App NEWS
Molinaro, Riley talk economic priorities at Binghamton Chamber forum
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The 19th Congressional District candidates agree the Southern Tier’s economy is changing, but have different priorities for ushering in that transition.
App NEWS
Local New York leaders claim nuclear power can address climate crisis
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Nine Mile Point is the first nuclear-powered clean hydrogen production facility in the country.
App NEWS
During ‘Climate Week’, Hochul pushes renewable energy projects, Environmental Bond Act
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That bond act would, among other things, fund projects to fight climate change including efforts to make communities more resilient to major weather events, such as floods.
Climate change could mean earlier, less vibrant fall foliage in New York
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The leaves are starting to change color across New York. But this year, the fall foliage may come sooner and be less vibrant because of drought conditions around the state.
Environment
New York lawmakers introduce legislation to combat ‘forever chemicals’ in water sources
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New York State has no limits to how much of this substance can be dumped into the drinking water sources, and no way to find the source of the chemicals.
App NEWS
New research finds more genetic diversity in Adirondack brook trout
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Wild brook trout are one of the most prized species of fish in the Adirondacks, but they’re also one of the hardest to catch, in part because their populations have plummeted in recent decades.
App NEWS
Settlement reached in lawsuit over Binghamton-Johnson City sewage treatment wall collapse
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The parties agreed to settle with days remaining before the case went to a jury trial.
App NEWS
Pennsylvania recreation, conservation projects get $90 million boost
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Pennsylvania is putting $90 million into more than 330 parks and nature conservation projects across the state.
App NEWS
Environmental groups turn focus to Greenidge’s water permits
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Water intake and pollution permits for the controversial power plant and cryptocurrency mining facility expire at the end of September.
App NEWS
Broome County community garden group gets New York grant to expand
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DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos presented the community garden organization with a grant from the state’s environmental protection fund.
Environment
Street trees can help cool ever-hotter temps. But they present their own problems to solve
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Cities are planting trees as one way to try to check the escalating temperatures. But there can be obstacles to that solution.
agriculture
New York officials: Spotted Lanternfly in Broome, Tompkins counties
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The biggest concern is the pest’s potential economic impact on New York’s $300 million dollar wine and grape industry.
Environment
Researchers find spreading drilling wastewater on PA roads can lead to harmful runoff
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Wastewater from oil and gas drilling has been used as a cheap dust suppressant in rural Pennsylvania for years.
Energy
A new PA law aims to address old gas well cleanup. It could make the problem worse, critics say
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Gov. Tom Wolf is launching a review of the conventional drilling industry.
Environment
Save the River and lawmakers fight for stricter ballast water discharge standards
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“If we can stop any more of those (invasive) species coming in, for the cost of a few million dollar filtration systems per ship…I think it’s very worthwhile.”
all electric building act
Ithaca will help property owners swap natural gas appliances for electric
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The city launched the program as part of the Ithaca Green New Deal initiative, which aims to completely eliminate the city’s net carbon emissions by 2030.
App NEWS
Wind power project in Broome County nears completion
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Company officials say Bluestone wind project on track to go online later this year.
App NEWS
Governor pledges $255 million for New York’s water infrastructure
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Projects will include upgrading wastewater and sewer systems, reducing water pollution and protecting drinking water from contaminants.
air quality
Pennsylvania’s climate rule takes effect as sides prepare for trial this fall
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Under the regulation, power plants have to start keeping track of their emissions as of July 1, though they won’t have to pay for them yet.
App NEWS
Binghamton asks court for permission to condemn, take possession of ‘derelict’ plaza
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The city would likely demolish the plaza and the adjoining property area before taking public input on a plan to redevelop the land moving forward.
Featured in Category
The legacy of a famous landscape architect lives on in Saranac Lake
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Parks across the country are celebrating the bicentennial birthday this year of Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park, the very first public greenspace in America. Today, Olmsted’s legacy can be seen in parks around the US, including in Saranac Lake.
Energy
PA among 16 states suing U.S. Postal Service over lack of electric vehicles
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Advocates say the USPS fleet of delivery trucks is perfect for conversion to electric vehicles, which would be in line with state and federal climate goals.
App NEWS
New York adopts laws to set higher energy efficiency requirements, promote renewable energy
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The laws set standard wages for renewable energy jobs, set higher energy efficiency standards and incentivize thermal energy infrastructure and research.
Uncategorized
Environmental regulator denies Greenidge Generation’s air permits over cryptocurrency mining
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The DEC maintained its previous position that the facility did not comply with New York’s statutory climate goals.
Environment
Poll: 75% of Pennsylvanians accept evidence of climate change
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More than half of respondents said climate change is a very serious problem, while another quarter said it was somewhat serious.
App NEWS
Effort underway to improve Skaneateles Lake water quality
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“Hydroseeding, stream restoration, buffer establishment, septic education. These are all the kinds of programs that are going to help promote water quality.”
Energy
Impact fees from drilling rebounded in 2021 after pandemic slowdown
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Over 10 years, the fee has generated almost $2.3 billion.
AD123
Robin Alpaugh and Sophia Resciniti face off for Binghamton Assembly District GOP nod
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The winner of the June 28 primary will face off against incumbent Democratic Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-123) in the general election this fall.
airport
High gas prices could affect local budgets in the Southern Tier
|
“We run 24/7, we have cars on all the time.”
Ana Maria Archila
Democratic lieutenant governor candidate touts progressive support in Ithaca
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Ana María Archila dismissed Antonio Delgado’s union endorsements.
Energy
Pennsylvania drops a major source of methane from new rule to limit emissions
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“What we’re passing now is incredibly weak anyway, but we just have to move forward, we just have to stop this.”
App NEWS
Seneca County passes measure supporting cryptocurrency mining moratorium
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Hochul said recently that she is still considering whether to sign the moratorium legislation. The DEC has set a deadline of June 30 to address Greenidge’s permits.
Arts
Author Julie Zickefoose on life, love and raising bluejays
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Off The Page from WSKG · Episode 10 – Julie Zickefoose talks about Saving Jemima: The Life and Love of a Hard Luck Jay
Julie Zickefoose joins host Crystal Sarakas to talk about birds, blogs, and raising a blue jay during one of the hardest times in her life. About Saving Jemima:
When Jemima, a young orphaned blue jay, is brought to wildlife rehabilitator Julie Zickefoose, she is a virtually tailless, palm-sized bundle of gray-blue fluff. But she is starved and very sick. Julie’s constant care brings her around, and as Jemima is raised for eventual release, she takes over the house and the rest of the author’s summer. Shortly after release, Jemima turns up with a deadly disease.
App NEWS
Advocates call on governor to quickly sign cryptocurrency mining moratorium into law
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“It’s unacceptable to re-fire up old fossil fuel plants in the middle of a climate crisis just to make fake money to make a few rich people richer.”
App NEWS
Infrastructure plan: $33 million to clean up hundreds of oil wells
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States have indicated that they would need more than $8 billion to clean up 130,000 other orphaned wells.
Energy
Worried by Ukraine war impacts, environmentalists petition feds to dump LNG by rail
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The groups say the war in Ukraine should not derail the Department of Transportation’s proposal to reinstate limits on LNG-by-rail.
Energy
As PA gubernatorial candidates push more gas production, report collects studies that show fracking harms
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Industry condemns the report, while advocates cite growing climate fears.
App NEWS
Leaders voice concerns as FEMA starts redrawing Ithaca’s flood maps
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“It’ll make homes less affordable than they already are, and that’s already an issue that we have in the city.”
Environment
Pennsylvania governor candidates show support for fossil fuels, ignore climate in run-up to primary
|
StateImpact Pennsylvania checked in on how climate change and energy issues are playing out in the state’s race for governor.
App NEWS
The race is on (again) to build out a low-carbon hydrogen economy
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Companies in Appalachia pursue $8B in infrastructure funds for network of natural gas and ‘blue’ hydrogen
DEC
Malfunctioning sewer line overwhelms damaged treatment plant
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Environmental regulator issues violation notice to the Village of Johnson City.
Energy
New York Climate Action Council holds hearings on greenhouse gas emissions
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Among the goals is requiring 85% of homes and commercial buildings to be equipped with electrified heat pumps instead of fossil fuel-based furnaces.
App NEWS
Assembly passes partial cryptocurrency mining moratorium
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The bill still needs a vote in the Senate and approval from Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Environment
Pennsylvania’s climate rule met with applause and court threats upon finalization
|
Lawmakers opposed to joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative promised to fight on in court, while environmental groups hailed the move.
Energy
Crypto mining plan opponents call on U.S. Senators for help
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“The Greenidge facility itself, when it’s fully operational, will be emitting over a million tons of CO2 equivalents in the air every year.”
App NEWS
New York using drones to search for abandoned, leaking gas wells
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Many wells were abandoned over the last century and are difficult to find and properly plug.
anna kelles
Environmental regulator says Bitcoin mining plant permit renewal still facing ‘uphill battle’
|
“I appreciate the ambition, but we want to see what the science says, what the facts say on the application and ultimately we’ll make a determination on that and that alone.”
Environment
What the latest U.N. climate report says about transportation
|
There are still things we can do about climate change, including changes to one of our biggest sources of climate polluting emissions: transportation.
Uncategorized
Public invited to comment on New York climate plan
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Ten hearings over the plan are being held virtually and around the state.
Crime and Justice
Commonwealth Court pauses Pennsylvania’s effort to enact climate rule
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A Pennsylvania court is holding up the regulation that would let the state join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
anna kelles
NY delays Finger Lakes Bitcoin mining plant’s permitting decision
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Environmental activists call the move “political.”
Environment
An avian flu outbreak has Pennsylvania on alert
|
Avian influenza is very rarely transmitted by birds to people, but infected poultry have to be put down to stop the spread.
Energy
PA GOP measures to boost natural gas output unlikely to succeed, analysts say
|
The measures seek to halt Gov. Tom Wolf’s moratorium on new drilling under state forests.
App NEWS
Gillibrand to introduce cryptocurrency regulation bill, acknowledges energy concerns
|
The New York senator acknowledged the effort to implement a moratorium on some cryptocurrency mining in New York.
App NEWS
Report supports cryptocurrency mining opponents’ legal case for moratorium
|
The report compares the legal process for implementing a moratorium to the one that was used to temporarily halt high-volume hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in 2010.
App NEWS
An ice fishing lesson for our changing climate
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As warmer temperatures return to the Southern Tier, it’s a sign that ice fishing season is wrapping up. WSKG’s Megan Zerez went out to learn about the sport.
App NEWS
Sewer plant cleanup to take months as it struggles with pollution levels
|
“This is an emergency. Please, people need to act like it’s an emergency.”
App NEWS
Senate GOP condemns 9/11 imagery used at climate event
|
A pair of Democrats in the State Senate have apologized after they posed with a banner in Albany on Tuesday that compared the impact of climate change to 9/11 terror attacks in New York City.
Energy
Record-breaking offshore wind leases top $4 billion for coastal New York
|
Biden Administration touts job-creating potential of wind industry
App NEWS
New York Comptroller’s office unhappy with placement of EV charging stations
|
This strategy is said to ease what’s called “range anxiety” or the fear of running out of “fuel” in an area with no charging station.
Al Paniccia
Sewage plant board declares ‘emergency’ after wastewater floods facility
|
An emergency declaration passed by the sewage board allows it to make purchases and sign contracts outside normal procedures.
App NEWS
Broome County moves forward with plan to connect underserved areas with broadband
|
“What it would do is build a highway network through each small community, or large, and then individual service providers could tap into that network.”
Uncategorized
Binghamton-Johnson City sewage treatment plant flooded following incident
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Plant officials say the new facility is still processing sewage and residents should be unaffected.
App NEWS
For some, disaster loans go not to repair what is lost, but to start anew
|
Hundreds of residents and businesses in Steuben and other counties lost property after flooding last summer. The U.S. Small Business Administration is now offering loans to fill in the gaps. But some are saying the help has arrived too late.
Featured in Category
Rather than demolish buildings, Cornell researchers propose ‘deconstruction’ in Ithaca
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A local coalition is working to salvage materials from some of the older houses being torn down in Ithaca.
App NEWS
New York Democratic gubernatorial candidate wants to ban some cryptocurrency mining
|
Williams said he’s not against cryptocurrency mining altogether, but wants companies to reevaluate their mining process so it doesn’t use as much electricity.
agriculture
Penn State researchers aim to debunk myths surrounding spotted lanternfly
|
While lanternflies can stress trees, it appears they only kill grapevines and tree of heaven, also an invasive species, directly by feeding on them.
App NEWS
Environmental advocates praise Hochul’s State of the State plan, point out areas to improve
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“We are going to be urging in some cases that things go a little bit stronger and faster. But this is a really exciting start.”
App NEWS
2021 environment in review: NY’s environmental rights amendment
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Just over 70% of voters cast ballots in favor of adding language to the New York Constitution guaranteeing “clean air and water, and a healthful environment.”
Algal Blooms
2021 environment in review: Another year of harmful algal blooms
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Cayuga Lake has struggled with harmful algal blooms or HABs in recent years, but in 2021 unseasonably warm temperatures and heavy rainfall may have extended their prevalence late into the year.
Addie Jenne
2021 environment in review: The cryptocurrency mining debate
|
A debate over cryptocurrency mining on Seneca Lake turned into a broader test of the state’s climate law. That test is likely to come to a head in 2022.
App NEWS
New York state to ban polystyrene food containers in 2022
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The new law is aimed at cutting down on litter from the non-biodegradable material, better known by its brand name, Styrofoam.
Environment
PA House passes change to Clean Streams Law; critics say it will weaken enforcement
|
Critics say the one year timeframe for creating new regulations is especially unworkable. New regulations often take up to two years to develop.
Energy
PA adjusts proposed methane rule, but critics say it’s not enough
|
“Not only does this put the health of Pennsylvania families at risk, but it also means more methane pollution.”
Ag and Markets
Hemp processor licensing begins again after months of delays
|
Hemp processing licenses are once again moving forward with New York state certification, after some were delayed for months following the overhaul of the state’s cannabis law, earlier this year.
App NEWS
New proposed guidelines suggest more scrutiny on NY air permit renewals
|
The move comes as the DEC is considering renewal of the air pollution permits for Greenidge Generation, a power plant and cryptocurrency mining operation in Yates County.
allan gandelman
Wet summer leaves cannabis farmers concerned about climate impacts
|
“The plants literally drowned and died because the roots couldn’t get any oxygen.”
App NEWS
Finger Lakes Land Trust will buy 470-acre Cayuga Lake property for conservation
|
The 470-acre parcel includes the largest piece of undeveloped shoreline on Cayuga Lake.
Environment
New York’s Climate Action Council co-chairs optimistic about state’s emission reduction goals
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
“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
|
“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
|
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
|
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
|
“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
|
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
|
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
|
“All eyes are on what happens with this particular facility.”
App NEWS
Recovery Funds For Steuben County Flood Victims Depleted
|
“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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
“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
|
“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
|
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.
|
“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
|
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
|
“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
|
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
|
“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
|
“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
|
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
|
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’
|
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
|
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
|
“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
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“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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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“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
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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
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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
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“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
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“Jobs in renewables don’t always match up for displaced workers.”