Public drinking water in Watkins Glen, Montour Falls and Seneca County contains elevated levels of the cancer-linked PFAS class of chemicals found in dozens of stain-repellent household products like Teflon and Scotchguard, recent tests show.
Fossil Free Tompkins has joined with Sierra Club in crafting this letter to Governor Cuomo – asking that he ensure that the plants surrender their air emissions permits, there is a solid worker transition plan in place, that toxic materials, including coal ash landfills, are properly managed, monitored and treated, that the new facilities operate with high levels of energy efficiency, that utility scale solar development is supported at both sites, and that there is adequate funding to enable the transition from coal plants to data centers.
Victory for Finger Lakes protection activists! A coal plant, owned by Heorot Power, on the shores of Cayuga Lake in North Lansing has ceased power generation this past week after 64 years of coal-burning. Plans for the existing building are still being deliberated, as ideas to convert the facility to burn natural gas or a data center were shot down. Heorot’s VP, Jerry Goodenough, said the company will monitor the leftover coal ash landfill for 30 years and has set aside a $7-million bond for remediation. To learn more, click here.
This October 28th, a professional business event will be held to provide engineers, contractors, developers, architects, energy consultants, bankers and others involved in the building trade an opportunity to learn about the latest advances in non-fossil fuel energy solutions and how they can be integrated into new and existing building projects. The show will also feature a full day of seminars with nationally-recognized expert speakers who will present on various types of non-fossil fuel sustainable energy systems, advanced construction techniques and financing options. Breakfast and lunch are included with your registration and a MacBook Air will be given to a lucky attendee! For more info, go here.
Clean, renewable heating and cooling systems are smart, healthy alternatives that will:
*Keep your space comfortable year round
*Lower your energy usage
*Reduce your carbon footprint
Get PUMPED, y’all! In just a week (September 7th, from 10am – 12pm) Solar Tompkins and HeatSmart Tompkins is holding another home tour, where you can learn about how switching to an energy efficient and cost effective heat pump has been a total game-changer for a family in Groton, NY. Can’t make it? There will be a presentation the next day (Sept. 8th from 2-4pm) at the Ithaca Waldorf School! Swing through! For more info on the home tour, click here and here for more info on the presentation!
NYS Legislature and Governor have been urged to take action against the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria by banning the use of medically important antibiotics in food-producing animals. As you all know, the threat of a post-antibiotic world is real and dangerous, and we can’t afford to wait on the FDA to take meaningful action when it comes to agricultural policy regarding antibiotics use.
CCAA was formed to educate others and actively work towards reversing the anthropogenic climate change. The Founding Members of the CCAA came together as an organizing committee putting their minds together to host environmentally charged events in Syracuse, NY. They are also a 350.org local group!
The Town of Geneva and Joule Community Power have partnered to provide a local renewable energy program serving residents and businesses in the NY Finger Lakes region. Go solar and save! Enrollers save approximately 10% on electricity every year for up to 25 years. For more info, visit their website.
Mover and shaker, Suzanne Hunt, provides expert policy, political, and investment advising on energy, agriculture, transportation, and the environment. Hunt Green helps businesses and investors anticipate and respond to changing markets, technologies, policies, political dynamics, and other risks and opportunities, and work with policymakers to address climate, energy, food, security, and green design challenges. For more info, visit the website.
The Ithaca Children’s Garden is an innovative grassroots effort to create exciting, interactive garden-based experiences with children of all ages. Garden programs are intergenerational and open to all! With an endless list of educational programs, exciting events, and fun features, what’s not to love? Stop by! ICG welcomes ALL visitors EVERY day.
Looking for a place to stay in Syracuse? Choose LEED-Platinum certified – Hotel Skyler! This hotel has lights and heat/cooling systems that shut down when the guests leave the room. It also features geothermal heating and cooling systems, which utilize the steady temperature of the earth. Hotel Skyler also prioritizes incorporating regionally-produced and reclaimed materials and serves sustainably sourced wine, beer, and liquor!
The Groundswell Center for Local Food & Farming strives to make local ecologically-sound farming opportunities and food more accessible to people of all demographics, through an array of educational programs. Their core values include regenerative agriculture, relationship building, equity and justice, land reparations and reconciliation. Check out their workshops, discussion groups, and other events!
Looking to invest in a renewable energy solution like a wood pellet stove or boiler? Ehrhart Energy of Trumansburg can help. With the help of NYSERDA incentives through the Renewable Heat NY program, local residents have saved thousands of dollars on wood pellet heating systems purchased at Ehrhart. They also sell wood bricks and offer a biodiesel blend for home heating and auto fuel.