Saturday, April 21, 2012

CLIMATE IMPACTS DAY - 5/5/12 - Take Action

Environmental author and activist, Bill McKibben, along with his 350.org campaign, is launching a Global Day of Action to 'Connect The Dots' between fossil fuel extraction, climate change, and the extreme weather that has reshaped so much of the American landscape this year.

The time has come to begin in earnest to move away from from burning coal, gas and oil.

 Watch this video and 'Connect The Dots' 


TAKE ACTION locally on May 5, 2012 at 1:00pm outside the Coal-fired, Huntley Power Plant in Tonawanda.

For a detailed description of the event, click here

Friday, April 20, 2012

TALK: Shale-Gas Fracking and Environmental Injustice

Join Rita Yelda at 9:30am on Sunday, April 22 (Earth Day) in the Case Library at Westminster Presbyterian Church (724 Delaware Ave, Buffalo) for discussion of this locally- and nationally-significant issue.

Rita Yelda founded WNY Drilling Defense group in 2010, and she works for Food and Water Watch, a Washington DC-based advocacy organization. 

Yelda will discuss the environmental concerns about using hydrofracking, or 'fracking', to extract natural gas from shale. The missions of her local grassroots group include education, action, and advocating for legislation in opposition to fracking. Her group was instrumental in banning fracking and treatment of the toxic wastewater in Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

In 2011, Rita Yelda was awarded the Sierra Club's Blake Reeves Award for Environmental Leadership.

This talk and another one on April 29, 2012 comprise the Case Library Environmental Series.

Green Frontier: Clean Energy Roundtable

  • WHAT: Roundtable Discussion on Clean Energy
  • WHEN: Saturday, April 21, 2pm-4pm
  • WHERE: Burchfield Penney Art Center, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo
Speakers at the Roundtable will address various aspects of the energy issue and are Lynda Schneekloth, Rita Yelda, Bill Nowak and Walter Simpson.  It promises to be a lively, interesting, and Earth Day-relevant event.

Free and Open to Public

To see an event flier, click here

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Youth for a Just & Sustainable World - Be the Change!

Generation Waking Up is a global campaign to ignite a generation of young people to bring forth a Thriving, Just, Sustainable World. 

The Video below is part of the 'Generation Waking Up Experience', a multimedia educational workshop that inspires young people to transform their lives and communities. The video is awesome! Check it out:


Below are a couple of upcoming campaigns that young people can get involved in to help make change happen:

PowerShift NY: Shift from dirty Fossil Fuels to clean, Renewable Energy.
Power Shift NY will be held in Albany on April 27-29.
Don't miss the amazing speakers like Bill McKibben (environmental author and activist, 350.org founder), Josh Fox (Gasland filmmaker and activist), Sandra Steingraber (biologist, author, and environmental & children's health advocate), and others. Check out the Conference and Register here. Spread the word!

350.org - Connect the Dots:
350.org is launching a Global Day of Action to connect the dots between fossil fuel extraction, climate change, and the extreme weather that has reshaped so much of the American landscape this year. Take action on May 5, 2012! 
Rally, educate, document and volunteer along with thousands of people around the world to support the communities on the front lines of the climate crisis. To learn about events in your area, or to start your own event, Click Here. Invite your friends!


Let's Bring Clean Energy to WNY!

By Bill Nowak

I am writing to let you know about a local clean energy initiative.

The Sierra Club Niagara Group Energy Committee has been looking at places that have been successful at bringing wind, solar and other renewables on line.

I was commissioned to write a paper on the subject. The paper is called "CLEAN-FIT - A Program to Unleash Renewable Energy and Create Jobs in New York State." It's available on line.

I really hope you'll download this paper and look though it.

We will presenting much of this information as part of a forum on Saturday, April 21st at the Burchfield Penney Art Museum on Elmwood Avenue next to Buff State from 2 to 4 PM. A flier on the forum is here.

The forum is presented as part of Peace on Earth Month (POEM).

While the paper is on renewables for NY State, we have designed an innovative campaign to make WNY a demonstration project for creating green jobs in the solar, wind and other clean energy sectors.

We'll be unveiling it on the 21st. Please save the date.
We're hoping you'd like to be part of this campaign and whether or not you're able to make it on the 21st.

Please save the date of Monday, April 23rd at 6:30pm when we'll be holding a information/training session on the WNY demonstration project.  If you want to volunteer to help or just learn more, please attend:
  • WHAT: Public Information Campaign on Renewable Energy -- 'CLEAN-FIT'
  • WHEN: April 23, 2012 at 6:30pm
  • WHERE: TriMain Building Rm.401, 2495 Main St, Buffalo
SEE: "CLEAN-FIT - A Program to Unleash Renewable Energy and Create Jobs in New York State." It's available on line
Please save the date of the 23rd and think about joining us to bring more green jobs and clean energy to WNY.

Bill Nowak, Energy Committee, Sierra Club Niagara Group
882-9237

HydroFracking News Briefs

Excerpts from articles in the news and blogs

NY State Won't Fund Hydrofracking Health Impact Study
By David Kowalski
April 4, 2012
 

The $132,600,000,000 budget passed by New York State last week did not include funds for a $100,000 study intended to protect the health of NY residents from the fallout of high-volume hydraulic fracturing (hydrofracking) already seen in other states. 

Many lawmakers, as well as the governor and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), seem bent on moving forward on unconventional shale-gas drilling. Sadly, they ignored sound advice from 250 physicians and healthcare/scientific experts who recognize the lack of a Health Impact Assessment as a major flaw in the DEC’s draft hydrofracking regulations. 

Senator Mark Grisanti said "It's very difficult to do a health study on high-volume hydraulic fracturing in NY state when it's not occurring here."

Read the full article here and see a video by Dr. Sandra Steingraber entitled "Will NY Regs on Fracking Protect Our Health?"
 

Another Voice / Hydraulic fracturing
New Yorkers have a right to know the health impacts
By Lois Marie Gibbs and Larysa Melnyk Dyrszka
April 10, 2012
 

New York State may be on the verge of allowing fracking on a large scale across the state. Yet, despite all of the information indicating that there will be negative impacts on our communities and public health from fracking, our elected officials have not yet studied the potential health impacts to identify the risks involved.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has stated repeatedly that science will drive New York’s decision on whether to proceed with this extreme form of fossil fuel extraction. But on the issue of health, the science hasn’t been done. The New York State Assembly has called for an independent health impact assessment on fracking by including an appropriation in its budget proposal. The State Senate and the governor should follow suit and ensure that this critical study is funded in the final budget.


As chairman of the Senate’s Environmental Conservation Committee and member of the Budget Conference Committee, Buffalo’s own Mark Grisanti has a critical role to play. He can and should fight for this appropriation in the Senate and the governor’s office.


Read the full article at BuffaloNews.com


Grisanti proposes fracking safeguards
Bill would prohibit treatment of water at public facilities
By Charlie Specht
April 7, 2012

State Sen. Mark J. Grisanti on Friday announced legislation that would prohibit treatment of water from hydraulic fracturing at public facilities statewide, create a tracking program for the waste and enact other environmental safeguards.

But Grisanti, chairman of the Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation, said he would not support or oppose the controversial gas drilling process until the state completes its final environmental impact study.

“It’s preliminary,” he said. “It’s too early to tell.”

As Grisanti was confronted by environmental activists demanding a complete ban on fracking, his chief political opponent called for more education on the issue before any action is taken.

“We need to see the full scope of their final draft of regulations before we rush to start the drilling,” former Erie County Legislature Chairman Charles M. Swanick said as he urged consideration of alternative energy methods.

Read the full report at BuffaloNews.com and see a video of Sen. Grisanti's presentation and the reactions of fracking opponents including Rita Yelda of Food & Water Watch.

Links to Press Releases

Senator Grisanti announces legislative package aimed at protecting our environment with regards to hydrofracking
By Mark Grisanti  - April 4, 2012
 
Contains links to the proposed legislation.

Coalition Urges NY Sen. Grisanti to Support Statewide Fracking Ban 
By New Yorkers Against Fracking - April 5, 2012  

New Yorkers to Senator Grisanti: Ban Fracking
By Rita Yelda - April 6, 2012

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Presentation: Geothermal Heating -- April 18

WNY Sustainable Energy Association 

presents

The Reitan Speaker Series
  • SPEAKER: Jens Ponikau, Geo-designer for Buffalo Geothermal Heating
  • TOPIC: Everything You Wanted to Know about Geothermal Heating, but were Afraid to Ask!
  • WHERE: Hallwalls - 341 Delaware Ave., Buffalo
  • WHEN: Wednesday April 18th at 7pm - Free & Open to All

Buffalo Geothermal is a geothermal design and installment firm offering turnkey solutions in residential and commercial applications. Currently, BGH installs between 50-60 systems per year in the Buffalo and Western New York area. They include open and closed systems, and horizontal, vertical, and pond-loop systems. 

A native of Germany, Mr. Ponikau designed and installed 120 geosystems abroad and brought this design knowledge to Western New York, where he helped found Buffalo Geothermal Heating in 2008. He has been teaching numerous seminars to architects and engineers on geothermal technologies, and also made public appearances an radio shows, schools and the home show to further educate the public. Mr. Ponikau is an International Ground Source Heat Pump Association accredited geothermal installer and a graduate of the University of Hamburg, Germany.

Come Learn about this Renewable Energy Source at HALLWALLS, which has an active Geothermal System!


We hope to see you there!

Friday, April 6, 2012

New Yorkers to Senator Grisanti: Ban Fracking

For Immediate Release: April 6, 2012
Contact: Rita Yelda, Food & Water Watch, 716-507-2077, ryelda@fwwlocal.org

New Yorkers Demand Ban On Fracking, Grisanti Responds With Wastewater Legislation
Constituents Respond With Over 700 Phone Calls In One Day

Buffalo, NY- Yesterday, Sen. Mark Grisanti (R-60), chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee, introduced five bills in the State Senate which purport to address concerns regarding the practice of hydraulic fracturing, known as “hydrofracking”.

Senator Grisanti has claimed the legislation would prevent another Love Canal, but Lois Gibbs, a mother of two children who narrowly survived permanent health damage as a result of Love Canal chemical exposures in the Niagara area has expressed concerns about unanswered questions on the health effects of the chemicals used in the fracking process.

“When Love Canal was built, we were told that the chemicals produced would be safe—but they weren’t. Fracking advocates say the same thing. It’s time to learn from past mistakes,” said Lois Gibbs.

Sen. Grisanti's proposed legislation does not alter the underlying safety issues raised by the controversial technique of natural gas extraction. The new bills would develop tracking systems for potential fracking sites and waste produced, regulate the use of wastewater from the fracking process and establish an online system for notifying the public within 48 hours of fracking discharges self-reported by fracking companies. Sen. Grisanti’s bills have not garnered widespread support among organizations closely monitoring this critical public health issue.

"Grisanti's proposals are nothing but a fig leaf. They allow him to pretend he cares about the safety of our water, but they really just pave the way for the fracking of New York to begin," said Dan Cantor, Executive Director of the Working Families Party.

Yesterday, New Yorkers responded to Grisanti’s legislation with over 700 phone calls to the Senator’s office demanding a ban on fracking. As chair of the committee, Grisanti has the ability to move forward legislation to ban the use of hydraulic fracturing in the extraction of oil and gas in New York, but has failed to support the bill and put it up for a vote. Instead, he has released legislation in regards to fracking wastewater.

"There is more to fracking than just the waste it creates, and these bills do not take that in to consideration" said Rita Yelda, organizer for Food & Water Watch. "The legislation introduced by Senator Grisanti is full of loopholes and would fail to protect western New Yorkers from fracking's threats to our health, economy, and environment. Senator Grisanti's constituents have sent him a loud and clear message that they will accept nothing less than his support for a fracking ban in New York."

Sen. Grisanti’s constituents staged a press conference in December 2011, presenting him with petition signatures and letters from constituent organizations asking that he support bill 4220, a ban on fracking. In March, constituents also staged a candlelight vigil outside of Sen. Grisanti’s office to remember the instances of water contamination that have already occurred across the U.S.

"These bills say it's okay for the gas industry to invade New York, without taking in to account the plummeting quality of the air, water, and land when drilling begins in a community. As chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee, it’s his duty to ensure a clean and healthy environment for future generations. He is ignoring his constituents' requests. We expect more from him-- both in district and as a leader of this important Committee. Grisanti's proposed legislation in no way prohibits or prevents future accidents, spills, and contamination of resources," said Yelda.

For this press release plus additional information about hydraulic fracturing and the state-wide coalition 'New Yorkers Against Fracking', click here.


Thursday, April 5, 2012

Coalition Urges NY Sen. Grisanti to Support Statewide Fracking Ban

By New Yorkers Against Fracking

On April 4, Sen. Mark Grisanti (R-60), chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee, introduced five bills in the State Senate which attempt to address concerns regarding the practice of hydraulic fracturing, known as “hydrofracking”—none of which alter the underlying safety issues raised by the controversial technique of natural gas extraction.

Sen. Grisanti’s bills would develop tracking systems for potential fracking sites and waste produced, regulate the use of wastewater from the fracking process and establish an online notification system for notifying the public within 48 hours of fracking discharges self-reported by fracking companies.

Sen. Grisanti’s bills have not garnered widespread support among the environmental community in New York. The coalition of groups New Yorkers Against Fracking called on Sen. Grisanti to listen to his constituents and support a statewide ban. Much like the majority of New Yorkers, voters in Sen. Grisanti’s district are clear in their disapproval of hydrofracking. Niagara Falls and Buffalo—two cities in Sen. Grisanti’s district—recently passed local bans on fracking and resolutions calling for a statewide ban on the controversial practice.

“Grisanti’s proposals are nothing but a fig leaf. They allow him to pretend he cares about the safety of our water, but they really just pave the way for the fracking of New York to begin,” said Dan Cantor, executive director of the Working Families Party.

Sen. Grisanti’s constituents staged a press conference in December 2011, presenting him with petition signatures and letters from constituent organizations asking that he support a ban on fracking. In March, constituents also staged a candlelight vigil outside of Sen. Grisanti’s office to remember the instances of water contamination that have already occurred across the U.S.

The Buffalo Common Council also recently passed a resolution of support for a fracking ban in New York, stating that a law to prohibit natural gas drilling in New York will protect residents and neighbors from the harmful effects of drilling, as well as safe-guarding air, land and local waterways. The DEC, while prohibiting fracking in certain watersheds in Syracuse and New York City, has not prohibited drilling in any Western NY watersheds.

“The bills introduced today by Senator Grisanti are full of loopholes and would fail to protect western New Yorkers from fracking’s threats to our health, economy and environment,” said Rita Yelda, Buffalo organizer for Food & Water Watch. “Senator Grisanti’s constituents have sent him a loud and clear message that they will accept nothing less than his support for a ban on fracking in New York.”

“With or without regulations in place, fracking is a menace to public health,” said David Braun, a spokesperson for New Yorkers Against Fracking. “It lays down blankets of smog, fills roadway with trucks hauling hazardous materials, sends sediment into streams, and generates immense quantities of radioactive, carcinogen-laced waste for which no fail-safe disposal options exist. These measures won’t protect our water and our health.”

Lois Gibbs, a mother of two children who narrowly survived permanent health damage as a result of Love Canal chemical exposures in the Niagara area, expressed concerns that questions still remained unanswered over the health effects of the chemicals used in the fracking process.
“When Love Canal was built, we were told that the chemicals produced would be safe—but they weren’t. Fracking advocates say the same thing. It’s time to learn from past mistakes,” Gibbs said.

New Yorkers Against Fracking, is a new coalition of diverse organizations that support a fracking ban, are joining together to tell Gov. Andrew Cuomo and our leaders in Albany to stand up for New Yorkers to keep our water and our state safe by banning hydrofracking.

Founding members of New Yorkers Against Fracking include statewide and national organizations like Citizen Action of New York, New York State Breast Cancer Network, Food & Water Watch, Catskill Mountainkeeper, Frack Action, Water Defense, the Working Families Party joining with local grassroots anti-fracking groups and business in each part of the state such as Brewery Ommegang, Frack-Free Catskills and Fingerlakes Clean Waters Initiative and many more. The full list of more than 50 organizations can be found by clicking here.

Sandra Steingraber, Ph.D., author, biologist, advocate and recent winner of the prestigious Heinz Award for her life’s work, donated a significant portion of her award to help prevent fracking in New York—providing the seed money for this effort.  Diagnosed with cancer in her youth, Steingraber is a central voice in the fight against fracking and has devoted her career to understanding the ways in which chemical contaminants in air, water and food endanger human health.

Sandra will serve as an honorary member of the New Yorkers Against Fracking advisory committee. Joining Sandra as honorary advisory committee members will be Niagara native, former Love Canal resident and founder of Center for Health, Environment and Justice Lois Gibbs and outspoken anti-fracking advocate and upstate resident and actor Mark Ruffalo.

Senator Grisanti announces legislative package aimed at protecting our environment with regards to hydrofracking

By Mark Grisanti, April 4, 2012

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation for these last sixteen months, I have advanced a number of reforms aimed at protecting the environment, from sponsoring New York’s Water Withdrawal legislation that ensures compliance with the Great Lakes Compact, to advocating for enhancing our Environmental Protection Fund.  Nonetheless, I have encountered no single issue as critical, controversial and important as high-volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF).

I held a Public Hearing, attended and participated in a Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) hearing, as well as observed an Assembly hearing on this topic.  Further, held extensive meetings and discussions regarding hydraulic fracturing with stakeholders.

Since becoming Chairman, I have not advocated for or against hydraulic fracturing. I have taken the time to better understand the nature of this complex drilling operation, the extent of the environmental impacts as well as the potential benefits for the State’s economy.  I know that making an impulsive decision at the behest of one side or another would not be fair and would not produce the appropriate results.  Further, I eagerly await the DEC’s final decision on whether or not to allow HVHF.  

I am confident from my conversations with Commissioner Martens and from my reading of the draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) that if the finalized document and regulations allow for HVHF that the necessary protective measures will be included.  I commend Commissioner Martens for his leadership, and I thank him and his staff at the Department of Environmental Conservation for the work they have done over the last three years studying hydraulic fracturing and developing an effective regulatory system to guide its practice in New York State.  However, should the DEC ultimately decide to allow for HVHF I strongly believe environmental safeguards are needed.

We do not want to have our children be forced to drink bottled water because our water has been tainted nor do we want another Love Canal. However, we want to continue to search for economical environmentally safe national options for fuel and energy, to relieve our dependence on foreign entities.

My review of the draft SGEIS and discussions with stakeholders have led me to identify five additional measures I believe are necessary should HVHF be allowed to go forward:

*    Prohibit public owned treatment works from accepting wastewater associated with the exploration, delineation, development, or production of natural gas;(S6893)

*    Prohibit the use of wastewater for road- and land-spreading; (S6895)

*    Create an Oil and Gas Waste Tracking Program that is stronger than the tracking program proposed under the draft SGEIS; (S6892)

*    Strengthen the notification requirements for unauthorized wastewater discharges; (S6891)

*    Create a geographic information system to provide information to the public concerning gas and oil production. (S6894)

    Today I am announcing that I will be introducing a package of five bills that will address each of these measures as necessary steps to safeguard New York’s environment.

~~~
Cross-posted from Sen. Grisanti's website. Links to the bills were inserted.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

NY State Won't Fund Hydrofracking Health Impact Study

By David Kowalski  
 
An Economic Impact Study was Funded Last Year

The $132,600,000,000 budget passed by New York State last week did not include funds for a $100,000 study intended to protect the health of NY residents from the fallout of high-volume hydraulic fracturing (hydrofracking) already seen in other states.

Many lawmakers, as well as the governor and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), seem bent on moving forward on unconventional shale-gas drilling. Sadly, they ignored sound advice from 250 physicians and healthcare/scientific experts [1] who recognize the lack of a Health Impact Assessment as a major flaw in the DEC’s draft hydrofracking regulations.

Dr. Gina Solomon, a physician with the Natural Resources Defense Council, said health concerns include air pollution, potential contamination of ground or surface water with methane or chemicals used in fracturing fluids, fires or explosions, heavy truck traffic, and altered social conditions.
 

In a Senate Session on the 2012-2013 Budget last week, Senator Mark Grisanti (R-Buffalo), Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee, spoke on the budget. He said that "in other states where high-volume hydraulic fracturing is occurring there are health impact studies that I believe that the DOH [Dept. of Health] to the advisory council is going to be taking a look at. It's very difficult to do a health study on high-volume hydraulic fracturing in NY state when it's not occurring here." [see video here]

Human health impacts deserve far more investigation than "a look." A proper study requires research and funding. Also, the fact that high-volume hydraulic fracturing is "not occurring here" in NY did not stop the DEC from hiring a consulting firm, Ecology and Environment Inc., to do an economic study at a cost of $223,000. That study [4Mb PDF] was in fact based primarily on the occurrence of hydrofracking in the neighboring state of Pennsylvania.

The Assembly Majority had already passed a bill calling for a health study. The $100,000 study would include research into other states' experiences with fracking. It would estimate costs of any health impacts to the state, insurers, employers and the health care system and include a long-term plan for monitoring and mitigating health impacts.

The Senate drafted a health impact assessment bill to fund an in-depth $300,000 study. Sen. Tony Avella (D-Queens), the bill's sponsor and a member of the Environmental Conservation Committee, said in a statement, "Before we allow companies to start drilling for gas and pumping chemicals near our watersheds, it is only reasonable that a study be conducted to provide us with more information about the hydrofracking process and the potential health impacts."

At the 2012-2013 Budget session last week, Sen. Avella introduced an amendment to environmental budget legislation that would have included a health impact assessment on hydrofracking. Avella said, "No matter which side of the aisle you are on, whether you are for hydrofracking or against hydrofracking, the very fact that we could do this process without analyzing the seismic or health impacts of hydrofracking, in my opinion is an absolute disgrace." [see video here]

Senator Avella, the Senate Democratic Conference, and the Assembly Majority should be commended for demonstrating their leadership and dedication to protecting the health and well-being of the people of New York. The bill (S.6772) sponsored by Avella is currently in the Environmental Conservation Committee chaired by Senator Grisanti.

Claire Sandberg, Executive Director of Water Defense, said, “One only need to look at the devastation wreaked by fracking in Pennsylvania to see that gas drilling cannot be done safely. There are perhaps hundreds of families just across the border who are without access to safe drinking water because of fracking-related contamination. How can we trust our elected officials who say we can regulate this inherently dangerous practice, if they don't even support basic funding to study its effect on our public health?"

A full assessment of its health impacts must be completed before a decision can be made about whether or not hydrofracking is permitted in New York.

Kate Hudson, Watershed Program Director at NY Riverkeeper said, "We would still call on the governor to take action. He is in a position to accept or reject any of the proposed change. We think this is way too important and we are going to continue to lobby the Legislature."

Dr. Sandra Steingraber speaks to the DEC about their recent Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) and calls for a comprehensive study on the Health Impacts of hydrofracking. Listen: 

Footnote:
[1] Experts included the Medical Society of the State of New York, the American Academy of Pediatrics of New York State, the NY State Nurses Association, the Academy of Family Physicians of New York State, and over 250 individual physicians and scientists.
 

Environmental Policy: Heading for a 'Silent Spring'?

Art Klein, member of the Niagara Group of the Sierra Club, wrote a very interesting article entitled "The Echoes of Rachel Carson – Our Dilemma" in the group's newsletter.

The story begins with Art's recollections of fifty years ago after reading "The Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson. It was the birth of the modern environmental movement. The tale moves through the creation of the EPA, the banning of DDT, the loopholes, and ultimately the undeserved character assassination of Rachel Carson. And then there were the echoes of legitimate insights by citizens about Love Canal, and now the controversial process of hydrofracking. Following each of these environmental and human insults, we see more orchestrated doubts cast on well-intentioned people and groups by business and industry.

Art Klein's story ends with challenges and questions for the Niagara Group, but these merit quoting here since they're ones that all people concerned about the environment and humanity must face:
"Our Sierra challenges are two-fold, and not light. First, we must ensure our own state does not threaten the future of our water by permitting hydrofracking in New York. Second, we must work to ensure our Great Lakes do not become contaminated. Our tasks are mighty and noble, and our resolve cannot be weak. It may not be stylish to urge greater Federal Regulation, but obviously bereft of reasonable and rational controls, we are headed for perilous times. If we fail, how can we justify our greedy exploitation of temporary fuel in exchange for poisoned water wells? What will happen to our fragile water system of the future? What will we tell our children and grandchildren? After fifty years of an inadequate effort to protect the environment and human health, will WE, in this generation, be the ones to create a Silent Spring?"
 

Art Klein's article is well-worth reading, and you can view it in its entirety on the Sierra Club Niagara Group's website.
~ ~ ~  
Editorial reflections:
 
"So extraordinary is Nature with her choicest treasures, spending plant beauty as she spends sunshine, pouring it forth into land and sea, garden and desert. And so the beauty of lilies falls on angels and men, bears and squirrels, wolves and sheep, birds and bees...."
-- John Muir, Founder of the Sierra Club 


Tuesday, April 3, 2012

President Obama, Roses and The Kitchen Sink

By Jessica Glendinning, Virginia Organizer at 350.org
This article is cross-posted from the 350.org website
  
"I believe in an America where future generations will have clean air to breathe and fresh water to drink, powered by clean renewable energy (and good old fashioned American ingenuity). Don’t let me down."

This past summer, I was arrested in front of the White House on the first day of the Tar Sands Action, which resulted in my spending three days in a District holding cell. I have been back to DC a few times since then, including a trip this past November to give the President’s house a great big hug.

Jessica and Jason
Last week, I was back in Washington and at the White House again - but this time as an invited guest along with 350.org's Jason Kowalski [Policy Director in Washington DC; full disclosure: David Kowalski's son].

I met up with Jason a few minutes before our scheduled arrival time, and we walked up to the gates. Two ID checks, one security checkpoint and just a few minutes later, we were on White House grounds. Walking up to the Rose Garden, we were greeted by military officers in their ceremonial uniforms and a four-piece jazz combo.

Having always been on the other side of the fence, it was slightly surreal to have the experience of being inside the gates, schmoozing with members of the other environmental groups and the rest of the invited guests. We rubbed elbows with the heads of organizations, networked as much as we could, and were then led as a group to a portion of the Rose Garden right outside the Oval Office.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Riverkeeper 'Spring Shoreline Cleanup' on April 21

BUFFALO NIAGARA RIVERKEEPER
seeks   
VOLUNTEERS FOR “SPRING CLEANING” ALONG WNY WATERWAYS

Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper is recruiting volunteers to join the Spring Shoreline Cleanup on Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 9am to noon.

With the early spring weather we are experiencing in Western New York, many people are starting spring cleaning in their homes and yards.  Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper is seeking volunteers to help with “spring cleaning” of 35 parks and green spaces along our Buffalo Niagara shorelines.

Individuals as well as families, community groups, employee groups, service clubs, student groups, school clubs, scouts, churches, and volunteer groups can help remove the unsightly trash and debris that has accumulated over the winter.  This trash and debris is harmful to wildlife and degrades water quality.  Volunteers that participate in the movement to beautify Buffalo and Niagara’s waterways, will receive a thank you gift, and are invited to attend Riverkeeper’s volunteer appreciation picnic following the cleanup.

With 35 locations to choose from, there will be groups participating in most communities within the Buffalo Niagara area.  New this year is a team of volunteers along the Robert Moses Bike Path in Niagara Falls.  If you’re feeling adventurous, join the rugged volunteers on the banks of Scajaquada Creek in Buffalo, or enjoy the view while you help out at Isle View Park in Tonawanda.

For a complete list of Cleanup sites, to register online, and for more information, please visit www.bnriverkeeper.org or call Elizabeth Lamont at 716.852.RIVER x 19.  Please register by Wednesday, April 11, 2012.

Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper is grateful for the sponsorship of the M & T Charitable Foundation.
Media Contacts:
Kerri Bentkowski Li , Director of Citizen Action Programs
(716) 852-7483 (work)
(410) 446-8973 (cell)