Environment
New York’s Climate Action Council co-chairs optimistic about state’s emission reduction goals
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New York officials say they hope the state can lead by example with more ambitious goals.
Environment
PA moves forward with rule to limit ‘forever chemicals’ in water
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The state expects the rule will cost water systems more than $121 million a year for treatment and monitoring.
App NEWS
State funds won’t be used to cover Binghamton-Johnson City sewage plant legal fees
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The City of Binghamton and Johnson City will not receive state funds to cover legal fees associated with settling disputes with contractors for the Binghamton-Johnson City Joint Sewage Treatment Plant restoration and rehabilitation project.
App NEWS
GOP lawmakers push for more say on PA’s air quality advisory board
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“I think nothing is more political than to have a single, unitary executive making all the appointments and they are beholden to him to do whatever he wants.”
App NEWS
Advocates call on Governor to expand New York’s bottle bill
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“Right now juices and Gatorade aren’t covered by the Bottle Bill and we need to see those plastics get back into the recycling stream.”
Ithaca moves forward with groundbreaking plan to decarbonize buildings
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The Ithaca Common Council voted late Wednesday night to move forward with the city’s plan to electrify thousands of buildings in an effort to decarbonize by the end of the decade.
Addie Jenne
NY Assembly Holds Hearings on Cryptocurrency Mining
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“Is it or is it not an energy hog. If it is? If it’s undermining our climate goals then we need to take a really really careful look at it, including saying no.”
Environment
New York Proposition Two Would Guarantee Right To Clean Air And Water
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There are pros and cons to a ballot proposal that would guarantee New Yorkers’ rights to clean air and water.
App NEWS
New York Officials On Watch For Invasive Species That Damage Trees, Crops
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“It flies as well, but it’s a weak flyer. So the main way it moves from place to place over long distances, is through human movement.”
2021 Election
Policing, Sewage Contentious Points During Binghamton Mayoral Debate
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The candidates strongly differed over the management of the Binghamton-Johnson City Joint Sewage Treatment Plant.
App NEWS
Environmental Rights Are On New York’s Ballots This Election
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“15 simple words, each person shall have a right to clean air and clean water and a healthful environment.”
2021 Election
New York Voters To Consider Environmental Rights Amendment Ballot Proposal
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Experts aren’t exactly certain of any specific immediate legal implications of the amendment.
Addie Jenne
Public Weighs Greenidge Air Permits At DEC Hearings
|
The IBEW’s now outspoken support of Greenidge indicates that opponents may face a broader front in their efforts to pass legislation implementing a moratorium on cryptocurrency mining.
App NEWS
DEC’s Cryptocurrency Mining Decision To Test New York’s Climate Law
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“All eyes are on what happens with this particular facility.”
App NEWS
Recovery Funds For Steuben County Flood Victims Depleted
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“These aren’t small repairs. A furnace is anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000.”
Crime and Justice
PA Charges Energy Transfer With Environmental Crimes Over Mariner East Pipeline Project
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Texas-based pipeline builder Energy Transfer faces 48 criminal charges related to construction of its Mariner East pipeline project.
App NEWS
Vineyard Pest Found In Finger Lakes Region
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Treatments include “trap-trees” with a synthetic insecticide, a full-year applied pesticide, and treating any egg masses with a soybean-based product.
Energy
PennEast Cancels Pipeline Project — Months After U.S. Supreme Court Win
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Company cites lack of environmental permits from New Jersey.
Environment
By 2035, Only Electric Cars Will Be Sold In New York State
|
“Gasoline and diesel fuel vehicles are responsible for smog, toxic particulate matter that drives adverse health outcomes.”
anna kelles
NYSEG Calls Off Bell Station Auction
|
“If the auction proceeded, the opportunity to preserve the land for conservation and public access could have been lost forever.”
Andrew Zepp
NYSEG Faces Backlash Over Proposed Auction Of 470-Acre Lakefront Property
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“There has to be some level of ‘Wow, this property is something that we would like to open to the public.'”
Energy
New York Governor Sets New Solar Energy Goal, Announces Major Infrastructure Projects
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“This is a major, major initiative to deliver clean, healthier air and more electricity to New York City.”
Environment
New York Assembly Considers Limiting A Pesticide Linked To Bee Deaths
|
The compounds, known as Neonicotinoids, or “neonics,” have been widely used during the past 15 years in a pre-treatment for corn, soy and wheat seeds.
9/11 Survivor Compensation Fund Helps More Than First Responders
|
“I really feel in my heart pretty strongly that my exposure to… the pollution, the things going on after September 11th, have to do with that diagnosis.”
App NEWS
Wegmans Switches Egg Cartons From Foam To Recycled Fiber
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Wegmans said that by making the switch to fiber cartons, it will eliminate 625,000 pounds of foam from its stores every year.
App NEWS
Greenidge’s Air Permits Go To Public Hearing
|
The DEC requested Greenidge specifically outline how its operation will meet the state’s emissions goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Outdated Flood Maps Underlie Emergency Relief Efforts In Steuben Co.
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“What’s happening in the watershed in terms of land use and these precipitation patterns means that these boundaries shift.”
Environment
Remembering Lee Floods, A Test Of Resiliency And Community In Owego
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This week marks ten years since flood waters from Tropical Storm Lee left residents in Owego displaced, without electricy, and scrambling to save their homes. WSKG is sharing some of their stories.
So. Tier Topography Opens Area To More Major Floods
|
“Our soils aren’t that deep and are full of rocks and clay – if you try to dig around here, it’s pretty difficult. So our soils saturate rapidly.”
App NEWS
10 Years After Lee Businesses Still Cope With An Unpredictable River
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“They lost it once and they knew what it was like and they didn’t want to lose it again.”
Education
Remembering A Very Different First Day Of School in 2011
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“I was like, ‘oh my gosh, oh my gosh, what do I do?'”
Then & Now: Binghamton-Johnson City Sewage Treatment Plant After Lee
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“I’ve toured the plant, there’s a huge wall there and they say it’s ready for a thousand year flood. So I’m pretty confident. There’s redundant systems, things are behind concrete walls. So there may be minor destruction but nothing like happened on September 2011.”
Environment
PA Study Finds Drilling Wastewater Not Usually Best Option For Road Treatment
|
Earlier research found oil and gas brines contain harmful material
Education
As Climate Change Urgency Grows, PA Is Still Working On New Standards For Teaching About It
|
Students heading back to school may not hear about climate change in the classroom because of outdated science education standards.
Environment
PA’s 25-Year Plan For State Parks Stresses Need To Address Effects Of Climate Change
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The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says climate change is front-and-center as it plans for the future of the Commonwealth’s parks. CLICK HERE.
App NEWS
Public Comment Ending Soon On Endicott Battery Manufacturer’s Draft Air Permits
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“I believe that the benefit, risk ratio is an order of magnitude better for IM3 than it was for SungEel.”
Harmful Algae Blooms
Runoff From Tropical Storm Fred Could Feed Harmful Algal Blooms in Finger Lake Watersheds
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“We had a lot of big storms, a lot of rain during July and so that could have caused nutrients to essentially enter the lake and help facilitate these blooms.”
Energy
When It Comes To Electricity, Pennsylvanians Have Lots Of Options. Experts Say Do Your Homework
|
Pa. adopted rules intended to protect people from market volatility like what Texas saw last winter
Environment
Endangered Birds Spark Debate Along Lake Ontario
|
“I mean, they’re adorable, but unfortunately… these two tiny birds [could] cause the livelihoods and the property values of a lot of people.”
Energy
Renewables Overtake Coal, But Natural Gas Still Dominates U.S. Power Generation
|
Natural gas still leads as the nation’s top source of electricity, generating 1,617 kWh last year, or about 40% of U.S. power generation.
App NEWS
EPA Soliciting Comment On Vapor Intrusion Plan In Elmira Heights
|
Testing has shown some homes in Elmira Heights to have indoor air concentrations as high as 37 micrograms per cubic meter, over seventeen times the EPA’s maximum for homes.
Environment
Steuben County Forest Ranger Battles Western Wildfires
|
“Our team of wildland firefighting experts are some of the best in the country. I commend them for their bravery and willingness to support ongoing efforts to contain these devastating wildfires.”
air
Coalition To Promote Clean Air And Water Amendment On November Ballot
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Jackson said the amendment will empower citizens to go to court, if necessary, to enforce those rights.
App NEWS
Cornell Researchers Tackle Global Bee Population Problem
|
A pollen-sized microparticle can be fed to bees in pollen patties or a sugar syrup to help their bodies safely manage exposure to harmful pesticides.
App NEWS
Researchers Identify Battery Alternative To Slow Climate Change
|
“If these batteries are really big, can we use elements, can we use materials that are not very dangerous, that are Earth abundant, that are readily available?”
App NEWS
Flood Recovery Efforts Continue In Otsego County
|
“We’re starting to see it more and more. The weather patterns, I think are changing.”
App NEWS
Partners Celebrate Milestone In Sturgeon Restoration Effort
|
Sturgeon are native to Lake Ontario and the Genesee River, but habitat loss and overfishing decimated the population, causing it to dwindle to almost nothing by the early 1900s.
App NEWS
In Ithaca, Chain Works Site Remediation Amendment Is Clearing Way For Development
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Contaminants were regularly used at the plant, especially in metal finishing processes.
App NEWS
Study: Biden Climate Policy Would Have $1T In Health Benefits, Save Thousands Of Lives
|
Pennsylvania would be among top beneficiaries of cleaner air
App NEWS
Environmental Advocates Call for Changes To Proposed Federal Climate Legislation
|
“We would like him to remove all dirty fossil fuel solutions, including, for example, the combined heat and power plants, which run on fracked gas. That, under Mr. Tonko’s definition, is clean energy,”
Energy
EPA-Approved Fracking Fluids Include Substances That Form ‘Forever Chemicals’
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STATEIMPACT PENNSYLVANIA – Companies that drill for natural gas in Pennsylvania have used EPA-approved PFAS or pre-cursors to PFAS in fracking operations in other states, according to a report by Physicians for Social Responsibility. CLICK HERE.
Energy
State Report: PA Extracted More Natural Gas Than Ever During Pandemic
|
Unconventional wells produced 7.1 trillion cubic feet of gas last year, even as national and regional natural gas prices dipped in response to the pandemic.
Ticks Suck. Here’s A Guide To Identifying Them And Avoiding Bites
|
With more ticks carrying disease than ever, here’s what you need to know about which ticks to watch out for and what to do if you get bitten.
App NEWS
SUNY System Considering Retirement Plan Reinvestment In Clean Energy
|
“It’s good economic sense because that is the future. And that’s where you’re going to see all the economic development and jobs being created.”
App NEWS
Tucked Into New PA State Budget, Millions In Sales Tax Breaks For Server Farms
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Under the tax code section of last month’s budget agreement, any company that builds a center in the Keystone State won’t have to pay sales tax on the thousands of pieces of equipment needed.
A Mystery Illness Is Killing Pennsylvania Songbirds
|
Wildlife officials are asking people not to feed birds or provide bird baths amid dozens of reports of mysterious songbird deaths.
App NEWS
Siting Board Denies Rehearing For High Bridge Wind Farm
|
“GCNR’s petition does not establish any error of law or fact to support its rehearing request.”
App NEWS
Tompkins Co. Prepares Comments on Draft Algal Bloom Measure
|
The comments, drafted by the Tompkins County Office of Planning and Sustainability staff, ask the DEC to provide more specifics about implementation.
Environment
November Ballot Question Will Determine Right to Clean Air and Water
|
“Voters are going to be asked a simple question. Should we add to New York state’s bill of rights, the right to clean air, clean water and a healthful environment?”
Environment
What Researchers Are Learning About Air Pollution And The Pandemic Shutdown
|
“The pandemic made it clear that traffic is an important source of pollutants for the air that we breathe. But the fact that we have this data will allow us to understand those interactions better.”
Environment
‘Left At The Altar’: New York Climate Activists Lament Unapproved Bills
|
The Students for Solar Act passed with unanimous support in the state Senate, but never reached the floor of the Assembly for a vote.
‘Crazy Worms’ Threaten New York’s Trees — And (Gasp!) Our Maple Syrup
|
The invasive worms, which reproduce rapidly, are creating havoc in forests. They thrash around so violently that they can jump out of a person’s hand. They also lose their tail — on purpose.
Dunkirk unveils 7 Possible Re-uses For Former NRG Power Plant
|
Originally known as the Niagara Mohawk Power Plant, the facility operated from the 1950s until 2015. Decommissioning began last year.
App NEWS
PA Sprays For Gypsy Moths In 19 Counties, Hoping To Reduce Spike In Leaf-Rating Insect
|
Pennsylvania hopes to bring down a boom in the gypsy moth population, spraying for the invasive species of caterpillar in 19 counties, including northwest Pennsylvania.
anna kelles
NY Senate Passes Crypto Moratorium, Assembly Prospects Remain Unclear
|
Among those in opposition are union groups.
Andrew Cuomo
Cuomo Addresses Bitcoin Mining: “There Are Serious Concerns”
|
Any bills passed would require Cuomo’s signature.
anna kelles
Kelles Pushes Cryptocurrency Bills As State Legislative Session Nears End
|
A separate piece of legislation by Kelles could possibly come up for a final vote as soon as Monday
App NEWS
Broome Co. Wind Project Construction Continuing Through Summer
|
“Our goal this year is to complete as much of the project as we can before the winter hits.”
Energy
Climate Bill Before New York Senate Could Lead To Higher Prices At The Pump
|
“The car is a way of life here. It is not just for recreational purposes. People need this to go to work. People need this to take care of business.”
anna kelles
Ithaca Climate Activists Rally For Legislation Targeting Large-Scale Emitters
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“Making polluters pay. That’s what we want to do.”
Energy
New York Lawmakers Seek to Expand Electric Vehicle Access By Allowing Direct Sales
|
“We want to make it easier for customers to have access to them wherever you live in New York state, not just in the downstate markets.”
Environment
Spotted Lanternflies Due To Hatch. Learn How To Make A Trap For This Invasive Insect
|
There are strict orders in quarantine counties aimed at stopping the invasive pest’s spread westward or even between municipalities within a county.
App NEWS
Tompkins Co. Soliciting Feedback On Plan For Harmful Algal Blooms
|
The draft plan focuses on a broad array of areas that largely focus on limiting the amount of phosphorus running into the lakes
Environment
DEC Commissioner Says Funding Necessary for New York’s Environmental Projects
|
“We do need to find a way to pay for all the transportation, housing, industrial changes that the state will undertake.”
anna kelles
Amid Environmental Concerns, Lawmaker Calls For Cryptocurrency Mining Moratorium
|
If passed, a moratorium would be the first statewide restriction on cryptocurrency mining in the U.S.
Economy
Republicans Claim Proposed New York Climate Bill Will Hurt Consumers
|
Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt said he was concerned about a proposed fee in the legislation that would charge fossil fuel companies $55 per ton of greenhouse gases.
Arts & Culture
New Book Explores Private Land, Public Good And Fracking In PA
|
Fracking caused upheaval over the disruption and environmental degradation in the rural communities surrounding Williamsport, and challenged the rural values of independence and sovereignty over private property.
Environment
Disposable Mask Pollution Concerns Environmentalists
|
Environmental experts urge people to cut the ear loops off their masks before throwing them in the trash. Sea turtles, birds, and other marine wildlife can become entangled in the loops.
Energy
In The Fight Against Climate Change, Religious Leaders Urge Fewer Fossil Fuels
|
“We’re working hard on that, and I’m quite optimistic we can meet these goals. But it’s going to take huge participation and buy-in from everyone.”
Angela Riley
Veolia Maintenance Contract Approved For Binghamton-Johnson City Wastewater Treatment Plant
|
The vote comes hours after Mayor Rich David announced an agreement to “formally end” privatization plans
New York Governor Urges Biden To Order 100% Zero-Emission Car Sales By 2035
|
In a letter to the president, 12 governors asked that the White House order a ban on greenhouse gas-emitting cars and light trucks within 14 years.
Energy
New York Invests $400 Million of Pension Fund Into Renewable Sources
|
“New York State’s pension fund is at the leading edge of investors addressing climate risk, because investing for the low-carbon future is essential to protect the fund’s long-term value.”
App NEWS
Biden’s Climate Pitch Could Hit Turbulence From Some Fossil Fuel-Friendly Unions
|
“Jobs in renewables don’t always match up for displaced workers.”
App NEWS
Torrey Planning Board Approves Greenidge Bitcoin Mining Plan
|
“We’re excited to move forward and we can’t wait to start building.”
App NEWS
Torrey Board To Consider Greenidge Cryptocurrency Plan Monday
|
Environmental advocates have been pushing back against the proposal.
New York Announces Agreement To Decommission Indian Point Nuclear Plant
|
New York state leaders say an agreement has been reached concerning the decommissioning and cleanup of the Indian Point nuclear power plant in the lower Hudson Valley.
Environment
Aboard The Lake Guardian, Scientists Fish For The Story Of Lake Ontario
|
When the ice melts each spring, the ship visits each of the five lakes to measure basic water quality and sample the “lower food web” — the tiny animals, plants, and algae that support fish and other aquatic life.
App NEWS
Schuyler County Tables Vote On Cryptocurrency Mining Recommendation
|
“And looking at the resolution that was presented I looked and said ‘well this is a much bigger issue here than just a particular project.’”
Energy
Injection Wells Exist To Hold Fracking Wastewater, But The Water Can Move. Here’s how
|
Salty wastewater produced by fracking for oil and gas has to go somewhere. Often, it’s injected into disposal wells deep underground. But sometimes that wastewater can find its way back to the surface and cause environmental problems.
App NEWS
Binghamton City Council Cancels Special Meeting On Sewer Treatment Plant Audit
|
According to the council president, the issue will be taken up at a work session later this month
App NEWS
Binghamton City Council Delays Vote On Sewer Plant Audit
|
The council plans to reconvene Monday, April 12 at 6 p.m. to resume consideration of agreement.
amphibians
Researchers Work To Protect Spotted Salamander
|
“A car just went by, hopefully not crushing any amphibians.”
App NEWS
Binghamton City Council Considering Sewage Treatment Audit Contract Wednesday
|
Wednesday’s meeting will be conducted over Zoom and will begin at 6 p.m..
App NEWS
Vote To Legalize Cannabis In New York Could Come Tuesday
|
By late 2022, adults in the state would be able to buy cannabis in retail stores, and could also sample the drug in tasting rooms.
App NEWS
PA Finds PFAS In A Third Of Public Water Systems; None Exceeded EPA Limit
|
Critics push PA to set enforceable drinking water levels to protect public health
App NEWS
SungEel Won’t Pursue Battery Recycling Facility in Endicott
|
The company cited what it called a “divisive local political climate.”
App NEWS
As Opponents Rally, Torrey Planning Board Punts Greenidge Plant Expansion To April
|
A few dozen protestors stood outside the meeting holding signs as members of the planning board entered the building.
App NEWS
Note To Nesting Songbirds: Avoid Natural Gas Compressors
|
A study by Penn State researchers found that songbirds nesting near the sound of natural gas compressors had fewer hatched eggs.
App NEWS
DEC Warns New Invasive Species Pose Risks To Finger Lakes
|
“This may be an uphill battle for us, but we’re starting it.”
App NEWS
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid Could Threaten The Finger Lakes
|
If the hemlocks are killed off, or even severely damaged, they could tumble into gorges, bringing severe erosion into many of the watersheds feeding the lakes, and in turn the lakes themselves.
New York State Urged To Lower Lead Levels In Schools
|
“We know that in particular young children are at risk of neurological and behavioral health consequences associated with developing bodies and that is something that lasts forever.”
App NEWS
Cayuga Nation Raises Funds To Repurchase SHARE Farm
|
“As we have gone through the last year of understanding about systematic racism and historic trauma, it’s time for us to address these historic harms within New York State and within Haudenosaunee territory.”
Environment
Tompkins Co. Moves Closer To Greenhouse Goals, But Has Room For Improvement
|
“I think that will be a gradual change.”
Economy
Gas Industry Hasn’t Delivered On Its Economic Promises, Report Says
|
Industry rejects report, calls gas development a ‘game-changer for local economies’
App NEWS
Schumer, Gillibrand Want Potential Risks Evaluated At Proposed Schuyler Co. Waste Facility
|
“We have already seen the terrible consequences of poor water quality on communities across New York and we can’t afford to repeat our mistakes.”
Environmental Advocates Say New York Should Keep Promise And Fund Climate Change Initiatives
|
Environmental advocates say money in the state budget meant for environmental initiatives needs to stay intact. Advocates want the state to fund the environmental programs they promised.
BU Researchers Say AI Might Boost Solar Connection To Power Grid
|
They say it will be important to find ways for solar farms to store and control how much energy they release to the grid.
App NEWS
PA Proposal To Join Regional Cap-And-Trade Program Draws 13,000 Comments
|
“The public comment period just makes it clear that Pennsylvanians are really clamoring for concrete action to reduce climate pollution.”
App NEWS
With Biden’s Vow To Rejoin Paris Agreement, PA Cities Anticipate Federal Partnership On Climate
|
“We need Joe Biden to demonstrate that he truly is a man that believes in science and believes in honoring the commitment to protect future generations.”
Environment
Climate Scientist Michael Mann Interview: ‘We’re Going To Need Every Tool We Have’
|
“We should engage in everyday actions and changes in our lifestyle, that reduce our environmental footprint, that often make us healthier and happier and save us money, things we ought to do anyway.”
Emerald Ash Borer Leads To Cornell Plan To Cut Some Ash Trees, Save Others
|
“As the ash borer population increases and the tree health declines, they become a safety hazard.”
App NEWS
New York Lawmakers Propose ‘Polluter Pays’ Model For Recycling
|
“For the taxpayers, this is going to help fund a lot of their municipalities’ costs in recovering this material.”
Energy
Governor Unveils Ambitious Green Energy Program For New York
|
Plans include new solar farms and off shore wind turbines, and more transmission lines across the state.
Environment
Pennsylvania Pays $34 Million For Water Cleanup
|
Of the 149 projects granted money from the Growing Greener program, 43 in south central Pennsylvania will get $12 million.
App NEWS
Environmentalists See Opportunity For Legislature In 2021, But Also Expect Repeats Of Old Fights
|
Eco-advocates say there are a lot of opportunities for lawmakers to act on the environment and climate change in the 2021-22 session. The question is whether they have the will to do it.
App NEWS
Tips To Reduce Holiday Waste
|
“You can recycle your Christmas tree in January and then pick it back up as compost in April.”
Environment
New York State Moves To Halt The Migration Of Lanternflies
|
Possessing a voracious appetite, the biggest concerns with the spotted lanternfly are their impacts on fruit trees, maples, and especially on vineyards.
Economy
New York Sets Net Zero Carbon Target for State Retirement Fund
|
“This is an important step in the worldwide campaign to stop investments in fossil fuels in order to prevent the worst of global warming.”
Economy
Families And Advocates Criticize PA’s Fracking Health Studies
|
State announced $3.9 M studies after pressure from families of rare cancer patients in SW PA
Energy
Northern Tier Residents Worry About Planned Fracking Waste Well In Dimock
|
Plans are in early stages, but people weary of water contamination are on edge
Environment
What’s Next For Energy And Environment Under Biden?
|
President-elect Biden says he will rejoin the Paris Agreement on day one.
App NEWS
In Ithaca, A Call To Action By Biden Supporters
|
“We also need to do a whole lot of work in the coming years to make sure we are building a truly equitable and just democracy,” said one of the rally organizers, Joanna Green.
Environment
Trump And Biden Differ Sharply On The Environment — And That Means The Election Stakes Are High For PA
|
Energy, pollution policies are felt deeply in Pennsylvania.
2020 election
NY-22: Candidates Debate Health Care, Policing
|
Democratic incumbent Anthony Brindisi, former Republican representative Claudia Tenney and Libertarian candidate Keith Price covered an array of issues, including policing and climate change.
App NEWS
New York State, Advocates Hope Public Will Help Enforce Plastic Bag Ban
|
“It could not come a day too soon. New Yorkers use a staggering 23 billion plastic bags every year.”
App NEWS
Schuyler Co. Legislature Passes Vote Opposing Cayuta Recycling Facility
|
The vote was 7-1.
App NEWS
Schuyler Co. Resolution Asks DEC To Reject Recycling Facility Application
|
According to the resolution, residents have expressed concerns about potential negative impacts of pollution and truck traffic from the facility on tourism, agriculture, and human health.
Environment
New York Begins Plastic Bag Ban Enforcement October 19th
|
The COVID-19 pandemic, and an unsuccessful lawsuit brought by the plastics industry delayed its implementation.
Environment
Lupardo Calls on DEC For Further Review of Endicott LIB Recycling Plant
|
“After doing months of homework, and consulting with industry experts, I am convinced that a more detailed environmental review is needed by the DEC, especially now that the project permit is on hold,” Lupardo said.
Economy
New York To Begin Enforcing Plastic Bag Ban Oct. 19
|
New York state will begin enforcing its ban on single-use carry-out plastic bags next month after a brief hiatus of the law due to a legal challenge brought earlier this year.
DEC
Whatever It’s Called, Some Endicott Residents Still Don’t Want It
|
Critics of the facility have called it an incinerator. Under regulatory definitions set by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), it’s not.
App NEWS
Endicott Residents, Akshar Call For Halt To Battery Recycling Facility
|
“We want the village trustees of Endicott to respect their residents, to listen to their concerns and to represent their best interest.”
ag department
Officials: USDA Hemp Regulations Are Onerous
|
“We really are asking our farmers to be patient as we try to work this out with the federal government.”
Mockingbirds Catch A Break As New York Judge Strikes Down Trump Bird Opinion
|
In 2017, the Trump administration scaled back protections of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. A federal judge has now struck down the rule change — and cited To Kill a Mockingbird in so doing.
Education
Participants Sought To Help New York Rate Creeks, Streams
|
“And the really cool thing is when you fill out a survey on your smartphone, it geolocates you. We’re able to go back to that exact same spot and we’ll do the water quality testing.”
Environment
New York Adopts Drinking Water Standards For Three Emerging Contaminants
|
“I think these are still historic and appropriate and protective drinking water standards that will protect New Yorkers for decades to come.”
Environment
Cuomo Scraps $3 Billion Environmental Bond Act
|
New York, fearing the financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, has decided to pull an item from this year’s ballot to decide if the state should borrow $3 billion to fund a series of environmental projects related to climate change.
department of environmental protection
Endicott Residents Protest Proposed Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Facility
|
Protest organizers NoBurnBroome said they will continue to build support and fight the opening of the lithium-ion battery recycling facility.
New York State Bids For Large-Scale Renewable Energy Projects
|
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul tweeted it is “the largest ever combined solicitations for renewable energy ever issued in the U.S.”
Environment
Upstate’s Howie Hawkins Picked As Green Party Candidate For President
|
This will be the 25th time Hawkins has run for office, but his first national campaign. He’s run for Congress, U.S. Senate, governor and several other state and local offices.
How To Clear Invasive Species? Get Goats!
|
“They’re tipping the balance towards a more diverse ecosystem. The result will be beauty and color in the landscape, new homes for butterflies improved water quality and a stronger web of life.”
Crime and Justice
Republican Lawmakers Defend Shale Gas Industry; Grand Jury Says PA Failed To Protect Public From Fracking
|
Secretary of Environmental Resources and Energy panel said he was offended by AG’s characterization of natural gas industry
Crime and Justice
PA Grand Jury Report On Fracking: State Failed To Protect Public Health
|
Grand jury makes proposals on regulation, oversight of fracking industry
Energy
PA Says 2 Gas Drilling Companies Committed Environmental Crimes. Here’s Why People Are Rarely Charged
|
“When a crime is committed because of how a company does business, rather than an individual’s actions, we charge the company.”
Environment
With Lake Ontario Below 2019 Levels, IJC Resumes Adherence To “Plan 2014”
|
By lowering the outflows from Lake Ontario, the Board hopes to make navigation in the St. Lawrence River safer and raise the water levels in Lake St. Louis.
Trump Administration Limits New York’s Power To Stop Oil And Gas Pipelines
|
In recent years, climate activists and states have used the Clean Water Act to block pipelines and other fossil fuel projects. A new EPA rule makes that harder,
Memorial Day Brings Families and Friends Together in State Parks
|
“It’s a beautiful day, we’re not stuck in the house, you know, driving each other bonkers.”
Energy
Study Finds Methane Leaks In PA Much Higher Than State Reports
|
Estimates don’t capture leaks from ‘abnormal’ conditions, Environmental Defense Fund says
App NEWS
Coronavirus Delays Conservation Efforts In Pennsylvania
|
“The whole spring season is basically lost.”
App NEWS
Pipeline Explosion Resulted In Huge State Fine. Now, PA Has Found Hundreds Of New Violations
|
Regulator, company at odds over erosion, hillside slips
Environment
New York’s Plastic Bag Ban Effectively On Hold
|
“The science just does not back up shifting to plastic bags. But everyone is trying to make the best of a really difficult situation.”
Energy
The Struggling Coal Industry Hammered Further By Coronavirus
|
‘Everything that can go wrong, has gone wrong’
50 Years After Its Debut, New York Professor Explores The ‘Genius Of Earth Day’
|
“Politicians took notice. Nothing like this had ever happened. It was obvious that people really cared more than anyone had known about clean air and clean water.”
App NEWS
On 50th Anniversary Of Earth Day, Social Distancing Could Bring People Back To Nature
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“I think it is a good time to reflect on the power of nature, and where we were as a planet 50 years ago, and where we want to get.”
Environment
Can Air Pollution Make Coronavirus Worse? Scientists Say Yes
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“I think that we would have a less severe outbreak if we had lower levels of air pollution.”
Environment
After Delay Over Water Levels, Shipping Season Opens On Lake Ontario
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“We were able to contribute to lake levels being fairly stable through the month of March compared with historic records.”
Environment
COVID-19 Prompts EPA To Relax Enforcement, But State And Local Governments Do Most Of The Oversight
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Federal agency said new policy doesn’t mean facilities can exceed allowed pollution limits
App NEWS
Spring Is Here, But Is Nature In Sync?
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“Trees, as a group, are more responsive to these temperature shifts than wildflowers,”
App NEWS
Mariner East Construction Back On After Waiver Requests Approved
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Wolf administration grants all of Energy Transfer’s waiver requests
App NEWS
PA’s Coronavirus Shutdown Order Appears To Include Mariner East Pipeline Construction
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Construction on the Mariner East pipeline appears to be halted by Gov. Wolf’s new order that shuts down all “non-life-sustaining” operations and businesses.
Environment
Great Lakes Governing Body Plans “Expedited Review’ Of Plan 2014
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It is a set of guidelines for how high and low water levels in Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence are allowed to get.
App NEWS
Medicaid, Education, Taxes and Vaccines: Lifton’s Last Town Hall in Ithaca
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Emotions quickly spilled over when Lifton opened the floor to discussion.
Featured in Category
Food CO-OP Calls New York’s Upcoming Plastic Bag Ban No Big Deal
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“We’re lucky that over half of our shoppers are already using reusable bags. We sell dozens of different kinds. It’s kind of a normal thing here.”
Trespassing Charges Dropped Against Ithaca Chase Bank Protesters
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The group said it occupied the bank to protest its investment in the fossil fuel industry.
Environment
New York Prepares For March 1st Plastic Bag Ban
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The Department of Environmental Conservation has stepped up its efforts in recent days to help New Yorkers understand the new rules.
Environment
Supporters/Opponents Find Fault With New York’s Plastic Bag Ban Regulations
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“They’re going to have a mess on their hands when this really goes into effect. There’s going to be some clean up on aisle three.”
The Annual Great Backyard Bird Count Has Begun
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The Count lasts four days from Friday through Monday, February 14-17, 2020. You don’t even have to have a backyard to participate.
App NEWS
PA Governor’s Cap-And-Trade Proposal Takes Step Forward
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DEP acting on governor’s executive order — which Republicans are challenging
