DEC official: Chesapeake Bay cleanup plan would have 'jaw-dropping' impact on Southern Tier

Article highlighted in the Star Gazette By Jon Campbell •jcampbell1@gannett.com • October 27, 2010, 9:00 pm.

DEC official: Chesapeake Bay cleanup plan would have 'jaw-dropping' impact on Southern Tier

From the Law of the Land

NY Appeals Court Annuls Planning Board’s Denial of Site Plan for Senior Housing Finding Decision Arbitrary and Capricious- for full blog please read here

NY Enacts Smart Growth Public-The Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Act went into effect in New York on September 29, 2010 and requires most state agencies and all state authorities, prior to approving or funding any public infrastructure project, to prepare and file a Smart Growth Impact Statement finding that the project is consistent with ten Smart Growth Criteria or justifying why it is not practicable to do so..... to read the rest of the article read here.

DOE Proposes Higher Efficiency Standards for Refrigerators

DOE released a new proposed energy efficiency standard for residential refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers on September 27. Under the proposed standard, the energy use of most refrigerator-freezers would decrease by 20%-25% by 2014. Thanks to technological advances and current efficiency standards, today's refrigerators already use two-thirds less electricity than models sold in the mid-1970s.


If the proposed standard takes effect as planned in January 2014, it will save nearly 4.5 quadrillion Btu and would avoid 305 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the following 30 years. By 2043, the standard would also eliminate the need for up to 4.2 gigawatts of new generating capacity, equivalent to eight or nine coal-fired power plants. DOE will host a public meeting on the proposed standards on Thursday, October 14, in Washington, D.C., and will accept public comments on its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) until November 26. See the DOE press release and the NOPR .
The Alliance to Save Energy, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, and the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) all hailed the new proposed standards, noting that the standard reflects a consensus reached among appliance manufacturers and energy efficiency, environmental, and consumer advocates. Under an agreement made in July, the organizations are also recommending new standards for clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, and room air conditioners, which DOE is evaluating for future rulemakings. See the press release and agreement on the AHAM Web site.

Energy Volunteers Needed

Schuyler County Cooperative Extension is looking for 3-4 volunteers to be trained by Cornell University and the EnergySmart Communities Coordinator to conduct basic home energy audits for Schuyler County residents. Volunteers will be part of a pilot program that will encourage homeowners to increase their energy efficiency and introduce all of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s financing options. Each volunteer will be expected to attend four half day trainings in Elmira (transportation provided) and conduct 2 home energy audits (locations will be provided). Other than the trainings, this is a very flexible program and can fit into anyone’s schedule. No prior experience necessary. Trainings will be held on October 25, November 1, 8, 15 from 9:00 pm- 1:00 pm. Please let us know by October 20th if you are interested in participating by contacting Jenna Hicks at 535-7161

Lowe´s installs recycling centers in U.S. stores

Sept. 28 -- Home improvement retailer Lowe´s Companies Inc. said today it has installed recycling centers in nearly 1,700 U.S. stores to provide a one-stop recycling destination for customers.
In addition to recycling shipping materials such as pallets, wraps and cardboard, Lowe´s stores are now offering to recycle hard-to-handle products like mobile phones, batteries and CFL bulbs.

"Lowe´s is always looking for new and better ways to serve our customers and continue to be responsible stewards of the environment," said Michael Chenard, Lowe´s director of environmental affairs. "Recycling is a simple way to help reduce unnecessary waste in our communities. The recycling centers make it easier for customers to make a difference, and we look forward to continuing to partner with them to promote and support community recycling."