Center - Last month, the National Guard and New York State Police were pulled from their long, post-September 11 security detail outside Ginna nuclear power plant in Ontario. Now, those who protect the plant have some new help to get the job done. R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
• Bloomberg Proposes Wind Power for NYC - 13WHAM.com New York (AP) - The way Mayor Michael Bloomberg sees it, windmills should be sprouting atop buildings and bridges across New York City over the coming years. (Aug 21, 08) Local News - 13WHAM.com
• www.News10NBC.com - Monroe County unveils new "green" fueling station Monroe County is one giant step closer to becoming all green after unveiling it new fueling station this morning. Filling up a hydrogen powered vehicle at a hydrogen fuelling station. A glimpse of the future for many Americans and a new reality for Monroe County. (Aug 21, 08) www.News10NBC.com - Rochester, NY News, Weather, Sports, Health, Investigative, Entertainment
• Canandaigua residents uneasy about $140M lakeshore development project | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle CANANDAIGUA — The uneasiness felt by many of the 45 residents who showed up at Thursday's City Council committee meeting was evident from the start. (Aug 22, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• County opens alternative fuels depot | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Monroe County opened a revamped fuel station today to service its alternative fuel fleet. The green station, located on Scottsville Road, is equipped with pumps dispensing hydrogen fuel, both E-85 and E-20 ethanol blends and B-20 biodiesel fuel. (Aug 22, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• Ginna Training Center Completed - 13WHAM.com (Rochester, N.Y.) - A $2 million project to help keep the Ginna Nuclear Power Plant safe is finally finished. (Aug 20, 08) - 13WHAM.com
• Irondequoit Bay outlet dredging to start - Rochester, NY - MPNnow Congressman Jim Walsh, R, Syracuse, who’s district includes all or portions of the Monroe County towns of Irondequoit, Webster and Penfield, said Tuesday that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, is scheduled to dredge the Irondequoit Bay Outlet by contract later this week. (Aug 21, 08)- Rochester, NY - MPNnow
• Bloomberg wind proposal “worth studying,” says New York AREA - NEW YORK - New York Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance (New York AREA) Chairman Jerry Kremer Wednesday said New York City Mayor Bloomberg’s proposed windmill power plan for New York City is “one worth studying.” (Aug 21, 08) New York State News on the Net!
• New York DOT contracts SYSTRA to help develop state's rail transportation plan New York DOT contracts SYSTRA to help develop state's rail transportation plan In fall, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) plans to launch a study of train operations and rail infrastructure needs in the western portion of the Empire Corridor. (Aug 21, 08)  Progressive Railroading | The Rail Professionals' Information Source
• Experts see offshore windmills as an energy solution - WASHINGTON -- Picture 400 super-size windmills spinning in a steady, stiff ocean breeze miles off the coasts of California, New England, the mid-Atlantic, Washington state, the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. (Aug 19, 08) The Bellingham Herald: Your Local News Source for Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale and Whatcom County Washington
• CENTRAL LIBRARY PRESENTS "WATER SCARCITY IN THE GREAT LAKES" Wayne Howard will present “Water Scarcity in the Great Lakes--Is the World’s Water Supply a Public Right or a Commodity?” at the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County at Noon on Thursday, August 28. The presentation and discussion will be held in the Kate Gleason Auditorium of the Bausch and Lomb Public Library Building at 115 South Avenue. Wayne Howard is both the Sierra Club Great Lakes Committee Chair of the Rochester Regional Group and of the New York State Atlantic Chapter. His local committee has been active working with the Healing Our Waters (HOW) Coalition to help garner support for meaningful Great Lakes legislation. Their focus is legislative advocacy and education on issues including the Great Lakes, water quality and water privatization. Wayne and his wife, Sally, live in Henrietta and operate their own environmental and computer consulting business, Solara Concepts. (8/20/08) Welcome to the City of Rochester
• Making a difference - Rochester, NY - MPNnow In a time where most traditional sources of energy are becoming more expensive, companies are looking for alternative energy solutions. A newly founded company, Emergent Energy Group, provides alternative energy consulting and development, focusing on wind, solar and other renewable energy sources. (Aug 19, 08) - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
• JS Online: Action on protective laws ever likelier Congress, president, candidates pledge support for compact - A seven-year push by the region’s governors to build a legal dike around the world’s largest freshwater system almost died in Madison in February. The Great Lakes Compact to protect the region’s water from being pumped away to thirsty states had passed three state legislatures and the Wisconsin Senate. But a handful of Wisconsin Assembly leaders — fretting that the compact might hamper Wisconsin’s ability to pipe Lake Michigan water to Waukesha County and other booming areas — tried to essentially derail the measure by refusing to bring it to a vote before the Legislature adjourned for the year. (Aug 16, 08) http://www.jsonline.com/
• Prospects improved for expansion of state bottle bill | theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal It's no easy feat: Since the state first started tacking a nickel onto carbonated beverage bottles in 1982, the call for a “bigger, better bottle bill” has been an annual event. It's never gone anywhere, crushed by heavy-duty lobbying. (Aug 18, 08) theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal | Ithaca news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Ithaca, NY
• Plan to control air pollution costs at least $120M | stargazette.com | Star-Gazette Cost is for New York's participation in group to cut greenhouse gases. (Aug 18, 08) stargazette.com | Star-Gazette | Elmira news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Elmira, NY
• West Nile mosquitoes up in Big Apple - NEW YORK - The Health Department Wednesday reported that a growing number of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus since mid-June – prompting a reminder to New Yorkers to take steps to avoid contracting the illness. (Aug 18, 08) New York State News on the Net!
• In Rural New York, Windmills Can Bring Whiff of Corruption - NYTimes.com Lured by state subsidies and buoyed by high oil prices, the wind industry has arrived in force in upstate New York, promising to bring jobs, tax revenue and cutting-edge energy to the long-struggling region. But in town after town, some residents say, the companies have delivered something else: an epidemic of corruption and intimidation, as they rush to acquire enough land to make the wind farms a reality. (Aug 17, 08) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia###
• EPA Funds West Nile Virus Research at Rutgers | Newsroom | US EPA (New York, N.Y.) Rutgers University’s Cook Campus is buzzing with the news of a recent $750,000 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant that will fund important and innovative research about biodiversity and West Nile Virus. Biodiversity, or the amount and variety of plants and animals in a geographic region, has become a major topic of interest in recent years. A group of investigators at Rutgers is researching the link between biodiversity and this potentially deadly virus in hopes that their findings will help save lives in the near future. The Rutgers researchers are collaborating with members of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Audubon Society to find an integrated understanding about this illness. (July 31, 08) News Releases from Region 2 | Newsroom | US EPA
• Green Living - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Ideas, tips and resources for making environmentally responsible choices in your daily life  Bookmark this page and check the "10 Things" list below for seasonally updated actions you can take to live greener right now! 10 Things You Can Do to Help The Environment Right Now - Gas Saving Tips:How to get the most out of every gallon of gas, reduce air pollution and cut greenhouse gases Motor vehicles are the single largest contributor to ground-level ozone. Vehicles also emit greenhouse gases and pollutants that form smog.  New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
• Web Page Provides Updates on State Green Procurement Efforts - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation New York Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner John C. Egan and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced the launch of a web page that provides the public information on the activities of the Interagency Committee for Sustainability and Green Procurement. The committee was established as part of Executive Order Number 4, which was signed on April 25, 2008 by Governor David A. Paterson. (Aug 14, 08) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
• MPNnow Officials not standing idly by as fuel prices soar RSS Governments are looking for cheaper ways to get around. In Rochester, Mayor Robert Duffy turned in his city-issued Chevy Trailblazer to lease — with his own money — a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle to take to ribbon-cuttings, parades and budget meetings. (Aug 17, 08) - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
• Friends find wind power makes for good business - Part of the initial challenge was finding a location where they could grow. The team settled on New York because of Gov. George Pataki's support of the renewable portfolio standard (RPS), a regulatory policy requiring increased production of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal energies. (Aug 14, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Rochester RocEarth | Democrat and Chronicle
• Testing energy policy -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY ALBANY - The Public Service Commission is meeting this week to consider Iberdrola SA's $4.5 billion acquisition of Energy East Corp., and its eventual vote on the matter later this month may test one of the state's long-standing energy policies. One of the most contentious issues in the merger of the two utilities is whether Iberdrola, which is based in Spain, should be allowed to own electricity-generating wind farms in New York. (Aug 17, 08) Albany NY News - Times Union - Serving Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy
• New York electricity users may get zapped for $120M | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle A new regulation taking effect this year will cost electricity customers about $120 million annually, according to the state agency responsible for overseeing how the money is spent. (Aug 16, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• Baykeeper urges IJC to act as climate change blamed for low water levels - Climate change is contributing to the lower water levels in the Great Lakes, a member of the International Upper Great Lakes Study's public interest advisory group said Monday. (Aug 15, 08) Midland Free Press - Ontario, CA
• Schumer calls for federal investigation into energy trading scam -WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer Tuesday called on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission immediately conduct an investigation into what he called “an energy trading scam that allowed players in New York State’s energy markets to reap huge profits while passing on sky-high costs to consumers and municipalities.” (Aug 16, 08) New York State News on the Net!
• Fuel Tanks Here May be Leaking by The Associated Press File photo Published Aug 13, 2008 WASHINGTON, D.C. hundreds of government-owned underground fuel tanks across the country including Rochester, may be leaking hazardous substances which could contaminate ground water. R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
• ENERGY: New York's future: A wind superpower? - News & Opinion - Rochester City Newspaper The promised investment is staggering: Iberdrola says that if it is allowed to merge with Energy East, parent company of RG&E and NYSEG, it will invest $2 billion in wind power across the state.  (Aug 12, 08) Rochester City Newspaper
• 39 Hamlin residents sue town over wind farm law | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle More than three dozen Hamlin residents are suing the town over a new law regulating the development of wind farms. The Hamlin Preservation Group and 39 town residents filed a lawsuit Tuesday in state Supreme Court against the law, claiming it will allow electricity-generating wind turbines that will ruin Hamlin's rural nature and environment. (Aug 15, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• Hamlin residents sue town to block wind farm plans | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The Hamlin Preservation Group and 39 town residents filed a lawsuit Tuesday in state Supreme Court against the law, claiming it will ruin Hamlin’s rural nature and environment. (Aug 15, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• Suspected human West Nile virus case found in Suffolk County - HAUPPAUGE - Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services Dr. Humayun Chaudhry announced the first suspected human case of West Nile virus in Suffolk County this year. This is the first human case found in the county since 2006. (Aug 15, 08) New York State News on the Net!
• VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP CLEAN STREAMS, SHORELINES, GENESEE RIVER & LAKE ONTARIO The City, County, local businesses and community members will host the 16th Annual International Coastal Cleanup, 9 a.m., Sat. Sept. 20, when volunteers will pick up litter along area streams and shorelines of the Genesee River and Lake Ontario. Volunteers are needed to work along Hamlin Beach, Durand Eastman beach, Ontario Beach Park, Webster Park, Braddock Bay park, and Irondequoit Bay. Last year, more 400 volunteers worked in teams to record the types and amount of trash found and collected and disposed of more than 4,000 pounds of debris from 47 miles of shoreline. This data is entered into a national database maintained by the American Littoral Society, Northeast Chapter, which can be found at: www.alsnyc.org . --Welcome to the City of Rochester
• Can organics work? - Rochester, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. - (Aug 12, 08) - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
• www.News10NBC.com - RTS fares drop Starting September 1 it will only cost you $1 to ride a RTS bus. (Aug 13, 08) www.News10NBC.com - Rochester, NY News, Weather, Sports, Health, Investigative, Entertainment
• www.News10NBC.com - Energy Act: A political issue and a campaign issue While Americans continue to talk about the price of gas, there is potential progress on the stalled Energy Act in Washington. Congressional Republicans are pushing for a vote - something they hope will further ease gasoline prices, but House Speaker and Democrat Nancy Pelosi effectively blocked a vote 11 days ago by sending Congress home for a five week vacation. (Aug 13, 08) www.News10NBC.com - Rochester, NY News, Weather, Sports, Health, Investigative, Entertainment
• Power industry group sees big electricity rate hikes for New Yorkers | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle ALBANY — A new state regulation designed to combat global warming could result in rate hikes of as much as 9 percent for consumers, a spokesman for an industry group said Tuesday. But the state Department of Environmental Conservation disagrees, saying the added cost will be "negligible." (Aug 13, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• Rochester's Healthy Home informs community of lead, other hazards | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle U.S. Rep. Louise Slaughter on Monday toured Rochester's Healthy Home, a hands-on museum designed to educate the community about home health risks, such as lead poisoning. (Aug 12, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• DEC Tells New Yorkers: Don't Flush Medications - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation A new initiative to help reduce the growing presence of pharmaceuticals in water bodies is being launched today by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Commissioner Pete Grannis announced. The "Don't Flush Your Drugs" campaign and website, http://www.dontflushyourdrugs.net/ , will help raise public awareness and provide information about how to dispose of medicines properly to help prevent problems with water quality in the future. - (Aug 8, 08) New York State Department of Health
• Land trust targets Canandaigua lake - Rochester, NY - MPNnow (Aug 10, 08) - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
• Naples backs windfarm opponent - Rochester, NY - MPNnow The Town Board recently agreed to collaborate on a letter to the state attorney general asking his office to intervene in a conflict between a Naples property owner and a company that plans to build a wind farm in Prattsburgh. (Aug 10, 08) - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
• GoErie.com: Lake Drilling Four-dollar-a-gallon gas and the prospects of sky-high winter heating bills made offshore drilling a hot issue in national politics this year. For months, the debate has focused on oil and natural gas reserves under the U.S. continental shelf -- areas off the East and West coasts that have long been off limits to oil and gas exploration. Now that debate is starting to focus on a shoreline closer to home -- Lake Erie's. (Aug 8, 08) GoErie.com
• Commissioner Daines Announces New Environmental Health Chief ALBANY, N.Y. (August 8, 2008) – State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., today announced that he has appointed Howard Freed, M.D. to serve as Director of the New York State Department of Health's Center for Environmental Health. (Aug 8, 08) New York State Department of Health
• Legislation to prevent lead poising in children passes in State Senate - ALBANY - The State Senate Friday gave final legislative approval to a bill sponsored by Senator Joseph Robach (R-C-I, Rochester), to establish the “Childhood Lead Poisoning Primary Prevention and Safe Housing Act” to encourage lead remediation and assist property owners and residents with removed lead hazards from their homes. (Aug 9-10, 08) New York State News on the Net!
• Lake County Journals - Fish disease spreading throughout Great Lakes Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia is a disease of fish caused by an aquatic virus previously unidentified in the Midwest. While it does not affect humans, VHS can kill a substantial number of fish and has been spreading throughout the Great Lakes. Although VHS has been confirmed in Lake Michigan, it has not spread to inland lakes. (Aug 6, 08) Lake County Journals
• Butterfly release set to happen in Greece | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The Seneca Park Zoo Butterfly Beltway Release Program will be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Greece Public Library, 2 Vince Tofany Blvd. (Aug 8, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• Lead-paint bill may pass Senate today | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle ALBANY — A long-debated bill between Rochester lawmakers on reducing the number of children poisoned by lead paint in New York is expected to be approved today when the Senate returns to the Capitol. (Aug., 8, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• Fox 44 - Burlington and Plattsburgh News, Weather and Sports - Fox44.net | Sen. Charles Schumer discusses issues plaguing Great Lakes  SODUS BAY, N.Y. (AP) - Senator Charles Schumer was in central New York yesterday to discuss issues affecting the Great Lakes, including invasive species, water quality problems and boating regulations. In Wayne County, Schumer pledged to assist local communities in their fight against invasive species such as the water chestnut. The pesky weed threatens the area's native species and clogs waterways for recreational boaters. (Aug 6, 08) Fox 44 - Burlington and Plattsburgh News, Weather and Sports - Fox44.net | Home
• Ash Borer's Not in New York Yet - ROCHESTER, NY (2008-08-06) The Cornell Cooperative Extension service says New York has a reprieve on the arrival of the Emerald Ash Borer, a pest that kills ash trees. (Aug 6, 08) WXXI Public Broadcasting Council
• Beach lovers don't let water quality issues cloud fun | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Ontario Beach Park and Durand-Eastman's beach, which was closed 19 percent of the time in 2007, are closed more frequently than other local beaches for varying reasons. The problem at Ontario Beach occurs because of its location at the mouth of the Genesee River, which brings runoff into the lake that carries bacteria and fertilizer, which promotes bacterial growth. A pier at the east end of the beach acts as a "catcher's mitt" for algae, said John Ricci of the Monroe County Health Department. Durand-Eastman has problems with bacteria from streams that empty in the swimming area. (Aug 6, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• www.News10NBC.com - Quiet on the lake It's painful enough to fill up the tank but what if you were burning hundreds of dollars of gas a day? That's the situation for some boaters. (Aug 5, 08) www.News10NBC.com - Rochester, NY News, Weather, Sports, Health, Investigative, Entertainment
• Home Depot lets you recycle long-lasting bulbs | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Compact fluorescent light bulbs use 75 percent less energy, last 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, and over time yield sizable energy savings. But getting rid of them when they no longer work has been problematic. (Aug 4, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• Tests: State winning battle against VHS - Efforts to stop the spread of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia appear to be paying off. (Aug 4, 08) http://www.wiba.com/main.html
• Governments hit the brakes on fleets as gas soars The mayor of Rochester, N.Y., is turning in his city-issued sport utility vehicle and buying a smaller car he can take to ribbon-cuttings, parades and budget meetings. (Aug 4, 08) BusinessWeek - Business News, Stock Market & Financial Advice
• Environmentalists seek tougher state pollution standards | pressconnects.com | Press & Sun-Bulletin Groups cite brownfield chemical levels - ALBANY -- The state's cleanup standards for chemicals commonly found at polluted sites known as brownfields are weaker than federal government laws and should be strengthened, environmental groups claimed Monday. A lot of brownfields sites that are upstate -- especially in Rochester, Utica, Buffalo and Syracuse -- are next to residential neighborhoods, so particular care should be taken for health and safety, the groups said. (Aug 5, 08) pressconnects.com | Press & Sun-Bulletin | Binghamton news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Binghamton, New York
• Researchers say global warming could cost Ohio billions of dollars - Ohio could lose billions of dollars in the shipping, tourism and recreation industries in coming decades if global warming continues unabated, researchers at the University of Maryland contend. (July 25, 08) cleveland.com: Everything Cleveland
• More fuel-efficient scooters are hitting the road | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Move over, Toyota Prius. There's a new mpg king in town. As gas prices continue to weigh on people's minds and pocketbooks, many have found an alternative to their car or truck: the motor scooter. (Aug 04, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• Coyotes in Webster, Greece? Read all about it | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Experts say just as we have learned to live with moles, voles, woodchucks, raccoons, rabbits and deer, the short answer to the coyote issue is that suburban New Yorkers will have to learn to exist peaceably with another wildlife creature. (Aug 4, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
• Schumer seeks incentives for school districts to buy hybrid buses - WASHINGTON - As Upstate New York school districts gear up to welcome students back in just a few weeks and face the increased cost of fuel to transport them on buses, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer Wednesday announced a plan to help school transportation become more fuel efficient by alleviating some of the upfront cost burden of purchasing hybrid buses, which get significantly better gas mileage than a standard yellow bus. (Aug 4, 08) New York State News on the Net!
• ENVIRONMENT: Great Lakes pact advances - News & Opinion - Rochester City Newspaper The State Senate has passed a multi-state, international compact that restricts the transfer of water from the Great Lakes Basin.  (Aug 1, 08) Rochester City Newspaper
• www.News10NBC.com - Earth on Strike - a green musical Are they actors or activists? You'll find a little of both

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