energy news

www.whec.com - Making changes because of gas prices In Albany Wednesday, New York State Senate Republicans will ask for a suspension of the state gasoline tax. Suspending the tax would cut prices by 32 cents a gallon, but the idea faces opposition in the assembly. State Democrats are worried about the $500 million dollar hole it would create in the state budget. Meanwhile, people in Rochester are taking matters into their own hands. (April 30, 08) www.whec.com
In Brighton, it is easy being green | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Whether you are one to recycle everything in sight, or just the occasional soda can, the Green Brighton Task Force is challenging area homeowners and businesses to do just a little bit more in order to make our area a cleaner place to live — and "Color Brighton Green." (April 27, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
People benefit from attending energy fair | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle IRONDEQUOIT — Mike Parks said there was a time when people were scared off when he told them what it would cost to install solar or wind power equipment at their homes, but these days the cost of gas and electricity has made them braver. (April 27, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Solar car arrives in Rochester - The solar car made a stop in Rochester Sunday. The car stopped at RIT in Henrietta Sunday. The solar car is the creation of people from 23 different countries. It runs on 900 watts of energy from its solar panel. Driving the solar car 160 miles actually uses less energy than a toaster. Some attendees say the solar car could be the car of the future. (April 27, 08) RochesterHomepage.net
Rochester One of Few Markets to Test Fuel Cell SUV - ROCHESTER, NY (2008-04-23) As part of her "State of the County" address Tuesday night, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks announced that Rochester will be one of just a few metro areas to test a new General Motors fuel-cell powered vehicle. The county will add an electric-drive, fuel cell-powered SUV to its vehicle fleet. The Chevy Equinox turns hydrogen into electricity for power. wxxi NewsRoom
Chesonis splurges on solar power research | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle A Rochester telecommunications magnate and his family are donating $10 million to Massachusetts Institute of Technology to support solar energy research. The Chesonis Family Foundation — the philanthropy of Arunas and Pamela Chesonis — will start the Solar Revolution Project, which will have a goal of helping to make solar energy a viable and mainstream source of power.( April 22, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Ginna operator cited for alteration | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Federal regulators have cited the Ginna nuclear power plant's operator for an unauthorized change to emergency plans that could have endangered the public if a serious accident had occurred. The change, made years ago by the plant's former owner, Rochester Gas & Electric Corp., affected how certain kinds of accidents would be classified in terms of severity when they were reported to regulators. (April 13, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Using dams to make hydrogen - A New York community wants to use its neglected hydro-dam to power a hydrogen making facility. -- Environment Report
The Journal Register (Medina, NY)--SHELBY: Carbon dioxide plant under review SHELBY — Irate residents living within hearing distance of the ethanol facility spoke out against the proposed carbon dioxide plant at the town planning board Tuesday night. Their biggest fear, they say, is that the constant noise and yeast odors caused by the ethanol plant will only worsen. (April 04, 08) The Journal Register (Medina, NY)
Safety status of Ginna will be addressed | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Federal regulators will present information on their latest safety assessment of the Ginna nuclear power plant at a public meeting today. High on the agenda will be an episode a year ago in which the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission marked down the plant's operator, Constellation Energy, for a shortcoming in emergency preparedness at the nuclear plant in Ontario, Wayne County. (March 25, 08) Democrat & Chronicle
NRC to discuss Ginna nuclear power plant annual assessment at public meeting - ONTARIO - The results of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s annual safety performance assessment for the R.E. Ginna nuclear power plant will be discussed at a public meeting on Tuesday, March 25. The session is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. at Ontario Town Hall, at 1850 Ridge Road in Ontario, N.Y. ( March 20, 08) New York State News on the Net!
Schumer seeks promises from upstate NY power company deal -- Newsday.com WASHINGTON - Sen. Charles Schumer sought assurances Thursday that a Spanish firm's planned purchase of an upstate power company won't jack up bills for customers. Iberdrola SA is trying to win state regulators' approval for a $4.6 billion acquisition of the regional utility Energy East Corp. The deal would affect 3 million customers from upstate New York to Maine and would put Rochester Electric and Gas Corp. and New York State Electric & Gas Corp. under foreign ownership. (Feb 28, 08) Long Island and New York City news from Newsday.com - A Long Island Newspaper -- Newsday.com
Green cars at auto show - None of the two hundred cars are green colored, but a growing number of them are green. "The alternative fuel vehicles certainly are a very hot topic around town," said Brad McAreavy. Especially now that there are two stations in Rochester that pump ethanol. Inside, at the car show, western New Yorkers will find a wide scope of greenies, from the massive Chevy Tahoe hybrid to the tinier Malibu. (Feb 26, 08) RochesterHomepage.net
New Plans To Boost Renewable Energy In New York - NewsChannel 9 WSYR Albany, New York (WSYR-TV) - Increasing renewable energy here in New York is getting some new attention from the governor's office. A special task force on the topic is out with recommendations to get the process moving. Chief among them, boosting the state's solar and wind power resources. The amount of sunshine in New York is equal to that of Germany, the world's leader in solar energy use. The task force wants to boost solar power capabilities by eight times what they are now in the next four years. (Feb 25, 08) NewsChannel 9 WSYR
www.ny.gov - LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES ROADMAP TO SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION IN NEW YORK Lieutenant Governor David A. Paterson, Chairman of the State’s Renewable Energy Task Force, today announced 16 Task Force recommendations as part of a roadmap to significantly increase renewable energy generation in New York. These first recommendations include more solar energy production funding the state’s program to get 25 percent of New York's electricity from renewable energy by 2013 and new business incentives targeted to attract renewable energy producers and expand the State’s “green collar” workforce. (Feb 25, 08) GOV SITE
Rochester Gets 2nd E85 Pump - A second E85 pump in Rochester has some people wondering if the home grown alternative fuel really is the future. The price the 85% ethanol, 15% gasoline blend is what turns most drivers heads first. (Feb 22, 08) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
MPNnow Irondequoit purchasing energy-saving computers RSS Irondequoit, N.Y. - At its Feb. 19 business meeting, the Irondequoit Town Board approved the purchase of 138 new computers and monitors for town employees. The new Dell OptiPlex systems have an Energy Star 4.0 rating – the highest possible energy efficiency rating given by the US government (Feb 21, 08) Rochester, NY - MPNnow
RG&E Settles Dispute with State - The state and Rochester Gas and Electric have settled a dispute regarding major upgrades at Russell Station. The state claimed the company did the work in the mid-1980s without installing required pollution controls. (Feb 20, 08) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
RG&E’s Russell Station to Close - 13WHAM.com (Rochester, N.Y.) – Rochester Gas and Electric’s Russell Station plant in Greece will be shut down soon, after providing power to the community for 60 years. (Feb 21, 08) http://www.13wham.com/
Settlement announced to close coal-burning Russell power plant - ROCHESTER - Attorney General Andrew Cuomo Wednesday announced a settlement with Rochester Gas and Electric that will require the company to shut down its coal-burning Russell power plant in the Town of Greece in Monroe County. (Feb 21, 08) New York State News on the Net!
CUOMO ANNOUNCES SETTLEMENT TO CLOSE ROCHESTER GAS & ELECTRIC’S COAL-BURNING RUSSELL POWER PLANT Company Pledges to Build Cleaner, State-of-the-Art, Natural Gas Facility ~ Settlement Requires RG&E to Pay $500,000 for Clean Energy Projects in the Rochester Area ROCHESTER, NY (February 20, 2008) – Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a settlement with Rochester Gas and Electric (“RG&E”) that will require the company to shut down its coal-burning Russell power plant in the Town of Greece, Monroe County. The agreement also mandates that if RG&E replaces the coal-burning facility, they must build a cleaner, state-of-the-art natural gas plant. As a result of this settlement, thousands of tons of air pollution will be eliminated in the Rochester area annually. (Feb 20, 08) Office of New York State Attorney General Andrew M Cuomo
ENVIRONMENT: Russell power plant to close - News & Opinion - Rochester City Newspaper Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has announced a settlement with RG&E that will require the company to shut down its coal-burning Russell power plant in the town of Greece. Under the settlement, RG&E must permanently shut down the Russell power plant following improvements to power lines and substations, which are expected to be completed in May. If RG&E builds another plant, the settlement requires that this new plant be a state-of-the-art natural gas burning facility. (Feb 20, 08) Rochester City Newspaper
First Ethanol Flowing in Brighton - If you believe some people, it's the wave of the future. But people in our area haven't been able to take advantage of ethanol. (Feb 11, 08) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
NRC: No Environmental Reasons to Bar Relicensing NY Nuclear Plant | Markets | Market News | Canadian Business Online SCRIBA, N.Y. (AP) - There are no environmental reasons to prevent extending the James A. FitzPatrick nuclear plant's operating license for another 20 years, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission said Tuesday. To date, the NRC has renewed the licenses of 48 of the nation's 104 nuclear reactors, including the Ginna plant near Rochester and the twin Nine Mile Point reactors that sit in the same Lake Ontario complex with the FitzPatrick plant, Sheehan said. (Jan 29, 08) Canadian Business Online: Breaking financial news and daily top business, company and technology news
Wind turbines stir debate in western New York town HAMLIN, N.Y. (AP) - A wind energy plan in western New York is stirring up debate. Town leaders in Hamlin, 18 miles west of Rochester, plan to vote soon on extending a moratorium on wind farms while they consider the issue. (Jan 15, 07) Home WCAX.com
Studying Fuel Cell Mass Production - Tech leaders in the greater Rochester area believe fuel cell technology can be an economic engine. More federal funding is headed this way to find a way to make that happen. RIT and Delphi will partner to figure out a way to mass produce solid oxide fuel cells in the armed forces. (Jan 07, 07) Messenger Post Newspapers
Brighton residents seek to cut energy use by 10%— Brighton, which today will ask its residents to cut energy use by 10 percent, joins a growing list of municipalities around the nation that are stepping up efforts to help the environment.Organizers are hosting a rally tonight to launch the yearlong campaign and generate interest in recycling and reducing wasted energy. (January 7, 2008) Democrat & Chronicle
Solar panels to help power County Office Building — Monroe County's latest effort to be kinder to the environment won't be cheap, and the return on investment is relatively low. But the county thinks it's worth it. While the cost to install solar panels on the roof of the County Office Building will largely be covered by settlement payments from oil companies, not tax funds, the project will only eliminate about 4 percent of the energy costs generated in the building. (December 19, 2007 Democrat & Chronicle
Auburn to use clean renewable energy to heat, cool municipal buildings =Auburn - Mayor Timothy Lattimore of the City of Auburn, and Roger Kelley, president and chief executive officer, New York Power Authority, Monday announced completion of a comprehensive $3.9 million project that includes a geothermal heating and cooling system, a computerized energy-management network and a variety of energy-efficiency upgrades at 13 city-owned facilities. The project was designed, implemented and installed under the supervision of NYPA’s Energy Services and Technology unit. (Dec 18, 07) New York State News on the Net!
Anti-power-line group gets organized - Rochester, NY - MPNnow Citizens in Naples and South Bristol have organized to lobby against the electrical transmission line Rochester Gas & Electric plans to build from Eelpot Road to Bristol Mountain. Several hundred citizens from Naples, South Bristol, Italy, Cohocton and Rochester have expressed opposition to this power line, said Renae Rennoldson, spokeswoman for the organization. Their main concerns are maintaining the scenic views, wind power involvement, environmental issues and health concerns, she said. (Dec 08, 07) Homepage - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
Local ethanol plant a no-go — A first-of-its-kind ethanol plant won't be constructed in the town of Greece after all. A year ago, then-Gov. George Pataki announced that the state would spend $14.8 million toward construction of the plant in Greece, perhaps positioning the Rochester region as a leader in alternative energy. But the plant instead will be 130 miles east of Rochester, at the former Griffiss Air Force Base outside Rome, Oneida County. A ceremonial start of work on the Mascoma Corp. plant is set for Monday. (December 8, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Ethanol Plant Up And Running - New York state's first ethanol plant is up and running in Orleans County. The plant cost $90 million to build and is expected to churn out 50 million gallons of ethanol per year. Western New York Energy built the facility in the town of Shelby. (Dec 3, 07) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
CH Energy Group subsidiary to build, operate upstate renewable energy plant - Auburn -- A special purpose subsidiary of CH Energy Group, Inc., CH-Auburn Energy, LLC, has entered into a 15-year contract to supply the City of Auburn in Cayuga County with a portion of its electricity needs by constructing and operating a three-megawatt electric generating plant in Auburn that will use renewable energy from the municipal landfill and wastewater treatment plant. (Nov 30, 07) New York State News on the Net!
Process begins at ethanol plant in Shelby - Western New York Energy is grinding corn at the first alternative facility in the Northeast — SHELBY — Within a few days, the first batch of fuel ethanol produced in the Northeast will be pumped out of a large white tank in rural Orleans County. The Western New York Energy LLC ethanol plant is owned and operated by John M. Sawyer Jr. and his son, Michael Sawyer, both from Geneseo. The plant means new jobs for 50 people, a new market for corn growers and the potential for Rochester-area consumers to have an alternative to gasoline. (November 30, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
FEDERAL ENERGY DEPT. TO IMPROVE APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY Attorney General Spitzer today announced an agreement under which the federal Department of Energy (DOE) will set new standards to sharply increase the energy efficiency of many types of domestic appliances, such as home ranges and ovens, air conditioners and dishwashers. This action settles a federal lawsuit against DOE brought by New York and a coalition of 14 other states, the City of New York and three public interest groups. 9nov 13, 07) Office of New York State Attorney General Andrew M Cuomo
ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO & 5 OTHER STATES DEMAND NRC CONSIDER TERRORISM AND EARTHQUAKES WHEN RELICENSING NUCLEAR PLANTS WHITE PLAINS, NY (November 15, 2007) - Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that he and the Attorneys General of five other states have submitted a letter to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) expressing serious concerns about the NRC’s continued disregard of safety issues - including susceptibility to earthquakes or terrorist attacks - when deciding whether to renew the operating license of a nuclear power plant beyond its initial 40 year term. (Nov 15, 07) Office of New York State Attorney General Andrew M Cuomo
globeandmail.com: Ethanol push could threaten water supplies WASHINGTON — When it comes to solving the fossil fuel crisis, it seems like every silver lining comes accompanied by a dark cloud. As attention turns more and more toward using corn and other products to produce ethanol for fuel, experts warn that increased production of these crops could pose a threat to the nation's water supplies. (October 10, 07) globeandmail.com: Canada's National Newspaper
Russell Station plans change — Rochester Gas and Electric Corp. has withdrawn its application to convert Russell Station to a clean coal power plant and will instead go with the option of rebuilding the Greece site as a natural gas power plant. (September 29, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Schumer on Russell Station - News - MSNBC.com New York's Senior U.S. Senator is threatening to torpedo a proposed merger between RG&E parent company Energy East and a Spanish energy company, Iberdrola. Senator Chuck Schumer was in Greece Monday. He says he wants assurances that RG&E aging Russell Station, a coal-fired plant, be switched over to clean burning natural gas. (Sept 26, 07) MSNBC - WHEC-TV
Task force reconvenes to promote renewable energy agenda - Albany -- Lieutenant Governor David Paterson, chairman of the State’s Renewable Energy Task Force, joined the other members of the Renewable Energy Task Force in creating a framework for New York to develop and promote renewable energy technologies. The second meeting of the Task Force integrated the work of subcommittees that have met over the course of the year. (Sept. 26, 07) New York State News on the Net!
Senator Schumer Wants Guarantee to Rebuild Russel Power Plant ROCHESTER, NY Senator Charles Schumer says the sale of Rochester Gas and Electric to a Spanish company shouldn't go forward -- until the company agrees to convert R-G-and-E's Russell Station to the latest natural gas burning technology. (2007-09-24) WXXI NewsRoom
Surging debate surrounds the use of 'smart' meters - New electrical gauges will cut costs, say advocates; critics wary ALBANY — As early as next year, some electricity customers in western New York may be able to save money, thanks to new "smart" meters, by doing their laundry and dishes at night or programming their air conditioner to raise the temperature in their homes if power becomes too expensive. Advocates see the new meters as a tool that will help New Yorkers cut their utility bills, reduce the demand for power and help the environment. But critics see a darker side to this idea. They fear that poor and uninformed consumers, who don't have the option of changing the timing of their energy use, will end up paying higher rates on top of a surcharge for a new electric meter they don't need. (August 25, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Ruling favors ethanol plant - Court: Romulus project can advance without impact statement — ROMULUS — A state court has ruled that construction of an ethanol plant at the former Seneca Army Depot in Romulus can move forward without an environmental impact statement. Acting State Supreme Court Justice Dennis F. Bender, after hearing arguments last month in Waterloo, ruled Friday that the Finger Lakes Future Alliance, which sought the impact statement, lacked standing in the case. Bender said the alliance, made up of about 100 Seneca County residents, would be no more affected than other area residents. (August 21, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Boating Goes Green! Green energy is making its way to the Erie Canal. For the first time a boat is traveling an American canalway using solar electric energy as the primary fuel source. (August 13, 2007) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
www.ny.gov - GOVERNOR SPITZER SIGNS INTO LAW NEW ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION PROMOTING PURCHASE OF GREEN VEHICLES Governor Eliot Spitzer today announced that he has signed legislation designed to increase consumer awareness about greenhouse gas emissions. This law requires that automobile manufacturers affix a “global warming index” sticker to new cars and passenger trucks beginning in the 2010 model year, detailing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. New York is the second state in the nation to pass this innovative environmental legislation. “Global warming is one of the most serious environmental problems of our generation,” said Governor Spitzer. “Every level of government, every business and every consumer can play a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This new legislation will help make the public aware of vehicle emission levels so that they can make informed choices that will help reduce greenhouse gas pollution.” (August 3, 07) GOV SITE
New environmental legislation promoting purchase of green vehicles - Albany -- Governor Eliot Spitzer Friday announced that he has signed legislation designed to increase consumer awareness about greenhouse gas emissions. The law requires that automobile manufacturers affix a “global warming index” sticker to new cars and passenger trucks beginning in the 2010 model year, detailing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. New York is the second state in the nation to pass this innovative environmental legislation. (August 08, 07) New York State News on the Net!
Local companies cut energy use that's linked to global warming — Wind, not petroleum, makes the energy to power the presses at Monroe Litho. For the past two years, the commercial printer on the edge of Rochester's downtown has purchased all of its electricity from a broker of wind-energy credits, which means that the $21,000 per month that the company spends on juice ends up going to a wind-energy producer that adds power to the national grid. (August 5, 2007)
Brooks and RIT Announce New Green Fleet Vehicle Partnership - Continuing her leadership in protecting the environment, growing our economy and employing our community’s spirit of innovation, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks was joined by Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) President William Destler and Nabil Nasr, Director of The Center for Integrated Manufacturing to announce a new partnership between Monroe County and RIT to assess the performance of Monroe County’s E85 flex-fuel vehicles. E85 flex-fuel comprise of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline that power the flex-fuel vehicles engines. - MyMonroe. Opening Up Government. | Monroe County, NY
ScienceDaily: New Research Seeks To Enhance Alternative Fuel Integration In Public Vehicle Fleets Science Daily — Rochester Institute of Technology and the County of Monroe, New York have created a research partnership to assess the performance of the County’s fleet of E85 flex-fuel vehicles. E85 is comprised of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline and is considered a major alternative energy option for American automobiles. (July 19, 07) Science Daily: News & Articles in Science, Health, Environment & Technology
CITY WATER OPERATION CENTER RECEIVES AWARD Mayor Robert J. Duffy announced today that the City's Water Operations Center, located at 10 Felix St., has been awarded LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED is the USGBC's leading edge system for designing and constructing the world's greenest, energy efficient, high performing buildings. The Water Operation Center has the distinction of being the first building in Rochester and the first municipal building in the state to be LEED Gold certified. (July18, 07) Welcome to the City of Rochester
RIT to evaluate county's alternative-fuel vehicles — Monroe County and the Rochester Institute of Technology announced a partnership Monday to study the performance of county vehicles running on alternative fuels. The county has stepped up efforts in recent years to use vehicles that run on ethanol. The county has 78 hybrid-electric vehicles and E-85 flex-fuel vehicles, which run on 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. (July 17, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
www.ny.gov - RENEWABLE ENERGY TASK FORCE MEMBERS NAMED Lieutenant Governor David A. Paterson today announced the appointment of members to New York's Renewable Energy Task Force. Under Lieutenant Governor Paterson’s leadership, the goal of the Task Force will be to identify and recommend ways of expanding the state’s use of renewable energy and alternative fuels. (June 24, 07) http://www.ny.gov/
Army Depot ethanol plant case goes to court - Group wants environmental impact study - ROMULUS — Principals involved in the proposed construction of a $115 million ethanol plant and accompanying biomass generating facility at the former Seneca Army Depot in the Town of Romulus are headed for a mid-July court appearance. The case, an Article 78 proceeding, one in which actions of a municipal body can be challenged in court, is to open at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 17 in state Supreme Court in Waterloo. Representing the Finger Lakes Future Alliance and others is attorney Wendy A. Marsh of the Hancock & Estabrook law firm of Syracuse. The Harris Beach law firm of Rochester will represent the Town of Romulus. (July 5, 07) The Ithaca Journal
Legislator inaction irks panel on energy - Task force bemoans lawmakers' failure on power plant siting law — ALBANY — The Legislature's recent failure to agree on new regulations for siting power plants is a major impediment to New York's progress in promoting renewable energy, a member of a new state task force said Tuesday. "Article 10 is definitely something that the Legislature and the governor need to bring to completion," said Carol Murphy, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, referring to a streamlined approval process for power plants that expired in 2002. (June 27, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Fuel Cell 2007 Conference in Rochester, New York, Boasts Energy Alternatives - Associated Content One more reason to possibly vote a Democrat in to the White House in 2008 is that party's willingness to promote and make available fuel cell and other alternative energy sources to consumers, as opposed to current administration policy. That's according to fuel cell expert and Senior Research Analyst James Horwitz, the keynote speaker and fuel cell expert, who spoke during the Fuel Cell 2007 Conference at the Hyatt in Rochester New York from June 14 to 15. The People's Media Company - Associated Content
WSTM.com - Demand for ethanol increasing With uncertainty about future costs of gasoline interest in alternative fuels, including the ethanol blend E85, is on the rise and so are the number of stations selling it. (June 19, 07) WSTM.com - WSTM.com Home
Brooks Opens Landmark Waste-to-Watts Power Plant at the Mill Seat Landfill - Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks was joined by Waste Management District Manager Jeff Richardson as well as local officials to officially open Monroe County’s first-ever public/private partnership gas-to-electric plant at the Mill Seat Landfill in the Town of Riga. The new power plant will produce 4.8 megawatts of power, and turns waste into watts through the utilization of methane gas generated from the Mill Seat Landfill. “The opening of the Mill Seat power plant is another step forward in my administration’s efforts to reduce our community’s dependence on foreign energy resources, and protect the air we breathe, and the water we drink,” said County Executive Brooks. “By turning waste into watts at Mill Seat, we have again tapped our community’s great spirit of innovation to protect our environment, and promote a more sustainable community.” (June 12, 07) MyMonroe. Opening Up Government. | Monroe County, NY
Waste to Watts - RIGA, NY (2007-06-11) Officials flipped the switch Monday to launch Monroe County's first-ever methane gas-to-electric plant at the Mill Seat Landfill. Methane gas produced by decomposing trash inside the landfill is piped into a compression facility where it's processed and then used to power generators. WXXI NewsRoom
County hits switch on landfill-powered plant — With the flick of a switch, Monroe County officials on Monday opened a power plant at the Mill Seat landfill in Riga and hailed their project as a way to turn landfill gas into green energy. The $9.7 million project, bankrolled by the New York Power Authority, this week will begin cranking out electricity and sending it out on the state's power grid. The electricity then would be sold to customers across the state. (June 12, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
RG&E: RG&E PROPOSES REDEVELOPMENT OF RUSSELL STATION POWER PLANT SITE Rochester, NY, May 1, 2007 – RG&E today informed the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) that it plans to build a new 300-megawatt (mw) electricity generating plant at the site of Russell Station, the company’s coal-fired power plant in the Town of Greece. The submittal to the NYISO represents the first formal step in siting and building the new power plant. RG&E will operate the current plant until the Rochester Transmission Project (RTP) is completed. The proposed plant will replace the existing plant. (May 1, 07) RG&E: Home Page
Energy East Proposes Redevelopment of Russell Station Power Plant Site PORTLAND, Maine, May 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Energy East Corporation's subsidiary Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) informed the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) that it plans to build a new 300-megawatt (mw) electricity generating plant at the site of Russell Station, the company's coal-fired power plant in the Town of Greece. The submittal to the NYISO represents the first formal step in siting and building the new power plant. (May 2, 07) Business, financial, personal finance news - CNNMoney
Club Teaches Reducing Home Energy - There’s plenty buzz about global warming and saving energy and anyone looking at going green. But where do they start. The Sierra Club is running a workshop on reducing energy use at home. It will start with a documentary on two people who have significantly reduced their carbon footprint. “It shows the reasons for their concerns specifically with coal powered electricity,” said Bob Siegel of the Sierra Club. “They show how they were committed to reducing their impact to zero and how in fact they went about doing that. (May 21, 07) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
OK for NYSEG ‘smart meters' could come by Sept., peak hours to cost more - New York State Electric & Gas Corp. officials hope to roll out as early as September an advanced metering system they hope will trim their customers' electricity bills and allow the company to better manage demand for electricity. Switching to a “smart meter” system is also a way to protect the environment by reducing the need to build more energy generation sources, said James P. Laurito, president and chief executive officer of NYSEG and Rochester Gas & Electric. ( May 12, 07) The Ithaca Journal - www.theithacajournal.com - Ithaca, NY
Hearings planned on power lines — Rochester has been added as the site of one of a series of federal public hearings on two proposed electricity "transmission corridors." Federal officials said Wednesday that they would expand the public hearings on the designations, which could spur the building of major new power lines in many states regardless of local opposition. (May 10, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Energy East Proposes Redevelopment of Russell Station Power Plant Site PORTLAND, Maine, May 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Energy East Corporation's subsidiary Rochester Gas RG&E will operate the current plant until the Rochester Transmission Project (RTP) is completed. The proposed plant will replace the existing plant. (May 2,07) The Earth Times Online Newspaper, Serving the Planet
Pills offered to residents near Ginna — For only the second time, Monroe and Wayne counties are offering protective medication to people who live or work within 10 miles of the Ginna nuclear power plant in case of a radiation leak. The federal program, started in the wake of elevated concerns after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, entails giving free potassium iodide to each individual living or working in parts of Wayne County, Webster and Penfield. The over-the-counter medication doesn't protect a person from radiation overall, but it does protect the thyroid from exposure. Ginna is located on the shore of Lake Ontario in Ontario, Wayne County. (May 3, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
N.Y. may pull plug on incandescent bulbs — ALBANY — An Assembly bill introduced this week could mean lights out for traditional light bulbs. The bill would ban the sale of incandescent light bulbs, the kind that most people use now, by June 2012. Supporters seek to replace traditional filament bulbs that they say contribute to global warming with energy-saving halogen or fluorescent lights. (May 3, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Monroe County distributes potassium iodide to Ginna-area residents - Monroe County officials are again distributing potassium iodide – also known as KI – to residents who live within the 10-mile emergency planning zone of the Ginna Nuclear Power plant. The medication – supplied by the state Emergency Management Office – will be provided free at three area Wegmans stores from now through May 25. (May 1, 07) New York State News on the Net!
RG&E to pump $500 million into Greece plant - News - MSNBC.com Rochester Gas and Electric Corp. plans to spend $500 million to re-power the Russell Station coal-burning power plant, officials said this week. The plan reverses the company's decision in 2003 to shut down the 59-year-old facility, which produces 257 megawatts of electricity and some 25 percent of the region's electrical needs. (April 20, 07) MSNBC - Top Stories
Legislators proposing tax break on hybrids - Bipartisan bill would drop state sales levy, let localities do same. ALBANY — Buying a hybrid car can save drivers hundreds of dollars on gasoline, and ownership could get even cheaper if a bill proposed Wednesday becomes state law. Two lawmakers propose to eliminate New York sales tax on the purchase of a new or used hybrid vehicle. The bill also would let cities and counties join in the tax waiver. (April 19, 07) Democrat & Chronicle
Governor announces environmental agenda - Governor Eliot Spitzer Thursday announced a comprehensive plan for reducing energy costs and curbing pollution in New York. This approach sets New York apart with the most aggressive energy efficiency goal in the nation while reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the state. The plan focuses on energy efficiency, conservation, and investment in renewable energy sources as the keys to achieving economic and environmental goals. (April 20, 2007) New York State News on the Net!
Xerox Redesigns Products for Lower Energy Use, Meeting Tough New EPA ENERGY STAR Criteria - ROCHESTER, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 12, 2007--Over the past two years, Xerox Corporation scientists and engineers have trained their sights on developing products that use significantly less energy. The payoff: More than half of the company's office and production product offerings meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's rigorous new ENERGY STAR(R) requirements that went into effect on April 1. http://www.csrwire.com/
County Plans Ethanol Plant - Turning beer waste into ethanol is Monroe County's plan. Now it has to figure out a way to pick up the tab. Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks announced the ethanol plant would be built at High Falls Brewery. R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
Brooks Joined GM to Unveil Fuel-Cell Vehicle - Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks joined General Motors to unveil the company’s new Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell vehicle. The fuel cell system powering the vehicle is the result of the work of researchers at General Motors’ Honeoye Falls facility. MyMonroe. Opening Up Government. | Monroe County, NY
FERC approves new license for Niagara Power plant - The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Thursday approved a new 50-year license for the Niagara Power Project. This is the final federal step in moving the funding secured in a settlement agreement between Buffalo and Erie County and the New York Power Authority, which operates the Niagara Plant. (March 16, 2007) New York State News on the Net!
From Brewery to Gas Tank—Ethanol Plant Proposed - 13WHAM.com Right now it just goes into the sewer, but Monroe County has ideas for turning the beer byproduct into energy. (March 04, 07) 13WHAM.com
Cool Cars Fuel Rochester Economy - 13WHAM.com (Rochester, N.Y.) -- Visitors to the Greater Rochester Car Show learned that many of these cars of the future are not only shiny and cool-looking, but that are good for both the environment and for the local economy. (March 2, 07) 13WHAM.com
N.Y. gas stations already use ethanol, but it'll become even more common — You probably don't know it, but you're likely already using ethanol. Gas stations in the Northeast have switched from the additive MTBE to a 10 percent ethanol blend, based on concerns about MTBE's impacts on health. (January 28, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Ethanol potential fuels high hopes - Eyes focus on upstate as it emerges as alternative fuel hot spot — In a snowy field outside Medina, two circular tanks rise out of the ground while construction workers dig and lay railroad track. By November, the owners of Western New York Energy LLC say a new plant will begin taking corn and turning it into more than 50 million gallons of fuel annually. (January 28, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
$10M grant to fund research, infrastructure - ITHACA — Cornell University announced Friday that it has received a $10 million grant from the state that will aid in developing technology for industrial-scale production of ethanol. Cornell will use $6 million of the money from the Empire State Development Corp. to turn a 1950s-era workshop on the first floor of Riley-Robb Hall into state-of-the-art labs. Related state-of-the-art equipment will be bought with the remaining $4 million. (Jan 22, 07) The Ithaca Journal - www.theithacajournal.com - Ithaca, NY
Brooks Joins NYPA Officials to Announce State Investment in Mill Seat - Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks was joined by State Senator James S. Alesi, New York Power Authority (NYPA) Trustee Michael Townsend, Waste Management District Manager Jeff Richardson and other local officials to announce a $200,000 state grant and $9.5 million in low-cost financing from the NYPA to assist construction of the County’s Landfill Gas to Electricity plant. The $9.7 million project will produce 4.8 megawatts of power. “This innovative project offers environmental and economic benefits,” said County Executive Brooks. “Harnessing the energy in the landfill allows us to access a productive source of power. With the state grant and NYPA low-cost financing, Monroe County taxpayers will benefit from this initiative for many years to come.” --from MyMonroe. Opening Up Government. | Monroe County, NY
Riga power plant gets boost - New York Power Authority to supply low-cost financing, grant - — The New York Power Authority will bankroll the $9.7 million construction of a power plant at the Mill Seat landfill in Riga, officials announced Thursday. Monroe County officials are eager to generate excitement about its plan to use landfill gas to produce power to sell on the electric grid. Already, the county in its 2007 budget banks on selling the energy upfront for 10 years at a cost of $4 million to $5 million. Rather than make $300,000 a year or so in profits on the county-owned plant, the county wants to take the money in a lump sum to cover this year's deficit. (January 19, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
MPNnow.com: Energy, development and politics Electricity will flood the school district in the early part of the year and elections will dominate in late 2007. EAST ROCHESTER – From the hum of electricity at the school to neighborhood development – several issues that made headlines in 2006 will see print again as East Rochester moves through 2007. When the switch is finally flipped sometime in January, the East Rochester school district will be generating its own electricity. In October, a roughly 16-ton fuel cell was placed in the outdoor courtyard area in front of the school. The cell — which is 10 feet long, 18 feet wide and 10 feet high — goes through a process that converts natural gas into electricity. (Jan. 4, 2007) MPNnow.com: Rochester and Western Finger Lakes News, Entertainment, Sports, Opinions, Photos and More
Researchers Will Work With Cellulosic Ethanol Plant Susan Powers, associate dean for Research and Graduate Studies at Clarkson's Coulter School of Engineering, was paying special attention today when Governor Pataki announced that $24 million was being awarded to two companies for the development and construction of the state's first cellulosic ethanol plants. That's because Powers and other environmental researchers and students at Clarkson will participate in the project with Mascoma Corporation, one of the companies receiving the state funding. Mascoma, with the help of a $14 million grant from the governor, will build a 500,000-gallon-a-year cellulosic ethanol pilot facility in Greece, near Rochester. (January 06, 07) Energy News from EnergyDaily.com
Rochester - The new ethanol: hope or hype? - Rochester gets in on the next big thing in biofuels - News & Opinion - News articles - City Newspaper Energy -It's the holy grail of renewable-energy research: a liquid fuel that can be harvested sustainably, burned cleanly, and doesn't come from an unstable part of the world. And maybe, just maybe, it will be manufactured at a plant near you. The fuel in question is ethanol. Specifically, cellulosic ethanol. Ethanol is an alcohol made from fermenting sugar that can be burned as a fuel in internal combustion engines. Rochester - News, Music, Restaurants, Events, Arts and Entertainment Newspaper - City Newspaper
New Energy Plant to Rochester - Alternative energy advocates tout cellulosic ethanol as the next big thing. The Rochester area is ready to be part of it. Governor Pataki delivered $25.2 million in state funding for a new cellulosic ethanol plant. Corn is the main ingredient in most ethanol produced in our country, but cellulosic ethanol can be made from grass and wood. (December 21, 2006) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
Over $25 million dedicated for development of two cellulosic ethanol facilities - Governor George Pataki Wednesday announced that two companies have been selected to develop and construct pilot commercial cellulosic ethanol facilities in New York State. The state has awarded a total of up to $25.2 million to the companies to increase the production of clean and renewable fuels and reduce our dependence on imported energy. One of the companies – Mascoma Corporation – will build a 500,000 gallon/year facility in the Town of Greece, Monroe County. This project, which is a collaborative effort with Genencor, an enzyme company in Greece, along with Clarkson University, Cornell, and Khosla Ventures, has been awarded a $14,800,000 State grant and will include more than $15 million in private investment. (December 21, 2006) New York State News on the Net!
Agreement reached for advanced clean coal plant in western New York - Governor George Pataki Wednesday announced the conditional award of a power purchase agreement that would support plans by NRG Energy to construct an advanced clean coal power plant in western New York that would help to reduce our dependence on imported energy. The agreement is part of a strategic alliance being developed between the State and NRG to help the company obtain the necessary financial resources to build a clean coal facility at its Huntley Generating Station in the Town of Tonawanda, Erie County. (December 21, 2006) New York State News on the Net!
Pioneer fuel plant to be built in Greece - State to help finance $29.8M ethanol site that doesn't use corn.— A $14.8 million state grant will help build a next-generation ethanol plant in Greece that will be the first of its kind in the United States and could position the region as a leader in a growing field. Gov. George Pataki and other officials made the announcement Wednesday. In a swing across upstate, Pataki unveiled several projects aimed at making the state a leader in alternative energy development. (December 21, 2006) Democrat & Chronicle
MPNnow.com: Alternative energy: The new gold rush Decayed Corn Belt and Rust Belt communities have seen the future and it's ... ethanol! The gleaming $110 million ethanol plant is still rising over their cornfields, but locals in Heron Lake, Minn. say it’s already the best thing to happen here in decades. Farmers and other residents plunked down a minimum of $20,000 each to buy stock in the plant, and the electric co-op kicked in a $740,000 loan. The Hotel Whiskey Bar & Grill fills up on some nights with the plant’s construction workers. And Mayor John Hay figures the plant will triple his city’s tax base, making it possible to upgrade area roads and fix the leaky roof on the city-owned nursing home. (December 4, 2006) Messenger Post Newspapers
Brooks Launches New Energy Initiatives - Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks announced the first in a series of new County initiatives designed to reduce the County’s energy-related expenses, while both preserving the environment and utilizing new sources of homegrown renewable energy. The announcement, held at Winslow Elementary School in Henrietta, highlighted the theme of education in the promotion of renewable energy resources within Monroe County. (October 18, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
WXXI: Fuel Cell Development Center Will Come to RIT ROCHESTER, NY (2006-10-06) Congresswoman Louise Slaughter says the federal government will put one-point-35 million dollars into fuel cell development programs at the Rochester Institute of Technology. (2006-10-06) Public NewsRoom
East Rochester school getting new power source - District hopes to have fuel cell in operation next month— EAST ROCHESTER — The East Rochester Union Free School District has begun laying the groundwork for its new energy source. The concrete foundation for the district's 200-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell is expected to be installed within a couple of days, said Michael Mamo, assistant superintendent for business. Plumbers have also begun running pipes from the boiler room into the area where the fuel cell will be housed on the district's campus.(September 12, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
WXXI: Hybrid Buses Coming for Rochester (2006-07-19) Public transportation authorities in New York are increasingly turning to hybrid diesel-electric buses to cut costs amidst rising fuel prices. Four such buses went into service in Westchester County this week, and the Rochester area will not be far behind. The Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority expects to launch 19 hybrid diesel-electric buses next May. The buses were ordered from Gillig Corporation of San Francisco, California this spring. Public NewsRoom
Ginna's Output to Increase by 16% - Constellation Energy plans to boost the output of Wayne County's Ginna Nuclear Power Plant. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved a 16.8 percent capacity increase, from 525 to 610 megawatts of electricity.(July 12, 2006) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
Area hopes to catch a lift off fuel cell event - For several years, officials have played up the Rochester region's prominence in fuel cell research. Next June, Rochester will have a chance to show off. Rochester will host the Fuel Cell 2007 trade show, a gathering of some of the top technical minds in the growing field, Greater Rochester Enterprise and Fuel Cell magazine publisher Webcom Communications announced. At least 300 out-of-town attendees are expected at the June 13-14 show at the Hyatt Regency. (July 8, 2006) Democrat & Chronicle
City buses to use cleaner fuel - Some experts say less-polluting diesel could improve health - — Rochester's public buses will be switching to a new, less polluting diesel fuel formulation this fall. A vote taken by the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority board of commissioners this week unanimously approved the switch to ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. The change — which will affect all 225 public buses and the nearly 28,000 gallons of fuel they burn every week — should be complete by October, said Jacquie Halldow, director of communications for the authority. (August 12, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
Ginna plant gets safety approval from NRC - Annual report has some 2005 concerns, none serious — The Robert E. Ginna Nuclear Power Plant in Ontario, Wayne County, has operated safely for another year. Inspectors from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission presented an annual report Tuesday listing 10 safety concerns that occurred during 2005, though none rose to the level of serious risk. The report was the result of "thousands of hours" of equipment inspections, environmental monitoring and constant observation, said Dave Holm, the plant's general manager. (May 10, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
State spurs ethanol plant - Work at Orleans County site may start in June, be first in N.Y. -— SHELBY — Construction on the state's first ethanol plant could begin as early as next month, helping to turn New York into a leader in alternative fuel production, Gov. George Pataki and other officials said here Monday. New York will spend nearly $6 million to help the process along, officials said. (May 9, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
Sierra Club speakers urge change - Fears of global warming prompts call to live within limits — Antarctic ice is melting at an alarming rate, high ocean temperatures are spawning monster storms, and average global temperatures in 2005 were the warmest on record. Climate change is here, said speakers at the eighth annual Sierra Club Environmental Forum. It would be easy to become overwhelmed with hopelessness, facing a challenge with the potential to transform daily life for everyone on Earth — but emerging technology offers hope for the future if we can change our mindset, they said Thursday. (April 22, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
'Gold rush' for biofuel plants beginning upstate - Quest for clean energy gains momentum - If every day is a learning experience, then Jason Masters knows how to pay attention to the lessons that matter most. The native of Livonia, Livingston County, was a greenhouse gas scientist working in the Middle East in the 1990s when he had several chances to speak to Arab sheiks — people whose lives revolve around oil. Not surprisingly, the conversation frequently would turn to energy. But the sheiks didn't want to talk about the commodity that had made them rich and powerful. Instead, they were most interested in alternatives to petroleum. That was enough to get Masters thinking like an entrepreneur. Largely because of the sheiks' interest, the 36-year-old has joined a "gold rush" of entrepreneurs in greater Rochester and across the nation seeking opportunity from the field of alternative energy. (March 26, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
WXXI: U.S. Energy Secretary Tours Fuel Cell Center (2006-02-23) HONEOYE FALLS, NY (2006-02-23) The U.S. Secretary of Energy stood in front of a fuel-cell powered minivan in Honeoye Falls Thursday afternoon and said children born this year should be able to take their drivers' tests in a hydrogen powered car. wxxi NewsRoom
Hybrid vehicles' appeal still growing New tax credits mean that buying a hybrid vehicle this year could save you more than $5,000. And putting that car on the road could keep thousands of pounds of greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere. Tax credits With the start of 2006, buyers of hybrids became eligible for up to $3,400 in federal tax credits, depending upon the vehicle's emissions and fuel efficiency. However, only 60,000 buyers of each model will receive the credit, so industry analysts predict that the benefit could run out on popular models by midsummer. Gov. George Pataki has also proposed continuing a state tax credit of $2,000 for hybrid owners and offering discounts on tolls and other incentives to drivers of particularly efficient vehicles.- (January 19, 2006) — Democrat and Chronicle
13WHAM-TV || Rochester - Fuel Cell Technology – The Next Big Energy Alternative? Using fuel cells and renewable energy technology, Rochester Institute of Technology researchers are already working on ways to give cars thousands more miles of life. It’s part of their effort to find ways to make fuel cells affordable and make them practical for everyday life. (January 23, 2006) 13WHAM-TV || Rochester
Few attend hearings on nuclear plants The Nuclear Regulatory Commission should consider the environmental impact of Nine Mile Point's nuclear plants on zebra mussels, said one speaker at a meeting Thursday night at Scriba Town Hall. The comment was one of several made by five people who attended public meetings held by the federal nuclear agency to review the environmental impact of renewing Constellation Energy's licenses for its two nuclear plants in Oswego County. (November 18, 2005) Syracuse.com
Is Ethanol New York's Future? - Could ethanol be New York's future cash cow? New York State Agriculture Commissioner Nathan Rudgers said there are about two million acres of former farmland in New York that could be used to grow crops to make ethanol. http://www.rnews.com
WXXI: Groups Want Dirty Power Plants Cleaned Up (2005-07-26) ALBANY, NEW YORK (2005-07-26) Environmental groups say six of the top ten dirtiest power plants in the Northeast are located in New York State. They are urging Governors of Northeastern states, who are working on a pollution reduction pact, to come up with strict new rules to curb emissions. A report, using data from the US Department of Energy, found a small number of dirty power plants in the northeastern United States are responsible for producing over half of the pollution in the region that is associated with global warming. Those plants include Dunkirk and Huntley in Western New York, Northport, on Long Island, and Roseton, in Newburgh, in the Hudson Valley. All of the plants are decades old and were grand fathered in under the federal clean air act. It was assumed at the time that the plants would eventually close, and newer, cleaner plants would take their place. Melinda Sobin, of the New York Public Interest Research Group, says that hasn't happened. She says the result is dirtier air, and inefficient power plants. wxxi NewsRoom
EPA Orders Ethanol Use in Gasoline - Gas prices in New York State could go up as much as eight cents per gallon soon. The federal government ordered New York and two other states to continue using ethanol as a gasoline additive. The additive is made with corn and is designed to reduce air pollution. 06/03/05 R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
ER Schools Wants to Use Fuel Cell -East Rochester residents learned more about the school district's proposal to use alternative power. The district wants to install a hydrogen fuel cell to produce electricity. (May 10, 2005) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
Renewable Energy Could Bring Jobs - A new report from New York State's comptroller says thousands of jobs could be created if the state were to step up its commitment to generating more electricity through renewable sources. The report calls for the state to expand solar, wind and hydropower, as well as develop crops like corn and soybeans that can be processed into fuel. Comptroller Alan Hevesi says that 43,000 jobs could be created by 2013. There are about 170 renewable energy companies in the state. (March 2005) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
Ethanol Could Boost Area Corn Crop - New York farmers may soon help lower prices at the pump. Ethanol, which is found in gasoline, can be produced from corn. Empire Biofuels is planning on building an ethanol plant in Seneca Falls. The company expects to break ground this September.(March, 2005) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
Holley studies ethanol plant - — HOLLEY — Officials from the village of Holley, the town of Murray and the Orleans County Economic Development Agency visited an ethanol-producing plant in South Dakota late last month to prepare for the possibility that a biofuel manufacturer may want to build at Holley's 95-acre business park. (March 6, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
Tax credits might be available for ethanol operation - SENECA FALLS — Investors in an ethanol plant planned for Seneca Falls believe they may be eligible for new tax credits proposed by Gov. Pataki in his budget address Tuesday. The spending plan calls for offering a tax credit of up to $1 million annually for the next five years for producers of biofuels such as ethanol, which is made from corn and provides a safe, renewable fuel source.(January 22, 2005) Finger Lakes Times Geneva, NY
Jan. 26 conference will examine western N.Y.'s 'air power' future. - Jan. 26 conference will examine western N.Y.'s 'air power' future. — BATAVIA — Wind power is coming to western New York, apparently in a big way. As farmers and other land owners have been asked in recent months to sell, lease or use their land to harness wind energy, a Jan. 26 conference, sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension and Genesee Community College, aims to answer questions about the issue. If you go What: Wind energy conference. When: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26. - Where: Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia. Registration: Must be made by Jan. 20. Call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at (585) 343-3040, ext. 112, or visit the extension office at 420 E. Main St., Batavia. Registration also can be done at www.cce.cornell.edu/genesee . (January 17, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
MSNBC - Corn farmers to build ethanol plant in Seneca County Rochester, NYUSA - SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) - A group of New York farmers announced plans Friday to build an $80 million plant in the upstate Finger Lakes region to convert corn to ethanol, a gasoline additive that helps fuel burn cleaner (October 31, 2004) MSNBC - News Front Page
Storm clouds gather over wind power farms - (October 16, 2004) — Just south of Rochester, a fight is brewing that will likely be repeated in New York many times in the next decade. At issue is wind power, a source of renewable energy that now accounts for only 1 percent of electricity used statewide. (October 16, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: 1,000th customer catches the wind RG&E plan brings in power on the breeze. To learn more
For more information on RG&E's Catch the Wind, call (877) 743-9463 or go online to www.rge.com. — The winds of fortune were with Nancy Runser of Fairport this week. The stay-at-home mother of three was named the 1,000th customer for Catch the Wind. The Rochester Gas and Electric Corp. program, announced in April, offers a way for customers to buy wind-generated electricity. Most power is generated from such sources as coal, natural gas and nuclear energy. (October 1, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
An alternative energy source: Newark High gets solar panels - NEWARK — Newark High School will soon become one of the first schools in the region to use solar energy. A series of solar panels was installed on the roof of the Peirson Avenue school this week that will provide electricity to a pair of science classrooms. The school received a $30,000 grant state to complete the project, funded by the New York State Energy Research Development Authority. (September 29, 2004) Finger Lakes Times Geneva, NY
Democrat & Chronicle: RIT gets grant for emissions project — HENRIETTA — Rochester Institute of Technology's Kate Gleason College of Engineering has received $222,612 from the state Energy Research and Development Authority to develop a particulate trap to clean diesel, coal and gasoline engine emissions. (August 14, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
environment: The COST of keeping COOL - We turned to Bob Siegel, chairman of the conservation committee with the Sierra Club of Rochester for some helpful energy saving tips for the summer. First, Siegel recommends that consumers look for “Energy Star” stickers when shopping for air conditioners and other home appliances. Products with these stickers have passed strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy, will conserve energy and save the consumer money. insider - Rochester remixed
Democrat & Chronicle: State's proposal for green energy welcomed here — At a public hearing Thursday, 20 area citizens commented on a state proposal that would require New York to get 25 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2013. Speaking at Henrietta Town Hall, 19 of the 20 were in favor of the so-called Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard, a green-energy requirement already in place with varying required percentages in 13 other states. (June 18, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Beads may one day fuel our cars — ALFRED — Drivers might put a stream of tiny glass beads — instead of a tiger — in their tanks in the not-too-distant future. Two Alfred University professors have received a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop technology that would use such beads as a way to store the hydrogen that would power upcoming generations of cars. (June 14, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Ginna Changes Owners - The Ginna Nuclear Power Plant in Wayne County is now operated by a new company. (June 13, 2004) WOKR-TV 13 || ROCHESTER
Democrat & Chronicle: Deal closes on sale of Ginna — The Robert E. Ginna nuclear power plant in Wayne County has a new owner. Constellation Energy Group Inc. closed on the deal today, according to Constellation and Energy East Inc., parent company of Rochester Gas and Electric Corp. (June 10, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Plan pushes renewable energy A proposal wants 25% of electricity sold to be from green power by 2013.- — By 2013, 25 percent of the electricity sold in New York should come from renewable resources, such as hydropower, wind, solar and biomass. That’s the gist of a recommendation made Thursday by Eleanor Stein, an administrative law judge with the New York state Department of Public Service. (June 4, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Brooks Announces Bold Energy Initiative - County Executive Maggie Brooks, fulfilling another pledge she made to the community last year, today announced a bold new County initiative designed to reduce Monroe County energy related expenses while fostering greater reliance on homegrown renewable energy. The announcement also establishes an Energy Policy Advisory Team that will develop an overall program to optimize energy management and cost efficiencies... (March 23, 2004) Monroe County
Democrat & Chronicle: Reynolds eyes oil reserves— GREECE — Rep. Thomas Reynolds, expressing concern about rising gasoline prices, called Saturday for the federal government to temporarily halt shipments of crude oil to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the nation’s emergency store of oil. (March 21, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
RG&E finds a buyer for Ginna - Nuclear plant being sold for $422.6 million -— Rochester Gas and Electric Corp. has agreed to sell its Robert E. Ginna nuclear power station for $422.6 million to one of the nation’s largest wholesale power suppliers. (November 26, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
Study: Natural gas prices could shoot up this winter It could cost some people more to stay warm this winter. The Natural Gas Supply Association blames higher prices for a potential rise in the cost of natural gas. The industry trade group says utilities replenished their supplies this summer, paying about 15 percent more than a year ago. (October 3, 2003) MSNBC Local News
Democrat & Chronicle: RIT researcher envisions an electric-car future — HENRIETTA - It’s the year 2025. Streets and highways are bustling with electric cars. And because less money is being sent to Middle East nations for their oil, Americans have billions more dollars in their pockets. That’s the picture painted by one Rochester Institute of Technology researcher. (June 30, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Pataki proposes changes in siting of power plants — ALBANY — Gov. George Pataki on Friday proposed extensive changes to how power plants are planned and operated in New York with an eye to protecting poor and minority neighborhoods from getting more than their share of facilities. The measure, if approved by the Legislature, could bring needed power to the state to help an economic recovery, Pataki said. (June 7, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Bumpy start to NY fuel additive ban (May 12, 2003) — ALBANY — A New York state Senate committee will question fuel industry officials this week about their apparent unpreparedness to sell gasoline without the additive MTBE in it starting Jan. 1, 2004. (May 12, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Geneva colleges tap into wind farm electricity (August 7, 2002) — GENEVA — Winds blowing across western New York rustle tree leaves at the Hobart and William Smith Colleges campus and make student Frisbees fly that much farther. They also will help keep the lights burning. (August 7, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle:
WXXI: Schumer Says Keeping Cool Is Paying Off (2002-08-06) The state's "Keep Cool" energy program is getting results according to U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. The program which is designed to save energy, provides consumers with rebates of 75-dollars for turning-in their old air conditioners and purchasing new energy efficient models with the "energy star" label. It is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, also known as (NYSERDA). (August 6, 2002) Public NewsRoom
Democrat & Chronicle: Pataki announces, Dems criticize, NY nuclear review — Gov. George Pataki announced Thursday that a former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been hired to review emergency planning for New York's nuclear power plants, including Rochester Gas & Electric's Gina plant. Since Sept. 11, fear of terrorism at the Indian Point in Buchanan, has turned emergency planning, and especially the adequacy of the evacuation plan, into a hot-button issue in the lower Hudson Valley (August 1, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle:
Democrat & Chronicle: RG&E meets record need on a very hot day — Rochester Gas and Electric Corp. recorded an all-time electricity peak usage at 3 p.m. Monday during one of the hottrest days of the year. (July 223, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com
Natural gas potential lures firms A West Virginia company is the latest to search for natural gas in the region. GORHAM - Energy companies are rediscovering New York state as a source of natural gas. After hearing how successful other companies were at finding natural gas in western New York, Triana Energy did its own research and decided to set up shop in Gorham. (July 18, 2002) Daily Messenger
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES NEW BUILDING, ENERGY CODES FOR NEW YORK Governor George E. Pataki has announced that beginning today, builders and developers may now use new comprehensive building and energy codes that will reduce development costs, increase job opportunities and provide a major incentive for new investment, construction and economic development in cities, towns and villages throughout New York State. Today's announcement marks the culmination of a several year project initiated to overhaul New York State's building, fire prevention and energy codes. "The code will encourage both new development and the rehabilitation of existing buildings, which is key to revitalizing our downtowns," Governor Pataki said. "It also provides code enforcement and fire officials, design professionals, builders and contractors with a set of requirements that are consistent with the rest of the country. This updated code will help to ensure that our homes and workplaces are not only safe, but energy efficient as well." (July 10, 2002) Press Releases 2002 from NYS Governor
RG&E Says Ready for Summer AC Demand ROCHESTER, NY (2002-05-28) Rochester Gas and Electric says it won't have any problem meeting electric power demands this summer, even if customers set new records for electricity as they have each August for the past two years. (May 29, 220) Public NewsRoom
Democrat & Chronicle: Ford displays its fuel cell car — Ford Motor Co. drove an example of its hydrogen fuel cell technology into town Wednesday. The auto maker showed off a Ford Focus powered by hydrogen at Frontier Field. The car is touring the country and was on display at Frontier Field during the Rochester Red Wings' game against the Buffalo Bisons. (May 29, 220) DemocratandChronicle.com
Democrat & Chronicle: Schumer wants oil reserves used to avoid higher gas prices — NEW YORK -- Sen. Charles Schumer is calling on President George Bush to draw from the country's oil reserves to prevent a rise in gas prices and to counter threats from the Middle East. "There's an answer to high gas prices, there's an answer to the production suspensions from Iraq, to the political instability of Venezuela, and to the threats from OPEC -- it's called the Strategic Petroleum Reserve," Schumer said Sunday at a press conference. (April 15, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com
Nevada governor vetoes Bush on nuclear waste site Congress has 90 days to act In the first-ever veto of a president by a governor, Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn on Monday overturned President Bush’s decision to designate a Nevada mountain bunker as the nation’s nuclear waste repository. But the veto doesn’t end the debate — in fact, it now means that Congress must approve or reject the Yucca Mountain site within 90 days. (April 7, 2002) Environment Front Page 3:15 PM ET Tuesday, April 09, 2002
Democrat & Chronicle: School's heat well grounded — When the Densmore Road Middle School opens in 2003, students there will bask in the comfort of heat drawn from deep underground. The school will be one of only three in the area that harnesses the Earth's relatively constant underground temperature with geothermal heating and cooling as a way to provide efficient, inexpensive climate control. (April 5, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com
Democrat & Chronicle: Gas prices on the rise Gasoline prices have started to climb in recent weeks, and the spike is being blamed on rising crude oil prices and shrinking gasoline supplies. Locally, the average price of self-regular unleaded was $1.32 on Thursday, up 12 cents from two weeks ago. (March 22, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com
Feds: Ship nuclear waste down the Hudson Highly radioactive nuclear waste would be shipped over several years from the nuclear plants in Buchanan down the Hudson River through the Port of New York en route to Nevada, as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's national waste-storage plan. The shipments are detailed in a proposal to be considered in the spring when Congress votes on President Bush's plan to open a national repository for nuclear waste under Nevada's Yucca Mountain in 2010. The Energy Department's environmental impact report states that thousands of shipments of radioactive fuel would go through 15 commercial ports during a 38-year period. (March 19, 2002) THE JOURNAL NEWS: A Gannett Suburban webpaper
Senate Running On Empty on Fuel Economy -- Press Release from Alliance to Save Energy The Alliance to Save Energy today slammed the Senate's 62 to 38 vote today stripping major energy legislation of meaningful fuel economy standards and demanded that the bill (S. 517) not leave the Senate without addressing America's oil dependence. (March 14, 2002) Alliance to Save Energy--Third Decade of Leadership
Senator Clinton proposes legislation to improve security at nuclear power plants - Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, (D) New York, is calling for immediate legislation and a budget increase to improve security at nuclear power plants (February 20, 2002) MSNBC Local News
Ginna Back Up And Running A problem with a water pump prompted RG&E to shut down the plant Tuesday as a precaution (Thursday, February 07, 2002) iKnowRochester.com
Shutdown at Ginna — Rochester Gas and Electric Corp. has shut down its Robert E. Ginna nuclear power station in Ontario, Wayne County because of a problem with a circulating water pump. (February 6, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com
Canada's nuclear security questioned The reactors on Lake Ontario could tempt terrorists, critics say - There are signs that security at nuclear reactors across the border in Canada is not as strict as the measures at the 103 U.S. reactors. (Wednesday, January 2, 2002) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

Help with Heating Bills With winter weather on the way, many homeowners are worried about paying more money on their heating bill. But there is help from New York state(Saturday, December 22, 2001) RNews.com
No drilling in Finger Lakes forest HECTOR -- The U.S. Forest Service yesterday turned down a bid by drilling companies from Texas and West Virginia to tap a rich natural gas reservoir beneath the Finger Lakes National Forest, the only national forest in New York. (Thursday, December 20, 2001) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
N.Y. Senators Propose Ban On Finger Lakes Drilling Rochester, NY - US Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton have introduced legislation to institute a permanent ban on drilling in the Finger Lakes National Forest, the only national forest in New York State and the smallest in the country. (Wednesday, December 19, 2001) iKnowRochester.com
Report Says Good Things Will Come From Renewable Fuels Standard WASHINGTON, December 10, 2001 - A new report that focuses on the impacts to the US if a renewable fuels standard is implemented says energy security would increase, the economy would feel a boost, and farmers would benefit from selling their crops to make fuel. Fuels Association (RFA), National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), and National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and provides an analysis of a renewable fuels standard (RFS) of 6.6 billion gallons by 2011, continuing to 8.8 billion gallons by 2016. (Tuesday, December 11, 2001) Yahoo News.
Senator Clinton Calls For Tighter Security At Nuclear Power Plants Washington, DC - In the wake of the terrorist attacks, Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) is calling for tighter security at the nation's nuclear power plants. (Friday, November 30, 2001) iKnowRochester.com
RG&E's Ginna nuke plant beefs up security force -- Rochester Gas and Electric Corp. has hired additional security staff and purchased equipment since Sept. 11 to help protect its Ginna nuclear power plant, company officials said yesterday. (Thursday, November 29, 2001) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
PSC Approves Niagara Mohawk, National Grid Merger Albany, NY - State regulators have approved a $3 billion merger between Niagara Mohawk and National Grid USA. The state Public Service Commission today gave its stamp of approval to a deal that the utility companies say will save upstate New York consumers up to $1 billion on delivery charges over the next 10 years. (Wednesday, November 28, 2001)iKnowRochester.com
Energy Department Backs Wind Effort WASHINGTON, November 16, 2001 - The US Department of Energy's Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is backing the largest wind project in the state of Oregon by agreeing to purchase the entire output of the initiative. The project, which is already under construction, will by the middle of next year see the installation of 83 wind turbines at a site near Condon, Oregon. --Yahoo Environment News
Company Searches For Natural Gas In Yates County Rochester, NY - In a community that is known for farming, a fuel company hopes to harvest more than just crops. (Thursday, November 8, 2001) iKnowRochester.com
Government to Roll Out New Technologies for Coal Fired Power Plants WASHINGTON, November 7, 2001 - In an effort to improve both the reliability and environmental performance of US coal-burning power plants, the US Department of Energy is providing $51 million in backing to new projects that are worth more than $110 million. (Thursday, November 8, 2001) Yahoo News
Gas prices fall Nov. 5 - Gas industry analysts say gas prices have fallen almost seven cents a gallon over the past two weeks. (Monday, November 5, 2001) WHEC
Gas sought under Middlesex A West Virgina-based company plans to drill more than 6,000 feet into the ground in search of natural gas. MIDDLESEX - Contractors have been drilling night and day for about two weeks on the Button farm on North Vine Valley Road. Their goal: A 6,500-foot deep shaft reaching into a geologic formation some 500 million years old. And if they're right, it'll be full of natural gas. (Sunday, November 4, 2001) Daily Messenger
Merger Possible Between RG&E and NYSEG Rochester, NY - We have already had a taste of cold weather and this is nothing compared to what we will feel in the next few months. (Tuesday, October 30, 2001) iKnowRochester.com
Heat on the Cheap Wa