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Robert Walter

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Aug 12, 2010, 4:29:40 AM8/12/10
to rochestere...@googlegroups.com, David Slesinger, REMG core
Thank you for the acid rain article.

AE911truth is delivering literature to Congress today.
It is planned to formally present their petition in Rochester on Sept. 9.
My goal is to see this happen with some gusto.
Would you please assess your interest and work with me?
Dave Slesinger is Coordinator for AE911truth.

Bob Walter
Organizer Rochester Environment Meetup Group

On Sun, Apr 11, 2010 at 10:52 AM, Frank J. Regan <Frank...@rochesterenvironment.com> wrote:

RENewsletter | April 11, 2010

 

The Free environmental newsletter from RochesterEnvironment.com

“Our Environment is changing: Keep up with the Change.”

[04/04/2010 - 04/11/2010]

 

* Need to vent? | Go to my blog: Environmental Thoughts - Rochester, NY

* Found an important Rochester environmental story from a credible source that you think needs attention? Or, an Environmental Event, Please, SEND ME THE LINK. If you think this newsletter, continually informing our community on our local environmental news, events, actions, is worthwhile, please encourage others to sign up.

 

Opening Salvo | NewsLinks | Daily Updates | Events | Environmental Site of the Month | Take Action |

 

[Hyperlinks work by CTRL + click to follow a link]

 

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Opening Salvo:  “Did Spitzer Let us Down on Acid Rain Too?”

 

Years ago RochesterEnvironment.com had a page especially devoted to Acid Rain, as it does now with other Rochester-area Environmental Issues.  Slowly, however, the Acid Rain issue faded away from our local news and disappeared altogether.  I took down the page irrationally thinking that if our media thought this environmental problem was over, it must be over.  What was I thinking?  Just when it looked liked we could solve a great big environmental problem, this story reared its ugly head from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week:

 

EPA Launches Blog on Acid Rain “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is hosting a month-long online discussion to expand the conversation on acid rain. Acid rain is a serious environmental problem that affects large parts of the United States and is particularly damaging to lakes, streams, and forests and the plants and animals that live in these ecosystems. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), the pollutants that form acid rain, can cause serious respiratory illnesses and premature death.” (April 8, 2010)

 

What gives?  I thought then State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer took care of this problem. (Press Release: Adirondack Council Praises Eliot Spitzer for Job Well Done- 7/8/2003, The Adirondack Council) Since the moment he hit the ground as AG back in 1998, Mr. Spitzer tackled Acid Rain by going after Midwestern power companies whose sulfur dioxide continually waffled over to our area, acidifying our lakes and streams.  Adirondack Lakes were on the verge of collapse. Though they looked pristine and beautiful, they were so acidic that fish and aquatic plants were sizzling away in an acid bath.  Then, after some legislation, you could drink the water and catch fish again.

 

Many used to applaud Spitzer’s heroic efforts on Acid Rain and some have used the reduction of Acid Rain (without attributing much of the success to Spitzer) in our area as a model of how governments and business could finally get together and solve environmental problems like Climate Change.  Yeah!  Humans can actually address big problems.

 

But somehow, Acid Rain is back in the news and the government is hot on it: Acid Rain - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation “Acid rain is a by-product of our industrialized society. Air pollution combines with water in the atmosphere and falls to the earth as acidic rain or snow. Discussions and reports about acid rain often use the terms acid deposition or atmospheric deposition to describe this return of airborne pollutants to earth. Pollutants can be deposited from the atmosphere in rain or snow (wet deposition) or without precipitation (dry deposition).”

 

Good gracious. Can’t we solve anything?  What went wrong?  Did we take our eye off the ball? 

 

I have a sneaking suspicion that when the media decided to trample Spitzer’s name through the mud because of what would have been in Europe a mere peccadillo, the reduction of Acid Rain, one of Spitzer’s great accomplishments for which he has been given too little appreciation, went the way of a big snooty dismissal by mainstream media too. 

 

Mainstream media needs to grow up.  They cannot continue to frame environmental issues as the quirks and idiosyncrasies of groups they don’t like because their sponsors are oftentimes the very corporations that caused problems like Acid Rain.  Yes, we need jobs from corporations and yes it must be pointed out when our leaders let us down.  But, to throw the baby out with the bathwater, an ideology that moronically believes that if we tarnish the leader of an environmental problem, the environmental problem will go away with its champion, is sheer unadulterated lunacy.  Not to mention that as an environmental policy, it is suicidal. Spitzer didn’t let us down on Acid Rain, the media did.

 

Frank...@RochesterEnvironment.com  (Click on my email for feedback)

 

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NewsLinks – Environmental NewsLinks – [Highlights of major environmental stories concerning our area from the past week]

 

 

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Updates – Daily Updates – [Connecting the dots on Rochester’s environment. Find out what’s going on environmentally in our area—and why you should care? Clicking on -DISCUSSION – will take you to my blog “Environmental Thoughts, NY, where you can add your comments.]

 

  • 4/10/2010 - Why High Speed Rail?  What is it, why do we need it, what will it cost, and how will if affect our economy and transportation? Ask Louise:   Congresswoman Louise Slaughter - Contact Louise "High-Speed Rail Bringing high-speed rail to Upstate New York is one of Rep. Slaughter's highest priorities. The improvement of existing tracks and the creation of a third track dedicated to passenger rail will allow people to move efficiently back and forth across the upstate region, improve commerce, generate new tourism opportunities and spark revitalization in our region for years to come. " -from Congresswoman Louise Slaughter - Contact Louise
  • 4/10/2010 - It is the Year of Biodiversity: There is a good reason to focus on Biodiversity as many claim it will be as disruptive to our environment as Climate Change.  We are living in an Extraordinary Time when many environmental problems are occurring at once, and many of those problems are aggravated by each other. So, the loss of Biodiversity will be increased by Climate Change. It’s time for everyone to focus on our environment: Make or break year for earth's species | Environment & Development | Deutsche Welle | 18.01.2010 Rates of extinction are said to be so high, that some have equated the crisis to the challenge posed by climate change. But is it really that dramatic? DW spoke to Achim Steiner, head of the UN Environment Program. The United Nations has designated 2010 the year of biodiversity, in a bid to turn around the rapid loss of the worlds various plant and animal species. DW spoke to Steiner about the extent of the problem.  (January 18, 2010)  Home | Deutsche Welle
  • 4/09/2010 - Climate Change changes: Climate change is serious and there will be serious changes due to climate changes, including the proliferation of invasive species that also move quickly to warmer climates.  Here’s a factual and humorous way of depicting this probably result of Climate Change.     "They Came From Climate Change!" "The horrifying hordes of Climate Invaders are upon us - creeping up from lower elevations, attacking from foreign countries, and settling into areas where once they were unable to survive. As climate change causes winters to warm and seasons to shift, a host of exotic invasives and destructive natives are marching their way into our lives at an ever increasing rate. Unless they are stopped, these invaders will continue to spread disease, destroy valuable natural resources and push out the native plants and wildlife we cherish." from News & Magazines - National Wildlife Federation
  • 4/09/2010 - Bicycles as Transportation: Sure bicycles are fun to ride on the weekends on our great trails.  But, they are transportation, just like a vehicle and must follow all the rules and regulations of a vehicle—bicycles are written into our vehicle laws.  A great increase in bicycle use would make us healthier, make our communities more livable for us (instead of our vehicles) and help the environment by not emitting so many greenhouse gases.  Realizing that getting the public to treat bicycles as a real and viable transportation mode this site was designed to help the commuter bicyclist get their heads around riding in regular traffic.  Check it out: Capital Coexist "CAPITAL COEXIST is a localized education campaign geared towards cyclists and motorists safely coexisting when using the region’s roadways.  This project was developed by the Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC) in response to the recently completed Albany Bicycle Master Plan and public requests for bicycle education and safety information.  It is anticipated that the Capital Coexist website will become the clearinghouse for bicycle education material in the Capital Region; a one-stop location for bicycle  educational material, safety tips, current bicycle projects and events.  Please check back often as information will be continuously updated! " 
  • 4/09/2010 - Action (do due date set yet) Public Input Requested: Help the DEC set a new bar on what should be recycled in our area and the rest of New York.  Things have been changing in our ability to recycle in the past years. “The Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) was issued in 1987. It set a waste reduction and recovery goal of 50%-bold for its time--and contained a broad and aggressive list of recommendations.” But, now there are new waste streams such has electronics, and things we don’t want in our waste streams at all such as pharmaceuticals, and mercury-containing products. So, take a look at the Draft Solid Waste Management Plan.  - "The Draft Solid Waste Management Plan entitled "Beyond Waste: A Sustainable Materials Management Strategy for New York State" is now available for review. An official public comment period for this plan will be announced soon. Please email us with any questions or comments. Draft New York State Solid Waste Management Plan - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation This SWMP process offers an opportunity to take stock of where we are with regard to solid waste management strategies and articulate a bold vision for maximizing recovery and minimizing waste. A SWMP will provide the Department with an opportunity to address the broader environmental implications of solid waste management alternatives, including global climate change. The Plan will include an analysis of the environmental and economic benefits of its recommendations to maximize recovery and reduce waste. In so doing, we will build the case for legislative and regulatory actions to achieve more aggressive recovery goals. "
  • 4/08/2010 - Extraordinary Times: This is what we need to get.  We living amidst a great upheaval in our planet’s environment, mostly caused by mankind.  The changes, however slowly they may seem to the ordinary observer, are happening at an alarming rate. Sticking to an ideology where dramatic changes in our environment don’t happen, or adopting an attitude that you don’t believe in Climate Change or the Loss of Biodiversity, don’t match the facts. A New Geologic Era "It is a new age of geological time or so some say called the Anthropocene Epoch. This is noted in the in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. (web issue March 29; print issue April 1). This is because of the dramatic recent or potential changes in the world such as climate warming and species extinction. The dawning of this new epoch may include the sixth largest mass extinction in the Earth's history. Whether the new era will be dramatic as the Jurassic with the end of the dinosaur is still to be determined. "  -from Environmental News Network -- Know Your Environment  
  • 4/08/2010 - How are Wildlife going to handle Climate Change? Find out from: Global Warming - National Wildlife Federation "Our country is home to a diverse array of wildlife ranging from the highest peaks, to the driest deserts, to freshwater and marine environments and to all the places in between. The abundant and diverse wildlife resources, which are so important to our culture and well-being, face a bleak future if we do not address global warming. "  - National Wildlife Federation
  • 4/08/2010 - Get an Award for your yard/garden: As long as you are sprucing up your lawn and garden, why not get some tips (and maybe win an award) on how to make your property more environmentally friendly?   Register Your Yard as a Certified Wildlife Habitat™ - National Wildlife Federation Join the thousands of wildlife enthusiasts across the country who have been recognized for creating havens for neighborhood wildlife in their very own yards. These individuals have provided the essential elements for healthy and sustainable wildlife habitats and have earned the distinction of being part of National Wildlife Federation's Certified Wildlife Habitat™ program. --from  National Wildlife Federation
  • 4/08/2010 - Growing Smartly: Of course we are going to grow: populations increase, more buildings, more transportation, more stores, more streets, more and more. Better that we have Smart Growth than Urban Sprawl and here’s the way to go: Empire State Future "There's a new dawn in the citizen effort to improve our future - Empire State Future! It's a coming together of many civic improvement organizations, planning groups, and individuals interested in advancing the principles of "smart growth" and turning them into reality in cities, towns and villages all across the Empire State. The organization will build on the generally accepted ideas that our cities need nurturing, suburban sprawl is ruining our landscape and killing our economy, and it's no longer possible to build our way out of congestion. Empire State Future will compliment and expand on efforts to bring sanity to the way we plan our future. And a big element of our work will involve communications: our intention is to provide the smart growth constituency and the general public with a lively web site that is current, informative, and easily used. "
  • 4/07/2010 - The Public Can Help Gather Environmental Information: Along with all the possible negative repercussions of mankind’s footprints on our environment there are some good things.  One of them is the power of the Internet and its ability to clarify just how world-wide environmental issues are. But, the Internet not only reveals environmental problems around the world, it also has the power to gather people to help our environment.  One way is to have citizens join in gathering important information, so the rest of us can make sound judgments on our actions that affect our environment. Clearly, we cannot depend on any single media, or government, or university, or business for all the information we need.  Sometime we ourselves can be a part of that process: USGS CoreCast: Help Us Keep an Eye on Climate Change "Attention citizen scientists: We need your help watching the way the world changes! For nature, timing is everything. So how does climate change affect the timing of things like flowers blooming and animals migrating, and why is this so important? Learn more, and find out how YOU can help us by observing the world around you from USGS scientist Jake Weltzin, Director of the National Phenology Network. " --from Welcome to the USGS - U.S. Geological Survey
  • 4/06/2010 - Take Food Action for our area: Urban Agriculture Petition Let's Make Rochester the Flower, Fruit and Vegetable City! I M A G I N E Community gardens where neighbors can grow food together, Farmers markets offering delicious, fresh fruits and vegetables to City residents, Urban farms and Community supported agriculture projects that bring food production right into the heart of the City, and Connections to our surrounding food shed that increase Food security for the Benefit of all. We INVITE YOU TO "Speak to Council" at 7:00 p.m on April 13. In order to "Speak to Council" about this issue you must call (585) 428-7421 before 6 p.m. of the meeting day. You will need to provide your name, address, the organization you are representing (if any), and the topic "URBAN AGRICULTURE" you plan to speak about. You will have 2 minutes to voice your support.
  • 4/06/2010 - An opinion by an expert on Natural Gas as Energy: Gas and drilling not clean choices | theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal " Natural gas is marketed as a clean fuel with less impact on global warming than oil or coal, a transitional fuel to replace other fossil fuels until some distant future with renewable energy. Some argue that we have an obligation to develop Marcellus Shale gas, despite environmental concerns. I strongly disagree. " (March 28, 2010) theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal | Ithaca news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Ithaca, NY
  • 4/06/2010 - Still a lot to be ironed out on nuclear power: Nuclear power may seem like a nice way to solve our energy needs and reduce greenhouse gases into our atmosphere, but it comes with complications.  Not just ordinary complications. Utilities Sue U.S. to Halt Nuclear Waste Fees - NYTimes.com WASHINGTON — Sixteen utilities and a trade association sued the Energy Department on Monday to halt the government’s collection of nuclear waste disposal fees, arguing that the country no longer had a disposal plan after ruling out Yucca Mountain, Nev., as a repository. (April 5, 2010)  The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia And also: New York Denies Indian Point Plant a Water Permit - NYTimes.com In a major victory for environmental advocates, New York State has ruled that outmoded cooling technology at the Indian Point nuclear power plant kills so many Hudson River fish, and consumes and contaminates so much water, that it violates the federal Clean Water Act. (April 3, 2010) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia
  • 4/06/2010 - Does your food have mercury in it? Check it out: Sea Turtle Restoration Project : Got Mercury? "GotMercury is a project of Turtle Island Restoration Network, the parent organization of Sea Turtle Restoration Project. Gotmercury.org is part of Turtle Island Restoration Network's efforts to protect the environment and the public from mercury. Because of the ubiquitious nature of mercury in our environment and because federal and state public health agencies are not doing enough to raise public awareness and protect the public from mercury, we developed gotmercury.org. "
  • 4/5/2010 - Bicycling as Transportation in Rochester.  Rochester is moving towards recognition as a bicycling transportation kind of city. Rochester is #50! Rochester NY is listed as #50 on Bicycling magazine's list of "America's Best Bike Cities". The link to the map of the cities is here: America’s Top 50 Bike-Friendly Cities Slide 1 : Bicycling Magazine.com. Click on the pin for Rochester to see our slide. The article is in the May 2010 issue. --from Rochester Cycling Alliance

 

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Events – Rochester Environmental Events Calendar – [The most complete listing of all environmental events around the Rochester, New York area.]  If you don’t see your event, or know of a local environmental event, please send me the info: Frank...@RochesterEnvironment.com with (EV event) in the subject line.

 

April 2010

 

  • Monday, April 12, 2010 from 8:30 AM till 4:00 PM | Golisano Institute for Sustainability at RIT
    • Green Infrastructure Workshop - Stormwater Management Challenges in Upstate New York Monday, April 12, 2010 from 8:30 AM till 4:00 PM Golisano Institute for Sustainability at RIT Green Infrastructure is highlights the importance of the natural environment in decisions about land use planning. In particular there is an emphasis on the "life support" functions provided by a network of natural ecosystems, with an emphasis on interconnectivity to support long term sustainability. -more at CEI: Center for Environmental Information
  • Wednesday, April 14, 2010 (the week before Earth Day) from 6:00-8:00 PM | Where: Victor Primary School, front and cafeteria entrances 953 High Street, Victor 14564
    • The Victor PTSA Environment Committee is pleased to announce its Third Annual Earth Day Celebration, to be held on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 (the week before Earth Day) from 6:00-8:00 PM at Victor Primary School. This is a new location for us this year.  This community event is open to the public free of charge and is a great way to promote area businesses and organizations to Victor/Farmington families and those visiting from surrounding areas. In the past, the event has been advertised in the media and has been a great success, drawing hundreds of people. We will be inviting over 100 vendors to participate, including Seneca Park Zoo, who will bring live animals. We also plan to expand our celebration with the participation of more students and classes, who are invited to bring environment-related projects for display. Again, we will hold a raffle and have craft activities for the kids and snacks for purchase.  We promise it will be an exciting night of learning about the earth and the things we can all do to live in more sustainable ways.   Date: Wednesday, April 14, 2010   Time: 6:00-8:00 PM.  Location: Victor Primary School, front and cafeteria entrances 953 High Street, Victor 14564   We hope you can attend!
  • Wednesday, April 14, 2010, 7:30 p.m.  |Buffalo  Canisius College Koessler Athletic Center (Main and Delavan),
    • Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE Founder – the Jane Goodall Institute UN Messenger of Peace  Doors open at 6:30pm.  Seating is limited. Canisius College Koessler Athletic Center (Main and Delavan) Free and open to the public.  All members of the community are welcome.
  • Friday, April 16, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. |Hoyt Auditorium , River Campus Reception to follow immediately in Havens Lounge, Wilson Commons, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 
    • Toxic Torts and Retorts The Trials and Tribulations of a Historian in the Courtroom Keynote Speaker David Rosner, Ph.D. Ronald H. Lauterstein Professor of Sociomedical Science & Professor of History at Columbia University Co-Director of the Center for the History of Public Health at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health Friday, April 16, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. Hoyt Auditorium , River Campus Reception to follow immediately in Havens Lounge, Wilson Commons
  • APRIL 16, 2010 | The Links at Erie Village, E. Syracuse, N.Y
    • "THE ENERGY HIGHWAY " Efficient, Secure, Reliable & Environmentally Sensitive Transmission & Distribution of Electricity This may be the most important Energy Symposium of the Year! Don't miss it!   Join leaders in government, business, environment and academia for the Sixth Annual Symposium on Energy in the 21st Century.Speakers will include: *Thomas King, President & CEO National Grid,  *Richard Kessel,  President & CEO, NYPA   *Frank Murray, President & CEO, NYSERDA  *Garry Brown, Chairman, PSC  *Samir Succar, Senior Energy Analyst, NRDC  *Carol Murphy, Executive Director,             Alliance for Clean Energy New York * Congressman Paul Tonko * Kit Kennedy, Deputy Attorney General for Environment   This is the Sixth Year we are bringing you a Symposium on Energy and each one is even more spectacular than the previous.  Town Supervisors, Mayors, City and Town Planners, College Presidents, faculty and students from two  dozen colleges, representatives from 50 municipalities, business owners, architects, engineers, governmental staff and just interested citizens have made up the 350 attendees.  We have kept the registration fee at $40, including breakfast and lunch. The new venue provides adequate parking but we still may have to cap attendance so reserve your space now.   Check out the entire program and Register online today at "THE ENERGY HIGHWAY "  There are also excellent optional tours:      *ESF - Wood Chips to Ethanol Process *Fenner Wind Farm *Morrisville Biodigester *Fitzpatrick Nuclear Plant              ***NEW TOUR***  *National Grid Distribution & Training Center    Don't miss this event and register now. Looking forward to hearing from you. Rhea   Dr. Rhea Jezer Chair, Symposium on Energy in the 21st Century Senior Lecturer, Cazenovia College Adjunct Associate Professor, SUNY ESF 315-727-0123 rje...@gmail.com   
  • Monday April 19, 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Kennedy Hall, Call Auditorium, Cornell University, Cornell, NY
    • Monday April 19, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Kennedy Hall, Call Auditorium Dr. James E. Hansen (NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York, and Adjunct Professor at Columbia University's Earth Institute) Global Climate Change, What Must We Do Next   Climate change scientist, and author of Storms of My Grandchildren, will deliver the  Jill and Kenneth Iscol Distinguished Environmental Lecture.   The Iscol Lecture brings prominent scholars, newsmakers, scientists, and leaders to Cornell to address environmental issues of paramount importance to humankind. Recognizing scholarship on the frontiers of scientific inquiry, the Iscol Lecture provides opportunities for Cornell students, faculty, staff, and the public to gain new knowledge about pressing environmental issues. A faculty award committee, representing a cross-section of academic disciplines, annually selects the Jill and Ken Iscol Distinguished Environmental Lecturer. 2010 Iscol Lecturer James E. Hansen April 19, 2010 Dr. Hansen is director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York, and Adjunct Professor at Columbia Universitys Earth Institute.   An active researcher in planetary atmospheres and climate science for nearly 40 years, Hansen is best known for his Congressional testimonies on climate change that widely elevated the awareness of global warming, and is noted as one of the world's most famous climatologists.   Hansen's work has evolved from space science to climate science. His early research on Venus clouds led to their identification as sulfuric acid. Since the late 1970s, he has worked on computer simulations of Earth's atmosphere to gauge the human impact on global climate.
  • Thursday, April 22, 2010 - 5PM - 8:30 PM| at the First Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd South, Rochester NY. 
    • The Rochester Regional Group of the Sierra Club is pleased to announce its 12th Annual Forum, which will be an interactive event, Transitioning to Sustainable Communities. This is Rochester’s premier environmental event promoting individual and organizational networking.   Our speaker, Tina Clarke, has been a consultant with the Sustainability Institute (www.sustainer.org) and Bill McKibben’s 350.org (www.350.org) and is a certified Transition Towns Trainer (www.transitiontowns.org).  She will describe the latest thinking on the “Triple Challenge” of Peak Oil, Climate Change and Economic Instability.  She will share inspiring stories, models and methods that communities are using to “transition” to a more resilient future.   Following Tina’s presentation, we will form Facilitated Discussion Groups to encourage discussion by all participants, stimulate new ideas, raise questions and explore answers.  We hope to spark interest and creative thinking and offer people an opportunity to identify and join an organization working on these issues.   The Forum will be on Thursday, April 22, 2010 at the First Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd South, Rochester NY.  As always the Forum is free and open to the public.
  • Fri 4/23/2010 5:30p-8p -Imagine It - 565 Blossom Road, Suite
    • Green Drinks (3rd Thursday) at Imagine It - 565 Blossom Road, Suite D. Everything is free, your only admission is material to be recycled to benefit CEI (Center for Environmental Information). For info, contact Kimie Romeo ki...@imaginerecycling.com  or 585-545-9022.
  • Saturday, April 24 9am - 12 pm  | Penfield, NY
    • Penfield Environmental Day Saturday, April 24 9am - 12 pm Penfield Community Center Community volunteers will be assigned areas throughout town to pick up litter & winter refuse. Groups or individuals can sign up by calling (585) 340-8651
  • Saturday, April 24th from 10 – 2 | at   Hamlin Beach State Park Area #4
    • Earth Day at Hamlin Beach State Park Mark your calendars, the 3rd annual Earth Day event at Hamlin   Beach State Park will be held Saturday, April 24th from 10 – 2 at   Hamlin Beach State Park Area #4.  This collaborative effort   between the Hamlin Conservation Board, Hamlin Beach State Park   and the Environmental Sciences Department at SUNY Brockport   will feature many activities including environmental information   booths and presentations, walking tours, an organized beach clean-   up and our popular tree seedling give-away. With free   refreshments and free admission into the park, this is a fun and   educational family event you won’t want to miss.
  • Sunday April , 25 1-4pm. | Jewish Comm. Fed. (441 East Ave).
    • Recycle and Reuse Earth Day sponsored by Rochester’s Interfaith Community. Bring pharmaceuticals, electronics, # 5 plastics to Jewish Comm. Fed. (441 East Ave). Bring sneakers, shoes, boots and clothing to Third Presbyterian Church (4 Meigs St at East Ave). Call Isobel 461-0490 x235 or igol...@jewishrochester.org.
  • Tuesday, April 27nd, at  4:30 PM – 6 PM  | at the AAUW house, 494 East Ave, Rochester, NY
    • Zero Waste Committee:  How can the Rochester, NY area recycle more and waste less?  Come on over and find out what we’re doing, thinking, and who we’re networking with on this issue. Join up and get our notices at  Rochester Zero Waste Committee. We are working on several projects, including how to let the public know where and how to recycle. –from the Rochester Regional Group Sierra Club | Sierra Club
  • April 27, 2010  | Desmond Hotel, Albany, NY
    • If Your Grid Is Dirty , your energy is dirty.  Attend this free meeting in Albany and help make sure our electrical grid is green.   New York ISO 2010 Symposium 2010 NYISO  Symposium Planning the Sustainable Grid of the Future – Reliable, Cleaner, Greener, Smarter, April 27, 2010 – Desmond Hotel, Albany, NY | Timely topics in energy The NYISO symposium will bring together thought-leaders from across the country to discuss a range of topics critical to the energy future of New York, the Northeast, and the Nation. The day-long event features speakers and three panel discussions that will focus on: Developing Broader Regional Markets The Carbon Constrained Economy Enhanced Interregional Planning Register now. The event is free, however space is limited. "

 

May 2010

 

  • Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 10am to 5pm, rain or shine | Imagine RIT takes place throughout RIT’s campus in Henrietta, NY.
    • RIT - Imagine RIT: Innovation and Creativity Festival Imagine RIT: Innovation and Creativity Festival is a campus-wide event that showcases the innovative and creative spirit of RIT students, faculty and staff. Visitors experience the breadth and depth of RIT through interactive presentations, hands-on demonstrations, exhibitions, and research projects set up throughout campus. Inflatables, games and multiple performance stages with live music and entertainment are also a hit with visitors of all ages. Held annually each spring, Imagine RIT is the annual kickoff to Rochester’s rich festival season. Date & Time: Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 10am to 5pm, rain or shine. Cost: Free and open to the public! Location: Imagine RIT takes place throughout RIT’s campus in Henrietta, NY.
  • Saturday May 1, 2010 Time: Challenge begins at 9:00 AM | RIT - Imagine RIT: Innovation and Creativity Festival
    • Dr. Destler’s Green Vehicle Challenge About the Challenge Date: Saturday May 1, 2010 Time: Challenge begins at 9:00 AM Course: Approximately 3 miles beginning at the Simone Circle, participants will take Andrew’s Memorial Drive to S-Lot and return to the Simone Circle. Click here to view a PDF of the course.
  • Saturday 5/1 10 am – 2 pm. | Bring bikes to Pittsford Mendon High School parking lot (Rte 64). 
    • Bike Drive sponsored by Rotary Club of Pittsford. Bring bikes to Pittsford Mendon High School parking lot (Rte 64). Info 329-4319. http://www.rcommunitybikes.net.
  • May 1, 2010  9:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Dryden Theatre, George Eastman House 900 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
    • Symposium Main Page | Rochester Zen Center TURNING TOWARD THE EARTH: A Conversation with Leading Environmentalists and Buddhists May 1, 2010  9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Dryden Theatre, George Eastman House 900 East Avenue, Rochester, NY Tickets $60:  $40 students and RZC members
  • Saturday 5/15 | http://giveyourstuffaway.com
    • Give Your Stuff Away. Put items you no longer want to the curb (see site for guidelines.) At the same time, people will be coming around picking up free items. http://giveyourstuffaway.com.
  • Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 10:AM - 2 PM | The Center for Student Innovation at RIT,  1 Lomb Memorial Dr Rochester, NY 14623-5698 
    • “Sustainability Mobility Fair - Future Transportation Choices for Short Trips" Admission is free and open to the public. When: Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 10:AM - 2 PM  Where: The Center for Student Innovation at RIT,  1 Lomb Memorial Dr Rochester, NY 14623-5698  Attendees will be exposed to what is new and now available on the market and able to experience the latest choices in Electric, Hydrogen, Biodiesel, Natural Gas, Propane, Hybrid, Plug-In, Ethanol, Walking School Buses, and cycling transportation technologies. All alternative fuel options will be on display. As more commuters become aware of travel choices, we expect to see more of them regularly choosing transportation alternatives because of the benefits. Sponsored by Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and the Center for Environmental Information (CEI) for more information, surf over to CEI: Center for Environmental Information.

 

June 2010

 

  • Sunday, June 13, 2010, 9am to 1pm  |  Brighton High School Parking Lot. Brighton, NY
    • 2010 Green Energy Fair Sunday, June 13, 2010, 9am to 1pm, at Brighton High School Parking Lot. Like last year, the fair will take place together with the Brighton Farmers Market. The fair will feature the following and more: A wide variety of businesses offering energy saving and green products and services. Tables with information and resources about energy- and resource-saving technologies and lifestyle choices.  Displays of current alternative technologies. Student projects related to alternative energy and energy conservation. A silent auction featuring energy-saving products and services, to benefit future educational programs of ColorBrightonGreen.org . Drawing to be held at 12:45 at the ColorBrightonGreen.org tent. Brighton Farmers Market. - from Home Page - Color Brighton Green

 

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Action – Take Action - Often, I receive request to pass on alerts, petitions, Public Comments on local developments, and environmental items needing action by the Rochester Community and around the world. I’ll keep Actions posted until their due date. 

 

  • Action (do due date set yet)
    • Public Input Requested: Help the DEC set a new bar on what should be recycled in our area and the rest of New York.  Things have been changing in our ability to recycle in the past years. “The Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) was issued in 1987. It set a waste reduction and recovery goal of 50%-bold for its time--and contained a broad and aggressive list of recommendations.” But, now there are new waste streams such has electronics, and things we don’t want in our waste streams at all such as pharmaceuticals, and mercury-containing products. So, take a look at the Draft Solid Waste Management Plan.  - "The Draft Solid Waste Management Plan entitled "Beyond Waste: A Sustainable Materials Management Strategy for New York State" is now available for review. An official public comment period for this plan will be announced soon. Please email us with any questions or comments. Draft New York State Solid Waste Management Plan - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation This SWMP process offers an opportunity to take stock of where we are with regard to solid waste management strategies and articulate a bold vision for maximizing recovery and minimizing waste. A SWMP will provide the Department with an opportunity to address the broader environmental implications of solid waste management alternatives, including global climate change. The Plan will include an analysis of the environmental and economic benefits of its recommendations to maximize recovery and reduce waste. In so doing, we will build the case for legislative and regulatory actions to achieve more aggressive recovery goals. "
  • Action Due Date: Now
    • Learn about and register your comments regarding the Governor's proposed State Park Closings and Environmental Protection Fund reductions. See Parks and Trails NY ( www.ptny.org  ) and ADK (http://adk.org/pdf/Park_Closure_List.pdf ) This includes closure of the Adirondack Park Visitor Interpretive Centers at Paul Smiths and Newcomb (http://adk.org/issues/Park_Closure_Action_Alert.aspx ) Buffalo & Erie County have learned already in spring of 2007 that it can be very expensive to close parks. http://www.buffalonews.com/2010/02/19/962199/state-targets-several-wny-parks .html It is true that NYS is in fiscal crisis and "we all must share the cuts" but the Governor's Budget cuts are disproportionately high for the environment compared to other funds and departments. For example: from Proposed 2010-11 All Funds Spending Reduction for state agency budgets http://publications.budget.state.ny.us/eBudget1011/fy1011littlebook/Briefing Book.pdf   --- Department of Environmental Conservation -34%. Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation -19%. Department of Agriculture and Markets -10%. Department of Education -2%. Department of Health -1%. Environmental Protection Fund proposed $143M which would be -33% (or -35%?) from the 2009-10 budget. $222M being requested is by the State Legislature is already 26% below the level scheduled for 2010 under the EPF Enhancement Act. That doesn't even count the $500M swept from EPF to State General Fund in recent years. Contact Governor Paterson of New York: 518-474-8390.
  • Action Due Date: Today
    • Donate to a worthy cause: Christine Sevilla Project (Christine Sevilla Project) "Welcome to A Living Project to Preserve a Place in Christine's Honor  For All to Enjoy in Perpetuity Christine's family and friends envision a natural area, including wetlands, preserved in her memory.  This vision includes an educational component, like an interpretive trail to help others recognize what Christine saw - an interconnected natural community of flora and fauna, soil and water. Perhaps even an  Arts and Music Festival to celebrate what Christine so treasured. "
  • Action Due Date: April 10th, 2010  10AM - 2:00 PM| Email or call today to register your family, group of friends, club, organization, scout troop, or class! Contact Ryan Loysen at rlo...@monroecounty.gov or 585-753-7281.
    • We're passing on this request from Monroe County Parks : Pick Up the Parks A new initiative from the Monroe County Department of Parks April 10th, 2010  Join us and several local recreation and environmental groups in kicking off this new local stewardship event. In this first year, we will be targeting 4 parks: Ellison, Genesee Valley, Greece Canal, and Ontario Beach Parks for clean up and other park improvements. Why just four? As you know there are 21 parks within the Monroe County Parks system. As it’s a first year event, we wanted to identify popular parks that could also accommodate our widespread community. We welcome your ideas for future projects and will certainly add more parks to the event as community support grows.   Email or call today to register your family, group of friends, club, organization, scout troop, or class! Contact Ryan Loysen at rlo...@monroecounty.gov or 585-753-7281.   Be sure to tell us your group size, preferred park, e-mail address, and phone number, or just come on out to one of the project sites on April 10th and register on-site. Orientation begins at 10 a.m. at each project site with refreshments and additional information. Group projects and field work will begin at 10:30 a.m.   The Monroe County Parks belong to all of us, so let’s join together to keep them clean and green. Check back for additional event details, meet-up locations and park information at Parks | Monroe County, NY
  • Action - 7:00 p.m on April 13 | We INVITE YOU TO "Speak to Council"
    • Take Food Action for our area: Urban Agriculture Petition Let's Make Rochester the Flower, Fruit and Vegetable City! I M A G I N E Community gardens where neighbors can grow food together, Farmers markets offering delicious, fresh fruits and vegetables to City residents, Urban farms and Community supported agriculture projects that bring food production right into the heart of the City, and Connections to our surrounding food shed that increase Food security for the Benefit of all. We INVITE YOU TO "Speak to Council" at 7:00 p.m on April 13. In order to "Speak to Council" about this issue you must call (585) 428-7421 before 6 p.m. of the meeting day. You will need to provide your name, address, the organization you are representing (if any), and the topic "URBAN AGRICULTURE" you plan to speak about. You will have 2 minutes to voice your support.
  • ACTION : Due Date: Tuesday, April 20th, 2010 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM New York State Capitol Albany, NY
    • Earth Day Lobby Day 2010 "Join hundreds of environmentalists from across the state in advocating for measures to protect our air, water, land and health.   No lobbying experience needed! Tuesday, April 20th, 2010 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM New York State Capitol Albany, NY New York’s environmental resources are being threatened now as they never have been before.   Please join us for the 20th annual Earth Day Lobby Day in Albany, New York! Hear from government and environmental leaders, learn about current legislation, and lobby your state law-makers on environmental issues that are important to you. This event is free and open to the public, but you must preregister to attend. Sign up now for Earth Day Lobby Day by clicking here! " -The event is being sponsored by Audubon New York, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Environmental Advocates of New York, the New York Public Interest Research Group, Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy, and other organizations.  
  • Action Due Date : 4/29/2010 3-8pm -

 

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Award – Environmental Site of the Month Award – [On the last Sunday of each month, we present an environmental award for the Rochester-area environmental web site or blog that best promotes the need to protect and offers solutions for our area's environmental issues.]

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