Updates Feb - March 04

Daily Messages for February and March of 2004

• 3/31/04 -- What are you going to buy?  "Consumer Guide Details Ills and Alternatives for Common Products A free online consumer guide published in March by the Worldwatch Institute describes the environmental, social and health harms associated with a wide range of products, including appliances, baby products, DVDs, clothing, cell phones and food. The guide takes a "behind the scenes" look at how products are made, and offers simple advice and alternatives that enable people to reduce some of the ills associated with the things they buy. For each product, the guide also describes successful efforts by governments, businesses and nonprofit groups around the world to reduce negative impacts associated with common products. Read the guide: http://www.worldwatch.org/pubs/goodstuff --from Worldwatch Institute
• 3/31/04 -- How would Global Warming or Climate Change affect our area?  From the Union of Concerned Scientists  Check out the site Global Warming in the Great Lakes Region --especially Global Warming and New York   Get the "Impact on New York Communities and Ecosystems" (requires )  "The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is pleased to announce an expansion of our colorful, interactive web pages on climate change and the Great Lakes region: Great Lakes Communities and Ecosystems at Risk. We encourage you to explore these information-packed pages to learn about the projected impacts of climate change in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin."
• 3/29/04 -- The Footprint Press newsletter -  April 2004 Outdoor Newsletter  is out: Doggie Camp in Morris, NY - Eagle Cam Operational At Iroquois NWR by Dorothy Gerhart - International Migratory Bird Day in Rochester - Explore The Shore of Lake Ontario - Upper Susquehanna Coalition Looking for Assistance - Hike England - What a Good Idea! - Hear Ye, Hear Ye - Binghamton Area Outdoor Enthusiasts - Mushrooms Anyone? - Help Conserve Earth's Resources - Join Freecycle
• 3/29/04 -- Learn about an environmental group from across the waters: Welcome to the Toronto Environmental Alliance The Toronto Environmental Alliance was formed in 1988 in order to provide an activist voice to local Toronto issues. TEA's mandate is to promote a greener Toronto. Our vision of a healthy community is based on equity, access, safety and a clean environment. We work with concerned individuals, public health agencies, local governments and grassroots organizations in order to encourage the participation of Toronto citizens on local issues and to provide a forum for citizens to be heard on environmental issues. TEA focuses on six major campaign areas, where we work on a variety of projects and programs related to Smog and Climate Change, Urban Pesticides, Waste Reduction, Sustainable Transportation, Water, and Involving Youth.
• 3/29/04 -- One of the worst litter problems in any community is cigarette butts: CigaretteLitter.Org - The Facts About Cigarette Butts and Litter - Cigarette Litter CigaretteLitter.Org is an informal, non-profit organization dedicated to dramatically reducing cigarette litter across the United States. Our goal is to accomplish this task by raising public awareness of the issue and educating communities about the facts regarding cigarette litter. We want to form a network of smokers and non-smokers, individuals and businesses, non-profit and government organizations, local police and fire departments, and anyone else who shares our goal of a national landscape free of cigarette litter.
• 3/28/04 --**EVENT** Next Road Cleanup Day in Honeoye, April 24, 2004 -- One of the most comprehensive and effective road cleanups in the Rochester area: More than three tons of trash were removed from Honeoye-area roads Saturday April 26, 2003 thanks to all the folks who helped with the Honeoye Valley Association's ninth annual roadside cleanup day. Here’s what those big Richmond and Canadice town trucks hauled away after the cleanup: Two full trucks of ordinary litter (beer and soft-drink cans and bottles, fast-food containers, paper scraps, old plastic bags . . . you name it. A truck-full of 57 old tires  A truck-full of scrap metal -- from Honeoye Valley Association ( http://www.hvaweb.org/  ) The Honeoye Valley Association is a not-for-profit volunteer organization that works in a variety of ways to protect and preserve the environmental quality of the Honeoye Lake watershed.     
• 3/28/04 -- **EVENT** April 23, 2004 – Earth Day Celebration at the University of Rochester - Grassroots and their co-sponsors, Rochester Gas & Electric, and the City of Rochester’s Parks and Recreation Department will host a variety of activities in and around the Wilson Commons from Noon to 6PM. The goal is to educate campus and community members about the Earth and how we can work together to make it a better place.
• 3/28/04 -- **EVENT** Day Dreaming: Albany’s largest Earth Day event is Earth Day Lobby Day, scheduled this year for April 19. A coalition of groups, including EANY, NYPIRG, Citizens’ Environmental Coalition, Riverkeeper, Scenic Hudson, Federated Conservationists of Westchester County and Clearwater, have teamed up to bring citizens and students from around New York to the Capitol for a day of lobbying, learning and networking on the state’s most important environmental issues. Make plans now to attend. For more information, visit: www.eany.org/takeaction/earthday.html , or contact Laura DiBetta, EANY, at 518-462-5526 ext. 221 or edld@eany.org .
• 3/27/04 -- Don't miss the latest installment of the Green Sheet EANY - The Green Sheet for March - THE GREEN SHEET is produced monthly by Environmental Advocates of New York. The Green Sheet is a benefit of EANY membership. Free subscriptions are available via email and on the Web at: www.eany.org/publications/index.html Copy deadline is the 15th of each month. Send calendar events, action alerts & available publication information to: The Green Sheet,353 Hamilton Street , Albany, NY 12210 - Phone: 518.462.5526 - Fax: 518.427.0381 -Email submissions to: gsheet@eany.org  
• 3/27/04 -- Looking for a comprehensive guide to most of the environmental resources in New York State?  Go to the Office of New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer and check out this comprehensive list A Citizen’s Guide to Environmental Information in New York State.
• 3/27/04 -- Now what about that Energy Bill we've been hearing about?  Get the facts from NET.org >> The National Environmental Trust--NET.org >> SPECIAL REPORTS >> Energy Bill  2004 Revised Senate Energy Bill Cuts Energy Efficiency and Maintains Dozens of Environmentally Damaging Provisions Senate Republican leaders have a new plan to pass their controversial energy bill: eliminate the one environmental rollback that attracted the most opposition last year (a provision that would exempt the makers of the gasoline additive MTBE from lawsuits), and use budget tricks to make the bill's massive subsidies for the coal, oil, gas and nuclear industries seem more affordable. The Washington Post has called this plan "energy voodoo" that could result in an energy bill even worse than "last year's monstrosity" (Washington Post, "Energy Voodoo," February 8, 2004).
• 3/27/04 --**ACTION** Help save one of our most important Environmental Laws, critical in backing up our country's pledge to make our environment sustainable.  SaveTheEndangeredSpeciesAct.org  is a project of SaveOurEnvironment.org -- a collaborative effort of the nation's most influential environmental advocacy organizations harnessing the power of the internet to increase public awareness and activism on today's most important environmental issues.
• 3/26/04 -- In order to have a sustainable society, we need some guidance on how to consume responsibly.  Here's a site that may help: Center for a New American Dream The Center for a New American Dream helps Americans consume responsibly to protect the environment, enhance quality of life and promote social justice
• 3/26/04 -- **EVENT** from cecmike@choiceonemail.com  or 716-885-6848 - Attend an important DEC public meeting on Kodak this Monday at 7:00pm! *** This Monday March 29th, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is holding an important public meeting on Kodak’s Hazardous Waste permit, which allows Kodak to use, store, and burn millions of pounds of hazardous waste every year. The Bucket Brigade is calling for more air-monitoring in the neighborhoods around Kodak, and need you to attend Monday's meeting to send the DEC this message. This is your opportunity to ask the DEC any questions you have about odor and air pollution concerns in the neighborhood, Kodak's operations, emissions, health problems, etc. *This is taking place from 7-9 PM in the Kate Gleason Auditorium of the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, located at 115 South Avenue in the City of Rochester.* ** *Bucket Brigade Uncovers Dangerous Toxic Chemicals in Neighborhoods Bordering Kodak *** This important meeting is coming on the heels of recent air-monitoring sampling by the Bucket Brigade which found high levels of toxic chemicals in the neighborhoods bordering Kodak, including acrylonitrile 1,000 times above the DEC annual ambient air guideline. These results confirm Kodak neighbors’ worst fears – high levels of toxic chemicals are crossing the fenceline of Kodak Park and are entering the surrounding community. / “Citizen concerns in neighborhoods around Kodak Park should be respected”/ The Democrat and Chronicle editorial staff (January 19, 2004)* ** Comment on Kodak’s Hazardous Waste Permit and Attend a Public Hearing *** The Bucket Brigade is calling for more air-monitoring in the neighborhoods around Kodak, and need your help to send this message to the DEC by attending a critical public hearing on Kodak’s hazardous waste permit. *Join us at Monday's public meeting and an important public hearing on April 21, 2004 at 7:00 PM at the Holiday Inn Airport, 911 Brooks Avenue, Rochester NY. *The public also has the opportunity to submit written comments concerning the hazardous waste permit to the DEC by May 3^rd .Comments can be sent to: Mr. Peter A. Lent, Regional Permit Administrator, NYSDEC Region 8, 6274 East Avon-Lima Rd, Avon, New York 14414-9519 - Phone: (585) 226-5390 - palent@gw.dec.state.ny.us ** Learn More! ** A copy of a Fact Sheet is available on DEC’s website at www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dshm/hzwstman/kodakpfs.htm Copies of the Draft Permit and Fact Sheet are available to be reviewed at these locations in the City of Rochester: Maplewood Public Library, located at 1111 Dewey Avenue, Phone : 585-428-8220, Hours: M & W 1pm-8pm; T&Th 10am-8pm; F 1pm-6pm; S 12pm-5pm, and at Kodak’s Neighborhood Information Center, located at 200 Ridge Road West, Phone: 585-722-1707, Hours: M-F 9am-5pm. In addition, copies of the Draft Permit, the supporting Permit application, Building 218 incinerator trial burn and health risk assessment reports and the Fact Sheet are available for review at the DEC Central Office, Division of Solid & Hazardous Materials, 625, Broadway, 8th floor, Albany, NY 12233-7251, (contact person: James J. Lansing, (518) 402-8609); at the DEC Region 8 Office, 6274 East  Avon-Lima Rd., Avon, NY 14414-9519 (contact person: Peter A. Lent, (585)  226-5390). * ** Kodak Shareholders Speak Out – Join them!* **  On May 12th, Kodak shareholders will be voting on an important  shareholder resolution that could go a long way in protecting Rochester’s air and water. The shareholder resolution, "Adopt a  Non-Toxic Chemicals Policy" calls on Kodak to phase out the use of  extremely toxic chemicals. *If you are a shareholder, please consider  voting in support of this vital resolution, and attend their annual  meeting on May 12, 2004 at 10:00am at the Theater on the Ridge in  Rochester.* Last year, shareholders owning over 10.5 million shares  voted in favor of this resolution. If you don't own stock, consider  attending a media event outside, co-sponsored by Metrojustice *(Jon,  this is correct, yes?)*, in support of the resolution and demonstrate a  need for cleaner air from Eastman Kodak.  *Please contact cecmike@choiceonemail.com  or 716-885-6848 for more  information about the DEC public hearing and shareholder meeting, fact  sheets, etc. *You can also visit www.kodakstoxiccolors.org  and  www.kandidcoalition.org  for additional information.
• 3/25/04 -- To learn more about the control of the cormorant population go to the NYS Department of Conservation's Management of Double-crested Cormorants to Protect Public Resources in New York Management of Double-crested Cormorants to Protect Public Resources in New York
  Summary of the Statement of Findings
• 3/25/04 --**Good/Bad Ideas**  Perhaps the way to save the fishing industry is not to devastate one species for the proliferation of another.  Maybe the solution is to curb pollution. State targeting waterfowl - ithacajournal.com ALBANY (AP) -- Empowered by new federal rules, the Pataki administration said Wednesday it will be more aggressive beginning this spring at controlling New York's flocks of double-crested cormorants, a hungry predatory waterfowl blamed in some areas for thinning fisheries favored by sportsmen. The state will step up the "oiling" of cormorant eggs to prevent their hatching, destroy more cormorant nests and increase "hazing" of nesting areas in spring and fall to try to prevent the birds from feeding on fish. The state will kill up to 600 of the birds where other methods fail to reduce overpopulations, said state Environmental Conservation Commissioner Erin Crotty. (March 25, 2004) theithacajournal.com - News and information for - Ithaca and Tompkins County, N.Y.
• 3/24/04 -- You would think that nuclear power would be a viable energy option because it does not add to global warming, but it isn't.  Find out why at ENN News Story - 25 years after Three Mile Island, concerns linger "Twenty-five years after a near-catastrophe at the Three Mile Island nuclear plant exposed lax safety practices, owners and regulators of the nation's aging fleet of 103 reactors still face nagging questions about their ability to prevent mishaps." --from Environmental News Network - ENN News
• 3/24/04 -- It's Spring!  Time to clean up and get ready for the warm weather.  Here's one way you and your group can help get our county ready for the good weather: The ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY program, a Monroe County Department of Transportation sponsored initiative, looks for community-minded companies, clubs, or organizations to signal their commitment to keeping Monroe County looking good by "adopting" stretches of highway and pledging to keep them litter-free.
• 3/23/04 -- Is there an asbestos epidemic in America?  Find out here: EWG | The Asbestos Epidemic in America  --from the Environmental Working Group - Working Group since 1993. Our team of scientists, engineers, policy experts, lawyers and computer programmers pores over government data, legal documents, scientific studies and our own laboratory tests to expose threats to your health and the environment, and to find solutions. Our research brings to light unsettling facts that you have a right to know. It shames and shakes up polluters and their lobbyists. It rattles politicians and shapes policy. It persuades bureaucracies to rethink science and strengthen regulation.
• 3/21/04 -- Spring is almost here.  If you are going to do some gardening, get some help from the experts Cornell Cooperative Extension's Cornell Gardening Resources
• 3/21/04 -- So, is Love Canal (one of the first and largest of this countries Superfund's sites ((and it's right next door)) cleaned up or not?  EPA thinks so: Environmental Protection Agency - Superfund - Love Canal  But, many activists don't think so: Buffalo News - Love Canal edges toward normalcy As Love Canal is taken off the federal Superfund list, disputes still rage over whether the area is fully detoxified - NIAGARA FALLS - For many former residents it was a nightmare, but for current residents it was a real estate bargain. It was the catalyst for the federal government's Superfund program, which has cleaned up more than 600 hazardous-waste sites nationwide since it was created in 1983 and now has an annual budget of $1.4 billion. And this week, 26 years after toxic sludge bubbled up in back yards and basements, the government declared Love Canal one of the cleanest neighborhoods in America - restored enough to be removed from the Superfund list. (March 21, 2004) The Buffalo News
• 3/21/04 -- Looking for one of the best Weather online Resources? National Weather Service : Zone Forecast : Monroe, New York
• 3/19/04 -- Backyard Burning: This is a major story and I trying to hunt down. As you may know the NYS Attorney General's report Stop Backyard Burning says that this practice is dangerous to the environment and finally backyard burning may be banned in New York State.  Check back to site for more details as they become available.  - ENN News Story - New York may join growing number of states banning backyard trash burns ALBANY, N.Y. — New York may join a growing number of states that ban the burning of household and farm trash in backyard barrels, as physicians and environmentalists argue the practice releases harmful toxins into the air. This year, the practice was banned in California and New Mexico. Trash burning already is prohibited by several Northeastern states including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Vermont. In an Assembly hearing last week, state health and environmental officials, physicians, and environmentalists said burning garbage in the relatively low temperatures of burn barrels spews toxins into the air. Physicians said that a byproduct of the burns includes dioxin, a possible cancer-causing agent. (March 19, 2004) Environmental News Network - ENN.com
• 3/19/04 -- Earth Day - it's coming and what are you going to do?  One site that may help you decide is Earth Day Network (EDN) Founded by the organizers of the first Earth Day in 1970, Earth Day Network (EDN) promotes environmental citizenship and year round progressive action worldwide. Our mission is to build broad-based citizen support for sound, workable and effective environmental and sustainable development policies for all. Earth Day Network is a driving force steering environmental awareness around the world. Through Earth Day Network, activists connect, interact, and impact their communities, and create positive change in local, national, and global policies. EDN's international network reaches over 12,000 organizations in 174 countries, while the domestic program keeps over 3,000 groups and over 100,000 educators coordinating millions of community development and environmental protection activities throughout the year. As a result, Earth Day is the only event celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities. More than a half billion people participate in our campaigns every year.
• 3/18/04 -- **ACTION** Stop the energy bill -from the WWF - US: World Wildlife Fund Go here to send a letter to your senators online Conservation Action Network
• 3/18/04 --**Good/Bad Ideas**  Being just across Ontario Lake, this solution to Canada's energy problem is not good or safe for the environment:  Future is nuclear, OPG told - Manley report embraces atomic energy as the way out of Ontario's power problem - Ontario must base its future power supply on nuclear energy and should start with a $600-million project to rebuild one of three mothballed reactors at Pickering A, according to a major report on the province's controversial electricity utility, Ontario Power Generation, that is to be released today. (March 18, 2004) globeandmail.com - Canada's best source for news continuously updated from The Globe and Mail
• 3/17/03 --**ACTION**  from Grist Magazine: The Bush administration's budget proposal for 2005 puts environmental spending under the axe. Funding for the U.S. EPA would be cut by some 7 percent, money directed at endangered-species recovery efforts would be reduced by more than $9 million, funds for water-quality programs would be slashed by some 30 percent, and ... well, you get the idea. Tell the House and Senate budget committees to keep your greenbacks green and oppose Bush's budget. do good: Speak out against a budget that would undermine environmental protection< http://www.gristmagazine.com/cgi-bin/forward.pl?forward_id=2148
• 3/16/04 -- A good online directory for Rochester-area nature organization is City Guide For Rochester, NY's -   Rochester Outdoor Organizations Directory
• 3/16/04 -- On Recycling, from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Home Page - Waste Reduction and Recycling Program - "Changing/Recycling your used oil 1. Drain oil pans, containers and filters completely. 2. Store used oil in a clean, rigid, screw-capped plastic container. 3. Don't mix used oil with other material, and never dump oil into the environment. 4. Take used oil (up to 5 gallons per day) to a service station or retail store, during normal business hours, that sells oil ( they are required by law to accept it at no charge, unless their holding tanks are temporarily full, or check with your local recycling center. Buying/Recycling Lead-Acid Batteries: 1. It is illegal to dispose of lead-acid (vehicle) batteries in the trash. 2. You will be charged a $5 "return incentive payment" if a used battery is not returned at the time of purchase. The "return incentive payment" is refundable with 30 days from the date of purchase, upon return of a used battery. 3. Stores selling lead-acid batteries must accept, free of charge, up to two used batteries per month from any individual, and must post a sign stating they accept batteries for recycling." Bureau of Waste Reduction and Recycling, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-7253.
• 3/16/04 -- Thinking of Food and our Environment, think of helping our area's needed: FOODLINK: Fighting Waste, Fighting Want - Founded over 25 years ago by Tom Ferraro, FOODLINK has grown to serve a 10 county area in the Genesee Valley and Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York. As a member of America’s Second Harvest, FOODLINK obtains and redistributes over 6 million pounds of food annually to a network of over 550 programs. - FOODLINK • 936 Exchange Street • Rochester, NY 14608 • P: (585) 328-3380 • F: (585) 328-9951
• 3/14/04 -- Notice a case of Environmental Justice? Contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: Environmental Justice The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Environmental Justice Program Hotline A toll-free hotline devoted to environmental justice issues (1-866-229-0497). Join Mailing List Add your name and address to the NYS DEC's mailing list. Environmental justice is defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
• 3/14/04 -- Suggestion: Why doesn't our single largest news paper in Rochester (Democrat and Chronicle) have a section just devoted to the Environment ?--just like THE JOURNAL NEWS: A Gannett Suburban Webpaper The Journal News is the leading provider of news and information for New York’s Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties. - This newspaper has an Environmental section: -- Not many newspapers have an environmental section, but (given the fundamental importance of this issue (for, "if you can't drink the water or breathe the air, anything else you want to do is not going to happen" --Carl Sagan)) every newspaper and media source should have an environmental section that is updated often, comprehensive, and continuous in its coverage of specific topics or events --kind of like RochesterEnvironment.com. 
• 3/14/04 -- **EVENT** The kids looking for something environmental to do this summer? Environment DEC: Applications Being Accepted for DEC Environmental Camps DEC operates four residential summer camps for youngsters who are 12 to 17 years old -  Commissioner Erin M. Crotty has announced that applications for DEC's 2004 Summer Environmental Education Camps are being accepted and encouraged families to consider enrolling their children in this exciting program. The DEC Summer Camp Program is in its 57th year of operation, offering week-long adventures in conservation education to state residents aged 12-17.
• 3/11/04 --**EVENT** Sustainability - Exploring Positive Growth Exploring Positive Growth - The Summit on Sustainability at Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York- 6-7 April 2004 - The Summit on Sustainability at Ithaca College was convened to offer an opportunity for a meaningful dialog on sustainability issues with the hope of accelerating sustainable learning in the College and Region. Participating organizations include:Greater Vancouver Regional District - City of Austin and the University of Texas (Austin) Center for Sustainable Development - Sustainable Tompkins County - Physicians for Social Responsibility - Bristol-Myers Squibb - This Summit is open to the Ithaca College campus community; others by invitation only.
• 3/11/04 -- We might not like the price hike, but in the long run these stricter standards for our cars will help the environment: NYS Car Inspections Get Tougher, More Expensive - In a few months, auto inspection requirements will change, which will mean more expensive car inspections, and cleaner emissions. Current emissions inspections are simple: see if the check-engine light is on and check the gas cap. (March 11, 2004) WOKR-TV 13 || ROCHESTER
• 3/08/04 -- -**Good/Bad Ideas** Here's an example of what bad economic times mean for solving environmental problems--they are the first to be cut and reduces when times are tough.  It may make economic sense, but not in the long run because toxic sites that aren't cleaned up have a way of getting in your face. Buffalo News - Simpler plan sought for brownfields The Erie County Legislature approved a resolution Thursday asking the state to allow Western New York to adopt an industrial brownfields cleanup plan that would allow Erie County to follow a less rigorous standard for the cleanup of toxic waste sites. (March 8, 2004) The Buffalo News
• 3/08/04 -- Here's a site that can help business recycling: MAT-EX Western New York Materials Exchange MAT-EX: Western New York Materials Exchange is a unique opportunity for businesses to exchange unwanted/unusable products that would otherwise be discarded, and/or locate free/inexpensive materials that can be used in daily business operations. MAT-EX does not list hazardous materials.MAT-EX involves over 20,000 businesses in the fifteen county region of Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming, Erie, Ontario, Allegany, Steuben, Chautauqua, Monroe, Seneca, Tompkins, Niagara Consortium and the Western Finger Lakes region (Wayne and Yates Counties). We invite you to add listings to the Exchange and reply to existing listings. MAT-EX is a free online service.
• 3/08/04 -- Here's why we need strong environmental laws that have the power to take corporations to task for polluting the environment and making them clean it up, because without vigorous environmental regulations and a government holding to the course, corporations will endless seeks to escape their responsibility.  ENN News Story - Appeals court revives General Electric challenge of Superfund law - WASHINGTON — A federal appeals court has revived a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the 1980 Superfund law that allows the government to assess polluters for cleaning up toxic waste sites. The unanimous decision by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals directs a lower court judge to reopen General Electric Co.'s suit against the Environmental Protection Agency arising out of a planned $500 million cleanup of the upper Hudson River.
• 3/08/04 --**EVENT** Abundance Cooperative Market - EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM - Frankenfoods: Genetic Engineering on the Ropes or on the Assault? - Tuesday, March 9 at 7:30 pm at Abundance. - The Abundance Education Committee presents Frankenfoods: Genetic Engineering on the Ropes or on the Assault?, a panel discussion featuring Jon Greenbaum (Metro Justice Organizer), Barbara Kastner (Abundance HABA & Household Buyer), and Melody Noveroski (Abundance Produce Manager). The panel will discuss the challenges to the environment and to our health and the need for public initiation of regulatory protections. This is a free program and all are welcome! For more information call Sally McCoy at 647-9256. - Abundance Cooperative Market - 62 Marshall Street, Rochester, NY 14607 - (585) 454-COOP - (454-2667, voice and tty) - http://www.abundancecoop.com E-mail: info@abundancecoop.com
• 3/08/04 --**EVENT**  Community Supported Agriculture and GVOCSA Information Meeting and Sign-up:Saturday, March 27 from 2 to 4 pm or Thursday, April 14 at 7-9 PM - Friends Meeting House, 84 Scio Street - http://www.gvocsa.org/  The meeting is handicapped accessible and childcare is provided. A deposit will be required for people who join at sign-up. For more information, contact Michele at 241-9680 or Dave at 442-5658. Community Supported Agriculture and GVOCSA - 2004 marks the 16th year of the Genesee Valley Organic Community Supported Agriculture project (GVOCSA). Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a cooperative venture between farmer and consumer in which the consumer signs a contract agreeing to share the risks and rewards of farming. This enables small organic farmers to make a living. It started in the US in 1986 having been in Japan and Europe since 1965. GVOCSA is a program of the Politics of Food, a local food education and advocacy group, and is a part of Peacework Organic Farm in Newark operated by Elizabeth Henderson, Greg Palmer, and Ammie Chickering. The season runs 27 weeks May through November with 2 weekly pick-up days — Thursday or Sunday. Members do some work during the season at the farm and at the distribution center at Abundance or administrate the group as part of the CORE. Each full share is approximately 7-11 items each week — lighter in the beginning and end of season —and cost $13-19 per week. There are also partial shares with 4-5 items for $10 weekly. Also, there is a $12 yearly membership fee for each household which pays for administration and the newsletter. By joining the CSA, you will enjoy the finest in fresh, organic produce as you support sustainable agriculture. Every week, just by picking up your share, you help change our world for the better. Saturday, March 27 at 2-4 PM or Thursday, April 14 at 7-9 PM - Friends Meeting House, 84 Scio Street, Handicapped Accessible, Child Care Provided, Deposit required for people who join at sign-up, For info: Michele at 241-9680 or Dave at 442-5658
• 3/04/04 -- The weather's getting good, the air is getting bad, why not ride a bike? Welcome to bikeRochester This site is sponsored by the independent bicycle shops of the greater Rochester area united as the Genesee Valley Bicycle Dealers Association, a chapter of the National Bicycle Dealers Association.  Also, for some bike trips, check out Adventure Cycling Association - Inspiring People to Travel by Bike. & League of American Bicyclists:The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of the nation's 42 million cyclists. With a current membership of 300,000 affiliated cyclists, including 40,000 individuals and 600 affiliated organizations, the League works to bring better bicycling to your community.
• 3/05/04 -- What has the New York State Department of Conservation been cleaning up lately?  Check out Environment DEC: Annual Report Issued on Environmental Cleanups DEC Commissioner Erin M. Crotty has announced the release of DEC's Remedial Programs Annual Report for State Fiscal Year 2002-2003. The report highlights achievements in cleaning up contaminated sites in New York from April 1, 2002 to March 1, 2003 under the Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site Remedial Program, Environmental Restoration Program (ERP), Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) and the Oil Spill Program.
• 3/01/04  **EVENT** “Alternatives in Living” Conference - Saturday, April 24: celebrate Earth Day Week by attending the first annual “Alternatives in Living” Conference at Rochester’s School Without Walls, sponsored by Seeking Common Ground. Choose from sessions on topics like organic lawn care and gardening, natural childbirth and infant care, local buying and gardening cooperatives, renewable energy options, ecological home building, alternatives in education, natural healing, personal spirituality, and practical sustainability. Keynote speaker Linda Heron Wind, Ph.D. opens the conference with “Sowing the Seeds of Good Relationship.” The full-day registration fee of $60 includes all sessions and an organic, vegetarian or vegan lunch. Those registering by March 26 may deduct $5. For further details and registration forms, visit www.seekingcommonground.org , email info@seekingcommonground.org , or call Deb Denome at 585-394-6797.
• 2/29/04  **EVENT** EANY - Earth Day Lobby Day Power in Numbers - Join hundreds of activists and students from across the state, and countless local, state and national environmental groups for New York's largest annual environmental event. Hear from government and environment leaders, learn about current legislation, and lobby on key statewide issues. Newcomers and students, including full classes, are especially welcome! - Arm of the Sea's Mama Water performed at the noon rally. - Earth Day Lobby Day is scheduled for Monday, April 19, 2004 at the Legislative Office Building in Albany. There are speeches from leading government and environment officials, issue briefings and a how-to-lobby workshop in the morning. After a noon rally, participants lobby key legislators on important environmental issues. At EDLD 2003, lawmakers heard from activists on issues including: - Closing Indian Point - Environmental Cleanups - Expanded Bottle Bill  - Siting Cleaner Power Plants - For more information or to be added to the EDLD mailing list, email: edld@eany.org , or contact Laura DiBetta at 518-462-5526, ext. 221.
• 2/29/04 -- Remember: Roll Out the Barrels: --from Environmental Advocates of New York - Home Page "In addition to being a fire hazard, backyard burning of household waste is a leading source of dangerous pollutants, including dioxins, particulate matter, lead, mercury and hexachlorobenzene. The EPA has created a new section on its website ( www.epa.gov/msw/backyard ) containing information, links, presentations and other outreach materials for local governments to use with their residents. To order brochures, contact the National Service Center for Environmental Publications at www.epa.gov/ncepihom , by phone at 800-490-9198 or 513-489-8190, or email: ncepimal@one.ne .
• 2/28/04 -- **ACTION** Several issues that need your attention are going on at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: Highlights of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation  1.  Draft Siamese Ponds Wilderness Unit Management Plan - comments accepted until April 15, 2004  2. Endicott Draft Citizen Participation Plan - comments accepted until March 1, 2004  3. Proposed revision to Section 180.9 - Fish Dangerous to Indigenous Fish Populations - comments accepted until March 15, 2004  4..Draft Comprehensive Snowmobile Plan For The Adirondack Park/Draft GEIS - comments accepted until March 31, 2004  5.Draft Hazardous Waste Facility Siting Plan and Supporting Generic Environmental Impact Statement - comments accepted until April 19, 2004
• 2/28/04 -- **ACTION** Don't let this opportunity to affect one of the most important environmental laws in this country: Endangered Species Program, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Comment Period Reopened for Proposed Revisions to Conservation Agreements (February 23, 2004) Comments will be accepted until March 9, 2004, on a proposal to revise existing permitting regulations for the enhancement of species survival. The proposal was originally published in the Federal Register on September 10, 2003, as “Revisions to the Regulations Applicable to Permits Issued Under the Endangered Species Act.” The revision is designed, in part, to remove a potential disincentive for landowners to manage their property for the benefit of listed and candidate species by allowing for more control over species outside of the area covered by the agreement.
• 2/28/04  **EVENT** MAD COW USA: STOP THE MADNESS - Presentation by Dr. Michael Greger - expert witness from Texas "Meat Defamation" Trial - Sunday, February 29, 2004 - 3:00pm: University of Rochester, Hoyt Auditorium--AND-7:00pm: First Unitarian Church, 220 S.Winton Rd, Rochester NY -... welcome all Farmers, Health Care Professionals, Students, General Public ... Audience Questions Encouraged FREE (Donations accepted) - Vegan Refreshments - (585) 234-8750 for more info - Co-Sponsored by: * Animal Rights Advocates of Upstate NY ( www.ARAUNY.org ) (501c3) * Rochester Area Vegetarian Society ( www.RochesterVeg.org  )  (501c3) * UR Vegetarian Education Group ( www.URveg.org  ) (student group)  Michael Greger, MD, is the Mad Cow Coordinator for the Organic Consumers Association ( http://www.organicconsumers.org/madcow.htm  ) and the Chief BSE Investigator for Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen NY ( www.nodowners.org  . Dr.Greger has been speaking publicly about mad cow disease since 1993. He has debated the  National Cattlemen's Beef Association before the FDA and was invited as an expert witness at the Oprah Winfrey infamous "meat defamation" trial. He has contributed to many books and articles on the subject and continues to lecture extensively. Dr.Greger is a graduate of the Cornell University School of Agriculture and the Tufts University School of Medicine.  He can be reached for media inquiries at (206)312-8640, or by email: mhg1@cornell.edu . For periodic updates on Dr. Greger's Mad Cow writings and commentary, send a blank email to: DrGregerMadCowUpdates -subscribe@lists.riseup.net . (Also see www.VeganMD.org .)
• 2/27/04 -- Don't miss out on this program to abate Lead Poisoning if you meet requirements: Public Health Department The Monroe County Public Health Department Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program was awarded a $2.1 million Lead Hazard Control Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Lead Program is accepting applications for$1,000 Lead Hazard Control Grants from owners of pre-1978 City of Rochester houses.
• 2/27/04 **ACTION**from Moveon.org - Under energy industry pressure, President Bush’s EPA plans to defer controls on mercury emissions by power plants for at least a decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 4.9 million women of childbearing age in the U.S. -- that's 8 percent -- have unsafe levels of mercury in their blood. The people hit hardest will be new-born infants -- every year over 630,000 infants are born with levels of mercury in their blood so high they can cause brain damage. We have just a few weeks to get public comments to the EPA on this plan to defer mercury controls. It's time to tell the EPA and the White House that our kids come first. You can submit your comment by clicking this link: http://www.moveon.org/mercury/
• 2/27/04 --Any way you slice it, this is an amazing story.  Our media (of course in Britain this is big news) has not given this story much play, but it is amazing that our government, which says it is absolutely committed to National Security, would bury this story because it does not fit into its political.   ideology.  So, regardless of what the Bush Administration thinks, what do you think about this report (Abrupt Climate Change ) ENN News Story - Pentagon downplays report identifying climate change as national security threat WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pentagon prides itself on preparing for the worst, be it war, famine or other calamity. So it may not seem surprising that the Pentagon last year asked two private consultants to consider the potential global impacts of an abrupt and severe change in the world's climate. Which regions might be hurt the worst, they asked, and what would that mean for U.S. national security? The scenario sketched out in the report, "Imagining the Unthinkable," may surprise some, though it seems to have been largely discounted by the official who ordered the report. (February 25, 2004) Environmental News Network - ENN.com
• 2/27/04 --How are your representatives voting for the environment?  Check up on them at The League of Conservation Voters, www.lcv.org , is the political voice of the national environmental movement and is working full-time to elect a pro-environment Congress and White House in 2004 and beyond.
• 2/27/04 --ACTION: From State PIRGs Working Together - Reduce mercury pollution - On January 30, a sixty day public comment period started on the EPA's weak proposal to reduce the danger posed by mercury from power plants, giving the public the chance to officially weigh in on the proposal. Instead of protecting mothers and children from mercury poisoning, the EPA proposal protects the energy industry by setting targets so weak that the industry will be allowed to continue polluting without using state of the art mercury controls. Already, over 10,000 people across the country have e-mailed their comments on the proposal to the EPA - my thanks to all of you! Now some U.S. Senators want to express their concern with the EPA's proposal. Senators Snowe (ME), Leahy (VT), Dayton (MN) and Jeffords (VT) are leading the charge - they've written a letter to the EPA asking the agency to reduce as much mercury from power plants as possible as soon as possible. These senators are also inviting other senators to sign the letter with them. This is a great opportunity to tell your senators how you feel about this issue. Please call your senators today and ask them to "help reduce mercury pollution by signing on to the Leahy-Snowe-Dayton-Jeffords letter on mercury pollution to EPA Administrator Leavitt." To reach your senators, call the Congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected to your senators (you may have to call twice to reach both senators). Then report your call to us so that we can keep track of how many calls senators have received on this issue. This is a crucial part of our work! To report your call, click on this link or paste it into your web browser: http://pirg.org/alerts/route.asp?id=12&id4=ES Also, if you have not yet submitted comments to the EPA, please take a moment to let the EPA know you support reducing mercury pollution by participating in the official comment period. Then ask your family and friends to help by forwarding this e-mail to them. To take action, click on this link or paste it into your web browser: http://pirg.org/alerts/route.asp?id=223&id4=ES
• 2/27/04 --ACTION: Public Comment Period on Kodak’s Hazardous Waste Permit - The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has tentatively approved Kodak’s Hazardous Waste permit (Part 373 permit), which allows Kodak to use, store, and burn millions of pounds of hazardous waste every year. Most of these wastes are incinerated on-site in two hazardous waste incinerators. ** You Have A Right To Comment On This Permit! ** The Public Comment period will begin on February 25, 2004 and extend until May 3, 2004. The DEC is interested in receiving comments from the public regarding the draft Part 373 Hazardous Waste Management Facility Permit and permit application for the Kodak Park facility. To submit comments, write to: Mr. Peter A. Lent, Regional Permit Administrator, NYSDEC Region 8, 6274 East Avon-Lima Rd., Avon, New York 14414-9519, Phone: (585) 226-5390 -palent@gw.dec.state.ny.us mailto:palent@gw.dec.state.ny.us
• 2/27/04 -- EVENT: ** Public Meeting and Hearing Coming Up! ** To familiarize the public with Kodak’s facility and the draft Permit, DEC has scheduled a Public Meeting for March 29, 2004 from 7-9 PM in the Kate Gleason Auditorium of the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, located at 115 South Avenue in the City of Rochester. DEC will be available to answer any questions from the public on Kodak’s operations and the proposed permit. Due to anticipated significant public interest, a legislative public hearing has been scheduled for April 21, 2004 from 7:00 PM at the Holiday Inn Airport, 911 Brooks Avenue, Rochester NY to receive unsworn statements from the public about the applicant’s Part 373 application and DEC’s proposed Part 373 permit. No pre-filing is required to speak at the hearing. People may present written and/or oral statements at this hearing. All comments received during the public comment period will be reviewed and considered by DEC, whether they are mailed to the DEC contact person, or, presented orally or in writing at the legislative public hearing. ** Learn More! ** A copy of a Fact Sheet is available on DEC’s website at www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dshm/hzwstman/kodakpfs.htm -Copies of the Draft Permit and Fact Sheet are available to be reviewed at these locations in the City of Rochester: Maplewood Public Library, located at 1111 Dewey Avenue, Phone : 585-428-8220, Hours: M & W 1pm-8pm; T&Th 10am-8pm; F 1pm-6pm; S 12pm-5pm, and at Kodak’s Neighborhood Information Center, located at 200 Ridge Road West, Phone: 585-722-1707, Hours: M-F 9am-5pm. In addition, copies of the Draft Permit, the supporting Permit application, Building 218 incinerator trial burn and health risk assessment reports and the Fact Sheet are available for review at the DEC Central Office, Division of Solid & Hazardous Materials, 625, Broadway, 8th floor, Albany, NY 12233-7251, (contact person: James J. Lansing, (518) 402-8609); at the DEC Region 8 Office, 6274 East Avon-Lima Rd., Avon, NY 14414-9519 (contact person: Peter A. Lent, (585) 226-5390). ** Get Involved! ** For more information on this permit, sample comments, fact sheets, etc., please contact CEC at cecmike@choiceonemail.com  mailto:cecmike@choiceonemail.com For background information on Kodak’s pollution problems, visit www.kodakstoxiccolors.org or http://www.kodakstoxiccolors.org/ and www.kandidcoalition.org.
• 2/27/04 -- EVENT: Book Discussion on backyard ecology - Free and open to the public- Book: Noah's Garden: Restoring the Ecology of our Own Back Yards by Sara Stein - Date/Time: Wednesday, March 3, 2004, 7:00 p.m. - Place: in the Verb Café at Writers and Books, 740 University Ave. (Parking in rear) One quote from the book: "Yards and gardens patched with grass and stitched with hedges all across America constitute a vast, nearly continuous, and terribly impoverished ecosystem for which we ourselves, with our mowers, shears, and misguided choice of plants, are responsible. We cannot in fairness rail against those who destroy the rain forest or threaten the spotted owl when we have made our own yards uninhabitable." -Much of this program will be a quick overview of what the book is about. Then, a discussion, drawing on what the people there already know their backyard ecology and have tried.
• 2/25/04 -- EVENT: Genesee Valley Organic Community Supported Agriculture - GVOCSA 2004 Season Sign-Up Dates -It's time to think about learning more and / or signing up for the 2004 Genesee Valley Organic Community Supported Agriculture (GVOCSA) farm season. There may be some confusion as to the date of the 2nd sign-up. The dates and times are as follows: ** Saturday, March 27, 2-4PM, 84 Scio (Religious Society of Friends - Quakers) Meeting House ** Wednesday, April 14, 7-9PM, 84 Scio (Religious Society of Friends - Quakers) Meeting House-  For more info call Michele at 585-241-9680 or Dave at 585-442-5658 http://www.gvocsa.org/ Our primary purpose at GVOCSA is to create and distribute high quality, certified organically grown vegetables, fruit and other local farm products to serve the needs of our members. We support local organic growers, and by extension the local economy. Within the GVOCSA web site you will find the answers you need to learn more about organic farming and how to be a part of our organization. The Genesee Valley Organic CSA is a farmer-shareholder coop open to anyone in the greater Rochester NY area. Families with children are especially welcome. A weekly food share includes 7 to 11 selections of organically grown vegetables and small fruit, enough for several good vegetable eaters. Bulk quantities of whatever is plentiful at the farm are also available for canning, freezing and storage. Every member makes a commitment for the entire season. GVOCSA Vision Statement: We envision the creation of a land-based community of people of diverse ages, backgrounds and incomes, farmers and non-farmers, who are committed to love, justice, equality, democracy and cooperation, and honor the intrinsic value of nature and food, and the dignity of labor. The members of this community will work gently together to learn and teach others to live sustainably, in the broadest sense, for the health of all living creatures and the planet. We will practice an agriculture that supports a whole, healthy, sustainable and loving community.
• 2/23/04 -- It will be interesting to see how the Bush Administration, which did not support the Kyoto Protocol, spins this Pentagon report on Global Warming: The Observer | International | Now the Pentagon tells Bush: climate change will destroy us -· Secret report warns of rioting and nuclear war· Britain will be 'Siberian' in less than 20 years -· Threat to the world is greater than terrorism - Climate change over the next 20 years could result in a global catastrophe costing millions of lives in wars and natural disasters.. A secret report, suppressed by US defence chiefs and obtained by The Observer, warns that major European cities will be sunk beneath rising seas as Britain is plunged into a 'Siberian' climate by 2020. Nuclear conflict, mega-droughts, famine and widespread rioting will erupt across the world. Mark Townsend and Paul Harris in New York
  Sunday February 22, 2004 -The Observer - Guardian Unlimited  Also read Detailed News from GreenPeace--where you can read the Pentagon report.
• 2/21/04 -- Cleaning tips: Environmentally Preferable Purchasing - Department of Interior Focuses on Cleaning Products Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) is a federal-wide program that encourages and assists Executive agencies in the purchasing of environmentally preferable products and services. --from the Environmental Protection Agency
• 2/19/04 --  ACTION: Want to tell the Bush Administration that they should get on board with the same science that the rest of the world understands so we can have a sustainable environment?  UCSAction Center - Stop the Bush Administration's Abuse of Science -Across a broad range of public policy issues and on an unprecedented scale, the Bush administration is censoring and distorting science-based information that does not match its agenda. This misuse of science has serious consequences for our health, safety, and environment. Urge your representatives and senators to insist that congressional science committees investigate this important issue. Union of Concerned Scientists
  
• 2/19/04 -- Pretty funny, hunters and fisher thinking they have a constitution right to hunt and fish--and how will this law be implemented when our pesticides have killed the birds, pollution and over-fishing has destroyed the fish populations and urban sprawl have decimated large game?  Who are the hunters going to take to court?  Nature? : Hunters push forward with rights amendment - — Long one of the most powerful voting blocks in the state, hunters in Pennsylvania are moving forward with a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would guarantee the "right of the people to hunt and fish." Hunters say the amendment, which is similar to laws and constitutional amendments enacted in 11 other states in recent years, would protect their sport from what they say are attacks by animal-rights advocates and other groups that advocate hunting restrictions. Welcome to GoErie.com
• 2/19/04 -- Sounds interesting but will it work? Can coal power really be cleaned up? MSNBC - Power plant to burn up coal waste .SEWARD, Pa. - When it began operating in 1921 at the height of Pennsylvania’s coal production, the coal-fired power plant at the mouth of the Conemaugh No. 1 Mine was a symbol of the area’s industrial might. Now, more than 82 years later, that plant is being replaced by a state-of-the-art plant set to come online this spring and that’s the biggest in the world to burn mountains of discarded low-grade coal left by the coal industry. Environmental advocates, however, warn that the plant continues a reliance on fossil fuels that pollute far more than renewable sources such as wind or organic waste- Welcome to MSN.com
• 2/19/04 -- Want a quick easy way to to protect the natural integrity of the Finger Lakes Region? - Land Trust giving goes online! Here's an easy new way  You can now use your credit card to donate, join, give a gift membership online!
• 2/19/04 -- Rochester Regional Group of the Sierra Club presented a valuable educational program on land trusts.  To find out more about free environmental educational programs at the Rochester Sierra Club go to: http://newyork.sierraclub.org/rochester/outings.htm - The story: Democrat & Chronicle: Lecture to feature land trusts (February 17, 2004) — Some environmental activists hit the streets with placards. Others keep a lower profile. They negotiate conservation easements, nature preserves, municipal partnerships and other arcane strategies to help save farmland, scenic vistas, fragile woodlands and other at-risk natural resources. Two regional land trusts, both nonprofit groups, will be in the spotlight Wednesday in a public lecture titled “The Quiet Environmentalists.” Democrat and Chronicle   To learn more about what these two area land trust groups do and how to conserve your land from development go to their websites: Genesee Land Trust Preserving and protecting the Genesee Region's land resources. GLT's mission is to preserve and protect valuable land resources in the Genesee region that have exceptional scenic, open space, recreational and habitat value. The trust works cooperatively with individuals, other not-for-profit organizations, governmental agencies and private groups to acquire property and property rights. Donors who place permanent restrictions on their land that are held by the trust (conservation easements) or who donate their land often qualify for significant tax savings on their federal and state taxes.  Finger Lakes Land Trust Founded in 1989, the Finger Lakes Land Trust works to protect the natural integrity of the Finger Lakes Region.  Our work involves establishing nature preserves, holding conservation easements, educating for responsible stewardship, and working cooperatively with private groups and public agencies. We are a non-profit organization supported by donations from members and grants received from private foundations and government agencies.  Through a variety of means, we have provided protection for thousands of acres of wetlands, streams, meadows, forests, farmlands and shrublands throughout the Finger Lakes Region. These lands are rich with a diversity of wildlife and plants.
• 2/19/04 -- Kind of hard to get on top of environmental problems when your government isn't on the same page as the majority of the scientists: Scientists Accuse White House of Distortion -Scores of scientists release a report alleging the Bush administration distorts and censors scientific findings that contradict its policies. At least 58 leading scientists -- including Nobel laureates, medical experts, former federal agency directors and university executives -- signed a letter accompanying the report circulated by the Union of Concerned Scientists. Hear NPR's Richard Harris. --from National Public Radio. Also: ENN News Story - Bush administration "distorts science," says report Bush administration "distorts science," says report - Top scientists and environmentalists accused the Bush administration Wednesday of suppressing and distorting scientific findings that run counter to its own policies. --from Environmental News Network - ENN.com
  
• 2/17/04 --   ACTION: Speak Out Against White House Attempts To Allow More Mercury Into the Great Lakes -On Feb. 25 and Feb. 26 citizens will have the opportunity to speak out against the Bush Administration's proposed changes to the Clean Air Act that would allow more mercury into the Great Lakes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will conduct this two-day public hearing, one of only three across the nation, in Chicago at Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave. This is an important opportunity for citizens to communicate their concerns about the impacts of mercury on our Great Lakes and the people, fish, and wildlife that rely on their health. To provide oral testimony, citizens must register in advance with the U.S. EPA; contact Jo Ann Allman at Allman.Joann@epamail.epa.gov  or 919/541-1815. Submit written comments through Mar. 30 at www.epa.gov/mercury/comment.htm  or send by mail, fax, or hand delivery/courier. Written and oral comments receive equal consideration. Details on the rule are at www.epa.gov/mercury/pubhear.htm .
•  2/17/04 --EVENT:  From our friends at the Federation of Monroe County Environmentalists A monthly forum in which local organizations and individuals discuss environmental/land use issues and choose actions Mission: to ensure that future growth and development within Monroe County and the Genesee Valley region will not compromise full protection of our environment. On Monday, Feb. 23 at 7:15 PM at First Baptist Church, 1862 Penfield Road, Penfield NY.  -The Quest to Arrest Sprawl - Evan Lowenstein, Executive Director of the Common Good Planning Center will lead the discussion. Come talk about regional trends, patterns, and "current events" related to sprawl and smart growth. Hear about and advise Common Good Planning Center's developing strategy to advance smart growth in the region.
• 2/15/04 -- From our friends over at the Common Good Planning Center: This month's E-Bulletin debuts some new features.( Common Good Planning Center E-Newsletter - May 2003 ) * In PERSPECTIVE read about why we think so much objectionable development his happening in our region and what ultimately needs to be done about it. Then weigh in with your own thoughts. * In ORGANIZATIONAL HAPPENINGS read about work SUNY Brockport students have been doing with the Common Good Planning Center. * In KUDOS, the Center commends three towns for their wise land use /development decisions and congratulates four individuals for recent accomplishments. This issue also has information about: * On line planning and zoning courses * The J.C. Nichols prize for Visionary Urban Development * Smart Growth Breakthroughs in the State of Michigan * Ten new reports that have been added to CGPC's online holdings  This issue also encourages you to: * Weigh in on Genesee Transportation Council's distribution of transportation funds * Check out the Active Living Network Website * Get you own copy of Michael Leavy's new book, Rochester's East Avenue Historic District.
• 2/15/04 -- Want to keep informed about the latest in good energy? The second issue of Public Citizen's new energy newsletter, Eye On Energy, is now available online for download, printing, reading, and distributing at www.EyeOnEnergy.org . For quick, informative articles on the latest happenings in the world of electric deregulation, nuclear power, nuclear waste, renewable energy, and Congressional legislation affecting energy issues, check it out!
• 2/14/04 -Good/Bad Ideas: Is our state so desperate for funds that gambling & burning trash for energy is the best the governor can come up with? - Buffalo News - Incineration as energy source blasted Environmentalists Thursday asked Gov. George E. Pataki not to include incineration as a renewable energy technology when the state draws up a new energy plan. "Contrary to what industry lobbyists say, burning trash is neither renewable nor a clean energy source and must not be allowed to be considered as such," said Mary Carney, Western New York coordinator for the New York Public Interest Research Group. (February 12, 2004) The Buffalo News
• 2/14/04 -- What are the The State of Coral Reefs Today?  What this video from - WWF - US: World Wildlife Fund
• 2/14/04 --  EVENT: MAD COW USA: STOP THE MADNESS -Presentation by Dr. Michael Greger (http://www.OrganicConsumers.org/madcow.htm  )- expert witness from Texas Mad Cow trial -TWO PRESENTATIONS: Sunday, February 29, 2004 - 3:00pm: University of Rochester, Hoyt Auditorium 7:00pm: First Unitarian Church, 220 S.Winton Rd, Rochester NY - ... welcome all farmers, health care professionals, students, general public ... audience questions encouraged -Free (Donations accepted) Vegan refreshments (585) 234-8750 for more info Co-Sponsored by: * Animal Rights Advocates of Upstate NY ( www.ARAUNY.org  ) * Rochester Area Vegetarian Society ( www.RochesterVeg.org ) * UR Vegetarian Education Group ( www.URveg.org ) Michael Greger, MD, is the Mad Cow Coordinator for the Organic Consumers Association (http://www.organicconsumers.org/madcow.htm) and the Chief BSE Investigator for www.nodowners.org (Farm Sanctuary). Dr. Greger has been speaking publicly about mad cow disease since 1993. He has debated the National Cattlemen's Beef Association before the FDA and was invited as an expert witness at the Oprah Winfrey infamous "meat defamation" trial. He has contributed to many books and articles on the subject and continues to lecture extensively. Dr. Greger is a graduate of the Cornell University School of Agriculture and the Tufts University School of Medicine. He can be reached for media inquiries at (206)312-8640 or mhg1@cornell.edu. For periodic updates on Dr. Greger's Mad Cow writings and commentary, send a blank email to: DrGregerMadCowUpdates-subscribe@lists.riseup.net . (Also see www.VeganMD.org .) ALL ARE WELCOME to ATTEND, Gregory Baum- Vice-President, ARAUNY - www.ARAUNY.org 2/11/04
• 2/11/04 -- It could happen, a recycling bill in New York State that would substantially increase our recycling efforts: WXXI: Poll Finds Support for Expanded Bottle Law (2004-02-12) ALBANY, NEW YORK (2004-02-12) A statewide survey conducted by a non-partisan research firm finds that most New Yorkers would like to see the state's bottle bill expanded to include bottled water and other non-carbonated beverages. New York's returnable container law requires that shoppers pay a five-cent deposit on bottles and cans of carbonated beverages, primarily beer and soda pop. They get the money back when they return the bottle to an authorized redemption center. (February 12, 2004) Public NewsRoom  To take ACTION: Bigger, Better Bottle Bill  Over the past 20 years, the bottle bill has saved New Yorkers more than $300 million a year and diverted more than 5.2 million tons from the waste stream.  The bigger, better bottle bill would  • require the beverage industry to return all unclaimed deposits to the state to fund municipal recycling and waste prevention programs.  • expand New York's Bottle Bill to include deposits on non-carbonated beverages, such as bottled water, iced tea, juice and sports drinks; and create new jobs in the recycling and retail industries -- from New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG)  Others ways to help this bill: BiggerBetterBottleBill; Bills, Why NY needs a BBBB, Environmentalists, bottlers wonder: Whose nickel is it? - ithacajournal.com
• 2/11/04 --  Here's a story that highlights why Bush's Wetland policy ( White House to Relax Some Environmental Regulations The Bush administration announced today that it would ease some Clinton administration regulations covering wetlands and streams, saying the changes would reduce unnecessary paperwork. (January 15, 2002) The New York Times on the Web )  is so insidious.  Land developers show no concern or sense on environmental issues--who else but a developer could see a wetland as a 'wasteland'.  "This is only a preliminary judgment," Lynch said. "It's taken all this time, and meanwhile the property has lain fallow. That's what's wrong with New York. This property could be generating tax revenue and instead it's a wasteland." Developers lose DEC wetlands case, vow appeal State environmental regulators have ruled that the owners of Bradley Industrial Park illegally built on protected wetlands nearby and will be required to tear down a 30,000-square-foot building shell, repair the area and pay $120,000 in fines. Dennis Lynch, the lawyer for John and Patrick Magee, said yesterday that the developers plan to appeal the decision. (February 11, 2004) THE JOURNAL NEWS: A Gannett Suburban Webpaper  Read about the importance of wetlands: Wetlands Protect Us All - Wetlands - Sierra Club
•  Want to buy the best car for the environment? Go to ACEEE - American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy and their site: Welcome to GreenerCars.com: The online home of ACEEE's Green Book
•  2/11/04 -- While it is important to understand the economic priorities that go with protecting our environment, fundamentally our environment should not have to pay for itself.  There is a grave problems in characterizing our environment in economic terms because, for example, we need wetlands whether they 'pay' in the long run or not.  Read: $70 billion worth of freshwater resources at risk annually - Gland, Switzerland – According to a new WWF report, US$70 billion worth of goods and services from freshwater resources could be at risk annually if governments fail to manage their wetlands sustainably. The report, The Economic Values of the World’s Wetlands, is the first comprehensive overview of the economic values of the world’s wetlands. It analyzes the 89 existing valuation studies and uses a database covering a wetland area of 630,000 km², putting the annual value of wetlands at a very conservative US$3.4 billion. But extending this figure using the Ramsar Convention's global wetland area estimate of 12.8 million km², the WWF report concludes that the annual global value of wetlands is US$70 billion. It shows that amenity and recreation, flood control, recreational fishing, and water filtration are the most valued functions of wetlands. WWF - The Conservation Organization
•  2/11/04 --   ACTION: From the Sierra Club: TAKE ACTION: Protect Clean Air & Clean Water in the Transportation Bill - The Bush administration and the road building industry seek a Transportation bill that threatens to create dirtier air, damages public health, and significantly weakens over 30 years of environmental and transportation planning progress. We believe there is a better way. Previous transportation bills have been bipartisan bills that were embraced by Congress and the environmental community. There is no reason to change
  and weaken those sound policies now.  Please send a message to your federal representatives: http://www.sierraclub.org/action/?alid=280&st=curr
•  2/11/04 --   ACTION: To protect the Great Lakes -- IJC and GLFC urge adoption of strong Ballast Water Convention http://www.ijc.org/rel/news/040210_e.htm Time for Immediate Action to Protect the Great Lakes from Invasion IJC and GLFC Urge Adoption of Strong Ballast Water Convention Ottawa, February 10, 2004 – Today, the International Joint Commission (IJC) and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) urged adoption of a tough international convention to regulate ballast water. This week, more than 160 member countries of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are meeting in London, England, for final negotiations on a treaty to prevent the spread of invasive species in ballast water. "The Great Lakes are especially vulnerable to invasion, making the need for a biologically protective convention especially urgent," said the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray, Chair of the Canadian Section of the IJC. "With the help of a strong convention, the IJC stands ready to help both Canada and the United States develop a cooperative, binational strategy to safeguard the biological diversity and ecosystem health of the Great Lakes."
•  2/11/04 --  EVENT: From Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon: Here's a reminder that the 7th annual Great Backyard Bird Count starts this Friday, February 13, and runs through Monday, the 16th. The event is run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon, with sponsorship from Wild Birds Unlimited stores. All of us would like to make that point that we need all of you - and your friends, family, schoolmates, business associates, dry cleaner, car salespeople, in short, everyone! - to take part in this event. Just count birds on any or all of the count days and send them over the Internet to www.birdsource.org/gbbc . You'll find cool maps and tables that are updated almost instantly, so you can see how your observations contribute to the continentwide perspective. View bird images and sounds, and life history information. There's even a section at the web site just for teachers and other educators, as well as for birders of all skill levels. The Top Ten lists are always a hit. This year, we have several new features, one to help people learn how to create habitat out of their yards, and another to encourage families to make birding part of their everyday life. To the Canadians who are part of this list: We really need Canadian participation, as birds no know boundaries. With the current winter finch invasion, it will be interesting to see what the distribution maps look like, extending through Canada to wherever they are, farther south. We appreciate any help you can provide to get the word out about the count (please forward this blurb to any listservs for which it would be appropriate - I'd appreciate it if you would cc Jenny Smith on that, so we can track publicity efforts - and to thank you personally for your help). Print materials from the web site to distribute throughout your town or city. Get your kids' classrooms involved. It's fun, easy, and helps build our database of continentwide bird distribution and abundance. If you read articles about GBBC in your local newspapers, magazines, bird club newsletters, the Internet (anywhere!), we would appreciate receiving clippings (or photocopies) of the articles. Our visitors love to read them, and we will include them in our media packet which is presented to our Board of Directors. To all of you who have participated in the past, and who help spread the word, thanks so much! Keep it going! Allison Wells Communications Director -Cornell Lab of Ornithology - www.birds.cornell.edu
•  2/09/04 -- What is a A Balanced Energy Plan?  Find out at the Sierra Club.
•  2/09/04 -- ACTION: From Environmental Advocates - Green Sheet - Snow Job: The state DEC recently released a Comprehensive Draft Snowmobile Plan for the Adirondack Park. Although it includes some good ideas, the plan is also fraught with problems. The environmental impact assessment outlines a myriad of threats to plants, animals and soils, yet DEC still recommends expansion of snowmobile use in the Park and no inventory of existing trails is recommended to make sure the Park is in compliance with the state’s mandated cap on total trail mileage. Public hearings are scheduled throughout the state (see The Month Ahead). DEC is accepting written comments until March 31. Send comments to: Rob Messenger NYS DEC Bureau of Forest Preserve Management, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4254; by fax: 518-402-9028; or by email: lfadk@gw.dec.state.ny.u s. Copies of the Draft Plan are available at any DEC office or at www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dlf/publands/snow/index.html . Contact David Higby, EANY, at 518-462-5526 ext. 239 or dhigby@eany.org  for more information.
• 2/09/04 -- A good read this month: Be sure to sign up for a monthly newsletter EANY - Join E-mail List with lots of important environmental activism and news and events for New York State. Surf over to Environmental Advocates and read this month's Green Sheet
•  2/09/04 -- ACTION: Public Forum, a chance to influence local development and its effect on our environment: Democrat & Chronicle: Routes 5 & 20 plan offered — EAST BLOOMFIELD — The public is invited to comment at a special meeting Tuesday on recommendations from a yearlong study of a local stretch of Routes 5 and 20, commonly regarded as one of America’s most historic and scenic highways. At the meeting, planners and community leaders will discuss recommendations in a draft report. The study covers more than 20 miles of the road, which once carried horse-drawn wagons of settlers westward, winds through fertile farm country and links a series of small towns and villages between eastern Livingston and western Ontario counties. The draft report is available for review on the Web at www.co.ontario.ny.us/planning .Public hearing -What: Public hearing to discuss recommendations for Routes 5 and 20 - When: 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday - Where: East Bloomfield Town Hall, 99 Main St. (February 9, 2004)  Democrat and Chronicle
• 2/07/04 --ACTION:  Two ways to Stop Bush Cheney Energy Bill:   1. NRDC BioGems - Save Endangered Wild Places Actor, director and conservationist Robert Redford has been a member of NRDC's board of trustees for three decades. Recently, he sent out the email message below urging concerned Americans to unite in opposition to the Bush-Cheney energy bill, which would ravage our public lands, threaten our health and keep us dangerously addicted to fossil fuels. He urges you to contact your U.S. senators, via this website, and call on them to defeat this disastrous legislation. He also asks BioGems Defenders to help mobilize millions of Americans in protest by forwarding his message to at least four of your friends, family members and colleagues.  2. From Public Citizen Resist Legislative Chicanery to Pass the Energy Bill! - Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN), and the energy bill's other supporters are plotting ways to enact the legislation, in full or in part, possibly by attaching the bill as an amendment to another bill. Proponents of energy legislation have floated the multibillion-dollar highway funding bill (S.1072, "Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2003") as a possible vehicle for forcing through this atrocious legislation. Attaching the successfully-filibustered energy bill to the non-germane transportation bill would be an affront to the democratic process and a perversion of proper parliamentary procedures! WE MUST STOP THIS UNDERHANDED MANEUVER. Send a FREE FAX to your senators via the PC Web site, urging them to oppose the energy bill in any form: http://www.citizen.org/fax/background.cfm?ID=253&source=5
• 2/07/04 -- Check out the new February 2004 Outdoor Newsletter from Footprint Press. Titles include: The Erie Canalway Trail Continues toExpand Across NY State, Give Back to the Trails - Get Involved, Here Fishy Fishy, Yipee, They're here!, Move 4 Life,  Five Tips for Creating a New You
• 2/05/04 -- ACTION:  Good animal cause for the Rochester area: Greyhound Adoption of Greater Rochester NY Greyhound Adoption of Greater Rochester, NY, is a racing neutral non-profit 501(C)(3) all volunteer organization. We believe every greyhound retired from racing deserves the chance for a real home and loving family. Our goal is to bring hounds and homes together. To that end, we will make every effort to provide information on not only the unique qualifications of greyhound adoption, but on realistic expectations as well ... to offer ongoing support and guidance to those families who have made an educated, responsible commitment to adopt ...and to hold the welfare and well-being of the greyhounds above all other considerations.
•  2/05/04 ACTION: Is this going to be a yearly depravity?  Maybe you can help stop the bird shooting: Join the PROTEST ... Save the crows Auburn NY and North America, Corvus brachyrhynchos - Sunday, FEB. 8th, 2004:* 12:30pm (gather, sign petitions, future plans) St. Peter and John Episcopal Church,