Decommissioning Oversight Board (DOB) Meeting: The next meeting of the Indian Point Decommissioning Oversight Board will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at the Cortlandt Town Hall 1 Heady Street Cortlandt, NY 10567. It will focus on Emergency Preparedness and Response. To participate virtually via electronic access, Click here or go to www.zoom.us/join Event Number: 850 5585 6664 Passcode: 360819. By Phone: 1-929-205-6099 Access Code: 850 5585 6664 Anyone wishing to attend the meeting and public forum must pre-register by 6:00 p.m. on September 21, 2022. An agenda will be made available in advance of the meeting on the Department of Public Service website at www.dps.ny.gov by entering “21-01188” in the box labeled “Search by Case Number.” As has been the case since its inception, Clearwater will ask relevant questions and urge independent experts to provide information to ensure the safest possible decommissioning and on-site storage. We are also evaluating the process used to treat radioactive water, which Holtec has been and proposes to continue to discharge into the Hudson River.
Harmful Algal Blooms on the Rise: In recent years the NYS DEC has been informing the public about harmful algal blooms (HABs), usually found in ponds, lakes and still waters. Harmful Algal Blooms are an increasing concern in fresh and marine waters around the world. Certain types of blue-green algae, known as cyanobacteria, produce toxins that can harm other organisms, including humans, their pets and wildlife. Not all algal blooms are harmful; they are part of a natural cycle. Not all algae is blue green, and not all of the blue green species that are capable of producing toxins do so all the time. This year HABs have been reported in moving water in freshwater tributaries in the Hudson Valley and throughout NY State. Marine HABs have been reported in the Lower Hudson as well. See Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) – NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation for more information and see ArcGIS Web Application for a map that lists where HABs have been reported DEC’s recommendation is to know it, avoid it and report it.
Environmental Bond Act: This November New Yorkers will vote in a public referendum on an environmental bond act for the first time in over 25 years. Bond acts allow the State to take on debt to fund projects for a specific purpose. As the global climate crisis worsens, the urgently needed the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 will provide $4.2 billion in funding for Climate Change Mitigation ($1.5 billion), Restoration and Flood Risk Reduction ($1.1 billion), Open Space Land Conservation and Recreation ($650 million), Water Quality Improvement and Resilient Infrastructure ($650 million) and other climate solutions not yet allocated ($300 million). At least 35% of the total funding must be spent in disadvantaged/priority communities. Clearwater has joined a statewide coalition to do outreach and education to ensure this critical referendum is supported. Mark your calendars now to remind yourself to turn your ballot over to support this EBA on Nov. 8..
NY NJ Watershed Protection Act: On August 25, Clearwater joined representatives from many Hudson River and other environmental organization in support of Rep. Paul Tonko’s NY-NJ Watershed Protection Act (H.R. 4677), which passed the House of Representatives and is now being considered in the Senate. This bill proposes to provide $250 million in funding over the next five years to protect and restore the watersheds that flow into New York-New Jersey Harbor — including those of the Hudson, Mohawk, Raritan, Passaic, Hackensack, and Bronx rivers.
Fall 2022 Municipal Solar Mapping Tool Training: Although the summer Solar Mapping training had fewer participants, they were deeply engaged and will work in their own municipalities to promote sound siting of solar and other renewables, and battery storage to ensure round the clock reliability. The purpose of the training is to empower municipalities to take a leadership role in implementing solar energy and other renewables, with storage and efficiency wisely. Details are here. Thank to our wonderful summer interns, John Mesaros and Lucy Hunter, for learning and presenting so capably. Lucy also researched Solar Incentives Outline which will be very helpful to trainees and their municipalities and others. Details are here. A Fall 2022 Solar Mapping Training is planned. If you would like to participate or know anyone who would be, please contact mannajo@clearwater.org.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), Having passed the Senate on Aug. 7 this long-awaited legislation passed the House on Aug. 12 and was signed into law by President Biden on August 15. Although Clearwater has objection to the “Zero-Emission Nuclear Power Production [Tax] Credit” (Nuclear PTC) and many provisions that support existing and additional fossil fuel infrastructure, the Inflation Reduction Act will provide significant funding for transitioning to renewable energy and many other forms of emission reduction and climate solutions, as well as lowering prescription drug costs, health care costs. The most aggressive action to tackle the climate crisis in U.S. history, the IRA will protect American workers and create good-paying, union jobs across the nation.
Event of Interest:
September 17 – 25: Climate Solutions Week: A Festival of Climate Solutions and a Call to Action, with over thirty events that focus on ways to actively address the climate crisis. Spearheaded by Sustainable Hudson Valley with many partners, activities range from forums to dramatic readings to citizenship skills training. Join, learn, and spread the word by visiting hvclimatesolutionsweek.org . Clearwater’s Education program will focus on climate throughout the week and Environmental Action will present on climate science and solutions and on solar mapping.
October 1 – 2: Garlic Festival Volunteers needed! Greenway Environmental Services is transitioning the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival at Cantine Field in Saugerties, which attracts 30,000-50,000 people, to a Zero Waste event. Last year, all of the waste (130 cubic yards) was sent 250 miles to Seneca Meadows Landfill. This year, Greenway is introducing a Zero Waste System designed to recover 95% of the waste. In order to accomplish this, they need volunteers who are able to work 3-hour shifts and help set up and oversee the collection. Calling all Litter Pickers and other Revival volunteers and Clearwater members and supporters to help with this worthy initiative. Volunteers will be given free admission, a parking pass, and a tee-shirt – and the satisfaction that you are part of an action to demonstrate the possibilities for managing our waste wisely. To register: Volunteer registration form For more information contact: Shabazz Jackson & Josephine Papagni at Greenway Environmental Services: 845-656-6070 greenway777@aol.com
