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:

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New York Makes Progress With Energy Efficiency Programs

Katherine Underwood- WENY
September 3, 2010


A new report shows New York is one of the leading states for energy efficiency progress.
The Center for American Progress says officials at the state and municipal levels have taken an aggressive, multi-faceted approach to reducing energy use.
The report says energy efficiency has been improved in more than 45,000 homes, 71,000 apartment buildings and nearly 18,000 commercial facilities.
More than 115,000 low-income customers statewide have received energy efficiency assistance.

For more information on energy conservation please visit www.sc-landuse.org.

New Open Burning Regulations Take Effect

Effective October 14, 2009 new open burning regulations now prohibit open burning across the State with only a few exceptions. Burning trash (even in a burn barrel) is now illegal in all areas of the State, including rural areas of Schuyler County. The State is also restricting the burning of leaves, instead encouraging composting. Farmers are no longer allowed to burn agricultural plastics, instead requiring landfill disposal (please note- Schuyler County is collaborating with surrounding counties to develop a recycling program, more information to come).
In an effort to dispel some of the common misconceptions surrounding this new regulation the following table is a partial listing of common activities Schuyler County residents may be concerned about. To view the entire regulation please visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/regs/4261.html.



The new regulations are important in improving our health and air quality as well as minimizing the risk of wildfires. Open burning of household trash releases toxic materials (arsenic, benzene, styrene, formaldehyde, lead, cyanide and others) into the air we breathe. These toxins can lead to immediate and long term health effects such as burning of the eyes and nose, coughing, nausea, headaches, dizziness, asthma attacks and can even increase the risk of cancer.
Please be respectful of your neighbors and stop burning-it the law.
If you would like more information on this article, contact information for local solid waste haulers, recycling or composting programs in your area please email Jenna Hicks at jlh254@cornell.edu or call the office at 535-7161.