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Electrify NY! Panel November 19, 2:30pm (free online registration)

Join us for a panel presentation of opportunities for NYers to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions through efficiency and electrification!

 

Electrify New York (efficiency & electrification opportunities)

See also the Nov 20 companion hands-on Energy Expo: Featuring fossil-fuel-free equipment, tools, tech, & management strategies

 

 

PANEL: Electrify New York (efficiency & electrification opportunities)

Efficiency+Electrification = Improved Air Quality + Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions + Conserved NYS Natural Resources

In 2019, New York State passed ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigating legislation. Most of NYS’s greenhouse gas emissions come from combusting fossil fuels for heating, cooling, and transportation used in our personal and professional lives. Anything we can do in our local communities to reduce this fossil combustion improves our air quality, reduces GHG, and reduces the demand on rural landscapes to support renewable energy projects. Come join a panel of Extension, Community Organizers, NYS Office of Climate, and Technical Service Providers as we discuss opportunities that mobilize energy efficiency and electrification projects in our local communities to conserve our shared natural resources.

Panelists:

  • Overview: Integrating Multiple NYS Goals to Conserve our Finite Landbase –Jenifer Wightman, Cornell University
  • Farm Energy Efficiencies: Accessing Technical Support & Grants -Gabriel Gurley, CCE-Tompkins
  • Electrify Landscaping Equipment: Save Money, Energy, & Heath -Ken Estes, CCE-Livingston
  • Weatherize Homes: Save Energy, Reduce GHG, Protect Health -Josh Randall, CCE-Niagara
  • Efficiency Pilots: Life Changing Impact for Low Income Homeowners: Join a Manufactured Housing working group to help build policy in NYS -Danielle Eiseman, Dept of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University
  • pending, Steven Winter Associates, Multi-family building retrofit playbook
  • NYS Cap and Invest (NYCI) Program (zooming in) -Maureen Leddy, Office of Climate Change

 

Did You Know

Most of our Greenhouse Gas emissions come from fueling our buildings and transportation?

    • These emissions can be reduced dramatically by efficiency and electrification while improving equity and well-being for all.

 

 

Did You Know

In 2019, NYS passed unprecedented legislation: Reduce GHG emissions 85% by 2050?

 

 

This panel is part of the larger 3-day Cornell Cooperative Extension conference: Agriculture, Food & Environmental Systems In-Service (Nov 19-21, 2024)

DEFINITIONS:

  • Decarbonization: reducing or eliminating carbon (fossil fuel) emissions from a sector (transportation, buildings, and power).
  • Electrification: replacing technologies that run on fossil fuels with alternatives that run efficiently on electricity. It also means generating all that electricity from clean energy rather than fossil fuels.
  • Weatherization: home improvements that reduce energy use and make homes more comfortable (moisture control, air sealing, ventilation, and upgrades to insulation, doors and windows).

Policy Dashboard – comparing climate work across the States

Haven’t had a chance to truly evaluate this dashboard of policies across the country – but it certainly covers 7 policy areas for compare, contrast and consideration.

so for example in NYS, there are 42 enacted policies

 

You can explore different features

They make a Business As Usual (BAU) graph which happily has a downward trend! But of course is far from our Actual Goals by 2050.

Notably, it appears that transportation sector makes the most progress with the BAU, and buildings have the least change in the current BAU.

I believe these BAU were created by Energy Policy Simulator here: https://rmi.org/energy-policy-simulator/

 

You can search within NYS, using a keyword such as “environmental justice” and see what policies NYS has for EJ.

And from that, you can see how different states are defining EJ

You can also select states and compare policies on a topic area. So for Working Lands, I chose 3 other states plus NY and it shares this composite info.

Remember, this is crowd sourced. So may not be comprehensive etc. But it certainly helps direct you to other states with model legislation to consider.

To see how Electricity is building out

See Model Rules from Legal Pathways to Deep Decarboinzation, a Dashboard contributor: https://lpdd.org/

See Georgetown Climate Center’s Adaptation Clearinghouse here: https://www.adaptationclearinghouse.org/?swcfpc=1

A great DB for energy policy is https://www.dsireusa.org/

State Policy Opportunity Tracker, with component-based clean energy policies: https://www.spotforcleanenergy.org/

 

To think about a single policy and what is happening, you can just search a term like Net Metering

you can see no states have policy enacted

then you can look at every state to see status and language

 

Or see who is funding weatherization campaigns

 

details by state

And then it links you to other tools like

Low-Income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD) Tool

An interactive map of each state’s energy burden, energy costs, an area’s median income, and key population demographics. State comparisons are available in the tool.

https://www.energy.gov/scep/slsc/lead-tool

 

Fall Webinar Series: Climate and Communities 2nd wed/month 1pm EST, free

Join us for 4 free webinars scheduled for this fall from across the United States.

WHEN:

  • 2nd Wednesday of the month
  • 1pm EST
  • Please register for each event of interest

Most events will be recorded and shared publicly here, after the event recording has been processed.

Scroll for more details about each event, below.

September 11, 1pm EST: YOUTH & Climate, all youth recordings Here!

This hour long webinar will  discuss multiple ways to engage youth with climate change: teaching the need to replace fossil fuels in our energy systems, programs to support youth climate digital app development, and working creating culturally inclusive curricula with indigenous communities.

TITLE: Where Does Gasoline Go? Why We Must Replace Fire in Our Energy System
PRESENTER: Don Haas (Director of Teacher Programming at The Paleontological Research Institution)

Did you know a gallon of gasoline weighs about six pounds? Burning ten gallons of gas a week means sixty pounds seemingly disappear from the tank. What becomes of it, when placed in the context of 374 million gallons that we burn in the US every day, is an astonishing but undeniably true tale. Where does it go? Why should we care?

Key Resource: Climate & Energy Resources on PRI’s Earth@Home: https://climate.earthathome.org/

NOTE: PRI has online workshop in mid-October, and we can do workshops for groups. You can subscribe for announcements here: http://eepurl.com/goSjST

TITLE: Youth Power to Reduce Carbon Power
PRESENTER: Donna Nuger (4-H Youth Development Educator, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Extension)

Nuger will discuss how youth are using their interest in technology and coding to increase awareness and inspire changes in people’s habits to decrease their carbon output, leading to a reduction in global warming.

TITLE: Creating a Culturally Inclusive Climate Change Curriculum with and for Indigenous People: Lessons Learned
PRESENTER: Ros McCann (Utah State University – Moab)

As part of a national science foundation project inspired by the NECI network, Ros will share her experience in building relationships with tribal members in the Colorado Plateau region. This will include an overview of how she formed a diverse team to co-create a climate change curriculum by and for Indigenous participants, what the curriculum entailed and the products that resulted from this process. Coverage here: https://www.usu.edu/today/story/usu-helps-host-unique-and-indigenous-student-specific-natural-resource-leadership-program

Curriculum can be found here:Utah NATURE Climate Module_ A Co-Created Menu Utah NATURE Climate Module_ A Co-Created Menu

 

SPEAKER BIOS

Don Haas (formerly, Don Duggan-Haas) is the Director of Teacher Programming at The Paleontological Research Institution and its Museum of the Earth & Cayuga Nature Center in Ithaca, NY. He is a nationally regarded expert in climate and energy education, place-based and technology-rich Earth and environmental science education; and is a past president of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. He is co-author of the books, The Teacher-Friendly Guide to Climate Change and The Science Beneath the Surface: A Very Short Guide to the Marcellus Shale. He strives to help others thrive in their teaching and learning, especially as related to climate and energy and he wants you to talk more about fire.

Donna Nuger joined University of Illinois Extension in 2004. During her tenure, she has focused on STEM and Youth Leadership. Environmental education field trips for youth in grades K-8 have ranged from the half day program, Pumpkin Day for the little ones to full day events like Natural Resources Day and multi-day events that included Environmental Science in Action with hands on research and career exploration. Nuger initiated and implemented 4-H Science Ambassadors that encouraged 4-H Teen Teachers and individual projects/research. Nuger has received and coordinated Ag Innovators Experience grants through National 4-H, funded by Monsanto/Bayer for Illinois. She looks forward to making future contributions in the area of climate change and ensuring that our youth have a healthy planet for their future.

Roslynn Brain McCann is a Professor & Sustainable Communities Extension Specialist in the Department of Environment and Society, College of Natural Resources at Utah State University. She teaches undergraduates Communicating Sustainability, helps lead the National Extension Climate Initiative, is the coordinator USU Extension Sustainability’s Utah Farm-Chef-Fork, the USU Permaculture Initiative, and Sustainable You! kids’ camps, co-leads the Utah High School Clean Air Marketing Contest, and is engaged in tribal climate change resilience.

October 9, 1pm EST: Empowering Communities: 1890 Land-Grant Institutions Tackling Climate Change, Recordings here. 

This hour long webinar will discuss the crucial role of 1890 Land-Grant Institutions in tackling climate change faced by underserved communities.

TITLE: The Climate Crisis and Environmental Justice:  Ensuring Resilience for Underserved Communities
PRESENTER: Alton Thompson (Executive Director, Association of 1890 Research Directors, ARD)

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and addressing it requires a strong commitment to research and development. For too long, environmental policy have failed to adequately address environmental injustice, particularly the unequal and cumulative effects of pollution and climate change on low-income communities and communities of color. Researchers at the 1890 land-grant universities, informed by their lived experiences of these communities, play a critical role in developing student leaders, advocates, while also supporting rigorous scientific analysis on issues like community and agricultural resiliency, climate adaptation and environmental justice.

TITLE: Leveraging AI and Innovation to Empower Future Leaders in Resource-Limited Communities
PRESENTER: Ali Fares (Professor of Water Security, Prairie View A&M University)

Dr. Fares’ academic program uses cutting-edge technologies and artificial intelligence to address resource challenges in the water-energy-food nexus for communities with limited resources. By training future leaders and professionals from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) through various outreach activities based on his research, Dr. Fares empowers them to tackle climate change challenges effectively and develop and implement sustainable solutions.

PRESENTER: Raymon Shange (1890 Extension Administrator, Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension)

SPEAKER BIOS

Dr. Thompson provides leadership and coordination in representing ARD in developing multistate and national priorities and implementing a regional response for the 1890 system. In addition, Thompson promotes, articulates and advocates the priorities of the 1890 region’s research agenda within the framework of the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute for Agriculture (NIFA), other federal agencies and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU). Thompson serves in an executive capacity on several committees and working groups focusing on legislative issues, federal, state and private appropriation of funds for 1890 multistate research and the long-term direction of established and developing 1890 universities initiatives. Key Resource: Foundation for Food Agriculture and Research (FAR)

Ali Fares is the Endowed Professor at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), Texas and Chair of Water Security, Water Energy and Food Nexus. He is currently the editor of the Water Security Book Series.  He has edited two books and published 14 book chapters, over 20 conference proceedings, and over 74 articles in peer reviewed journals. His research interests include disaster preparedness and resiliency, flood prediction and mitigation, water security, water-energy-food nexus, watershed hydrology and management, water allocation, irrigation management, and adaptation and mitigation of climate variability. Currently he is doing research on Reducing Energy Barriers for Novel Water. Dr Fares’ research in artificial intelligence in agriculture as well as several inter-disciplinary, multi-institution projects, is supported by millions of dollars. His testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee urged federal support to address “specific climate change needs of the underserved farming communities and train future professionals in climate-smart agriculture discipline.” Key Resource: https://works.bepress.com/fares-ali/

Dr. Shange’s research and teaching interests encompass the areas of: Ecology (Agroecology, Microbial Ecology, Molecular Ecology, and Ecological Engineering), Sustainable Agriculture, Impact of Climate Change on Ecosystems, Rural Energy & Water, Natural Resource Management, Integration of Art, Science and Nature, and Environmental Ethics and Justice. He has been an 1890’s Extension Administrator since 2022.

November 13, 1pm EST: ELECTRIFICATION & Climate, Recording here.

This hour long webinar will  discuss multiple ways to understand how ‘electrification’ can save money, decrease greenhouse gases, and improve health and well-being in our daily lives.

TITLE: Electrification: Climate Action or Personal Benefit?
PRESENTER: Brian Stewart (Co-Founder of Electrify Now)

Whether your motivation is to fight climate change, improve the safety and comfort of your home, reduce your health risks, or lower your energy bills, the sensible actions are the same – electrify your home and personal transportation. We will discuss how the topic of electrification can be approached from multiple entry points that each might resonate with our audience in different ways to help them to take action.

Key Resource: Electrify Now webinars on all things electrification: https://electrifynow.net/electrify-coalition-webinars

TITLE: Electrify your Landscaping Equipment: It’s Clean, It’s Quiet, It’s Healthy 
PRESENTER: Mark Puhlman (Lake Oswego Sustainability Network, Board Member)

Tackling climate change can seem to be an overwhelming proposition. But there is a key strategy that can make a major impact: Electrify Everything. Transitioning gas-powered landscaping equipment to electric helps the community take meaningful action addressing climate change while also improving air quality and reducing harmful noise levels in our community. This short talk will discuss the Lake Oswego Sustainability Network’s efforts to encourage a small community in the state of Oregon transition from Gas-powered equipment to electric landscaping equipment. Included are actions that the individual citizen can take to advance the transition.

Key Resource: https://mailchi.mp/15638b3e0577/losn-sustainability-insider-april-2021

TITLE: Energy Circuit Riders Spur Clean Energy Progress in Rural New Hampshire
PRESENTER: Sarah Brock (Clean Energy New Hampshire, Energy Circuit Rider Program Director)

New Hampshire’s unique Energy Circuit Rider (ECR) program embeds clean energy experts in rural New Hampshire communities, providing capacity and technical support to get projects done. Hosted by nonprofit Clean Energy NH and funded through a mix of philanthropic and federal sources, the program is currently supporting over 180 community-based energy projects in over 80 towns. The ECR program also supports small businesses statewide in applying for USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program, with grants for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Join us to hear reflections from the field: what works to spur community-based clean energy action, and what you can do to move projects forward in your own community.

Key Resource: Direct Pay / Elective Pay Guide

SPEAKER BIOS

Brian Stewart is a co-founder of Electrify Now, a volunteer organization devoted to educating energy consumers and homeowners about the health and economic benefits of electrification and the role that all of us can play to accelerate the world to clean renewable energy and a sustainable future. Brian has over 40 years of experience in product design, engineering, manufacturing and sustainability and held many leadership roles at Nike Inc. including Vice President of Sustainable Innovation.

Mark Puhlman is a board member of the Lake Oswego Sustainability Network, a volunteer organization of concerned citizens in Lake Oswego, Oregon. He holds a doctorate as a nurse practitioner and has worked in the area of heart failure for 45 years. He became interested in sustainability in high school but became very active in this area about 5 years ago after he retired. He is a Board Member of the Sustainability Advisory Board of Lake Oswego as well as a Board Member of the Forest Highlands Neighborhood Association. He has been involved in electrification and urban forest preservation.

Sarah Brock joined Clean Energy New Hampshire as Director of CENH’s Energy Circuit Rider Program in 2024. Sarah works with our growing team of Energy Circuit Riders to help municipalities and small businesses plan, finance, and implement clean energy and energy efficiency projects. Prior to joining Clean Energy New Hampshire, Sarah spent over a decade implementing community-based climate, energy, and transportation programming at Vital Communities, a nonprofit serving the Upper Valley region of Vermont and New Hampshire.

December 11, 1pm EST: RESILIENCY PLANNING & Climate, Register here.

This hour long webinar will share three different examples for engaging resiliency planning in local communities.

TITLE: Building Climate Resiliency through Disaster Preparedness Education
PRESENTER: Kimberly Davis, Extension Emergency Management Specialist, FAMU Extension Disaster Education Programs, Florida A&M University (FAMU)

TITLE: Preparing Agents of Change for Tomorrow: Building Youth Confidence and Capacity for Climate Resilient Futures in Appalachia 
PRESENTER: Megan Kruger, Evaluation and Research Specialist and Environmental Educator, West Virginia University Extension

TITLE: Filling Gaps in Coastal Communities with Asset Mapping
PRESENTER: Jack Voight, Coastal Community Resilience Immersive Training (C-CRIT) Program, Americorps Assessment Coordinator

This talk will discuss experiences working with the C-CRIT program and the work we completed. It will describe future plans for the program and how it can be improved to best fit the needs of different coastal communities. Also describe what I learned about Jones County, North Carolina and specific barriers that hinder the county’s ability to build back with resiliency.

 

SPEAKER BIOS

Ms. Kimberly Davis is an Extension Agent/Emergency Management Specialist with the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Cooperative Extension Family, Youth and Community programs/4-H Youth Development. Her areas of specialization include natural resources, environmental education, disaster preparedness and safety. She has over 25 years’ experience in coordinating STEM and environmental education outreach programs including the Kids Involved in Math and Sciences (KIMS) Program, and the Forestry and Conservation Education (FACE) Summer Program. She also worked over 10 years with the Florida Division of Emergency Management as an Environmental Scientist and Planning Manager. She holds a M.S. degree in Agricultural Sciences with a major in Environmental Sciences from FAMU.

Jack Voight is an undergraduate student and researcher from North Carolina State University. majoring in Environmental Engineering and researching as part of the Coastal & Computational Hydraulics Team with mentor Dr. Casey Dietrich. Jack was born and raised on the Outer Banks, North Carolina.

To see our previous webinars, please visit our YouTube channel

Spring 2024 Topics

YOUTH & Climate, Recording Here.

STORYTELLING & Climate, Recording Here.

DIY–Self-Guided Climate Instruction, Recording Here.

COMMUNITIES & Climate, Recordings Here: WA Latine Co-created Materials, PA Women Forest Owners

AGING & Climate, Recordings Here.

 

 

 

HOST: this “CONNECTING CLIMATE to COMMUNITIES” webinar series is hosted by National Extension Climate Initiative (NECI) Curriculum Working Group – a volunteer group looking to share resources amongst interested extension educators.

This program was curated by NECI CWG Active Volunteers Summer 2024

David Kay, Cornell University

James Shope, Rutgers University

Patricia Townsend, Washington State University

Rebecca Ward, NC State University

Jenifer Wightman, Cornell University

Join us or any NECI working group -learn more here: https://nationalextensionclimateinitiative.net/workinggroups/

***NECI is actively seeking a Communications Lead, please contact David Kay if you are interested.

NYS passes Climate Superfund Act!

I personally think this is a Big Deal.

This bill uses the logic of “superfund” (where historic polluters, contribute funds with local, state, and federal governments to clean up local contamination) to apply to the historic atmospheric build up of CO2 from fossil fuel companies. The funds will help NY build infrastructure to address climate change.

It passed the NY house and the NY senate!

You can read more about the bill here, https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/S2129/amendment/A

S2129A

 

 

Some of the text:

 

$21 million for nutrient and methane management in NYS

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $21 million is available for on-farm projects through the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Enhanced Nutrient and Methane Management Program (CAFO ENMP), which will help farmers protect water quality and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

RFP found here: https://agriculture.ny.gov/rfp-0326-cafo-enhanced-nutrient-and-methane-management-program

 

Governor Hochul also highlighted the state’s overarching commitment to the dairy industry, including $34 million dedicated in the FY25 Enacted Budget for fluid milk storage technologies, the support of several major dairy manufacturing facility projects, and a number of promotional efforts designed to educate consumers about New York dairy products. To formally recognize the state’s dairy farmers and processors who contribute so greatly to the state’s economy, the Governor also issued a proclamationdeclaring June as Dairy Month in New York State.

 

“The dairy industry is a powerhouse of New York’s economy, creating thousands of local jobs while nourishing our communities statewide,” Governor Hochul said. “Dairy Month is an opportunity to celebrate our tremendous dairy farmers and manufacturers and we are working to ensure they can continue putting these products on the tables of New Yorkers for years to come.” 

 

To help farmers mitigate the impacts of climate change and reduce their carbon footprint, CAFO ENMP will provide $21 million, through Soil and Water Conservation Districts, to dairy farms across the state. The program will help CAFO-permitted farmers implement projects that enhance manure management systems that sequester carbon and conserve manure nutrients applied to fields and soil to benefit water quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program also supports advancements in precision feed management to balance nutrients and reduce methane emissions.

 

A total of $14 million is available for eligible projects in the first round of the program, and $7 million is available for the second round. Eligible applicants are County Soil and Water Conservation Districts who will work with CAFO-permitted farmers to apply for this program. The Request for Proposals opened on Tuesday, June 4. Additional information can be found here. 

Funding for this program was announced as part of the Governor’s 2024 State of the State, and builds on the commitment that Governor Hochul has made to support dairy farm modernization and sustainability. Under the Governor’s leadership, the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget provides $81.8 million through the Environmental Protection Fund, up $4 million from last year, for agricultural programs and initiatives, such as the Climate Resilient Farming grant program, that are helping farms to implement environmentally sustainable practices and combat climate change.  

 

The FY25 Enacted Budget also includes additional funding to help boost the dairy industry, including $34 million in capital funding over two years to expand on-farm milk storage capacity, improve efficiencies, invest in milk transfer systems, cooling technologies, and other projects to further opportunities for dairy farmers to transport or store their products. This program will help to mitigate transportation issues during periods of intense winter weather and road closures, which will increase dairy supply chain efficiency and avoid raw milk dumping related to emergency events.     

 

Since taking office, Governor Hochul has made significant strides in expanding the dairy manufacturing sector in New York. In the last few years, New York has celebrated investments across the State, including a $650 million fairlife production plant in Webster, $518 million Great Lakes Cheese packaging and manufacturing facilities in Franklinville, and $30 million expansion to the Agri-Mark cheese manufacturing facility in Chateaugay, helping New York continue to be the leading producer of milk in the Northeast. There are currently nearly 300 world-recognized dairy processing plants across New York.

 

Additionally, many of these processors are proud participants of the NYS Grown & Certified program, adhering to higher standards of food safety and environmental sustainability.  There are 51 participating dairy processors in the NYS Grown & Certified program sourcing milk from thousands of dairy farms across the state, including Lactalis, which produces the Galbani Cheese line in Buffalo, DFA’s recently acquired Garelick milk products plant in Rensselaer, and Belgioioso’s Glenville plant that also produces the Polly-O cheeses, which have been a New York State tradition since 1899.

 

Dairy Month Activities and Promotions

In recognition of Dairy Month, the Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball will tour several dairy farms and processing plants across New York State. The Department will also host Dairy Education Days to teach children across New York State about the importance of fresh, nutritious dairy products in their diets. Department staff will visit local elementary and middle schools to help New York’s school children understand where their milk and dairy products come from and instill an early appreciation of the benefits of consuming New York products. Educational materials for the schools and students, including fun dairy-themed giveaways, are provided by the American Dairy Association North East.

 

Taste NY Markets and Welcome Centers throughout the state are also celebrating Dairy Month by spotlighting different dairy producers in their regions and featuring a variety of delicious specials designed to encourage consumers to shop for local dairy products, including offering dairy samplings, specialty milkshakes, opportunities to learn more about New York’s dairy industry and more. For more information on what’s taking place at the State’s Welcome Centers and Taste NY market locations, visit taste.ny.gov.

 

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball said, “As the state’s number one agricultural commodity, we certainly have a lot to be proud of when it comes to New York dairy. Our state is home to some of the most hardworking dairy farmers and dairy manufacturers who are producing and processing some of the very best dairy products in the world. This month, I encourage you all to raise a delicious glass of milk to celebrate this tremendous industry that fuels our economy and nourishes our communities statewide!”

 

State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “For over 400 years, dairy has been a cornerstone industry in the State of New York, sustained by generational family businesses whose work has made this commodity New York’s largest agricultural sector. During June Dairy Month, we thank our local dairy farmers and processors while elevating support for their businesses so that New York can remain a leading dairy state across our country.”

 

Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, “Dairy is critically important to our agricultural economy, being a major producer of safe and nutritious food. I am very proud of the investments we have made in the state budget to help our farmers reduce their carbon footprint and assist with milk storage technologies. This month we celebrate the many excellent dairy products our state is known for and recognize the hard work of our dairy farmers, processors and milk haulers. They are responsible for bringing this food to market, and we are very grateful for their efforts.” 

 

Chair of the Northeast Dairy Producers Association Keith Kimball said, “We appreciate the Governor’s commitment to New York dairy, as demonstrated by significant investments designated to strengthen the industry. New York’s dairy farmers are part of the solution to climate change and are committed to protecting our natural resources while producing nutritious dairy products for consumers. The state’s investments in the CAFO ENMP play a key role in supporting science-based practices on our family dairy farms that reduce emissions, prevent runoff, and protect water quality. Additionally, the state’s support to expand on-farm milk storage will significantly improve farm and processing efficiencies along with the significant investments in workforce development and farm safety which will help fortify our food supply chain. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners in state government and academia to ensure our family dairy farms remain viable for generations to come.”

 

American Dairy Association North East CEO John Chrisman said “Helping to grow consumer understanding of New York dairy farmers and the nutritious products they produce is the foundation of everything we do at American Dairy Association North East. We are proud to partner with the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets to highlight dairy and help students make the connection with the industry that provides the milk and dairy products they enjoy at school – especially during National Dairy Month.”

 

New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, “June Dairy Month recognizes the contributions and hard work of our family dairy farms. As a dairy farmer myself, I see first-hand the continuous improvements we are making on sustainability, animal care, and workplace enhancements. Our farms, milk cooperatives, and dairy processors are national leaders in providing healthy, innovative products that consumers are increasingly enjoying as well as jobs across the state. New York Farm Bureau thanks Gov. Hochul for her support to build on this legacy through economic development and environmental funding. Together, we can all celebrate the value our farms provide to New York and its people.”

 

New York State Soil and Water Committee Chair Dale Stein said, “This Dairy Month, I’m proud to see the great work our farmers are doing to increase sustainability efforts put front and center. This funding is another critical step toward helping our farmers transition to climate-safe practices that preserve our natural resources and combat climate change while continuing to protect their businesses and nourish our communities.”

 

Executive Director of the Northeast Dairy Foods & Suppliers Associations Alex Walsh said,“During June Dairy Month, we recognize and highlight the significant contributions the dairy industry makes to New York and the region. From our hardworking producers, dedicated processors, manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers, supportive industry and government partners, it’s a true collaboration that makes the dairy sector here in the state strong and a national leader as an economic generator and providing thousands of jobs across New York. Our goal remains clear: to provide safe, healthy, and nutritious products to consumers.”

 

About the Dairy Industry in New York State 

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets promotes New York State agriculture and its high-quality and diverse products, fosters agricultural environmental stewardship, and safeguards the state’s food supply, land, and livestock to ensure the viability and growth of New York’s agriculture industries. New York’s dairy industry is the leading agricultural sector of the state’s economy and accounts for approximately one-half of New York’s total agricultural income. New York State has nearly 3,000 dairy producers that produce 16.1 billion pounds of milk annually, making New York the nation’s fifth largest dairy state. New York’s unique and talented dairy producers and processors provide significant contributions to New York’s agriculture industry, the economy, and to the health of our communities. 

NY landowners: Do you own or manage natural areas that are or could be forested? Survey

Do you own or manage natural areas that are or could be forested?

  • The NYS DEC Division of Lands and Forests is conducting a survey to learn more about how public and private forestland is being managed, as well as the tree planting potential for lands that are not currently forested
    e.g.  lawns, grassland, shrubland, vineland, wetlands, and previously-developed sites

  • DEC will be using this data to help with reforestation and afforestation (creating new forests) efforts across the state to meet our tree planting and forest regeneration goals.

If your organization owns or manages forest land or land that could be planted to create new forests, please fill out this survey by March 29, 2024:https://forms.office.com/g/qfdAbJbX9i.

Youth Climate Career Summit on Wednesday, April 3rd – Westchester and Troy; April 19 – Morrisville

New York State will invest more than $40 billion in renewable and transmission projects over the next 10 years, resulting in the creation of more than 200,000 clean energy jobs.  How can you take advantage of this opportunity? All hosted by “Clean Energy Careers NY”

April 3 Westchester

April 3 Troy

 April 19 Morrisville

MORE FOR APR 3- WESTCHESTER

Westchester County is actively expanding its capacity in the Clean Energy sector to support current and future employers, as well as our residents.

  • This event aims to provide an engaging and informative platform for students interested in exploring career opportunities in the burgeoning field of clean energy and sustainability.
  • Participation is free and you can contact coordinator@greatersyracuseworks.com with any questions.
  • Youth, women, people of color, previously incarcerated individuals, veterans, and individuals from historically disadvantaged communities are strongly encouraged to attend.

Event Details:

Participants will:
  • Learn from clean energy industry leaders
  • Discover local training & education pathways
  • Network with clean energy professionals
  •  Connect with currently hiring employers and share your resume
Vendors will:
  • Meet qualified local workforce
  • Promote hiring and training opportunities
  •  Network with clean energy stakeholders
  • Showcase leadership and expertise
  • Youth, women, people of color, previously incarcerated individuals, veterans, and individuals from historically disadvantaged communities are strongly encouraged to attend.

 

MORE FOR APR 3- TROY

Are you a young person looking to enter the clean energy workforce? Check out the Youth Climate Career Summit on Wednesday, April 3rd from 9am to 6pm at RPI’s Sage Labs. This transformative event unites climate justice, clean energy, and sustainable careers into one event packed with opportunity. Sponsored by the NYSERDA Capital Region Clean Energy Hub, this free summit invites students, young professionals, and the public to explore lucrative opportunities in climate-related fields.

At this summit, you can look forward to:

👷🏼‍♀️ Panel discussions on sustainability research
👷🏼‍♀️ Participatory workshops
👷🏼‍♀️ Career networking opportunities
👷🏼‍♀️ A student club lunch
👷🏼‍♀️ Opportunities to display your own research

This free event could be your chance to launch or transition your career towards sustainability! If you are interested in this summit and other green career opportunities, sign up for Clean Energy Careers NY to receive event information, job opportunities, and more.

 

MORE FOR APRIL 19, MORRISVILLE

This event aims to provide an engaging and informative platform for students interested in exploring career opportunities in the burgeoning field of clean energy and sustainability.

  • Date: Tuesday, April 19, 2024
  • Event Venue: 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
  • Location: SUNY Morrisville Campus
  • More Info here: https://cleanenergycareersny.org/event-morrisville/
  • The day’s agenda will include:
    • Keynote Speaker: We have invited a prominent figure in the clean energy industry to share insights and experiences with the attendees.
    • Breakout Sessions: Participants will have the opportunity to attend various breakout sessions covering topics such as solar energy, wind power, and other renewable energy sources.
    • Lunch: A complimentary lunch will be provided for all attendees, offering an opportunity for networking and informal discussions.
    • Tour of SUNY Morrisville’s Agricultural and Clean Energy Technology Center (ACET Center): Participants will have the chance to explore our state-of-the-art facilities and learn about innovative technologies and projects underway in the field of clean energy.
    • Interactive Sessions: Engaging activities and interactive sessions will be conducted to provide hands-on experience related to renewable energy and sustainability.
    • This event will not only inspire and educate students about the exciting career prospects in clean energy but also provide valuable insights for educators to incorporate into their curriculum.

NYS AG GHG Inventory Report (1990-2021, our white paper)

Here is our New York State Agricultural Greenhouse Inventory Report (from 1990-2021) using the 2019 IPCC refinement of the 2006 methodology for the AFOLU (Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use) sector. Note, SUNY ESF is charged with the Forestry component.

This report describes the analysis for the agricultural component of the larger NYS GHG Inventory.

Click here for the PDF of our Ag-sector GHG Report (3.3_NY AG GHG Inventory Final Report_15Jan2024_Public)

You can find the larger NYS GHG Inventory report that combines all sectors, here: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/climate-change/greenhouse-gas-emissions-report

A few summary figures from the Ag Inventory:

While Agriculture only contributes ~6% to the Total NYS GHG inventory, of those Ag emissions, 86% are from methane (using GWP20)

Over time, NYS agriculture has increased total GHG emissions by 41%

Time Series of GHG emissions from 1990-2021 for NYS agriculture

Table form of emissions total, in Million Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide equivalents (MMT CO2e) using GWP 20

Table of historic GHG emissions in NYS agriculture (using GWP20)

 

USDA Launches Working Lands Climate Corps to Train Future Conservation and Climate Leaders

USDA today announced a new effort to train the next generation of conservation and climate leaders. As part of President Biden’s historic American Climate Corps initiative, the Working Lands Climate Corps will provide technical training and career pathway opportunities for young people, helping them deliver economic benefits through climate-smart agriculture solutions for farmers and ranchers across the country, now and in the future.  

 

The Working Lands Climate Corps is part of the American Climate Corps, a workforce training and service initiative that is working to ensure more young people have access to the skills-based training needed for good paying careers in the clean energy and climate resilience economy.

The Corps Network, National Association of Conservation Districts, AmeriCorps, and USDA will hold webinars on Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. ET and Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. ET to provide additional information for organizations interested in applying. To learn more, visit www.corpsnetwork.org/WLCC.

The request for proposals is available at www.corpsnetwork.org/WLCC. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 8, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET.

For more details, see the formal press release, here.

“Born amid the Dust Bowl crisis of the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps revitalized farmlands across the nation. Today, farmers are facing new a threat — climate change and droughts,” said Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps. “With equity at its core, President Biden’s American Climate Corps is addressing this new crisis by training a new generation for good-paying jobs in climate resilience and clean energy. AmeriCorps is proud to partner with USDA, The Corps Network, and the National Association of Conservation Districts to launch the Working Lands Climate Corps — a new American Climate Corps program — which will mobilize Americans across the country to restore soil health, promote sustainable farming practices, and tackle the disproportionate impacts that climate change has on the farming industry and our food.”

“Managing and protecting our natural resources is a shared responsibility. The work NRCS does in collaboration with partners to improve the resilience of private lands is increasingly important as we see the mounting effects of climate change,” said Mary Ellen Sprenkel, President and CEO of The Corps Network. “Engaging young adults in this work through a Corps model offers a way to expand the reach of NRCS, train future workers in climate-smart agriculture practices, and develop a new generation of climate and community leaders. The Corps Network is proud to work with the Biden Administration to stand up the Working Lands Climate Corps, a new initiative through the American Climate Corps that will help deliver on critical workforce and climate priorities. From four decades of experience working at the intersection of conservation, service, and workforce development, we know this initiative has the potential to have an important impact on our lands and in developing the climate-ready workforce we need.”

“Conservation Districts have a long history of partnership with the USDA and original Civilian Conservation Corps that dates back to the Dust Bowl era,” said National Association of Conservation Districts President Kim LaFleur. “The new Working Lands Conservation Corps allows us to renew and strengthen this partnership, while offering important conservation career developmental opportunities to young adults across the country. We are thrilled to provide training that will support the voluntary, locally led conservation delivery system and supplement ‘boots on ground’ training programs.”

 

 

NY Climate Impacts Report, released

NYS Climate Impact report.

RE: the impacts of climate change to all levels of decision-makers and the diverse communities that shape the state of New York.

 

Summary Findings from the Assessment

More details in the link.

Finding 1: Climate change is affecting New York State now and is projected to continue to change and affect every region of the state.

Finding 2: Even under a lower-emissions scenario, climate change impacts across New York State will be substantial.

Finding 3: The frequency and intensity of extreme events such as heavy rainstorms, seasonal droughts, and heat waves are projected to increase.

Finding 4: Sea level along New York State’s coastline has risen almost 1 foot in the past century and is projected to increase by another 1 to 2 feet by midcentury. 

Finding 5: Climate hazards often do not occur in isolation, and impacts can be compounded when multiple events happen near each other in time or space.

Finding 6: New York State residents and communities that are marginalized or suffer from legacies of displacement or discrimination are more vulnerable to climate impacts.

Finding 7: Climate change will introduce new risks and opportunities into nearly every dimension of New York State’s economy.

  • Natural resource-based sectors, including forestry and fisheries, will need to contend with loss of some species and in-migration of new species adapted to warmer temperatures.
  • The loss of snow and ice cover will profoundly affect traditional winter recreational activities and the local economies that depend on them, though warmer temperatures could increase outdoor tourism during longer spring and fall seasons.
  • For agriculture, variable and extreme weather conditions could lead to more crop damage and livestock stress; however, warmer temperatures and longer growing seasons could increase some yields and offer new crop opportunities.
  • The state’s large finance, insurance, and real estate sectors are exposed to national and global climate change risks, including weather-related property damage claims and economic disruptions, yet there are also opportunities for businesses in New York State that incorporate climate risk into decision-making.

Finding 8: Climate change poses escalating health and safety risks for the people of New York State, including risks to mental health.

Finding 9: Infrastructure provides vital services across New York State but is vulnerable to climate-related impacts.

Finding 10: Every community and every sector in New York State has the potential to contribute to innovative climate solutions that reduce vulnerabilities, foster resilience, and enhance equity.

  • Climate solutions will need to consider those who will be disproportionately burdened by economic disruption, such as small businesses; fiscally constrained, small, and rural municipalities and cultural institutions; frontline workers; and essential public servants including police, firefighters, and teachers.
  • Local and state governments, schools and universities, nonprofits, museums and cultural institutions, and the private sector all play vital roles in raising climate change awareness, supporting educational and workforce training efforts, and identifying opportunities for innovation that will be necessary to prepare New York State for a changing climate.
  • Centering equity in adaptation and resilience actions and aligning these actions with greenhouse gas reduction strategies is crucial for a successful and sustainable climate change response.