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RochesterEnvironment.com

May 2010 NewsLinks Archived 

RochesterEnvironment.com

These archived Newslinks for May 2010 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. 

 

• DEC, Library Teams up to Offer New Fishing Opportunity in Canandaigua - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation DEC, Library Teams up to Offer New Fishing Opportunity in Canandaigua Patrons Can Borrow Fishing Poles - for Free In a new initiative aimed at getting more New Yorkers outdoors, the state Department of Environmental Conservation has joined with Wood Library in Canandaigua to provide fishing poles for patrons to borrow free of charge, DEC Regional Director Paul D'Amato announced today. (May 27, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Wildlife in our area]
• 05/27/2010: EPA and New York State Announce Ban on Boat Sewage Disposal to New York Canal System (New York, N.Y.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that the entire New York State Canal System is now a “no discharge zone,” which means that boats are banned from discharging sewage into the canals. Boaters must instead dispose of their sewage at specially designated pump-out stations. EPA Regional Administrator Judith Enck and DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis were joined by New York State Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello and Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) President and CEO Matthew J. Driscoll along the canal to mark the boat sewage discharge ban, and to announce a new, comprehensive strategy to eliminate the discharge of sewage from boats into any of the state’s waterways.  (May 27, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Water Quality  in our area]
• Agreement reached on high-speed rail | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information State and federal agencies have reached an agreement with CSX Corp. Inc. that will allow a third track to be built in New York to accommodate high-speed rail, U.S. Rep. Louise Slaughter said Friday. The announcement comes one day after state officials announced the receipt of the first $1 million of $151 million in funding from the Federal Railroad Administration for high-speed and inter-city passenger railroad projects in upstate New York. (May 28, 2010) Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information [more on Transportation in our aera]
• Albany agrees to reopen state parks | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle State lawmakers signed off on a deal Friday to restore $11 million in funds to 55 parks and historic sites around New York, three weeks after the ongoing budget crisis forced their closure. Funding for the parks is being offset by $77 million in cuts to the state Environmental Protection Fund and increased fees for toxic and electronic waste dumping that Republicans said would be too onerous. (May 29,2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Parks in our area]
• Battle raging against toxic green behemoth | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Spread out along a pretty little creek that flows through the back of a Wyoming County farm are clusters of vibrant-looking plants with oddly oversized dark-green leaves and stalks bearing purplish streaks. And on Friday morning, three New York state technicians set out to kill every one of them. The plants are giant hogweed, whose sap causes severe, long-lasting skin reactions on people who come in contact with it, and has been known to blind people who get it in their eyes. (May 29,2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• Paterson says deal reached on state parks - Business First of Buffalo |New York Gov. David Paterson and legislative leaders have reached a deal to reopen all state parks in time for the Memorial Day weekend. Paterson announced the deal Thursday morning, after negotiations finished at 4 a.m. Legislators are expected to act on the bill in a Thursday afternoon session. (May 27, 2010) Buffalo News | Business First of Buffalo [more on Parks in our area]
• Veto means anglers still can’t use Lake Superior smelt as bait | Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota Concerns over using smelt and ciscoes taken from Lake Superior were heightened when the fish-killing virus VHS, viral hemorrhagic septicemia, was found in Lake Superior in January. Fisheries biologists and enforcement officials are trying to make sure the virus does not spread to inland lakes in Minnesota.  (May 27, 2010) Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota [more on VHS in our aera]
• Energy efficiency program targets small businesses | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information Rochester Gas and Electric Corp. is launching an energy efficiency program for small business customers with electricity demands of less than 100 kilowatts, the company announced this week. Eligible businesses can receive free energy efficient lighting assessments, and 70 percent of the cost of recommended upgrades will be covered by RG&E, company officials said. (May 27, 2010)Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information  [more on Green Business in our area]
• Scientists: Gulf oil spill surpasses Exxon Valdez - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Covington, La. — The Gulf oil spill has surpassed the Exxon Valdez as the worst in U.S. history, according to new estimates released Thursday, but the Coast Guard and BP said an untested procedure to stop it seemed to be working. (May 27, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Energy  in our area]
• Deal in place to open New York parks | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle ALBANY — A tentative deal is in place to reopen the state's 55 parks and historic sites in time for the Memorial Day weekend, Gov. David Paterson said Thursday. In an interview on WOR 710 AM's The John Gambling Show, Paterson said an early morning deal was struck by staff from his office, the Senate and Assembly.  (May 28, 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 a Home from Cordwood - YNN, Your News Now People have been building structures with wood for centuries. Building homes today usually requires a lot of expertise and a mortgage to pay for it. An inexpensive, centuries-old building method is making a comeback, and a man from Elba is teaching people how to do it. Peter Turkow makes cordwood construction sound easy. (May 27,2010) TOP STORIES - Rochester - YNN, Your News Now [more on Green Living in our area]
• WXXI: Lake Orgs Offer Funds for Cleanup (2010-05-24) ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - Two water advocacy groups were in Rochester today to talk to non-profit environmental organizations about a new grant program. The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition and Freshwater Future will award $200,000 to help groups across the Great Lakes shore get access to federal funds through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. (May 24, 2010)  [more on the Great Lakes in our area]
• Environmental, gas groups spar over Marcellus Shale drilling | theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal ALBANY -- Environmentalists descended on the Capitol this week to push a bill that would prohibit issuing natural-gas-drilling permits in New York's Marcellus Shale until a federal study is complete, but a group of drilling advocates called the proposal "unnecessary." Natural-gas companies and some landowners are eager to begin drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation, which stretches across many of the northeastern states and is rich with natural gas. But some are worried about the potential impact of using hydraulic fracturing, or hydro-fracking, to help extract the gas. (May 22, 2010) theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal | Ithaca news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Ithaca, NY  [more on Energy in our area]
• WXXI: Lake Ontario Low for May (2010-05-25) ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - Water levels on Lake Ontario are down nearly a foot from their average level, and a foot and a half from last year's height. Levels downstream of the lake are at record lows.  (May 27,2010) WXXI NewsRoom  [more on the Great Lakes in our area]
• GoErie.com: Local News - Mysterious bee disease on the rise in Erie region Colony collapse disorder, the mysterious worldwide epidemic of bee die-offs that showed signs of easing throughout the Erie region in 2009, is being seen as the culprit in decimating the region's honeybee population this spring.  (May 22, 2010) GoErie.com: Erie's #1 Source for News and Information [more on Wildlife in our area]
• 5/13/2010~Fish and Wildlife Service Celebrates Endangered Species Day On May 21, 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and several conservation organizations will observe Endangered Species Day to recognize the conservation programs underway nationwide aimed at protecting America’s threatened and endangered species.   The Endangered Species Act (ESA) has helped to prevent the extinction of hundreds of species. Co-administered by the Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the purpose of the ESA is to conserve imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. (May 13, 2010 )Northeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  [more on Wildlife in our area]
• 1972 accord on water quality up for changes U.S., Canada seek to modernize terms Forty million people rely on the Great Lakes for drinking water. All benefit from the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, even if they don't know what it is or fumble for words trying to describe it. Signed in 1972 by President Richard Nixon and Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, the agreement is often hailed as a landmark pledge between the two countries to help the lakes recover from their legacy of pollution. (May 22, 2010) toledoblade.com -- The Blade ~ Toledo Ohio [more on Water Quality in our area]
• City of Rochester | MVP Health Care Tuesday Nature Nights Start May 25 (Wednesday, May 19, 2010) – MVP Health Care and the City of Rochester have partnered again to offer MVP Health Care Tuesday Nature Nights as part of the year’s Flower City Looking Good activities and events. On fourteen consecutive Tuesday evenings from May 25 to August 24, Nature Nights offer participants an array of cycling, hiking, walking, and paddling adventures that advance fitness while showcasing the City of Rochester’s remarkable natural and built environments. Twelve of the activities are free; each of two paddling events cost $15. All Nature Nights begin at 6 p.m.; walks, jogs and rides are leisurely with slight grade changes, mostly on paths or sidewalks. Helmets are required for bike rides. (May 24, 2010) City of Rochester [more on Transportation in our area]
• WXXI: City Kicks of Master Planning During "Bike Week" (2010-05-24) ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - The city of Rochester is proclaiming this week "Bike Week" on Tuesday, and to celebrate, it's kicking off a study to see how to make Rochester more friendly to cyclists. Erik Frisch is a transportation specialist for the city of Rochester. "The goal of the bike master plan is to guide the city of Rochester's investment in bicycle related infrastructure and services, for the foreseeable future, probably the next ten plus years."  (May 24, 2010) WXXI NewsRoom  [more on Transportation in our area]
• New York State Envirothon Returns to Campus | Keuka College News For the second straight year, Keuka College will host the state-level competition of the Canon Envirothon, one of North America’s largest high school environmental education competitions, June 2-3. Teams of five high school students, representing most of New York state’s 62 counties (last year 55 counties sent teams to Keuka) will compete for the right to represent the Empire State at the national competition. The Canon Envirothon will be held Aug. 1-6 at Fresno (Calif.) State University, where more than $100,000 in scholarships and prizes will be awarded. (May 19, 2010) Keuka College: a four-year liberal arts college in the Finger Lakes region of Western New York [more on Environmental Education in our area]
• Governor Paterson to Introduce Bill to Fully Fund State Parks and Historical Sites |Governor David A. Paterson today announced that he will send a bill to the Legislature that would provide funding to continue the operation of State parks and historic sites this year. Enactment of this bill would allow 41 State parks and 14 historic sites to remain open and would provide for continued services at 23 parks and one historic site. The bill would also continue necessary and critical programs funded through the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). (May 24, 2010) Governor Press Releases [more on Parks in our area]
• Cycling in Monroe County parks a hot topic | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle PENFIELD — Monroe County is moving toward making off-road cycling in two of its parks a legal activity, instead of a crime. This is good news for mountain bikers, and not-so-good news for people who think biking in parks is an encroachment on green space. (May 25, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Parks in our area]
• Gov. David Paterson submits plan to reopen state parks by Memorial Day weekend | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle ALBANY — After refusing to release aid for more than 50 state parks and historic sites, leading to their closure, Gov. David Paterson submitted legislation Monday that would reopen them in time for Memorial Day weekend.  (May 25, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Parks in our area]
• Tompkins Legislature urges state hydrofracking ban ITHACA - The Tompkins County Legislature is calling upon New York State to ban all hydraulic fracturing operations to extract natural gas from shale until independent scientific assessments are competed to determine the risk of hydraulic fracturing, the greenhouse gas emissions it would produce, and its economic and social costs.  The action supports legislation proposed in the State Senate and Assembly.  After listening to more than an hour of impassioned public comment from more than 20 residents who urged support of the ban and another half-hour of discussion, mostly focused on wording changes, the measure was approved by a 13-1 vote, with Legislator Peter Stein voting no. (Legislator Carol Chock was excused.) (May 23, 2010) New York State News on the Net!  [more on Energy in our area]
• DEC Takes Action to Protect Lake Ontario Barrier Beaches - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Both areas are located on Lake Ontario in the Town of Ellisburg, Jefferson County. Lakeview WMA has the largest, least disturbed portion of the barrier system remaining on Lake Ontario. Approximately one mile of undisturbed barrier beach also exists on the Black Pond WMA. "These beautiful natural beach areas have many attractive features, including accessible boardwalks, a fishing platform, unique plant and wildlife observation opportunities, and or course, beaches," Director Drabicki said. "Unfortunately, misuse by people visiting the areas for the beach presents a threat to the areas' ecological integrities while at the same time causing potential user safety hazards." (May 20, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Water Quality in our area]
• Parma's open space issue goes to voters | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle PARMA — In a 2009 community survey, Parma residents overwhelmingly said a top priority should be preserving their town's farmland and open space. On June 2, residents will see whether they're willing to put their money where their opinions were. (May 24, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Urban Sprawl in our area]
• Shale drilling plans create friction | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle In Pennsylvania, miners are pumping millions of gallons of chemical-laced water into horizontal wells to fracture underground shale formations and release valuable natural gas. Plans to do so in New York are mobilizing citizens by the thousands. (May 23, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Energy in our area]
• Senator urges commuters to cycle to work during annual Bike to Work Week ALBANY - National ‘Bike to Work Week’ kicked off in New York, Monday and continues through May 21.  State Senator Martin Malavé Dilan (D-Brooklyn) is encouraging commuters across the state to ride their bicycles to work. “A surprising number of our state’s commuters live very close to their place of work, but get there in a car or bus. I hope National Bike to Work Week goes a long way to encourage more people to make a change and take up a greener commute,” said Senator Dilan, who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee. (May 21, 2010) New York State News on the Net!  [more on Transportation in our area]
• WXXI: Advocating Safer Streets for Pedestrians & Bicyclists (2010-05-21) ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - There's legislation in Albany designed to make the streets more pedestrian and bicycle friendly. The American Association of Retired Persons and local health officials support the measure and spoke about it Friday at the intersection of Monroe Avenue and Alexander Street. (may 21, 2010) WXXI NewsRoom [more on Transportation in our area]
• Majority supports offshore wind power on Lake Ontario | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information Three-quarters of respondents to this week's RBJ Daily Report Snap Poll support offshore wind power on Lake Ontario. The New York Power Authority issued a request for proposals last December to develop an offshore wind farm in Lake Ontario or Lake Erie. The deadline for the Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project proposals is June 1.  (May 21, 2010) Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information  [more on Wind Power in our area]
• H1N1 Gone…For Now - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com Rochester, NY --- One year ago a new strain of flu was spreading and on its way to becoming a worldwide pandemic.  H1N1 is sure to return but local health officials are optimistic that we're all better prepared for it after this past year. (May 20, 2010) Home - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com  [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Pure Waters to explore well water testing GENEVA –– The topic of homeowners having their well water tested will be explored at the 7 p.m. June 17 meeting of the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association. The free and open discussion is co-sponsored by the Finger Lakes Institute, which will host the event at 601 S. Main St. With growing concern about the hydrofracking method of natural gas drilling impacting ground water, two experts in contamination of drinking water sources will speak in the context of drilling the Marcellus Shale deposit. (May 20, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front  [more on Water Quality in our area]
• Black bears sighted in Pittsford - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Pittsford, N.Y. — A black bear was spotted at a Pittsford Little League game by the fields on East Street Wednesday night. A spokesman for the Department of Environmental Conversation told Messenger Post news partner News 10NBC they have received reports of bear sightings in Pittsford. (May 20, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [More on Wildlife in our area]
• Recycle electronics in Brighton | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Residents of Brighton and surrounding areas can recycle their old laptops, copiers, GPS units and other electronics from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Brighton Highway Department, 1941 Elmwood Ave. (May 21, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New Yor  [more on Recycling in our area]
• Area bear sightings are on the rise | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The same black bear has been sighted in several east-side suburbs during the last two weeks. The latest sighting on Wednesday was at a Little League game in Pittsford at Habecker Fields, 34 East St. Officials from the state Department of Environmental Conservation said a male black bear, between 150 and 175 pounds, also was seen May 3 and May 6 south of Pittsford near Mendon Ponds Park, and May 8 in Victor. There also was a sighting in Fairport. Another black bear has been seen in the LeRoy/Batavia area during the past week. (May 21, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [More on Wildlife in our area]
• AARP study identifies dangerous sites for pedestrians, bikers in Monroe County | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The group, which represents and advocates for older people, commissioned the study to advance the cause of improved transportation planning and safety measures for people on foot and on bicycles. It said a total of 1,620 pedestrians and bicyclists were injured and 22 were killed in Monroe County during that three-year period. (May 21, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Transportation in our area]
• www.WHEC.com - Canned food study A new study suggests people are exposed to a chemical called bisphenol A from everyday consumption of canned goods.   The chemical -- also known as BPA -- has come under scrutiny in recent years because some say it's toxic and could be harmful to our health.  (May 19, 2010) www.WHEC.com - Rochester, NY News [more on Food/Environment in our area]
• Media Advisory: State Health Commissioner to Drag for Ticks, Demonstrate Prevention of Tick Bites In recognition of Lyme Disease Awareness Month, on Thursday, May 20, at 10 a.m. at the Vischer Ferry Preserve in the Town of Clifton Park, Saratoga County, State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., will conduct a tick collecting exercise and demonstrate how to avoid tick bites to prevent the transmission of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. Dr. Daines will demonstrate proper clothing and use of insect repellants, as well as removal of ticks from the skin. He will also "drag for ticks," a technique used to collect ticks for Lyme disease testing as part of Department of Health (DOH) surveillance for Lyme disease. (May 19, 2010) New York State Department of Health  [more on Lyme Disease in our area]
• Chemung panel analyzing potential natural gas drilling in the region | stargazette.com | Star-Gazette A special panel has begun to gather information so Chemung County can move forward if the state approves a new natural gas drilling technique. With nearly two dozen members, the Chemung County Executive's Advisory Commission on Natural Energy Solutions first met April 29, and three or four of the panel's eight subcommittees have already begun meeting, County Executive Tom Santulli said Wednesday.  (May 12, 2010) stargazette.com | Star-Gazette | Elmira news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Elmira, New York  [more on Energy in our area]
• Thruway Authority to develop energy master plan | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information The New York State Thruway Authority on Wednesday announced a $400,000 agreement with Buffalo energy engineering firm C.J. Brown Energy P.C. to develop an energy master plan for Thruway and state canal facilities. (May 19, 2010) Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information [more on Energy in our area]
• ENVIRONMENT: County Legislators want more info on offshore wind - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper Monroe County legislators seem to be taking a more measured approach than a neighboring county to a proposed Lake Ontario offshore wind project. Wayne County officials are already on record opposing the project. | The New York Power Authority is soliciting proposals from developers interested in building wind farm projects in Lake Ontario. (May 19, 2010) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper [more on Wind Power in our area]
• 2010 BIKE ISSUE: Making Rochester more bike friendly - Guides - Rochester City Newspaper A cyclist trying to travel from the southern part of Monroe County to the north via bike trails should have no problem on the first half of his or her journey. But that cyclist won't get much further north than the Erie Canal or Court Street in downtown Rochester without taking to the streets.  (May 20, 2010) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper [more on Transportation in our area]
• Electronics recycling drop off slated for Saturday in Naples | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle An electronics recycling event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of Bristol Valley Theater, 151 S. Main St., Naples. Sponsored by the theater and Regional Computer Recycling & Recovery, people can drop off computer hardware, typewriters, printers, circuit boards, fax machines, telecommunications equipment, audiovisual equipment and batteries for $5. Televisions smaller than 27 inches will cost $10 to drop off. Bigger TVs will cost $15. (May 20, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Recycling in our area]
• Watertown Daily Times | State tightens wind turbine safety rules EMERGENCY CONTROL SYSTEMS: New certification requirement was sparked by a 2009 turbine collapse The state Public Service Commission will order all wind power developers to certify that emergency control systems will shut turbines down during loss of power as a result of a turbine collapse more than a year ago, according to a news release Thursday.  (May 17, 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]
• Marcellus Shale: PRI and Cornell University Receive NSF Grant To Do Outreach in NY, PA, WV, & OH - WIVT/WBGH Newschannel34 From Paleontological Research Institution and its Museum of the Earth: The Paleontological Research Institution and its Museum of the Earth (PRI), along with colleagues in the department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) at Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), have been awarded nearly $100K from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The award will provide resources to promote public understanding of science and the relative risk associated with natural gas drilling, and to help stakeholders who might consider leasing their land for drilling make informed decisions based on existing scientific evidence. (May 17, 2010) Home - WIVT/WBGH Newschannel34  [more on Energy in our area]
• Green Fuel Station in Chili gets more business - Gates, Chili, NY - Gates-Chili Post Chili, N.Y. — The Monroe County Green Fuel Station on Scottsville Road soon will share services with Monroe Community College, the county Water Authority, and other local public corporations.  (May 18,2010) Homepage - Gates, Chili, NY - Gates-Chili Post  [more on Energy in our area]
• Cornell Chronicle: Citizen science keeps tabs on oil and birds As oil continues to gush into the ocean from the Deepwater Horizon well, Gulf Coast bird watchers are taking action by surveying beaches and marshes for birds. By entering their counts at http://www.ebird.org, they are helping scientists track hundreds of species that could be affected as the oil spreads toward land. (May 11, 2010) [more on Wildlife in our area]
• 05/18/2010: EPA Helps Americans Get Ready for Summer with Insect Repellents WASHINGTON – The arrival of warmer weather signals the return of biting insects. Recognizing that, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates pesticides, has updated its insect repellent Web page. By reading and following label directions, the use of repellents can reduce or eliminate the discomfort of insect bites. Ticks can transmit serious diseases such as lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other serious diseases. Repellents also curtail the spread of such mosquito-borne diseases as St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile virus. (May 18, 2010)  [more on Pesticides in our area]
• Ovid OKs landfill moratorium  OVID –– No one is proposing to locate a landfill or monofill in the town of Ovid. But just in case, the Town Board voted May 12 to impose a one-year moratorium on new landfills. (May 18, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Recycling in our aera]
• Ashes to ashes: Burials turning earth friendly | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Green burial is hardly new. "The Jewish people have been doing it for over 5,000 years," said Jarrod Krieger, owner of Brighton Memorial Chapel, an exclusively Jewish funeral home. Krieger says that the Jewish religion forbids embalming and Jewish coffins should be made completely of wood, with holes at the bottom to help the body be reabsorbed into nature. Britton Road Association, which operates two all-Jewish cemeteries in the Rochester area, typically receives an untreated body in a pine box. Unlike nearly all other local cemeteries, it does not require a vault for bodies. (May 19, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Green Living in our area]
• Effort promotes walking in city neighborhoods | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle A new effort promoting walking in four city neighborhoods kicked off Tuesday with a group walk at the Public Market. Karyn Herman, director of community-building and action for Action for a Better Community, told about 20 agency employees, clients and neighborhood folks that walking helps her control her diabetes and she encouraged people to come out every Tuesday at 10 a.m. for a walk at the market. Participants may receive incentives such as $5 public market tokens.  (May 19, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Transportation in our area]
• RIT Student Government President Signs Congressional Letter to Support Energy Education More than 100 student-body presidents send pleas to local representatives More than 100 university and college student-government presidents submitted a letter recently urging Congress to launch a national program for clean-energy science and engineering education. The presidents—including Matt Danna from Rochester Institute of Technology—warned Congress that advanced energy education is critical for U.S. leadership in the global clean- energy industry. (May 13, 2010) RIT - University News [more on Energy in our area]
• Asthma Awareness Month | Asthma | US EPA (New York, N.Y.) Local air quality affects how you live and breathe. Like the weather, it can change from day to day or even hour to hour. Add pollutants in the indoor air of people’s homes and workplaces, and you have conditions that can be extremely serious for people with respiratory diseases such as asthma. Asthma is a serious, sometimes life-threatening respiratory disease that affects the health of millions of people; but it can sometimes be managed if people know how the environment can affect asthma patients. Although there is no cure for asthma, people with asthma can have an active lifestyle and can control the disease through medical treatment and management of environmental triggers. This month, which is Asthma Awareness Month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is educating people about asthma, and how they can reduce the severity and frequency of attacks. (May 17, 2010)  [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Statement by New York Power Authority (NYPA) President and Chief Executive Officer Richard M. Kessel Regarding the Power For Jobs and Energy Cost Savings Benefit Programs  “NYPA is extremely disappointed that the enabling statute for the Power For Jobs and Energy Cost Savings Benefit programs will expire at midnight this Saturday.  At that point, the Power Authority will no longer have the legal authority to continue to provide the benefits of the programs.  Having visited some of the participating businesses, and having had the opportunity to speak directly with many of the people employed by them, I am personally cognizant of the disruption that this lapse will create for our 520 business customers. Therefore, NYPA is committed to working with these businesses during this difficult time, and remains hopeful that we will be able to make them whole if the appropriate legislation is enacted.” (May 14, 2010)New York Power Authority [more on Energy in our area]
• Housing board to get update on wind turbine project GENEVA — A staff update on the proposed Zotos International wind turbine project will be given at Monday night’s meeting of the Geneva Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. Zotos, on Forge Avenue, is a short distance from the authority-run Courtyard Apartments on Goodman Street. (May 17, 2010)Finger Lakes Times Online - Front  [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Chimney Bluffs one of 41 State Parks to close - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow MPNnow.com — Dozens of people made a trip to Chimney Bluffs State Park in Wayne County on Sunday, to enjoy the view one last time.  (May 17, 20100) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Parks in our area]
• Some state park closings create opportunities | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Cutbacks in the state parks system are causing frustration for some and creating opportunity for others. While Wayne County officials lament the closing of Chimney Bluffs State Park and worry about its economic impact, a nonprofit in the county is working on a permit to use Beechwood State Park in July. Orleans County has worked out an agreement with the state that saves Oak Orchard State Marine Park for public use.  (May 18, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Parks in our area]
• Lake Erie study: Algal, phosphorus problems start in farm fields A task force studying the migration of phosphorus into streams and rivers and eventually into Lake Erie notes the problem is primarily affecting the lake’s western basin – particularly from the watersheds of the Maumee and Sandusky rivers. (May 14, 2010) The Press  [more on the Great Lakes in our area]
• WXXI: City Seeking $125,000 to Study Lead in Water (2010-05-11) ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - Members of city council are voting Tuesday night, about whether or not to approve a $125,000 study of Rochester's drinking water. The examination is necessary, according to legislation forwarded by the mayor. The legislation says Rochester's water is safe, and hasn't crossed the 15 parts per billion that the Environmental Protection Agency recommends lead levels stay below. But lead levels are trending upward, according to the bill. (May 11, 2010) WXXI NewsRoom [more on Water Quality in our area]
• Some State Parks Closing Monday - YNN, Your News Now Starting Monday, dozens of state parks across New York will close, the victims of a state budget in limbo. That includes the Chimney Bluffs State Park in Wayne County. (May 16, 2010)  TOP STORIES - Rochester - YNN, Your News Now [more on Parks in our area]
• Going Green: Recycling big items - YNN, Your News Now Big screen TVs, computers, DVD players, all the electronic products we can't live without all have what manufacturers call an end of life moment and the question becomes how to dispose of the item or recycle it. (May 16, 2010) TOP STORIES - Rochester - YNN, Your News Now [more on Recycling in our aea]
• Not business as usual for area parks In a normal year, state parks officials would be getting the golf course at Bonavista ready for summertime public use and working to open the swimming beach at Seneca Lake State Park in time for Memorial Day. (May 16, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front  [more on Parks in our area]
• Chili to host public meeting on open space - Gates, Chili, NY - Gates-Chili Post Chili, N.Y. — The Chili Conservation Board will be hosting a public information meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, May 24, to kick off the town’s open space inventory project.   The meeting will be held in the Town Hall meeting room, 3333 Chili Ave. Bergmann Associates, a community planning and design firm in Rochester, will present an overview of the project, including opportunities for public involvement throughout the process. (May 14, 2010) Homepage - Gates, Chili, NY - Gates-Chili Post [more on Urban Sprawl in our area]
• Fishery industry in crisis - Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA Lake Erie commercial fishermen were looking for a show of support and they got it here Thursday morning. Approximately 200 people, including municipal politicians, CAW Local 444 members, neighbors and even youngsters who were supposed to be in school turned out to support the local commercial fishery. (May 14, 2010)Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA  [more on Great Lakes in our area]
• KSTP TV - Minneapolis and St. Paul - Deadly fish virus alert, days before Minn. opener A deadly virus that attacks popular game fish is spreading across the Great Lakes, and experts issued an alert just days before the Minnesota fishing opener. Members of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota said they are taking action to halt the virus from spreading throughout Minnesota waters. Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) causes severe and lethal hemorrhaging in game fish including crappies and muskellunge (May 12, 2010) KSTP TV - Minneapolis and St. Paul - More Headlines [more on VHS in our area]
• Make Somebody's Trash Your Treasure on Saturday - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com Rochester, NY - A local man is hoping you will find treasure in your neighbor's trash tomorrow. Really! Saturday is the second annual "Give Your Trash Away" day. Mike Morone is your average guy, who hopes to do something great. (May 14, 2010) Home - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com [more on Recycling in our area]
• Rochester Bike Week May 21-28 May is National Bike Month. In Rochester we have “Bike Week,” from Friday, May 21st through Friday, May 28th. There are lots of events hosted by the Rochester Cycling Alliance (RCA) so be sure to check out all of them: Rochester Bike Week. Bike Week demonstrates the interest Rochester has in making cycling a viable transportation option in our area. Given that the Rochester Region just failed again for Air Quality (Rochester’s failing air quality), we should take a serious look at cycling as an integral component in Rochester’s transportation future. (May 14, 2010) Rochester News, Restaurants, more by Top Local Experts
• New ban on lawn chemical use OK'd - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. — A bill that would ban the use of herbicides at schools and day care centers has been passed by both chambers of the state Legislature and is now awaiting Gov. David Paterson’s signature. “It basically bans the use of synthetic pesticides on the athletic fields and playgrounds of public and private schools,” said Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb, R-Canandaigua. (May 14, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Pesticides in our area]
• New York will close 55 historic sites, parks | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle ALBANY — State parks officials said Friday they'll start shutting down or keeping closed dozens of parks and historic sites next week because of New York's budget crisis. The gates at 41 parks and 14 historic sites will be locked starting Monday, said Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation spokeswoman Eileen Larrabee. (May 15, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York   [more on Parks in our area]
• Canada moves to beef up cross-border water laws | Canada | Reuters TORONTO (Reuters) - Canada plans to beef up measures to protect its massive stores of fresh water, unveiling legislation on Thursday that would strengthen prohibitions on bulk water removal, particularly on rivers that cross into the United States.  (May 13, 2010) Reuters.com [more on Great Lakes in our area]
• New York State Laboratory Links Lettuce to Nationwide E. coli Outbreak State, County Disease Detectives Track Source ALBANY, N.Y. (May 13, 2010) – State and county public health epidemiologists, also known as disease detectives, along with the New York State Health Department's (DOH) Wadsworth Center laboratory played pivotal roles in the identification of lettuce as the source of an outbreak of Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli O145) that has sickened at least 19 people in Michigan, Ohio and New York over the past month.  (May 13. 2010)New York State Department of Health [more on Food and Environment in our area]
• The American Power Act A New Start for Clean American Power and a New Economy The American Power Act will transform our economy, set us on the path toward energy independence and improve the quality of the air we breathe. It will create millions of good jobs that cannot be shipped abroad and it will launch America into a position of leadership in the global clean energy economy. (May 14, 2010)Welcome to Massachusetts Senator John Kerry's Online Office :: Home Page  [more on Climate Change in our area]
• ENB - Region 8 Notices 05/12/2010 - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Positive Declaration Monroe County - The Office of Mayor of the City of Rochester, as lead agency, has determined that the proposed Port of Rochester Public Marina and Mixed Use Development Project may have a significant adverse impact on the environment and a Draft Environmental Impact Statement must be prepared. (May 12, 2010)  New York State Department of Environmental Conservation [more on Urban Sprawl in our area]
• Brooks Announces Plans to Share Alternative Fuels with MCC and Water Authority | County Executive Maggie Brooks announced that the Monroe County Legislature unanimously approved a referral which allows the County to share services and its state-of-the-art alternative fueling station with Monroe Community College, the Monroe County Water Authority and other local public corporations. The Legislature approved the referral 28-0 this past Tuesday.  (May 14, 2010) MyMonroe. Opening Up Government. | Monroe County, NY  (more on Transportation in our area]
• 05/13/2010: City of Oswego, N.Y., Agrees to Invest $87 Million in Upgrades to Sewer System to Comply with Clean Water Act WASHINGTON—To resolve long-standing problems with unpermitted sewer overflows, the city of Oswego, N.Y., will invest an estimated $87 million in improvements to its west side sewer system, the Justice Department and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation was also a partner in the agreement. (May 13, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Water Quality in our area]
• New York’s first solar thermal roadmap unveiled ALBANY - The Solar Thermal Consortium (STC) today unveiled the first roadmap to establish New York as a national leader in solar heat and cooling (“Solar Thermal”) technologies through consumer education and incentives, installer training, promotions to attract manufacturers, investments in R&D, and permitting improvements. Developed over the past six months by more than 130 industrial, academic and governmental representatives, the Solar Thermal Roadmap creates a path to move New York State toward 2,000 MWs of solar thermal capacity, equal to 1,000,000 solar hot water collectors, or 500,000 residential systems. The plan would result in $2.6 billion in economic activity and 25,000 new jobs over the next decade. (May 13, 2010) New York State News on the Net!  [more on Energy in our area]
• Fishing enters new age with instant fishing reports via Twitter | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Twitter provides real-time public information via the Internet through 140-character messages called "tweets." In this case, the tweets are fishing reports from a network of more than 20 well-respected and experienced Lake Ontario charter captains out on the water. (May 9,2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Wildlife in our area]
• 5/5/2010~$450,000 in grants goes to states for white-nose syndrome work      Twenty-three states are receiving a total of $450,000 in grants for white-nose syndrome projects. State natural resource agencies will use the funds for surveillance and monitoring of caves and mines where bats hibernate, preparing state response plans, and other related projects. (May 5, 2010) Northeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [more on Wildlife in our area]
• MICHIGAN: Reducing Pollution In The Great Lakes (2010-05-11) Michigan farmers are getting $9 million from the federal government to reduce pollution in the Great Lakes. The money is part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.  (May 11, 2010) Michigan Radio - Your NPR News Station [more on Great lakes in our area]
• 05/11/2010: EPA Awards Small Businesses to Develop New Environmental Technologies WASHINGTON –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded nearly $2.5 million to 11 companies to support their work in eight key environmental areas: monitoring and control of air emissions, biofuels, green buildings, drinking water monitoring, hazardous waste monitoring, water infrastructure, homeland security, nanotechnology and innovation in manufacturing. Last year, the companies received "proof of concept" awards from EPA, and will use the additional funds announced today to move their technologies towards commercialization. More information about award recipients and research projects: List of Awards | SBIR| Research Project Database | NCER | ORD | US EPA More information on SBIR program: Small Business Innovation Research | NCER | ORD | US EPA  (May 11, 2010)  [more on Green Business in our area]
• Fuel cells' next hurdle: The filling station | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle General Motors Co. is turning to a utility company in Hawaii for a pilot program to create a network of fuel cell filling stations on the island of Oahu. The arrangement announced today with natural gas provider The Gas Co. goes to the heart of R&D work GM is doing in Honeoye Falls. There, the automaker is working on fuel cell engines that would run on hydrogen to replace the internal combustion engine. (May 11, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Energy in our area]
• Fish farmers angle for legislation - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Finger Lakes, N.Y. — Upstate fish farmers are urging support of new legislation that would lift a state Department of Environmental Conservation ban on the sale of farm-raised black bass to New York fish markets, retailers and restaurants. (May 11, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow  [more on Wildlife in our area]
• NY cancer `hot spots' mapped publicly for first time - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New Yorkers now have what health officials say is the first cancer mapping system that drills down to a neighborhood level so they can check out rumors of cancer clusters and see if that big industry down the street is surrounded by new cancer cases. (May 10, 2010) Home - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com  [more on Environmental Resources in our area]
• High Speed Rail Project Inching Forward - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com Washington, D.C./Albany, N.Y. - Congresswoman Louise Slaughter says the government is in talks  with CSX Railroad Co. about the use of a third railroad track for a statewide high-speed rail project. (May 10, 2010) Home - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com  [more on transportation in our area]
• Residents Weigh In On NYPA Offshore Wind Project - post-journal.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - Jamestown | Post-Journal The New York Power Authority has identified Lake Erie and Lake Ontario as possible sites for turbines and is expected to name a developer for its Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project in early 2011.  (May 10, 2010) post-journal.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - Jamestown | Post-Journal  [more on Wind Power in our area]
• 05/10/2010: EPA Updates BP Spill Website with Information on Dispersants WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) yesterday posted information on BP’s use of dispersants to its oil spill response website, www.epa.gov/bpspill. The site includes EPA’s plan to monitor BP’s use of dispersants as well as additional background information and frequently asked questions on dispersants. EPA will add information to the site as it becomes available.  (May 19, 2010 )U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Energy]
• Cancer cases tracked on state maps | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle ALBANY — An interactive cancer-mapping system launched by the state Monday allows people to track incidences and types of cancer by small geographic areas and learn what environmental facilities are nearby that may have contributed to the problem. (May 11, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Environmental Resources  in our area]
• Farmers markets try to become more accessible | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Shoppers at the Rochester Public Market will have a free shuttle to ferry them and their purchases between the market and their cars. Residents at three apartment complexes in the South Wedge can get free transportation to the South Wedge Farmers Market.  (May 11, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Food and Environment in our area]
• Where are New York State's "Green" Jobs and what skills do they require? ALBANY - The New York State Department of Labor has received a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to estimate how many green jobs there are and to identify new, emerging and enhanced skills needed for green jobs. The Department will survey about 20,000 firms to collect this information. More in-depth research will probe what skills employers need and identify existing education and training resources to fill those needs. (May 10, 2010) New York State News on the Net! [more on Green Business in our area]
• WXXI: City Sale of Canandice and Hemlock Lakes on Track (2010-05-07) ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - The state comptroller has signed off on the purchase of Hemlock and Canadice lakes. Those members of the Finger Lakes chain provide drinking water to the city of Rochester, which has sought to sell them to the state.  (May 7, 2010) WXXI NewsRoom [more on Hemlock lake in our area]
• La. Oil Spill Threatens Already Weakened Wetlands - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com Shell Beach, La. – Battered by hurricanes, weakened by erosion and flood-control projects, the sprawling wetlands that nurture Gulf of Mexico marine life and buffer coastal cites from storm surges now face another stern test as a monster oil slick creeps ever closer.  (May 10, 2010) Home - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com
• Going Green: Construction and the environment - YNN, Your News Now Construction sites can be a big source of environmental problems if there isn't good planning to deal with soil erosion and sediment control. Too often it's an afterthought. ( May 7, 2010) TOP STORIES - Rochester - YNN, Your News Now  [more on Green Business in our area]
• Rochester Rated 18th of US Cities in Bicycle Commuting In 2008 Rochester has the 18th highest of 51 cities over 1 million population based on US Census Data with a bicycle commute rate of 0.6%. The rate has grow substantially from it’s 0.2% rate in 2000 based on US Census Data.  (May 6, 2010) Rochester Cycling Alliance  [more on Transportation in our area]
• RIT's expo about alternate transportation coming Saturday | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Most of the trips we take are less than 6.5 miles from our homes. Either traveling to work, to school, to shop, or just for fun, you will have many transportation choices in the future. Whether your reasons for considering alternative transportation are to cut commuter costs, concern over greenhouse gas emissions, or to improve your health, you will get an idea of your choices by coming to our first Sustainability Mobility Fair. (May 3, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on transportation in our area]
• New Technology Makes it Easier to Catch the Bus in Rochester - YNN, Your News Now Rochester's transit service is going high tech. The Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) invested more than a million dollars in new technology designed to make catching the bus easier. Electronic message boards that have real time bus route information will be installed at 20 of RGRTA’s busiest stops through 2010.  (May 7, 2010) TOP STORIES - Rochester - YNN, Your News Now [more on Transportation in our area]
• Asian carp bill gains traction | detnews.com | The Detroit News Washington -- Chances improved Thursday that a bill ordering an immediate closure of Chicago-area locks and canals to keep invasive Asian carp out of Lake Michigan will head toward passage. (May 7, 2010) The Detroit News | detnews.com | Saturday, May 8, 2010 | News, sports, features, blogs, photos and forums from Detroit and Michigan [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• MCC Greenhouse Grand Opening The community is welcome to tour Monroe Community College’s new greenhouse. (May 7, 2010) MCC NEWS [more on Plants in our area]
• If You Care, Leave it There - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation DEC Urges New Yorkers: Do Not Disturb Fawns and Other Young Wildlife The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminded New Yorkers to keep their distance and not to disturb newborn fawns or other young wildlife as many animals are in the peak season for giving birth. It is not unusual to see a young bird crouched in the yard or a young rabbit in a flower garden, both apparently motherless. Finding a fawn lying by itself is also fairly common. Many people assume that young wildlife found alone are abandoned, helpless and need assistance for their survival. But, in nearly all cases this is a mistake, and typically human interaction does more damage than good. If you see a fawn or other newborn wildlife, enjoy your encounter but keep it brief and maintain some distance. (May 7, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation  [more on Wildlife in our aera]
• 05/07/2010: EPA Proposes to Streamline Approval Process for Fuel Conversion Systems WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to make it easier for manufacturers to gain approval to sell fuel conversion systems. The conversion systems allow vehicles to run on alternative fuels, which may appeal to consumers concerned about energy security, fuel costs, or emissions. The proposal reflects EPA’s interest in encouraging innovation and spurring conversions that use clean energy technologies. (May 7, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases  [more on Transportation in our area]
• Hydrofracking foes: They know the drill - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Hopewell, N.Y. — It’s a relatively new method of extracting natural gas from rock. It’s got a funny-sounding name. And yesterday it was at that center of a local rally by opponents who say it poses dangers to the area’s tourism and agricultural industries, wildlife and the health of some 500,000 people who depend on the Finger Lakes for their drinking water. (May 6, 20100 )Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow  [more on Energy in our area]
• N.Y., CSX, feds hold high-speed rail summit | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle A simmering dispute between New York state and CSX freight railroad led officials to convene a summit meeting today, at which CSX was told to amend a policy that had fouled up the state’s plans for high-speed rail. (May 8, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New Yor  [more on Transportation in our area]
• WXXI: Gardeners and Food Bank Planting Seeds for Urban Farming (2010-05-06) ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - At first glance, the farm does not look promising. It's overgrown with tall grasses and weeds. There's a high brick wall surrounding it, which casts deep shadows over the cluster of apple trees. And there are kids running around everywhere.  (May 6, 2010) WXXI NewsRoom  [more on Plants in our area]
• FLCC Campus News » Four FLCC Students Honored for Sustainability Efforts Canandaigua, N.Y. - Finger Lakes Community College recognized four students with the Limelight Award this semester for their dedication to sustainability. “These students have the power to influence their families, friends and the college campus,” said Kim Babcock, FLCC’s sustainability coordinator. “They exemplify what each of us can do to make a difference through small and simple choices.” (May 6, 2010)  [more on Environmental Education in our area]
• DEC Releases Plan to Put New York on a Path "Beyond Waste" - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation New Direction in Solid Waste Management Focuses on Reducing Packaging and Waste and Using 'Greener' Materials Setting a new direction for New York, State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced the release of the draft Solid Waste Management Plan, "Beyond Waste: A Sustainable Materials Management Strategy for New York." The plan sets forth a new approach for the state - a shift from focusing on "end of pipe" waste management to reducing waste from the start - that will help minimize waste, increase the use of materials that can be reused or recycled, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase green jobs. (May 76, 2010 )Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Recycling in our area]
• 05/06/2010: North America Collaborates to Reduce and Replace Potent Greenhouse Gases WASHINGTON - Canada and Mexico have joined the United States in proposing to expand the scope of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer to fight climate change. The proposal would phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are a significant and rapidly growing contributor to climate change. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) led the analysis in the proposal, which demonstrates environmental benefits equal to removing greenhouse gas emissions from 59 million passenger cars each year through 2020, and 420 million cars each year through 2050. Reducing HFCs would help slow climate change and curb potential public health impacts.  (May 6, 20100) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Climate Change in our area]
• The Future of Hydrofracking in NY State Unclear | NYLCV - New York League of Conservation Voters NY State announced last Friday new gas drilling regulations proposed for hydrofracking drilling, will now require environmental reviews for each new well for the New York City and Syracuse reservoir systems; the rest of the state will continue to adhere to a different set of rules. (May 5, 20100) NYLCV - New York League of Conservation Voters | Educating and Electing for the Environment [more on Energy in our area]
• RGRTA Holds Second Public Forum on Proposed Transit Center - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com It's designed to change the landscape of Mortimer Street: The RGRTA's proposed 26 bay bus terminal. City leaders and council members held the second public forums for plan on Wednesday night. (May 05, 2010) Home - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com  [more on Transportation in our area]
• 05/05/2010: Air Quality Awareness Week Focuses on Reducing Exposure to Ozone, Particle Pollution / Keep your eye on the AQI WASHINGTON – EPA, state and local air agencies across the country are marking Air Quality Awareness Week by reminding Americans to stay “Air Aware” to reduce their exposure – and their contribution – to air pollution. By following recommendations of the Air Quality Index (AQI), people can take simple steps to reduce the amount of pollution they breathe in. The AQI is EPA’s color-coded tool for reporting daily air quality and forecasts for common air pollutants, including ozone (smog) and particle pollution. (May 5, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
• Pesticide bill goes to Paterson | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Long-sought legislation that would restrict the use of toxic pesticides at schools and day care centers has passed both the state Assembly and Senate and been sent to Gov. David Paterson for his signature. The bill, which passed both houses Tuesday, would bar schools and day care centers from applying most pesticides to "playgrounds, turf, athletic or playing fields." Certain products, such as small-scale aerosol sprays to combat bee or spider infestations, would be allowed. Schools or centers could apply to county or state officials for emergency permission to use other products. (May 06/2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Pesticides in our area]
• Will Wind Turbines Be Built in Lake Erie? | WKBW News 7: News, Sports, Weather - Buffalo, New York | Local News We've seen wind turbines built on land, but what about putting them in water? A plan by the New York Power Authority would put dozens of windmills in Lake Erie and Ontario. NYPA is currently requesting proposals for the project, but it's an idea that's not blowing over well with some Western New Yorkers. (May 3, 2010) WKBW News 7: News, Sports, Weather - Buffalo, New York  [more on Wind Power in our area]
• State assembly passes bill banning use of pesticides on school playing fields, playgrounds | Albany, NY -- The state Assembly on Tuesday approved a measure banning the use of pesticides on school playing fields and day care playgrounds, a measure identical to a bill the Senate passed last month. (May 4, 2010) Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com [more on Pesticides in our area]
• DEC'S New "Field Notes" Brings Fish and Wildlife News To Your Inbox - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Interested in wildlife viewing opportunities, recent fish stocking activities or proposed changes to trapping regulations? By signing up for the state Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) new "Field Notes" e-mail list, subscribers can receive timely, helpful and educational updates about the state's fish and wildlife programs directly to their e-mail accounts. (May 3, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Wildlife in our area]
• The late blight fight State Ag Department plans inspections, earlier response As tomato and potato growers throughout the state prepare for a new growing season, many are still reeling from the outbreak of late blight that ruined countless plants last year.  (May 3, 2010 )Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Plants in our area]
• WXXI: Cornell Bird Pro says Spill Damage "Unfathomable" (2010-05-03) ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - A Cornell University bird expert says the possible effect of the massive oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico on the ecosystem is "unfathomable." That's because it's not yet known how gushing crude oil will be stemmed, or how far the slick will spread. (May 3, 2010)  WXXI NewsRoom
• Major wetlands report for 13 states issued just in time for National Wetlands Month May is National Wetlands Month recognizing the importance of wetlands to our environment. To advance our knowledge of wetlands, the Northeast Region's National Wetlands Inventory Program has produced a report summarizing the results of the program's 35 years of mapping wetlands from Maine to Virginia. The report briefly describes the program's history and development of special products to help improve public awareness of the challenges wetlands face and to help wetland conservation efforts.  Get the Report Wetlands of the Northeast: Results of the National Wetlands Inventory  April 2010 Northeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [more on Wetlands in our area]
• Chemicals Meant To Break Up BP Oil Spill Present New Environmental Concerns - ProPublica The chemicals BP is now relying on to break up the steady flow of leaking oil from deep below the Gulf of Mexico could create a new set of environmental problems. (April 30, 2010) [more on Energy in our area]
• COMMISSIONER HOOKER ANNOUNCES 2010 STRATEGY FOR LATE BLIGHT | State Coordinates Response for Detection & “Stop Sale” of Diseased Plants   New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today announced a new concerted strategy that will enhance the State’s detection and eradication efforts of late blight, a plant disease that mainly attacks potatoes and tomatoes.  Late blight was the cause of much distress to backyard gardeners, as well as a significant production loss for New York’s commercial growers in 2009.                 “New York had the perfect weather combination of cooler temperatures and rainy days for the development of late blight last summer,” the Commissioner said.  “While not an uncommon plant disease in New York, its impact on the State’s potato and tomato crops had a devastating effect as it arrived earlier and stayed longer than normal.  Late blight was an even greater challenge to the State’s organic growers who did not have the approved control measures to combat this highly contagious disease in the field.” (April 29, 2010)  New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets   [more on Plants in our area]
• The late blight fight State Ag Department plans inspections, earlier response As tomato and potato growers throughout the state prepare for a new growing season, many are still reeling from the outbreak of late blight that ruined countless plants last year.  (May 2, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front  [more on Plants in our area]
• Recycle electronics at Henrietta event | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Residents and small businesses can have their computers, cell phones, CD players, copiers and other electronics recycled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at the Henrietta Department of Public Works, 405 Calkins Road. (May 3, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Recycling in our area]
• Brooms whisk away debris at Clean Sweep | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle On Saturday in Rochester, there were plenty of people who were good to the environment. About 700 volunteers turned out for the first leg of the fifth annual Clean Sweep event, beautifying neighborhoods by removing litter and debris as well as planting flowers and pruning trees.  (May 2, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Recycling in our area]