Center for Environment, Commerce & Energy-New York

New York Assembly Hearing on IPEC

2012-01-14T19:19:00.006-05:00

The New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Energy and Standing Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions held a hearing on the Potential Closure of Indian Point Energy Center (IPEC) on January 12, 2012 in New York City. The hearing examined alternatives to IPEC, including new generation facilities and upgrades to the state's electric transmission system that would prevent power supply disruptions and adequately address the electricity needs of New Yorkers.

Norris McDonald Statement

Indian Point Energy Center, located in Buchanan, Westchester County, New York, has two active nuclear reactors with a combined rated capacity of 2,000 megawatts. In 2012 and 2015 respectively, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) operational licenses for both reactors will expire. Entergy Corporation, which operates both reactors, has petitioned the NRC to operate the reactors for an additional 20 years.

Norris McDonald Interviewed by Channel 1

The hearing was held in New York City in the Assembly Hearing Room at 250 Broadway on the 19th floor in room 1923.

Center President Norris McDonald was interviewed by Channel 1, quoted in The New York Times and quoted in Your News Now.

Entergy To Merge Elec Trans Biz With ITC Holdings Corp

2011-12-05T11:43:00.002-05:00

Entergy Corporation plans to spin off its electric-transmission business and merge the operation with ITC Holdings Corp. to increase its financial flexibility and to protect its credit quality. Entergy's electric-transmission business consists of about 15,700 miles of interconnected transmission lines in the Mid-South.

Entergy has been shaping a new strategy after credit-market turmoil and regulatory pushback led it to back off plans to spin off five of its nuclear plants in April 2010. Meanwhile, it has been fighting with regulators over the fate of a nuclear plant in Vermont and another one in New York.

Under the agreement, Entergy will separate its electric-transmission business into a newly formed entity, Mid South TransCo LLC. Mid South TransCo will then merge with a unit of ITC in an all-stock, Reverse Morris Trust transaction, resulting in Entergy shareholders holding 50.1% of the combined company and existing ITC shareholders owning the remaining 49.9%.

Entergy expects to receive gross cash proceeds of about $1.78 billion from debt incurred in connection with the transaction, and this debt will be assumed by ITC at the close of the merger. ITC, the nation's largest independent electric-transmission company, also plans to issue about $700 million of unsecured debt.

By combining these businesses, they will significantly enhance the scale of their operations and financial resources as they continue to invest in electric transmission infrastructure for the benefit of customers, resulting in improved reliability, reduced system congestion and greater access to competitive energy markets.

Entergy plans to use most of the cash proceeds to retire debt. Completion of the transaction is expected in 2013. After the close, ITC's board will appoint two new independent directors. ITC's management team will remain intact for the combined business, but will be supplemented with key leadership personnel from Entergy's transmission business to help ensure a successful integration. About 750 current Entergy positions will be integrated into ITC, which will maintain a regional headquarters in Jackson, Miss. ITC's corporate headquarters are located in Novi, Michigan. (WSJ, 12/5/2011)

Upper East Side Subway Work Creates Air Pollution Problems

2011-11-24T05:47:00.001-05:00

2nd Avenue Subway Tunneling

According to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), underground explosions were halted Tuesday at one of three Upper East Side stations being constructed on the long-delayed Second Avenue subway to address complaints about air quality. The MTA said blasting will cease until Dec. 5 at the 72nd Street station site so changes can be made in how dirt and dust created by construction is processed. MTA contractors have been using explosives to blast out caverns that will eventually be turned into a subway station underneath Second Avenue.
There is a large amount of dust that is coming out, and the MTA is figuring out how to take further precautions to protect the air quality. At a meeting of the Second Avenue Subway committee of Community Board No. 8 on the Upper East Side, residents said the dust and odor from the blasting is a possible health hazard. They said dust and smoke blankets the area after each blast.

MTA air-quality data collected in September showed that levels of toxins in the air blasting didn't exceed federal standards.

Blasting at 72nd Street is about 40% complete and should be finished by the middle of next year. The pause won't delay the project and MTA expects the first phase of the Second Avenue subway, which runs between 63rd Street and 96th Street, to be finished by the end of 2016. (WSJ, 11/23/2011)

Syracuse Council Bans Fracking Gas Wells

2011-10-28T13:35:00.000-04:00

The Syracuse Common Council's ban on the gas drilling process known as hydrofracking. Syracuse joins Albany and Buffalo in banning hydrofracking. Syracuse Council Majority Leader Kathleen Joy spearheaded the legislation in her city. She says it will send a message to state regulators that communities have the right to protect themselves from potential health and environmental hazards.

But the gas industry says fracking is safe and the bans enacted in numerous communities are illegal because only the state has authority to regulate the industry.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation is expected to allow drilling and hydrofracking for gas in the lucrative Marcellus Shale formation of southern New York early next year when new regulations are in place. (Times Herald Record, AP, 10/25/2011)

Rudolph Giuliani Discusses Energy at Breakfast Meeting

2011-10-08T13:04:00.006-04:00

New York’s Energy Future

Former NYC Mayor Rudolph Giuliani

On Wednesday, October 5, 2011, New York AREA co-sponsored a breakfast event with the New York Energy Consumers Council (NYECC) featuring former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani. The mayor spoke about “New York’s Electric Future” as well as the need for a sensible energy policy, which included Indian Point. Center President and NYAREA Advisory Board member Norris McDonald attended the breakfast event.

The event began with David Bomke of the NYECC offering opening remarks. Mr. Bomke then introduced Mayor Giuliani who discussed his time as mayor of New York and the role he played in ensuring New York City has the power to operate and avoid blackouts.

The mayor also discussed the national energy picture, including reductions being made to each significant generation source in national and state energy policies. To have real growth, the mayor asserted that the United States needs an energy policy that promotes growth.

Mayor Giuliani concluded by returning to a discussion of New York State energy policy. He discussed the need to hydrofrack in western New York as an energy plan and a jobs plan. He discussed the 25 percent power from Indian Point and the lack of anything else to make up for that power. He also discussed safety in relation to nuclear power, noting that electricity creation is inherently dangerous and pointing out the enviable safety record of nuclear power in the United States.

Following the conclusion of the mayor’s remarks, New York AREA Executive Director John Durso, Jr. moderated a question and answer session. Immediately following, Mr. Durso offered closing remarks and thanked Mayor Giuliani for joining this morning’s discussion. (NYAREA)

EPA Launches New Mapping Tool

2011-09-30T15:17:00.000-04:00

EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the release of a new mapping feature in EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database. As part of EPA’s ongoing effort to improve transparency, the EPA and State Enforcement Actions Map will allow the public to access federal and state enforcement information in an interactive format and to compare enforcement action information by state. The map will be refreshed monthly to include up to date information about the enforcement actions taken to address violations of air, water, and waste laws.

Map users can choose the year, the media (air, water, waste, multiple), and whether they would like to display enforcement information for actions taken at the federal level, state level, or both. Users can then click on a state to view facility locations and click on a facility to list its name, the environmental statute the facility has an enforcement action under, and a link to a detailed facility compliance report.

ECHO provides integrated searches of EPA and state data about inspections, violations and enforcement actions for more than 800,000 regulated facilities. Now in its ninth year, ECHO recently received its 10 millionth data query and has completed a record year of more than 2 million queries. President Obama recognized ECHO in his January 2011 Presidential Memorandum on regulatory compliance, as a model for transparency for other federal agencies to follow.

Enforcement and Compliance History Online

Presidential Memorandum – Regulatory Compliance

DEC Issues Proposed Fracking Regulations

2011-09-30T13:52:00.000-04:00

The state York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issued proposed regulations Wednesday to regulate the natural gas drilling technique of hydraulic fracturing, or hydrofracking. A draft 1,537-page environmental impact statement on hydrofracking, issued last month, is still undergoing a public comment period. Public comment on both the draft rules and the impact statement expire Dec. 12, which could then allow DEC to make both documents final. That could allow drilling permits to be issued.

Hydrofracking relies on an high-pressure blend of chemicals, water and sand into deep underground rock formations to release trapped bubbles of natural gas. Opponents are concerned drilling could damage air and water quality, while the industry asserts the practice is safe.

Public hearings for the proposed regulations and impact statement are set for Nov. 16 at Dansville Middle School Auditorium, 31 Clara Barton St., Dansville; Nov. 17 at The Forum Theatre, 236 Washington St., Binghamton; Nov. 29 at Sullivan County Community College, Seelig Theatre, 112 College Road, Loch Sheldrake; and Nov. 30 at Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., New York City. All hearings are from 1 to 4 p.m, and from 6 to 9 p.m. (TimesUnion, 9/29/2011)

DEP Releases Study on the Impact of Closing Indian Point

2011-08-05T13:13:00.003-04:00

(Prepared by Charles River Associates)

Environmental Protection Commissioner Cas Holloway today released an independent analysis on the impact of closing the Indian Point nuclear power plant. The report, prepared by Charles River Associates on behalf of the city, does not look at whether the plant should or should not close, but rather what the implications of a closure would mean in terms of the cost of energy, potential air quality issues, and the electrical grid's ability to continue to meet energy demands.

FULL REPORT

The report finds that the impacts would be significant regardless of what replacement options are selected. Under all scenarios, energy prices will rise and there will be a measurable increase in air emissions such as carbon and NOx. The report also finds that without replacement power generation, the reliability of New York City and the region’s energy supply would be seriously compromised. (DEP)

Chris Christie Has Breathing Trouble

2011-07-28T13:05:00.001-04:00

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, 48, was taken to the hospital Thursday after having difficulty breathing. Christie's spokesman Michael Drewniak said in an official statement that the governor was hospitalized at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, N.J., "out of an abundance of caution. In line with someone dealing with asthma, he is being given routine tests as a precautionary measure."

The governor was en route to a 10:30 a.m. bill signing event in Hillsborough, N.J., when the decision was made to go to the hospital. According to his official schedule, Christie was due to "sign legislation that allows for increased preservation of state land and natural resources."

Christie remained at the hospital in Somerville Thursday afternoon with no time set for his release. Shortness of breath can also come from heart problems. (New York Post, 7/28/2011)

New York Mayor Bloomberg Donates $50 Million to Sierra Club

2011-07-22T13:55:00.002-04:00

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announcing his $50 million donation
to the Sierra Club near a coal-fired power plant in Alexandria, Va.
Jewel Samad/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced on Thursday that he would donate $50 million to the Sierra Club’s campaign to shut down coal-fired power plants across the United States. The announcement was made in Washington, DC on the bank of the Potomac River across from the Potomac River plant, which is owned by The 62-year old Potomac plant, which is owned by GenOn Energy, is among the oldest of the country’s roughly 400 coal-fired power plants.

Mayor Bloomberg appeared with the Sierra Club’s executive director, Michael Brune to announce the gift from his chief charitable organization, Bloomberg Philanthropies. Mr. Bloomberg said he hoped it would help the environmental group shut down as many as a third of the nation’s coal-burning power plants — the oldest and dirtiest ones — by 2020.

Coal provides nearly half of the nation’s electricity and accounts for roughly a third of its output of carbon dioxide and other gases responsible for warming the planet. Burning coal also produces millions of tons of other pollutants that are harmful to human health and the environment.

The Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign claims to have blocked the opening of more than 150 coal-fired power plants in recent years through litigation and local action. Mr. Bloomberg’s $50 million represents a third of the campaign’s projected $150 million four-year budget.

The goal of the campaign is to cut electricity production from coal by 30 percent and mercury emissions by 90 percent by 2020. Mr. Bloomberg’s donation will be used to expand the campaign to 45 states from the current 15 and to double the number of full-time staff members to 200. (NYT, 7/21/2011)

Power NY Act of 2011

2011-07-18T17:34:00.002-04:00

Article 10 Reauthorization Law

The Power NY Act of 2011

The New York Legislature has passed and Govern Andrew Cuomo has signed the “Power NY Act of 2011.” Section 12 of the new law reauthorizes and modernizes Article X of the Public Service Law, which expired on January 1, 2003, governing the siting and approval of power plants in New York.

Like its predecessor, the new version of Article X aims to centralize and streamline the siting approval process, although the threshold for application of the law has been lowered from 80 to 25 megawatts. The law creates and vests permitting authority with the New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment (“the Board”). The statute provides that two local residents will be part of the Board with the other five members being State officials for each proceeding. The law also provides for “intervenor funding” which will enable municipalities and other local parties to participate in all phases of the administrative review, including the mandated adjudicatory hearing.

The Board is given authority to override local laws and ordinances if they are “unreasonably burdensome.” Unless otherwise agreed to by an applicant or extended due to a “material and substantial amendment to the application” or “extraordinary circumstances,” Board decisions must be rendered within a year of the application being deemed complete.

Article X displaces the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) process for covered projects, but mandates several environmental analyses of the facility’s impacts. These analyses include a “cumulative air quality analysis” of the combined effects from the proposed facility, other proposed sources and all existing sources; a description of the demographics of the surrounding community; and a description of “reasonable and available” alternative locations. It also requires the Board to find that the project minimizes or avoids disproportionate impacts on the surrounding community.

There are significant differences between the new version of Article X and the expired version. The lower 25 megawatt threshold will allow smaller projects to be covered by the law and may particularly benefit developers of wind projects, which in most cases would not have been covered by the expired version. The increased emphasis on environmental justice impacts addresses concerns stated by environmental groups. Current applicants for local and state permits for a power plant may elect to be covered by the new law. (Sive, Paget & Riesel, PC)

Governor Cuomo’s Memorandum on the Legislation

NY DEC Issues Natural Gas Fracking Proposal

2011-07-12T09:38:00.002-04:00

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation posted its 700-plus-page blueprint for hydraulic fracturing, known as fracking, in the lucrative Marcellus Shale region on its website Friday, allowing industry and environmental groups to start dissecting the proposed plan to allow gas drilling in an area where it’s been on hold since 2008. The proposal to places large areas off-limits to gas drilling, which industry representatives belive is overly restrictive, while environmentalists believe the proposed watershed protections do not go far enough.

The proposed New York rules include a section describing several gas-drilling operation accidents in Pennsylvania and outlining New York’s measures designed to mitigate such incidents. A coalition of 47 health and environmental groups has called for a statewide ban on hydraulic fracturing for natural gas, saying it poses unacceptable risks. The Center New York has established Criteria For Evaluating Hydraulic Fracturing Projects.

Chesapeake Bay Watershed

In the proposal, the watersheds and state lands where gas-drilling would be prohibited amount to about 15 percent of the land in New York’s part of the Marcellus Shale, the nation’s largest-known natural gas reservoir. The formation underlies southern New York, much of Pennsylvania, and parts of Ohio, West Virginia and Western Maryland.

Some believe the proposal to place the watersheds off-limits to drilling doesn’t go far enough because it doesn’t include a sufficient buffer around the ancient underground tunnels that carry water to New York City from its upstate reservoirs.

The first wave of Marcellus development in New York would likely run along Interstate 86 from Binghamton through Tioga and Chemung counties, near the Millennium Pipeline. Lawsuits could occur in areas where there are attempts by municipal governments to use zoning or local ordinances to regulate natural gas activities. (The Daily Record, 7/11/2011)

RGGI Reaffirms Recognition of NJ Allowances

2011-05-31T19:18:00.000-04:00

In response to the statement of Governor Christie announcing his intention to withdraw New Jersey in an orderly fashion from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative at the end of the first compliance period (December 31, 2011), the Participating States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont confirm that according to each state’s regulations they will each recognize for compliance purposes without limitation all New Jersey Vintage 2009, 2010 and 2011 allowances in circulation as of the date of this notice and those that will be sold in the upcoming Auction 12.

Additional information regarding other New Jersey allowances will be issued prior to the release of the Notice for RGGI CO2 Allowance Auction 13.

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Copy of the above statement

Bill Clinton & Mike Bloomberg Merge Climate Programs

2011-04-14T18:23:00.001-04:00

Bill Clinton & Michael Bloomberg
[photo Edward Reed/NYC Mayor Office]

Former President Bill Clinton joined Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Wednesday at Gracie Mansion to announce the merger of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) and the Cities Program of Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI).

C40 is a global coalition of large cities that cooperate to address energy and climate change issues. C40 was established in 2006; Mayor Bloomberg is the current chairman.

CCI is a program of the William J. Clinton Foundation established by President Clinton to reduce poverty, promote health, bolster economies, and protect the environment.

The belief that cities play a driving force in addressing climate change motivated the merger decision, stated both Clinton and Bloomberg. The merger streamlines and enhances the work of the two organizations that share a common mission in mobilizing cities to tackle climate change. The C40-CCI partnership enhances the new organization’s resources and infrastructure and boosts its efforts to play a prominent role in global climate change matters.

The outcome for the C40 is three-fold. C40 will increase the number of participating cities, double its budget, and restructure the organization so that cities can share best practices more effectively and undertake climate change issues together.

Bloomberg provided examples of different climate change initiatives in global cities such as Sao Paulo, Jakarta, Hong Kong, London, and included New York City’s efforts to combat climate change. (The Epoch Times, 4/13/2011)

EPA To Update Safe Drinking Water Act Contaminant List

2011-03-03T17:25:00.001-05:00

EPA Submits for Public Comment the Next Round of Safe Drinking Water Act Contaminant Monitoring

As part of its commitment to implement sensible protections of drinking water for communities across the country, and as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing 30 currently unregulated contaminants for monitoring in water systems, and submitting this proposal for public comment. The comment period will allow the public and other stakeholders to provide input on the selection of new contaminants for monitoring, and will help determine the best path forward as the EPA seeks to collect data that will inform future decisions about how best to protect drinking water.

Under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA currently regulates more than 90 contaminants in drinking water. To keep drinking water standards up-to-date with emerging science, the Safe Drinking Water Act requires that EPA identify up to 30 unregulated contaminants for monitoring every five years. This current proposal is the third Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Regulation and includes requirements to monitor for two viruses and 28 chemical contaminants that could be present in drinking water and do not currently have health-based standards.

EPA is requesting public comment on the proposed list of 30 contaminants until May 2, 2011. Following the public comment period, EPA will consider this important input before the list is scheduled to be finalized in 2012, with sampling to be conducted from 2013 to 2015. Sampling will take place at all systems serving more than 10,000 people and at a representative sampling of systems serving less than 10,000 people.
More information about the proposed list of contaminants

New York University Cogeneration Plant Completed

2011-01-26T01:17:00.003-05:00

New York University has completed its natural gas-fired Co-Generation (CoGen) plant, which decreases greenhouse gas emissions by 23% while reducing air pollutants by 68% compared to its 30-year-old, oil-fired CoGen predecessor. Located beneath a renovated public plaza at 251 Mercer Street , the new CoGen plant approaches 90% energy efficiency while producing 13.4 megawatts of electricity—twice the output of the previous system.

The comprehensive, state-of-the-art $125 million CoGen upgrade and public plaza installation project took 28 months to complete. It is the one of the largest private CoGen plants in New York City, and provides electricity to 22 NYU buildings, up from 7 buildings with the old plant. The new NYU CoGen system will also produce heat and hot and chilled water to 37 buildings on the Washington Square Campus, and is expected to save the university $5-8 million in energy related costs per year.

CoGen is the cornerstone of NYU’s 2010 Climate Action Plan (CAP), a comprehensive approach to reducing the University’s carbon footprint and enhancing its overall sustainability. NYU’s CAP was spurred on in part by the signing of Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC Climate Challenge, which calls on all city colleges and universities to voluntarily reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2017.

Prior to the CoGen upgrade, NYU had made significant progress in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, cutting them by 20-25% over just four years, from a peak of ~179,000 Metric Tons Carbon Equivalent (MTCE) in 2006 to ~125,000 MTCE in 2010. With the addition of CoGen coming on line, NYU’s total emissions are expected to drop approximately 20% more, to about ~98,500 MTCE. This not only fulfills the Mayor’s Challenge, but surpasses it by an additional ~10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, reaching a total of ~40%.

Key statistics of NYU’s CoGen:

• Two 5.5 megawatts (MW) gas turbines and a 2.4MW steam turbine;
• Approaching 90% overall efficiency;
• Providing electricity to 22 buildings up from 7 with the old fuel oil CoGen;
• Providing heat to 37 buildings;
• 23% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions;
• 68% reduction of EPA Criteria Air Pollutants (e.g. NOx, SOx, PM-10);
• One of the largest private co-gen plants in NYC;
• Produces twice the electrical power of the old facility – at 13.4 megawatts – and avoids the combustion of 500,000 gallons of fuel oil annually;
• All-digitally controlled for better monitoring and maximum efficiency.
• Installation of a 13,000 sq. ft. public plaza on Mercer Street using native plant species, and providing 190 linear feet of seating space.

How NYU’s CoGen Works:

Compressed natural gas fuels twin high-tech gas turbines that work very much like jet engines. As the turbines operate, their rotation is used to generate 11 megawatts of electricity, and the hot waste exhaust from them is directed to heat recovery generators, which produce steam.

Once 600 pounds of super-heated steam is created in the generators, it is piped to a turbine electrical generator, which produces an additional 2.4 megawatts of electricity. After the steam has passed through the turbine generator, it is used to make hot water for the campus in two high-temp heat exchangers, and it is used to operate a turbine-driven chiller to produce 2,000 tons of chilled water. In using a mechanical energy turbine, being turned by steam to run the chiller’s compressor, this further increases the efficiency of the CoGen plant as it saves electric energy.

About the Renovated Mercer Plaza:

NYU—in cooperation with Community Board #2—convened a 15-member Community Advisory Committee (CAC) comprised of neighbors, Community Board members, a local business, elected officials, and an NYU student and professor to assist in the planning and design of the new plaza, which was constructed directly above the CoGen plant.

Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects (MNLA) was hired to lead the project, and the community-engaged process has resulted in a new green space that integrates the interests and concerns of as many stakeholders as possible. Prior to construction of CoGen, the site contained two parallel sidewalks and two fenced/gated areas with trees, shrubbery, and some ground cover. There was no seating at street level.

Conceived as a green urban plaza beneath the canopy of a park, three garden-size “rooms” with wood decks and 190 linear feet of benches have been carved out of the planting beds to provide space for sitting and relaxing. A strong, seasonal palette of 18 native plants species, including 22 new trees, creates a lively ground plane for the benches and informal seating located throughout the upper and lower plazas. The lighting has been designed to allow for ample security but not to disturb neighboring buildings at night.

About New York University:

New York University is located in the heart of Greenwich Village. Founded in 1831, it is one of America’s foremost research universities and a member of the selective Association of American Universities. It is one of the largest private universities, it is a leader in attracting international students and scholars in the U.S, and it sends more students to study abroad than any other U.S. college or university. Through its 18 schools and colleges, NYU conducts research and provides education in the arts and sciences, law, medicine, business, dentistry, education, nursing, the cinematic and performing arts, music and studio arts, public administration, social work, and continuing and professional studies, among other areas.

NY ISO Approves Ten Year Electricity Plan

2011-01-12T15:15:00.000-05:00

The Board of Directors of the New York Independent System Operator has approved a plan for meeting New York State’s power needs of the next ten years.

NYISO’s statement and the report

PEER Hammers NJ Governor Christie on DEP Staffing

2011-01-06T11:45:00.002-05:00

Press Release From Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER)

Corporate Political Donors Control DEP Toxic Clean-Up Oversight & Rulemaking

Trenton — Key figures in a corporate pay-for-play scandal also occupy controlling positions on state “stakeholder” committees setting toxic clean-up standards which affect their business dealings, potentially saving them significant sums while effectively shielding them from enforcement actions from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), according to Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). PEER is calling for removal of participating corporations from DEP “technical committees” and for an audit of their cases before DEP.

Corporations with millions in state contracts have donated large sums to an ironically named “Reform New Jersey” group that pushed for the privatization agenda of Governor Chris Christie, left. Run by key Christie advisors, Reform New Jersey appeared to violate state pay-to-play prohibitions which bar contributions in connection with award of public contracts. In late December, the group was disbanded after its contributors were revealed. Gov. Christie has denied any knowledge of its activities, despite being the keynote speaker at Reform New Jersey fundraisers.

Some of those same corporations and redevelopment consultants also sit on DEP stakeholder committees charged with re-writing regulations governing toxic site clean-up. For example, Langan Engineering (which gave $25,000 to Reform New Jersey) has a dominating delegation of nine representatives. One of its senior associates, tapped by Gov. Christie, serves on the DEP Site Remediation Professional Licensing Board, which oversees newly authorized privatized clean-ups of contaminated sites.

These slots give these firms inside access and influence that can work to shield them from oversight or enforcement by DEP. As one DEP employee recently wrote:

“Langan has been given unprecedented access to DEP records and computer databases that their competitors do not have. The big ‘joke’ at DEP is that we work for them. This despite the fact that everyone in the Site Remediation Program (hundreds of scientists and engineers) can give examples of shoddy, unprofessional, inaccurate, and even unethical product from Langan over the years.”

“At DEP, the Christie ‘streamlining’ agenda is a façade for hollowing out health safeguards and filling them in with self-regulation by the polluting corporations and their paid consultants,” stated New Jersey PEER Director Bill Wolfe. “This is the foxes running a chicken take-out restaurant from the henhouse.”

In a December 31 letter, PEER asked DEP Commissioner Bob Martin to remove the Reform New Jersey participants from agency boards and committees and to audit how the firms’ cases were being handled by DEP. Martin has yet to reply to the letter.

Not coincidentally, New Jersey DEP is in the process of lowering standards for privatized clean-ups of toxic sites, including relaxation of vapor intrusion protections and requirements for complete remediation. At the same time, the state is reeling from health problems arising at “former” toxic sites, such as most recently Pompton Lakes, that have been inadequately cleaned up.

“How is New Jersey’s economy helped by more toxic clean-ups that leave neighbors and future residents at risk?” asked Wolfe.

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See the corporate who’s who on DEP technical committees

Read the PEER letter calling for removal and audits

View the agenda for lowered toxic clean-up standards

Look at Pompton Lakes mess

Revisit DEP role in 2009 pay-to-play corruption scandals

New Jersey PEER is a state chapter of a national alliance of state and federal agency resource professionals working to ensure environmental ethics and government accountability.

Wedgewire Screens Can Solve Entergy's Fish Egg Problem

2010-12-23T22:28:00.001-05:00

Many nuclear power plants in the United States are going through feasibility studies to consider technologies to comply with an expected revision to Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act, which sets out rules related to fish impingement and entrainment. 316(b) requires that the location, design, construction and capacity of cooling water intake reflect the best available technology for minimizing the environmental impact on fish and other aquatic life.

In the U.S. 35 of the 104 active nuclear power reactors currently use closed-cycle cooling towers while 60 use once-through cooling technology. EPA said that while their information on impact is limited, the agency claims it does know that trillions of aquatic organisms are impinged or entrained annually. EPA also said that 40 percent of all cooling water intakes are on water bodies that have threatened or engaged species.

Installation of screens at the Oak Creek Station
on Lake Michigan. Photo courtesy WE Energies

Existing power plants do have options besides expensive and unworkable cooling tower retrofits in order to reduce impingement and entrainment. Behavioral devices intended to scare fish away from the intake system, fish collection and transfer systems, which are intended to collect and return the species to the source body of water, and exclusion devices are three alternatives for cooling water intake structures. Exclusion devices include traveling water screens manufactured by companies such as Pro-Line Water Screen Services Inc. and narrow slot wedge wire screens constructed by Intake Screens Inc., as well as many other companies, and are deployed to keep fish, fish eggs and larvae from entering the power plant cooling system.

Indian Point Energy Center

In April the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issued a notice of denial for Entergy’s request for a water quality certificate for Indian Point. The DEC said the plant will not comply with the states water quality standards and that the plant’s water intake system and its releases of water back into the Hudson River are killing two species of fish. Indian Point must receive the water quality certificate in order for Entergy to request a 20-year license extension for Units 2 and 3, which are currently due to expire in 2013 and 2015. In late-July the DEC Administrative Law Judge held public meetings for both sides to voice their opinions. The appeals process is still ongoing.

According to Entergy conversions alone to the Indian Point plant would cost $1.1 billion for construction and would last until 2029 and being down a year without producing electricity total another $2 billion. Constructing cooling towers on site would require blasting 2 million cubic-yards of rock and granite over a period of four years in order to make space for the towers that are the size of two Yankee Stadiums.

Entergy has found technology that will provide better protection to the aquatic environment. Wedge wire screens are their solution for protecting fish eggs and larvae rather than cooling towers over the 20-year license renewal period. Installing wedge wire technology it would take three to five years and cost $200 million. (PowerGenWorldWide, Oct 1, 2010)

Judith Enck Statement on GE Hudson River Decision

2010-12-23T15:36:00.004-05:00

Judith Enck

Statement on GE Hudson River Decision

Judith Enck
Regional Administrator,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

December 23, 2010

"EPA commends GE on its decision to conduct the second and final phase of the Hudson River cleanup. The decision sets us on a clear path to a cleanup of PCB-contaminated sediment that is based on the best science and will remove huge quantities of this dangerous chemical from the river.

Over the next few months, we will work with GE on technical plans for the cleanup. We are scheduled to resume dredging this spring. This is an important milestone in the progress we have made over many years in cleaning up and restoring the Hudson River for future generations."

Press inquiries: call Bonnie Bellow, 212-637-3660 or cell phone 646-369-0062
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GE announced today that it has advised the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that it will perform the second and final phase of the Hudson River dredging project.

GE also said it will take an after-tax charge of about $500 million in the fourth quarter of 2010 to help fund the remainder of the project. As discussed on December 14 with securities analysts, GE expects that positive items, including a favorable tax settlement, will offset this charge. GE expects this step will resolve future uncertainty regarding Hudson dredging liabilities.

GE’s goal is to resume dredging in late Spring 2011. The company’s dredging team already has begun to refine the engineering design for Phase 2, based on technical discussions with EPA and the recommendations of the panel of independent scientists who evaluated the first phase of dredging. GE expects to submit the plans to EPA for review and approval in February.

For more information: Mark Behan 518-792-3856 http://www.hudsondredging.com/

Proposed Revisions To Short & Full Environmental Forms

2010-12-18T13:24:00.001-05:00

The public comment period for proposed revisions to the Short and Full Environmental Assessment Forms (EAFs) used by governmental agencies and boards to assess the environmental significance of actions reviewed under State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) regulations has opened. These forms are a critical part of the process that determines whether a full SEQR Environmental Impact Statement is needed for a particular project or action.

Many of the proposed revisions could be considered to have EJ implications. OEJ suggests that EJ stakeholders pay particular attention to:

EAF Part One - Section D.2. Project Operations; and Section E.1. Land Uses On and Surrounding the Project Site

EAF Part Two - Section 16. Impact on Human Health; Section 17. Consistency with Community Plans; and Section 18. Consistency with Community Character
_______________________________________________________________________

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is proposing revisions to both the Short and Full Environmental Assessment Forms (EAFs) used by governmental agencies and boards to assess the environmental significance of actions reviewed under State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) regulations (6 NYCRR 617). The existing EAFs are out-of-date and no longer adequately serve the purposes for which they were created.

The notice for this action can be found in the November 24, 2010 issue of the Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB)
A legislative public hearing for this action will be held on January 25, 2011 at 1:00 pm in Room 129 at the offices of the NYS DEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233. Comments on the Full and Short EAF and supporting documents will be accepted by the Department until close of business, February 18, 2011. Please submit comments to Mr. Robert Ewing at the address listed below. Comments may also be submitted via the web to: depprmt@gw.dec.state.ny.us . Please include EAF Comments in the subject line of the e-mail.

The draft revised EAF forms, associated rulemaking documents and the negative declaration are published in full at the following web address: http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/70293.html

For further information, contact:

Robert Ewing
NYS DEC - Division of Environmental Permits
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-1750
Phone: (518) 402-9167
E-mail: depprmt@gw.dec.state.ny.us

DEC Urban Forestry Grants

2010-12-18T12:05:00.002-05:00

DEC ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR URBAN FORESTRY GRANTS

Tree Plantings, Green Infrastructure Can Reduce Pollution,
Improve Urban Quality of Life

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced it is making grants available to support urban forestry projects across the state. The Urban and Community Forestry grants will enhance New York’s urban landscapes with healthy trees and provide numerous environmental, health and economic benefits.

Trees, parks and other green spaces offer numerous benefits in cities and other populated areas, such as creating wildlife habitat, increasing property values, and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors. Trees also help address a number of negative impacts in urban areas by reducing water and air pollution, lowering local temperatures caused by the “heat island” effect, stopping erosion, and decreasing energy use, stormwater runoff and noise.

Eligible projects include tree inventories and management plans, tree and shrub planting and maintenance, and green infrastructure projects such as green roofs and rain gardens. Communities impacted by the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive and damaging beetle, can also seek funding for projects that include removal of at-risk trees or new tree plantings.

Applicants can include municipalities, public benefit corporations, public authorities, school districts and not-for-profit organizations that have a public ownership interest in the property or are acting on behalf of a public property owner. Grants, provided through the state’s Environmental Protection Fund, will range from $2,500 to $62,500 depending on municipal population, with a 50/50 match requirement. Additionally, $1,000 “Quick Start Arbor Day” grants - with no match requirement - will be available to help communities generate support for a tree program with an Arbor Day celebration.

The urban forestry grant program complements DEC's ongoing initiatives to address climate change, environmental quality, environmental justice and sprawl. Grant proposals should discuss the scope of work to be done and how the project will provide environmental, economic, and/or social benefits in the community. In selecting sites, appropriate consideration should be given to under-served neighborhoods, as well as targeting local environmental issues. Applicants are encouraged to form regional partnerships and submit proposals that help to implement watershed protection and smart growth initiatives with green solutions.

DEC foresters are available to provide applicants with technical assistance (see contact information below). DEC staff will review the completed grant applications and choose recipients based on established rating criteria. Proposals will be evaluated on their cost effectiveness, projected benefits, use of recommended standards in implementation, community outreach, education, and support, and regional impact.

Applicants may obtain all necessary instructions and forms. Grant applications must be postmarked by Feb. 10, 2011, and sent to: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Urban Forestry, Division of Lands and Forests, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4253. For more information, call DEC at (518) 402-9425.

EPA Announces Requirements for Next Phase of Hudson River PCB Cleanup

2010-12-17T17:32:00.000-05:00

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today presented GE with requirements for the next phase of the cleanup of the Hudson River. The second phase of the cleanup – which is designed to address potentially cancer-causing chemicals released for decades from two GE plants into the Hudson – would require GE to remove far more contaminated sediment from the river before sealing or “capping” any remaining PCBs. The decision follows months of consultation with GE, the State of New York and a wide range of stakeholder groups as the Agency analyzed technical information and decided how best to proceed with the second phase of the project. GE has until January 14, 2011 to review EPA’s decision and notify the Agency whether they will proceed with this phase of the cleanup, scheduled to begin in May 2011.

GE plants discharged approximately 1.3 million pounds of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) during a 30 period ending in 1977, contaminating nearly 200 miles of the Hudson River. These potentially cancer-causing chemicals can build up in fish over time, posing a serious risk to those who eat them.

The cleanup of this site, one of the largest Superfund sites in the country was divided into two phases. Under EPA’s direction, GE began the first phase in May 2009, completing it in November 2009. EPA conducted a comprehensive review of the science and considered the views of a group of independent scientific experts following the completion of the first phase.

In the first phase of the cleanup, nearly 37% of the area was capped due to the continued presence of contamination, despite multiple dredging passes that removed the great majority of the PCBs. Capping in 15% percent of the area was unavoidable because of physical barriers in the river, leaving 22% percent capped in areas without these barriers. While fish and other aquatic life are not exposed to the contamination in the capped areas, the Agency has determined that it is necessary in Phase 2 to set a stringent limit on what percentage of the total project area can be capped if dredging does not meet the cleanup goals. This limit will be set at 11% of the total project area, not counting those areas where capping is unavoidable. This limit represents a significant improvement from Phase 1 and will require GE to employ considerably more rigorous dredging procedures.
Dredging during the second phase will go deeper into the sediment and, by relying on better information and lessons learned during the first phase, will remove more contaminated sediment in fewer passes. Phase two will require GE to remove an estimated 95 percent or more of PCBs from the areas designated for dredging. If GE does not agree to conduct the Phase 2 dredging, EPA fully reserves all of its enforcement authorities, including its right to order GE to perform the dredging, or take legal action to require GE to perform Phase 2 or to reimburse EPA for its costs of the cleanup if the Agency performs the cleanup using taxpayer funds.

The documents issued by EPA today and other information about the Hudson River PCBs Superfund Site can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/hudson. Residents with questions are encouraged to contact EPA Community Involvement Coordinator David Kluesner at (212) 637-3653.

Contact: Mary Mears (212) 637-3673, David Kluesner (212) 637-3653

EPA Technical Requirements for Hudson River Dredging Project

2010-12-17T17:22:00.004-05:00

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has provided the General Electric Company (GE) with detailed requirements for the next phase of the project to remove sediment contaminated by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from the bottom of the Hudson River. PCBs are probable human carcinogens and can also affect the immune, reproductive, nervous, and endocrine systems. EPA developed the plans for the second part of the two-phased dredging project after a scientific review of data and information from the first phase of dredging by a group of independent scientific experts, and extensive input from a broad range of stakeholders.

Two hundred miles of the Hudson River are on the federal Superfund list of the most hazardous waste sites in the country. Approximately 40 miles of the upper Hudson River from Hudson Falls to Troy contains the most contaminated areas of river bottom. In 2002 EPA made a formal decision to dredge areas of this stretch. The cleanup project was divided into two phases to allow time to evaluate information from the first phase to make improvements before proceeding with Phase 2.

Enhancements, refinements and improvements made to Phase 2 from Phase 1 include:

Improved Sampling In advance of Phase 1, GE took some 50,000 samples of river sediment in order to delineate and design the dredging project. Unfortunately, many of the samples turned out to be incomplete or otherwise inadequate for the intended purposes. The result was that the quantity and depth of PCBs in the areas to be dredged was often underestimated. Phase 1 operations required multiple dredging passes in most areas.

Phase 2: With the experience gained from Phase 1 sampling, GE is resampling using improved methodology to give more accurate and complete information on the extent of the contamination in the areas to be dredged. GE began this resampling effort this past summer.
Improved Dredge Design

The Phase 1 dredging design consistently underestimated the “depth of contamination” (DoC), which is the depth of cut that the dredge operators must make on each pass. As a result, multiple dredging passes were needed in Phase 1.

Underestimating DoC led to a less efficient dredging program that took longer than necessary. The reasons for the underestimation of DoC include the incomplete samples described above, but also the inadequate accounting for a high degree of variability in the contaminated sediment layer.
Phase 2: GE will be required to adjust the DoC calculations to take into account this variability. This means the dredger will dig deeper in certain locations in order to give greater assurance that all the PCB-contaminated sediments will be captured.

Fewer Dredge Passes In Phase 1, the plan allowed for multiple dredging passes – typically three to four -- to capture as much of the PCB-contaminated sediments as possible.

One consequence of the multiple dredge passes approach was that areas that had been dredged often stayed “open” (uncovered) for months while repeated re-sampling and re-dredging took place. During this time the exposed sediments were able to get back into the water column and/or were re-deposited on the river bottom.

Phase 2: A maximum of two dredge passes will be used. In very rare circumstances, when a particularly high concentration of PCBs is unexpectedly discovered after the second pass, EPA will require a third.

Significantly Less Capping GE will be required to design the dredging project to achieve the cleanup target of 1 part per million of the most toxic PCBs, referred to as “Tri+ PCBs,” in all of the dredge areas.

Due to certain physical constraints in the river (bedrock, clay and shoreline stability considerations) and other realistic limitations on the ability of dredging to achieve the cleanup target in all areas, there will be some areas that require a cap to isolate the relatively small amount of PCBs that remain after dredging occurs.

Even in areas that require a cap, the vast majority of the PCBs will be dredged before the area is capped.
Phase 2:

EPA will limit capping at 11 percent of the total project area, not counting those bedrock/clay/shoreline areas where capping is the only option. In addition, within this 11 percent maximum of dredged area that may be capped under this performance standard, another lower limit of 3 percent has been established to even more stringently limit capping over areas where significant PCB contamination remains below the top six inches of sediment after two dredging passes. By comparison, in Phase 1, 22 percent of the total acreage dredged was capped, not counting bedrock, clay and shoreline areas.

Increased Productivity During Phase 1, a total of 283,000 cubic yards of sediment were dredged by GE.

Phase 2: The target for the second phase of the project is to dredge a minimum of 350,000 cubic yards of sediment each year. EPA expects that GE will be able to achieve even higher productivity, up to 500,000 cubic yards a year or more.

Protective Limits on Resuspension

A fundamental goal of the project is to achieve a quick and significant reduction in PCB levels in fish tissue. Since the conclusion of Phase 1, fish samples collected in the fall of 2009 showed that – as always expected – there was a short-term increase in fish tissue PCB levels during and immediately after dredging operations. But fish samples collected in the spring and fall of 2010 showed no appreciable change from pre-dredging levels, also confirming EPA’s predictions. Updated modeling and other projections provide strong evidence that anticipated rates of resuspension will not jeopardize the goals of the project; on the contrary, once the project is completed, fish are projected to show speedy and dramatic improvements as a result of the dredging.

Phase 2: EPA is setting resuspension standards that take into account both the concentration of PCBs in the river water and the amount of PCBs moving downstream.

Both measurements are made at specified locations along the 40-mile stretch of the Upper Hudson in which the project is being carried out. If, at a designated measuring location, the concentration exceeds 500 parts per trillion of PCBs (equal to the maximum amount allowed in drinking water) for five days out of any seven, then GE may be required to take various steps. These steps include a temporary slowdown of operations or, in the unlikely event of a particularly high exceedance, a possible temporary shutdown of operations.

The amount of PCBs allowed to travel down the river will not be allowed to exceed 2% of the total amount of PCBs actually excavated from the river bottom, as measured at designated locations downstream of where the dredging is taking place.

At Waterford, the farthest downstream measuring station, the load may not exceed 1% of the amount excavated. If these limits are exceeded for specified periods of time, then GE may be required to take various steps, including a temporary slowdown of operations. These standards, particularly the load standard at Waterford, will be re-evaluated, and may need to be adjusted and updated as dredging operations move from the uppermost portions of the 40-mile stretch of river into areas much further downstream.

Flexibility to Make Changes

As the Hudson River Peer Review Panel recommended to EPA, the plan for Phase 2 calls for constant evaluation of new data, and provides for adjustments as the project moves forward if needed to improve operations and meet project goals. EPA will make these determinations based on scientific data.

These and other improvements to the second phase of the Hudson River dredging project will ensure that the momentum of the cleanup work in the river continues and that the biggest sources of ongoing contamination are addressed.

For more information or to view the technical documents that contain the details of Phase 2, visit www.epa.gov/hudson . Copies of the documents can also be viewed at EPA’s Hudson River Field Office located at 421 Lower Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY.

HUDSON RIVER PCBs SUPERFUND SITE

Hydraulic Fracturing Moratorium Passes in Albany

2010-12-01T06:36:00.003-05:00

The State Assembly voted 93 to 43 on Monday night to block new permits for the drilling practice, known as hydraulic fracturing, until May 15, 2011. The Senate approved the temporary moratorium in August.

The purpose would be to give the state more time to address safety and environmental worries, especially concerns that the drilling could contaminate groundwater supplies. The State Department of Environmental Conservation is reviewing the potential impact of horizontal hydraulic fracturing upstate and final regulations governing drilling could be ready as early as May 2011.

Hydraulic fracturing is a type of natural gas drilling that involves shooting chemicals and water into rock formations to release natural gas. The moratorium is aimed particularly at heading off hydraulic fracturing that relies on horizontal drilling, which requires the use of chemicals and vast amounts of water. Natural gas companies have been buying leases upstate and applying for permits for years to tap the Marcellus Shale, site of one of the largest natural gas fields in North America.

Governor David A Paterson is considering whether to sign the legislation. The Independent Oil and Gas Association of New York, an industry group, urged Mr. Paterson to veto the bill. (NYT, 11/30/2010)

Center for Environment, Commerce & Energy: 25th Anniversary

2010-11-20T11:48:00.000-05:00

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

By Norris McDonald

Today is our 25th anniversary. The Center was incorporated on November 20, 1985.

You can see a listing of many of our activities during that time at our original website, which we converted to Multiply when the original Msn Groups platform ended). There is more activity information at our History page. My career has been very satisfying. From my beginning in the Fall of 1979 at the Environmental Policy Center (now Friends of the Earth) until today, the adventure has been incredible. I started out in the Washington, D.C.-based environmental movement. Jimmy Carter was president and was just finishing a rough 4-year run. I shook his hand at the Democratic National Convention in New York in 1980 not knowing that Washington was about to get a completely new makeover. The Reagan era was interesting and quite the challenge for the environmental movement. I still remember his 'no standard standard' for appliance efficiency standards. I also remember the Air Florida crash and the Metro subway accident on the day that I was walking back from the U.S. Department of Energy after testifying on appliance standards.

Well, without sounding like the old guy in the room sharing old war time stories that nobody really wants to hear, the situation today is as exciting as ever. We are embarking on trying to build biomass power plants in Mississippi, California and in Kenya. The adventure continues and I am having more fun than ever. Our team is lean and mean and green.

I have kept the Center small on purpose and will continue to do so. I almost died from respiratory failure in 1991 and 1996 (intubated for 4 days in ICU each time). After getting divorced and full custody of my son when he was 2 years old, I decided that I wanted to stick around to see my son grow up. But I also wanted to continue with my entrepreneurial environmentalism. So keeping it small worked. Although I still struggle with a chronic acute asthma that could kill me any day, my son is now 18 and I am still 'doing my green thing.' Life is good. Hey, and we just opened a new Center Hollywood blog this week. Oh, and if you're feeling generous, feel free to click on our Donation button on our sites.

NY State Pollution Prevention Institute Invites EJ Proposals

2010-10-13T23:49:00.001-04:00

THE NEW YORK STATE POLLUTION PREVENTION INSTITUTE is pleased to invite proposals from community organizations, municipal departments, and other public sector and non-profit entities for support under the Community Grants Program.

The goal of this program is to provide financial and technical support for projects that raise awareness and understanding of pollution prevention practices and lead to implementation at the local level. The program aims to improve the health, environmental quality, and economic vitality of New York State communities.

More information on the Institute's grants programs.

Applications are due on October 22, 2010.

For more information on the Pollution Prevention Institute.

RGGI States Issue December CO2 Allowance Notice

2010-10-05T10:40:00.001-04:00

States Also Announce Dates for 2011 Auctions

The states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) today released the Auction Notice and application materials for the fourth quarterly carbon dioxide (CO2) allowance auction to be held in calendar year 2010. The materials provide potential auction participants the information needed to submit a Qualification Application and indicate their intent to bid in the December 1st auction.

In addition, the participating states today announced the dates of the four quarterly auctions to be held in 2011. The dates for the 2011 auctions.

As indicated in the Auction Notice for CO2 Allowance Auction 10, the participating states will offer for sale 43,173,648 CO2 allowances for the current control period (2009-2011) and 2,137,991 CO2 allowances for the future control period (2012-2014). States will continue to use a reserve price of $1.86 for all allowances in the December auction.

Prospective bidders can apply to participate in the auction by downloading and submitting the auction documents from the RGGI website. All prospective bidders must successfully complete the qualification process and submit an Intent to Bid to participate in the auction.

Prospective bidders are also encouraged to participate in a free webinar hosted from 2-3 PM ET on Thursday, October 7, 2010. The webinar, which is open to all, will review the RGGI auction format and qualification process. Instructions to participate in the webinar are available below.

The December 1st auction will be the tenth held since the debut of the RGGI auctions on September 25, 2008. To date, the participating states have auctioned more than 290 million CO2 allowances. Aggregate information about previous auction results, including prices, bids and participation is contained in market monitor reports issued by the independent market monitor following each RGGI auction.

Chloramine+Lead Pipes+Fluoride=Contaminated Tap Water

2010-09-28T10:36:00.000-04:00

From an article by Olga Naidenko, Environmental Working Group Senior Scientist

American water utilities are increasingly switching to chloramines, a mixture of chlorine and ammonia, for final disinfection of drinking water. Chloramine was supposed to be a "safer" water disinfectant than chlorine because it reduces formation of toxic chlorination byproducts. A 2005 survey by the American Water Works Association found that approximately a third of all utilities now use chloramines. Water disinfection byproducts are associated with increased risk of cancer and possibly adverse effects on the development of the fetus, so minimizing their levels in drinking water is a good thing. Yet, chloramines drastically increase the leaching of lead from pipes.

Two thirds of the U.S. municipal water supply is artificially fluoridated in an effort to prevent tooth decay. But fluoridation additives in tap water are not the same form of fluoride as found in toothpaste. Typically, water is fluoridated with fluorosilicic acid (FSA) or its salt, sodium fluosilicate, collectively referred to as fluorosilicates. In contrast, fluoride in toothpaste is usually in form of simple sodium fluoride salt, NaF.

Fluorosilicates have a unique affinity for lead. In fact, lead fluorosilicate is one of the most water-soluble forms of lead. When fluorosilicates in water pass through lead-containing pipes and metal fixtures, the fluorosilicates extract high levels of soluble lead from leaded-brass metal parts. Researchers have found that the mixture of the two chemicals: disinfectant (whether chlorine or chloramine) with fluorosilicic acid has a drastically increased potency, leaching amazingly high quantities of lead. This lead goes into our drinking water and right on into our bodies, where they wreak havoc by poisoning our heart, kidneys and blood, causing irreversible neurological damage and impairing reproductive function.

Chlorine and chloramine are probably here to stay for some time. On the other hand, fluoride, or, specifically, water fluoridation with fluorosilicates, is quite dispensable. There is clear evidence that fluoride dental products significantly reduce the incidence of cavities. In contrast, a substantial and growing body of peer-reviewed science suggests that ingesting fluoride in tap water does not provide any additional dental benefits other than those offered by fluoride toothpaste and may present serious health risks.

In case of fluoridation and chloramines, what emerges at the end of the pipe (our faucets) is a potentially highly hazardous mixture of fluorosilicates, lead, and residual levels of disinfectants. To protect the health of our families today, we can buy a water filters to remove heavy metals and disinfection byproducts from my drinking water with a simple pitcher filter.

Water treatment chemistry is still insufficiently understood by scientists and specific water quality outcomes depend on the particular chemical interactions found in each water treatment and distribution system. To protect the health of the entire nation, we really need to consider if our current methods of water treatment can withstand scientific scrutiny, or whether they should be re-assessed so as to provide safe, healthy tap water to all Americans. (EWG EnviroBlog, 7/13/2009)

National Urban League Celebrates Centennial Founders Day

2010-09-27T17:35:00.002-04:00

The National Urban League and more than 70 affiliates across the country are launching their second century of economic empowerment leadership at a Centennial Founders Day Celebration on Wednesday, September 29, 2010.

Shell Oil Company is sponsoring the National Urban League Founders’ Day Reception. According to Shell, they support the Urban league because it is a, "partnership that closely aligns with Shell’s firm commitment to diversity and inclusiveness at all levels throughout our organization.” The Founders’ Day Reception is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, September 27, at Le Parker Meridien Hotel, 119 W. 56th St. in New York. Actress and comedienne Phyllis Yvonne Stickney is the mistress of ceremonies, and entertainment will be provided by jazz flutist Sherry Winston.

Among other activities, the New York Urban League has scheduled an Open House and Neighborhood Day; the Charleston, S.C. affiliate will receive a proclamation from the mayor; and the Urban League of Columbus, GA, will rally to get out the vote. The Urban League of Chattanooga, TN, has a full day of activities planned, including a scholar’s fair, a Federal Reserve Bank listening tour and an open house.

To contact an affiliate for more information

Media wishing to attend the New York reception should contact Teresa Candori or call at 646-319-0891.

Report on the Secondary Market for RGGI CO2 Allowances

2010-09-27T16:16:00.003-04:00

Now Available at RGGI.org‏

The states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) today published the first quarter 2010 report on the secondary market for RGGI carbon dioxide (CO2) allowances. The report was prepared by Potomac Economics, the independent market monitor retained to evaluate the RGGI CO2 allowance market.

The Report on the Secondary Market for RGGI CO2 Allowances: First Quarter 2010 is part of Potomac’s ongoing monitoring of the RGGI auctions and the secondary markets where CO2 allowances trade. The report, which addresses the period from January to April 2010, is based on data reported to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the Chicago Climate Futures Exchange (CCFE), and the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), as well as other data.

2010-08-10T18:58:00.001-04:00

WE SUPPORT CHARLIE RANGEL

2009 Annual Report on the Market for RGGI CO2 Allowances

2010-08-04T17:22:00.002-04:00

Potomac Economics, the independent market monitor for the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) CO2 allowance market, today issued its 2009 Annual Report on the Market for RGGI CO2 Allowances. The report is based on data from the RGGI CO2 allowance auctions and data reported to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the Chicago Climate Futures Exchange (CCFE) and the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX).

The report is a part of Potomac Economics’s ongoing monitoring of the auction and secondary markets for RGGI CO2 allowances.

Previously issued reports from Potomac Economics

How Cooling Towers Work: Guide For the Non-Engineer

2010-07-27T20:15:00.000-04:00

"Cooling Tower Heat Transfer 101"

By Brad Buecker

[Excerpts]

"Evaporation is utilized to its fullest extent in cooling towers, which are designed to expose the maximum transient water surface to the maximum flow of air – for the longest period of time.”1

For water to evaporate it must consume a large amount of energy to change state from a liquid to a gas.

Figure 1

Figure 1 shows process conditions that could easily exist in a cooling system. We will calculate the mass flow rate of air needed to cool 150,000 gpm of tower inlet water to the desired temperature. We will also calculate the water lost by evaporation (go to link for full calculation). So, with an inlet cooling water flow rate of 150,000 gpm (1,251,000 lb/min), the calculated air flow is 1,248,000 lb/min, which, by chance in this case, is close to the cooling water flow rate. (Obviously, the air flow requirement would change significantly depending upon air temperature, inlet water temperature and flow rate, and other factors, and that is why cooling towers typically have multiple cells, often including fans that have adjustable speed control). The mass balance of water = 146,841 gpm. Thus, the water lost to evaporation is 3,159 gpm. A very interesting aspect of this calculation is that only about 2 percent evaporation is sufficient to provide so much cooling.

Evaporation causes dissolved and suspended solids in the cooling water to increase in concentration. This concentration factor is (logically) termed the cycles of concentration (C). Cycles of concentration can be monitored by comparing the ratio of the concentration of a very soluble ion, such as chloride or magnesium, in the makeup (MU) and recirculating (R) water. Very common is a comparison of the specific conductivity of the two streams, particularly where automatic control is utilized to bleed off recirculating water when it becomes too concentrated.

Besides blowdown, some water also escapes the process as fine moisture droplets in the cooling tower fan exhaust. This water loss is known as drift (D). Where towers are well-designed, drift is quite small and can be as low as 0.0005 percent of the recirculation rate.2 Drift particulate minimization is very important, as regulations on particulate emissions from cooling towers continue to tighten. Leaks in the cooling system are referred to as losses (L).

Reference:

1. J.C. Hensley, ed., Cooling Tower Fundamentals, 2nd Edition; The Marley Cooling Tower Company (now part of SPX Cooling Technologies, Overland Park, Kan.), 1985.
2. Personal conversation with Rich Aull of Brentwood Industries.

Power Engineering, July 2010

Center Tours Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant

2010-07-21T21:45:00.003-04:00

Center President Norris McDonald toured the Indian Point nuclear power plant for the third time on July 7, 2010. He also toured the plant in 2009 and in 2001. He is pictured below with other individuals touring the facility. The first photo [McDonald in middle] is inside the generation building and the second photo [McDonald in middle with shades] is just outside of one of the containment domes.

Wedgewire Screens- Best Available Control Technology

2010-07-08T15:48:00.004-04:00

Cylindrical Wedgewire Screens would significantly reduce entrainment and impingement of Hudson River fish.

Wedgewire screens allow water to be “filtered” prior to entering the plants' cooling system eliminating the possibility of clogging pumps.

Fish, fish larvae, and fish eggs larger than the slot size are excluded from the intake screens.
Flow-through slot velocity (0.5fps or less) eliminates the possibility of extrusion.

Wedgewire Screens in operation at Unit 2 in April 2013/14, and at Unit 3 in April 2014/15.
Wedgewire screens can be installed in 5 years.

Wedgewire Technology offers the best environmental solution to protect human health, the environment and the fish populations in the Hudson.

The screens can be installed by 2015, and begin to further enhance fish protection efforts a full 15 years ahead of Cooling Towers.

Cooling Towers pose significant environmental and permitting problems that are highly likely to generate numerous law suits that will delay the permitting and construction if in fact they can be permitted.

Video

Cap-and-Trade Revenues Fixing State Budget Shortfalls

2010-06-26T20:42:00.002-04:00

Ten Northeastern states held carbon dioxide auctions selling credits for carbon emissions to electric utilities, who purchased the credits either to allow themselves to send carbon dioxide out the smokestacks of their own power plants, or to re-sell those credits to other utilities. The auction, a quarterly feature of North America's only working cap-and-trade regime for greenhouse gases, raised $80.5 million. The ten states have largely committed to promoting energy efficiency.

In the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) states agreed to use auction proceeds to reducing energy usage. Some states have redirected use of the money.

New Jersey's Global Warming Response Act said 80 percent of the money should go toward energy-related causes. New Hampshire lawmakers voted to take all of the state's expected $3.1 million share of the proceeds and use it to help plug a $295 million budget hole. New York transferred $90 million out of a fund of auction proceeds and into its general fund. And New Jersey is poised to use $65 million from carbon-credit sales to help balance its budget, pending a vote of the Legislature.

RGGI is a simple concept: States cap pollution, charge polluters to pollute, and put the money back into programs that conserve energy. The RGGI raids not only violate the states' original agreement with each other, but also upend the idea that cap-and-trade was supposed to save ratepayers money on their energy bills in the long run. It means cap-and-trade will cost money now instead of saving money.

The RGGI raids would seem to confirm the fears of critics: that cap and trade is a back door tax. With three states stashing extra auction proceeds in their general funds, there’s evidence to support the view that cap-and-trade regimes amount to just another tax.

RGGI held its first auction of carbon allowances in September 2008. Ten states now participate — Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. The auctions have raised a total of $663 million.

Although RGGI is a collaborative effort, it is ten different programs in ten different states. That’s one reason why the states have reached very different conclusions about whether or not to dip into their RGGI funds.

In Rhode Island, state law would prevents using the auction funds to fill a budget hole. In Maryland last year, lawmakers diverted RGGI money from energy-efficiency programs to helping low-income residents with their power bills.

In New York last December, Governor David Paterson proposed and the Legislature approved putting half of the state’s available RGGI money toward the general fund, even though state regulations called for it to be spent on energy efficiency.

New Jersey’s global warming law directs where the RGGI money is supposed to go. The catch there is that it’s not constitutionally dedicated, which allows the governor and lawmakers to raid it for budget purposes. Making the money constitutionally dedicated, which would be the next step in protecting RGGI money, requires a two-thirds vote by the Legislature and a ballot vote by state residents.

In New Hampshire, the RGGI money was legally dedicated to energy efficiency. That’s why the state Legislature had to vote for it to be spent toward the budget. (Stateline.org, 6/26/2010)

RGGI CO2 Auction Nets $80.4 Million in Proceeds

2010-06-11T11:10:00.004-04:00

Current Control Period Allowances Sold at $1.88

Future Control Period Allowances Sold at $1.86

The ten states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the nation’s first mandatory, market-based program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, today announced the results of the second quarterly auction of carbon dioxide (CO2) allowances in 2010. The auction, held Wednesday, June 9th, yielded $80,465,566.78 for states to invest in the clean energy economy. 40,685,585 CO2 allowances for the first three-year control period (2009-2011) offered in Wednesday’s auction sold at a price of $1.88. In a parallel offering, the RGGI states also auctioned CO2 allowances for the second three-year control period (2012-2014). A total of 2,137,993 CO2 allowances for the second control period sold at a price of $1.86.

Proceeds from all the RGGI auctions now total more than $662.8 million. States are investing these proceeds in consumer benefit programs that further reduce emissions, save consumers money and create jobs. Overall, states are investing the vast majority of proceeds to improve energy efficiency and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy technologies. Overall, states are investing roughly 60 percent of the proceeds from RGGI CO2 allowance auctions in energy efficiency, the most cost-effective resource for reducing energy demand in the near-term.

Energy efficiency measures, such as building retrofits, heating system replacements and appliance upgrades, save consumers 20 to 30 percent off their energy bills. While states maximize near-term energy efficiency opportunities, they are also investing in renewable energy sources for a long-term clean energy future. Across the region, funds are being used to install solar, wind and geothermal energy generation systems in commercial and industrial facilities and to deploy solar energy and hot water systems on homes and businesses. States are beginning to document both the direct consumer benefits and the broad economic gains that the investment of RGGI proceeds is bringing to the region.

For example, in Connecticut, electric and gas energy efficiency programs, funded in part with RGGI proceeds, are producing more than $4.00 in benefits for every $1.00 invested. New York is showing a greater than 8 to 1 benefit for every dollar invested in renewable energy systems.

To learn more about how each state is investing RGGI auction proceeds

Additional details about RGGI Auction 8: Market Monitor Report for Auction 8 available

The next RGGI auction is scheduled for September 8, 2010.

SELECTED INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Selected investment highlights from each of the ten RGGI states include the following:

Renewable Energy

* Connecticut has approved $1.3M of its RGGI allocation for municipal projects in the On-Site Distributed Generation Program -- the allocation funds solar PV energy systems on municipal buildings. Between November 2009 and May 2010, 9 projects were approved, 7 on schools and 2 on town buildings. Together, the projects will add 415 kW of clean, renewable power to the grid.

* Maryland has invested $2.16M in its RGGI proceeds in its Solar Energy Grant Program -- a program to provide grants for solar electricity and hot water systems on homes and businesses. Since RGGI began, over 400 grants have been awarded to residents across the state. The grants helped add over 1,700 MWh of clean, renewable solar power to the grid.

* New Jersey has invested $19.4M in its Clean Energy Solutions Capital Investment Loan/Grant Program -- a program to provide zero-interest loans and grants for large-scale renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Through April 2010, 8 projects have received grants or loans for combined heat and power (CHP) systems, commercial-scale solar electric systems and a feasibility study for an offshore wind turbine installation. The funded CHP and solar-electric systems represent 14 MW of new, clean generation capacity.

Energy Efficiency

* Maine has invested $3.5M in its Industrial Energy Efficiency Grant Program -- a program to provide grants between $100,000 and $1 million for large-scale energy efficiency projects, including CHP systems. In 2009, a total of 16 grants were awarded, 6 of which were funded by RGGI. The 6 RGGI projects will avoid more than 367,560 metric tons of CO2 over their lifetime.

* New Hampshire has invested $500K in its EnergySmart Schools Program -- a program to provide energy benchmarking services to New Hampshire’s K-12 schools. Each school will receive a report which documents energy use, costs and emissions for each building, and provides recommendations for immediate strategies to reduce energy use.

* Rhode Island has committed $3.95M to the Least Cost Procurement Energy Efficiency Utility Account at National Grid for supplementing and expanding energy efficiency programs, including: home energy audits, Energy Star lighting and appliance rebates, high-efficiency heating, water heating and controls incentives, Energy Star central air conditioning rebates and energy efficiency educational programs.

* Delaware has invested RGGI proceeds in the Sustainable Energy Utility’s Energize Delaware Appliance Rebate Program -- a program to provide rebates of up to $200 for the purchase of an Energy Star-qualified clothes washer, dishwasher, room air conditioner, or gas water heater. Since September 2009, the program has provided more than 10,000 rebates, saving consumers nearly $250,000.

* Vermont has invested RGGI proceeds in its Button-Up Vermont Program -- a program to provide free home energy-savings workshops where residents learn how to implement do-it-yourself measures to improve energy efficiency. Participants also learn about saving opportunities associated with energy retrofits, and about technical and financial resources available to them.

Workforce Development

* New York State committed $8M to the Workforce Development Programs -- To meet ambitious legislated goals for improving the energy efficiency of existing homes, New York is devoting substantial resources to greatly expand the workforce training infrastructure needed to prepare workers to design, install, and maintain energy efficiency initiatives. Funds will be used to provide apprenticeship and internship incentives to employers and training institutions, expand existing training centers, fund basic skill initiatives, provide funding for training equipment, and improve field testing process and certification examinations to help increase the number of qualified workers. The funds are projected to significantly increase the number of workers that have been trained over the past few years.

* Massachusetts has invested $1.9M in its Energy Efficiency Skills and Innovation Initiative -- a program to train the state’s cutting edge green collar workforce. Under the program, Springfield Technical Community College is serving as a statewide clearinghouse for energy efficiency training activities, materials and services, and is coordinating job training at community colleges across the state.

About the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative: The 10 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states participating in RGGI (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont) have designed and implemented the first market-based, mandatory cap-and-trade program in the U.S. to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Power sector CO2 emissions are capped at 188 million short tons per year through 2014. The cap will then be reduced by 2.5 percent in each of the four years 2015 through 2018, for a total reduction of 10 percent.

A CO2 allowance represents a limited authorization to emit one short ton of CO2, as issued by a respective participating state. A regulated power plant must hold CO2 allowances equal to its emissions to demonstrate compliance at the end of each three-year control period. The first control period for fossil fuel-fired electric generators under each state’s CO2 Budget Trading Program took effect on January 1, 2009 and extends through December 31, 2011. CO2 allowances for the first control period (2009-2011) may be used to meet current compliance obligations, or may be banked for use in future control periods. CO2 allowances for the second control period (2012-2014) can only be used to meet compliance obligations beginning in 2012. CO2 allowances issued by any participating state are usable across all state programs, so that the ten individual state CO2 Budget Trading Programs, in aggregate, form one regional compliance market for CO2 emissions.

RGGI, Inc. was created to provide technical and administrative services to the states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. RGGI, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The RGGI auctions are administered by RGGI, Inc. and run on an online platform provided by World Energy Solutions, Inc.

2010-05-03T13:17:00.000-04:00

RGGI CO2 1st Quarterly Auction of 2010

2010-03-15T17:00:00.000-04:00

RGGI CO2 AUCTIONS YIELD MILLIONS FOR INVESTMENT IN CLEAN ENERGY, JOB CREATION

Current Control Period Allowances Sold at $2.07 Future Control Period Allowances Sold at $1.86

The states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)has announced the results of the first quarterly auction of carbon dioxide (CO2) allowances in 2010. The auction, held Wednesday, March 10th, yielded $87,956,944.56 for investment in the clean energy economy. All of the 40,612,408 CO2 allowances for the first three-year control period (2009-2011) offered in Wednesday’s auction sold at a price of $2.07.

In a parallel offering, the RGGI states also auctioned CO2 allowances for the second three-year control period (2012-2014). A total of 2,091,000 of the 2,137,992 CO2 allowances for the second control period sold at a price of $1.86. Unsold allowances may be sold in future auctions according to each state’s regulations. Proceeds from all auctions held to date now total more than $582.3 million.

States are investing proceeds to improve energy efficiency and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy technologies, creating thousands of jobs. With each successful auction, the RGGI states continue to show that cap-and-trade works and can jumpstart a green economy with fewer emissions, lower electric bills and more jobs. Across the region, businesses are hiring workers to implement the growing variety of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs funded with RGGI CO2 allowance proceeds.

Energy auditing and weatherization are just two of many technical services needed to build a clean energy economy. RGGI state investments in energy efficiency also create jobs in design, manufacturing and technology development. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, every one million dollar investment in building weatherization creates more than 50 jobs in the installation of weatherization measures and another 10 to 20 jobs in the production of energy-efficient building materials.

Maryland recently invested $750,000 of RGGI CO2 allowance proceeds to provide energy efficiency-related job training to more than 600 contractors at 13 community colleges across the state. The Home Energy Retrofit and Weatherization Workforce Training Program, established in part by the state’s investment of RGGI proceeds, offers a "one-stop" training source for any energy retrofit career path in the state, including contractors working with local weatherization agencies and Maryland’s utility providers.

Similarly, New York State is investing RGGI proceeds to train hundreds of workers needed to improve the efficiency of homes and businesses to meet the state's aggressive energy efficiency targets. As part of its $112 million investment in building sector energy efficiency improvements and job training the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will partner with constituency-based organizations, community colleges, unions and other groups to build and expand training and certification programs for emerging workers, building remodelers, HVAC technicians, energy auditors and engineers.

RGGI Program Investments

RGGI Auction 7 Market Monitor Report

Center President Delivers Keynote at Medgar Ever College

2010-03-15T16:50:00.002-04:00

Center President Norris McDonald delivered the keynote address at the 15th Annual Conference on Environmental Issues today in the Founder's Auditorium at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York. Approximately 25o people attended the auditorium presentation. The conference was co-sponsored by Con Edison. McDonald stated that this was one of the most inspiring events he has ever participated in and noted that the questions were the best in his 30 year career.

Medgar Evers College initiate this public service event, dubbed the Annual Environmental Issues Conference in March 1996. This conference has become an imporatnt venue for disseminating environmental information to the public and for environmental professionals to interact with students and community members. Today they focused on greening of the academic curriculum. The hope to demonstrate a link between a green inspired curriculum and a green economy.

Message from the Conference Chairperson

"While we in the colleges are developing a green inspired curriculum we must safeguard against any perception of "green" as yet another gimmick. The curriculum must stress the real-world connection of green with healthier communities, more energy efficient homes and environmental sustainability."

McDonald was introduced by Michael G. Flanigan, Development Manager, External Relations MEC. Drs. Wilber Hope and Mohsin Patwary presented awards. The afternoon session inluded panesl on Environmental Sustainability, Green Initiatives, and Science Panel.

Other Co-Sponsors include: NBC/Universal, NASA, National Science Foundation, Department of Physical , Environmental & Computer Sciences, Du Bois Bunche Center for Public Policy, MEC, and the School of Scenic, Health and Technology.

NYU Climate Action Plan to Reduce Carbon Footprint

2010-03-12T15:16:00.003-05:00

Aiming for Climate Neutrality by 2040 through Comprehensive Emissions Reduction Strategies

New York University today released its Climate Action Plan (CAP), a comprehensive approach to reducing the University’s carbon footprint and enhancing its overall sustainability. NYU’s CAP details the University’s current greenhouse gas inventory, lays out specific and effective projects to mitigate these emissions using current fiscally sound technologies while maintaining NYU’s vital teaching, learning, and research missions.

The full report can be found at: The development of NYU’s Climate Action Plan was spurred on by the signing of two separate commitments to mitigate climate change: Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC Climate Challenge, and the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC).

* PlaNYC Climate Challenge: NYU will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions per square foot by 30 percent from FY 2006 levels by FY 2017. This commitment offers a framework to reduce emissions in an immediate, ambitious and tangible way.

* ACUPCC: NYU commits to a goal of achieving “climate neutrality” (i.e. net zero emissions) by FY 2040. This will be accomplished by upgrading University buildings through efficiency and conservation, generating cleaner on-site and renewable energy, fostering behavioral shifts and culture change, planning for green building, and offsetting remaining emissions.

NYU’s CAP is structured around four major emissions reduction strategies:

1. Reduce Energy Intensity-50 percent of NYU’s climate neutrality goal: NYU will reduce the amount of energy used in buildings through conservation, “green” construction and renovation, retrofits and upgrades, and operational innovations to run buildings more effectively. In the coming years, NYU will set Energy Use Index (EUI) targets, which will help prioritize buildings to retrofit in order to maximize emissions reductions. This strategy will encompass the largest share of NYU’s emissions reductions, while also accounting for the University’s physical growth. Initial efforts have already resulted in 20% emissions cuts.

2. Generate and Use Cleaner Energy-30 percent of NYU’s climate neutrality goal: NYU will generate cleaner energy on-site with an upgraded and expanded cogeneration power plant. Starting this year, the new plant will annually mitigate 23 percent of NYU’s baseline FY 2006 emissions. NYU will also minimize the use of fuel oil to heat buildings, replacing it where possible with cleaner, more efficient energy sources.

3. Generate Renewable Energy-10 percent of NYU’s climate neutrality goal: NYU is exploring options to develop on-site distributed renewable energy generation projects on its buildings, including wind and solar technologies. NYU sees immediate potential for viable projects offering a positive return on investment using current technologies and through support by state and federal incentives.

4. Reduce / Offset Remaining Emissions-10 percent of NYU’s climate neutrality goal: Given the constraints of a dense urban environment, it is likely that NYU will purchase high-quality, credible offsets to accomplish long-term climate goals. The University will seek out transparent, local-based offsetting programs that offer added social, environmental, and educational value.

About New York University: New York University is located in the heart of Greenwich Village. Founded in 1831, it is one of America’s foremost research universities and a member of the selective Association of American Universities. It is one of the largest private universities, it is a leader in attracting international students and scholars in the U.S, and it sends more students to study abroad than any other U.S. college or university. Through its 14 schools and colleges, NYU conducts research and provides education in the arts and sciences, law, medicine, business, dentistry, education, nursing, the cinematic and performing arts, music and studio arts, public administration, social work, and continuing and professional studies, among other areas.

iMoveGREEN: NY's First Ecological Moving Company

2010-03-09T23:00:00.003-05:00

Now You Can Reduce, Renew & Recycle While You Relocate!

iMoveGREEN, the country’s only moving company in EPA's Green Power Partnership is open for business this week. The sister endeavor to iStoreGreen launched successfully in 2008, iMoveGREEN employs eco-friendly systems, materials and programs that aim to avoid excesses, while efficiently and affordably executing relocations. A promising and progressive evolution of veteran moving company, Meyer’s Moving & Storage, iMoveGREEN repurposes the organization’s 25 year industry experience; converting it for the “conservational” era with intentions of hope and humanity.

So what makes a moving company green …? Beyond offering its customers biodegradable packing materials and reusable plastic boxes for transport, the iMoveGREEN business facility is appropriately powered by 100% renewable wind energy; drastically decreasing company fossil fuel use. Proving further environmentally conscience, the corporation adheres to an eco-friendly cleaning code, by which company vehicles are washed solely with recycled water and entirely green washing supplies; keeping chemicals from infiltrating the air. All surveyors drive a hybrid Toyota Prius, and an advanced recycling initiative is underway for the renewal of discarded moving materials and office waste.

The Nature Conservancy and iMoveGREEN have created a partnership where a percentage of proceeds from each move are allocated to the planting of trees in the Brazilian rainforest. Next are the “Green education” programs established to edify employees; further offering them wholesale rates on the purchase of eco-friendly items like CFL and LED light bulbs, recycled paper towels, coffee mugs and green cleaning products.

A Green Starter Kit is presented to each new customer; inclusive of a reusable tote, coffee mug, green-living brochure and housewarming plant. In efforts to ensure service is as good as it is green, the kit contains a client satisfaction survey, for which every one returned means an additional tree is planted in the Brazilian Rainforest. Such surveys and all additional marketing materials are printed on recycled paper using strictly soy ink.

iMoveGREEN is an EPA certified, fully-licensed and insured moving company specializing in domestic and international relocations, trade-show transport, office moves and more. The organization exhibits seasonally at New York’s GoGreenExpo. The home office of iMoveGREEN is 370 Concord Avenue, Bronx NY.

Energy Experts Discuss Northeastern Energy at National Grid

2010-02-24T22:36:00.000-05:00

Norris McDonald, Martin Cook, Carolyn Green, Frank Stewart
The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) and the Alliance of Black Professionals (ABP)
held an energy forum today at National Grid in Brooklyn, New York with the theme:

“Future of Northeast Energy – What is on the Horizon?”

Panelists included:

Lisa Crutchfield, National Grid

Martin Cook, National Grid

Carolyn Green, National Chair of AABE

Frank Stewart, National President of AABE

Moderator: Norris McDonald, President Center for Environment, Commerce & Energy, African American Environmentalist Association

The forum was held in the Metrotech Auditorium and covered a broad array of electricity, energy and environmental issues facing the Northeast. Some questions considered included: Is there adequate electrical capacity to satisfy the needs of Northeastern states in the next few years? Will energy prices negatively affect the Northeast? How could pending carbon dioxide regulations affect the Northeast? What about the influence of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) on a project 'low-carbon' future? Do you know of any policies that are being put into place to address energy efficiency and alternative technology marketing techniques? How are companies and organizations looking to address the "green divide" to make sure minority communities in the Northeast region are not being left behind? Many other questions were addressed during the forum.

Photo: Stephanie George. Renee McClure, Martin Cook, Norris McDonald, Jose Garcia (kneeling), Carolyn Green, Frank Stewart, Bill Suggs, Akil Friday

New York State Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Program

2010-02-16T09:37:00.003-05:00

Your eligible appliance(s) must be purchased between February 12th through 21st, 2010 to qualify

"New York’s Great Appliance Swap Out" website provides all the information you need in order to participate. This rebate program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), is available to residential consumers replacing existing appliances of the same type with new ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances or High Efficiency ENERGY STAR appliances. A larger rebate will be granted to consumers who recycle their discarded appliances.

Two rebate options are offered under "New York’s Great Appliance Swap Out" Rebate Program. Please click on the links below to view all of the eligibility guidelines for each option:

Option 1 – Single Appliance Rebate (eligible appliances: ENERGY STAR refrigerators, freezers and clothes washers) and

Option 2 – Appliance Bundle Rebate (eligible appliances: High Efficiency ENERGY STAR refrigerators, clothes washers and dishwashers)

This rebate program was made possible thanks to grants issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to States and Territories to provide American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding to develop and implement Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Programs.

More information:

Fill out Rebate Application Online Check the Status of your Rebate Application

Activists To Protest Carbon Trading Summit

2010-01-11T21:13:00.003-05:00

The Center supports cap-and-trade and does not support this rally

Activists call for climate justice outside Carbon Trading Summit, warn that carbon trading will fail to stop climate change

• James Hansen, climate scientist, to speak at Tuesday event outside summit, share criticism of carbon trading. Hansen has been an outspoken critic of carbon trading.

• Activists rally, protest outside summit Wednesday. Other speakers include religious community leader, carbon tax expert.

Climate justice activists, many of whom were at the Copenhagen climate summit, will converge outside the 2nd Annual Carbon Trading Summit on January 12-13 to oppose market-based trading of greenhouse gas emissions credits and call for real solutions to the climate crisis.

Participants at the Carbon Trading Summit will include executives from JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Duke Energy and more. Hansen has criticized these companies, writing "they are spending enormous amounts of money to be sure that cap-and-trade is doctored to allow as much business-as-usual emissions to continue as long as possible."

Hansen will be joined by religious community leader Father Paul Mayer, co-founder of the Climate Crisis Coalition; Cecil Corbin-Mark of WE ACT for Environmental Justice and Harlem community organizer; and Charles Komanoff, Carbon Tax Center.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

** Presentation by journalist and climate activist Tina Gerhardt: "From COP 15 to Climate Justice Movement"

When: Monday, Jan 11, 7 pm - 9:00 pm

Where: Bluestockings Bookstore, 172 Allen St (between Houston & Delancey St)

** Press Event with JAMES HANSEN, renowned climate scientist.

Also featuring Cecil Corbin-Mark of WE ACT for Environmental Justice, Harlem community organizer; Charles Komanoff, Carbon Tax Center; and Father Paul Mayer, Climate Crisis Coalition, representing concerned members of the interfaith religious community.

When: Tuesday, Jan 12, noon

Where: Irish Hunger Memorial Park, Vesey St, 2 blocks west of West St

** Rally and protest action outside of the 2nd Annual Carbon Trading Summit (Embassy Suites Hotel)

When: Wednesday, Jan 13, noon

Where: Irish Hunger Memorial Park, Vesey St, 2 blocks west of West St

Gallery House Raffles Paintings to Plant Million Trees

2010-01-11T20:57:00.003-05:00

Two original paintings will be raffled off with the proceeds donated to MillionTreesNYC

Brooklyn, NY: Gallery House is proud to present “EARTH,” an environmentally themed group exhibition. This exhibition in both form and function is meant to celebrate and highlight the challenges our planet is currently facing.

Two receptions will be held during which one original painting will be raffled off with the proceeds donated to MillionTreesNYC, a public-private initiative between the City of New York and New York Restoration Project to plant and care for one million trees across New York City by 2017. The gallery will be open by appointment from February 5th through March 12th.

What: Gallery House Presents “EARTH’”

When: Wednesday, February 10 & Thursday, February 25, 2010 from 7:30pm – 11:00pm

Where: Gallery House 272 Clinton Ave. Brooklyn NY, 11205

About Gallery House

Galley House is a Clinton Hill based organization dedicated to the sharing of ideas pressing our world today. Through our hosted reception, we aim to gather and communicate said ideas through art, music and other types of artistic expression.

About MillionTreesNYC

MillionTreesNYC is a citywide, public-private initiative with an ambitious goal: to plant and care for one million new trees across the City's five boroughs by 2017. By planting one million trees, New York City can increase its urban forest - our most valuable environmental asset made up of street trees, park trees, and trees on public, private and commercial land - by an astounding 20%, while achieving the many quality-of-life benefits that come with planting trees.

The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (Parks) will plant 60% of the trees in parks, on streets, and in other public spaces. The other 40% - coordinated through New York Restoration Project (NYRP) – will be planted by private organizations, homeowners and community organizations. Parks and NYRP are working with community partners to assess tree planting opportunities on schoolyards, public housing campuses, health care facilities, business districts, commercial and residential developments, front yards and other private lands.

John Herron Named New CEO of Entergy Nuclear

2010-01-09T11:18:00.003-05:00

John Herron, left, has been named president, CEO and chief nuclear officer of Entergy, effective 1 December. In his new role as chief nuclear officer of Entergy, he is responsible for the operation and management of 9 sites and 11 reactors at Entergy’s nuclear plants in Arkansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New York and Vermont. In addition, Herron oversees Entergy’s management services for the Cooper Nuclear Station, owned by Nebraska Public Power District.

Herron began his career in the Navy as an instructor at the Nuclear Submarine Prototype School. Herron also held top management roles with the Tennessee Valley Authority in top management roles at their Sequoyah and Browns Ferry nuclear plants. He excelled in subsequent roles at Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation and the Cooper Nuclear Station before joining Entergy in February 2001 as vice president, operations at Waterford 3 Nuclear Station in Taft, Louisiana.Entergy advanced Herron into roles in New York as the senior vice president of Indian Point Energy Center then as senior vice president for nuclear operations handling fleet management. He fills his new position created by the retirement of former CEO Mike Kansler.

Herron holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Franklin Pierce College in Rindge, New Hampshire.

EPA Releases New Mobile Source Emissions Model

2009-12-23T14:40:00.001-05:00

An updated version of the Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES) model – MOVES2010 – is now available for use to estimate air pollution from cars, trucks, and other on-road mobile sources. The model can also calculate the emissions reduction benefits from a range of mobile source control strategies, such as inspection and maintenance programs and local fuel standards.

EPA will soon publish a Federal Register notice approving MOVES2010 for meeting official state implementation plan and transportation conformity requirements. The MOVES2010 model replaces EPA’s MOBILE6.2 emissions factor model.

Under the Clean Air Act, EPA is required to update regularly the way it calculates mobile source emissions. EPA is continuously collecting data and conducting emissions studies to assess the air quality impacts of on-road vehicles. As a result of using data collected from millions of cars and trucks gathered since MOBILE6.2 was released in 2004, MOVES2010 provides increased accuracy in emissions inventory results.

For the first time, the model can estimate emissions on a range of scales from national emissions impacts down to the impacts of individual transportation projects. Another improvement is the ability to express output as either total mass (in tons, pounds, kilograms, or grams) or as emissions factors (grams-per-mile, and in some cases, grams-per-vehicle). These changes to how EPA approaches mobile source emissions modeling are based, in part, upon recommendations made to the agency by the National Academy of Sciences.

More information on the MOVES2010 model

Smart Electricity Meters: Real Time Electricity Pricing

2009-12-18T22:33:00.004-05:00

The vast majority of people are on fixed electricity meters, which simply measure how much electricity has been used. These are used by the utility company to calculate how much you owe them for the electricity you have consumed.

During the day there are peak times when many people are using a lot of electricity - for example, in the early evening when many lights, tv's, and computers are switched on, and ovens and kettles are being used to prepare meals. In the middle of the night demands drops right off.

A smart meter offers two way communication between the utility company (electricity supplier) and the consumer. When demand is high (and therefore wholesale electricity prices are very expensive) the utility company can pass high costs onto the consumer. When demand is low (and therefore wholesale electricity prices are very cheap) the utility company can pass savings to the consumer. This motivates consumers to use electricity when demand is least so that they can save money.

This video shows the 'In Home Energy Display' by General Electric

The use of smart meters will reduce overall carbon emissions (since thinking about electricity usage tends to make people reduce their overall consumption), and also reduce electricity bills for anyone who makes the effort to time their electricity usage - for example, running the washing machine or tumble drier at night rather than during the day, and turning the dish washer on just before going to bed rather than immediately after eating. (REUK.CO.UK)

Long Island Power Authority Approves 50 MW Solar Project

2009-12-18T21:02:00.003-05:00

The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) Board of Trustees has approved power purchase agreements (PPAs) with BP Solar and enXco Development Corporation, creating the state's largest source of solar power on Long Island. LIPA's Solar Energy Project will introduce approximately 50 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy generated on Long Island onto LIPA's electric grid. LIPA will enter into PPAs with BP Solar and enXco Development Corp. to provide 32 MW and 17 MW of energy, respectively.

In February 2009, LIPA officials announced the results of a competitive procurement process to install photovoltaic arrays, selecting BP Solar and enXco Development Corp. to provide LIPA with capacity, energy and associated renewable energy credits (RECs) from solar arrays to meet LIPA’s renewable energy goals. Both PPAs require the companies to construct, operate and maintain the project and achieve full operation by mid 2011.

BP Solar will construct its ground-mounted solar system at a cost of $298 million over the contracted 20-year term. enXco will install solar systems on car ports within existing parking lots, at railroad stations and other facilities owned by Suffolk County owned parking lots at a cost of $125 million over the contracted 20-year term.

The effect of the costs of The Long Island Solar Energy Project to LIPA customers is equivalent to approximately .83 cents per month per customer. To defray some of the costs of the solar project, LIPA is actively pursuing funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in the amount of $15 million dollars and has already secured federal appropriations in the amount of $1.75 million. (RenewableEnergyWorld.com, 12/18/09)

Governor Paterson Releases Final NY State Energy Plan

2009-12-15T19:15:00.003-05:00

The 2009 New York State Energy Plan (Plan or Energy Plan) sets forth a vision for a robust and innovative clean energy economy that will stimulate investment, create jobs and meet the energy needs of residents and businesses over its 10-year planning horizon. To that end, the Plan provides the framework within which the State will try to meet its future energy needs in a cost-effective and sustainable manner, establishes policy objectives to guide State agencies and authorities as they address energyrelated issues and sets forth strategies and recommendations to achieve these objectives.

The Plan‘s strategies and recommendations have been designed to meet five policy objectives:

 Assure that New York has reliable energy and transportation systems;

 Support energy and transportation systems that enable the State to significantly reduce
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, both to do the State‘s part in responding to the dangers posed
by climate change and to position the State to compete in a national and global carbonconstrained economy;

 Address affordability concerns of residents and businesses caused by rising energy bills, and
improve the State‘s economic competitiveness;

 Reduce health and environmental risks associated with the production and use of energy across all sectors; and

 Improve the State‘s energy independence and fuel diversity by developing in-state energy supply resources.

Five strategies are outlined in the Plan, which simultaneously achieve these multiple policy objectives. The strategies are: (1) produce, deliver and use energy more efficiently; (2) support development of instate energy supplies; (3) invest in energy and transportation infrastructure; (4) stimulate innovation in a clean energy economy; and (5) engage others in achieving the State‘s policy objectives.

Large Wind Project Proposed Offshore

2009-12-09T22:41:00.004-05:00

The New York City Offshore Wind Collaborative (OWC), a group of utilities and government agencies, is requesting proposals next year from developers for a 350-megawatt wind farm near the Rockaway Peninsula in the Atlantic Ocean 13 miles from Queens. It is estimated that the project could cost more than $1 billion and involve more than 100 turbines. The OWC wants developers to finance the project and recoup their costs selling power to nearby utilities, beginning in 2015.

The Center supports the project. (WSJ, 12/9/09)

Holloway New Director of NY Department of Environment

2009-12-07T18:44:00.007-05:00

Mayor Bloomberg has appointed Caswell F. Holloway IV, left, as the new commissioner of the New York Department of Environmental Protection. The position has a salary of $205,000. Caswell F. Holloway IV, 36, served as chief of staff to Deputy Mayor Edward Skyler since 2006, Mr. Holloway pushed through a plan for a citywide waste management system, oversaw the collection of human remains found at ground zero years after the attack; and drew up plans to revive the unsightly Gowanus Canal.

The Department of Environmental Protection has a budget of $1 billion, a work force of 6,000 and is responsible for maintaining the safety of the city’s air and water supply and collecting sewage. The agency does not develop environmental policy, a task handled by the mayor’s sustainability office. But the agency plays a crucial role in shaping and enforcing those policies. (NYT, 11/30/09)

RGGI States Complete Sixth Successful CO2 Auction

2009-12-04T10:17:00.003-05:00

2009 Vintage Allowances Sold at $2.05

2012 Vintage Allowances Sold at $1.86

Proceeds Support Weatherization of Buildings and Other Consumer Benefit Programs

The states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) today announced the results of the sixth regional auction of carbon dioxide (CO2) allowances, held Wednesday, December 2nd. The auction yielded $61,587,120.90, increasing the total amount of proceeds from RGGI auctions to more than $494.4 million. All of the 28,591,698 allowances for the 2009 vintage offered in Wednesday’s auction sold at a price of $2.05.

In a parallel offering, the RGGI states also auctioned allowances for the second three-year control period beginning January 1, 2012. A total of 1,599,000 of the 2,172,540 allowances for the 2012 vintage sold at a price of $1.86. Unsold allowances for the 2012 vintage year may be sold in future auctions according to each state’s regulations.

RGGI is showing that cap-and-trade works: six successful auctions, more than 100 bidders and $494 million for green energy and green jobs. States have chosen to auction nearly all allowances and to invest the proceeds in a variety of programs that reduce emissions, save consumers money, create jobs, and build the clean energy economy. The approach of winter highlights investments states are making to improve heating energy efficiency in homes and businesses. Across the region states are investing in programs to upgrade inefficient heating equipment, improve insulation, and replace old windows and doors.

To learn more about how each state is investing RGGI auction proceeds, please visit:

Additional details about RGGI Auction 6 may be found in the Market Monitor Report for Auction 6

About the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

The 10 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states participating in RGGI (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont) have designed and implemented the first market-based, mandatory cap-and-trade program in the U.S. to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Power sector CO2 emissions are capped at 188 million short tons per year through 2014. The cap will then be reduced by 2.5 percent in each of the four years 2015 through 2018, for a total reduction of 10 percent. A CO2 allowance represents a limited authorization to emit one ton of CO2, as issued by a respective participating state. A regulated power plant must hold CO2 allowances equal to its emissions to demonstrate compliance at the end of each three-year control period.

The first control period for fossil fuel-fired electric generators under each state’s CO2 Budget Trading Program took effect on January 1, 2009 and extends through December 31, 2011. Allowances issued by any participating state are usable across all state programs, so that the ten individual state CO2 Budget Trading Programs, in aggregate, form one regional compliance market for CO2 emissions.

RGGI, Inc. was created to provide technical and administrative services to the states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. RGGI, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. The RGGI auctions are administered by RGGI, Inc. and run on an on-line platform provided by World Energy Solutions, Inc. (TSX: XWE).

RGGI Announces Election of New Executive Committee

2009-11-23T11:35:00.002-05:00

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Inc. (RGGI, Inc.) today announced the election of new members to the Executive Committee of its Board of Directors. The new members will serve a one-year term from November 1, 2009. The Executive Committee acts on behalf of the Board of Directors to oversee the activities of RGGI, Inc. The Committee draws upon commissioners of environmental and energy agencies from across the RGGI region.

For 2009-2010 the Executive Committee will comprise:

David Littell, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection will serve as Chair;

Pete Grannis, Commissioner of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation will serve as a Vice Chair;

Clifton Below of the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission will also serve as a Vice Chair;

Susanne Brogan, Commissioner of the Maryland Public Service Commission, will serve as Treasurer;

Michael Sullivan, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, will serve as Secretary;

Laurie Burt, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection will serve as a Member at Large of the Executive Committee;

Mark Mauriello, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, will also serve as a Member at Large of the Executive Committee.

Biographies of Executive Committee & Board of Directors

About the Regional Greenhouse Gas InitiativeThe 10 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states participating in RGGI (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont) have designed and implemented the first market-based, mandatory cap-and-trade program in the U.S. to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Power sector CO2 emissions are capped at 188 million short tons per year through 2014. The cap will then be reduced by 2.5 percent in each of the four years 2015 through 2018, for a total reduction of 10 percent.

A CO2 allowance represents a limited authorization to emit one ton of CO2, as issued by a respective participating state. A regulated power plant must hold CO2 allowances equal to its emissions to demonstrate compliance at the end of each three-year control period. The first control period for fossil fuel-fired electric generators under each state’s CO2 Budget Trading Program took effect on January 1, 2009 and extends through December 31, 2011. Allowances issued by any participating state are usable across all state programs, so that the ten individual state CO2 Budget Trading Programs, in aggregate, form one regional compliance market for CO2 emissions.

Chesapeake Energy Corp Abandons Drilling Marcellus Shale

2009-11-02T12:18:00.003-05:00

The Chesapeake Energy Corporation, one of the nation’s biggest gas producers, has decided not to pursue drilling for natural gas within the upstate New York watershed. The Center opposed the drilling in the New York watershed. Although the area holds substantial gas reserves, it is unfortunately in an environmentally sensitive region that supplies unfiltered water to nine million people.

Chesapeake is the largest leaseholder in the Marcellus Shale, a subterranean layer of shale rock that runs from New York to Tennessee. The shale is believed to hold substantial natural gas reserves.

But extracting gas from shale relies on a method called hydraulic fracturing that has stirred broad concerns. Water, laced with chemicals, is blasted down gas wells at high pressure to break the rock and allow gas to flow out more easily. The technology has vigorously expanded in recent years, allowing for enormous growth in the nation’s natural gas reserves.

But the concerns include the use of chemicals, the disposal of wastewater and the danger of leaks and spills into groundwater and deep aquifers. There also has been a string of explosions from Wyoming to Pennsylvania.

Under energy legislation passed in 2005, the industry won an exemption from the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Chesapeake acquired 5,000 acres in the watershed when it bought Columbia Natural Resources a few years ago, and it is currently the only leaseholder in the area. (NYT, 11/27/09)

Cap and Trade Program Lowers Smog Levels in Eastern U.S.

2009-10-14T11:39:00.002-04:00

Market Based Program Allows Cost-Effective Reductions of Harmful Air Pollution

EPA released a report showing that more than 103 million Americans breathe cleaner air thanks to a cap and trade program that reduces smog-forming emission of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx). The 2008 NOx Budget Trading Program Annual Report, covering 20 eastern states and the District of Columbia, shows the summertime NOx emissions from power plants and large industrial sources were down by 62 percent compared to year 2000 levels and 75 percent lower than in 1990.

Highlights of the report show that:

The reduction of NOx has helped reduce smog levels by 10 to 14 percent in the NBP region – largely in the eastern parts of the country;

There is a strong association between areas with the greatest reductions in NOx emissions and downwind sites that show the greatest improvements in smog; and

The program contributed to improvements in air quality in 97 percent of nonattainment areas in the east, with 85 percent of these areas now below the smog standard.

The NOx Budget Trading Program is a partnership between federal and state governments to reduce the regional transport of NOx from power plants and industry in the eastern U.S. This market-based cap and trade program was created to cost-effectively reduce NOx emissions during the ozone season. This program provides facilities flexibility to choose their control options including installing control technologies, replacing existing controls with more advanced technologies, optimizing existing controls, and switching fuels. This flexibility and an active NOx allowance market have led to near perfect compliance since the start of the program in 2003.

More information

Homicides in New York City

2009-09-01T17:04:00.003-04:00

INTERACTIVE GRAPHIC: Murder in New York

The prime time for murder is summertime. There were more homicides in September than in any other month in 2008: 52. Next highest was August, with 51. Variations, of course, exist. There were 48 homicides last March. September Saturdays around 10 p.m. were the most likely moments for a murder in the city. The link above provides an analysis by The New York Times of multiyear homicide trends. The information — detailing homicides during the years 2003 to 2008 — was compiled mainly from open-records requests with the New York Police Department.

Women, for instance, are less likely to be either victims or killers. Those who were killed — at least 73 women were in 2008 — were almost always murdered by someone they knew — boyfriends, husbands or relatives. From 2003 to 2008, the number of women killed each year by strangers was in the single digits — excluding cases in which the police do not know if the killer knew the victim. Last year, as few as eight women died at the hands of strangers.

Brooklyn — as it has since at least 2003 — led all boroughs in the number of homicides last year, with 213. Last year, the 73rd Precinct, which includes the neighborhoods of Ocean Hill and Brownsville, had the largest death toll, 31. The bloodiest block in Brooklyn was in the 77th Precinct, in Crown Heights, bounded by Schenectady Avenue, Sterling Place, Troy Avenue and St. Johns Place. But the borough with the most homicides per capita was the Bronx.

The weapon of choice is a firearm and each year the percentage of people killed by firearms hovers around 60 percent. Though slightly less than in recent years, at least 56 percent of last year’s homicides were committed with these weapons.

Summer is when people get together. More specifically, casual drinkers and drug users are more likely to go to bars or parties on weekends and evenings, as opposed to a Tuesday morning. These people in the social mix, flooding the city’s streets and neighborhood bars, feed the peak times for murder. (NYT, 9/1/09)

NY Supreme Court Decision on Adverse Environmental Impact

2009-07-11T15:23:00.003-04:00

On June 19th, the New York Supreme Court issued its decision in Entergy's Article 78 petition. As background, the Assistant Commissioner decided that adverse environmental impact (AEI) caused by the Indian Point cooling water intake structure already had been established and therefore, Entergy could litigate that issue in the SPDES proceeding. Entergy appealed that aspect of the Interim Decision because Entergy viewed AEI as a threshold question. In other words, if the intake structure does not cause AEI, then there is no need for the best technology available (BTA) analysis. The court dismissed the petition for lack of ripeness.

The court did not hold that Indian Point’s cooling water system causes adverse environmental impact. The opinion recognizes that Indian Point currently operates under a valid SPDES permit. The opinion says the draft SPDES permit, which states that the intake structures cause an adverse environmental impact and establishes cooling towers as the best technology available, are non-final agency action. Therefore, there is currently no valid BTA determination and the contents of the final SPDES permit (including whether AEI exists or whether cooling towers are the best technology available) are uncertain until the completion of the pending administrative process.

New York Supreme Court Decision

MIT & Entergy Produce Blueprint to Reduce CO2 Emissions

2009-06-20T17:22:00.003-04:00

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Energy Initiative (EI) and Entergy Corporation have teamed up to produce a blueprint for how to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from coal. In March, MIT invited 54 top scientists, policy-makers, industry executives and non-profit leaders to participate in symposium to devise strategies on how to address coal's role in global warming.

Entergy believes that coal plants aren't going away anytime soon because they provide inexpensive sources of baseload electricity both in the United States and abroad. If the U.S. ignores coal in its efforts to curb global warming, the nation's efforts will be rendered useless because China is building more coal plants and needs a technological solution to make coal burn cleaner.

MIT organized the conference, selected participants and published the report. The goal was to find out what's technologically feasible, how low coal emissions can potentially go, and what it would cost to reach these goals. Coal emissions can be reduced by improving the efficiency of existing coal plants, capturing and sequestering carbon dioxide, using bio-mass to supplement coal as a fuel or rebuilding existing coal plants.

The MIT report says that the government needs to spend $12 billion to $15 billion over the next decade to "dramatically expand" programs to demonstrate large-scale, sustained carbon capture and storage technology for existing plants, plus $1 billion annually for ten years to create other options. (NOLA.com)

Natural Methods for Controlling Fleas

2009-06-20T15:08:00.002-04:00

By Vacuum Home

As most pet owners know, fleas are often unwanted companions that cause a number of health hazards to both you and your pet. While health risks rung bigger for your pet, flea bites on humans can still transmit other parasites such as worms. Fleas are also notorious for finding niches in your home and will get into any area where your pet sleeps or plays. Normally, the tell-tale sign of a flea infestation is when you see gnat like critters in your home or on your pet. But if you're unsure, run a fine tooth comb and groom your dog or cat. If you find little black knits that look like dirt, then you have fleas; the little black speckles are actually flea excrement stuck to your pet's fur.

Most pet owners revert to flea treatments to solve this problem. However, many flea treatments have toxic elements that are harmful to your pets. There are natural effective ways to eliminate fleas without polluting your environment or poisoning your pet.

While many pet owners thing grooming pets regularly is an adequate way to control fleas, the fact is that fleas are notoriously hard to detect and exist in stages that go beyond just their final adult stage - at which point they become detected. For effective flea control, consider two battlefronts: indoor and outdoor.

Scientific Studies Show Vacuuming Kills Fleas

Fleas have multiple life stage, while adult fleas mate and feed off of their initial host animal, females lay eggs on the floor, furniture, and bedding. After about fourteen days these insects then go through three larval stages before they reach the adult stage.

Recent scientific studies have shown that by merely vacuuming, fleas in all stages of their lives can be eliminated anywhere between 96 to 100 percent, through the combination of brushes, fans and powerful air currents. The flea's journey into a vacuum is a one-way trip that begins when the vacuum brushes rapidly wear away the cuticle, a waxy out layer found on most insects that help them stay hydrated. Minus this protection, adult fleas, larvae and pupae have a tendency to die of dehydration. While often seen as a just a mediocre household tip, vacuuming fleas have now been proven to work quickly quietly and effectively.

The same goes for the unhatched eggs, which also cannot survive the stress of a vacuum. Focus your efforts to the areas where your pet spends most of his time. The problem with this, however, is that although your pet might spend 23 hours a day sleeping in one nook of the room, the other 1 hour a day is spent running around your whole house. Logic dictates that anyplace your pet goes the fleas can (and will) follow. So unless an area is absolutely off limits to your pet (and your pet actually obeys these rules), it will need to be vacuumed just as much as anyplace else. Remember, the goal is total eradication of your fleas; there are no acceptable levels of infestation.

Vacuuming is a great strategy because it involves no chemicals and physically removes the problem. If you are in the market for a new one, try to find a bagless model; this makes it a lot cheaper and easier to use for flea control. Any extra hoses or attachments it might have are good because they will let you get into the nooks and crannies a little easier.

Diatomaceous Earth is the Natural Solution to Outdoor Flea Control

While pets play and roam outdoors, they're walking flea magnets. If you have pets, you definitely have fleas lurking in your yard, which is why this is one area that has to be target for effective flea control. However, this becomes difficult since you can't exactly vacuum your yard. There are options you can consider if you choose to take control of fleas both indoors and outdoors. One of the the best natural method to kill outdoor fleas is by using diatomaceous earth.

Diatomaceous earth is soil that is essentially crushed up sea-shells. It's an all natural product made from tiny fossilized water plants. These plants have been part of the earth's ecology since prehistoric times. About 30 million years ago, the diatoms built up into deep chalky deposits of diatomite - which are mined and group up to a powder much like talcum powder. The material won't seem that much different to you -it will, however, make a big difference to the fleas.

This type of soil has microscopic, jagged edges that will make tiny cuts on the outside of insects that crawl over it. You and your pets won't notice it, but the soil will cut fleas and cause them to leak water; they will gradually dehydrate and die. Diatomaceous earth is a safe, environmentally friendly way to kill the fleas and other pests that are living in your backyard. You won't do any permanent damage because no chemicals are involved - however, if you have some other insect that you want to live in your back yard for some reason, you shouldn't put this out there.

This lets us breathe a sigh of relief as we no longer have to rely on chemicals or toxins and instead have a simple, easy and efficient way to remove fleas. This is especially reassuring as effectiveness of insecticides has been shown to diminish as time goes on and insects develop a strong immunity to the chemicals.

NRC ISSUES FINAL LICENSING, INSPECTION AND ANNUAL FEES RULE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009

2009-06-11T17:09:00.006-04:00

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is amending its regulations to reflect the licensing, inspection and annual fees it will charge its applicants and licensees for fiscal year (FY) 2009.
The agency is required by Congress to recover for the U.S. Treasury most of its annual appropriated budget through two types of fees. One is for specific NRC services, such as licensing and inspection activities. This fee is calculated using the current hourly rate multiplied by the time spent by staff performing a service. The other is an annual fee paid by licensees, which recovers generic regulatory expenses and other costs not recovered through fees for specific services. These fees are contained in NRC regulations 10 CFR Part 170 (fees for license-specific services) and 10 CFR Part 171 (annual fees). These fees are paid to the NRC and transferred to the U.S. Treasury’s general fund.

By law, the NRC must recover, through fees to applicants and licensees, 90 percent of its budget authority for FY 2009 (Oct. 1, 2008 - Sept. 30, 2009), less the amounts appropriated from the Nuclear Waste Fund for high-level radioactive waste activities and from general funds for waste-incidental-to-reprocessing and generic homeland security activities. The total amount of fees to be recovered by Sept. 30 is approximately $870.6 million, about $91.5 million more than in FY 2008.

The FY 2009 fee rule, published today in the Federal Register, includes fees based upon the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009. Approximately one third of the fees will be billed for specific services (Part 170) and the remaining two thirds will be billed to annual fees (Part 171). The hourly rate for Part 170 activities increases about 8 percent from $238 to $257 per hour. The increase in FY 2009 fees is due primarily to an increase in reactor license renewals and new uranium enrichment and recovery licensing activities. The NRC decreased fees for small entities in FY 2009.

The FY 2009 annual fees are categorized by types of licensees/applicants and include the following:

Class/Category FY 2009 Annual Fee

Operating Power Reactors

(including Spent Fuel Storage/Reactor Decommissioning annual fee) . . $4,625,000

Spent Fuel Storage/Reactor Decommissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $122,000

Test and Research Reactors (Non-power Reactors) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $87,600

High-Enriched Uranium Fuel Facility . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,691,000

Low-Enriched Uranium Fuel Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,649,000

UF6 Conversion Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . $969,000

Conventional Mills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $31,200

Typical Materials Users:Radiographers . . .. . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,700

Well Loggers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,700

Industrial Gauges (Category 1C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . $2,700

Broad Scope Medical (Category 7B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . ... . . . $36,300

NRC estimates that the FY 2009 annual fees will be paid by 104 nuclear power plant licensees, 4 non-power reactors, 19 spent fuel storage/reactor-in-decommissioning facilities, 11 fuel cycle facilities, 7 uranium recovery facilities and approximately 3,800 material licensees. (NRC)

Center Registered to Participate in RGGI Offset Program

2009-06-04T22:17:00.002-04:00

The Center has registered to participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) offset program. The Center established a Carbon Mercantile Exchange (CMX) to provide an offset trading service. The Center is also developing projects to produce greenhouse gas offsets. Our participation in the RGGI offset program will serve to enhance our efforts to mitigate global climate change and warming.

Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Inc. (RGGI, Inc.) has contracted with Perrin Quarles Associates to administer RGGI COATS. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a cooperative effort by participating states to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas that causes global warming. More information RGGI, Inc. is a non-profit corporation created to provide technical and administrative services to the CO2 Budget Trading Programs of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Obama Nominates Moreno Assist AG for the Environment

2009-05-16T07:25:00.004-04:00

President Barack Obama has nominated Ignacia S. Moreno, right, to be Assistant Attorney for the Environment and Natural Resources Division in the Department of Justice. Moreno is currently the corporate environmental counsel for General Electric.

She was general counsel for that Justice Department during the Clinton administration from 1994 until 2001 . Prior to joining GE in 2006, Moreno worked at the Washington law firm Spriggs & Hollingsworth, where she specialized in environmental and mass tort litigation. She began her career at Hogan & Hartson LLP, where she practiced with the firm's environmental and litigation groups.

The Center supports the nomination.

(Think Progress, NYT, 5/15/09)

PCB Dredging Begins in Hudson River

2009-05-15T22:48:00.004-04:00

Twenty-five years after the federal government declared part of the Hudson River to be a contaminated Superfund site, twelve dredges with blue clamshell buckets are removing sediment laced with PCBs. Freight trains running will carry the dried mud to a hazardous-waste landfill in Texas. An estimated 1.3 million pounds of PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, flowed into the upper Hudson from two General Electric (G.E.) factories for three decades before they were banned, in 1977, as a health threat to people and wildlife. In high doses, they have been shown to cause cancer in animals and are listed by federal agencies as a probable human carcinogen.

While the Superfund site itself is 197 miles long, stretching from Hudson Falls, N.Y., to the southern tip of Manhattan, the initial phase involves spots along a six-mile segment south of Fort Edward, the hamlet across the river from this industrial site. G.E. is supervising and paying for the cleanup, which federal officials have estimated could cost more than $750 million. Industry experts say the ultimate cost could be many times than that, however. (G.E. declines to give an estimate.)

While most of the chemicals were dumped when such practices were legal, the Superfund law requires the responsible polluting party, when one can be pinpointed, to foot the cleanup bill.
Yet G.E has reserved the right, after a review of the operation in 2010, to reject the project’s much larger second phase. Federal environmental officials have said that if it did that, they would most likely order the cleanup to proceed and levy enormous penalties against the company.

The decision by the E.P. A. in 2002 to require dredging was a mix of politics and science, with a variety of expert panels split on the efficacy of dredging, but also on the perils of leaving so much contamination in sediments that might be disturbed by powerful floods or other factors. The hope now is that dredging 98 percent of the PCBs out of hot spots in the river will greatly speed what has been a slow natural decline in levels of the chemicals in striped bass and other fish species. After the PCB-tainted sediment is extracted, it will be replaced by clean fill along with plants native to the river. The contiminated mud will be taken by barges to a nearby $100 million treatment plant and transport hub built by General Electric for that purpose. (NYT, 5/15/09) photo: Suzanne DeChillo/The New York Times

Con Ed $721 Million Rate Increase Approved By PSC

2009-04-21T20:34:00.000-04:00

The New York State Public Service Commission State approved a $721 million rate increase on Tuesday. The total includes $523.4 million for a one-year increase in Consolidated Edison’s rates for delivering electric service and $198 million for a temporary surcharge on bills to pay for state-mandated assessments. Typical residential customers will see an increase in their monthly bill of about $6 in New York or about $8 in Westchester County. The overall increase on electricity bills will be 6.1 percent across the Con Edison system.

The increase comes just over a year after Consolidated Edison won a $425 million increase from the commission in March 2008. That increase resulted in an increase of $4.25 in the monthly bill for a typical residential customer in New York City and an increase of $5.60 in the monthly bill for a typical residential customer in Westchester.

The factors driving Con Edison’s need for additional revenue are real property taxes, state assessment changes, addition to utility plant, increases in pensions and other retirement benefits, and a change in return on equity, or profit for Con Edison, to 10 percent, up from 9.1 percent. (NYT, 4/21/09)

Center Supports H.R. 957: Green Energy Education Act of 2009

2009-04-21T11:42:00.000-04:00

The Center supports the Green Energy Education Act of 2009 (H.R. 957) that is pending in 1st Session of the 111th Congress to authorize higher education curriculum development and graduate training in advanced energy and green building technologies. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 10, 2009 by Rep. Michael McCaul [R-TX], left, and cosponsored by Rep. André Carson [D-IN], Rep. David Loebsack [D-IA], and Rep. Maurice Hinchey [D-NY], right, which was referred to the Committee on Science and Technology. The Center wants to amend the bill to include as diverse a constituency as possible in the curriculum, training and possibly even actual construction of new buildings that could result as an offshoot of the legislation.

H.R. 957 is a bill:

To authorize higher education curriculum development and graduate training in advanced energy and green building technologies.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ‘Green Energy Education Act of 2009’.

SEC. 2. DEFINITION.

For the purposes of this Act:

(1) DIRECTOR- The term ‘Director’ means the Director of the National Science Foundation.

(2) HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING- The term ‘high performance building’ has the meaning given that term in section 914(a) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16194(a)).

(3) SECRETARY- The term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of Energy.

SEC. 3. GRADUATE TRAINING IN ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

(a) Funding- In carrying out research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities authorized for the Department of Energy, the Secretary may contribute funds to the National Science Foundation for the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program to support projects that enable graduate education related to such activities.

(b) Consultation- The Director shall consult with the Secretary when preparing solicitations and awarding grants for projects described in subsection (a).

SEC. 4. CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING DESIGN.

(a) Funding- In carrying out advanced energy technology research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities authorized for the Department of Energy related to high performance buildings, the Secretary may contribute funds to curriculum development activities at the National Science Foundation for the purpose of improving undergraduate or graduate interdisciplinary engineering and architecture education related to the design and construction of high performance buildings, including development of curricula, of laboratory activities, of training practicums, or of design projects. A primary goal of curriculum development activities supported under this section shall be to improve the ability of engineers, architects, landscape architects, and planners to work together on the incorporation of advanced energy technologies during the design and construction of high performance buildings.

(b) Consultation- The Director shall consult with the Secretary when preparing solicitations and awarding grants for projects described in subsection (a).

(c) Priority- In awarding grants with respect to which the Secretary has contributed funds under this section, the Director shall give priority to applications from departments, programs, or centers of a school of engineering that are partnered with schools, departments, or programs of design, architecture, landscape architecture, and city, regional, or urban planning.

Commerce Department Rejects Broadwater LNG Project

2009-04-14T16:05:00.000-04:00

One week after the New York Regional Interconnect (NYRI)'s renewable energy electricity transmission line was killed, a liquified natural gas (LNG) project on Long Island has now been rejected by the US Department of Commerce. Broadwater Energy proposed constructing a terminal to which tankers would deliver LNG. At the terminal, LNG would be regasified and then transported to shore by way of a new 21.7-mile natural gas pipeline that would tie into the regional network. The Commerce decision upheld New York State's objection to the proposed construction and operation of the LNG terminal in the New York waters of Long Island Sound. (AP)

States Initiate Bidding Process for 4th RGGI CO2 Auction

2009-04-13T11:26:00.000-04:00

The ten Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states participatingin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) today released the Auction Notice, Qualification Application and Intent to Bid for RGGI’s fourth carbondioxide (CO2) allowance auction, scheduled for June 17, 2009. The release initiates the bidder qualification process and publicizes auction details,including reserve price and number of allowances offered for sale.

The June auction will be the second held since compliance obligations under the 10-state RGGI CO2 Budget Trading Programs took effect on January 1, 2009and the second to offer allowances from current (2009-2011) and future (2012-2014) control periods. States will offer for sale 30,887,620 million current control period allowances (all for the 2009 vintage) and 2,172,540 million allowances for the future control period (all for the 2012 vintage).

Given the early stage of the RGGI CO2 allowance market, the Participating States (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont) will continue to use a reserveprice of $1.86 for all allowances. Before CO2 Allowance Auction 5, the Participating States will consider whether there is enough data available tojustify the calculation of a current market reserve price.

As summarized in the Auction Notice, potential bidders must successfully complete the qualification process to participate in the June CO2 allowance auction. The ten RGGI states urge prospective bidders to apply to qualify for, and participatein, the auction by downloading the auction documents from the RGGI website. Potential bidders are also encouraged to participate in a free webinar hostedfrom 2:00 PM ET to 4:00 PM ET on Wednesday, April 15, 2009. The webinar, open to all parties interested in participating in Auction 4, will review the auction format, forms that need to be submitted and the complete qualification process. Instructions to participate in the webinar.

Auction History: The June 17th auction will be the second held since compliance obligations underthe 10-state RGGI CO2 Budget Trading Programs took effect on January 1, 2009. Inaddition to the first compliance auction, held March 18, 2009, RGGI's ParticipatingStates also held two "pre-compliance" auctions in the fall of 2008. In each auction all allowances offered were sold and demand for allowances exceeded supply. Clearingprices of $3.07 in September, $3.38 in December, and $3.51 in March led the independent market monitor to describe all auctions as "robust."

The March auction was the first to offer allowances from the second three-year control period beginning in 2012. All of 2012 vintage allowances cleared at aprice of $3.05, providing a first-look at future market prices for RGGI CO2 allowances. By the end of 2009, the RGGI states will have offered for sale5% of the total supply of 2012 vintage allowances. Webinar DetailsMore information about the auction will be available through a webinar to be heldfrom 2:00 PM ET to 4:00 PM ET on Wednesday, April 15, 2009. To access the webinar audio, call the teleconference access number, (888) 875-4624and enter the participant code, 555661#. To access the webinar slides, go to theAuction Website and download them. The slides for the webinar will be posted on theAuction Website no later than 8:00 AM ET on Tuesday, April 14, 2009. [View the slides as they are presented in real time-Select the participant option and then enter participant code 555661 and the following information: name, company, email address, and title.]

About the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative: The 10 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states participating in RGGI (Connecticut,Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, RhodeIsland and Vermont) have designed the first market-based, mandatory cap-and-trade program in the U.S. to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The participating states haveregulations in place to cap and then reduce the amount of CO2 that power plants intheir region are allowed to emit, limiting the region’s total contribution to atmosphericgreenhouse gas levels. Power sector CO2 emissions are capped at current levels through2014. The cap will then be reduced by 2.5 percent in each of the four years 2015 through2018, for a total reduction of 10 percent.

A CO2 allowance represents a permit to emit one ton of CO2, as issued by a respective participating state. A regulated power plant must hold CO2 allowances equal to itsemissions to demonstrate compliance at the end of each compliance period. Because CO2 allowances issued by any participating state will be usable across all state programs,the ten individual state CO2 Budget Trading Programs, in aggregate, will form one regional compliance market for CO2 emissions.

About Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Inc: RGGI, Inc. was created in September 2007 to provide technical and administrativeservices to the states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. RGGI, Inc.is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization.

NY Sells $100 Million in C)2 Credits at 3rd RGGI Auction

2009-04-13T11:17:00.000-04:00

On March 18th, New York State participated in the 3rd Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction, selling 12,422,161 allowances of CO2, which helped to bring the total allowances sold at auction to 31,513,765.

This auction is the first time New York sold CO2 allowances for 2012 and it marks the second time New York has sold allowances in the RGGI auction, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont. New York had 776,385 CO2 allowances for 2012 up for auction.

In collaboration with New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Public Service Commission, proceeds from the RGGI auctions will be used for energy efficiency and conservations programs throughout the state. (NYAREA)

More on the RGGI auction

FERC Decision Kills NY Regional Interconnect (NYRI)

2009-04-11T11:34:00.000-04:00

In a decision that runs counter to nearly every Federal Energy Regularory Commission (FERC) cost recovery decision of the recent past, the Commission voted to block a request from the New York Regional Interconnect (NYRI) for 13.5% return on equity. The decision forced NYRI to withdraw its application before the NYPSC for the 190-mile power line would have carried renewable power from upstate to just north of New York City. The project was previously dealt a blow when the 4th Circuit ruled FERC did not have federal backstop authority to authorize the line if local regulators blocked the project.

Developers said denying NYRI's request created an unacceptable financial risk for NYRI's investors. Even if the NYRI project were to be sited by the PSC, NYRI would face the prospect of being unable to recover transmission costs from the ratepayers who would benefit from the project. This is really a blow for not only New York City power customers and city leaders who are demanding renewable power, but also for renewable energy in general – which now has no way to get from source to consumer. So much for the entire message of green transmission and building out the grid to meet the significant renewable power needs of our cleantech economy. (Source: Frank Maisano)

Supreme Court Rules Cooling Water Costs Can Be Considered

2009-04-01T12:29:00.000-04:00

The Supreme Court ruled today that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency can compare costs with benefits to determine the technology that must be used at structures that cool water at electricity power plants. By a 6-3 vote, the high court handed a victory to Entergy Corporation, other electric utilities and the general public. The justices overturned a ruling by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York that previously ruled that the Clean Water Act does not permit the EPA to consider the cost-benefit relationship in deciding the best technology available to minimize adverse environmental impact.

The Center-NY supports the U.S. Supreme Court decision.

The Supreme Court's decision is a victory for global warming mitigation because nuclear power plants do not emit any greenhouse gases and some traditional environmental groups are trying to use water permits as a way to shut them down. Although some fish eggs are destroyed by all power plant intakes, unreasonable expenses that would close plants and lead to rate shock to customers should be considered. The Supreme Court made the right decision. Morever, current Ristroph Screens provide sufficient protection at these intake areas. A negative ruling could have required hundreds of power plants to install super expensive cooling towers. Companies would shut down older plants before building cooling towers. Center President Norris McDonald, pictured above right, attended the December 2, 2008 hearing. (AP, Reuters)

State Results of 3rd Auction for RGGI CO2 Allowances

2009-03-20T10:43:00.000-04:00

The states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) announced the results of the third auction for RGGI carbon dioxide (CO2)allowances. The March 18th auction was the first since compliance obligations under RGGI's first three-year control period began January 1, 2009. All of the 31,513,765 allowances for the 2009 vintage sold at a clearing price of$3.51 per allowance.

In a parallel offering, the RGGI states also auctioned allowances for the second three-year control period beginning in 2012, providing a first-look at future marketprices for RGGI CO2 allowances. The 2,175,513 allowances for the 2012 vintage clearedat a price of $3.05 per allowance. By the end of 2009, the RGGI states will have offered for sale 5% of the total supply of 2012 vintage allowances. The auction raised $117,248,629.80 for energy efficiency, renewable energy and other consumer benefit programs in the ten RGGI states (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont).

Potomac Economics, RGGI, Inc.’s independent market monitor, observed the auction and confirmed that it was fair and consistent with noticed auction procedures. In its"Auction Report," Potomac found that there was "no material evidence of collusion ormanipulation by bidders" and that the results were "consistent with competitiveexpectations." 50 separate entities submitted bids to purchase 2.5 times the availablesupply of 2009 allowances, and 20 entities submitted bids to purchase 2.3 times theavailable supply of 2012 allowances. A total of 42 entities won allowances for the 2009 offering, in which bid prices ranged from $1.86 (the minimum bid allowed) to$10.00. 12 bidders won allowances for the 2012 offering, in which bid prices ranged from $1.86 to $4.40.

The Auction Report, issued by the market monitor following each RGGI auction, includes data on the dispersion of bids, provides summaries of purchased allowances, allowances won by bidders and bid prices, and, in accord with the Auction Notice forAuction 3, a list of Potential Bidders for Auction 3. Potential bidders are definedas "each Applicant that has been qualified and submitted a complete Intent to Bid."The list of 63 potential bidders demonstrates broad participation from compliance entities, financial institutions, and environmental organizations. According to Potomac, compliance entities and their affiliates won 78 percent of the2009 allowances and 93 percent of 2012 allowances. The high percentage of allowances won by compliance entities at auction continues a trend established in the two"pre-compliance" auctions held in September and December 2008 in which compliance entities won 80 percent and 85 percent of allowances, respectively.

Compliance obligations for fossil fuel-fired electric generators under the 10-state CO2 Budget Trading Programs took effect on January 1, 2009. RGGI's participating states held two "pre-compliance" auctions in September and December 2008, at which the clearing prices were $3.07 and $3.38, respectively. The RGGI participating states will holdquarterly auctions ensuring bidders ample opportunity to obtain the CO2 allowances they need for compliance across the entire 10-state region. The next auction is scheduled for June 17, 2009. Auction Report for the RGGI CO2 Allowance Auction 3

NYC Landmarks To Turn Lights Off on March 28 at 8:30 p.m.

2009-03-12T22:25:00.000-04:00

Beginning at 8:30 p.m. on March 28th, individuals and organizations around New York City will turn off non-essential lighting on some of the most iconic structures that make up the Manhattan skyline. New Yorkers will join the global movement that has spread to more than 1,000 cities in 80 countries. In the U.S., the city joins Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville and San Francisco in dimming its skyline to cast a vote for action on the climate crisis. During Earth Hour 2009, lights are slated to go out in some of New York City’s most renowned buildings and landmarks including:

· Empire State Building
· Citigroup Center
· Coca-Cola Billboard in Times Square
· New York Life
· Time Warner Center
· The New York Public Library
· 7 World Trade Center and the other Silverstein Properties buildings
· The Helmsley Building and other Monday Properties buildings
· Grand Hyatt New York

Joining these properties are top New York City organizations and institutions including Columbia University, PACE University, the Building Owners and Managers Association of New York, the U.S. Green Building Council New York, Fall Out Boy Pete Wentz’s Angels + Kings, and many more.

Around the world, icons committed to Earth Hour include:
· The Las Vegas Strip
· Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
· Sears Tower in Chicago
· Eiffel Tower in Paris
· Notre Dame in Paris
· Sydney Opera House
· Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro
· Niagara Falls
· Stockholm Castle
· Burj Dubai

Oscar nominated actor and New York City resident Edward Norton is the official ambassador for Earth Hour 2009 with support from Nobel Prize Laurite Archbishop Desmond Tutu, actresses Janeane Garofalo and Jennette McCurdy, fashionistas Stacy London and Clinton Kelly, as well as musicians Linkin Park, Alanis Morissette, Coldplay, Jo Dee Messina, Big Kenny (Big & Rich), Gavin DeGraw, KT Tunstall, Mary Mary, Dierks Bently, Wynonna Judd, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Lady Antebellum, SHeDAISY, Finger Eleven, Simple Plan, Justin Nozuka, The Veronicas and Rise Against.

WWF officials stressed the importance of safety during Earth Hour, noting that all lighting related to public safety will remain on.
More information about Earth Hour and ways to get involved can be found at http://www.earthhourus.org/ and www.EarthHourUS.org/newyork
National partners for WWF's Earth Hour 2009 are Esurance, Cox Enterprises, The Coca-Cola Company, Wells Fargo and Hewlett-Packard.
Note to Editors: B-roll and Earth Hour still images can be found at http://www.earthhourus.org/broll.php

About World Wildlife Fund and Earth Hour
Earth Hour (http://www.earthhourus.org/) is a global initiative of WWF in which millions of people around the world will cast a vote in favor of action on climate change by turning off their lights for one hour on March 28, 2009 at 8:30 pm local time. By voting with their light switches, Earth Hour participants will send a powerful, visual message to their leaders demanding immediate action on climate change. WWF is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in 100 countries for nearly half a century. With the support of almost 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, stop the degradation of the environment and combat climate change. Visit http://www.worldwildlife.org/ to learn more.

Dan Forman
Public Relations Manager
World Wildlife Fund
1250 24th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037-1193

Phone: 202-495-4546
Mobile: 202-758-7940
Fax: 202.778.9747
dan.forman@wwfus.org
http://www.worldwildlife.org/

Earth Hour 2009 / March 28th, 8:30pm / www.EarthHourUS.org - Turn Out Take Action

Report Shows Solid Foundation for Emerging Carbon Market

2009-03-04T20:23:00.000-05:00

A report issued today by the ten Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) shows that the competitive process is working as intended in the secondary market for carbon dioxide (CO2) allowances. The report concludes that there is no evidence of anticompetitive conduct amongst participants, such as electric utility companies, commodity brokers, and financial speculators.

The "Report on the Secondary Market for RGGI CO2 Allowances," which addresses the period from August 2008 to January 2009, was prepared by Potomac Economics, RGGI, Inc.'s independent market monitor. Potomac's other key findings include:

• Although trading volumes remain light compared to the number of allowances sold in auctions, the average volume of allowance futures trading grew from 155,000 allowances per day in September 2008 to 330,000 per day in January 2009.

• Despite continued fluctuations in market price, overall market volatility has declined over the period of study.

• A substantial number of firms (at least 25) have participated in the trading of standard futures and options contracts on public exchanges, which is a positive sign for the competitiveness of the secondary market at this early stage. Potomac's conclusions were based on the analysis of data reported to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Chicago Climate Futures Exchange and other data.

The complete Report on the Secondary Market for RGGI CO2 Allowances. Contact: Emilee Pierce - 212-417-3179

Center Testifies At NRC Hearing In New York

2009-02-14T23:46:00.000-05:00

The Center presented testimony at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) hearing on the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) at Colonial Terrace in Cortlandt Manor, New York on February 12, 2009. The hearing was on the Generic Environmental Impact Statement for License Renewal of Nuclear Plants, Supplement 38, Regarding Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit Nos. 2 and 3, Draft Report for Comment Main Report.

Norris McDonald and John McCormick presented testimony on behalf of the Center.

Center staff also toured Indian Point nuclear power plant the next day. Tour participants included Dan Durett, Director-New York, Derry Bigby, Vice President and Norris McDonald, President.

Norris McDonald Video

Norris McDonald Statement

John McCormick Video

John McCormick Statement

Move the Geese. Do Not Slaughter Them

2009-01-19T20:49:00.000-05:00

There is a bloodlust now for Canadian geese due to their culpability in the crash of the U.S. Airways Flight 1549. Pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger is the hero of this miraculous saga, but the geese are clearly the bad guys. Now some are calling for slaughtering them all, including destroying their eggs and nests. The Center would like to see these magnificient birds captured and relocated. The Port Authority has a wildlife management program. We believe the accent should be on trapping the birds instead of shooting them. There is plenty of room out Long Island to transport and release the geese.

LaGuardia and JFK Airport, working with the Port Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection, could design and implement a model program for itself and other airports nationwide. There have been over 1,000 goose strikes over the past two decades. They are big birds. And if they can bring down an Airbus A320, they need to be adequately managed. But a massive slaughter of these wonderful birds is uncalled for. Maybe Mayor Bloomberg will step up to the plate and work with Governor Patterson to design a state-of-the-art geese management program. We surely do not want any more geese to bring down another aircraft. The stakes are simply too high. We almost needlessly lost 155 people last week. But we can keep the flying public safe while conserving the precisous lives of these magnificient birds.

Safe Harbor Energy Proposes Offshore LNG Island

2009-01-16T18:57:00.000-05:00

Safe Harbor Energy (SHE) is a project being proposed by the Atlantic Sea Island Group LLC to construct an offshore island that will serve as a liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving, storage and regasification terminal. It would supply New York, Long Island and metropolitan are with the natural gas needed in this region. Safe Harbor Energy will be located in the federal waters of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), allowing LNG Carriers to use the adjacent inbound Hudson Canyon to Ambrose and the outbound Ambrose to Nantucket Traffic Lanes. This is approximately 13.5 miles south of the city of Long Beach, New York (on Long Island) and 23 miles from the entrance to NY Harbor.

The island will be constructed in an open area of the ocean between the Ambrose-to-Nantucket and Hudson Canyon-to-Ambrose international shipping lanes. This project location allows LNG tankers to use established shipping lanes to access the facility, while minimizing interference with commercial shipping and recreational users. The project location, at approximately 40° 23' 19" N and 73° 36' 35" W, is in water depth of approximately 60 to 70 feet. The island will be constructed of natural sand, gravel, and rock materials, surrounded by armored breakwaters, consisting of prefabricated caissons, prefabricated armor units and rock, and capable of withstanding a 200-year storm.

Following the notice of intent in the Federal Register, the U.S. Coast Guard will begin a public scoping process to solicit comments through scheduled public informational open houses, as well as written comments by mail or online at Regulations.gov [type in 'Safe Harbor Energy'] as they prepare an environmental impact statement.

RGGI To Hold Second Auction

2008-12-16T10:27:00.000-05:00

What: On behalf of the participating states, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Inc. will conduct the second auction under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Bidders will vie for more than 31.5 million carbon dioxide emissions allowances.

When: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 between 9:00 am and noon eastern standard time

Where: Each of the sealed bid RGGI auctions are held on-line through an electronic platform provided by World Energy Services.

Background: RGGI will reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions through a mandatory,
market-based cap-and-trade program. Under RGGI, the ten participating states (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont) will stabilize power sector carbon emissions at their capped level, and then reduce the cap by 10 percent at a rate of 2.5 percent each year between 2015 and 2018.

CO2 allowances under RGGI will be distributed primarily via auctions rather than the free allocation methodology used in other emissions markets. By using an auction, participating states are able to provide benefits to consumers through strategic investment of auction proceeds

Proceeds from the carbon allowance auctions will be invested by the participating states in energy efficiency programs, renewable energy stimulus efforts and other programs to benefit consumers. As a result, RGGI will deliver economic and environmental benefits and improve energy security through reduced use of fossil fuels.

The first RGGI auction was held Sept. 25 during which more than 12.5 million allowances from 6 states were sold. Wednesday's auction, the second of two RGGI auctions held during the pre-compliance period, will offer 31,505,898 allowances, including CO2 allowances from all ten participating states. These two auctions are termed "pre-compliance" auctions because actual compliance obligations under the programs do not take effect until January 1, 2009.

The CO2 allowances purchased at this auction can be used by a regulated power plant for compliance in any of the RGGI states. Sales of CO2 allowances will be through a consistent offering of allowances in quarterly auctions. States have committed to offer for sale before the end of 2011 all of the allowances they are putting into the auctions for the first three-year compliance period. Regulated power companies must hold enough allowances to match their CO2 emissions for the first compliance period by March 1, 2012.

After the auction closes, the auction administrator will determine winning bids and the market monitor will prepare a report on conduct of the auction and fairness of market participation. Following approval of the auction results by the participating states, RGGI, Inc. will issue a news release with the clearing price, volume of allowances sold and the market monitor's assessment. Results are expected on Friday, December 19th and will be posted at RGGI. After financial settlement and award of allowances in early January, further information about the auction results will be provided on the RGGI website.

For more information on RGGI auctions see: http://www.rggi.org/co2-auctions

American Bank Note Company Building: Green?

2008-12-06T13:00:00.000-05:00

The 405,000 square foot American Bank Note Company Building and its 80,000 square foot central floor are undergoing a $25 million renovation. Sustainable South Bronx is located in this behemoth and they will surely influence the developers to install green technology. The Daily News described the building:

"There is no building like this in the five boroughs. One could easily get lost inside-and be happy about it. The size of an armory, with a castle turret overlooking an operational 19th-century stone monastery, the building sits atop one of the highest points in all the city. It has views of the Hunts Point industrial zone that stretch all the way to the Manhattan skyline. Some rooms are as large as indoor stadiums."

The renovation will include creative commercial spaces with reasonable rent rates. Currents rents are being renegotiated with current tenants. The Center-NY would love to have an office at this location because we had offices on Bruckner Boulevard and near the Bronx Zoo in the past. However, we will stay in our little squirrels nest in midtown. (Daily News, 12/5/08)

MTA Service Reductions and Fare Increase Likely

2008-11-25T14:13:00.000-05:00

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will probably have to implement fare increases and huge service reductions are next year. A budget gap that has grown substantially since the authority released their preliminary budget this summer.

The MTA depends on real estate taxes and taxes on corporate profits for revenue, and both have plummeted in the wake of the financial crisis. A state commission is scheduled to release a full report in December that will recommend solutions to the MTA's chronic money problems.

Center Opens New York Office

2008-11-24T18:05:00.001-05:00

The Center for Environment, Commerce & Energy is proud to announce the opening of an office in New York.