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RochesterEnvironment.com

March 2010 NewsLinks Archived 

RochesterEnvironment.com

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

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

 

• Covert tests expose potential fraud in Energy Star program A secret evaluation done by United States Government Accountability Office has revealed that the Energy Star certification program is vulnerable to fraud and abuse, having approved 15 bogus products for certification. (March 31, 2010) GREEN NEWS - ECOSEED's Global Green News Portal [more on Green Living in our area]
• Nissan Leaf vs. the Chevrolet Volt: Electric car war heats up New York International Auto Show An electric car war is amping up at the New York International Auto Show. Two electric cars will hit the streets by year's end, and each of the automotive giants behind them thinks their's is the car of the future. (April 1, 2010)New York News, Traffic, Sports, Weather, Photos, Entertainment, and Gossip - NY Daily News  [more on Transportation in our area]
• Get Listed! Comes To Rochester With Economic Development Event For NY Businesses To Find Wind Power Developers, April 12 | WHITE PLAINS—New York Power Authority (NYPA) President and Chief Executive Officer Richard M. Kessel announced this week that Rochester will be the site for the second Get Listed! business-to-business conference, to help support and grow New York State's clean energy economy through development of the wind power industry.  Get Listed! is being held, in collaboration with the Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE), on April 12 from 1 to 3pm at Monroe Community College.  This follows the successful initial Get Listed!, which took place in Buffalo in February and had close to 200 business representatives in attendance. (March 39, 2010) New York Power Authority [more on Green Business in our area]
• Climate Change Imperils the State of the Planet--Will the World Act?: Scientific American NEW YORK CITY—More than 100 countries have signed on to the Copenhagen Accord—the nonbinding agreement to combat climate change hastily agreed to this past December at a summit of world leaders. As signatories, the countries agree to cut greenhouse gas emissions to keep global average temperatures from warming more than 2 degrees Celsius. The countries that have signed up to date represent more than 80 percent of the global emissions of such heat-trapping gases. (March 26, 2010) [more on Climate Change]
• Asian carp search-and-destroy mission falls short | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press-Gazette TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — An initial six-week mission to catch and kill Asian carp lurking on the Great Lakes' doorstep turned up none of the despised fish, suggesting few if any have eluded an electric barrier designed to block their path to Lake Michigan, officials said Monday. (March 30, 2010) greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press-Gazette | Green Bay news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Green Bay, WI [more In Invasive Species in our area]
• WXXI: Wind Turbine Conference On the Horizon (2010-03-30) ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - The New York Power Authority will hold a conference in Rochester next month to encourage business involvement in an offshore wind energy project. The Power Authority has received 12 proposals for developing wind farms in the New York waters of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. (March 30, 2010) WXXI NewsRoom [more on Wind Power in our area]
• FLCC, Tourism Agency Partner on Stream Cleanup Canandaigua, N.Y. - Finger Lakes Community College and the Finger Lakes Visitors Connection have teamed with a nationally renowned preservationist to host a “voluntourism” stream cleanup at Lagoon Park in Canandaigua on Saturday, April 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (March 23, 2010) FLCC Campus News [more on Green Living in our area]
• Rochester laundromat committed to helping environment | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The washing machines at the Humboldt Hamper laundromat on Humboldt Street require only two tablespoonfuls of detergent. They use up to 350 times the force of gravity to extract water from clothes so less power is needed for drying. (March 31, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Green Business in our area]
• Tracing the Demise of Cap and Trade - NYTimes.com WASHINGTON — Less than a year ago, cap and trade was the policy of choice for tackling climate change. Environmental groups and their foes in industry joined hands to embrace the approach, a market-driven system that sets a ceiling on global warming pollution while allowing companies to trade permits to meet it. President Obama praised it by name in his first budget, and the authors of the House climate and energy bill passed last June largely built their measure around it. (March 25, 2010) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Climate Change in our area]
• Less spending, less recycling Ontario County landfill saw 10,000 fewer tons in 2009 than year prior Casella Waste Management regional engineer Gerald Leone said the Ontario County Landfill’s resource recovery facility processed 10,000 fewer tons of recyclable materials in 2009 than in 2008. (March 30, 2010)  Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Recycling in our area]
• Experts Struggling To Explain Declining Bee Population - Science News - redOrbit The American bee population continues to decline, leaving experts wondering why. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics, the number of beehives decreased for the third consecutive year in 2009. The beehive numbers fell by 29-percent last year, following declines of 36-percent in 2008 and 32-percent in 2007. Scientists in other countries have noticed similar results and have taken to calling the results "colony collapse disorder." (March 29, 2010) redOrbit – Science, Space, Technology, Health News and Information [more on Wildlife in our area]
• E20 Fuel Reduces Carbon Monoxide, Hydrocarbon Emissions In Automobiles - Technology News - redOrbit New study indicates ethanol-gasoline blend also has no measurable impact on drivability A new study by the Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies at Rochester Institute of Technology indicates that the use of E20 fuel, which blends 20 percent ethanol with gasoline, reduces the tail pipe emissions of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, compared with traditional gasoline or E10 blends. In addition, the research team found no measurable impact to vehicle drivability or maintenance in conventional internal combustion engines. (March 30, 2010) redOrbit – Science, Space, Technology, Health News and Information [more on Transportation in our area]
• Our climate is changing - Niagara Falls Review - Ontario, CA Ryan Plummer is thinking beyond the causes of climate change. To be clear, the Brock University researcher still thinks cutting greenhouse gas emissions is important -- but so is preparing for the consequences of a warming planet. "To be blunt, if we stopped all emissions tomorrow, we'd still have to deal with climate change," said Plummer, an associate professor in the department of tourism and environment. "Thinking through what climate change might mean for us, and how we can adapt in a proactive way, is absolutely critical." (March 29, 2010) Niagara Falls Review - Ontario, CA [more on Climate Change in our area]
• WXXI: Wayne County Considers Wind Farm (2010-03-26) LYONS, NY (WXXI) - Wayne County residents and officials are discussing the possibility of having a wind farm constructed offshore in Lake Ontario. The New York State Power Authority has commissioned a study of feasible locations for offshore turbines--which includes a stretch along Wayne County. Eleven companies are said to be developing proposals for a wind power project on either Lake Ontario or Lake Erie, but so far, no plans have been put forward. A public hearing will be held next Wednesday night in Lyons. (March 26, 2010) WXXI NewsRoom [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Cost of emissions compliance taxing DIESEL TRUCKS: Many private companies, municipalities can't afford upgrades Taxpayers will pay upfront for the installation of soon-to-be-required advanced emissions systems for state diesel-fueled trucks and some municipal trucks. But contractors warn that state jobs also will cost taxpayers more down the road owing to a lack of competition as companies that can't afford the upgrades simply won't bid on state jobs. (March 25, 2010) http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/ [more on Air Quality in our area]
• Conference set here on wind power | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information The second conference designed to support the development of wind power in New York is scheduled for April 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Monroe Community College, the New York Power Authority announced Monday. (March 30, 2010) [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Marcellus Shale: Is it safe to drill? | theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal If there is a once-upon-a-time to this story, it would have been in the Town of Sanford in the fall of 2007. Residents there had been farming the land for generations without much thought to what lies beneath it. That all changed when landmen began showing up with unsettling frequency, urging residents to lease their mineral rights. (March 27, 2010) theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal | Ithaca news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Ithaca, NY  [more on Energy in our area]
• Public officials, energy professionals to explore future of the grid RENSSELAER - The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has announced the moderators and panelists for its symposium, Planning the Sustainable Grid of the Future, being held Tuesday, April 27, 2010, at the Desmond Hotel & Conference Center in Albany, N.Y. The NYISO’s annual symposium will bring together policymakers and regulators, energy sector professionals, legal and financial advisors, economists, energy developers, large energy users, environmental managers and consultants, news media representatives and members of business organizations and nonprofit groups to discuss critical issues in electric energy and grid reliability. (March 29, 2010) New York State News on the Net! [more on Energy in our area]
• 'Earth Hour' Celebrated Worldwide - YNN, Your News Now Some parts of Downtown Rochester looked a little dark Saturday night. Businesses and communities in Rochester, across New York State, and around the world observed Earth Hour from 8:30 to 9:30 Saturday night. (March 28, 2010) TOP STORIES - Rochester - YNN, Your News Now [more on Energy in our area]
• Niagara County using grants to mount campaign against lead paint : Latest Local News : The Buffalo News LOCKPORT — Armed with more than $300,000 in state and federal funding, the Niagara County Health Department is preparing a plan to try to reduce the number of homes in the county with toxic lead-based paint. Environmental Health Director James J. Devald told the Board of Health last week that new federal regulations lower the threshold for the amount of lead in the bloodstream that requires medical treatment. (March 28, 2010) The Buffalo News [more on Lead Poisoning in our area]
• Going Green: Wastewater - YNN, Your News Now Waste is most often treated using expensive and energy intensive equipment. In a constructed wetland, the gravity and microorganisms do all the work naturally. (March 28, 2010) TOP STORIES - Rochester - YNN, Your News Now [more on Water Quality in our area]
• Cornell Chronicle: Climate-change impacts worse than thought The world's policymakers have underestimated the potential dangerous impacts that man-made climate change will have on society, said Charles H. Greene, Cornell professor of earth and atmospheric sciences. (March 22, 2010) Cornell Chronicle Online [more on Climate Change in our area]
• NYS solar industry slowdown needs immediate action, says association ALBANY - Immediate action is needed to reverse the dramatic slowdown in the New York Solar Industry since the NYS Public Service Commission (PSC) implemented changes to NYSERDA’s PV program, according to New York Solar Energy Industries Association. Responding to information supplied by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority after a formal industry request, NYSEIA found that the solar industry’s robust 57 percent annual growth rate has been “slammed on the brakes” by the program changes. (March 17, 2010) New York State News on the Net! [more on Energy in our area]
• Awards to honor organizations as 'green' leaders | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information For their commitment to the environment and conservation, 10 area businesses and organizations will be honored April 13 at the Rochester Business Journal Environmental Leadership Symposium.  (March 5, 2010) Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information [more on Green Business in our area]
• Whip-poor-will joins ranks of birds facing declines - The Lindsay Post - Ontario, CA For the first time ever in Canada, the Whip-poor-will has joined the ranks of bird species facing declines in their populations. At their annual meeting in April, 2009 the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, or COSEWIC, recommended that the Whippoorwill be added to Canada's list of species at risk. Their recommendation is based on a 10% decline over the past decade for the species due to declining habitat and fluctuating insect populations. (March 26, 2010) The Lindsay Post - Ontario, CA [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Eastern Lake Ontario dune and river steward jobs for students New York Sea Grant (3/22) New York Sea Grant is offering a unique student summer job opportunity aimed at promoting responsible uses of the Great Lakes ecosystems (March 27, 2010) News in the Great Lakes Region: Video [more on Green Business in our area]
• PSC OKs renewable energy effort | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information More than $279 million will be available over five years to businesses and homeowners for renewable energy projects, the New York State Public Service Commission announced this week. (March 26, 2010) Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information [more on Green Business in our area]
• Region to get $3 million for energy conservation projects | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The Rochester/Genesee region is receiving more than $3 million in stimulus funds for energy conservation projects. Across the state, 206 projects are receiving more than $24 million in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Gov. David A. Paterson's office said this week. (March 27, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Green Business in our area]
• What the Cells Tell | Politics | Chicago Reader The scientist who developed the new eDNA test says there are already Asian carp in Lake Michigan. The test that detected the Asian carp's environmental DNA, or eDNA, above the electric barrier is new: it was developed in the past year by New Zealand scientist Lindsay Chadderton and scientists at Notre Dame. They say this is the first time DNA testing has been used on such a scale to find evidence of invasive fish in freshwater, and they think their method will ultimately be used around the globe to detect invasive species and protect endangered ones. (March 25, 2010) Chicago Reader [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• Aging Reactors Put Nuclear Power Plant 'Safety Cultures' in the Spotlight - NYTimes.com On Nov. 4, 2008, two divers were cleaning sludge and silt from an entry bay for water pumps that serve Constellation Energy Nuclear Group's Nine Mile Point nuclear power plant near Oswego, N.Y. (March 9, 2010) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Energy in our area]
• $2.4M grant powers new Ultralife project Installation is anticipated within 18 months NEWARK — The power storage system that Ultralife plans to build with help from a $2.4 million state grant will integrate batteries, solar panels and a “small” wind turbine. The money from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority will cover about half the cost of the system, which would serve Ultralife’s plant and demonstrate technology that the company might later sell. (March 28, 2010)  [more on Green Business in our area]
• Canandaigua could ticket for failure to put out recyclables - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. — Last summer, the city stopped collecting trash that was not placed in transparent plastic bags to keep recyclables from going to the landfill. Opaque trash bags were not collected and instead left at the curb and tagged, and if they weren't removed by the owner within a week, they were tagged with an ordinance violation. (March26, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Recycling in our area]
• Toxic Waters - Rulings Restrict Clean Water Act, Hampering E.P.A. - NYTimes.com Thousands of the nation’s largest water polluters are outside the Clean Water Act’s reach because the Supreme Court has left uncertain which waterways are protected by that law, according to interviews with regulators. As a result, some businesses are declaring that the law no longer applies to them. And pollution rates are rising. (February 28, 2010) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Water Quality in our area]
• PARKS: Planning in Powder Mills - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper The master plan process for Powder Mills Park will likely begin later this spring. | The first step is to hire a consultant, and that should happen sometime in May, says Larry Staub, director of the Monroe County Parks Department. Legislation authorizing the consultant's contract must be approved by the County Legislature. (March 25, 2010) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper [more on Parks in our area]
• Chimney Bluffs, other state parks may be saved from closure | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle ALBANY — State lawmakers said Wednesday they will restore more than $11 million to keep open 55 parks and historical sites that Gov. David Paterson had sought to close in the 2010-11 fiscal year. The state Assembly and Senate are separately recommending about $11.5 million total in restorations to keep the parks open. The sides said they will work with Paterson to include the aid in the final budget deal, which is due April 1. (March 25, 2010)Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more o Parks in our area]
• Bipartisan Great Lakes Restoration Bill Wins Environmental Support - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com WASHINGTON, DC, March 9, 2010 (ENS) - Bipartisan legislation that promises the largest federal investment ever to clean up the Great Lakes - $650 million annually for the next five years - has been introduced in the Senate and in the House to applause from environmental groups. (March 9, 2010) [more on Great Lakes in our area]
• Paying the price for fancy packaging -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY ALBANY -- The amount of cardboard and plastic packaging around products may become a thing of the past under a new state strategy to cut down on garbage bound for dumps. (March 23, 2010)  Albany NY News - Times Union - Serving Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy [more on Recycling in our area]
• WXXI: Greater Rochester is a Hub for Fuel Cell Research (2010-03-23) The future of the auto industry is presumably linked to the fuel cell. And Rochester is one of the hubs for research into the car of tomorrow. General Motors has already spent a billion-and-a-half-dollars researching fuel cell cars. For the last 11 years, the work has been done at its research facility in Honeoye Falls. Daniel O'Connell is the Director of Fuel Cell Commercialization for GM. He believes things are looking up. (March 23, 2010)  WXXI | Go Public. [more on Transportation in our area]
• EPA Solicits Input on Ocean Acidification and Carbon Dioxide Limits Under Water Pollution Law The Environmental Protection Agency launched an effort Monday seeking public input on how to address ocean acidification under the Clean Water Act. The notice, published in the Federal Register, comes in response to a settlement of a Center for Biological Diversity lawsuit over ocean acidification. (March 23, 2010) Environmental News Network -- Know Your Environment [more on Water Quality ]
• Sustainability means 'breaking old habits' - News St. John Fisher College's second annual Sustainability Fair took place on March 10 in the campus center. Last year, the college was able to reduce its solid waste by 33 tons, a seven percent decrease from 2008, as well as increase its recycling by 16 tons. (March 22, 2010) Cardinal Courier  [more on Recycling in our area]
• City of Rochester | City To Receive Stimulus Funds for Energy Conservation Mayor Robert J. Duffy announced today that the City of Rochester has received notification of the award of two energy conservation project grants from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Funding for these grants originated from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the federal stimulus program. (March 22, 2010)City of Rochester | News Room  [more on Energy in our area]
• Groundwater contamination found at Labelon site in Canandaigua - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. — Groundwater contamination at the site of the vacant Labelon building downtown will postpone plans for the building’s redevelopment. “It’s premature to talk about remediation at this point,” said Bart Putzig, regional hazardous waste remediation engineer with the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).  (March 24, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Brownfields in our area]
• Gorham to host forum on land conservation - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. — Folks interested in the conservation of land in the Finger Lakes are welcome to attend a special forum on the topic to be held at the Gorham Fire Hall at the end of this month. The town of Gorham Conservation Board and the Finger Lakes Land Trust will co-host the free informational event on the evening of Wednesday, March 31.  (March 23, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Urban Sprawl in our area]
• Governor Paterson's EmpireStat Initiative Features Updated Statistics on Immunizations, Lead Testing, and Physician Discipline ALBANY, N.Y. (March 22, 2010) - New York State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., announced that data on the activities of four State Department of Health (DOH) programs are now available on a new Web-based state system, EmpireStat, that will provide ongoing public access to statistics and performance measurements of state agency programs. "EmpireStat: Running State Government by the Numbers" was initiated by Governor David A. Paterson to improve the management and accountability of state agencies and their programs. EmpireStat will use data systems, information technology services, and improved communication to monitor individual programs to ensure they are operating efficiently and meeting high-performance goals. (March 21, 2010)  [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Commuters surveyed on downtown parking habits | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Most downtown workers drive alone and pay for their own parking in a public lot or garage. Whether they would be willing to pay less, park elsewhere and take a shuttle is what city officials want to know.  (March 23, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Transportation in our area]
• Victor trail plan to get public hearing | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle A plan to improve a Victor hiking trail that has been plagued by opposition since its inception six years ago will be the subject of a public hearing sometime this spring. Town officials plan to spend $885,000 to widen an old railroad right-of-way to a 6-foot-wide crushed stone path. The project would be funded with a $619,000 federal grant and local tax dollars. (March 23, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Parks in our area]
• Building on a green legacy in Greece | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle As envisioned, Geyssens Green Market Square would be a village-like collection of shops offering services and goods from organic baked goods to works created by local artisans. A major part of the concept includes keeping much of the site natural and offering trails, walkways and seating areas for customers and visitors. (March 23, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New Yor [more on Green Business in our area]
• Marcellus will create thousands of jobs, forum speakers say | stargazette.com | Star-Gazette If the Marcellus Shale development in the Southern Tier of New York follows the pattern of the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania, then the region could be looking at thousands of new jobs being created over the next few years. (March 19, 2010)  [more on Green Business in our area]
• City of Rochester | City to Hold Open House on Downtown Parking - Shuttle Study As part of a Center City workforce traffic and parking study, the City will conduct a public open house next week, 4 - 6 p.m., Monday, March 22, in the Kate Gleason Auditorium at the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, 115 South Ave. The study will assist the City’s plans to develop realistic alternatives that will enhance commuting and multi-modal traffic circulation Downtown. “Big changes are in store for our Downtown and we value commuters who bring vitality to the Center City,” said Mayor Robert J. Duffy. “Their firsthand feedback is invaluable as we plan for the future. We all share excitement about the Midtown redevelopment, the newly constructed ESL headquarters, the relocation of Nothnagle’s headquarters here, the construction of the new Monroe County Crime Lab and the Eastman Theatre expansion to name just a few. We have good reasons to be very optimistic about the future of Downtown.” *March 17, 2010) City of Rochester | News Room [more on Transportation in our area]
• Erie Canal sewage ban proposed | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Federal environmental officials are asking for public comment on a New York state proposal to ban the discharge of boat sewage into the Erie Canal. State officials have said a federal no-discharge designation is needed to reduce bacterial and chemical pollution in the waterway. (March 22, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Water Quality in our area]
• Climate change and habitat loss posing great threat to Europe's small creatures - The Irish Times - Wed, Mar 17, 2010 THE LATEST European Red List, commissioned by the EU and released yesterday, shows that habitat loss and climate change are having a serious impact on Europe’s butterflies, beetles and dragonflies. Nine per cent of butterflies, 11 per cent of beetles – which depend on decaying wood and are essential for recycling nutrients in the soil – and 14 per cent of dragonflies are threatened with extinction in Europe. (March 17, 2010) The Irish Times – Irish News, Business News, Sports News & Ireland Weather Online [more on Wildlife]
• 03/19/2010: EPA, DOE Announce New Steps to Strengthen Energy Star WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today outlined a series of steps to further strengthen the trusted Energy Star program. This action comes at a critical time for American consumers, many of whom struggle to keep up with their monthly energy bills. In addition to third-party testing already underway, EPA and DOE have launched a new two-step process to expand testing of Energy Star qualified products. This week, DOE began testing of some of the most commonly used appliances, which account for more than 25 percent of a household’s energy bill, and both agencies are now developing a system to test all products that earn the Energy Star label. The steps are part of an overall effort by the Obama Administration to improve the energy efficiency of homes and appliances to save families money. (March 17, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Energy in our area]
• Seneca County explores feasibility of fluoridating water WATERLOO — The Seneca County Board of Health wants to explore the feasibility of fluoridating the county’s public water supplies. Many in the health field have long identified fluoride as an element that prevents dental decay when added to drinking water supplies in the proper dosage. (March 19, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Water Quality in our area]
• Most power plants still spewing toxic mercury, report says | McClatchy WASHINGTON — Many of America's coal-fired power plants lack widely available pollution controls for the highly toxic metal mercury, and mercury emissions recently increased at more than half of the country's 50 largest mercury-emitting power plants, according to a report Wednesday.(March 17, 2010) McClatchy | Homepage [more on Energy in our area]
• Climate change and habitat loss posing great threat to Europe's small creatures - The Irish Times - Wed, Mar 17, 2010 THE LATEST European Red List, commissioned by the EU and released yesterday, shows that habitat loss and climate change are having a serious impact on Europe’s butterflies, beetles and dragonflies. Nine per cent of butterflies, 11 per cent of beetles – which depend on decaying wood and are essential for recycling nutrients in the soil – and 14 per cent of dragonflies are threatened with extinction in Europe. (March 17, 2010) The Irish Times – Irish News, Business News, Sports News & Ireland Weather Online [more on Wildlife]
• 03/19/2010: EPA, DOE Announce New Steps to Strengthen Energy Star WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today outlined a series of steps to further strengthen the trusted Energy Star program. This action comes at a critical time for American consumers, many of whom struggle to keep up with their monthly energy bills. In addition to third-party testing already underway, EPA and DOE have launched a new two-step process to expand testing of Energy Star qualified products. This week, DOE began testing of some of the most commonly used appliances, which account for more than 25 percent of a household’s energy bill, and both agencies are now developing a system to test all products that earn the Energy Star label. The steps are part of an overall effort by the Obama Administration to improve the energy efficiency of homes and appliances to save families money. (March 17, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Energy in our area]
• Seneca County explores feasibility of fluoridating water WATERLOO — The Seneca County Board of Health wants to explore the feasibility of fluoridating the county’s public water supplies. Many in the health field have long identified fluoride as an element that prevents dental decay when added to drinking water supplies in the proper dosage. (March 19, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Water Quality in our area]
• Most power plants still spewing toxic mercury, report says | McClatchy WASHINGTON — Many of America's coal-fired power plants lack widely available pollution controls for the highly toxic metal mercury, and mercury emissions recently increased at more than half of the country's 50 largest mercury-emitting power plants, according to a report Wednesday.(March 17, 2010) McClatchy | Homepage [more on Energy in our area]
• WXXI: RIT Commits to Climate Neutrality (2010-03-17) HENRIETTA, NY (WXXI) - A growing number of colleges and universities across the country are committing themselves to the environment in a big way. The idea is to go beyond simply reducing greenhouse gases. Among the universities on the list is the Rochester Institute of Technology, which has built a reputation of putting theory into practice. (March 17, 2010) WXXI NewsRoom [more on Green Living in our area]
• Go Green: Winery's Green Build A Finger Lakes winery that is expanding with the environment in mind. Right in the heart of naples sits the Imagine Moore Winery. They've only been open a few years, but now they're expanding. And, they're doing it in a "green" way. "Everything about the space is energy conserving and trying to make the most use of everything in the building. So it does feel good to have a space like that," says Winery Owner Diane Moore. (March 18, 2010) http://rochesterhomepage.net/[more on Green Business in our area]
• 03/18/2010: EPA Initiates Hydraulic Fracturing Study: Agency seeks input from Science Advisory Board WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it will conduct a comprehensive research study to investigate the potential adverse impact that hydraulic fracturing may have on water quality and public health. Natural gas plays a key role in our nation’s clean energy future and the process known as hydraulic fracturing is one way of accessing that vital resource. There are concerns that hydraulic fracturing may impact ground water and surface water quality in ways that threaten human health and the environment. To address these concerns and strengthen our clean energy future and in response to language inserted into the fiscal year 2010 Appropriations Act, EPA is re-allocating $1.9 million for this comprehensive, peer-reviewed study for FY10 and requesting funding for FY11 in the president’s budget proposal. (March 18, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Energy in our area]
• EPA Launches National Study of Hydraulic Fracturing - ProPublica Responding to reports of environmental contamination [1] in gas drilling areas across the country, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will conduct a nationwide scientific study [2] to determine if the problems are caused by the practice of injecting chemicals and water underground [3] to fracture the gas-bearing rock. (March 18, 2010) ProPublica - Journalism in the Public Interest [more on Energy in our area]
• Rochester City Council votes yes to sale of Canadice and Hemlock lakes | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle In 1985, Stephen Lewandowski was named to a city of Rochester panel charged with studying the future of the city's water supply. The group eventually recommended that New York state take title to 7,000 acres of city-owned land around the two lakes, Hemlock and Canadice, from which Rochester draws its supply.  (March 19, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Hemlock Lake}
• Red list 2009: Endangered species for every country in the world | Environment | guardian.co.uk Humans have accelerated the rate at which species disappear. Find out which countries fare worst Although animal extinction is part of the natural cycle, humankind's presence on the earth has accelerated the rate at which species are disappearing. The list of endangered species around the world is growing due to a range of causes from overhunting to a loss of habitat. (posted March 18, 2010) Latest news, comment and reviews from the Guardian | guardian.co.uk
• Underwater Cable an Alternative to Electrical Towers - NYTimes.com Generating 20 percent of America’s electricity with wind, as recent studies proposed, would require building up to 22,000 miles of new high-voltage transmission lines. But the huge towers and unsightly tree-cutting that these projects require have provoked intense public opposition. (March 17, 2010)  The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Energy in our area]
• ENVIRONMENT: Lake Ontario, on the rebound - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper About two miles off the shore of Lake Ontario, the water's often so clear that a measuring device submerged 40 feet is visible from the surface. That's a major improvement from the 1970's and 1980's, when "if you could see down 10 feet, you'd be lucky," says Joseph Makarewicz, a SUNY Brockport environmental science and biology professor who studies aspects of the lake's ecosystem. (March 18, 2010) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper [more on Great Lakes ]
• Turbine study results unveiled City Planning Board gets look at data related to Zotos project GENEVA — Several studies done for Zotos International on the environmental impacts of its proposed wind turbine project were presented to the city Planning Board Monday. One final study on the potential visual impacts is nearing completion and will be submitted to city officials soon. (March 17, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Wind Power in our area]
• NYSERDA commits $100 million to improve energy efficiency of data centers and manufacturers ALBANY - Over the next two years, New York State will provide over $100 million through its Industrial and Process Efficiency program to help data centers and manufacturers control their energy costs and improve their competitiveness, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced today.  Funding will support energy studies and capital improvements that will increase energy efficiency and productivity and reduce waste.    While NYSERDA offers incentives for all business sectors to retrofit existing buildings or to incorporate energy efficiency measures into new buildings, the funding announced today is being targeted specifically for data centers and manufacturers, which are among the largest consumers of energy and have significant potential for efficient growth.  (March 17, 2010) New York State News on the Net! [more on Energy in our area]
• Asian carp search turns up nothing - JSOnline Fishery crews have spent the past month chasing Asian carp with nets and fish-shocking tools on the Chicago canal system near Lake Michigan. They've landed zero Asian carp. Asian carp experts predicted this was a likely result when the fishing expedition started in mid-February. (March 17, 2010) Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Breaking news, sports, business, watchdog journalism, multimedia [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• 03/16/2010: Boat Sewage Ban Proposed In New York State Canal System (New York, NY) In an effort to improve the water quality of upstate New York, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given preliminary approval to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) proposal to establish a “No Discharge Zone” throughout the New York State Canal System. If the proposal is approved, the discharge of sewage from boats into canal waters will be prohibited. Boat sewage discharge can contain harmful levels of bacteria and chemicals such as formaldehyde, phenols, and chlorine, which negatively impact water quality and impair marine life. EPA is asking the public to comment on this plan. (March 16, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Water Quality in our area]
• Turbine study results unveiled City Planning Board gets look at data related to Zotos project GENEVA — Several studies done for Zotos International on the environmental impacts of its proposed wind turbine project were presented to the city Planning Board Monday. One final study on the potential visual impacts is nearing completion and will be submitted to city officials soon. (March 16, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Monroe County offers another pharmaceutical waste drop off - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Rochester, N.Y. — Monroe County officials announced the partnering of the Department of Environmental Services (DES) and the sheriff's office in the expansion of the county's pharmaceutical waste collection program. County residents will now be able to drop off their unused, unwanted or expired medications to the Sheriff's C-Zone substation at 4201 Buffalo Road in Chili from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month (March 16, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow
• Watertown Daily Times | Oswego County joins fight against turbines OSWEGO — Oswego County legislators followed the lead of Jefferson County in opposing an offshore wind-power project for eastern Lake Ontario. (March 15, 2010) Watertown Daily Times | Local News, Sports, Features, and Community Information for Jefferson County, St. Lawrence County, and Lewis County in Northern New York [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Dog Lovers Hopeful for More Dog Parks in Monroe County | Greece, N.Y-- A fundraiser held Sunday was in effort to build more dog parks in Monroe County. (March 15, 2010) Home - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports [more on Wildlife in our area]
• 03/15/2010: EPA Makes Chemical Information More Accessible to Public WASHINGTON – As part of Administrator Lisa P. Jackson’s strong commitment to increase information on chemicals, for the first time, EPA is providing web access, free of charge, to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Substance Inventory. This inventory contains a consolidated list of thousands of industrial chemicals maintained by the agency. EPA is also making this information available on Data.Gov, a website developed by the Obama Administration to provide public access to important government information. This action represents another step to increase the transparency of chemical information while continuing to push for legislative reform of the 30 year old TSCA law. (March 15, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Brownfields in our area]
• Zotos to present windmill plans | Public is invited to comment at Planning Board GENEVA — Officials from Zotos International will again appear before the city Planning Board at 7 p.m. Monday to make an informational presentation on its plans to locate two windmills on its property. (March 15, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Bees - The New York Times Long known as the angels of agriculture, honey bees have received global attention due to losses attributed to a combination of factors: Colony Collapse Disorder, mites, deforestation and industrial agriculture. Honey bees provide pollination for crops, orchards and flowers; honey and wax for cosmetics, food and medicinal-religious objects; and inspiration to artists, architects and scientists. (March 15, 2010) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Wildlife in our area]
• TVT-Bio uses microorganisms to clean waste water | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The bottom line at TVT-Bio — a Rochester-based waste water remediation company — depends on the happiness of microscopic creatures. The kind that can fit on the head of a pin by the millions and eat things that make water unpleasant and unsafe for humans. (March 14, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
• New York State Environmental camps accepting applications - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Albany, N.Y. — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation urges families looking for outdoor adventure experience to enroll kids ages 12 to 17 in one of four camps offering a week of outdoor activities, games teaching the wise use of natural resources and overnight hiking or canoe trips. (March 15, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Green Living in our area]
• Lake Ontario fishery "complicated" but thriving | syracuse.com So, what's up with the Lake Ontario fishery? As the name of a recent popular movie notes, "It’s Complicated." It’s also important, as the lake’s sports fishing industry generates thousands of jobs and substantial economic spinoffs by pumping millions of dollars each year into the state’s economy. A 2007 statewide angler survey estimated that angler expenditures for fishing trips to Lake Ontario and its five major tributaries were $114.5 million. (March 12, 2010)  Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• Cornell Chronicle: Songbirds adapt to human-driven forest changes Can species quickly evolve when humans rapidly change their habitats? The answer, in some cases, is yes. A new study of North American songbirds finds that major changes in wing shape have occurred over the last 100 years in response to human-driven forest changes. (march 9, 2010) Cornell Chronicle Online [more on Wildlife in our area]
• BBC - Earth News - Climate change 'makes birds shrink' in North America Songbirds in the US are getting smaller, and climate change is suspected as the cause. A study of almost half a million birds, belonging to over 100 species, shows that many are gradually becoming lighter and growing shorter wings. (March 12. 2010) BBC - Homepage [More on Climate Change in our area]
• Latest Carbon Auction Yields $32.7 Million for Investments in Clean Energy, Job Creation in N.Y. - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation RGGI Helps Fund Gov. Paterson's Green Jobs/Green NY Legislation State Environmental Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced New York's successful participation in another quarterly auction of carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution allowances. This auction, the seventh conducted by the 10 states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), generated $88 million to invest in the clean energy economy. New York's share of the proceeds is approximately $32.7 million. (March 12, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Green Business in our area]
• Ontario board sets hearing on rifle hunting law CANANDAIGUA — Ontario County supervisors have set a public hearing on a proposed law to allow rifle hunting for large game south of Routes 5&20. The hearing, set for April 1, will discuss legislation currently in front of both the state Senate and Assembly that would allow rifle hunting in Ontario County. (March 12, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Massive water crisis looming - The Cornwall Standard Freeholder - Ontario, CA Barring a huge worldwide reduction in fossil fuel use, global warming could pose massive environmental challenges on the St. Lawrence River ecosystem within 50 years or less. The river could drop one metre as the Great Lakes basin receives less precipitation--one of the expected fallouts from cli-mat e change, said Jeff Ridal, executive director of St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences. (March 12, 2010) The Cornwall Standard Freeholder - Ontario, CA [more on Climate Change in our area]
• 2010 Report: Climate Change — News Release Secretary Salazar Releases New “State of the Birds” Report Showing Climate Change Threatens Hundreds of Species Austin, TX–Climate change threatens to further imperil hundreds of species of migratory birds, already under stress from habitat loss, invasive species and other environmental threats, a new report released today by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar concludes.   The State of the Birds: 2010 Report on Climate Change, follows a comprehensive report released a year ago showing that that nearly a third of the nation's 800 bird species are endangered, threatened or in significant decline. (March 11, 2010) 2010 Report: Climate Change — Report on Climate Change [more on Climate Change in our area]
• DEC Takes Action To Protect Aquatic Life, Limit Water Intake by Certain Industrial Facilities - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Policy Would Make Closed Cycle Cooling the Preferred Choice for Meeting BTA Mandates The state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released a new proposed policy that will add significant protections for New York's vital fisheries by slashing water intake at certain power plants and other industrial facilities, Commissioner Pete Grannis said. (March 12, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Commissioner Grannis Reminds Small Communities of Ban on Brush Burning During High Fire Risk Period - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Residential Brush Burning Prohibited March 15 - May 15 State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today reminded New Yorkers who reside in smaller communities that all residential brush burning is prohibited during the state's historically high fire risk period, March 15 - May 15. (March 12, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
• DEC Reports: Record-Setting Year For Peregrine Falcons - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation 2009 proved to be a record-setting year for peregrine falcons in many productivity categories according to a new report released today by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). DEC surveys found that there were 73 territorial pairs of state endangered peregrine falcons present in the state in 2009, with 42 pairs recorded upstate. That's a slight increase from 2008, when 67 pairs were recorded statewide. (March 12, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Ultralife to receive $2.4M for energy storage project | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information Four local firms and one university have been awareded a total of some $3 million in funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to help develop or commercialize energy storage projects. (March 12, 2010) Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information [more on Green Business in our area]
• Committee approves monthly recycling in Canandaigua - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. — After deeming the city’s four-month experiment into monthly recyclable collection a success, the Environmental Committee endorsed the concept Tuesday night. (March 12, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Recycling in our area]
• Plan to sell land around Hemlock, Canadice lakes up for vote | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Half the money from the sale of city-owned land surrounding Hemlock and Canadice lakes would be put toward a new marina at the Port of Rochester, as part of a plan outlined in legislation sent to City Council on Thursday. (March 12, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Hemlock Lake]
• Watertown Daily Times | County rejects offshore turbines Jefferson County legislators voted Tuesday against offshore wind power development in Lake Ontario. The 14-0 vote came after officials from New York Power Authority, the state government's entity promoting a possible offshore wind power project in Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, argued the benefits of having a development in the area. (March 10, 2010) Watertown Daily Times | Local News, Sports, Features, and Community Information for Jefferson County, St. Lawrence County, and Lewis County in Northern New York [more on Wind Power in our area]
• World Environment News - Obama Aide Urges Listing Of Gas-Drilling Chemicals - Planet Ark President Barack Obama's top environmental adviser urged the natural gas industry on Tuesday to disclose the chemicals it uses in drilling, warning that the development of massive U.S. shale gas reserves could be held back otherwise. Joseph Aldy, special assistant to the president for energy and the environment, said concerns about water contamination from drilling chemicals could lead to states requiring disclosure and that could deter additional investment. Planet Ark {more on Energy in our area]
• County unveils green Web site - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Rochester, N.Y. — County officials announced today the launch of a Web site geared towards helping residents participate in clean energy programs. County Executive Maggie Brooks unveiled the launching of GreenMonroe.org, which is aimed at helping people save money on their energy bill and putting people in touch with home energy experts Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow  {more on Living Green in our area]
• TRANSPORTATION: [UPDATE 4:50 p.m.] Transit Center could still wind up on Mortimer Street - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper RGRTA head Mark Aesch told 13 WHAM that the agency won't build a bus station if it can't use the Mortimer site. (March 10, 2010) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper [more on Transportation in our area]
• Steuben County wind turbine project back in court | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle A wind energy company has revived a lawsuit against a small Steuben County town in hopes of forcing acceptance of a long-discussed wind farm. (March 11, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Brighton site gets DEC plan for cleanup | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Removal of contaminated soil and an attempt to address tainted groundwater are part of a proposal to clean up potentially harmful solvents spilled at a former dry cleaner on Monroe Avenue in Brighton. (March 11. 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Brownfields in our area]
• Google Announces Bike Google Maps at Summit Today! The League of American Bicyclists is proud to be the forum for Google to announce what all bike riders have been waiting for – Grab Your Bike and Go with Google Maps. Google is announcing at the Opening Plenary Session at the National Bike Summit that they are adding biking directions in the U.S. to Google Maps. (March 10, 2010 ) League of American Bicyclists * Home  [more on Transportation in our area]
• Learn to clean your home with ‘greens’ in Honeoye Falls | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The Mendon Public Library, 15 Monroe St., will host a program titled “Home Green Home” that shares how to clean your home without toxic cleaning products and improve the health of your home at the same time. (March 10,2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Living Green in our area]
• Volunteers to observe river herring in Hudson estuary streams ALBANY - The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking volunteers for its 2010 River Herring Monitoring Program for the Hudson River estuary. Volunteers will help log the timing of river herring spawning runs in Hudson River tributaries and record what streams the fish currently use. (March 9, 2010) New York State News on the Net!
• Program offers New Yorkers chance to get green by going greener - Rochester.YNN.com Given the success of last summer's Cash for Clunkers program, several states are looking to use the same concept to drive consumers to purchase new, more energy-efficient appliances and hopefully recycle their old ones. (March 9, 2010) http://rochester.ynn.com/ [more on Living Green in our area]
• Campus Times - Biodiesel wins national award The efforts of UR students to find a solution to a common environmental obstacle were rewarded when their project, UR Biodiesel, received the Excellence in Innovations for Sustainability Award by the Association of College Unions International (ACUI). (March 4, 2010) Campus Times  [more on Energy in our area]
• New York Expands Fluke Season for 2010 - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation 2009 Conservation Measures Pay Off Saying conservation measures have proved effective, state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced that New York will provide a longer, more traditional fluke (also known as summer flounder) recreational fishing season for 2010. (March 8, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Wildlife in our area]
• 03/08/2010: EPA Submits Final Report on First Phase of Hudson River Dredging For Independent Scientific Review; 45-day Public Comment Period Begins Today (New York, N.Y.) After completing the first phase of dredging PCB-contaminated sediment in the upper Hudson River, EPA today released a detailed technical assessment of the work to a panel of independent scientific experts for review. The EPA report and a similar one prepared by the General Electric Company (GE) are being submitted to the panel in accordance with the agreement under which GE performed the first phase of the dredging, to ensure that the Hudson River dredging project is evaluated using the best scientific and technical information. The EPA report details the effectiveness of the first phase of dredging, as well as the challenges encountered during the first dredging season. It also lays out the Agency’s modifications to the engineering performance standards for dredging resuspension, residuals, and productivity proposed for the second phase of the project, set to begin in 2011. (March 8, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Brownfields in our area]
• Invasive Plants Move North Fall foliage is the veritable trademark of the Northeast. Families flock from around the world to take in the natural splendor. Imagine autumn in New England without its distinctive palette - choked out by a dense labyrinth of invasive vines. This nightmare may become a reality in the near future if current climate trends continue, increasing the threat of invasive plant species to the Northeast Region. (February 18, 2010)  Northeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [Climate Change in our area]
• Supervisor: Parks proposal ‘asinine’ Wayne tourist income will likely take a hit LYONS — Wayne County officials are spitting mad about the planned closure of the county’s only two state parks. Thursday morning, during the Planning Committee session, several supervisors said they were exasperated by the state’s decision to close Chimney Bluffs in Huron and Camp Beechwood in Sodus. (March 7, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Parks in our area]
• City to sell land surrounding Hemlock and Canadice lakes | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Legislation could go to City Council this week authorizing the sale to the state — for about $13 million — of city-owned land surrounding Hemlock and Canadice lakes. Hemlock and Canadice are the last undeveloped Finger Lakes and have supplied drinking water to the city for the past 135 years. (March 9, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Hemlock Lake in our area]
• Brighton to discuss plans for trail system at Lynch Woods Park | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle BRIGHTON — The 77-acre Lynch Woods Park site is "used best for a passive park," Jerry LaVigne said. "It's basically a wooded area," said LaVigne, director of recreation and parks.  (March 9, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Parks in our area]
• Lead abatement effort gets $5.2 million shot in arm | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle City and county programs to reduce the risk of lead hazards in older homes are receiving a major financial boost. Monroe County Department of Public Health has begun administering a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the city has $2.2 million from a grant last year that it will begin to disburse in late spring. (March 8, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Lead Poisoning in our area]
• 100 Percent of Fish in U.S. Streams Found Contaminated with Mercury (NaturalNews) In a new study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), every single fish tested from 291 freshwater streams across the United States was found to be contaminated with mercury. "This study shows just how widespread mercury pollution has become in our air, watersheds and many of our fish in freshwater streams," said Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. (March 3, 2010) Green Lifestyle and Sustainable Culture News: [more on Water Quality in our  area]
• Great Lakes protection bill introduced WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) announced that she introduced H.R. 4755 the Great Lakes Ecosystem Protection Act which will put the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative into law. In February, the Environmental Protection Agency, in collaboration with other federal agencies, released the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan, a 40-page document which demonstrated a renewed commitment to the Great Lakes and laid out plans to restore and renew the Lakes. The full report is available here.  (March 6, 2010) New York State News on the Net! [more on the Great Lakes in our area]
• Watertown Daily Times | DEC releases Galloo findings The conclusion of the state environmental quality review process has led developers to cut two turbines from the plan for Galloo Island Wind Farm. The state Department of Environmental Conservation, which has been the lead agency on the review, released its findings Wednesday. Those findings included the elimination of two turbines to preserve habitat for the upland sandpiper, a state-listed threatened species. (March 5, 2010 ) Watertown Daily Times | Local News, Sports, Features, and Community Information for Jefferson County, St. Lawrence County, and Lewis County in Northern New York [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Lollypop Farm Telethon, Saturday from 3-9 p.m. - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports Attention animal lovers! Lollypop Farm is having its annual telethon this weekend. (March 6, 2010) Home - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Climate Progress » Science stunner:  Vast East Siberian Arctic Shelf methane stores destabilizing and venting NSF issues world a wake-up call: "Release of even a fraction of the methane stored in the shelf could trigger abrupt climate warming.” Methane release from the not-so-perma-frost is the most dangerous amplifying feedback in the entire carbon cycle.  Research published in Friday’s journal Science finds a key “lid” on “the large sub-sea permafrost carbon reservoir” near Eastern Siberia “is clearly perforated, and sedimentary CH4 [methane] is escaping to the atmosphere.” (March 4, 2010) Climate Progress [more on Climate Change in our area]
• Clean water is Frank E. Van Lare's legacy in this area and across the state | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle In recognition of his achievements in clearing up the water here, Van Lare's name now graces the Frank E. Van Lare Wastewater Treatment Facility near Lake Ontario's shore. (March 6, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in this area]
• RGRTA gets stimulus funds for new buses, HQ renovations | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Federal stimulus funding has been approved for a major renovation of Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority headquarters on East Main Street in Rochester, and agency officials on Friday anticipated construction beginning by the fall. (March 6, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Transportation in this area]
• Going Green At The Auto Show If you're looking for a green car, there are a lot of options at the Rochester Automobile Dealers Association Auto Show, and they come in all different colors and sizes. "The key to alternative fuel is developed technology that's affordable, that they can put into the vehicles," said Brad McAreavy of RADA. "Some of them have constraints on what's available in the gas station industry and the electronic part of it- electric vehicles that are coming out." (March 4, 2010) http://rochesterhomepage.net/[more on Transportation in our area]
• DEC Reports: Deer Harvest Continues at High Rate - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Nearly 16,000 Sign up for Junior Big-Game License Hunters harvested approximately 222,800 deer in the 2009 season, virtually the same number as were harvested statewide the previous season, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. The annual deer hunting report also showed that nearly 16,000 14- and 15-year-olds signed up for the "Junior Big-Game License". (March 3, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation  [more on Wildlife in our area]
• DEC Reports: Eagle Count Poised to Set New Record - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Preliminary Results Indicate Strong and Growing Population With an annual mid-winter survey near completion, preliminary results indicate that the bald eagle population in New York State may be at an all-time high since the state began its repopulation efforts more than 30 years ago, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. (March 3, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation  [more on Wildlife in our area]
• 03/04/2010: EPA Announces Superfund Cleanup Progress for FY 2009 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released today the annual summary of the Superfund program’s fiscal year (FY) 2009 progress. The report shows that the program continues to make significant progress in achieving its mission of cleaning up the country’s most complex, uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites and protecting the health of nearby communities and ecosystems from harmful contaminants. (March 4, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Brownfields in our area]
• Sign-up is urged for offshore wind farm : Technology and Science : The Buffalo News It may be at least four or five years before the New York Power Authority's proposal for a major offshore wind farm takes shape, but supporters say it's not too early for local businesses to start getting ready for the work that will come with the project. With that in mind, the Power Authority on Wednesday outlined an initiative to help local suppliers link up with the developers now working on proposals for wind farms off the shores of Lakes Erie and Ontario that would generate 120 to 500 megawatts of electricity. (February 25, 2010)  The Buffalo News [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Obama: Give homeowners rebates for energy savings | McClatchy WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Tuesday unveiled details of a proposal that would give rebates at the cash register to people who want to make their homes more energy-efficient. (March 2, 2010) McClatchy | Homepage [more on Energy in our area]
• DEC'S Environmental Education Camps Now Accepting Applications - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation A Week at a DEC Summer Camp Creates a Lifetime of Memories Applications for youth interested in attending the 2010 summer environmental educational camps are now being accepted, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today. DEC urges families looking for an out-of-the-ordinary summer experience to consider enrolling youth ages 12 to 17 in these exciting and challenging programs. (March 2, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Environmental Education in our area]
• HIGH-SPEED RAIL: Riga-Byron project could begin this year - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper Construction on a $58-million high-speed rail starter project between Riga and Byron could begin later this year. | Earlier this year, New York received $151 million to advance statewide high-speed rail projects, which is the source of the money to build the track between the two communities. (March 3, 2010)Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper [more Transportation in our area]
• ENERGY: The nuclear option - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper The 1979 core meltdown at Three Mile Island, outside of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, so scared Americans that no new nuclear plants have been built since. It wasn't due to some official prohibition or anything like that. Instead, the plants just got too expensive to build. (March 3, 2010)Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper [more on Energy in our area]
• Environmental groups claim science, not what they call ‘corporate interests’ should guide Hudson River cleanup CAPITAL REGION/HUDSON VALLEY— As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and General Electric Co. (GE) prepare to release their final reports on Friday, March 5, on the first phase of GE’s legally mandated cleanup of toxic PCBs the company dumped in the Hudson River, leading environmental groups are stressing that ‘objective science’ and the EPA - not ‘corporate interests’ —must determine the path forward to complete the historic cleanup. (Marcy 3, 2010) New York State News on the Net! [more on Brownfields in our area]
• NY state parks advocates plan rally in Albany -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY ALBANY -- A rally is planned in Albany by New Yorkers protesting Paterson administration plans to close dozens of state parks and historic sites.   The advocacy group Parks & Trails New York says Wednesday's rally will be held outside the Capitol at noon. (March 3, 2010) Albany NY News - Times Union - Serving Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy[more on Parks in our area]
• Shale Rules Will Effect Rochester Rocks | ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - The State of New York is now working on adopting new rules for drilling natural gas, and could release them later this year. (March 2, 2010) WXXI | Go Public. [more on Energy in our area]
• 03/02/2010: EPA Proposes Sections of the Black River to the Superfund List (New York, NY) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to add sections of the Black River, which runs through the villages of Carthage and West Carthage, Jefferson County, NY to its Superfund National Priorities List of the country’s most hazardous waste sites because sediment in the river and along its banks are contaminated with hazardous substances. The Black River is a popular location for recreation and fishing; people often eat the fish caught in the river. The Superfund listing would enable EPA to investigate the contamination of the sediment and to take actions to address it. The Black River empties into the eastern end of Lake Ontario. (March 2, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Brownfields in our area]
• DROP BY DROP: Seneca BioEnergy banking on biodiesel Investors still being sought | Buildings 356 and 357 at the former Seneca Army Depot are 200,000-square-foot fortresses of concrete and steel. That’s nearly five acres under each roof. A few years ago, they were dark and gray and echoed of emptiness. ROMULUS — Buildings 356 and 357 at the former Seneca Army Depot are 200,000-square-foot fortresses of concrete and steel. That’s nearly five acres under each roof. A few years ago, they were dark and gray and echoed of emptiness. (March 1, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Energy in our area]
• DEC REPORTS: Bear Harvest Totals for 2009 Were Second Highest in State's History - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation NYS's Three Bear Hunting Regions Each Report Strong Numbers Bear harvest numbers in 2009 were the second-highest ever recorded in New York State, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. Last fall's harvest was only exceeded by 2003's record total. (March 1, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Record year for bear hunting in state - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Finger Lakes, N.Y. — Hunters killed the second-highest number of bears on record statewide in 2009, the state Department of Environmental Conservation reported Monday. Last fall’s harvest of 1,487 black bears was exceeded only by 2003’s total, 1,864. (March 2, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Wildlife in our area]
• N.Y. state parks cancel some camping reservations | pressconnects.com | Press & Sun-Bulletin ALBANY -- The state has canceled the reservations of about 350 people who had booked campsites and other accommodations at a dozen state parks that may be closed because of New York's budget crisis. (March 1, 2010) pressconnects.com | Press & Sun-Bulletin | Binghamton news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Binghamton, New York [more on Parks in our area]
• New Yorkers’ Drilling Comments Are In … Now What? - ProPublica When New York State's environmental agency came out with a draft environmental review of drilling [1] in the Marcellus Shale in September, it set off a flurry of action for environmentalists, industry advocates and the general public. (February 26, 2010) ProPublica - Journalism in the Public Interest [more on Energy in our area]
• Federal grants to protect children from lead paint and other household hazards NEW YORK – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Monday awarded almost $1 million in grants to two upstate communities and Columbia University to make homes healthier and to protect young children from lead poisoning. (March 2, 2010) New York State News on the Net! [more on Lead Poisoning in our area]
• $40 million in stimulus funding announced for state energy program projects ALBANY – A total of $40 million federal stimulus funding has been awarded to New York municipalities, public schools, universities and colleges, hospitals and not-for-profit agencies to support 118 energy conservation projects. The energy efficiency, renewable energy and clean fleet projects will reduce energy and operating costs by $13.5 million annually and fully return the initial investment in just under 7 years. Region 6 – Rochester/Genesee $2,082,595 (March 2, 2010) New York State News on the Net! [more on Energy in our area]
• New York improves net metering for ‘45 by 15’ drive The state of New York has amended its net metering laws in a renewed bid to draw 45 percent of its electricity needs from energy efficiency and renewables by 2015. The new rule will allow electricity customers with eligible renewable energy systems to sell back their excess electricity to their local utility. (March 1, 2010) GREEN NEWS - ECOSEED's Global Green News Portal [more on Energy in our area]
• 03/01/2010: EPA Announces Environmental Justice Video Contest: Faces of the Grassroots WASHINGTON --The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is sponsoring an environmental justice video contest that challenges professional or aspiring filmmakers to create videos that capture the faces of the environmental justice movement. The Faces of the Grassroots contest is an opportunity to publicly exhibit creativity with environmental justice stories, and connect with others working to raise awareness of the movement. More information: Faces of the Grassroots Environmental Justice Video Contest | Environmental Justice | Compliance and Enforcement | US EPA Informational video on the contest: EJVideoContest (March 1, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases[more on Environmental Education in our area]
• Buffalo’s gets high marks for drinking water BUFFALO – Mayor Brown today announced that the City of Buffalo has received high marks when it comes to the quality of its drinking water. In a report issued by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the quality of Buffalo’s drinking water ranked number 15 out of 100 cities with a population over 250,000. Buffalo also had the highest rank among cities in the state of New York. (March 01, 2010) New York State News on the Net! [more on Water Quality in our area]
• Federal green jobs slow to materialize | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle WASHINGTON — When Congress enacted the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act a year ago, one of the goals was to quickly produce high-wage green jobs by pumping money into an existing home weatherization program financed by the federal government. (March 1, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Green Business in our area]