BAKKEN SHALE: As oil production sets in, pollution starts to migrate — scientists — Friday, November 22, 2013 — www.eenews.net
November 23, 2013
▶ Local elected officials, concerned ratepayers speak out in Albany – YouTube
November 17, 2013
▶ Local elected officials, concerned ratepayers speak out in Albany – YouTube.
Controversial Power Plant Decision Seen As Bellwether for State Energy Policy
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More From Earthjustice
NOVEMBER 14, 2013
ALBANY, NY —
Will New York State be a leader on energy issues or revert to short-sighted, reactive policies? That’s what a group of elected officials and concerned ratepayers asked Governor Andrew Cuomo and regulators at the Public Service Commission (PSC) today in a visit to the state Capitol.
At issue is a controversial, precedent-setting decision: whether to repower the uneconomic coal-burning Cayuga and Dunkirk power plants with natural gas—a plan that would lock the region into continued use of fossil fuels and hike electricity bills for people and businesses across a 20-county region in western and central New York, or take the plants offline and instead upgrade the transmission lines—a cleaner and far less expensive option.
While in Albany today, the group attended the monthly PSC meeting and delivered a letter and list of recommendations calling on the Governor to set a wise precedent by steering his PSC toward transmission line upgrades (Read both documents.)
“New York State is facing an important decision,” said Tompkins County Legislator Carol Chock. “As Governor Cuomo defines his new energy policy, the PSC must not miss this opportunity to start us out on the right path to protect ratepayers, the environment, and future generations.”
Chock, along with Town of Caroline councilmember Irene Weiser, are representatives of a group of elected and public officials from an eight-county region that have officially intervened in the PSC repowering proceedings to register concerns about the proposal.
The cost of repowering the two plants could cost as much as $1.5 billion—a cost that would fall to ratepayers. Upgrading transmission lines would accomplish the same goal for under $100 million.
“Repowering these uneconomic plants amounts to a corporate bailout that costs ratepayers, destabilizes the competitive market and misses an opportunity to set the state on a course for a renewable energy future,” Weiser said.
Weiser, Chock, and a busload of their constituents attended today’s PSC meeting—which could be the final meeting before a decision is reached on whether to repower the Cayuga plant. The process has been marked with a troubling lack of transparency, starting with the PSC issuing massively redacted documents for public comment.
It’s not the first time the agency has come under fire for backroom dealing. Earlier this year, the agency was criticized by the Moreland Commission on Utility Storm Preparation and Response for locking the public out of its decision-making process.
The decision comes amidst an increasing number of proposals before the state requiring investment in outdated fossil fuels and related infrastructure—including the repowering of a coal-fired power plant in the Hudson Valley, a host of natural gas pipelines, and a controversial gas storage proposal in the Finger Lakes.
“In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, Governor Cuomo spoke out swiftly and strongly about the need to combat climate change. A year later, it’s time for the deeds to match the words,” said Earthjustice attorney Christopher Amato, who is representing the group of elected officials in the repowering proceedings before PSC. “Judging from the current list of proposals before the state, it’s clear that without bold leadership from the top, New York will find itself painted into a corner and indefinitely locked into fossil fuels.”
CONTACT:
Kathleen Sutcliffe, Earthjustice, (202) 384-7157
Carol Chock, Tompkins County Legislator, (607) 227-0006
Kathleen Sutcliffe, Earthjustice, (202) 384-7157
Carol Chock, Tompkins County Legislator, (607) 227-0006
Hi all,
Attached is a list of stories from last week’s visit to Albany and below is a list of places where the AP story appeared. As others have noted, it’s significant that this story got picked up outside of New York. Also significant is the fact that we are gradually shifting the narrative on this fight – casting it as one of statewide importance. And I can’t think of a better group of people to tackle this fight than you all. Thank you all for making the trip to Albany and for all that you do. I am so inspired by your courage and commitment.
Kathleen
Wall Street Journal: http://online.wsj.com/article/AP37275691611b44ba83bbeda4d63725f2.html?mod=WSJ_NY_LEFTAPHeadlines
The Republic: http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/37275691611b44ba83bbeda4d63725f2/NY–Coal-Fired-Plants
San Antonio Express: http://www.mysanantonio.com/default/article/Groups-oppose-switching-NY-plant-from-coal-to-gas-4982262.php
Corning Leader: http://www.the-leader.com/article/20131114/NEWS/131119864
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: http://www.seattlepi.com/business/energy/article/Groups-oppose-switching-NY-plant-from-coal-to-gas-4982262.php
News 12 Brooklyn: http://brooklyn.news12.com/news/groups-oppose-switching-ny-plant-from-coal-to-gas-1.6434096
Kingston Daily Freeman: http://www.dailyfreeman.com/general-news/20131114/groups-oppose-switching-new-york-power-plant-from-coal-to-gas
Tri-City Herald: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2013/11/14/2675299/groups-oppose-switching-ny-plant.html
Palladium-Times Online Edition: http://www.palltimes.com/business/article_3cad0a7a-601b-534b-addc-edbae369822b.html?mode=print
The Wichita Eagle/ Kansas.com: http://www.kansas.com/2013/11/14/3116565/groups-oppose-switching-ny-plant.html
North County Public Radio: http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/23254/20131114/groups-oppose-switching-ny-plant-from-coal-to-gas
The Oregonian: http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf/story/groups-oppose-switching-ny-plant-from-coal/37275691611b44ba83bbeda4d63725f2
The Telegraph: http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf/story/groups-oppose-switching-ny-plant-from-coal/37275691611b44ba83bbeda4d63725f2
Stamfordadvocate.com: http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/business/energy/article/Groups-oppose-switching-NY-plant-from-coal-to-gas-4982262.php
The Post Journal: http://www.post-journal.com/page/content.detail/id/408593/Groups-oppose-switching-NY-plant-from-coal-to-gas.html?isap=1&nav=5027
Observer Dunkirk, NY: http://www.observertoday.com/page/content.detail/id/408593/Groups-oppose-switching-NY-plant-from-coal-to-gas.html?isap=1&nav=5025
Allvoices.com: http://www.allvoices.com/news/15951116-groups-oppose-switching-ny-plant-from-coal-to-gas
NewsOK. Com: http://newsok.com/groups-oppose-switching-ny-plant-from-coal-to-gas/article/feed/616458
Daily Reporter: http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/37275691611b44ba83bbeda4d63725f2/NY–Coal-Fired-Plants
Bloomberg Business Week News: http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2013-11-14/groups-oppose-switching-ny-plant-from-coal-to-gas
Anchorage Daily News: http://www.adn.com/2013/11/13/3175225/groups-oppose-switching-ny-plant.html
The Daily Gazette: http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2013/nov/14/1114_gascoal/?print
Breathing easy? Not likely in Pennsylvania – Shale Reporter : Tara Zrinski
October 23, 2013
Two outspoken residents, Rebecca Roter of Brooklyn Township, and Victoria Switzer of Dimock Township, have recently received a great deal of m…
via Breathing easy? Not likely in Pennsylvania – Shale Reporter : Tara Zrinski.
LNG expansion in NY–regulations
October 17, 2013
DEC has Quietly Proposed New, Weak Rules for LNG Facilities
The Public Comment Period ends November 4
Come learn: * how to submit comments * what points to make in your comments
Keith Schue with Sandra Steingraber
and the “Return of 30 Days” Website
When: Wednesday, Oct. 23, 7 pm Where: First Unitarian Church, Ithaca 306 N. Aurora Street, on the NW Corner with E. Buffalo
Map:
http://unitarian.ithaca.ny.us/Newcomers/How-to-find-us Reception: Enjoy homemade snacks and conversation following the program More Info: Sandy Podulka, email: sgp4@cornell.edu
Background: Despite a moratorium on high-volume hydraulic fracturing, the New York Department of Conservation (DEC) is quickly and quietly trying to adopt new rules for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities that would pave the way for fracking, threaten communities, and make us more dependent on fossil fuel. We must fight this new threat!
Keith Schue and Sandra Steingraber have scrutinized the regulations. They will present their analyses of the weaknesses and provide fodder for your comments to DEC.
The new permitting regulations (6 NYCRR 570) allow a wide range of LNG facilities, including: – LNG import/export terminals – peak-shaving plants that produce/store/vaporize LNG – regional LNG production facilities – LNG production at natural gas wells – LNG production at facilities with access to a natural gas pipeline, and – LNG fueling facilities without on-site production of LNG
The so-called regulations provide: –no setbacks from homes or businesses –no restrictions on noise –no requirement to follow local ordinances and zoning regulations –no limits on emissions of air pollutants, such as methane –no rules to monitor or report air pollution emissions –no limits on environmental damage allowed by the facilities
Furthermore, the companies don’t have to post bonds to cover the costs of accidents to the environment, people, or property, or to close the facilities when they are no longer of use. This leaves the taxpayers to foot the bill.
More Information on Commenting:
DEC web page with info on how to submit comments: http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/93069.html
Wiki-page by Chip Northrup and Keith Shue, on what comments to make: http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/New_York_LNG_regulations The Return of 30 Days: Infrastructure Regs: http://www.thirtydaysoffrackingregs.com/index.php –web page by Sandra Steingraber giving background on a different comment to make each day between now and Nov. 4
Syracuse Frackdown: Rally Against Fracking Infrastructure at DEC Meeting
The NYS DEC is considering regulations and permits for proposed Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities in New York State. This is just one example of a massive fracking infrastructure build out in the state. Nat Gas pipelines, compressor stations, wastewater treatment, powerplant conversions, the LPG storage facility in Seneca Lake and now LNG export facilities are in the works and are all a part of the attempt to bring fracking into the state.
Frack Action, New Yorkers Against Fracking, Physicians Scientists & Engineers for Healthy Energy, and ShaleShockCNY called a press conference and rally ahead of the DEC’s information session on DEC’s proposed permitting program for the siting, construction, and operation of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities. The DEC public meeting and the press conference were had at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, NY on October 16, 2013. This event was also a part of the Global Frackdown, a global day (and week) of action against fracking. Learn more here: http://www.globalfrackdown.org/
Speaking at the press conference were Renee Vogelsang of Frack Action; Keith Schue (5:18), a former engineer with experience in policy and regulatory review; Mary Menapace (13:11), a nurse at Upstate Medical; active with ShaleShockCNY; Dr. Sandra Steingraber (16:20), internationally acclaimed author, biologist, and distinguished school in residence at Ithaca College; Joe Heath (22:01), General Counsel for the Onondaga Nation, affiliated with many grassroots organizations in the region including Stop the I-81 Pipeline.
Background:
There has been a de facto moratorium on LNG facilities since a catastrophic LNG blast on Staten Island over 40 years ago that killed 37 workers. Construction of new LNG facilities was expressly prohibited statewide by law after that explosion, but except in New York City, where a moratorium remains in effect until 2015, the legislative prohibition on LNG facilities ended in 1999. However, a “de facto” statewide ban still exists because DEC has not yet established a permitting program.
DEC’s rule making must be in accord with New York Environmental Conservation Law ECL Article 23 Title 17 for Liquified Natural and Petroleum Gas. DEC’s proposed rules are woefully inadequate and fail to address what is mandated for rule making. For details of these severe short comings, see New York LNG regulations on SourceWatch.org. To learn and respond with pubic comments on DEC’s LNG rules, as well as the related FERC (federal) review on Natural Gas Storage), and the Post Ambrose Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) port near the entrance to New York Harbor, check out “The Return of 30 Days: The Infrastructure Regs” thirtydaysoffrackingregs.com.
DEC will be holding a second information session followed by a public hearing in Albany on October 30. Details below:
From the DEC website: “Notice is hereby given that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) is proposing to adopt 6 NYCRR Part 570 to implement a permitting program for the siting, construction, and operation of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities in New York State (NYS). LNG facilities are those that either store LNG in a tank system or convert LNG into natural gas through vaporization. The two types of facilities that NYS DEC expects to permit most frequently include facilities to fuel trucks and facilities that store LNG as a backup heating fuel.”
Read More from DEC: http://www.dec.ny.gov/enb/20130911_not0.html
Public Meetings: NYS DEC will conduct public information meetings to present the proposed regulations and respond to questions prior to the public hearing- 10/30 at DEC HQ in Albany.
Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2013 Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Location: New York State Fairgrounds 581 State Fair Blvd, Martha Eddy Room Syracuse, NY
Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2013 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location: NYS DEC – Central Office 625 Broadway, Room 129 Albany, NY
Public Hearing: A legislative public hearing to receive public comment about the proposed rule making will be held as follows:
Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2013 Time: 2:00 p.m. Location: NYS DEC – Central Office 625 Broadway, Room 129 Albany, NY
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Link to the post: http://www.shaleshockmedia.org/2013/10/17/syracuse-frackdown-rally-against-fracking-infrastructure-at-dec-meeting/
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Link to Shaleshock Media: http://www.shaleshockmedia.org
GDACC 
