Updates June - July 03

• 7/30/03 -- EVENT:  Celebration of Activism! Beyond Love Canal: 25 Years of Progress - Come to the 25th Anniversary of Love Canal commemorative events and support priority labor and environmental justice campaigns in Western New York. - Thursday July 31, 2003  Our Love Canals Toxic Tour - Free! Join the Friends of the Buffalo Niagara Rivers on a social and educational cruise. Learn about the environmental issues affecting these rivers while listening to music and enjoying the evening aboard a Niagara Clipper. Please register at www.fbnr.org  or by calling (716) 881-1217. Individuals $25, or $40 for a couple. Children under 6 are free.
•  7/30/03 -- Want to brush up on your Global Warming facts?  Go to Union of Concerned Scientists and get the facts on Global Warming: Global Warming
•  7/30/03-- What are the most polluted rivers in the United States?  Find here American Rivers - The nation's most endangered rivers of 2003  at American Rivers.
•  7/29/03 -- ACTION: Do something about Global Warming: Read about Bipartisan Bill to Tackle Dangerous Climate Change Head-On Emergency Campaign on Global Warming - Environmental Defense and sign the petition.
•  7/26/03 -- Want the skinny on the State Indoor Clear Indoor Air Act that prohibits being exposed to second-hand smoke: Clean Indoor Air Act  --from the New York State Department of Health - http://www.health.state.ny.us
•  7/24/03 -- Bad air.  What do you do on bad ozone days? SOTA03 What  Health tips on protecting yourself on high ozone days. --from For more information, call the American Lung Association at 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-8722), or visit our web site at http://www.lungusa.org.  Also, what is the State of the Air for Monroe County in 2003?--from American Lung Association
•  7/23/03 -- Anyone in your household have Asthma? Asthma - "Clear Your Home of Asthma Triggers"   --from the EPA, an extensive and clearly written page on resources and things you can do to reduce asthma from indoor triggers.
•  7/23/03 -- Need lead removal? I came across this service on the Internet and have no other knowledge about this site's qualifications, but if you are trying to get lead removed from your home, you might check this site out: Environmental Network / Leadlisting.com - Environmental Consultants offering services in Lead, Asbestos, Mold, and all hazardous materials The Environmental Network publishes lists of professionals including but not limited to: environmental consultants and environmental consulting firms; XRF lead inspectors, lead risk assessors and lead inspection firms; lead abatement contractors, asbestos inspectors, asbestos abatement contractors, asbestos CSSTs, CACs; environmental trainers and environmental training firms. Locate lead inspection firms near you: New York Lead Professionals
•  7/22/03 -- ACTION: Clean up dirty diesel! The dirtiest diesels are not big-rig trucks and buses. Instead, they are engines used in construction, mining, farming, and commercial equipment -- so-called "nonroad" engines. The toxic brew of soot and chemicals they release into the air are linked to lung cancer, asthma attacks, and other respiratory ailments. Fortunately, the US EPA recently proposed new regulations to slash air pollution from dirty nonroad diesel machines. If fully implemented, these regulations could reduce as much air pollution as removing 90% of today's cars and heavy-duty trucks from the road. Industry challenges are sure to come, so we need your help. Send a message to EPA supporting its proposed rule to cut air pollution from nonroad heavy equipment. Ask the agency to hold the line on this major breakthrough for clean air and public health. --from Environmental Defense
•  7/20/03 -- Not a usual practice here at RochesterEnvironment.com, but I am going to endorse what I think is an incredible environmental film for the whole family. Winged Migration © Sony Pictures Classics portrays one of the critical environmental occurrences that on regularly --one that human activity has a profound influence on.  Check for this film locally.
•  7/18/03 -- Does you school system have non-polluting school buses?  EPA: Clean School Bus USA   Find out about Fact Sheet: Clean School Bus USA Grant Program Requests for Applications To support EPA’s efforts to reduce pollution from school buses, Congress included $5 million in EPA's budget this year for a cost-shared grant program designed to assist school districts in upgrading their bus fleets. EPA is now accepting grant applications for this competition. This grant program will fund demonstration projects that document various ways to reduce pollution from school buses through the use of EPA verified pollution reduction technology. EPA's goal is to fund a range or programs from across the country representing urban, rural, large, and small school districts as well as a variety of different technologies and fuels.
•  7/18/03 -- Looking for something interesting to do this summer? Here's  program for kids by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation : NYSDEC's Environmental Education Program The Bureau of Environmental Education conducts education and interpretation programs across the state. Our overall goal is to encourage the stewardship of natural resources and the enhancement of environmental quality through programs that give adults and youth direct hands-on contact with the environment. To conduct programs for large numbers of state residents, we multiply our efforts through partnering organizations and numerous volunteers. We place special emphasis on training educators to conduct environmental learning activities with their students. Time spent training educators is a good use of resources because each educator works with a large number of students throughout the year, thus reaching more people with our environmental stewardship message.  Find out the schedules here: Open Slots at the NYSDEC Environmental Education Camps 2002 Summer Season
•  7/18/03 -- ACTION: Protect Roadless Area Conservation Rule: The Bush administration has recently announced plans to gut the widely popular Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which protects 58.5 million acres of pristine national forests from most logging and road-building, and to radically change the way our national forests are currently managed by changing the National Forest Management Act. If we're going to stop the Bush administration from letting the timber industry destroy our last wild forests, we need to take action. We expect Congress to vote soon on two amendments that would protect our national forests from these harmful proposals put forward by the Bush administration. Please take a moment to ask your U.S. Representative to stand up for our last wild forests. 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=11&id4=ES 
•  7/18/03 -- Here's a handy online guide from eNature.com. Find out what poisonous and dangerous species are in your area by typing in your zip code at  -- Poisonous and Dangerous Species Guide  "Plants and animals have developed some unique defensive strategies: fangs, poisons, stinging tentacles. And while it's important for us to avoid contact with these species, we must also remember the vital roles they play in their ecosystems. To learn more, enter a zip code or click on a section of the map".
•  7/16/03 -- -Protect your pet and the public: Monroe County Rabies Clinic -The Monroe County Health Department works closely with municipalities to host rabies clinics for pets belonging to Monroe County residents. Dogs, cats and ferrets can be immunized, but must be at least three months old. Dogs should be leashed; cats and ferrets must be in a pet carrier. Shots are provided at no charge.
•  7/16/03 -- Before you dump chemicals on your lawn: from Monroe County Cornell Cooperative Extension-  the WEC - Great Lawns/Great Lakes Great Lawns/Great Lakes  Would you like a healthy green lawn and learn how to help protect water quality? The Great Lawns/Great Lakes program is for residents who want  to learn environmentally friendly lawn care practices that keep fertilizers
  and pesticides out of our waterways.  Program participants learn about easy soil-testing, weed-free mowing, and practical, cost-saving lawn tips. Attend neighborhood workshops to learn how to use Integrated Pest Management techniques (researched at Cornell University) on your lawn. Trained volunteers will help you with soil testing and developing lawn care management plans at free neighborhood and community workshops.  Read about easy lawn care tips and information here. (there are many publications so I decided not to list them all here)  Call (585) 703-4690 or e-mail: communitywaterwatch@yahoo.com to find out more about the program and the location of a free workshop near you.
•  7/16/03 -- EVENT: Learn ecological design, earth-repair and sustainable living on beautiful Isle LaMotte, Vermont ! Join Permaculture master Peter Bane for an eight-day introductory permaculture certificate course Sept. 12-20 /03. Cost $800-$1,000 (sliding scale and ask about scholarships) Course info: http://www.claudegenest.com/dispatch/GREEN_dispatch.html or visit www.greenmountainpermaculture.com Green Mountain Permaculture : Solutions, Sustenance, Sustainability....
•  7/13/03 --ACTION: --Urge your U.S. Senators to oppose the White House's Clear Skies proposal.  Nearly half of all Americans live in areas where, according to the American Lung Association, the air is at times literally unsafe to breathe because of high levels of smog. In 1997, the EPA adopted new rules to reduce dangerous levels of smog, but an unsuccessful court challenge by industry delayed the rules, which still haven't taken effect. Now, an amendment to the massive transportation bill currently being considered by the U.S. Senate could delay these rules even further and weaken current transportation conformity rules in the Clean Air Act that help prevent highway projects from worsening air quality in areas with smog problems. With childhood asthma rates at an all time high, we need the Senate to put America on the road to cleaner air. Please take a minute to ask your senators to defend the Clean Air Act and remove proposals that would weaken clean air protections from the transportation bill. 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=401&id4=ES
•  7/13/03 -- EVENT: ANIMAL RIGHTS ADVOCATES of Upstate NY: M o n t h l y M e e t i n g : - July 16, 2003 - 6:30pm - Lori's Natural Foods, 900 Jefferson Rd, Henrietta NY  meeting room around the back of the store All are welcome ARAUNY meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month
•  7/13/03 -- For more information about our Rochester-area Environment, don't for get the Department of Environmental Conservation's monthly newsletter:  Environment DEC - New York's Online Newsletter about the Environment
•  7/13/03 EVENT:   DEC releases report on Brooks Avenue gas leak The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation released a clean-up report Thursday on the gas leak at the Buckeye Terminal on Brooks Avenue. A public meeting has been scheduled so people living near the terminal can learn more about the status of clean up. The meeting will take place July 15 at 7:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn on Brooks Avenue.  (July 13, 2003) MSNBC Local News
•  7/07/03 -- In many ways our city of Rochester, New York is on top of the latest environmental practices, like this: Democrat & Chronicle: Latest weed killer: Steam (July 6, 2003) — In an ongoing effort to reduce pesticide use, the city is increasing its reliance on a weed killer that’s about as natural as they come: hot water. Using a machine called the Aquacide, a patented device that heats up water almost instantaneously to 280 degrees, city workers essentially steam the life out of unwelcome vegetation. (July 6, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
•  7/06/03 -- Shopping Smart-- The Green Guide Serves Up The Grilling Guide: Best Meats for Backyard Gourmets --from  Environmental News Network - ENN.com "The Grilling Guide's Smart Shopper Pocket Guides rank common supermarket brand names according to their labels and certifications and examine the meanings behind these labels, concisely describing the differences between organic, free-range, cage-free, raised without hormones or antibiotics, natural, processed, etc. These are simple guides aimed at taking the confusion and mystery out of shopping, enabling consumers to make informed decisions in their search for safer, healthier, and sustainably-produced foods. Both Smart Shopper Guides can be downloaded from The Green Guide's web site (www.thegreenguide.com/) into a pocket-sized chart that can be easily carried and consulted while at the grocery store."
•  7/05/03 -- From the New York State Department of Conservation (DEC) find out about the quality of our air this summer before you go out an exercise: Ozone, a major component of smog and a potentially harmful pollutant, is created by sunlight reacting with chemicals found in gasoline vapors and emissions from cars and industrial smoke stacks. DEC forecasts ozone pollution and posts warnings on this site if dangerous conditions are expected to occur. Find out more and view today's forecast: NYSDEC - Ozone Consumer Information
•  7/05/03 -- West Nile Virus update: from the New York State Department of Health: Dead Crow Density, 2003 Note: Dead crow sightings are a possible early warning of, but not definitive confirmation of, West Nile virus activity. Crows die of many causes and reporting levels may vary among counties.
•  7/05/03 -- Know before you go to the beach: Although New York is in the testing phase, soon you'll be able to go to this address to get information on the quality of your beaches: Oceana Welcomes You
•  7/01/03 -- Been thinking about installing solar panels to your house to save energy, money and help the environment? From Go to NYSERDA - Eligible PV Installers under PON 716  NYSERDA's list of Eligible PV installers is based solely upon information provided by Eligible Installers participating in NYSERDA PV incentive program (PON 716). NYSERDA and the State of New York make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the information. Neither NYSERDA nor the State of New York: (1) endorse any Eligible Installer listed; or (2) guaranty, warranty, or in any way represent or assume liability for any work proposed or carried out by an Eligible Installer. --from NYSERDA - New York State Energy Research and Development Authority The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a public benefit corporation created in 1975 by the New York State Legislature. NYSERDA administers the New York Energy $martSM program, which is designed to support certain public benefit programs during the transition to a more competitive electricity market. Some 2,700 projects in more than 30 programs are funded by a charge on the electricity transmitted and distributed by the State's investor-owned utilities. The New York Energy $martSM program provides energy efficiency services, including those directed at the low-income sector, research and development, and environmental protection activities.
•  7/01/03 -- Want to keep your yard and garden free of man-made chemicals? Here's a garden site ( I am just mentioning this site I am in no way affiliated with this site or have advanced knowledge about the quality or integrity of the products sold on this site) a friend has suggested: http://www.gardensalive.com/:"Gardens Alive! is one of the country's leading mail order companies dedicated to biological control of garden pests. Sales are nationwide and the company traces its roots back to the early 1980's and the kitchen and garage of founder and President, Niles Kinerk."
•  6/29/03 -- Can we trust the Environmental Protection Agency EPA?  The National Wildlife Federation The National Wildlife Federation obtained a copy of the April 29 EPA memo, which outlines the White House revisions, and placed it online: EPA Ditches Climate Change in Environment Report - National Wildlife Federation  What good is a scientific report about our environment if it is going to be reinterpreted politically--according to an administration that is more concerned about the health of polluting corporations than the public's health and our environment? Read: EPA releases environmental report - The Environmental Protection Agency released a mixed “Report on the Environment” on Monday that outlined progress in areas from air quality to drinking water but said plenty of problems remain. While the report assessed environmental matters from water clarity to the ozone hole, it said nothing about climate change.(6/24/03) MSNBC -Environment  -- Read the full EPA report:  EPA Announces Unprecedented First “Draft Report on the Environment”; June 23 - Administrator Christie Whitman announced the release of the EPA “Draft Report on the Environment” — an unprecedented effort by the Agency to present the first-ever national picture of U.S. environmental quality and human health. Whitman commissioned the report in November 2001. “This Draft Report on the Environment documents real gains in providing a cleaner, healthier and safer environment, ” said Administrator Whitman. “More importantly, it begins an important national dialogue on how we can improve our ability to assess the nation’s environmental quality and human health, and how we can use that knowledge to make improvements. Using the most sophisticated science ever, we have developed a comprehensive roadmap to ensure that all Americans have cleaner air, purer water and better protected land. This report is an important tool that will be useful for generations to come.” --Environmental Protection Agency
•  6/28/03 -- Want to help our Forests? Go to W.N.Y. Old-Growth Forest Survey Team The chief purpose of Western New York Old-Growth Forest Survey (a project of the Niagara Frontier Botanical Society) is to locate, evaluate, and describe all occurrences of old-growth forest in Western New York state and to report all findings to the New York Natural Heritage Program for further evaluation and for listing as significant biological resources.
•  6/28/03 -- BioBlitzes - How can we determine the environmental health of our Rochester-area environment? One way is to count all animals and plant species in an area.  Today, New York City is doing a BioBlitz in Central Park: Roll Call in Central Park "The nature of nature was the topic at hand as a gaggle — or would that be a swarm, a pride or a pack? - of biologists and enthusiastic amateurs gathered for a BioBlitz, a 24-hour-long marathon in which they count as many living things in Central Park as possible. The counting began at noon yesterday and will end at noon today, when a census of Central Park's collective life — the first ever in a spot check like this, organizers say — will be tallied. There were bird counters, insect counters, bat counters and fish and aquatic invertebrate counters, including a group of divers."  Or listen to NPR : Science Friday's discussion about: Urban Ecology - As cities and suburbs replace once pristine natural areas, ecologists are paying more attention to how nature responds to development -- and they're finding that there's more to urban ecosystems than rats and cockroaches. Join host Ira Flatow and guests for a discussion about urban ecology.  
•  6/28/03 --You don't want to help invasive species advance on our waters, so go here: Protect Your Waters and Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers. Protect Your Waters and Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! - Welcome to a site for recreational users who want to help stop aquatic nuisance species. As Americans, we love to spend time on the water. Protecting these resources is an important part of our overall enjoyment. A concern we must all address is the spreading of harmful plants, animals and other organisms. These aquatic nuisance species can hitch a ride on our clothing, boats, and items used in the water. When we go to another lake or stream, the nuisance species can be released. And, if the conditions are right, these introduced species can become established and create drastic results.
•  6/28/03 --Been wondering what happens to your recycled products? Take a tour of the County Recycling Center, located at 1845 Emerson Street can be scheduled for community, scouting and school groups. Tours of the Monroe County wastewater treatment plants and the Mill Seat Landfill are subject to the operational, seasonal, and maintenance schedules of each facility.
•  6/28/03 --Are you being bugged by bugs, but don't want to pollute our environment? Go to the Office of New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer and find out about: Integrated Pest Management Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest control, not an alternative pest control method. It employs a variety of methods, and minimizes the potential for adverse effects on health and the environment.
•  6/28/03 -- Been hearing about a chemical called tetrachloroethene (PERC), which is widely used to dry-clean clothes?  Here's information from the New York State Department of Health:  Tetrachloroethene (PERC) in Indoor and Outdoor Air - This fact sheet answers a few questions about a chemical called tetrachloroethene (PERC), which is widely used to dry-clean clothes. It provides information on health effects seen in humans and animals exposed to PERC in air. It also provides information about the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) guideline of 100 micrograms of PERC per cubic meter of air (100 mcg/m3) or 0.1 milligrams of PERC per cubic meter of air (0.1 mg/m3). The fact sheet focuses on the health risks from air exposures because most of the PERC released into the environment goes into air.
•  6/28/03 ACTION:-- From NRDC: Natural Resources Defense Council: Next Monday, the World Heritage Committee will meet in Paris to consider a Bush administration request that international protection for Yellowstone National Park be downgraded. I urge you to contact the World Heritage Committee immediately and call on it to reject this irresponsible proposal. You can send an electronic message right now by going to http://www.savebiogems.org/yellowstone/takeaction.asp. The World Heritage Committee is charged with conserving hundreds of humankind's most extraordinary natural and cultural treasures. Nineteen of those wild places -- including Yellowstone -- have been elevated to the committee's In Danger list, which helps trigger action when a World Heritage site is threatened with destruction or serious degradation. Yellowstone needs world protection now more than ever, and the Bush administration is the main reason why. At the bidding of oil giants, cattle barons and other special interests, the administration is unleashing a series of devastating attacks on Greater Yellowstone and its greatest living symbols. Administration officials are inviting energy and logging companies to despoil pristine wildlife habitats that surround and buffer the park. They are preparing to strip wolves and grizzly bears of endangered species protection, a disastrous decision that would leave those animals just outside the park vulnerable to hunting and extermination. Last winter the administration rounded up more than 200 of Yellowstone's wild bison -- better known as American buffalo -- and sent them off to a slaughterhouse. Next year, they may kill hundreds more. And bowing to pressure from the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, the administration overruled a National Park Service plan that would have banned thousands of snowmobiles that roar through the park every winter, spewing air pollution and harassing its wildlife. With the Bush administration putting corporate interests ahead of our greatest national park, this is the worst possible time for the World Heritage Committee to consider reducing its protection. Yellowstone needs more worldwide attention and action, not less.
•  6/24/03 -- Warning signs that our environment is in trouble: We don't go into our waters or breathe the air now without health reports:  25 U.S. Cities Get Bad Air Alert - The Environmental Protection Agency is issuing a "Code Red" for 25 U.S. cities because the air is "unhealthy" to breathe today. Don't bother reaching for your duct tape though. It won't do anything to help, and neither will the Bush Administration. They've already given a free pass to America's worst polluting power plants and refineries, and they are actively pushing a bill that would allow 50 percent more sulfur dioxide pollution, not to mention three times more mercury pollution. At least the corporations that create the pollution can breathe easier, even if we can't. Check out the daily air quality forecast on EPA's website: http://www.epa.gov/cgi-bin/airnow.cgi?MapDisplay=FOREMAP
•  6/24/03 -- ACTION:  This action alert from WWF - US: World Wildlife Fund:  DECLARE INDEPENDENCE FROM HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS - Action deadline: June 30, 2003 - Sign the "U.S. Declaration of Independence from Hazardous Chemicals" and speak out for better controls on chemicals that could harm people and wildlife around the world, including eagles,  whales, seals, and dolphins. We'll deliver the declaration to President Bush right before the Fourth of July Independence Day holiday. He needs to hear from you because his administration is working hand-in-hand with the  chemical industry to block progress on a landmark European Union effort to regulate dangerous  chemicals. The European Union has released draft legislation that could transform the management of chemicals,  increasing protection for wildlife and human health, while providing significant benefits for  American consumers as well. We'll present the signatures to the European Commission to demonstrate  the depth of U.S. public support for safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals. Sadly, existing laws fall far short of protecting people and the environment from the toxic chemicals that are all around us. People and wildlife can suffer devastating consequences from these contaminants, including altered neurological and sexual development, impaired reproduction, and weakened immune systems. Learn more and sign the "U.S. Declaration of Independence from Hazardous Chemicals." http://newsletter.worldwildlife.org/ct/ct.php?t=5494&c=2144175&m=m&type=3
•  6/24/03 -  Environmental Alert: Beginning of Summer Marks Start of Smog Season - Saturday is the first day of summer, and families have more to worry about than just their tans - unhealthy air. Last year, cities across America set records for the number of unhealthy air days--when red and orange air quality alerts were issued--and there are more on the way. Already, Atlanta, Los Angles and Houston have reported unsafe air days this year. To warn communities about air quality, many cities issue alerts when the air is unhealthy to breathe and urge parents to keep their kids inside. Some cities offer free rides on public transportation on unsafe air days. But instead of working to clean up the air, the Bush Administration is giving polluters a pass on cleaning up their messes in the so-called "Clear Skies" initiative.  To find out about air quality in specific cities, please visit: http://zoomer.sierraclub.org/# And for more on the not-so Clear Skies Plan, please visit: http://www.sierraclub.org/cleanair/clear_skies.asp
•  6/23/03 -- Keep track of the news pertaining to the Great Lakes: News in the Great Lakes Region -- from Great Lakes Information Network (GLIN)
•  6/23/03 - ACTION: Keep your pet protected from Rabies: Free Clinics are provided by the Monroe County Health Department: Rabies Clinics - Get Clinic locations and times here: The Monroe County Health Department works closely with municipalities to host rabies clinics for pets belonging to Monroe County residents. Dogs, cats and ferrets can be immunized, but must be at least three months old. Dogs should be leashed; cats and ferrets must be in a pet carrier. Shots are provided at no charge. --from the Monroe County Public Health Department
•  6/23/03-  ACTION: Do your part to prevent West Nile Virus in Rochester: Dead Crow Report Form -  The Monroe County Health Department uses reports of dead crows as one tool to track the spread of West Nile Virus (WNV) in our community and to gauge the risk of this illness to humans. There are several options to report dead crows: During business hours (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mon-Fri), call (585) 274-6171 - After business hours or on the weekend (to leave a message), call (585) 234-9600 - Submit the attached online form anytime.
•  6/23/03 --EVENT:  Democrat & Chronicle: Talks to start at Letchworth — PERRY — Starting July 8, the “Learn About Letchworth” series of talks about Letchworth State Park and the surrounding valley will be held each Tuesday. They continue through August. Presentations are free and open to the public, and begin at 7 p.m. at the Lower Falls Restaurant at Letchworth State Park. (June 23, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
•  6/22/03 -- Keep track of beach closings:  from Great Lakes Information Network (GLIN) -  beachnet - browse the beachnet archives - Seeks to facilitate communication and networking between people interested in the improvement of recreational beach water quality in the Great Lakes basin. The e-mail list is coordinated by the Great Lakes Beaches Association. Both the Association and listserv membership are open to the public.
•  6/22/03 -- ACTION:  EPA: Clean School Bus USA  Apply for a Clean School Bus Grant - Request for applications closes August 1, 2003. - Worried about Diesel fuel and your children's health? The goal of Clean School Bus USA is to reduce both children's exposure to diesel exhaust and the amount of air pollution created by diesel school buses. School buses are the safest way for children to get to school. However, pollution from diesel vehicles has health implications for everyone, especially children. By working together, we can reduce pollution from public school buses making sure that school buses are also a very clean way for children to get to school. Clean School Bus USA brings together partners from business, education, transportation, and public health organizations to work toward these goals:
•  6/21/03 -- ACTION: Here's a chance to pipe in on the application of pesticides in New York State--from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: Revised Rulemaking for New York State's Regulation Relating to the Application of Pesticides  A revised rulemaking has been issued addressing certain contractual and notification requirements relating to commercial lawn care application of pesticides. This revised rulemaking reflects changes made to the proposed rulemaking on this same subject, which was published in the State Register in March 2002. Commercial lawn care application requirements were established in Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) Sections (§) 33-1001 and 1003. The regulation also addresses general notification requirements (as they apply to commercial lawn care) contained in ECL §33-0905.5. Written comments on revised rulemaking may be filed until close of business, Thursday, June 27, 2003 with: Mary A. Roy, NYSDEC, Division of Solid & Hazardous Materials, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-7254- or faxed to Ms. Roy, by that date, at (518) 402-9024. To obtain additional information, please contact Mary Roy at (518) 402-8781
•  6/20/03 -- Here's a disturbing story: If the Bush Administration doesn't like the science on the importance of Global Warming, they just change the language. EPA Documents: Climate Report Got Rewrite WASHINGTON (AP) -- The White House directed a major rewrite of an assessment of climate change, removing references to health and environmental risks posed by rising global temperatures, according to internal draft documents made public Thursday. Several Senate Democrats, including some running for president, accused the White House of ``doctoring'' the Environmental Protection Agency report to suit President Bush's skeptical views on global warming. The changes demanded by the White House were so extensive that the climate section ``no longer accurately represents scientific consensus on climate change,'' according to an April 29 EPA staff memo. It characterized the revised draft as an embarrassment to the agency. The New York Times on the Web
•  6/20/03 -- ACTION: Care about what happens to nearby FingerLakes National Forests--our only Federal forest in New York State? The Finger Lakes National Forest encompasses 16,032 acres, nestled between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. The Forest has over 30 miles of interconnecting trails that traverse gorges, ravines, pastures, and woodlands. Currently there are Forest Plan Revisions which may include the use of ATV's and other motorized vehicles. If you have questions about public meetings or Forest Plan Revision, please contact Mike Dockry at 607-546-4470 or send an email to gmflplanrevision@fs.fed.us
•  6/20/03 -- New York State has 866 active Superfund sites statewide: take a look: http://www.nypirg.org/enviro/superfund/images/staticmap2.gif  --from New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG)  New York has thousands of toxic waste sites where dangerous industrial chemicals have polluted the land and water. You can be exposed to chemicals that are known or suspected to cause cancer, reproductive dysfunction, and neurological problems through contact with contaminated air, soil, and water. -- Is there a Superfund site near you: Superfund Map
•  6/19/03 ACTION: Help again: Annual International Coastal Clean Up-- From Water Education Collaborative "Volunteers are needed to help clean up streams and shorelines along the Genesee River and Lake Ontario - By Margit Brazda Poirier, Water Education Collaborative - What is there to do on a sunny, crisp, Saturday morning in September? You can participate in the Annual International Coastal Clean Up event held this year on September 20, 2003 from 9 am - noon! Every year (for 16 years now) volunteers clean up riverbanks, beaches, and shorelines all over the world. Last year, over 460 volunteers picked up litter along area streams and the shorelines of the Genesee River and Lake Ontario.  Together the volunteers collected and disposed of over 2 tons of trash (4000 lbs.!) from area streams and four locations along the Genesee River and Lake Ontario: Durand Eastman Beach, Genesee Valley Park, Seth Green fishing site, and Turning Point Park. Volunteers worked in teams to pick up litter and also record the types and amount of trash found. This data is entered into a national database that you can access at: www.alsnyc.org. Come be a part of this international event on Saturday, September 20th. The locations will be the same as last year, with the addition of several streams monitored by Community Water Watch program volunteers. Clean up begins at 9 a.m. at all locations (except Durand Beach where it begins at 10 a.m.) and is followed by a free “trash bash” at the Sunset Shelter at Durand Eastman Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch, games, prizes, and entertainment to celebrate your efforts. This event is sponsored by the Water Education Collaborative (which includes the Rochester Museum and Science Center, City of Rochester, Monroe County, Cornell Cooperative Extension), the 4H Earth Girls, the Town of Irondequoit, Montana Mills, and Wegmans. To register on-line, visit the “Calendar of Events” at www.thewec.org. You may also register by contacting staff at the Water Education Collaborative, Noreen Mazurowski at 271-4552, ext. 324 noreen_mazurowski@rmsc.org or Margit Brazda Poirier at margit_brazda@rmsc.org  Please note these email addresses have an underscore, not a space between the first and last names. Community Water Watch volunteers interested in cleaning up area stream banks may contact Kimie Romeo at 703-4690 to arrange the acquisition of supplies. You will receive confirmation of your registration a week before the event.
•  6/18/03 -- ACTION:  You have until July 2 to comment on the EPA's extended public comment on the cleanup the of PCB's in the Hudson River: Hudson River PCBs EPA Releases List Of Preliminary Candidate Sites For Sediment Processing/Transfer Facilities - EPA released a list of preliminary candidate sites for sediment processing/transfer facilities. The specialized facilities, which will be used to transfer and remove water- dewater - from the dredged sediment, will ultimately be selected after input from the public and will be constructed using proven technology to ensure that dredged material is handled safely.
•  6/18/03 -- ACTION:  Let the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation know that you are concerned about particulate matter and environmental health. Summary: Certain projects regulated by the Department of Environmental Conservation have the potential to emit fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, in quantities that could have a potential for significant adverse health and/or environmental impacts. This (draft) policy provides guidance on the project-specific assessment of fine particulate matter impacts and details when mitigation of such impacts may be necessary. The Department has extended the comment period on this draft Commissioners Policy until close of business, July 14, 2003. Draft Commissioner's Policy PM2.5 - Air Resources
•  6/18/03 -- Important information: Do you eat the fish and game you catch in New York State?  Better read: 2003-2004 Health Advisories: Chemicals in Sportfish and Game - New York State Department of Health The New York State Department of Health (DOH) issues advisories on eating sportfish and game because some of these foods contain chemicals at levels that may be harmful to your health. These advisories are for sportfish and game that people take and are not for fish and game sold in markets. The health advisories are: (1) general advice on sportfish taken from waters in New York State; (2) advice on sportfish from specific waterbodies; and (3) advice on eating game. The advisory tells you how to minimize your exposure to contaminants in sportfish and game and reduce whatever health risks are associated with them. The advisories are updated yearly.
•  6/15/03 -   EVENT: From the Green Party of Monroe County, NY : " The GREENS are the electoral expression of the progressive movement in America and around the world and we are alive and kickin' in Upstate New York and we invite you to come celebrate with us and meet our current candidates in Monroe County. Currently in the US there are approximately 180 Greens in public office the newest being the Mayor of New Paltz, New York. Current and potential Greens are needed like never before to keep social programs , education, healthcare, pensions, & the environment alive and well. All these things are now endangered under the current administration and we need your support. Come join the GREEN PARTY OF MONROE COUNTY at the BUGJAR!  What's going on? A fundraiser to help the Green Party of Monroe County, this Tuesday, June 17th at the Bug Jar. Bands start at 9pm!  Who's playin' at this gig? ** Mojo Mountain Authority - (voted Ithica's #1 jam --band!) & ** Bombsquad! ** More TBA -- Information: 234-6470 or www.GPoMC.org"
•  6/13/03 -- Rochester Regional Group of the Sierra Club helps protect land: Democrat & Chronicle: Parking plan riles School Without Walls students — In a move that would do Joni Mitchell proud, several dozen students and teachers from School Without Walls gathered Wednesday to protest the City School District’s decision to pave over the school’s only bit of lawn to put up a parking lot. Hugh Mitchell, president of the local Sierra Club chapter, who participated in the protest Wednesday, said the new green space was meant to be a “trade-off.” “But it’s no trade-off,” he said. “We don’t want to lose any green space in the city. It’s too rare.” (June 12, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
•  6/13/03 -- ACTION: Here's an interesting way to help our animals from the The Genesee Valley Audubon Society: Read on: Democrat & Chronicle: Kodak falcons need baby sitters — Now that the five young peregrine falcons in the Eastman Kodak Tower nesting box are a month old, their first attempts to fly will come soon. The Genesee Valley Audubon Society is asking for volunteers who are willing to work three- or four-hour daylight shifts beginning Sunday through July 7 to watch the falcons and assist them should they land in dangerous places, such as an air conditioning vent, a smokestack or in the middle of State Street or Lake Avenue. (June 13, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
•  6/08/03 -- Important information on mercury and our Rochester-area environment: Alarming New Data Reveals Dangerous Mercury Levels in Rain Falling Over Southern, Gulf Coast and Mid-Atlantic States - National Wildlife Federation A new National Wildlife Federation (NWF) report reveals that the rain falling from the skies over 12 Gulf Coast, southeastern and mid-Atlantic states contains levels of mercury far exceeding what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers "safe" for people and wildlife in surface waters. "We usually think of rain as pure and clean," said Mark Van Putten, president of the National Wildlife Federation. "But this report reveals that the rain falling over these states contains ominous levels of mercury and threatens the health of people and wildlife."  Get the full report on this page: Clean the Rain - National Wildlife Federation
•  6/08/03 - Update on Environmental Health: from www.healthyamericans.org: TFAH Study Finds Major Gaps in Chemical Terrorism Preparedness - This week, Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) released its report, “Public Health Laboratories: Unprepared and Overwhelmed,” which found that our nation’s state public health laboratories are dangerously unprepared for potential chemical terrorist attacks in the U.S. State and local public health laboratories, together with hospitals and local health departments, serve as front-line defenders in case of a terrorist attack, yet they have not been given the resources needed to undergo necessary improvements—like more and better trained personnel, state-of-the-art equipment, and upgraded communication capabilities. Scott Becker, executive director of the Association of Public Health Laboratories was cited in a Washington Post article on the report stating, “If we have to respond to a chemical terrorism event, it will be a train wreck…. We don't have a national plan or testing methods or a lead agency for many of the laboratory activities that will be needed when a crisis occurs." TFAH’s report recommends a serious modernization effort aimed at making our nation’s public health laboratories better able to respond to a potential chemical terrorism attack and other public health emergencies. According to Senator Jon S. Corzine of New Jersey, “This report is further evidence that 20 months after September 11, we are still not prepared to deal with a chemical attack…our public health laboratories clearly need help if we expect them to be up to the task.” The full report is available on TFAH’s website: www.healthyamericans.org Washington Post, “Readiness for Chemical Attack Criticized” June 4, 2003 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A9900-2003Jun3.html?nav=hptoc_n SARS and Its Implications for U.S. Public Health Policy TFAH also released a report on May 20th, coauthored by Margaret A. Hamburg, MD, TFAH Board Member and Vice President for Biological Programs at NTI ( www.nti.org ) and TFAH Executive Director Shelley A. Hearne, examining how the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak highlights the “gaping holes” in the U.S. public health system. The report discusses policy measures that could be taken to protect communities from a full spectrum of health threats—from SARS to West Nile Virus to cancer and asthma. As quoted in an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (“SARS Deaths in U.S. Likely,” May 21), Dr. Hearne stated, “We get stuck in this disease du jour approach—smallpox one day, then SARS—but we are not really stopping to ask whether we have a public health defense that is healthy enough to cover us from all points of attack.” Policy measures that would strengthen our public health defenses include: building and funding a comprehensive health tracking network, strengthening state public health laboratories, recruitment of more and better trained public health professionals, and upgrading communications capabilities. The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Permanent Investigations has included TFAH’s report in its entirety as part of its hearing record on the global SARS outbreak. To view the full report go to: www.healthyamericans.org
•  6/05/03 -- What is the state of our oceans? U.S. Is Urged to Overhaul Its Approach to Protecting Oceans A private commission including scientists, fishermen and elected officials called today for big changes in federal ocean policies to curb harm to America's marine resources from coastal building, polluted runoff and what the panel described as destructive fishing practices. The group, the Pew Oceans Commission, urged the Bush administration and Congress to develop legislation creating a single agency for oceans and consolidating what is now, it said, a fragmented "hodgepodge of narrow laws" administered by a host of agencies. (June 7, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle  --Go to Pew Oceans Commission (June 4, 2003, 9:30 ET). "Overfishing at sea, over-development along the coasts, and increasing pollution from cities and fields are leading to decline of ocean wildlife and the collapse of ocean ecosystems, according to a landmark report released today by scientists, fishermen, conservationists, business leaders, and elected officials. The independent Pew Oceans Commission calls for immediate reform of U.S. ocean laws and policies to restore ocean wildlife, protect ocean ecosystems, and preserve the ecological, economic, and social benefits the oceans provide. The comprehensive report, entitled America's Living Oceans: Charting a Course for Sea Change, is the result of a three-year, nationwide study of the oceans, the first of its kind in more than 30 years"
•  6/05/03 --ACTION:  From Citizen's Environmental Coalition: Clean Up New York's Toxic Legacy: Refinance and Expand State Superfund; Establish a Protective Brownfields Program - New York's State Superfund toxic waste cleanup program has been bankrupt since April 1, 2001 leaving nearly 800 highly toxic sites stranded. In addition, there are tens of thousands of "brownfields" across New York - previously used sites with contamination that prevents redevelopment and can threaten health - that must be addressed. The Legislature must act this year to refinance Superfund and create a Brownfields cleanup program that protects the environment and our health, while encouraging revitalization of these unused sites.  Information is on Superfund Flyer (Word Document)
• 6/03/03 -- What is the Green Book, how can you get it, and what you can do about it are all here. Great Lakes United -Basin government leaders are finally considering a major investment in Great Lakes restoration, but have not yet put forth a specific plan. Accordingly, Great Lakes environmental, conservation, and labor groups have developed an action agenda to help guide those efforts from a citizen point of view. Citizens need to be at the table early and often, working with government parties to see through the development and implementation of a sound Great Lakes action plan.
  • WXXI: Great Lakes Cleanup Agenda Proposed (2003-06-03) ROCHESTER, NY (2003-06-03) A coalition of about 30 U-S and Canadian environmental groups has released an ambitious agenda to clean up the Great Lakes. Great Lakes United is calling for specific action plans, funding increases and regulatory changes from the states, provinces and both the U.S. and Canadian governments. The Great Lakes plan represents the first cleanup strategy developed by local groups. It comes less than a month after a congressional report said the federal government has failed to coordinate cleanup programs on the lakes with states and regional groups. It also follows a status report released May first by the International Joint Commission that showed progress is slow on cleaning up 43 so-called "hot spots," or contaminated sites on the lakes.  (June 3, 2003) Public NewsRoom
•  6/03/03 -- ACTION: Thinking of adopting a kitty? - Democrat & Chronicle: Lollypop has cats and cats  In the spring and summer the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm is deluged with about 80 unwanted cats and kittens daily. To encourage more people to adopt cats, Lollypop is once again hosting a June Adopt-a-Cat month. Throughout June, the cost of adopting a cat is $50 -- $15 off the regular cost. The adoption fee includes spaying or neutering, a feline leukemia test, vaccinations, worming and flea treatment. Staff at the Perinton animal shelter say cats are boarded as long as possible. But in the warm weeks, during which scores of kittens are given up for adoption, space is at a premium. In 2002, of the cats brought to Lollypop, 3,834 were adopted and 3,541 euthanized.  (June 3, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
•  6/03/03 -- ACTION: from Environmental Advocates of New York - Governor Pataki: Cap Carbon Pollution in New York
  Tell Gov. Pataki to keep his promise to make New York a leader in fighting global warming. He can take a major step in this fight by capping carbon pollution discharged from power plants, according to a new report commissioned by the State. Governor Pataki has invited other states to join in a regional solution, but he has not defined what New York's policy will be. New York must set the example; urge Governor Pataki to cap carbon emissions from power plants now. Take Action: Governor Pataki: Cap Carbon Pollution in New York
•  6/02/03 -- As your sources of news media choice shrinks, don't be surprised if the world seems to be rosier --but isn't. More and more news coverage is being controlled by fewer and fewer companies. If the companies that are polluting also have a large state in how the media presents environmental news, we're in trouble of being blinded by the media: F.C.C. Votes to Relax Rules Limiting Media Ownership In a 3-2 vote that went along party lines, the Republican-controlled Federal Communications Commission today relaxed decades-old rules restricting media ownership. Among other things, the ruling, which had been widely expected, allows companies to buy more television stations and own a newspaper and a broadcast outlet in the same city. The new rules, which were promoted by the F.C.C. chairman, Michael K. Powell, were opposed by many Democrats, consumer groups and even some media moguls, like Ted Turner and Barry Diller. They are almost certain to be challenged in court.The New York Times on the Web  
•  6/01/03 --ACTION: Help improve our area's air quality.  From Environmental Advocates of New York -  "Now you can let New York legislators know that you would like clean car choices in New York. Over 30% of New York's greenhouse gas emissions come from motor vehicles – an amount that is increasing as SUVs become more popular, people drive more, and fuel economy gets worse. But now, New York has an opportunity to lead the nation in reducing global warming pollution from autos. The "Clean Cars Act," now being considered by the New York State Senate, would cut greenhouse gas pollution from non-commercial vehicles sold in New York. The auto industry will be fighting hard to defeat this bill, so we need your help to show leaders in Albany that New Yorkers want to be leaders in the fight against global warming. Urge the New York Senate to support the "Clean Cars Act" today."Take Action: Support the Clean Cars Bill in New York
•  6/01/03 -- Looking for summer activities where you can appreciate our Rochester-area environment?  Go to the Rochester Regional Group of the Sierra Club's Outings & Events Page.
•  6/01/03-- Don't think mountaintop mining is a good idea? Tell the EPA.  You have until August 29th to comment in an online format: Environmental Protection Agency, Mid-Atlantic Region, Mountaintop Mining