Rally & Press Conference: Stop the Fracked Gas Pipeline

Climate Justice Coalition of WNY 

Northern Access 2016 Pipeline 
Press Conference and Rally 

Friday 4:00 pm in Wheatfield, NY  

PLEASE JOIN US! 

RALLY & PRESS CONFERENCE IN WHEATFIELD 

2251 Liberty Drive, Wheatfield, NY 

Friday, September 30, 2016 at 4:00 PM 

We will gather at the proposed site of the dehydration station to show Western NY stands together to say NO to National Fuel’s proposed Northern Access Pipeline

We have worked for months to connect the pieces of National Fuel’s proposed Northern Access 2016 Pipeline scattered throughout Western NY. We have found residents in Pendleton and Wheatfield spending endless hours and energy to protect their neighborhoods and families from the dangers of compressor and dehydration stations. We have found residents in Elma unaware of the significant expansion of a compressor just feet away from their homes.

All along the the 97 miles of pipeline are stories of farmers and landowners being threatened by National Fuel with eminent domain proceedings. We see grave threats to our precious waterways all through the beautiful landscape of WNY as this project would cross 180 streams and 270 wetlands before the fracked gas makes its way under the Niagara River and into Canada.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE AS DECISIONS COULD BE MADE THIS FALL WE NEED YOU!

IT IS TIME TO STAND TOGETHER, SUPPORT EACH OTHER AND SAY: 

We will come together to call on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Governor Cuomo, and the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation to say NO to this project. This project is solely for the profit of National Fuel. There is no need and necessity for this project that warrants endangering our communities, our precious water, air and natural environment.

Concerned Western NY residents
Wheatfield Action Team
Pendleton Action Team
WECAP
Sierra Club Niagara Group Contact: niagarasierra@gmail.com

Anti-Fracking Rally at Bidwell Park in Buffalo - Saturday, 11am

Global Frackdown in Buffalo with ZEPHYR TEACHOUT!

• Saturday Oct. 18th at 11 a.m.

• Bidwell Park (Elmwood Ave. & Bidwell Parkway, Buffalo) Across the street from the farmer's market

Invite Friends on Facebook: Click Here

On Saturday, October 18 — will you take a stand against fracking in Buffalo? The Global Frackdown is a massive day of international protests against fracking. It's a day for us to come together — to unify as New Yorkers and as members of our global community — to demand an end to the dirty and dangerous practice of fracking. Join the Global Frackdown in Buffalo!

In Buffalo we'll rally to tell Governor Cuomo that he mustn't frack with our future and instead invest in renewable energy in New York State. Along with the rally will be a community speak-out that welcomes the public to pick up the microphone and say a few words, or recite poetry or spoken word about the dangers of fracking.

The day's forecast currently rainy but our event will happen rain or shine. You may wish to bring an umbrella, poncho, or other rain gear. Attendees will be able to pick up free rally signs, literature, event handouts, and purchase an anti-fracking lawn sign at the information table any time during the event. Sign up for the speak-out will take place on a first-come, first-serve basis with a total of eight spots. We will be set up at the blue tent with the table, sound system & podium underneath.

Cosponsors: Sierra Club Niagara Group, PUSH Buffalo, NYPIRG at Buffalo State, Food & Water Watch, New Yorkers Against Fracking, Citizen's Campaign for the Environment - Buffalo, WNY Peace Center, Western NY Drilling Defense, Protecting Our Water Rights (POWR), and Nurse Rise ~ Nurses for Safe Water.

SCHEDULE:
Press Conference & Rally:
Rita Yelda, Food & Water Watch - Zephyr Teachout, Fordham Law Professor & Gubernatorial candidate - Lynda Schneekloth, Sierra Club Niagara Group - Julia White, NYPIRG at Buffalo State - John Washington, PUSH Buffalo - Mary Herbst, RN & member of Concerned Health Professionals of NY - Meghan Zaldivar, PUSH Buffalo

Community Speak Out - 3 spots
Music & Performance: The Nickel City String Band
Community Speak Out - 3 spots
Music & Performance: My Rap Name is Alex - Dave Harter
Community Speak Out - 2 spots
Music & Performance: Tyler Westcott  - Ismail & Company - Lauren Gay (dance) - Active Hope (dance) 

Businesses Call on Cuomo to Support Renewable Energy

Businesses Call for Winds of Change

50 Local Businesses Call on Cuomo to Support Renewables

 

WHAT: Buffalo business owners and the Sierra Club will unveil a list of 50 local businesses calling on Gov. Cuomo to boost wind energy across the state,

WHO:  Tom Fleckenstein, Owner, Niagara Wind and Solar

              Michael Murphy, USW 8823

              Lynda Schneekloth, Chair, Sierra Club Niagara Group

              Charley Olena, Sierra Club Beyond Coal Organizer

             

WHEN: 11am on Thursday, March 13th

WHERE: 237 Main St, Suite 1200, Buffalo, NY

    Institute of Labor Relations School, Cornell University

WHY:  With questions emerging about the viability of power production from sources like the Huntley Coal Plant and the draft of the New York State Energy Plan up for public comment, the Sierra Club has been ramping up efforts to support wind and renewable energy.  More than 50 local businesses have come out in support of boosting wind energy across the state, as a way to support our economy and provide good jobs.

Projects like the Riverbend Clean Tech Hub and Steel Winds are just a hint of what is possible in a clean energy economy for Western New York.  Join businesses, concerned residents, and public officials to call on Gov. Cuomo to make New York a leader in clean energy production through wind.

Contact: Charley Olena 716-870-4555, charlotteo@greencorps.org
 

Press Conference: STRENGTHEN CUOMO'S DRAFT ENERGY PLAN

Tuesday, Feb. 25th at 9 a.m.

Outside of SUNY Buffalo, Center for Tomorrow, North Campus,

Flint & Service Center Roads, Amherst, NY

TELL CUOMO

New York Energy Plan Misses Mark on Climate Protection

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, NYS is hold hearings on the state’s draft Energy Plan starting at 10:00.  At 9:00, there will be a press conference sponsored by the Sierra Club Niagara Group, NYPIRG at Buffalo State, Western NY Drilling Defense, Food & Water Watch, and New Yorkers Against Fracking.  The plan is intended to be a guide for energy decisions in the state.  Unfortunately, it falls short, failing to adequately address the dangers of climate disruption fueled by the state’s reliance on outdated and dirty fossil fuels.

Lynda Schneekloth, Chair of the Sierra Club Niagara Group, issued the following statement:

Now more than ever we need Governor Cuomo to be a climate leader, but he missed a great opportunity with this plan. New York’s Energy Plan has the potential to be a road map for a stronger economy, cleaner air and a safer future, but we won’t get there with more of the same dirty fuels like coal, gas and nuclear. Doubling down on wind power in upstate and getting steel in the water off our shores will reduce our climate risk, clean up the air and lower energy costs for families and businesses.

Specifically, we believe the plan should be strengthened in the following ways:

·         Ramp up investments in clean, renewable wind power both in upstate and off our shores.

·         Strengthen and extend our renewable energy incentive program and energy efficiency goals for at least 10 years.

·         Retire the state’s aging and uneconomical fossil fuel and nuclear plants, move away from further investments in gas infrastructure and protect our families and water from fracking.

·         Mandate enforceable interim targets to get on track to meet the state’s goal of reducing carbon pollution 80% by 2050.

·         Develop plans for a “Just Transition” for workers and communities that will be impacted by coal plant closures that are not re-powered with methane, but  proceed directly to renewables to boost regional economies.   

~ ~ ~

To view a flier from New Yorkers Against Fracking, click here.

UB CLEAR: Artvoice Article, Demands, Petition, Talks, Shale Institute Grades, and News Updates

UB Group Asks For Investigation of Shale Institute
by Buck Quigley, Artvoice

A group of faculty, students, alumni, and other New York State citizens calling itself the UB Coalition for Leading Ethically in Academic Research (UB CLEAR) is holding a press conference at noon, Thursday (6/28), at the corner of Main and Bailey on the SUNY at Buffalo South Campus.

The coalition formed in response to the UB Shale Resources and Society Institute (SRSI)—the formation of which, they argue, “violates UB procedures for creating centers and institutes.” 

Read more here. 

Press Release and UB CLEAR's Four Demands: click here

Endorse the Petition: Meet UB CLEAR's Four Demands

Press Conference Speakers and Links to Talks

UB CLEAR speakers that appeared at the press conference were Leslie Nickerson, a doctoral candidate in UB’s English Department; Stephen Halpern, a professor of political science; David Kowalski, professor emeritus of cancer genetics at Roswell Park and of cellular and molecular biology at UB; Sarah Buckley, UB alumna and registered nurse; Adam Drury, another doctoral candidate in UB’s English Department.

Report Card

Student Name: Shill Institute c/o John P. Martin, Director

Click Image to Enlarge

UPDATE: June 29, 2012 - The Buffalo News - Business
Click images to enlarge

UPDATE: June 29, 2012 - Late online release of the article above
UB staff, students urge probe of institute
Critics say school's reputation is in danger due to controversy surrounding Shale Resources and Society Institute


UPDATE: June 29, 2012 - Public Accountability Initiative Report
University at Buffalo rejects call for transparency at Shale Institute
The controversy surrounding the University at Buffalo’s shale institute continued to grow yesterday, with the university’s administration rebuffing a new coalition’s calls for transparency at the institute.

UPDATE: June 29, 2012  - New York Times Looks at UB Shale Institute (Again) -- by Buck Quigley, Artvoice
The State University of New York at Buffalo picks up another black eye from the New York Times today, thanks again to the school’s Shale Resources and Society Institute (SRSI). Click here to read the story by Mireya Navarro.
To read more at Artvoice, click here.

UPDATE: June 30, 2012 - Press Conference Videos
- First two speakers

Press Conference: Report Card on the UB Shale Resources & Society Institute -- Launch of UB CLEAR

• WHO: University at Buffalo (UB) Faculty, Students, Alumni and Concerned Citizens

• WHAT: Press Conference with UB CLEAR -- Coalition for Leading Ethically in Academic Research

• WHEN: Thursday, June 28th, at 12:00 P.M.

• WHERE: UB South Campus, at corner of Main Street and Bailey Avenue; In case of rain, at covered entrance to Squire Hall

UB faculty, students, alumni, and concerned citizens will present the Administration and the UB Shale Resources and Society Institute with a larger-than-life report card and give brief talks.

Information below describes the Background of the controversy surrounding the UB Shale Resources and Society Institute, and presents UB CLEARS's demands. Also below is an extensive bibliography, with links to articles on the UB Shale Institute, compiled by UB Professor Jim Holstun. For additional information on the press conference, please contact Jim Holstun jamesholstun@hotmail.com 

Buffalo Solar Jobs Day

WHEN: Thursday, May 24, 12:00pm to 3:00pm
WHERE: Cornell’s Industrial and Labor Relations School, 237 Main St., Suite 1200, Buffalo

State lawmakers are considering ways to make New York a leader in our nation's growing solar economy, meanwhile solar power is already making a difference all around the state. Come explore the ways that solar power is working for New York today.

Schedule:
12:00pm – Press Conference
• Senator Mark Grisanti, New York State Senate
• Ron Kammen, President of the New York Solar Energy Industries Association
• Ryan McPherson, University of Buffalo
• Environmental Org Representation

12:30pm – Solar Jobs Training 101
• Jeff Stevens, SUNY Alfred

1:30pm – Solar Power Education & Policy
• New York Solar Policy and the NY Solar Jobs Act – Ron Kammen
• Solar in Buffalo, Univ. of Buffalo’s Solar Strand – Ryan McPhereson
• How Solar Works – Solar Liberty
• Environmental Benefits of Solar Deployment – Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Sierra Club

Solar Jobs in the Community & Demos: Local solar companies will showcase their offerings and provide information about going solar in New York.

Local Solar Grassroots: New York Solar Jobs Coalition partners will be on hand to answer questions about the New York Solar Jobs Act. Participants will have the opportunity to show lawmakers they care about their local solar economy.

A printable flier for the event is here. 

For inquiries contact Peter Olmsted at the Vote Solar Initiative - peter@votesolar.org or 717-305-0045

Meeting on Offshore Wind Power

ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE

Informational meeting set on offshore wind towers

The Erie County Legislature has set an informational meeting on the New York Power Authority’s proposal to erect wind towers off Lake Erie near Buffalo. The session will begin at 11 a. m. on Wednesday, June 9th on the fourth floor of Old County Hall, 92 Franklin St.
The Power Authority is asking for proposals to build wind towers in three offshore locations, including Lake Erie. County Legislator Daniel M. Kozub, D-Hamburg, heads the Energy and Environment Committee and encourages anyone interested in the subject to attend. Members of the public can also send written comments on the matter to Kozub as chairman of the Energy and Environment Committee, 92 Franklin St., fourth floor, Buffalo, NY 14202.

UPDATE...
From Brian Smith, Citizens Campaign for the Environment:
We are planning a press conference for Wednesday at 10:30am, outside of the County Office Building at 92 Franklin.

We will be covering two issues, which both will be discussed at the Energy and Environment committee meeting immediately following the press conference:

• Support a process that will bring offshore wind power to our Great Lakes, and oppose any effort to prematurely oppose offshore wind. Groups will ask the Legislative Committee to oppose a resolution sponsored by Legislator Lynne Dixon against offshore wind.
  

• Oppose the County Executive’s plan to “re-purpose” a Department of Energy grant previously dedicated to forming county-wide strategic plans to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create a County Green Team to advance environmentally friendly solutions within County government, and advance a food composting program.