District Court Rules Local Law on Signs Violates Free Speech

A blog post from Law of the Land...
Posted: 27 Jan 2011 09:43 PM PST
The Southern District of New York issued an unpublished decision that discusses the various components that into reviewing sign regulations. The District Court ruled that the Village of Airmont sign... full blog

Portable space heaters: Money-savers or energy-wasters? — Evidence Based Living

Winter is in full force and we are all feeling the pinch when the monthly heating bill comes. If you are thinking about using portable space heaters in an effort to reduce your costs read this article to see why it might not be such a good idea.


Portable space heaters: Money-savers or energy-wasters? — Evidence Based Living

A Systems Approach to Energy Transitions:

Land, Economic and Community Transformations
March 30-31, 2011 at Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel

For municipal officials, professional planners, extension educators, planning & zoning board members, community leaders and land managers grappling with how we will responsibly and sustainably meet the energy demands of the Northeast.

Save the date flier

for registration and additional information please visit:

Cornell Cooperative Extensions Natural Gas site

National Radon Action Month

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County is celebrating National Radon Action Month by offering free radon test kits on a first come first served basis to Schuyler residents in January. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is produced by the breakdown of uranium. Radon is odorless, colorless and can only be detected with special tests like the ones being offered by Cooperative Extension. Next to smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US and should not be ignored.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies have identified Schuyler County as an area with recorded high radon levels and suggest homeowners test for radon. If your test results show radon levels higher than 4 picocuries per 1 liter (pCi/L) of air it is suggested that you look at mitigation. Mitigation techniques can cost between $800- $2,500 depending on your home with the most effective consisting of piping and fans. When looking for a contractor it is important that they are trained in radon mitigation because if done improperly, it could actually increase the amount of radon in your home.

To pick up your free test kit, stop by Cooperative Extension located in the Human Services Complex, 323 Owego Street, Montour Falls. For more information call Jenna Hicks, Environmental Science Educator at 535-7161.

EPA and New York Come to Agreement on Chesapeake

article by Rachel Ward

EPA v. NYS

New York fought the law, and New York won. The state was in a stand-off with the federal EPA over a clean-up plan for the Chesapeake watershed. On Wednesday the EPA announced that it's come to an agreement with the state, including compromises on pollution limits that were opposed by farmers, waste companies and the state itself. The Press & Sun-Bulletin reports:

To view these reports please visit the Innovation Trail

EPA releases new guidelines on CFL clean up in homes

Dec. 29 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released new guidelines on how to deal with mercury-containing compact fluorescent light bulbs that break in the home.

CFLs contain a small amount of mercury sealed in the glass tubing. When broken, some of the mercury is released as mercury vapor. The EPA said the bulb will continue to leak mercury vapor until it is cleaned up and removed from the home.

To minimize exposure, the EPA released new guidelines on dealing with a broken bulb.

First, the EPA recommends homeowners clear the room of people and pets, and then open a window or door to the outdoors for 10 minutes. Central heating and cooling systems should be turned off as well.

Next, all broken glass and visible powder from the bulb should be placed in a sealable container, along with anything used to clean up the broken bulb. The container should then be placed in an outdoor trash container or covered area until the materials can be disposed of properly.

For several hours after the breakage, continue to air out the room and leave HVAC systems off.

For detailed information on proper CFL disposal and for printable brochures, click here.