DEC responds to rescues, recovery across New York
New York State Forest Rangers responded to multiple wilderness rescues and one fatal recovery across the state over the past week, demonstrating the critical role they play in keeping outdoor recreation safe during peak hiking ... more
Seneca Lake activists plan June 28 rally, press state to shutter Greenidge
Seneca Lake Guardian will hold a 30-minute rally Saturday, June 28, to renew calls for New York regulators to shut down the Greenidge Generation power plant and cryptocurrency mining operation on Seneca Lake. Supporters will ... more
Environmental groups slam Hochul’s nuclear energy plan
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s bold move to greenlight a new nuclear power plant has sparked outrage from New York’s environmental advocates, who argue it undermines true climate progress. Food & Water Watch, a major anti-fracking group, ... more
New York announces plans for first new nuclear power plant in decades
New York is taking a major step toward a zero-emission future. On June 23 Governor Kathy Hochul directed the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to build the state’s first new nuclear power plant in decades—one ... more
Hydrilla fight resumes with lake herbicide treatments
Efforts to remove the invasive plant hydrilla from Cayuga Lake are set to ramp up this week, according to The Citizen. A delayed herbicide application will target the lake’s southern shore near Aurora. The Cayuga ... more
Senator warns New York energy plan risks blackouts
Senator Tom O’Mara is calling for a sweeping reassessment of New York’s climate agenda, warning that the state’s aggressive push for zero-emissions energy is threatening both grid reliability and economic stability. In his weekly column, ... more
DEC announces $1 million in forest conservation grants
New York's Department of Environmental Conservation is offering $1 million in grants to help municipalities protect open spaces and expand community-owned forests. Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced the funding on June 20 as part of the ... more
Environmental Conservation Police tackle poaching, pollution, and rescues across New York
From rescuing stranded anglers and ducklings to uncovering illegal landfills and poached trophy bucks, New York State Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) have been active on land and water in recent weeks, enforcing environmental laws ... more
Analysis: NYers pay high cost for PFAS pollution
A new analysis examines the financial costs "forever chemicals" have on New York. "PFAS" chemicals in everyday items pose numerous health risks, and the report says health-care costs for New Yorkers are up to $4.4 ... more
Onondaga County fined for sewage spills into lake
New York has fined Onondaga County $10,000 after untreated sewage backed up through manholes at two Solvay industrial sites, according to Syracuse.com. The state also ordered the county to fund a $40,000 project to reduce ... more
Zeldin faces backlash over PFAS rule rollback
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is under fire from environmental groups accusing him of abandoning his prior stance on toxic “forever chemicals,” according to Spectrum News. As a congressman, Zeldin supported tough PFAS regulations, especially for ... more
NY sludge ban stalls after lobbyist push
A New York bill proposing a five-year halt on spreading sewage sludge on farmland failed to get a vote in the Assembly, according to Spectrum News. Though it had bipartisan backing, lawmakers reversed course in ... more
Experts to address harmful algal blooms at Cayuga Lake conference
A rising tide of harmful algal blooms in Cayuga Lake has prompted a community-wide call to action—and a free conference next week will bring together scientists, leaders, and residents to tackle the crisis head-on. The ... more
Hydrilla treatment on Cayuga Lake rescheduled for late June
The Cayuga County Health Department has announced an updated timeline for this summer’s herbicide treatment to control the spread of hydrilla in Cayuga Lake. The initial application of fluridone (Sonar® H4C) will now begin the ... more
Rescues, arrests, and outreach mark busy week for DEC Rangers
From high peaks to schoolyards, New York’s Forest Rangers handled emergencies and engaged communities in a week that stretched their skills and showcased their impact. Between June 8 and 14, Forest Rangers with the Department ... more
New York Assembly blocks broader climate bill, opts for small step
A major climate bill that aimed to shift New York’s utility policies away from fossil fuels was sidelined Monday as the Assembly chose a narrower option, according to Spectrum News 1. Lawmakers rejected a broader ... more
Cameron bans sewage sludge on farmland
The Steuben County town of Cameron has officially banned the use of sewage sludge on farm fields, according to Spectrum News. The unanimous vote follows years of concern from residents like Wayne Wells, who believes ... more
Toxic algae, invasive weeds threaten Cayuga Lake
As summer kicks off, experts are warning swimmers and boaters to watch for harmful algal blooms and invasive species in Cayuga Lake, according to Tompkins Weekly. Monitoring efforts by the Community Science Institute (CSI) are ... more
Victor Conservation Board reviews Norbut Solar Farm proposal (video)
The Victor Conservation Board met on June 3 to review a proposal by Norbut Solar Farms to develop a 4.428-megawatt solar energy facility on a 34.93-acre parcel along Main Street Fishers. The project site consists ... more
