Cheese plant shutdown ordered after fish die-off in Ischua Creek
A major fish kill in a Cattaraugus County creek has prompted state officials to shut down part of a local cheese facility. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) says Great Lakes Cheese ... more
Ischua Creek closed to recreation after fish die-off and suspected waste discharge
State officials are urging the public to avoid Ischua Creek in Cattaraugus County following reports of a possible organic waste discharge and a large die-off of fish and wildlife. The New York State Department of ... more
Land trust adds 200+ acres to Finger Lakes conservation corridor
The Finger Lakes Land Trust is expanding its Hemlock to High Tor greenbelt with several new land deals aimed at protecting forests, wildlife, and water quality. The group just announced the acquisition of over 200 ... more
New York launches PowerUp2030 to train small, diverse energy businesses
New York’s clean energy workforce just got a boost with the launch of PowerUp2030 — a new state program aimed at helping small and diverse businesses grow in the fast-changing energy sector. Governor Kathy Hochul ... more
Rising utility bills: How conserving water can protect your wallet
This story was produced by Dax Janel Valencia and distributed by Next Net. When you implement strategies to conserve water at home, you can protect your wallet because they can help lower your consumption and ... more
Nick Brown on building a solar future that works for Rochester and beyond
When Nick Brown talks about solar power, he isn't focused on panels, turbines, or megawatts. He's focused on people, especially in Rochester, where high energy costs and limited access to the trades keep many families ... more
Seneca Lake update: One algal bloom found last week
One harmful algal bloom was reported on Seneca Lake for the week of August 15–21. Cool temperatures and breezy conditions helped keep more blooms from forming. Officials warn that blooms can pop up quickly as ... more
New Yorkers push Hochul to commit to 15GW of public renewables by 2030
Climate advocates are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to ramp up New York’s clean energy plans by committing to 15 gigawatts of publicly owned renewable energy by 2030. The demand came during two packed virtual public ... more
DEC seeks public input on Hamilton County recreation plan
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is asking for public feedback on a draft plan that could shape outdoor recreation across more than 38,000 acres in Hamilton County. The plan covers the Speculator ... more
Exploring Sustainable Living Trends in the Finger Lakes Region: A Path to Eco-Friendly Futures
The Finger Lakes Region is a hidden gem when it comes to sustainable living. With its breathtaking landscapes and rich agricultural heritage, we’re witnessing a surge in eco-conscious practices that not only benefit the environment ... more
Rally planned over landfill concerns near Waterloo schools
With the school year just days away, a Seneca County citizens group is calling on state leaders to stop a potential expansion of New York’s largest landfill—and to enforce a local law that would close ... more
O’Mara slams NY’s climate plan as unrealistic, calls for energy overhaul
State Senator Tom O’Mara is warning that New York’s current approach to clean energy mandates is unsustainable—and he says the newly released “Draft 2025 Energy Plan” may be the state’s last chance to get it ... more
Seneca Lake sees one HAB as water holds steady in mid-August
A steady breeze and slightly cooler mornings have kept harmful algal blooms (HABs) in check on Seneca Lake this past week, according to the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association. From August 8–14, observers reported just ... more
DEC opens Jefferson, St. Lawrence WMAs for 16-day public access
For just over two weeks this month, outdoor enthusiasts will have rare access to several usually restricted wildlife areas in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties. The DEC says the annual open house runs August 16–31, ... more
Lanternfly threat grows across Southern Tier
Spotted Lanternflies are spreading fast across New York, with more sightings expected in the Southern Tier, according to WBNG. Wildlife experts say the invasive bugs, now mature, are feeding on crops like grapes and hitching ... more
DEC boosts salmon monitoring on Boquet River
New York State is stepping up efforts to monitor Atlantic salmon in the Boquet River with new equipment and a five-year plan to improve conservation. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the launch of ... more
Opponents argue 1,500 tons of trash for 15 years is too much: What’s next for Seneca Meadows?
In a small town known as the birthplace of women’s rights, the future smells like garbage—literally. Seneca Falls may be stuck with 1,500 tons of New York City trash daily for another 15 years. The ... more
Hochul stalls as cryptominer pollutes, say advocates
Advocates say delays in a high-stakes cryptomining case are putting New York’s landmark climate law on the line — and they’re blaming Governor Kathy Hochul for letting it happen. At a virtual press conference today, ... more
Big money slows sewage sludge crackdown
Private companies helped stall EPA efforts to warn the public about toxic PFAS in sewage sludge, according to Spectrum News 1. Buried in a congressional bill is a clause blocking the agency from finalizing its ... more
