Public Input needed now in 2024
#1 The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Plan (GLRI) draft plan outlines priorities and goals to guide funding for the next four years (2025-29). Public comments are due to the U.S. EPA on THIS FRIDAY, May 24. Freshwater Future has provided some comment suggestions, and FMCE signed on to the letter written by the Healing Our Water Coalition letter recommending strengthening the sections on agricultural instream water quality and coastal resiliency.
Freshwater Future has interviewed and facilitated discussions with community advocates working on GLRI projects to learn how Action Plan IV and the Area of Concern process could be improved. From these conversations, we’ve compiled recommendations
Please submit comments on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s official feedback form
#2 The EPA has not yet finalized the Lead and Copper Water Line Improvement Rules (LCIR). MONDAY, May 27 is the last day to sign the petition from Freshwater Future urging the White House and U.S. EPA to make the strongest possible regulations and to finalize them A.S.A.P. to hasten protecting the public from lead exposure through drinking water. Please sign and share our petition before this Monday, May 27, 2024!
#3 The Monroe County Climate Action Plan (Phase II – applicable to the whole community) public input on the draft plan was extended to Monday, May 27th by popular request on this page:
https://www.monroecountyclimateaction.com/draft-cap
* See the recording and PPT slides from the May 8th Public Forum:
https://www.monroecountyclimateaction.com/get-involved
You can also sign up to share your comments on the more finalized plan at
(a) The public forum time at the next Climate Action Plan Advisory Committee meeting on June 3 (or 17th?), 3:30-5PM – in person at MC Fleet Center Building 1 or virtually via Zoom (sign up to speak by emailing [email protected] ahead of the meeting).
(b) Sign up to speak at the public forums at the Legislative meetings on June 11, 24, 25 and July 9.
(c) The County will also continue the conversation and have further public engagement opportunities as we move from planning to implementation, as well as writing the Climate Resiliency Plan.
#4 You can encourage more local opportunities for composting food scraps and yard organics within our county and towns to reduce methane generated by landfills and increase soil fertility by properly composting your own scraps and organics, encouraging your neighbors, proposing it to your Town Boards, and urging your County Legislators.
#5 You can contact your NYS legislators to encourage passage of the several pending environmental bills before the NYS Legislature adjourns on June 6.
Look up your elected representatives: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
The bills include:
(a) The NY HEAT Act A4592/S2016 would cut down on natural gas use by eliminating the 100 foot rule.
(b) The Bigger, Better, Bottle Bill A6353/S237B raises the deposit to 10 cents and adds bottles from many other beverages.
(c) The Package Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act A5322A/S 4246B requires that companies redesign the products they sell in New York to make them recyclable.
(d) A Clean Fuel Standard requiring the deployment of low carbon fuels for vehicles currently on our roads.
(e) Rechargeable Battery Recycling Law would amend the current battery recycling law to include the specific types of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries used in e-bikes and e-scooters.
(f) Just Energy Transition Act is a comprehensive plan for replacing and redeveloping New York
#6 Residents across the Great Lakes Basin had an opportunity to attend a Great Lakes CAFO Manure & HABs conference on May 2nd, online, hosted by Freshwater Future and Lake Erie Waterkeepers. One key health & justice issue raised is the many small, rural communities that are suffering from the environmental impacts of excess phosphorus nutrient inputs into local watersheds from large industrial animal agriculture operations AND the massive cost burden of receiving high phosphorus content at their municipal wastewater treatment plants from food PROCESSING plants. Regulations need to be strengthened and enforced. The Farm Bill helps the industrial agriculture system stay in place. Small farms and small community quality of life could be better supported by changes, including one suggestion: implementing a CEILING on the amount of subsidy and crop failure insurance allowed per farm. The current Farm Bill expires Sept 30, 2024. The new 5-year Farm Bill is being debated now.
https://www.farmaid.org/take-action/ has recommendations to better support FAMILY FARMS.
#7 Follow the new STAMP Industrial Park in rural Alabama, NY near the Tonawanda Indian Reservation and Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge and important aquifers. (https://www.gcedc.com/stamp) (https://www.culturalsurvival.org/news/stamped-out-new-york-fight-defend-big-woods) There seem to be updated plans to pump fresh water from Monroe County to the industrial park in Genesee County and then discharge an estimated 20,000 gallons per day of pre-treated water to the Village of Oakfield Waste Water Treatment Facility that discharges into Oak Orchard Creek in Orleans County. How will this affect the the nearby Native American community, wildlife, water quality and cold-water trout population? How many acres of the Big Woods will be clear cut - and will species that require a large woodland stay? (https://www.investigativepost.org/2024/04/25/feds-revoke-major-permit-for-stamp-industrial-park/) Do we have data on much energy and fresh water is required to produce green hydrogen compared to the energy available? Has a 330 acre data storage facility been proposed, and how much energy will this facility require to keep it running reliably 24/7?
#8 FERC informed the US Senate’s energy committee that it should expect to use gas and coal for the foreseeable future given the needs for electricity. (https://www.energy.senate.gov/2023/5/manchin-ferc-commissioners-agree-ongoing-need-for-coal-in-america-s-energy-mix) NYISO to keep some fossil fuel and nuclear “peaker plants” in service because studies show that energy generation is not sufficiently resilient during temperature extremes of heat and cold to reliably power NYC. (https://www.nyiso.com/-/press-release-%7C-nyiso-identifies-solution-to-solve-new-york-city-reliability-need)
#9 There are several companies in the area selling pre-emptive yard spraying with the promise of a mosquito and tick-free yard. The problem is that these repeated broad treatments are better at killing pollinators than mosquitos and ticks, which can deplete our backyard bird food source and expose humans and pets and neighbors to regular doses of pyrethrins and other pesticides.
· https://blog.nwf.org/2020/09/what-you-need-to-know-before-spraying-for-mosquitoes/
· https://mygreenmontgomery.org/2023/an-interview-with-experts-are-backyard-mosquito-sprays-safe-and-effective/
#10 Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) - Citizen Scientist Alert! This invasive species can cause extensive damage to grape vines and other crops, as well as leaving sticky sooty mold
Please report if you have SEEN or NOT SEEN a spotted lanternfly or its egg mass at your location.
Report SLF at NYS Ag & Markets: ( https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/a08d60f6522043f5bd04229e00acdd63 )
Spotted Lanternfly Management: (https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/whats-bugging-you/spotted-lanternfly/spotted-lanternfly-management)
Map of sitings: (https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/whats-bugging-you/spotted-lanternfly/spotted-lanternfly-reported-distribution-map)
More info: (https://westchester.cce.cornell.edu/horticulture-environment/invasive-nuisance-species/invasive-pests/spotted-lanternfly)
SLF on SNL - this skit increased identification & reportings: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_x4soinsRQ)
SLF are great hitchhikers. Please look for lanternfly and egg masses on any outdoor equipment surfaces before you move vehicles, equipment or camping to a new location.
Freshwater Future has interviewed and facilitated discussions with community advocates working on GLRI projects to learn how Action Plan IV and the Area of Concern process could be improved. From these conversations, we’ve compiled recommendations
Please submit comments on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s official feedback form
#2 The EPA has not yet finalized the Lead and Copper Water Line Improvement Rules (LCIR). MONDAY, May 27 is the last day to sign the petition from Freshwater Future urging the White House and U.S. EPA to make the strongest possible regulations and to finalize them A.S.A.P. to hasten protecting the public from lead exposure through drinking water. Please sign and share our petition before this Monday, May 27, 2024!
#3 The Monroe County Climate Action Plan (Phase II – applicable to the whole community) public input on the draft plan was extended to Monday, May 27th by popular request on this page:
https://www.monroecountyclimateaction.com/draft-cap
* See the recording and PPT slides from the May 8th Public Forum:
https://www.monroecountyclimateaction.com/get-involved
You can also sign up to share your comments on the more finalized plan at
(a) The public forum time at the next Climate Action Plan Advisory Committee meeting on June 3 (or 17th?), 3:30-5PM – in person at MC Fleet Center Building 1 or virtually via Zoom (sign up to speak by emailing [email protected] ahead of the meeting).
(b) Sign up to speak at the public forums at the Legislative meetings on June 11, 24, 25 and July 9.
(c) The County will also continue the conversation and have further public engagement opportunities as we move from planning to implementation, as well as writing the Climate Resiliency Plan.
#4 You can encourage more local opportunities for composting food scraps and yard organics within our county and towns to reduce methane generated by landfills and increase soil fertility by properly composting your own scraps and organics, encouraging your neighbors, proposing it to your Town Boards, and urging your County Legislators.
#5 You can contact your NYS legislators to encourage passage of the several pending environmental bills before the NYS Legislature adjourns on June 6.
Look up your elected representatives: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
The bills include:
(a) The NY HEAT Act A4592/S2016 would cut down on natural gas use by eliminating the 100 foot rule.
(b) The Bigger, Better, Bottle Bill A6353/S237B raises the deposit to 10 cents and adds bottles from many other beverages.
(c) The Package Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act A5322A/S 4246B requires that companies redesign the products they sell in New York to make them recyclable.
(d) A Clean Fuel Standard requiring the deployment of low carbon fuels for vehicles currently on our roads.
(e) Rechargeable Battery Recycling Law would amend the current battery recycling law to include the specific types of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries used in e-bikes and e-scooters.
(f) Just Energy Transition Act is a comprehensive plan for replacing and redeveloping New York
#6 Residents across the Great Lakes Basin had an opportunity to attend a Great Lakes CAFO Manure & HABs conference on May 2nd, online, hosted by Freshwater Future and Lake Erie Waterkeepers. One key health & justice issue raised is the many small, rural communities that are suffering from the environmental impacts of excess phosphorus nutrient inputs into local watersheds from large industrial animal agriculture operations AND the massive cost burden of receiving high phosphorus content at their municipal wastewater treatment plants from food PROCESSING plants. Regulations need to be strengthened and enforced. The Farm Bill helps the industrial agriculture system stay in place. Small farms and small community quality of life could be better supported by changes, including one suggestion: implementing a CEILING on the amount of subsidy and crop failure insurance allowed per farm. The current Farm Bill expires Sept 30, 2024. The new 5-year Farm Bill is being debated now.
https://www.farmaid.org/take-action/ has recommendations to better support FAMILY FARMS.
#7 Follow the new STAMP Industrial Park in rural Alabama, NY near the Tonawanda Indian Reservation and Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge and important aquifers. (https://www.gcedc.com/stamp) (https://www.culturalsurvival.org/news/stamped-out-new-york-fight-defend-big-woods) There seem to be updated plans to pump fresh water from Monroe County to the industrial park in Genesee County and then discharge an estimated 20,000 gallons per day of pre-treated water to the Village of Oakfield Waste Water Treatment Facility that discharges into Oak Orchard Creek in Orleans County. How will this affect the the nearby Native American community, wildlife, water quality and cold-water trout population? How many acres of the Big Woods will be clear cut - and will species that require a large woodland stay? (https://www.investigativepost.org/2024/04/25/feds-revoke-major-permit-for-stamp-industrial-park/) Do we have data on much energy and fresh water is required to produce green hydrogen compared to the energy available? Has a 330 acre data storage facility been proposed, and how much energy will this facility require to keep it running reliably 24/7?
#8 FERC informed the US Senate’s energy committee that it should expect to use gas and coal for the foreseeable future given the needs for electricity. (https://www.energy.senate.gov/2023/5/manchin-ferc-commissioners-agree-ongoing-need-for-coal-in-america-s-energy-mix) NYISO to keep some fossil fuel and nuclear “peaker plants” in service because studies show that energy generation is not sufficiently resilient during temperature extremes of heat and cold to reliably power NYC. (https://www.nyiso.com/-/press-release-%7C-nyiso-identifies-solution-to-solve-new-york-city-reliability-need)
#9 There are several companies in the area selling pre-emptive yard spraying with the promise of a mosquito and tick-free yard. The problem is that these repeated broad treatments are better at killing pollinators than mosquitos and ticks, which can deplete our backyard bird food source and expose humans and pets and neighbors to regular doses of pyrethrins and other pesticides.
· https://blog.nwf.org/2020/09/what-you-need-to-know-before-spraying-for-mosquitoes/
· https://mygreenmontgomery.org/2023/an-interview-with-experts-are-backyard-mosquito-sprays-safe-and-effective/
#10 Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) - Citizen Scientist Alert! This invasive species can cause extensive damage to grape vines and other crops, as well as leaving sticky sooty mold
Please report if you have SEEN or NOT SEEN a spotted lanternfly or its egg mass at your location.
Report SLF at NYS Ag & Markets: ( https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/a08d60f6522043f5bd04229e00acdd63 )
Spotted Lanternfly Management: (https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/whats-bugging-you/spotted-lanternfly/spotted-lanternfly-management)
Map of sitings: (https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/whats-bugging-you/spotted-lanternfly/spotted-lanternfly-reported-distribution-map)
More info: (https://westchester.cce.cornell.edu/horticulture-environment/invasive-nuisance-species/invasive-pests/spotted-lanternfly)
SLF on SNL - this skit increased identification & reportings: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_x4soinsRQ)
SLF are great hitchhikers. Please look for lanternfly and egg masses on any outdoor equipment surfaces before you move vehicles, equipment or camping to a new location.
See also...
See the Greater Rochester Environmental Community Directory (Rochesterenvironment.com) for environmental/justice/health-focused groups in the Greater Rochester area.
See the Consolidated Calendar of Community Climate Events (https://www.climategfl.org/events) hosted on the Climate Solutions Accelerator website.
See the Greater Rochester Environmental Community Directory (Rochesterenvironment.com) for environmental/justice/health-focused groups in the Greater Rochester area.
See the Consolidated Calendar of Community Climate Events (https://www.climategfl.org/events) hosted on the Climate Solutions Accelerator website.
Photo by Margaret Thurston. Artwork by Amy Miller at www.bluevinedesigns.com
