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Job: Distributed Wind Program Educator – Ithaca, NY

details here also: https://ccetompkins.org/jobs

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Distributed Wind Program Educator is responsible for the programmatic and administrative direction, management, and coordination of the Distributed Wind Program, a state-wide renewable energy education program focused on education on distributed wind resources and technologies for farmers, small rural businesses, and other key stakeholders.

This position provides administrative support; program guidance (with assessment and development oversight provided by the supervising Senior Resource Educator); direct outreach to the ag community and other key stakeholders; and acts as the liaison to National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL), and other subject matter experts.

This position is responsible for recruitment and hiring of interns (if it is determined that interns would be appropriate for the program) in consultation with the direct supervisor and stakeholders.

This position functions within the policies and procedures of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (CCETC) and must be able to work effectively with colleagues and community stakeholders, Association personnel, volunteers, and local committees as well as personnel from other CCE associations. This individual represents CCETC and the Distributed Wind Program with community leaders, government officials, other CCE associations, our subcontractors, and Cornell University. This person also receives ongoing guidance, support, and supervision from the supervising Senior Resource Educator, and works collaboratively with Cornell faculty and staff, other Issue Leaders and Extension Educators in delivery of programs.

 

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Energy, or related field, or relevant experience.
  • Ability to create and manage complex budgets with multiple funding sources, including grants.
  • Knowledge and experience with emerging issues in energy and agriculture.
  • Dynamic, highly organized, motivated.
  • Self-directed and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex programs.
  • Ability to collaborate and work effectively with stakeholders..
  • Ability to deliver detailed grant reporting.
  • Ability to multi-task.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally, in writing, and with electronic technology.
  • Experience relevant to the role of the position.
  • Valid NYS Driver’s License and the ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
  • Ability to meet acceptable background check standards (DMV and criminal background checks).
  • Basic skills in the use of modern electronic technology and software (e.g., video, audio, computers, Microsoft Office Programs, social media, internet and database software, etc.)
  • Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels and educational tools.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
  • Ability to teach informal educational programs.
  • Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.
  • Ability to plan and organize individual work responsibilities according to priorities developed with other team members and the immediate supervisor.
  • Ability to utilize program resources within the community.
  • Knowledge of diverse audiences (including at-risk audiences) and local communities.
  • Commitment to working with diverse program participants in their homes and surrounding communities.
  • Ability to frequently carry supplies and equipment, climb stairs with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Ability to read English and interpret documents such as instructions, safety, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively with external customers and employees.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with agriculture and familiarity with agriculture stakeholders throughout NY.
  • Knowledge of agencies and community programs that support clean energy development in the state.
  • Experience in web page support/maintenance.
  • Experience in working in a team environment.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Development – 20%

  • Influence the creation of Program Materials based on identified needs and resources.
  • Support supervisor and Ag Energy NY team in the research, identification, and selection of resources for the program.
  • Collaborate with National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) staff and other experts to create and deliver effective programming.

Program Delivery – 40%

  • Apply subject matter knowledge to deliver educational programs.
  • Serve as subject matter resource on recommendations for on-farm wind energy systems in NY.
  • Work with municipal officials in areas affected by small-scale distributed wind energy systems to better understand the technology and policy implications.
  • Collaborate with Cornell faculty conducting social science and other applied research related to small-scale distributed wind energy systems.
  • Work with the advisory group to incorporate their expertise into program design and delivery.
  • Represent the program in a variety of educational, business, community and governmental settings as part of program delivery.
  • Speak to relevant organizations about the program as part of program delivery.
  • Teach innovative educational programs with discretion.

Program Evaluation – 10%

  • Interact with various constituencies to evaluate the program.
  • Based on program parameters, interpret evaluation data to constituencies.
  • Make recommendations for improvement based on evaluations.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direction – 10%

  • Plan the delivery of the Distributed Wind Program.
  • Plan the structure for delivery of program via various methods.
  • Develop marketing strategies in the generation of an appropriate public image for the Distributed Wind Program.
  • Set Distributed Wind Program team goals with support from direct supervisor, NREL program staff, and subcontractors.
  • Participate as team member in developing well-integrated association educational efforts.

Management – 10 %

  • Demonstrate judgement and discretion to independently solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise in the Program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures, as needed.
  • With initiative and discretion, provide leadership and management to Distributed Wind Program interns and volunteers for all delegated and assigned functions.
  • Ensure program activities conform to the Association and NREL-funded Distributed Wind Program Plan of Work.
  • Provide management and oversight regarding program implementation, distributed wind resource recommendations, and plans of work with collaborators and subcontractors.
  • Take a lead effort in guiding the Distributed Wind Program Advisory Group.
  • Work with web/database technologies and developers to create and manage a system for tracking and maintaining recruitment and follow-up of farmers with interest in adopting distributed wind.
  • Ensure content on Ag Energy NY website is updated.
  • Monitor and manage a complex program budget based on the work plan.

Coordination – 5%

  • Contribute knowledge regarding program needs and goals to grant/contract operations and proposals.
  • Coordinate completion of administrative reports, as assigned by supervisor.
  • Coordinate compliance activities and reporting with CCETC and NREL administrative guidelines.
  • Act as liaison with NREL, subcontractors, agencies/college/University offices, agriculture community stakeholders, supporting agencies, and collaborators.
  • Implement professional development training for agricultural educators in the Ag Energy NY Program.

Professional Improvement – 5%

  • In cooperation with Supervisor, Agriculture & Horticulture Issue Leader, and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.
  • Collaborate in activities that are in general supportive of CCETC including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Extension programs and other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety – Applied to all duties and functions:

  • Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
  • Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
  • Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

EEO/EPO and Policy – Applied to all duties and functions:

  • Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
  • Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.
  • Adheres to established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Tompkins County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.
  • Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.

This is a full time, 40 hours per week, benefits eligible, exempt position. Compensation paid at $62,400 annually, depending on experience Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:

  • Vacation, Sick and Personal time
  • Paid Holidays
  • NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance)
  • NYS Retirement
  • Long-term Disability Insurance
  • Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity
  • Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Voluntary Group Universal Life Insurance
  • Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance
  • Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance
  • Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance
  • Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance
  • Voluntary Pet Insurance
  • Voluntary New York’s College Savings Program
  • Vision Access Program
  • Employee Assistance Program

Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page:

https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs

How To Apply:  Applicants (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations other than Tompkins) must apply online through the APPLY button in this job posting. Current employees of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association indicated in this job posting are considered internal applicants and must apply online through their Workday account which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/

All applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, resume and indicate three individuals who may be contacted as a reference. Please consider indicating in your application all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members to know.  Once the application is submitted you will NOT be able to change your submission or add attachments. Be sure that you have followed all directions and requirements listed in the job posting.

All applications must be received on-line by January 17, 2026. The position will be open until a suitable candidate is found.

Please consider indicating in your application all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members to know.  Once the application is submitted you will NOT be able to change your submission or add attachments. Be sure that you have followed all directions and requirements listed in the job posting.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact CCE Tompkins HR at tompkins-hr@cornell.edu.

 

Job Title:

Association Subject Educator III

Level:

003

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Sonja Baylor

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

JOB: Communication Director for AGREE – alliance for green economy

Help bring about a just transition to 100% renewable electricity, heating, and transportation!

More here: https://www.allianceforagreeneconomy.org/join-our-team/

Position Description: Alliance for a Green Economy is in search of a full-time Communications Director to spearhead communication strategies and projects to build a public face for AGREE in our local Central New York community as well as across the state. As AGREE has grown, our communications needs have rapidly increased, so we are looking to expand our capacity by hiring for this new position, while our current Director of Communications and Outreach will transition to focus more exclusively on outreach and campaigns.

We seek a dynamic and proactive communicator with a broad range of communications skills who will be responsible for developing and implementing focused, coherent, and compelling communications strategies that advance AGREE’s goals and campaigns and are consistent with our values, as well as leading communications strategies in our coalitions. Specifically, the Comms Director will be charged with the following three big picture priorities:

  • Communications support for ongoing programs/coalitions/campaigns (proactive)
    • Developing and implementing focused, coherent, and compelling communications strategies that advance AGREE’s and our coalitions’ goals and campaigns
    • Create visually-compelling materials for our campaigns and coalitions
    • Develop talking points and media guides
  • Rapid-response calls to action for emergent policy crises/opportunities (reactive/time-sensitive)
    • Write and distribute press releases/statements, develop calls-to-action and social media posts, plan press conferences, prepare staff for speaking engagements and interviews, speak on behalf of AGREE
  • Long term efforts to raise AGREE’s profile, increase our constituent base, and fundraise (brand-building)
    • Cultivate media relationships, develop multimedia communications assets, draft op-eds, manage our online presence, and engage with social media
    • Help develop and execute fundraisers, as well as send communications to previous donors thanking them for their support

This position reports to the Deputy Director and will be working closely with all staff to advance this multifaceted work. The Communications Director will be tasked with balancing the communications needs of multiple campaigns, responding to emerging opportunities, and coordinating the staff’s communications activities across multiple campaigns and programs, so executive decision-making skills, excellent judgment, and love for collaboration are a must.

The Communications Coordinator must also be organized, resourceful, detail-oriented, willing to learn new skills, able to work independently, and enthusiastic about AGREE’s mission. Previous communications experience is required, and involvement (in whatever role) in the climate and environmental justice movement is a major plus for this role.

Location: This is a work-from-home position, however the candidate must be based primarily within New York State and be able to periodically travel easily to both Albany and Syracuse for in-person events and staff meetings.

Compensation: This is a salaried position; pay will range from $60,000-$70,000, depending on experience. NYC residents receive a cost of living adjustment increase as well. Benefits include generous vacation, paid leave, and health and dental insurance.

Responsibilities to include:

  • Develop and execute a “strategic road map,” and further develop and refine AGREE’s communications strategies to advance our goals and campaigns
  • Coordinate all staff around communications activities, making executive-level decisions around communications strategy, content, and priorities
  • Ensure AGREE’s communications consistently reflect our values, are understandable, and are visually compelling
  • Manage AGREE’s online presence (including websites) and social media accounts
  • Ensure website is up to date on press releases, earned media, fundraising efforts, and other aspects of AGREE’s work
  • Write and distribute press releases and develop talking points for our communications and advocacy campaigns in collaboration with staff
  • Plan every aspect of press conferences, including alerting media, securing and preparing speakers, attending to logistical details, and ensuring media follow-up
  • Prepare staff for speaking engagements and interviews, and speak on behalf of AGREE at press conferences and one-on-one with media
  • Create materials for our campaigns, programs, and coalitions, including multimedia communications assets in collaboration with staff
  • Cultivate media relationships – proactively and consistently engage with reporters and other communications professionals and influencers
  • Live tweet events, press conferences, public hearings, and more
  • Develop communications assets for fundraising campaigns and donor/funder engagement in collaboration with staff

Qualifications:

  • Excellent communications skills – especially writing for public consumption (press releases, website copy, e-blasts, talking points, etc)
  • Experience with, or willingness to learn, the tools AGREE uses: Action Network, WordPress, Canva, Instagram, and Linktree
  • Comfort with public speaking and engaging diverse audiences
  • Ability to craft a clear, concise message
  • Experience with and interest in both traditional and new media and a desire to experiment with new ways of reaching the public
  • Website development and maintenance experience
  • Ability to manage multiple projects while communicating proactively and leading collaborative projects with the rest of staff
  • Graphic design abilities not required but are a major plus
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, stay organized, to follow through on details
  • Demonstrated commitment to social and environmental justice
  • Demonstrated commitment to collaborate and build partnerships through active listening and solidarity

How to Apply: Tentative start date of mid-February. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with interviews to be held throughout mid-January to early February. The position will be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is identified. Applicants should submit a letter of application, a resume, and 1-3 work samples to our Operations Director, Sara Dreibelbis, at sara@agreeny.org.

The letter of application will be the most important determining document for who will be interviewed for the position. The letter should be 1-2 pages and should summarize relevant experience and skills. The letter should also discuss why the applicant is enthusiastic to work on this position. Work samples should demonstrate the candidate’s skills in one or more of the areas listed in the job description.

Questions? Contact AGREE’s Operations Director: sara@agreeny.org

NYS approved its energy plan

Check it out: https://energyplan.ny.gov/Plans/2025-Energy-Plan

The Plan includes recommendations based on findings from more than a year-long assessment of current systems and future energy needs through 2040, which will guide the State’s energy-related decision making. Today’s (Dec 16 2025) approval of the Plan advances multiple State objectives including ensuring affordable, abundant, reliable, and clean energy while supporting economic development, equity, and a healthy environment.

For some basic context:

New York’s Energy Law establishes a State Energy Planning Board to periodically develop and adopt a State Energy Plan.8 In its consideration and development of State policies, programs, and other actions, the Board is guided by multiple goals and long-range energy planning objectives that are specified in the law. These include: 

  • Improving the reliability of New York State’s energy systems; 
  • Protecting consumers from market price volatility and minimizing the cost of energy services; 
  • Minimizing public health and environmental impacts, in particular, environmental impacts related to climate change; 
  • Maximizing energy conservation, energy efficiency, and load management; and 
  • Supporting economic development and the ability of the state to compete economically. 

Under Article 6 of the Energy Law, the State Energy Plan is to include an assessment of the ability of energy supply sources, together with the energy transmission and delivery systems, to meet forecasted energy demand for electricity and fuels for at least a ten-year period. For the current planning cycle, the Energy Planning Board decided to evaluate energy demand and supply through 2040. Furthermore, many components of this State Energy Plan dovetail with the planning requirements of the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act), which set ambitious statutory targets to guide New York State’s clean energy and climate agenda.

Clean Energy and Climate Targets Set by the Climate Act 

Signed into law in July 2019, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) has laid the foundation for much of the work of State agencies tasked with contributing to the transition to a clean energy economy in New York. The Climate Act sets out targets to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 40% by 2030 and 85% by 2050, as well as the following sector-specific targets: 

  • Zero-emission electricity system by 2040 
  • 70% renewable electricity generation by 2030 
  • 9,000 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind by 2035 
  • 3,000 MW of energy storage by 2030 
  • 6,000 MW of solar by 2025 
  • 185 trillion British thermal units (TBtu) of end-use energy savings in the buildings and industrial sectors 

The Climate Act requires that at least 35%—with a goal of 40%—of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed towards disadvantaged communities (DACs). This aims to make the energy transition inclusive and equitable, providing economic opportunities, job creation, and environmental benefits to communities that have historically been overburdened by pollution. 

Projected land use change due to goals for utility scale solar in New York State

Demand for solar energy in NYS is projected to reach 116–125 terawatt hours per year by 2050, when electrification of current fossil-fueled heating and transportation sectors is taken into account. By analyzing the performance of over 300 existing USS sites across NYS, we project that approximately 100 GWDC of USS capacity can meet this demand. Stochastic modeling of power density trends over time indicates that the 2050 mandate will require between 71,072 and 128,784 hectares (ha) depending on siting variables.

 

Full Abstract.

Governments worldwide are adopting ambitious policies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A New York State (NYS) legislative mandate requires net zero statewide GHG emissions by 2050 in part through decarbonizing electricity generation. However, increasing renewable energy capacity, including utility scale solar (USS), competes with land-uses such as agriculture and forestry. This case study evaluates USS historic land use to project future demand for land to meet NYS’s 2050 GHG goal. Data collected from open-source solar databases were combined with USS boundaries obtained through manual and automated digitization and Monte-Carlo and Maximum Entropy modeling were used to project the likely area and land use characteristics of future sites built to meet the projected 2050 demand for electricity. Demand for solar energy in NYS is projected to reach 116–125 terawatt hours per year by 2050, when electrification of current fossil-fueled heating and transportation sectors is taken into account. By analyzing the performance of over 300 existing USS sites across NYS, we project that approximately 100 GWDC of USS capacity can meet this demand. We found an average power density of 0.62 MWDC/ha of land for fixed axis sites and 0.59 MWDC/ha for single axis tracked sites. Stochastic modeling of power density trends over time indicates that the 2050 mandate will require between 71,072 and 128,784 hectares (ha) depending on siting variables. If trends continue, we project that between 21 386 and 27 233 ha of cropland and between 14,985 and 18,463 ha of forest could be converted to USS. For future scenarios in which conversion of annual row crop land and high-quality soils were limited, there was an increase in distance to transmission lines, number of parcels required, and complexity of site shapes, which would likely increase solar development costs. These results help bound the likely land use changes that will occur to meet electric sector GHG mitigation mandates. These results also provide information about the benefits and trade-offs of restricting the conversion of current agricultural land to solar energy production. Additionally, the approach we developed, combining analysis of fenced area, capacity factors, trends in power density over time, and projecting likely future locations for solar stochastically is applicable to many global regions with solar development on agricultural lands.

Hopefully you can access the pdf, here:

Koch_2025_Environ._Res._Lett._20_114071

https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ae0da4

Theodore W Koch et al 2025 Environ. Res. Lett. 20 114071

Great job Ted!

 

NYS fire prevention and building codes updated for Efficiency, Electrification, Energy Savings, Fire Safety, and Refrigerant GHGs.

From July 30, 2025 Urban Green Newsletter

New NYS Energy Code Approved

On Friday, the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council unanimously voted to approve the next NYS Energy Conservation Construction Code. The motion includes a monumental step which makes New York the first state to require most new buildings to be all-electric. It also boosts energy efficiency with 18% more site energy savings than the 2020 code and will save households an average of $594 in annual utility bills. The new code will go into effect on December 31, 2025.

 

“2025 ECCCNYS” means the publication entitled “2025 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State” (publication date: July 2025) published by the International Code Council, Inc.

 

You can find all the July 2025 code revisions, here: https://dos.ny.gov/event/state-fire-prevention-and-building-code-council-meeting-july-2025?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_campaign=1b6cf91040-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_07_30_05_59&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_77e1c68116-1b6cf91040-441863773, such as

  • 2025 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State

  • 2025 Fire Code of New York State

  • 2025 Existing Building Code of New York State

    In 1978, the State Legislature added Article 11 to the Energy Law to provide for a comprehensive energy conservation construction code applicable to all public and private buildings in New York State (including buildings located in the City of New York). Article 11, consisting of sections 11-101 through 11-110 of the Energy Law, sets forth the process by which the State Energy Conservation Construction Code (“Energy Code”) is to be developed, maintained, administered, and enforced for the conservation of energy in buildings in New York State. Both State government and local governments are participants in this process.

    In 1981, the New York State Legislature enacted legislation directing the development and implementation of an integrated, Statewide building and fire prevention code. Prior to the adoption of this legislation, the decision as to whether to adopt and enforce a building and/or fire prevention code was left to the discretion of local governments in New York State. Many municipalities, primar- ily in the more developed and densely populated areas of the State, had adopted building and/or fire prevention codes. However, there were also many communities, mostly rural in nature, where no building or fire prevention code was in effect.

    In light of the perils posed by fire and inadequate building construction, the State Legislature adopted a new Article 18 of the Executive Law to provide for an integrated and comprehensive building and fire prevention code. Article 18, consisting of sections 370 through 383 of the Executive Law, sets forth the process by which the code is to be developed, maintained, administered, and enforced for the protection of all New Yorkers. Both State government and local governments are participants in this process. The code, called the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (“Uniform Code”), took effect January 1, 1984 and prescribed minimum standards for both fire prevention and building construction. It is applicable in every municipality of the State except the City of New York, which was permitted to retain its own code.

    Although the Uniform Code took effect in 1984, its antecedents are much older. Beginning in the late 1940’s, New York State began developing a code known as the State Building Construction Code, which provided standards for the construction of buildings and the installation of equipment therein. Developing and maintaining the State Building Construction Code eventually became the responsibility of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR). In the 1960’s, DHCR began developing a second code, the State Building Conservation and Fire Prevention Code, to address fire safety practices in buildings. Both of these codes were applicable in a municipality only when affirmatively adopted by the governing body. The State Building Construction Code and the State Building Conservation and Fire Prevention Code were repealed effective January 1, 1984 when they were replaced by the Uniform Code.

    ddd

  • State Environmental Quality Review Act

    A summary of significant changes from the Uniform Code and Energy Code that coincides with the list in the Final Scope and the Regulatory Impact Statements
    (RIS) for the Uniform Code and Energy Code;
    o Uniform Code significant changes:

    •  Residential sprinklers
       Temporary use of buildings in emergencies
       Powered micromobility devices
       Inflatable amusement devices
       Coordinating pool and hot tub provisions with industry standards
      and specific provisions from the ICC’s International Swimming
      Pool and Spa Code
       NYS Department of Environmental Conservation flood provisions
       A2L refrigerant safety standards
       Mass timber
       Accessible building feature language updates, including updated
      reference and coordination with ICC A117.1 to the 2017 version
       Lithium batteries
       Energy storage systems
       Occupiable roofs
       Adult changing stations
       Shipping container construction
  • o Energy Code significant changes:
    •  Fossil-fuel equipment and building systems prohibition in new
      buildings (with corresponding provisions set forth in the Uniform
      Code)
       More restrictive building thermal envelope requirements
       Eight counties that were previously in Climate Zone 6 are now in
      Climate Zone 5
       Additional efficiency credits for new buildings and existing
      buildings following the prescriptive compliance path
       Limits on the use of electric resistance space heating
       Renewable energy for commercial buildings
       Thermal bridge mitigation and documentation of energy loss
      associated with thermal bridges in commercial buildings
       Increased minimum efficiency requirements for gas-fired water
      heaters, hot-water boilers, air conditioning, and refrigeration
      equipment as mandated by federal standards
       Increased equipment efficiency for elevators
       Energy recovery ventilation required for residential buildings in
      Climate Zone 6
       Separate electric metering for low-rise multi-family dwellings

I LOVE NY!

Go Team!

State Engagement with Regional Transmission Processes: why grid design is key to sustainability!

The grid is the new ‘market place’ supporting everything we all do, every day.

Watch this 25Apr25 webinar to learn about our current grid, and how to help the grid evolve to meet our 21st century needs and goals.

 

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

The grid is not just part of de-carbonization. It helps us structurally respond to dynamic changes!

Imagine

  • a 6 day massive cold spell in the midwest causing a brown out in the midwest.
  • Then imagine the east coast that doesn’t have this extreme condition and the east grid electricity can flood to assist the mid-west.

It’s not imaginary – this webinar shows how our current grid responded to this very event in 2022.

The grid allows for large scale cross-state COLLABORATION for local resiliency and well-being!

  • What a great patriotic objective!
  • By the people for the people!

 

Well designed transmissions provides

  • optionality
  • resilience
  • insurance.

It’s in all our best interest to make a comprehensive and distributed electric grid.
Let’s work together for next generation transmission!

 

see this case study of MISO – Midcontinent ISO”

“Multi-value Grid project” designed to move power generated in the west (wind in the midwest) to east (loads in Chicago etc), approved in 2011.

RTO= regional transmission organization

ISO = Independent system operators

TRANCHE 1 changes:

TRANCHE 2 Proposals!!!

March 2025, Fossil Fuels account for less than 50% of electricity generation! Go Team!

I am beyond excited to share the following graph.

(To note, after posting I realize this includes nuclear).

https://ember-energy.org/latest-updates/fossil-fuels-fall-below-50-of-us-electricity-for-the-first-month-on-record/

Note, March is a special month and called a ‘shoulder season‘. The following bullets are taken directly from this Canary website:

  • Milder temperatures mean people use less energy to heat and cool their homes, so power demand tends to contract.
  • That has historically made shoulder seasons — the fall version runs from September to November — a good time to take fossil-fuel and nuclear power plants offline for maintenance.
  • Meanwhile, wind production peaks in the spring, and solar production comes more alive with the longer days of stronger sun. Last month, solar and wind alone met over 24% of overall U.S. power demand.

But the signs point to our shared success of generating our own local, contemporary electricity and not relying on a trust fund of fossilized energy!

Taken directly from the EMBER website:

  • The milestone is the result of a long term decline of fossil generation in the US power sector, with wind and solar growing substantially over the last decade. Ten years ago, in March 2015, fossil generation still provided 65% of US electricity generation. Wind and solar generation stood at just 5.7%. Since then, the share of wind and solar power has more than quadrupled.
  • Solar power is set to account for more than half of new generating capacity installed in the US in 2025, with more than a third of new solar panels going to Texas. Solar’s rise has been extraordinary. Ten years ago, in March 2015, solar power accounted for just 1% of US electricity generation. By March 2025, this had grown to 9.2%.
  • Last month Ember published a special report, US Electricity 2025, on the changes and trends in the US power sector last year. It found that solar was the fastest and largest growing source of electricity in the US in 2024. Wind and solar power combined rose to a record 17% of the US electricity mix in 2024, overtaking coal for the first time which accounted for 15%.

 

 

 

JOB: Land Use Education, Wisconsin

The Center for Land Use Education (CLUE) is seeking a new Director at the rank of Assistant/Associate/Full Professor.

Below is a brief description of the position—more information in the attached position announcement and at the link here.

The Director of the Center for Land Use Education (CLUE) position is a full-time (12-month), UWStevens Point tenure-track faculty position that includes 80% Director responsibilities (grant writing, research, Extension programming, and administration) and 20% undergraduate teaching. CLUE is a multifaceted Extension and education center with one additional full-time tenure-track faculty member and several staff and student employees. The individual will be a UW-Madison Division of Extension Specialist within the Community Development Institute providing Extension leadership, research, and community engagement while engaging the CNR undergraduate and graduate education and community engagement mission. The Director will be expected to connect the resources of the Center to other Extension researchers and outreach programs and to take a leadership and collaborative role in existing and emerging community development and land use and natural resource initiatives, teams, and opportunities.

I am the Search Committee Chair, so please feel free to contact me about CLUE or living in Stevens Point!

All the best,
Austin Holland, PhD (he/him)
Assistant Professor, Conservation & Community Planning
Extension Specialist, Center for Land Use Education
Environment & Society, College of Natural Resources
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

The College of Natural Resources (CNR) is one of the largest comprehensive natural resources undergraduate programs in North America. This position will serve in the Environment and Society Discipline, which includes BS and MS in Natural Resources degree options in Conservation and Community Planning, Environmental Education and Interpretation, Environmental Science and Management, and Conservation Law Enforcement. The discipline is home to the Center for Land Use Education (CLUE).

CLUE is a UW-Stevens Point and UW-Madison Division of Extension (Extension) collaborative outreach and statewide engagement center. The Center is a statewide focal point for land use planning and management education in Wisconsin focused on: training for elected officials, staff, and communities; planning and zoning education and resources; natural resource planning education and resources; applied research helping communities and groups work toward sustainable land use outcomes; and, student engagement in our CNR faculty roles to ensure high quality competencies in our graduates.

Through the discovery and dissemination of knowledge, UW-Stevens Point stimulates intellectual growth, provides a liberal education, and prepares students for a diverse sustainable world. The university is committed to creating a safe, inclusive learning community for all faculty and staff from a variety of backgrounds. Visit https://www.uwsp.edu/join-uw-stevens-point/ for more information about UW-Stevens Point

 

Apples! New York’s Finest Renewable Energy

For our Decarbonizing Energy Expo, we wanted to celebrate all kinds of renewable energy, including FOOD!

TasteNY Western New York and Finger Lakes Welcome Centers donated a gift basket for a free drawing

Which was won by Pat Graham, a specialist at the Cornell Center for  Teaching for Innovation!

so John Whitney drove by Eddydale Produce on his way to Campus

And Picked Some Apples Up to share with Everyone!

And students Anna Lovat and Sarvesh Pvabhu shared their mineral and vegetal appreciation of NY!

 

New Year Thanks to Next Generation Farming!

Well,  the De-Carbonizing Energy Expo was back on November 20, and I’m just now getting to blog about it!

To start, I wish to thank the undergraduates who came out to help us set up at 7am! They are part of the Alpha Gamma Rho Zeta Chapter Fraternity! The Agricultural Discipline Fraternity on Campus! Special Thanks to John Whitney (also part of Alpha Gamma Rho Zeta, CALS Animal and Life Sciences class of 1982) CCE-Erie who retired in December. Intergenerational Cornelians making the first De-Carbonizing Energy Expo happen on campus!

Crisp Apple Thanks in the photo to:

  • Erik Verdehem – ’25
  • Avery Pound – ’25
  • Austin Bares – ’26
  • Aidan Ainsle – ’25
  • Tommy Fenwick – ’25
  • John Whitney – ’82

Community Appreciation Also to:

  • Andy Turner and Cooperative Extension for financial and other support
  • Eveline Ferretti and the Mann Library Support Team for the space and resources for the indoor exhibitors!
  • Julie Parsons and the Grounds Team that managed all the outdoor exhibitor needs!
  • Julie Bazen – Cornell Career Services for supporting events for Green Jobs!
  • Western NY Program Work Team (including members from CCE-Erie, CCE-Livingston, CCE-Niagara & CCE-Tompkins that enthusiastically joined in bring AgEnergyNY support) for Spearheading this!
  • Ellie Dodd and the Entire University Events Team for helping us make it all happen safely!
  • CCE InService Team, especially Sarah Muzio and Keith Tidball (Natural Resource Track)
  • CALS Soil and Crop Sciences, Amy Collins, Cheyenne Cotton, and a special shout out to Sue Hoskins and SIPS Craig Cramer

 

Weatherizing Homes – CCE-Niagara!

Inside the TinyHouse -CCE-Tompkins!

Our fearless landscaping member -CCE-Livingston!

Watch our November 19 “Electrify NY” Panel for Annual CCE InService