Welcome

to the Tompkins County Climate Protection Initiative

309 North Aurora Street | Ithaca, NY 14850 | info@tccpi.org

May 2024
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May 2024

Cornell on Fire – bethany ojalehto mays

A former faculty member and cofounder of Cornell on Fire, bethany is a cofounder of Cornell on Fire, a coalition that seeks to hold the university to its stated climate commitments and to respond in a just and comprehensive way to the climate emergency. She shared the recent work Cornell on Fire has been carrying out, including the findings outlined in their Beyond PR Climate Action Plan Report.

  • We’re in middle of decisive decade – Elizabeth Kolbert: "...will be consequential in a more or less permanent way. Global CO2 emissions are now so high...that ten more years of the same will be nothing short of cataclysmic. Unless emissions are reduced, and radically, a rise of two degrees Celsius will be pretty much unavoidable by 2030."
  • World has failed to reduce emissions despite all pledges to the contrary, and is on track for 3-4C temperature rise by 2100
  • Promising examples set by Ithaca Green New Deal and NYS Climate Act – both aspire to deliver on a 1.5 degree pathway
  • Cornell should lead way – it led way on Kyoto as first major nongovernmental institution to voluntarily commit to Kyoto Protocol standards for GHG emissions reduction – resulted from student activism
  • Sustainability Module for all incoming freshman: Cornell uniquely positioned to operate at speed, scale, and scope needed to confront climate change
  • Cornell on Fire believes plan adequate in ambition, scope, & urgency would:
    • Halve current emissions by 2030
    • Get to zero by 2035
    • Cover whole campus economy
    • Use high-confidence, equitable strategies
    • Lead with insights from climate justice communities
  • Essential that Cornell deliver on its pledges
  • Four areas where more urgent action needed
  • Honesty in emissions reporting – no cost win that will set precedent for other elite institutions
    • Actual performance does not meet its projected goals in emissions reductions, even in last three years when campus operations disrupted by Covid
    • Cornell should acknowledge this
    • Reported emissions not full picture
    • Cornell’s reported baseline emissions shows it has reduced emissions by 50% from 2008 baseline
    • Reason for drops in emissions twofold:
      • Transition from coal to natural gas
      • Covid-19 disrupted operations
    • We know emissions already rebounding in post-Covid period – did not reflect permanent shift from way Cornell uses energy
  • Actual impact from methane emissions enormous – Cornell’s reporting should be updated to align with standards of 2019 Climate Law
  • Upstream methane emissions should be included and they should be reported on 20-year time horizon – Bob Howarth instrumental in getting these included in Climate Law
  • Ithaca and Tompkins County quickly updated their emissions reporting – city completed comprehensive GHG inventories that capture full life cycle of methane and emission from electric grid
  • Cornell has not updated its accounting in same way – when Cornell on Fire updated reporting for Cornell, emissions increased by nearly factor of two
  • When viewed this way, Cornell has not reduced emissions at all since they began tracking progress in 2008 – and these emissions are still not full picture
  • Procurement huge portion of Cornell's overall carbon footprint – Cornell needs plan to address emissions from procurement
  • Cornell's current level of consumption is unsustainable – cultural shifts need to start happening on campus
  • Cornell reported emissions in 2019 at just over 200K tons of GHG – but when you take into account upstream methane and procurement, actually just under 750K tons
  • Not an academic exercise – defines what effective action looks like
  • Second area: Current plans won't get Cornell where it needs to go
  • Cornell's Climate Action Plan seeks to achieve carbon neutrality by 2036
  • Carbon neutrality by 2035.
  • But carbon neutrality dangerous trap: "offsetting" emissions inadequate approach
  • Cornell’s proposed strategies preserve current levels of consumption – we think Cornell should reduce its energy usage
  • Renewable electricity not displacing fossil fuel use – also Earth Source Heat has 50/50 chance of success, at best – also several years delayed
  • Should not be used as reason to delay action on other fronts
  • Cornell relying on carbon sinks & sequestration as major way of offsetting emissions – inherently uncertain and does not address need to reduce emissions
  • Depends on land use patterns that could change dramatically – such as wildfire
  • These strategies account for only fraction of overall emissions
  • Calling on Cornell “to light the fuse that leads to an explosion of ambition in 2025”
  • High-confidence, equitable strategies address the root causes of carbon pollution in addition to technological solutions
  • Cornell is relying on technological solutions that allow them to swap one thing for another thing and continue to do what it always did
  • Cornell needs to accept limits to energy supply and move to a model that matches Cornell’s energy use with real-time renewable energy procurement
  • Another strategy would be for Cornell to export its power to grid based on GHG emissions rather than profits
  • Cornell should stop expanding campus – in last 10 years total square footage has increased 20% in new construction
  • New construction largest source of toxicity and building sector largest single source of emissions
  • Cornell should go beyond code with deep energy retrofits of existing buildings
  • It should also reduce its travel – should not simply offset emissions
  • Every decision on campus should be viewed through lens of climate emergency – need to be honest about entire scope of problem
  • These changes are radical because there is no non-radical future
  • Climate crisis closely linked to excessive consumption of wealthy lifestyle – lifestyle changes necessary for globe's polluter elite
  • How will Cornell avoid carbon intensive activities? Facilities, construction, transportation, food& beverage, and research supplies are most intense
  • Not yet reported: investments and student travel
  • Is it possible to change? Possible because Cornell changed dramatically when Covid struck to address this public health crisis
  • Will they do the same for the climate crisis?
  • Cornell can commit to full climate accountability for 1.5 degree world -- lack of current commitment hurting our community
  • Key issues:
    • Stop echoing Big Oil climate doublespeak – gap between Cornell's rhetoric and action on climate, and it follows Big Oil's playbook
      • Cornell on Fire has just published report Beyond PR Report: Big Oil + Big Red Climate Doublespeak
    • Cornell should stop pretending it's extraterritorial
      • Refusing to report full scope of emissions from methane gas
      • Requesting amendments to Ithaca Green Building Code
      • Submitting disinformation in favor of artificial turf fields
      • Refusing to invest its fair share in community
    • We need Cornell's full climate accountability
      • Lead the way in renouncing Big Oil's doublespeak
      • Take full climate accountability in emissions reporting and action plans
      • Embrace the Ithaca Green Building Code – in fact, go beyond code
      • Maximize climate benefits with organic grass fields
      • Adjust spending priorities
    • Later is too late – we’re already halfway through decisive decade

Q&A

  • PB: Agreed there is no non-radical future, both on campus and in larger community
  • Hopes that Cornell would commit to having one or two of its buildings in the Ithaca 2030 District
  • Dave Bradley pointed out in chat that Cornell should look into pumped hydro storage as way to ensure it always has sufficient solar and wind power – addresses issue of intermittency
  • Bob Howarth: Good thing that Cornell is being pressed on these issues – thinks Cornell starting to pay attention
  • NYS use of natural gas growing faster than any other state in U.S. – almost all of it is fracked gas – ironic given the ban on fracking in NYS
  • Taking proper account of emissions associated with use of natural gas involves keeping track of upstream emissions not just emissions associated with onsite consumption
  • Also important that accounting carried out using 20-year timeframe, not 100-year timeframe
  • Cornell agreed to use 20-year timeframe back in 2015 – used it in public reporting for year or two
  • Tompkins County and City of Ithaca adopted 20-year timeframe – used this to leverage the approach into state law
  • Discouraging that Cornell has backed away from reporting emissions in this fashion
  • Brian Eden: Relatively good relations between environmental groups and Cornell up until proposed construction of North Campus in 2018 – thought they could be more energy efficient
  • Hopes things can get back on track with less adversarial relationship
  • Peter noted that Cornell sustainability office has asked for time at next meeting to talk about its climate action plan
  • No way out but through – which is another way of saying there’s no non-radical future – collaboration absolutely essential to meet challenge of climate emergency

The Climate Reality Project – Tom Hirasuna and Diane Stefani

Diane and Tom, cochairs of the Finger Lakes Chapter of the Climate Reality Project, provided an update on the work of the organization, both nationally and locally. They are both trained Climate Reality Leaders.

  • Local Chapter of Climate Reality Project for Central NY founded in 2020, in middle of pandemic –167 members – first virtual chapter in NY
  • Tom took training in 2019 and had to join Hudson River chapter
  • Big virtual training in summer 2020 & enough people from CNY that they could start their own chapter, Finger Lakes Greater Region
  • Established NYS coalition of local chapters
    • Capital Region
    • Finger Lakes Greater Region
    • Hudson Valley/Catskills
    • Long Island
    • NYC Metro
    • Westchester
    • Western NY
  • NYS part of Climate Reality Northeast Region
  • Climate Reality has made big effort to reach out beyond U.S. – 10 other international chapters
  • Holding virtual trainings and meetings has helped facilitate this expansion
  • Four main areas of activities this year:
    • Reducing emissions – first area Climate Reality go involved in
    • Calling out greenwashing
    • Financing just transition
    • Strengthening international cooperation on climate
  • Al Gore’s Inconvenient Truth inspired founding of Climate Reality – sequel came out 11 years later, Truth to Power
  • Tom moved into advocacy after he retired and joined Climate Reality Leadership Corps, which started in 2006 with 50 people in Al Gore’s barn – now has 50,000 people worldwide
  • Tom attended training in Atlanta in 2019 – 1200 people participated – big group from NYS
  • Atlanta meeting turning point for Climate Reality – formally introduced climate justice and environmental justice into program
  • Training in NYC this past April that Tom attended – 60 mentors and each mentor responsible for 40 people – got to meet Gore in person
  • Tom co-leader with Laura Faulk of NYS Coalition – NY has become model for rest of country
  • Big effort to get younger people involved – 40% of group in NYC 30 years old or less
  • Also 20 to 25% of people from frontline communities
  • Diane picked up with discussion about goals of Climate Reality – she did her first training, which was virtual, in 2019 after she retired
  • Gave her sense of purpose and opportunity to interact with incredible people
  • Getting the word out is challenging – collaboration is key – fundamental mission is to educate others about climate as well as solutions
  • Put together number of different presentations
    • Home & auto electrification – what financial incentives are there at state & federal levels?
    • Climate science – based on Al Gore’s presentation – developed a model for middle-schoolers
    • Ithaca Green New Deal Scorecard
  • Also facilitate several different kinds of discussions
    • The Week – new way to talk about climate change
    • Carbon Crew Project – interactive way to create personal climate plan
    • Climate Action Now – online app – personal & group action
    • Regular book discussions
  • Also work on state and federal policy – primarily advocacy for things like Build Back Better/IRA, stopping CO2 fracking
  • Most of it virtual but also have days in Albany for in-person lobbying
  • As chapter members work on local issues
    • Green New Deal Scorecard
    • Plastics
    • Local impact legislation
    • Local opportunities and issues
  • Collaborate with City of Ithaca, Beyond Plastics, Energy Hubs, Frack Action, Cornell & Binghamton University, TCCPI, and many others

Q&A

  • bethany: To what extent is Al Gore’s carbon-intensive lifestyle relevant to his work on environmental justice?
  • Diane: I assume he flies to get to the various conferences – what I get from his work is the incredible scope of his experience – he’s an incredible resource to be able to learn from
  • Tom: Gore leaves on a farm and practices regenerative agriculture – for all the trainings carried out in person by Climate Reality they purchase offsets for travel and lodging
  • Peter noted that he’s been pushing for the 2030 District annual summits to be virtual, as they were during pandemic
  • Tom believes there’s a big difference between live meetings and virtual meetings
  • Diane pointed out that Climate Reality does both in-person and virtual training sessions – it’s definitely tradeoff
  • Margaret McCasland: Performance Systems Development in Ithaca hired to go down to Gore’s farm to work on reducing its carbon footprint through energy retrofits
  • David Kay: Really appreciates this kind of discussion in this kind of group because we’re all wrestling with how radical are the changes we can make – everything we do involves tradeoffs of various kinds
  • Can’t lose sight of importance of collective policy – individual action doesn’t have same kind of impact, important as it is
  • Bethany: We need to keep in mind that decisions we make as part of developed world have very steep cost for those who live in places like Panama, where she worked with indigenous communities – people there will never fly anywhere as part of Global South but they live with consequences of decisions we make
  • We have to shift framework from what’s best for us to what’s best for everyone
  • As a wrap up, Peter asked Brian Eden to provide an update on where the various bills involving state climate and clean energy stood as the legislative session moves into its final days for the year
  • Climate Superfund Act is one of bills that Brian has spent most time on this session – effort to hold oil and gas companies responsible for at least some of the climate damage they’ve inflicted on state
  • Also NY HEAT Act, which would eliminate obligation to serve removed from Public Service law
  • Third bill is Packaging Reduction Act – really an energy bill due to oil industry push for plastic packaging
  • All three of bills have majority of assembly members as sponsors – speaker of house is main obstacle to bringing these bills to floor for vote
  • Brian urged people to write speaker to urge him to allow votes on this legislation – also encouraged people to write AM Kelles and Sen. Webb for their strong support of these bills

April 2024

The Humphrey Fellows Program – Hyomi Eom & Bossombra Kouamé

Hyomi Eom is a Senior Officer at the Ministry of Environment in South Korea and Bossombra Kouamé is a Professor of Economics at the Université Jean Lorougnon Guédé in Côte d'Ivoire focusing on climate change mitigation through forest conservation. Hyomi and Bossombra shared their experiences in the Humphrey Fellows Program at Cornell and their respective work on environmental and climate issues in South Korea and Côte d'Ivoire.

Hyomi Eom

  • The Ministry of the Environment established in 1967
    • Structure: Minister, Vice Minister, 10 Bureaus, and 8 Regional offices
    • Employees: 2,519 people (2022)
    • Budget: $10.3 billion (2023)
    • Roles: Achieving carbon neutrality, Environmental conservation, Climate change mitigation, Improving air quality for blue sky, Creating a circular economy, etc.
  • Humphrey Fellowship
    • Engaging in hands-on work with counterparts in US
    • Enhancing our professional experiences
    • Minimum of six weeks
    • Worked with TCCPI, 02/26/2024 to 04/30/2024 – updated and revamped website
  • Ministry of Environment
    • Established in 1967
    • Includes Minister, Vice Minister, 10 Bureaus, and 8 Regional offices
    • 2,519 people employees (2022) & budget of $10.3 billion (2023)
    • Roles: achieving carbon neutrality, environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, improving air quality for blue sky, creating a circular economy, etc.
  • Hyomi focuses on pollution damage relief
    • A hydrofluoric acid leak accident in 2012 led to deaths of 5 people and 18 injuries, long term litigation
    • In response, act regarding environmental relief and liability signed into law in 2016
  • Key concepts guiding this work
    • Prompt and fair relief for victims from environmental pollution damage
    • Ensuring a sustainable business environment for companies
    • When responsible people for environmental pollution unknown, incapable, or liability limit is exceeded, the government directly assists victims financially and legally
    • Aside from Japan, Korea only country that provides direct compensation to victims of environmental damage
  • Example of financial support: Geomuldae-riVillage
    • Due to reckless development caused by deregulation of factory location
    • Heavy metals such as nickel and lead released into the air and soil – led to occurrence of related diseases such as cancer
    • Government launched detailed epidemiological investigation
    • Held deliberation meeting & acknowledged individual damages, financial support
    • As result, 196 victims recognized, 37 types of diseases recognized, and $500,185 provided in support
    • Virtually impossible to identify factory that caused problem because hundreds of factories had sprung up around village, so government provided direct support
  • Legal Support Overview
    • Purpose is to support damage claims lawsuits filed by vulnerable groups who have suffered environmental pollution damage
    • Support provided in form of legal advice, litigation representation by environmental professional lawyers, and legal cost support
    • Focuses on low-income people, the elderly, disabled, women with career breaks, veterans, etc.
  • Example of legal support: Morae Village
    • Villagers harmed by iron oxide fugitive dust generated from nearby shipyards
    • Besides health issue, violation of housing rights
    • Lost in the first trial, then applied for litigation support
    • With help of professional environmental lawyer, they won the second trial as well as appeal
    • Carried out field verification, environmental pollution assessment, medical expert advice, etc.
    • First case won by litigation support initiative – very difficult to win environmental lawsuits in Korea
  • Climate Change Policies
    • Temperature has risen by 1.8 ℃over 106 years (1.4 ℃over 30 years)
    • Precipitation has increased by 16.3mm per decade over 106 years
    • Summers getting longer and winters getting shorter over 30 years (summer ↑19 days, winter ↓18 days)
    • Occurrence of record-breaking cold waves and heatwaves
  • Act On Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth for Coping with Climate Crisis passed in 2021
    • Goal: Achieve carbon neutrality by 2050
    • Established target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels
  • Transition to Electric and Hydrogen Vehicles
    • 5 million electric and hydrogen vehicles by 2030 with subsidies and tax reductions
    • Public organizations to introduce new vehicles exclusively as electric or hydrogen cars
    • Establish a fast and convenient charging infrastructure (over 1.23 million units by 2030)
  • Promotion of Waste Reduction and Recycling
    • Installation of reduction facilities and process improvements at businesses that produce large amounts of waste
    • Deposit system for disposable cups (Sejong City, Jeju Island)
    • Recycling for used electric vehicle batteries and solar panel waste
    • Technology development for new materials that substitute fossil fuels
  • Transition to Clean Energy
    • Abolition of coal power plants designed for operational lifespans of over 30 years
    • Expansion of nuclear power as carbon-free energy source – current administration considers it key to reducing GHG emissions
    • Increase in renewable energy ((2022) 9.2% -> (2030) 21.6%)

Bossombra Kouamé Epse Koffi

  • Background
    • Bossombra’s home country is Côte d'Ivoire, where she is an economics professor at Université Jean Lorougnon Guédé
    • She was a Humphrey Fellow for the entire 2023-24 academic year
    • Teaches regular students Public Economics and professional students Green Economics
  • Research focuses on deforestation and forest conservation in Côte d'Ivoire, located in western Africa – country is covered mainly with tropical forests
  • Huge deforestation after 1950s – nation has lost 90% of its forests
  • Began a policy of implementing protected forests – 231 since 1960s
    • Challenging to manage these forests due to illegal settlement of people
    • Goal is to preserve these forests, in part because they sequester carbon
    • The dilemma: removal of people threatens human rights while illegal settlement of people poses threat to forest conservation
  • Côte d'Ivoire is top cocoa producer in the world – cocoa is raw material of chocolate
    • Country has lost 26% of its humid primary forest from 2002 to 2020 – significant portion of deforestation attributable to cocoa farming expansion
    • Cocoa farms have moved from eastern to western portion of country both because of deforestation and climate change
    • Globally agricultural, forestry, and other land uses responsible for 24% of greenhouse gas emissions – electricity and heat production generates 25 % of emissions and industry 21%
    • In Côte d'Ivoire forestry and other land uses are by far largest contributor to GHG emissions – 26 million tons vs. just less than 6 million in agriculture
  • New forest code implemented in 2019 – policies promote cocoa agroforestry
  • Goal is to restore degraded land and improve forest cover, while at same time promoting sustainable livelihoods and agriculture in classified forests and rural zones
  • Effort undertaken to put in place participatory management of protected forests
    • Working to strengthen inclusive management of protected forests to achieve the objective of forest coverage of 20% of the national area by 2030
    • Composition of committee: representatives of local communities residing along classified forests and those living within, youth and women's associations, state technical services, NGOs, and religious groups
    • At least 15 committees have already been established
  • Benefits of Participatory Management
    • With move from centralized management to participatory management, conservation effort moved from repression to incentives
  • Challenges
    • Land tenure rights on forest lands not well established
    • Participation in decision making should go beyond simple adhesion
  • Private Sector Actions to Conserve Forests
    • Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) have been developed in country
    • Cocoa & Forests Initiative (CFI) just one example
    • Involves governments of Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana as well as 35 cocoa & chocolate companies in effort to end deforestation and restore forest
    • Another example: collaboration between CEMOI, a chocolate company and SODEFOR, state farm company in charge of forest protection
    • Working together to raise awareness and train of cooperatives affiliated with the CEMOI Group – facilitated by experts from SODEFOR
  • Effects of Climate Change: Heatwaves
    • In 2024, Cote d'Ivoire experienced significant increase in temperature
    • Dangerous heatwave in Southern West Africa, including Cote d'Ivoire – reported to be about 4°C hotter due to climate change
  • Consequences for people
    • Dehydration: as the body loses fluids through sweating
    • Respiratory Issues: air pollution, asthma and chronic pulmonary disease.
    • Hot and humid conditions can also strain respiratory system
    • Cardiovascular Problems: risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly in vulnerable populations including elderly and people with pre-existing heart conditions
  • Adaptation to Heatwaves
    • Hydration: drink water constantly and carry water bottles
    • Cooling Strategies: stay indoors, at shade of trees during the hottest hours, using fans or air conditioning if available, and wearing lightweight and breathable clothing.
    • Awareness and Education: Increasing awareness about heat-related health risks and educating the population on how to recognize and respond to heat-related illnesses can help people in Cote d'Ivoire adapt to heatwaves
  • Effects
    • GHG emissions
    • Threat to cocoa farming (cocoa loop shifting)
    • Heatwaves
  • Solutions
    • Law enforcement (New forest code, 2019)
    • Participatory policy (committee)
    • PPP (CFI)
    • CSA (Agrofrorestry)
  • Still challenging but conserving forests is mitigating climate change, saving our planet from global destruction
  • Humphrey Fellowship Experience
    • Before coming to Cornell, took course at University of Illinois to improve English speaking skills
    • Hosted by CALS, especially Global Development Department
    • Included visiting classes, taking E-Cornell courses, and attending seminars to build her capacity
    • Guest speaker in undergrad course on Planning for Change and on panel for international Earth Day, Verdant Views: Global Climate Stories
    • Served as mentor in undergrad course on climate smart agriculture and on selection committee for New York Youth Institute forum
    • Volunteered in Foreign Language Institute Program (FLIP) at Willow Glen Elementary School teaching French & providing opportunity for cultural exchange
    • Attended workshop on climate change in Ohio and on food security in Iowa
    • Field trips to Niagara Falls, Adirondack Park, Alfred State College, and Cornell Dairy Barn
    • Professional affiliation experience with TCCPI, including steering committee meetings and monthly meetings – also 2030 District meetings
  • Take aways from this unique experience
    • Build my capacity
    • Extend my network
    • Build relationships
    • Improve English
    • Serve local community
    • Collaboration with US organizations
    • Leadership experience

Q&A

  • Ingrid Zabel: Now that you’ve had a chance to observe how we deal with some of our environmental issues, what thoughts do you have about approaches in your home countries that you think are better?
  • Hyomi: South Korea does a better job regarding direct compensation to victims for environmental damage and pollution – but US has more resources to protect public lands
  • Bossombra: Impressed with how community here reaches out to involve local people and to advance energy transition and reduce GHG emissions
  • In Cote d'Ivoire, we don’t have same kind of coalitions of local people working on their own to deal with environmental and climate issues
  • Private sector and local farmers are involved with forest conservation but they’re not at same table working together to plan for future with climate mitigation
  • But we are more advanced in our thinking about ecosystem services provided by our forests and working to develop agroforestry in our country

 

Hudson River Watershed Alliance – Simon Gruber

Simon Gruber is an environmental planner, policy analyst and educator based in Orange County, NY who's been working on a range of environmental and community planning issues in the region since 1990. His work focuses on water resources and watershed planning, energy, land use and health, and he's recently been involved in transportation and transit planning. From 2005 to 2019, he was a cofounder and later chair of the Hudson River Watershed Alliance. He's an appointed Fellow of the Institute for Sustainable Cities at Hunter College, CUNY, and chairs the Moodna Creek Watershed Intermunicipal Council in Orange County. Simon discussed his work on water resource issues, including with the Hudson River Watershed Alliance, as well as potential collaboration with water resource organizations in our region.

  • How did the Hudson River Watershed Alliance come into being and how does it work with local organizations?
  • Hudson River is tidal up to Troy – considered to be estuary south of the dam there
  • Hudson River Estuary Program evolved over time – headed up by Fran Dunwell who served for many years as coordinator of the program in the DEC
  • Folks working with the DEC program decided it would be good to have a nonprofit that would work with government as partner – could bring in more people and energy
  • Conferences convened at Mohawk Mountain House in Ulster County – at 2005 gathering idea of Hudson River Watershed Alliance developed and steering committee formed – incubated by Pete Seeger’s organization Clearwater
  • Operated by consensus – didn’t even have chair for a while – started spinning off from Clearwater and became 501c3 years later
  • Simon stepped down as chair and left board in 2019
  • Over last two decades at least 30 local watershed organizations formed – many are still operating
  • Simon has been most involved with the watershed group associated with Moodna Creek in Orange County – 15 municipalities plus county water authority have entered into formal intermunicipal agreement – every watershed group is different
  • Peter pointed out that as a tidal river Hudson not only affected by extreme precipitation events like the terrible flooding that took place last July but also rising sea level – climate change is clearly affecting watershed itself
  • Simon noted that change in rainfall has been very dramatic over last seventy years
  • Watershed is whole land area that drains to certain point along stream – each has their own identity and are separated from adjacent subbasin
  • We looked at map of Cayuga Lake watershed and the dozens of streams that flow into it on both east and west sides of lake
  • Simon said he’d be happy to be a resource for Cayuga Lake watershed organization and would like to stay in touch
  • Peter noted that southern part of county is in Chesapeake Bay watershed because of Susquehanna River – watersheds connect us all together – kind of connective tissue
  • Simon: Indigenous people thought it terms of watersheds they lived in, where they would hunt and fish
  • We haven’t set up our municipal and state governance lines in terms of watersheds – if you want to work on watershed scale as part of managing water, you need to go outside those boundaries
  • One of reasons why watershed groups have important part to play – thinking in terms of watershed provides important perspective
  • Climate change unfolding much quicker than even scientists predicted
  • Regi Teasley: Concerned about general public’s lack of preparedness for flooding – need to raise awareness about this threat and what to do about it
  • Need to put together our own network of nonprofits that would plan for the rapid climate changes already taking place
  • Simon: A lot going on here directly relevant to this concern – Scenic Hudson biggest environmental organization in based in Hudson Valley
  • Started years ago doing charettes in towns along Hudson on sea level rise issue – now turning to flooding
  • Peter: Sawmill Parkway runs right along river and will need to be raised – will cost something like $70 million per mile to do this – also rail line that runs next to it
  • We’re going to have to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on projects like these
  • Ithaca itself is at risk given the hills around downtown – like a ski area – rain bomb could wipe out downtown much like what happened to Penn Yan several years ago
  • We’ve got to learn how to collaborate across these different regions
  • Brian Eden: Have any of these watershed alliances formed formal watershed districts? Talked about this ten years ago because Ithaca flatlands subject to waters rushing out of hills around city
  • We need to have all of upstream and downstream working together to figure out how to reduce pace of water and maximize ecosystems services of each stream – need to keep sediment upstream as much as possible
  • Other issues with Cayuga Lake involve farm runoff into lake and salt mine under lake – both affecting water quality of lake
  • Simon: We should consider starting regular dialogue, with Zoom meetings every two or three months to talk about how we can collaborate – lots of lessons learned that could be shared
  • Peter: Exactly the kind of thing we were hoping would come out of this meeting – maybe we could promote this kind of exchange to share information, knowledge, and insights -- need to figure out how this could unfold
  • Simon: Climate mitigation, which was main focus of 2019 CLCPA, obviously important – at local level, however, we need to focus on impacts of storms and extreme heat
  • Organizations in Great Lakes have been working together for years and have attracted significant financial resources
  • Peter: Hilary Swartwood. sustainability planner of Town of Ithaca, points out in chat that Finger Lakes Regional Watershed Alliance terrific resource
  • Simon: Let’s plan another conversation relatively soon – Simon, Peter, Hilary, Regi, and Brian
  • Brian: We’re all aware that we need to work together more closely – conversation that has been going on for long time
  • Bossombra: Thinking about ways climate and weather information could be more widely shared
  • Peter: State just released in February its report on climate impacts – study more focused on adaptation and resiliency than state’s previous reports – lot of research and reporting at state level on what climate impacts are
  • Simon: Also lot of climate work going on with faith groups
  • Regi: One of missing pieces in all of this is ordinary resident – great that this research and reporting is going on but are they getting to ordinary residents who are really on front line? Are residents being involved in planning and conversation about how to respond and prepare?
  • Peter pointed out that Cornell Cooperative Extension doing a lot of this work while helping residents make their homes more energy efficient and resilient

March 2024

The Cozy Basements Program – Jaden Beck

Jaden Beck, Clean Energy Project Associate of BlocPower, presented on the recently launched Cozy Basements weatherization program. This new initiative, started with Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County (CCETC), includes paid on-the-job training for up to 30 homes this year.

  • BlocPower is the program manager for the Efficiency & Electrification Program with Ithaca Green New Deal
  • Our goal is to fully decarbonize Ithaca’s buildings by 2030 by pursuing 3 core programs
  • Efficiency & Electrification Program actions
    • Replace inefficient or fossil fuel-reliant equipment with modern, all-electric tech – address 40% of Ithaca’s GHG emissions
    • Provide financing, including low or no-money-down lease offers and no liens on buildings – accessibility provides scales, which lowers risks and costs
    • Train local community members for jobs in the green economy – benefit community and drive economic growth by creating 400+ new jobs
  • BlocPower works with stakeholders
    • Government & public entities, private capital providers, local contractors, community, Fortune 500s & foundations
  • Workforce development
    • Support the development of a new workforce to match the needs of the electrification program
    • Ensuring benefits are shared by all
    • Job readiness support & pathway development
    • Providing hands-on job training
    • Prioritizing climate justice communities
  • Green Career Pathways
    • Entry-level roles open doors to multiple career pathways
    • Residential, commercial, energy auditing, engineer fields
  • Cozy Basements program
    • Traditional classroom instruction with a critical hands-on component to round out a real job experience
    • Training and experience in basic weatherization through air-sealing, caulking, rim joist sealing
    • Access to network of green trades experiences and training
    • 3-4 weeks
    • $20/hour
  • Why Cozy Basements?
    • Trainee: core building science training, simple and safe installation, exposure to on-site, and client etiquette
    • Homeowner: reduced basement air leakage, more consistent indoor temperatures year-round, reduced moistures, lower energy consumption
  • Jaden described the Cozy Basement addition as a convenient new way for people to gently explore state or local programs, providing a less intimidating entry point
  • Example of participants
    • Keegan, Cozy Basement graduate, said they learned weatherization with BlocPower and are now efficiently collaborating as a team
    • Anthony, homeowner, commented that the work done made a real difference, maintaining a warm home despite a power outage after their service
  • Cozy Basements trainees motivated by job stability, community involvement, environmental impact, and home efficiency learning
  • Their career goals are stable community jobs, green energy professional advancement, and founding their own green businesses
  • Who is qualified?
    • Homeowner in Tompkins County
    • Basement with uninsulated sill plate rim joist
    • Income-qualified based on EmPower + guidelines
  • Enrollment at http://ccetompkins.org/energy/cozy-basements
Q&A
  • Peter: How many homes have you provided job training for so far this year?
  • Jaden: Around 8 or 10 projects so far
  • Dave Bradley (chat): What if we don't have a basement?
  • Jaden: The program currently specializes in basements, making it unsuitable for those without one, but there are plans to expand beyond basements in the future
  • Dave (chat): Are air-to-air vents or heat exchangers necessary when a home becomes "too airtight"?
  • Jaden: The program hasn't dealt with overly airtight homes yet, and installation of air-to-air vents or exchangers is a job for a professional contractor
  • Margaret McCasland (chat): Do you have a way of addressing moisture if a basement has a dirt floor that is damp year round?
  • Jaden: The program doesn't resolve existing moisture issues but can prevent worsening
  • Damp basements might require a dehumidifier or manual water removal before the crew can work

Green Workforce Development in Tompkins County – Aloja Airewele

Aloja Airewele, Green Energy Workforce Training Center Coordinator at CCETC, heads up the Green Career Pathways Project (CPP) at CCETC as part of the Energy Warriors program. The CPP is a collaborative workforce training and employment connection program in Tompkins County that helps low-income individuals, returning citizens, veterans, and people from underserved (frontline communities) enter sustainable green jobs. Aloja discussed the opportunity for meaningful career pathways in the green economy, the work here in Tompkins County, and the ongoing challenges of recruitment and engagement with individuals from underserved communities.

  • Aloja mentioned that he represents a team and not just himself, acknowledging colleagues from Cornell Cooperative Extension, including Don, Harrison, and Keegan
  • Aloja referenced Moby Dick to stress the need for courage in tackling climate change, underscoring that facing the reality of the threat is more crucial than debating its existence
  • Aloja said Energy Warriors Program aimed to provide participants with knowledge about environmental threats and opportunities, thus allowing them to contribute meaningfully to climate mitigation efforts while gaining valuable career skills
  • The training program aims to include individuals of varying educational backgrounds and challenges, reflecting the diverse workforce they'll encounter
  • The program includes detailed modules that educate participants on climate change, its causes, and the opportunities to use technology, finance, and social networks
  • The excitement comes from having advanced green technology, prompting questions about why we can't shift away from fossil fuels
  • These topics are discussed in training classes, which are part of a paid program that also provides certifications, supported by various community and private foundations
  • This initiative, including ideas like Cozy Basements, emerges from collaborations with private entities that fund these transformative projects
  • The training program includes a diverse range of participants who, upon completion, earn certifications like OSHA Ten and skills in heat pump installation
  • They follow a nationally recognized curriculum enhanced with specialized training in green and energy pathways from the Energy Warriors program
  • The program teaches participants to manage their wealth beyond just money, using established knowledge and collective wisdom to shape the curriculum
  • Participants are expected to excel when given opportunities, learning essential skills like teamwork and respect for diverse viewpoints through practical experiences
  • This approach, which Aloja called “self-dignification” rather than soft skills, helps them function effectively as a cohesive group in the workforce
  • In Tompkins County, various organizations collaborate to provide meaningful work opportunities
  • Finger Lakes for Youth offers training in customer relations and material reuse, while TST BOCES provides heat pump training and GED completion
  • This collaborative effort helps maximize resources and scale up training to meet the demand for skilled workers needed to decarbonize homes in Ithaca
  • Our program's work is challenging, particularly in meaningful recruitment – participants have highlighted the complexities involved
  • A major issue is the skepticism within impacted communities, who feel they've been used in the past for research or personal gains of others, leading to distrust in new initiatives
  • In overcoming recruitment challenges, I rely on personal integrity and genuine connections
  • It's crucial that our efforts provide tangible opportunities, not just training
  • Offering on-the-job training and diverse career options ensures participants are not left hanging - your continued support is invaluable
  • We value your diverse connections and welcome your ideas. In community engagement – setting aside ego is key—it's not about us, but about serving the community

Q&A

  • Peter thanked Aloja for his engaging storytelling and insightful points, highlighting the importance of integrity in collaborative work
  • Peter: How much is the wider school district, including the Ithaca City School District, engaged in programs like New Roots and Energy Warriors?
  • Aloja: We're exploring collaboration with the wider school district, tapping into programs like New Roots for environmental education and workforce training
  • I'm excited about expanding energy assessment initiatives to schools district-wide, especially with Senator Schumer's support
  • Let's focus on building our collective capacity and seeking support from influential community members to enhance collaboration
  • Fernando de Aragón (chat): How are participants selected for the training?
  • Aloja: Participants are selected through various outreach methods and an online application process on our website
  • We screen applicants to ensure alignment with program goals and community needs
  • While we aim to diversify cohorts, we're particularly interested in engaging women, indigenous individuals, youth, and career changers
  • As capacity grows, we're open to broader outreach and presentations to expand participation opportunities
  • Peter mentioned that we could utilize folks in this group who provide leadership in their own groups, sectors, and communities
  • Hyomi Eom (chat): What are the outcomes of trainees connecting with jobs after training? And how satisfied are the trainees?
  • Keegan Young: The training was fulfilling - it covered both familiar and new environmental concepts, and exploring green career options was enlightening
  • The hands-on weatherization projects in the community felt impactful
  • Harrison: The training was impactful, blending my passion for environmental issues with new insights
  • Doing hands-on weatherization work in the community felt especially rewarding, knowing we were making a difference
  • Marcel Lamb (chat): Are you already familiar with NYSERDA’s OJT program for green energy jobs?
  • Aloja: We're looking to scale up from Cozy Basement to Cozy Homes, leveraging our team's expertise and connections through the Southern Tier Clean Energy Hub
  • Our aim is to expand beyond rim joist work to full home weatherization - need assistance to make that happen
  • Jaden: It's crucial to address the barriers we face – potential funding opportunity, NYSERDA PON 3982
  • Despite its promise of $8,000 per new hire for on-the-job training, the paperwork is excessively burdensome
  • Marcel: I've worked with them before, having helped over 50 people apply, and it's straightforward once you've done it - I'm available to guide you through the process
  • Jaden: Regardless of the paperwork or program structure, a significant challenge we've faced is that many contractors require workers to have a driver's license
  • Marcel: We usually just need an ID and proof of residence, so asking for a driver's license seems excessive - I’m happy to step in and advocate for them
  • Transitioning from training to employment with a business could be streamlined – any businesses face hurdles, they can contact me for assistance
  • Carol Chock: It would appear to be a suitable fit for you and the Tompkins County Workforce Development
  • Aloja: The county has been supportive, with Rich John as the liaison to the Career Pathways Project
  • There's another collaboration with Cornell's Office for Sustainability for training resources & exploration of solar energy avenues
  • The collective efforts of individuals, including advocates like David Kay and Brian Eden, have contributed to progress despite occasional uncertainties and challenges
  • Carol: Tompkins County Workforce Development could greatly benefit from your perspective and advocacy for the participants
  • Brian Eden: Aloja’s role is challenging, and many would walk away once they realize its complexity - kudos to him for persevering and handling it all with care
  • Peter noted the importance of recognizing challenges – despite facing opposition from the fossil fuel industry, grassroots efforts like ours offer a hopeful path forward in our communities
  • Aloja compared collective action to strengthening a basket with water, emphasizing the significance of individual contributions
  • He stressed the unstoppable shift towards renewable energy and advocated for proactive engagement
  • Peter acknowledged the challenge of fighting for change, particularly in influencing state-level policy
  • Brian underscored the ongoing struggle for resources in disadvantaged communities, expressing hope for positive outcomes in current negotiations
  • Peter: Despite having a Democratic governor and majority in the legislature, progress is stalling due to the immense influence of the fossil fuel industry
  • It's frustrating and challenging to fight against this imbalance, but we must engage and bring about real change
  • David Kay offered his appreciation for the Cooperative Extension's efforts and acknowledged the challenges they face in addressing climate issues
  • He emphasized their local work's significance, noting its potential to inspire broader action beyond Tompkins County
  • Mike Straight: We should focus more on energy efficiency – also asked about DIY energy projects
  • Aloja: While our main focus is workforce training, we're open to supporting DIY energy initiatives if feasible
  • Brian noted in chat that the County Legislature passed a resolution supporting a climate package of 8 key bills in Albany

February 2024

NYS Climate Impacts Assessment – Allison Chatrchyan

The latest state climate impacts report was released earlier February. Allison Chatrchyan, a research associate at CALS and adjunct professor of law at the Cornell Law School, helped lead the team that focused on agriculture. Allison provided an overview of the report, and she also shared her experience as co-chair of the agriculture team

  • Allison is environmental social scientist – engages in cross-disciplinary research – came to Cornell ten years ago and before that worked at Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • Especially interested in stakeholder engaged research involving climate change – NYS Climate Impacts Assessment great example of this approach – much richer assessment as result
  • Works with Cornell -- climate-smart farming program at Cooperative Extension
  • Ag assessment will feed into work at this program
  • Stakeholder includes technical working group, advisory group, larger assessment team, Cornell extension team, etc.
  • Co-chaired Ag chapter with Deborah Aller – task of committee:
    • Sep 2021 – Feb 2024
    • Assess climate impacts to the agriculture sector
    • Use a rigorous assessment methodology, traceable accounts
    • Identity climate change adaptation strategies by sector
    • Greater focus on underserved farmers, climate equity, justice concerns
  • Assessed climate impacts to agriculture sector since ClimAID (2011)
  • Used rigorous assessment methodology like IPCC or US national climate assessment, drawing on secondary literature
  • NYSERDA-led project – assignment was to update ClimAID report – carried out extensive review of literature on agriculture in NY and US
  • Included findings from interviews with farmers, reports, US agriculture census, and many other sources
  • Identified climate change adaptation strategies in agriculture sector and focused more than previous study on underserved farmers, Indigenous communities, and climate equity and justice concerns
  • Allison led focus in chapter on underserved groups and communities – all chapters in report paid close attention to issue of adaptation
  • Assessment was broken up by regions, which can be found at https://nysclimateimpacts.org/explore-by-region/
  • Since 1901, average temperatures in NYS have increased by about 2.5 °F – at a higher rate than the US average
  • Temperatures of NY could rise between 5 - 11 ° F by the 2080s
  • Allison highlighted climate report 10 years ago couldn’t make as strong of a statement about precipitation, but now we can see increased precipitation
  • Total annual participation in NYS increased from 1901 to 2022 – varies more widely from year to year
  • Total precipitation is projected to increase about 9 – 12 % by the 2080s
  • Largest increases projected for Long Island, NYC, Champlain Valley, and St. Lawrence Valley
  • Extreme events such as precipitation is particularly difficult for the agriculture
  • With warmer winters and longer growing seasons, plant hardiness zones are shifting northward across NYS
  • Also seen changes in pests – e.g., Kudzu (invasive weed), spotted lantern fly, increase in ticks
  • Changes of pests, diseases, weed pressure are particularly difficult for farmers
  • Dale Stein, well-known farmer leading the NYS agriculture said No.1 adaptation tool for farmers is cover crops - it makes the most difference right away quickly
  • Other tools include improving soil health, using drought-tolerant crops and varieties, improving drainage, no till or low till, creating buffer zones around waterways to reduce erosion and runoff, deploying integrated pest management, double cropping and intercropping, hail netting for perennial fruit crops, wood chips, wind machines to protect against frost after warming periods
  • Key Finding #1 (Severe impacts)
    • Severe impacts - extreme precipitation, short-term drought, heat stress, warmer winter, last spring freezes, increased pest and production costs
    • Droughts and heat stress decrease crop yields and create water scarcity, while unseasonal freezes cause significant losses
    • Expected to intensify as temperature and precipitation extremes become more common
  • Key Finding #2 (Multiplier)
    • Climate change is a threat multiplier for agriculture – farmers already face many stressors like tight profit margins and labor shortages
    • Unexpected costs and reduced farming periods disproportionately harm economically strained rural and marginalized communities
    • There are opportunities to lessen the adverse effects by adapting to climate shifts and improving management of existing stressors
  • Key Finding #3 (Awareness)
    • Farmers and other agricultural stakeholders show awareness and acknowledgment of climate change impacts on agriculture
    • Damages and reduced operational times compound hardships particularly in rural areas and for communities
    • Strategic climate adaptation and tackling non-climatic challenges can alleviate agriculture's negative impacts
  • Key Finding #4 (Resilience)
    • Farmers are implementing and investing in practices that make their farm businesses more resilient to climate extremes
    • Improvements such as enhancing soil health not only prepare farms for climate change but also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions
    • These may not completely counteract the projected climate impacts in NY, but they are crucial in strengthening farm resilience
  • Key Finding #5 (Support)
    • Enhanced technical support, financial assistance, research are crucial to increase the adaptive capacity
    • Farms will face greater risk of physical, social, and economic losses
    • Active engagement between policymakers, farmers, stakeholders can help shape realistic policies and programs for farm businesses
  • Case studies
  • Allison also heads up Cornell Climate Stewards Program – trains NYS residents on science, impacts, and solutions to climate change – support municipalities taking part in Climate Smart Communities
  • Trained 94 climate stewards from 15 counties – pre- and post-assessment of learning outcomes

Q&A

  • Peter: What was the biggest difference between the report produced 10 years ago and this report?
  • Allison: The recent report differs from the previous one primarily in its stakeholder engagement process, involving input from various groups, including Indigenous communities
  • It emphasizes the identification and representation of underserved populations, particularly in agricultural regions facing poverty
  • This approach brought to light the challenges of farming communities in poverty-stricken areas like the Mohawk Valley
  • Peter: What was biggest surprise that you encountered?
  • Allison: The biggest surprise for me was hearing farmers themselves speak about cascading impacts, a concept I often teach
  • It was so impactful that we made it a central finding of our report
  • Ariel Ortiz Bobaya, a Cornell agricultural economist who focuses on climate impacts, helped us illustrate how climate change amplifies economic challenges in agriculture
  • Irene: Can you specify how many farmers are adopting these practices—10% or 80%? What educational and incentive programs are available to support this?
  • Allison: The adoption of cover crops and no-till farming is much higher than 10% now, likely around 50%, representing a significant increase over the last ten years
  • Adopting these practices can be challenging for farmers due to the need for new equipment and potential initial yield drops
  • Cornell is supporting this transition through extension work, with the Soil Health Program conducting research to help farmers understand and improve soil health
  • Matt Ryan and Janice Dugney from Cornell are notably involved in these efforts, providing valuable research and on-the-ground training to aid farmers
  • Irene Weiser: Do you know if it's state or federal law providing incentives and funding for these agricultural practices, given the delay in yield improvements?
  • Allison: Funding is available from both federal sources like NRCS and the New York State Climate Resilient Farm Program – provides cost-sharing
  • The current extension and educational efforts need substantial expansion beyond the 15 farmers currently reached
  • Dawn Montanye: In developing adaptation strategies, how much did you consider with the integration of mitigation strategies, given agriculture's reliance on fossil fuels?
  • Allison: We were directed to focus primarily on adaptation, not mitigation – made it challenging to highlight the dual benefits of strategies like improving soil health that also reduce emissions
  • Despite this, there's a significant opportunity to explore these co-benefits further in future research
  • It's important to approach discussions with farmers sensitively, recognizing their challenges and avoiding placing undue blame for climate impacts
  • We should focus on protecting farmland and promoting sustainable farming practices to further reduce emissions
  • Dave Bradley (chat): Considering the decline of New York's dairy industry, what alternative crops could farmers in the state switch to?
  • Allison: Choosing alternative crops would depend on the specifics of each farm
  • A dairy farm in Madison County faced flooding issues, leading to the sale of most cows and a shift to selling pasture-raised meat, while keeping a small dairy herd
  • They are exploring sustainable practices and possibly diversifying into field crops or grain
  • Their transition is supported by their involvement in the climate-smart farming team, emphasizing the need to help dairy and small farms adapt to changing conditions
  • Brian Eden mentioned the problem with excluding mitigation from discussions, noting it is unhelpful and ignores the challenges farmers face
  • Allison: We're not excluding anyone; we're training 15 dairy farmers on mitigation plans through a USDA project, so it's definitely on the table
  • Dave proposed that dairy farmers explore alternative bulk crops like sunflowers or hemp to diversify protein sources and boost profitability
  • Allison: Most dairies in NYS grow forages for their cattle, often with guidance from Cornell advisors or paid consultants to optimize cattle feed and reduce methane
  • We’re introducing a new crop that can double as cover and feed, supporting sustainable practices like crop rotation and soil health through Cornell's programs
  • Bossombra Koffi (chat): What strategies are available for farmers to cope with the short-term drought?
  • Allison: We have strategies to help manage short-term drought, including selecting drought-tolerant crop varieties and using practices such as cover crops or no-till to retain moisture
  • For crops like berries and tree fruits, it's important to use efficient irrigation systems to avoid wasting water and ensure it's used effectively
  • There’s a good tool, the US Drought Monitor. It can be found at https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/

 

TCCPI and the Current State Legislative Session – Brian Eden and Peter Bardaglio

Following up on AM Kelles’ review of the key climate and clean energy bills at last month’s meeting, Brian and Peter facilitated a discussion of how TCCPI could help secure approval for this legislation

  • Peter: Kelles gave an impressive presentation, on several key legislative acts including the Fashion Act, Climate Superfund Act, Just Transition Act, and the Stop Climate Polluter Handouts Act
  • She discussed how the Fashion Act aims to improve transparency in the fashion industry's global supply chain and hold it accountable, similar to the oil and gas industry
  • She highlighted the need for legislation that holds companies accountable for both current and historical environmental damages, through the Climate Superfund
  • She also emphasized the importance of moving away from investing in natural gas infrastructure and eliminating substantial subsidies to fossil fuel industries
  • Brian: Kelles strongly supports the Business Packaging Reduction Infrastructure Act, stressing plastic's environmental and health impacts
  • She addressed challenges from the American Chemistry Council's lobbying, expressing resolve to overcome them with diligent weekly efforts
  • In addition, Kelles aims to shift from discussion to activism, recognizing remote advocacy challenges and proposing direct engagement in Albany for legislative progress
  • Peter mentioned attending a meeting to improve the bottle bill, noting challenges faced by participants traveling to Albany and the importance of in-person advocacy
  • Tom Hirasuna: People can get involved locally right away because there are existing coalitions for the mentioned bills
  • Brian: We're all part of small groups, but we're not uniting effectively for change
  • Historically, larger coalitions had hundreds of people advocating together, which had a bigger impact
  • Peter highlighted the significance of gathering people face-to-face, emphasizing its impact on legislators
  • Brian: It's essential to engage with youth to build the future movement effectively
  • Irene: Unfortunately, my capacity for Albany trips has declined over the years, despite past efforts organizing buses with strong financial backing
  • Instead, I propose a local focus on initiatives like the Green New Deal
  • We could convene on Earth Day at Stewart Park to unite various environmental and sustainability groups and brainstorm community mobilization strategies
  • Guillermo Metz: While many groups are already engaged, organizing in person around specific topics would be beneficial
  • We have an Earth Day event planned on the commons and see value in supporting your efforts. Let us know how we can help
  • Brian: It's crucial to engage with Cornell, considering their presence and potential impact
  • We recently had five resolutions passed through the board and adopted by the county legislature, mostly advocating for statewide issues
  • Maintaining community involvement is essential for implementing policies like the Ithaca Green New Deal, which has proven to be financially positive for the city
  • Supporting the sustainability director's work is vital for achieving these goals

January 2024

2024 TCCPI Priorities – All

The steering committee has proposed the following priorities for 2024:

  • Advocate for state climate and clean energy policies
  • Strengthen climate resilience
  • Support the Ithaca Green New Deal
  • Work on improving equitable multimodal transportation options
  • Continue to grow the 2030 District

The group discussed these recommendations and shared thoughts about how to move forward.

  • Steering committee is hoping these priorities provide a framework to guide our work and discussions for the coming year
  • The turn toward advocacy for state climate and clean energy policies represents a new direction for TCCPI
  • Peter has been spending a lot of time on this activity – as soon as last session ends, organizing for the new one begins, but it really picks up in December in anticipation of the new session opening in early January
  • Meeting on regular basis with coalitions that TCCPI is involved with: NY Renews, Renewable Heat Now, Climate Can’t Wait, etc. – also, beginning in January lots of virtual lobby meetings with individual legislators in Albany and engagement in social media campaigns
  • Important that TCCPI be involved in this work as effort to implement 2019 climate law and recommendations of Climate Action Council
  • Peter asked Dominic Frongillo to talk about his work with Elected Officials to Protect America, where he serves as co-founder and executive director
  • Dominic: Working in NY on Climate Change Superfund Act, which would require fossil fuel companies to pay for climate damage inflicted on NY and strengthen climate resiliency in local communities
  • Right now taxpayers on hook for covering cost of this damage and upgrading infrastructure
  • Comptroller survey reveal that 55% of local municipal expenditures related to fixing climate damage and strengthening climate resilience
  • Have been organizing letter from 100 local elected officials in support of Climate Change Superfund Act and calling on Governor Hochul to include it in her executive budget
  • Activity includes press conference in Albany, media interviews, and op-eds
  • Peter: Basic principle involved: you make a mess; you clean it up – state just getting hammered with these extreme weather events
  • About time fossil fuel industry held accountable for this damage – also especially important in context of state projecting $4 billion budget deficit this y ear – way to help close budget gap
  • Brian Eden has also been involved in this effort – group meets weekly on Zoom
  • Brian: We used to have to travel to Albany to meet with people there -- now lot easier with Zoom but we still need to get people to Albany to show our strength
  • Whole bunch of opportunities coming up for folks to be in Albany – if you haven’t done this before, not as difficult as you might imagine – nothing beats being there in person
  • NY Renews legislative package this year includes Climate Superfund – other two bills include NY HEAT Act and Just Energy Transition Act
  • Latter aimed at developing plan for closing of fossil-fuel power plants and focuses on frontline communities affected by emissions from these nearby plants
  • Brian: We need to find ways to pay for cleaning up these communities if we’re going to transition to better future
  • Governor included in her budget one of main pieces of NY HEAT Act, ending the so-called “100-foot rule” under which rate payers picked up tab for new gas connections
  • Now developers have to cover this cost, which should slow down expansion of gas infrastructure and encourage them to install heat pumps instead
  • Peter reminded group that because events in Albany move so fast now he has agreement with steering committee that he’ll be signing TCCPI on to any organizational letters circulating that are climate-related
  • So much going on and it’s critical that we join with other organizations to back these very important bills
  • Peter keeps track of these sign-ons and other advocacy activities and shares that list with steering committee each month
  • Second priority is to focus on strengthening climate resilience of our communities – as example, just recently city received significant funding from FEMA for flood mitigation
  • Outside of Ithaca municipalities are working to deepen and expand ditches and culverts in response to increase in extreme precipitation events
  • Tom Hirasuna: Almost everything we do now is connected to climate resilience – as part of Climate Reality – Finger Lakes, we’re working with other chapters across state on climate resilience and other issues
  • At federal level, our work focused on Farm Bill, trying to protect provisions related to small and medium-sized farms
  • Peter: Development of local food network another example of climate resilience – smaller farms much more sustainable way to move forward than large industrial farms that predominate now
  • Ingrid Zabel: In very early stages, but PRI starting to think about how its facilities, including Cayuga Nature Center and Museum of the Earth, could serve as resilience hub in extreme weather event – for example, museum could be cooling center during heat wave for West Hill
  • Talking with Rebecca Brenner at Cornell – expert in disaster preparedness – she organized meeting with PRI and Southside Community Center to see how two organizations could collaborate on this effort
  • Working with Rebecca’s students in two of her courses this semester to start thinking this through
  • Dave Bradley: Need to do much better job at generating renewable electricity – in spite of fact that NY provides some of largest subsidies in nation, progress has been very slow – nowhere near meeting CLCPA goals
  • Wind power projects, in particular, have run into lots of obstacles – could cut costs of offshore wind in half by moving them closer to shore off coast and in Great Lakes but lots of opposition to doing so
  • Brian: Working with Beyond Plastics and NY Is Not Disposable to cut down on use of plastics, which has expanded tremendously in recent years – fossil fuel industry looking for ways to take up its extra capacity
  • Package Reduction Act aimed at lessening use of plastic Sen. Harckham & AM Glick making this top priority in current session
  • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) seeks to shift cost of disposing or recycling plastic to companies that produce it – a lot of municipalities losing money on recycling
  • Dominic: Recent report from Brown University found that $72 million from fossil-fuel related dark money groups has been funneled into disinformation campaigns and astroturf groups to opposed offshore wind projects
  • Support for IGND third proposed priority for 2024 – great that Rebecca Evans has been able to bring another staff member on board, Savannah Vega, to help roll out some of initiatives they’ve been discussing, including incorporating equity with Justice50
  • Rebecca has persuaded City to bring 10 more buildings into Ithaca 2030 District: four fire stations, police station, Youth Bureau, GIAC, and main offices of Water & Sewer and Streets & Facilities – over 320,000 sq. ft. – brings district total to over 900,000 sq. ft.
  • One way Ithaca 2030 District will be supporting IGND going forward
  • Fourth priority is supporting development of equitable multimodal transportation options
  • Dawn Montanye: One of top priorities in this area is reduction of car dependency – have to do more than just turn to EVs
  • Need to drive less and choosing shared transportation options, looking to enhance transit – need to build up system now and shift transportation lens – more dedicated bus and bike lanes
  • Also need to take into account land use planning and housing to improve access to public and shared transportation
  • Lifestyle changes need to be encouraged, too
  • Fernando de Aragón: Reducing extreme dependency on automobiles crucial – 60% of our trips are only 2-3 miles long – tremendous potential to use bikes more
  • We have good transit system that needs strengthening – Bikeshare in place and doing well – doing everything possible to bring Carshare back this spring
  • ITCTC will be developing long-range transportation plan over next year – will be opportunity to provide input
  • Dawn: Also Transportation Equity Coalition wrapping up its transportation equity needs assessment – what are needs and barriers to providing people access?
  • Peter: Not just question of developing effective multimodal transportation system, but also about making it more equitable
  • Addition of ten new city buildings addresses our fifth priority, to continue growing district – we’ll also continue building the performance dashboards and working with property members to improve energy and water performance of their buildings, and sharing ways they can reduce their carbon footprint
  • Also four of our buildings took advantage of NYSEG gas kicker program to install heat pumps and move off natural gas for heating and cooling

NYS Climate and Clean Energy Legislation: Prospects and Challenges – Anna Kelles

Assemblymember Anna Kelles represents the 125th District, including Cortland and Tompkins Counties. She has been an outstanding champion for climate and clean energy issues. She shared her perspective on the new legislative session and the possibilities for progress on these fronts.

  • Conversation with Anna took place while she was on plane waiting to fly to DC to speak at screening of documentary “Fashion Reimagined”
  • Focusing today on Fashion Act, Climate Superfund Act, NY HEAT Act, Just Transition Act, and Stop Climate Polluter Handouts Act
  • Sustainability and Social Accountability Fashion Act is Anna’s bill – not part of package
  • Everybody wears clothes but right now you couldn’t be socially responsible even if you wanted to
  • Every part of global supply chain needs to be transparent and there needs to be accountability
  • Act would require all brands with gross revenue of $100 million or more that want access to NYS market must comply with state regulations
  • All brands would have to map out their entire supply chain and measure GHG emissions through supply chain and impacts on water quality
  • Also labor provisions regarding prevailing wages, unions, and child labor
  • All of tools required to track metrics already in existence and used by industries – not reinventing any wheels with this legislation
  • Have to demonstrate they’re making substantive improvements in these areas or else they’re subject to fines up to 2% of their gross global income – that creates fund that can be used to offset negative impacts
  • European Union taking steps to regulate this global industry – has never been regulated before – only major industry that isn’t – responsible for up to 8% of all GHG emissions
  • Second highest industry in use of child labor and fifth highest in use of slave labor
  • Want to make sure brands don’t just pass costs of complying with new regulations on to manufacturers
  • Can find out more about bill at org
  • Anna concerned that cap-and-invest will turn into cap-and-trade – pre-proposal open for public comment looks like cap-trade-and-invest (CTI)
  • Puts lot of emphasis on secondary market of trading allowances – allows nonobligated entities to buy allowances at public auctions – also allows obligated entities to buy up to 25% of allowances available at any auction, which could be sold in secondary market
  • Has now introduced bill that outlines program of just cap-and-invest – meant to be counterpoint to pre-proposal
  • Some, including governor, are arguing that polluters already being held accountable under cap-trade-and-invest – climate superfund a kind of double dipping – creates another fee for same polluters
  • Climate Superfund focuses on which companies were biggest polluters from 2000 to 2018 and damage they did then – retroactive
  • Will assess one-time fee and use those dollars to build infrastructure specifically for adaptation – can pay fee in 24 annual payments
  • CTI is forward looking, not retroactive – forces companies to pay for GHGs they’re continuing to emit – faster they transition to clean energy, fewer allowances they’ll have to buy
  • CTI makes exceptions for energy-intensive, trade-exposed industries but doesn’t put in place guardrails for these entities – provides allowances for free so companies not forced to move out of state
  • Not only are these allowances provided for free but there’s no documentation required and there is no claw-back mechanism
  • We also need to stop investing in natural gas infrastructure – aim of Stop Climate Polluter Handouts Act seeks to end $336 million of $1.6 billion state provides annually in tax subsidies, grants, and like
  • Complementary to Climate Superfund – in both cases fossil fuel polluters held accountable – can’t continue subsidize very industries that are generating pollution that is cause of climate damage
  • NY HEAT Act takes on another way in which we’ve been subsidizing the fossil fuel industry: the PSC rule that says any building constructed within 100 feet of road can get free hook-up to the main gas line courtesy of ratepayers
  • Encourages expansion of natural gas infrastructure – amounts to $200 million annually
  • Bill would end this practice and also hold utility costs of LMI households to 6% of their income
  • Just Transition Act requires PSC and NYSERDA to carry out study of how to best convert closed fossil-fuel power plants to renewable energy infrastructure
  • Plan has strong labor protections and would be subject to extensive public hearings across state

Q&A

  • Martha Robertson: Where should we focus our efforts? A lot to take in and act on
  • Anna: Climate, Jobs, and Justice Package includes most of these bills – NY Renews coalition consisting of more than 100 organizations (including TCCPI) is pushing for passage of the package
  • Fashion Act is Anna’s top priority but she’s very involved in supporting the other bills – is working to educate other legislators about them, how they fit together, and why they’re important
  • Need to listen to what opposition is saying about why we can’t do something and then figure out messaging to counter the arguments
  • Needs support of TCCPI to identify why we’re being told no, and then to pivot with counterargument – as climate leaders, we need to get better at this
  • Dominic Frongillo: We have 100 elected officials signed on in support of Climate Superfund and would love to coordinate with you
  • Anna: Please get in touch with my legislative team to set up meeting
  • Martha: Where is Speaker Heastie on these bills?
  • Anna: He’s very thoughtful about environment -- Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus has about 77 members and Heastie pays close attention to where they stand on issues – also Upstate Caucus has about 75 members
  • Important to have champions in both groups to be effective
  • Peter asked Anna to talk about work she and Sen. Lea Webb are doing together on Cayuga salt mine
  • Anna: Needs to pass quickly to make sure it is in place before any sale of mine goes through
  • Bell Station one of most effective campaigns seen in Albany because it was sharply focused and had very clear message
  • Just want transparency and accountability in situation with salt mine – letter writing campaign and coordinated calls to governor over next couple of weeks best way to achieve this
  • Should be our community’s top priority – current situation holding Cargill liable for only $3 million in damages unacceptable
  • Asking for independent evaluation about what Cargill should be required to pay if there is mining catastrophe there
  • Protecting our environment and natural resources fundamental to responsibilities of legislature
  • Environment fundamental to everything we are – it’s our habitat – we are either parasites or stewards: we have a choice
  • Messaging is critical – we have to get savvier at this – industry devotes lots of resources and has become very effective at opposing and neutralizing anything that affects their profits
  • This is why it’s so important that every single person in environmental movement feels empowered to take credit for victories we achieve – that it was their accomplishment – and that we take the time to make sure this happens before moving on to next thing
  • Big corporations need to tear down these wins and neutralize them – they’ve already won in red states and don’t have to worry about them – they’re focused on stopping wins in blue states like NY and CA
  • Need to foster sense of personal pride among people in environmental movement in victories we’ve achieved and not let them get torn down by oil and gas companies – we have to celebrate and protect what we’ve already won and stay vigilant
  • When people feel empowered they engage – when they feel hopeless, they disengage

​Meeting Highlights: 2024