Re: [sustainable_tompkins-l] Cuomo Trashes Plans for Municipal Waste Incinerator in Romulus

[Charles C. Geisler]

Thanks, Hillary. You’re absolutely right about remaining work. I’ll write to 
our Albany Reps.
Chuck

Sent from my iPhone

On May 16, 2018, at 9:32 AM, Hilary Lambert 
> wrote:

Hi:
This good statement by Gov Cuomo is in fact just a first step.
It encourages legislators to step out of the shadows and support a necessary 
bill.
Almost all of the work to get that bill made into law this session still lies 
ahead.

I went to Albany yesterday with folks mostly from Seneca Lake (Cayuga - we must 
do better!!) to ask legislators to support this bill, to return local control 
by municipalities over proposed Article 10 energy projects like this proposed 
trash incinerator project - in this case, to the town of Romulus and Seneca 
County.
Home rule is essential to NYS and it needs to apply to Article 10 projects.

The developers of the proposed incinerator (the mysterious Circular EnerG) did 
not like the reception they were getting via the local permitting process in 
Romulus and Seneca County, so they withdrew from that and went to the 
state-level Article 10 process, maintaining that their imported-from-NYC trash 
burning plant is a “renewable energy” facility — thus evading the local 
community’s negative response to this project being sited 3200 feet from a 
school, in between our two lakes, hundreds more garbage trucks daily, affecting 
air quality and water quality, wineries, already harming real estate values - 
etc.

A press conference  was held yesterday morning in the Legislative Office 
Building, organized by Yvonne Taylor, Joseph Campbell, and MaryAnn Kowalski of 
the (new) Seneca Lake Guardian organization, and Judith Enck, retired US EPA 
admin for our region. Well attended, and boosted by the news of Cuomo’s 
statement.
Legislative participants/cosponsors: Pam Helming;  Brian Kolb, Phil Palmesano, 
Tom O’Mara, Mike Kusak.
If you are a constituent, please thank them.
Live stream of the press conference: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAGVQvZcimg=share

Our teams (again, thanks to Seneca Lake Guardian and allies) then spread out to 
present our request for support of the two bills - state assembly and senate - 
to numerous legislators.
A long day, lots of driving, really worth it.

(Note that I was there as private resident, not as exec director of the CLWN, 
because our org’s tax status does not allow lobbying.)

PLEASE understand that Gov Cuomo saying something encouraging is JUST THE START 
- and PLEASE help if you are asked to do so.
THIS AFFECTS Cayuga Lake as much as it does Seneca - and we all need to do our 
share.

For more info go to Seneca Lake Guardians website 
https://senecalakeguardian.org/
and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SenecaLakeGuardian/


Thanks
HL
Hilary Lambert
Steward/Executive Director
Cayuga Lake Watershed Network
POB 348 Aurora NY 13026

“It takes a Network to protect a watershed!”

stew...@cayugalake.org
www.cayugalake.org





On May 15, 2018, at 3:11 PM, Gay Nicholson 
> wrote:

Oh this is good news indeed


--
Gay Nicholson, Ph.D.
President
Sustainable Tompkins
309 N. Aurora St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
www.sustainabletompkins.org
607-533-7312 (home office)
607-220-8991 (cell)
607-272-1720 (ST office)

g...@sustainabletompkins.org

-- Forwarded message --
From: Water Front 
>
Date: Tue, May 15, 2018 at 3:06 PM
Subject: [New post] Cuomo Trashes Plans for Municipal Waste Incinerator in 
Romulus
To: g...@sustainabletompkins.org


Peter Mantius posted: "Gov. Andrew Cuomo today strongly condemned plans for a 
proposed $365 million garbage-burning incinerator in Romulus, joining a 
groundswell of opposition that now appears insurmountable.  “The trash 
incinerator project is not consistent with my administra"
Respond to this post by replying above this line

New post on Water Front
[http://s0.wp.com/i/emails/blavatar.png]
[http://0.gravatar.com/avatar/395aabff11a628c25cd72f204b0c13ae?s=50=identicon=G]
Cuomo Trashes Plans for Municipal Waste Incinerator in 
Romulus
by Peter Mantius

Gov. Andrew Cuomo today strongly condemned plans for a proposed $365 million 
garbage-burning incinerator in Romulus, joining a groundswell of opposition 
that now appears insurmountable.[CuomoReady]

“The trash incinerator project is not consistent with my administration’s goals 
for protecting our public health, our environment, and our thriving 
agriculture-based economy in the Finger Lakes,” the 

Re: [sustainable_tompkins-l] VOTE will take place tonight on several important environmental resolutions at the county legislature meeting

[Charles C. Geisler]

Thanks for all the work leading up to this.

Chuck G.

From:  on behalf of Anna Kelles 

Reply-To: SUSTAINABLE_TOMPKINS-L 
Date: Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at 12:46 PM
To: Fall Creek Listserv , Dewitt Park 
Neighborhood Association , SUSTAINABLE_TOMPKINS-L 
, CSED , TCP 

Cc: "Brian B. Eden" , Caitlin Darfler , 
Caitlin Darfler , Kristin McCarthy 
, Amanda Champion , Annie 
Koreman , Cathy Covert , Dan Klein 
, Dave McKenna , Deborah 
Dawson , Glenn Morey , 
"henrygrani...@gmail.com" , Jason Molino 
, Leslyn Mc Bean-Clairborne , 
Martha Robertson , Mike Lane 
, Mike Sigler , Rich John 

Subject: Re:[sustainable_tompkins-l] VOTE will take place tonight on several 
important environmental resolutions at the county legislature meeting

Hi All,

As a quick followup.  The resolution in opposition to the incinerator proposal 
passed unanimously and the resolution rejecting the incorporation of trucked 
LNG and CNG to any proposal in response to NYSEG's RFP for gas pipeline 
alternatives passed 12 to 1. The plastic bag resolution was sent back to 
committee to update and return after it is updated by the PDEQ committee that 
meets at 3pm March 26th in the legislative chambers.

Happy Wednesday,
Anna

On Tue, Mar 6, 2018 at 1:29 PM, Anna Kelles 
> wrote:
Hi all,

As some of you may know I have been appointed this year as the chair of the 
Planning Development and Environmental Quality (PDEQ) committee. Last Monday 
three resolutions were voted out of the PDEQ committee that will be discussed 
and in most cases voted on tonight by the full legislature at our bimonthly 
meeting from starting at 5:30pm (the meeting starts with privilege of the 
public to speak!) at 121 E. Court St. in the Legislative Chambers on the second 
floor.

The first is a resolution in opposition to the proposed large scale incinerator 
in Romulus, Seneca County that is just North of the town of Ulysses. I created 
an submitted this updated resolution from a template created by members of Gas 
Free Seneca. I'm happy to answer any questions anyone has but in a nutshell the 
garbage would be shipped by hundreds of trucks a day from downstate, burned 
creating significant air pollution very near an elementary school and two 
correctional facilities as well as nearby towns and wineries, created about 52 
truckloads of toxic ash daily that would need to be landfilled locally, and 
would withdraw 445,000 gallons daily from Seneca Lake.

A resolution urging the state to pass a plastic bag ban with an additional 5 
cent fee of paper bags passed. However, breaking news is that a few days before 
the committee vote a bill in the senate and an equivalent bill in the assembly 
were introduced that are more comprehensive than our resolution (here is a link 
to the senate bill: http://legislation.nysenate.gov/pdf/bills/2017/S7760). 
These bills, if approved, would ban both plastic and paper (paper bag 
production and transport have an equal to or even greater carbon footprint than 
plastic). As a result I will be sending our resolution back to committee 
tonight to align more closely with the proposed state bills. The next PDEQ 
meeting will be March 26th at 3pm in the legislative chambers.

Lastly, recently NYSEG put out an request for proposals (RFP) as a result of 
long talks local officials and experts have had with the state Public Service 
Commission, requesting proposals in a designated area in and around south 
Lansing (the Cornell business park area) for alternative energy development and 
upgrades. The intention of the RFP is to reduce demand on the existing natural 
gas infrastructure and to promote future development with minimal natural gas 
needs. However, the current RFP says that they will accept a proposal that can 
include the trucking in of compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquified Natural 
Gas (LNG), if it is acceptable to the community. The resolution we will be 
voting on tonight states that the inclusion of trucked in CNG and LNG is not an 
acceptable solution to reduce our dependence on the piped natural gas 
infrastructure, which would in no way help us reach our our Tompkins County 
stated goal to decrease use of natural gas to achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) 
emissions reduction.

Below is the official 

Re: [sustainable_tompkins-l] Alternative to the Dryden pipeline approved by PSC!

[Charles C. Geisler]

Most marvelous, Gay. 

Chuck

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 16, 2017, at 3:32 PM, Gay Nicholson 
> wrote:

News Flash!! Just heard from Jonathan Comstock in Albany:

The PSC approved the plan for mini-compressors to stabilize service to existing 
gas customers in Lansing. That will cost 4 million as opposed to 18.6 million 
for the originally proposed new pipeline. The new order also mandated an RFP 
for pipeline alternatives to meet energy needs for growth and economic 
advantage of the community. Tompkins County leads the way once more!


--
Gay Nicholson, Ph.D.
President
Sustainable Tompkins
309 N. Aurora St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
www.sustainabletompkins.org
607-533-7312 (home office)
607-220-8991 (cell)
607-272-1720 (ST office)

g...@sustainabletompkins.org

For more information about sustainability in the Tompkins County area, please 
visit:  http://www.sustainabletompkins.org/
If you have questions about this list please contact the list manager, Tom 
Shelley, at t...@cornell.edu.

Re: [sustainable_tompkins-l] County passes resolution supporting NYSEG proposal!!!

[Charles C. Geisler]

Irene,

Thanks for this wonderful news.  I wrote Martha my thanks.  The 138 letters to 
Cornell faculty have been sent by Elmer, Brian Chabot, and CG. I’ve had several 
good responses from Cornell  faculty affirming that they will write.

How’s the post-card count?

Chuck

From:  on behalf of Irene Weiser 

Reply-To: SUSTAINABLE_TOMPKINS-L 
Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 9:21 AM
To: "powerplantdiscuss...@googlegroups.com" 
, ShaleShock 
, SUSTAINABLE_TOMPKINS-L 
, "t-ro...@googlegroups.org" 
, "" 
Subject: [sustainable_tompkins-l] County passes resolution supporting NYSEG 
proposal!!!

BIG NEWS from County Legislature last night- UNANIMOUS support for NYSEG's 
compressor project!!

I suggest that a message of thanks to Martha Robertson and other legislators 
would be a nice thing :)

You can email Martha and ask her to share with other legislators..
mrobert...@tompkins-co.org


Legislature Supports NYSEG Petition for Lansing Compressor Project, Urges 
Expeditious PSC Review
The Legislature went on record in unanimous support of a New York State 
Electric and Gas petition to the State Public Service Commission (PSC) 
requesting permission to construct a pressure-boosting compressor station 
project to address safety, pressure, and reliability issues for current natural 
gas customers in the Lansing area.  The Legislature urges expeditious review 
and approval of the petition by the PSC.

The project proposes four skid-mounted “pressure booster” compressor units, 
placed strategically within the existing gas distribution system, to elevate 
system pressures in the Lansing area during times of peak gas demand.  The 
measure states that the project is in the public interest, as the pressure 
boosters will improve system reliability; better allow for the safe and 
continued uninterrupted supply of gas service to existing customers in the 
Lansing area, and help return pressure in the distribution system to optimal 
operating pressures.  It notes that NYSEG would like to have the pressure 
boosters in place for most of the 2018-19 heating season, and that schedule 
could be implemented if the PSC grants timely approval.

The resolution pledges that Tompkins County will assist NYSEG, as requested, in 
planning for the pressure boosters and facilitating communication between NYSEG 
and the public.

Legislator Martha Robertson, who advanced the member-filed resolution, recalled 
that the proposed initiative now before the PSC arose from discussions with the 
utility stemming from work of the County’s Energy and Economic Development Task 
Force.  “With quick approval, people could have this in place by December 
2018,” Robertson said.  “Our voice in support or this filing and this petition 
will certainly be helpful in persuading them to move ahead.”   The member-filed 
approach was necessary due to a lack of time to get the matter through the 
Legislature’s committee process and still meet the PSC’s September 25th comment 
deadline.

Lansing Legislator Mike Sigler also spoke in support of the compressor project. 
 “NYSEG has dragged its feet for years now…and has put my constituents in 
jeopardy,” he said.  “The fact that NYSEG has done this is unacceptable.  This 
is simply to boost the pressure and it’s a safety measure that is important.”
Contact:  Legislator Martha Robertson, 592-3119; Legislator Mike Sigler, 
339-7978.

Irene Weiser
irene32...@gmail.com
Brooktondale, NY
607-539-6856

Joy to the world
All the boys and girls
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me. [�]

For more information about sustainability in the Tompkins County area, please 
visit:  http://www.sustainabletompkins.org/
If you have questions about this list please contact the list manager, Tom 
Shelley, at t...@cornell.edu.

Re: [sustainable_tompkins-l] Fwd: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Shared Services Panel Recommends Plan to Legislature

[Charles C. Geisler]

Hi Anna,

Probably you saw this. Great news from a red state.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41105121?ocid=global_bbccom_email_31082017_top+news+stories

Chuck G.

From:  on behalf of Anna Kelles 

Reply-To: SUSTAINABLE_TOMPKINS-L 
Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 at 11:26 PM
To: Fall Creek Listserv 
Subject: [sustainable_tompkins-l] Fwd: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Shared Services 
Panel Recommends Plan to Legislature

Good evening neighbors, colleagues, and friends,

As many of you know Governor Cuomo recently tasked all counties and internal 
municipalities to develop a proposal for the creation of shared services with 
the professed intention of reducing the tax burden. Tompkins county has been 
leading the way in many shared services already and in some cases (e.g. the 
health insurance consortium) serves as a model for other communities. For the 
last 3 months members of all county municipalities have been meeting and have 
recently come up with a draft plan of possible shared services to add to our 
existing tally.  The following press release summarizes this proposal in short 
bullet form for anyone who would like to get a taste of it.  Please feel free 
to contact myself or the proposal report author County Administrator Joe 
Mareane (contact info at the end of this email). The proposal will next go to 
the Government Operations committee of the legislature for a presentation and 
review on August 2nd at 3:30pm in the legislative chambers (121 E. Court St.). 
Please come if you are interested in this proposal and/or you have any 
comments, questions, or concerns with its content.

In good health,
Anna


Shared Services Panel Recommends Plan to Legislature

The Tompkins County Shared Services Panel has recommended a County Shared 
Services Plan, based on a proposal drafted on behalf of the panel by County 
Administrator Joe Mareane, from three months of panel deliberations.  The Plan 
was approved at a meeting July 19th and sent on for the next step in the 
process.

The Shared Services Plan will now be submitted to the County Legislature, 
through its Government Operations Committee.  The Legislature will review the 
Plan, then return it to the panel for final approval.  Under New York State’s 
County-wide Shared Services Property Tax Savings Plan Law, the Final Plan, 
including certified savings, must be submitted to the State by September 15.

Plan recommendations are consistent with a draft the panel endorsed earlier, 
with estimated dollar savings now attached.  Its six key elements:

•  Creation of a Tompkins County Council of Governments Training Academy as a 
vehicle to provide affordable, high quality training to all local governments 
within the County.  Estimated savings:  $17,000.

•  Creation and maintenance of a Service Modernization Plan by the County for 
use by all municipalities, to facilitate through software automation of a 
number of routine paper-intensive tasks currently done by hand.  Estimated 
savings:  $50,600.

•  Creation and management of a purchasing pool to facilitate lowest-cost 
acquisition of contemporary financial software for municipalities that desire 
it.  Estimated savings:  $1,000.

•  Acquisition and operation by Tompkins County of a countywide mass 
notification system available to all municipalities in the County.  Estimated 
savings:  $6,500 annually.

•  Creation and management of a purchasing pool to facilitate conversion of 
street lights to high-efficiency LED fixtures for municipalities interested.  
Estimated savings:  $170,000 annually.

•  Expansion of the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance 
Consortium in 2018.  The plan maintains that re-constituting the Consortium 
into virtually a new organization to add additional members justifies its 
inclusion in Tompkins’ plan, as well as those of new member governments.  
Estimated savings:  $1.75 million annually.

In addition, the Shared Services Plan identifies several larger possibilities 
for in-depth review and analysis, beyond the deadlines set by the State.  
Examination of centralized back-office administrative services; potential 
examination include centralization of the code enforcement function; and a 
centralized approach to fleet maintenance are among the longer-term review 
possibilities identified.

At a public hearing before adoption of the recommended plan, the Panel heard 
from Brian Eden and Bill Evans from the Tompkins County Environmental 
Management Council, who commented on the plan element related to high 
efficiency LED street lights.  They asked that any such initiative consider and 
reflect ecological and public health impacts of blue-rich light that research 
shows can come from these types of fixtures.

Attending the meeting were two representatives from Governor Cuomo’s office. 
Rich Tobe, who serves as deputy director 

Re: [sustainable_tompkins-l] Fwd: FINAL DECISION ISSUED TONIGHT CALL CUOMO & JOIN US FOR VIGIL

[Charles C. Geisler]

Hi Irene,

Sorry I missed your presentation today.  I got the time wrong and showed up at 
12:00.  I so appreciate the work you do on numerous fronts, including W. Dryden 
Rd. pipeline.

Enjoy a mint on me: http://www.philosophersguild.com/mints/

Chuck

From:  on behalf of Irene Weiser 

Reply-To: SUSTAINABLE_TOMPKINS-L 
Date: Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at 10:28 AM
To: "powerplantdiscuss...@googlegroups.com" 
, ShaleShock 
, SUSTAINABLE_TOMPKINS-L 
, ROUSE 
Subject: [sustainable_tompkins-l] Fwd: FINAL DECISION ISSUED TONIGHT CALL CUOMO 
& JOIN US FOR VIGIL

PLEASE   PLEASE   PLEASE
make this call!!


-- Forwarded message --
From: Pramilla Malick and James Cromwell via ActionNetwork.org 
>
Date: Wed, Aug 30, 2017 at 10:22 AM
Subject: FINAL DECISION ISSUED TONIGHT CALL CUOMO & JOIN US FOR VIGIL
To: irene32...@gmail.com

The DEC will issued its final decision tonight. Let's flood Cuomo's phone lines 
before the next Hurricane floods our homes.

Firstly, thank you to all who attended our rally.  Our facebook page has 
several videos of the rally but here are some 
highlights.

Hurricane Harvey is the sound of nature's alarm. But many people including our 
elected officials still are not listening. We can't wait for them to 
#ActOnClimate.  Governor Cuomo will announce his decision on the Valley Lateral 
Pipeline and Eastern System Upgrade today before the end of the day.  Let's 
flood his phone lines before the next hurricane floods our homes. Please call 
him at 518-474-8390.

We will hold simultaneous vigils at three locations, at Cuomo's office in 
Albany and NYC, as well as at the CPV site at 3pm - 5pm today. If you are near 
one of these locations please join us.  Please RSVP on our event page to get 
updates.This
 is our last opportunity to influence him. Also tweet him @NYGovCuomo or post 
on his facebook wall.

Anthony Ingraffea, Robert Howarth, Bill McKibben, Tim DeChristopher, Josh Fox, 
Dennis Kucinich, and Susan Sarandon have asked Cuomo to shut down CPV. Hundreds 
of environmental and community groups, along with businesses, farmers, and 
unions have asked Cuomo to shut it down. 10,000 concerned citizens have 
appealed to him and 6000 filed comments with the DEC. Thank you for this 
incredible grassroots effort.

We hope Cuomo will listen to your voice as well as the message in the 50 mph 
winds. But to quote Tim DeChristopher "If Cuomo does not shut down this plant, 
we will shut down his career".

Thank you for all your support!

Jamie and Pramilla
http://www.recordonline.com/opinion/20170828/my-view-cuomo-prove-you-respect-rights-of-all-new-yorkers

[sustainable_tompkins-l] Catholic Green Energy

[Charles C. Geisler]

Friends,

Encouraging news from the Catholic Diocese of Rochester. The DOR covers 350,000 
Catholics across 12 counties in central NY State and has entered a 3-year 
contract for 100% Green Power for all its facilities (schools, churches, other 
buildings), beginning Sept. 1. The cost of electric energy for these DOR 
facilities will decrease approximately 30%. This comes about thanks to the 
joint efforts of
Ithaca’s Catholic Charities Deputy Director, Laurie Konwinski, and Dennis 
Osika, a Lansing resident. They prevailed on local Catholic Churches in Ithaca, 
Groton, and Lansing to request the Green Power approach of Rochester’s Bishop 
Matano. He referred it to the DOR’s new Director of Building and Grounds in 
Rochester, Sean Moran, who was receptive to entering a group purchase agreement 
for fossil free electricity.  Thanks to all of the above.

[cid:image001.png@01D3181F.8C535280]

Chuck G.

For more information about sustainability in the Tompkins County area, please 
visit:  http://www.sustainabletompkins.org/
If you have questions about this list please contact the list manager, Tom 
Shelley, at t...@cornell.edu.

Re: [sustainable_tompkins-l] July 24 From the Ashes - Cayuga Coal Plant

[Charles C. Geisler]

Thanks, Irene.  Will attend.

Chuck

From:  on behalf of Irene Weiser 

Reply-To: SUSTAINABLE_TOMPKINS-L 
Date: Monday, July 10, 2017 at 10:52 AM
To: "powerplantdiscuss...@googlegroups.com" 
, ShaleShock 
, ROUSE , 
SUSTAINABLE_TOMPKINS-L , gasfreeseneca 
, Lisa Marshall 
, Katie Quinn-Jacobs 
, Rachel Treichler , 
Hilary Lambert 
Subject: [sustainable_tompkins-l] July 24 From the Ashes - Cayuga Coal Plant


Buried in the news that Cayuga plans to add 18 MW solar to their property is 
the alarming news that they also plan to keep burning coal as long as it is 
economically feasible, and then they plan to convert to burn fracked gas.

We all understand the harms of fracking - but we've seemed oddly complacent 
about the existence of an operating coal plant on Cayuga's shores.

Join Fossil Free Tompkins on Monday July 24th, 6:30pm at Greenstar's The Space 
for a showing of the new documentary From the 
Ashes.

Following the film will be discussion about the harms the plant is causing to 
our lake - and planning for what we can do about it!



[https://www.bbhub.io/mayors/sites/18/2017/03/from-the-ashes-social-media.jpg]

https://www.fromtheashesfilm.com/


Irene Weiser
irene32...@gmail.com
Brooktondale, NY
607-539-6856

Joy to the world
All the boys and girls
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me. [�]

For more information about sustainability in the Tompkins County area, please 
visit:  http://www.sustainabletompkins.org/
If you have questions about this list please contact the list manager, Tom 
Shelley, at t...@cornell.edu.

Re: [sustainable_tompkins-l] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Governor Cuomo Names Tompkins County and Town of Ithaca Certified Climate Smart Communities

[Charles C. Geisler]

Thanks for this release on Cuomo.  Some of you may be interested in this: 
http://www.futurity.org/refugees-sea-levels-1463932-2/

Chuck G.

From:  on behalf of Anna Kelles 

Reply-To: SUSTAINABLE_TOMPKINS-L 
Date: Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 1:44 PM
To: Building Bridges , CSED 
, Dewitt Park Neighborhood Association 
, Fall Creek Listserv 
, SUSTAINABLE_TOMPKINS-L 

Subject: [sustainable_tompkins-l] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Governor Cuomo Names 
Tompkins County and Town of Ithaca Certified Climate Smart Communities

Dear neighbors and colleagues,

I wanted to take a moment to pass this news along of Governor Cuomo's 
recognition of our environmental and sustainability efforts. A few important 
steps forward on a long important road towards preservation of our most 
critical resource. Earth.

In good health,
Anna

(NOTE:  The news release (below and attached) was issued today by Governor 
Cuomo's Office, following an event at the Tompkins County Recycling and Solid 
Waste Center.)
For Immediate Release: 6/20/2017

GOVERNOR ANDREW M CUOMO


GOVERNOR CUOMO NAMES TOMPKINS COUNTY AND TOWN OF ITHACA NEW YORK'S 12TH AND 
14TH CERTIFIED CLIMATE SMART COMMUNITIES

Model Municipalities Recognized for Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions 
and Build Climate Resiliency

Supports the Governor's Goal to Reduce Statewide Emissions 40 Percent by 2030


Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today recognized Tompkins County and the town of 
Ithaca as New York's 12th and 14th local governments to be designated as 
Certified Climate Smart Communities. Actions to strengthen resiliency and 
reduce greenhouse gas emissions in these communities support the Governor's 
aggressive goals to reduce statewide emissions 40 percent by 2030.

"New York continues to make significant strides in reducing greenhouse gas 
emissions, and by joining forces with communities across the state and the 
nation, we are combatting climate change to provide a more sustainable 
environment for future generations of New Yorkers," Governor Cuomo said. "I 
commend Tompkins County and the town of Ithaca for supporting these clean 
energy initiatives, and I encourage municipalities across New York to follow 
their lead and become Certified Climate Smart Communities."

At an event held at the Tompkins County Recycling and Solid Waste Center in 
Ithaca, Michael Lane, Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature, and Bill 
Goodman, town of Ithaca Supervisor, were presented street signs highlighting 
their achievement of certification. The center is the future location of a new 
food scraps recycling project funded by the State’s Climate Smart Communities 
Grant Program.

Tompkins County
Between 2008 and 2014, Tompkins County reduced its local government greenhouse 
gas emissions by an impressive 53 percent. During that same period, community 
emissions were reduced by 21 percent. These reductions are the result of 
building partnerships, establishing a rigorous system to track greenhouse gas 
emissions, set targets, and taking systematic steps to reduce emissions.

The county’s climate action program also emphasizes adaptation through 
initiatives such as preserving natural areas for ecosystem resiliency and 
incorporating climate change concerns into a multi-hazard mitigation plan. The 
town of Ithaca and Tompkins County have worked closely together since 2006 to 
develop a hazard mitigation plan that addresses the risks posed by climate 
change. All residents of Tompkins County and its infrastructure will be more 
resilient to a changing climate thanks to the depth and scope of collaborative 
local adaptation planning.

In addition to becoming a Certified Climate Smart Community, Tompkins County 
recently received funding for two projects from DEC's Climate Smart Communities 
Grant Program through the Environmental Protection Fund:

  *   $25,000: The County received rebates totaling $25,000 under the Municipal 
Zero-Emission Vehicle Rebate Program for five plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. 
The cost of procuring the vehicles was further reduced by participation in the 
New York State aggregate purchase program, which is sponsored jointly by DEC 
and the Office of General Services.
  *   $355,000: This grant will help Tompkins County reduce greenhouse gas 
emissions from food waste by establishing a centralized transfer station that 
accepts food scraps at its Recycling and Solid Waste Center. The grant will 
support the replacement of an existing storage building with a new specialized 
tipping pad designed to accept food waste.

More information about DEC's Climate Smart Communities Grant Program and 
Municipal Zero-Emission Vehicle Rebate Program is available 

Re: [sustainable_tompkins-l] Fwd: Tompkins County Housing Strategy draft document now online; heading to committee meeting of the Legislature on June 20th at 4 PM

[Charles C. Geisler]

Thanks, Irene.  I’ll attend.  Chuck

From:  on behalf of Irene Weiser 

Reply-To: SUSTAINABLE_TOMPKINS-L 
Date: Friday, June 16, 2017 at 1:29 PM
To: C4sed , "powerplantdiscuss...@googlegroups.com" 
, SUSTAINABLE_TOMPKINS-L 

Subject: [sustainable_tompkins-l] Fwd: Tompkins County Housing Strategy draft 
document now online; heading to committee meeting of the Legislature on June 
20th at 4 PM

Important issue - important meeting.  Make your voice heard!


-- Forwarded message --
From: "Martha Robertson" 
>
Date: Jun 15, 2017 10:26 PM
Subject: Fwd: Tompkins County Housing Strategy draft document now online; 
heading to committee meeting of the Legislature on June 20th at 4 PM
To: "Martha Armstrong" >, "Nels Bohn" 
>, "Laura Branca" 
>, "J.R. Clairborne" 
>, "Sue Cosentini" 
>, "Janet Cotraccia" 
>, "Kirby Edmonds" 
>, "Gary Ferguson" 
>, "Bill Goodman" 
>, "Rod Howe" 
>, "Norma Jayne" 
>, "Ed Marx" 
>, "Paul Mazzarella" 
>, "Megan McDonald" 
>, "Kathy 
Schlather" >, "Jennifer 
Tavares" >, 
"Jeremy Thomas" >, "Irene Weiser" 
>, "Karen Baer" 
>, "JoAnn Cornish" 
>, "Schelley 
Michell-Nunn" 
>, 
"Marcia Lynch" >, "Joe 
Bowes" >, "Lindsay Hart" 
>, "Michael 
Cannon work" 
>, "Todd 
Fox" >, "Rob Steuteville" 
>
Cc:


Folks -

The draft Housing Strategy is now online and a review meeting is set for next 
Tuesday. Please see below for meeting details and the link to the draft 
strategy.
Thanks -
Martha


 Forwarded Message 
Subject:

Tompkins County Housing Strategy draft document now online; heading to 
committee meeting of the Legislature on June 20th at 4 PM

Date:

Thu, 15 Jun 2017 19:09:24 +

From:

Tompkins County Department of Planning and Sustainability 


Reply-To:

Tompkins County Department of Planning and Sustainability 


To:

martha.o.robert...@gmail.com


Draft Tompkins County Housing Strategy Document Online




Tompkins County Legislature's Planning, Development and Environmental Quality 
Committee will review draft Strategy on June 20, 2017







With input from throughout the community, the previous outline form of the new 
Tompkins County Housing Strategy has been developed into a draft document and 
is available 
here.

The Tompkins County Legislature's Planning, Development and Environmental 
Quality (PDEQ) Committee will be reviewing the draft at its Tuesday, June 20, 
2017 
meeting
 at 4:00 PM in the Tompkins County Legislature Chambers at 121 E. Court Street, 
Ithaca, NY 14850 (2nd floor). Once approved by the committee, the Strategy will 
ultimately go to the full Legislature, most likely at one of its July meetings.

Thank you to all who contributed thoughts and comments to improve the Strategy. 
Please note that the PDEQ Committee and Legislature meetings are open to the 
public.







Tompkins County Department of Planning and 

Re: [sustainable_tompkins-l] [PowerPlants] 3pm TOMRROW!! at Legislative Chambers!!

[Charles C. Geisler]

Thanks for checking that misinformation on the spot.
I think even the developer was happy to be corrected.
Chuck

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 1, 2017, at 8:29 PM, Marie McRae 
> wrote:

How do we get an electronic copy of the updates?

Marie


I love this world, even in its hard places.
...So, even if the effort may come to nothing,
you have to do something.
from "For Example" by Mary Oliver


-- Original Message --
From: Carol Chock >
To: Joseph Joe Wilson >
Cc: Ray Burger >,  
powerplantdiscussion 
>,
 ROUSE >,  Skye Hart 
>, Elizabeth Thomas 
>,  Dan Lamb 
>, Mary Ann Friend 
>,  Nick Goldsmith 
>, Irene 
Weiser >,  Shaleshock List 
>, Guillermo Metz 
>,  Bill Goodman 
>, Katie Borgella 
>,  Terrance 
Carroll >, roxanne at cornell 
>, Darby Kiley 
>,  "C. J. Randall" 
>, Charleen 
Heidt >,  Ed Marx 
>, C4sed 
>,  ST list 
>,
  Megan McDonald >, 
Ann Rider >,  Mark Witmer 
>
Subject: Re: [PowerPlants] 3pm TOMRROW!! at Legislative Chambers!!
Date: Thu, 1 Jun 2017 18:35:09 -0400


Joe, Ken Schlather gave an update at today's meeting. The numbers have improved 
by over 20% for heat pumps even since the numbers were prepared for the report! 
There was a handout in hard copy with the new numbers.


*
Carol Chock
607.227.0006
carolch...@gmail.com
*

On Jun 1, 2017 5:48 PM, "Joseph Wilson" 
> wrote:
Couldn't attend, but Dave Weinstein, Marty Hatch and I pushed back when yet 
another uninformed local developer came before the Dryden Planning Board 
announcing his intention to use gas in a new Townhouse development at Turkey 
Hill and Dryden Road.

When Developer explained that heat pumps were vastly more costly than gas 
furnaces, we briefly described the findings of this Report. To his credit, the 
Developer expressed interest as well as acknowledging that the word is out that 
Dryden prefers heat pumps as the HVAC system of choice.

David has since sent the Developer the Report.

PS: We are handicapped because Dryden, like all local Towns have nothing in 
their Site Review or local SEQR regulations that mandates even a discussion of 
highly efficient HVAC systems and/or above-code building envelopes.


On Wed, May 31, 2017 at 10:39 PM, Carol Chock 
> wrote:
Yes. Should be interesting. I forwarded the whole agenda when it came out. The 
report isn't a short read, but please come anyway! We'll hear highlights 
verbally.
Notice also that we'll also hear Planning Department thoughts on best practices 
in regulation of renewable energy systems. That doesn't come until later in 
meeting. Packet page 92, and only two hours are scheduled for the 
meeting.(you'll all probably be able to speak at greater length than I 
will.)

*
Carol Chock
607.227.0006
carolch...@gmail.com
*

On May 31, 2017 6:05 PM, "Irene Weiser" 
> wrote:
HI All
TOMORROW the County's Planning Development Enviro Quality Committee will be 
discussing Taitem's recent report 

 on the viability and costs of heat pumps.
PLEASE COME if you can and show your support for heat pumps!!.
Meeting begins at 3pm  - with brief privilege of the floor, (plan comments 

Re:[sustainable_tompkins-l] {DRAC} Re: [PowerPlants] Re: [C4SED] Fwd: Ithaca Festival Parade Maps

[Charles C. Geisler]

Thanks, Joe.

I plan to make a giant sign with the graphic—if I can manage—that will be on 
our pro-solar yard sign.  IT will be on two tall poles and I’m hoping someone 
will volunteer to carry one of these in the parade with me. Anyone who’s 
interested might call  me to coordinate.

Chuck
379-5902



From: Joseph Wilson <wilson.jo...@gmail.com>
Date: Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at 1:01 PM
To: Irene Weiser <irene32...@gmail.com>
Cc: Catherine Mary Wagner <cm...@cornell.edu>, Cayuga Power Group 
<powerplantdiscuss...@googlegroups.com>, CSED-Coalition for Sustainable 
Development <c4...@googlegroups.com>, DRAC <dryden...@googlegroups.com>, Buzz 
Lavine <b...@baka.com>, "Charles C. Geisler" <c...@cornell.edu>, Edwin Wurtz 
<eawu...@gmail.com>, Fred Conner <con...@cornell.edu>, Hilary Lambert 
<hlambe...@gmail.com>, "j_hnbur...@yahoo.com" <j_hnbur...@yahoo.com>, Joseph 
Wilson <wilson.jo...@gmail.com>, Judith Pierpont <j...@cornell.edu>, Linda 
Parks <lpa...@twcny.rr.com>, Marie McRae <mmmc...@juno.com>, Martha Ferger 
<marthaferger...@gmail.com>, Nancy Miller <ananda7...@gmail.com>, Pat Dubin 
<dubi...@gmail.com>, "Simon St.Laurent" <simon...@simonstl.com>, ShaleShock 
<shalesh...@yahoogroups.com>, ROUSE <t-ro...@googlegroups.com>, Lisa Marshall 
<lisa.marsh...@mothersoutfront.org>, Lizzy Elisa Evett <ducci...@gmail.com>, 
"campai...@dailykos.com" <campai...@dailykos.com>, SUSTAINABLE_TOMPKINS-L 
<SUSTAINABLE_TOMPKINS-L@list.cornell.edu>, gasfreeseneca 
<gasfreesen...@yahoogroups.com>, "<wd...@googlegroups.com>" 
<wd...@googlegroups.com>, W Dryden Core <wdrp_c...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: {DRAC} Re: [PowerPlants] Re: [C4SED] Fwd: Ithaca Festival Parade 
Maps

Oh yeah. This Friday, June 2.

On Wed, May 31, 2017 at 12:50 PM, Joseph Wilson 
<wilson.jo...@gmail.com<mailto:wilson.jo...@gmail.com>> wrote:
Hi All and Thanks for your interest in being part of this Year's Renewable 
Energy-Sustainable Development Ad Hoc Cohort in the Ithaca Festival Parade. 
Apologies for cross posting.


  *Our slot is reserved under the DRAC name--Dryden Resource Awareness 
Coalition--but we are allies promoting Renewable Energy, Sustainable 
Development (while opposing more Natural Gas and the expansion of Fossil Fuel 
infrastructure).
  *   Bring any and all signs you want to hand carry, and wear complementary 
T-shirt or the like. For example: I will be wearing my Fossil Free Tompkins 
shirt cause its eye-catching and carries the message.
  *   The Parade formally begins at 6:30 pm, but Cayuga Street and all access 
roads to it are closed to traffic at 5:30 pm, so your marchers, trucks, floats, 
and other vehicles must be in place before then.
  *   As you see, the parade steps off at 6:30 PM. We are back in the line; so 
IMO  it will take about 15-30 minutes for us to actually start walking after 
the original step off.
  *   Here's the map and below is the Official listing of all organizations 
assembling on West Jay Street.
Come one and all. The Parade is fun!
​
[https://drive-thirdparty.googleusercontent.com/16/type/application/pdf] W. Jay 
St 
map.pdf<https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3-IdelJnsBZYVU0LVoyY0hqN1MzOEptTTZPSDhBbU5XWTFj/view?usp=drive_web>
​
Official Listing:

WEST JAY STREET
​, # 74. ​

site

group name

62

Alternatives Federal Credit Union

75

BOCES - ESL

56

CFCU

63

Colombian Dance Group

57

Cozmic Theo & the Heart Circus

69

Dabka Dancing Group

70

Dominion of Murkfaelinn

74

Dryden Resource Awareness Coalition

60

Finger Lakes Animal Rights

76

Finger Lakes School of Massage

61

First Congregational Church

71

GoGreen

73

House of Merlot

64

Immaculate Conception Church

67

Newfield Fire Dept

72

Paddle-N-More

66

Painted Bar Stables

68

Planned Parenthood

58

STAP Ride 4 Life

65

Taitem Engineering

59

WITH


On Wed, May 31, 2017 at 9:27 AM, Irene Weiser 
<irene32...@gmail.com<mailto:irene32...@gmail.com>> wrote:
And Where do we gather?

Irene Weiser
irene32...@gmail.com<mailto:irene32...@gmail.com>
Brooktondale, NY
607-539-6856<tel:(607)%20539-6856>

Joy to the world
All the boys and girls
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me. Error! Filename not specified.

On Wed, May 31, 2017 at 8:58 AM, Catherine Mary Wagner 
<cm...@cornell.edu<mailto:cm...@cornell.edu>> wrote:
Time we should be there?

From: Joe Wilson <wilson.jo...@gmail.com<mailto:wilson.jo...@gmail.com>>
Date: Tuesday, May 30, 2017 7:18 PM
To: Catherine Wagner <cm...@cornell.edu<mailto:cm...@cornell.edu>>
Cc: Cayuga Power Group 
<powerplantdiscuss...@googlegroups.com<mailto:powerplantdiscuss...@googlegroups.com>>,
 CSED-Coalition for Sustainable Development 
<c4...@googlegro

Re: [sustainable_tompkins-l] Anti-Semitism Response and Invitation

[Charles C. Geisler]

Irene,

Thanks for focusing our attention on this; I hadn’t seen it. I have a prior 
commitment and won’t be there but will stay tuned for future events.

Chuck

From:  on behalf of Irene Weiser 

Reply-To: SUSTAINABLE_TOMPKINS-L 
Date: Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 10:18 PM
To: TC-HSC-L , SUSTAINABLE_TOMPKINS-L 
, ShaleShock 
, Building Bridges 
, C4sed , 
"powerplantdiscuss...@googlegroups.com" 
, ROUSE , 
ITH-INTERFAITH-CLIMATE-JUSTICE-L 

Subject: [sustainable_tompkins-l] Anti-Semitism Response and Invitation

Hi All
I don't know how many of you saw the story in the Ithaca Voice today, about 
anti-Semitic graffiti in a Lansing playground..
https://ithacavoice.com/2017/03/police-investigate-anti-semitic-graffiti-lansing-park/

It was a small incident  - not like the graveyard defacement and tombstone 
tipping in Philly and Rochester - but it is an incident.
And it deserves a response, and must not be met with silence.

So I'm writing to invite all of you in this great community to join in a 
showing of solidarity Friday night by attending the Sabbath service at 
Congregation Tikkun v'Or in Lansing. Service begins  at 7:30pm.   All are 
welcome.

WHAT   Sabbath Service and showing of solidarity
WHEN  7:30pm  - 9pm
WHERE:  Congregation Tikkun v'Or,  2550 Triphammer Rd, at Burdick Hill Rd in 
Lansing.

Together we are strong
PLEASE SHARE​.



Irene Weiser
irene32...@gmail.com
Brooktondale, NY
607-539-6856

Joy to the world
All the boys and girls
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me.

For more information about sustainability in the Tompkins County area, please 
visit:  http://www.sustainabletompkins.org/
If you have questions about this list please contact the list manager, Tom 
Shelley, at t...@cornell.edu.