Schenectady County is partnering with Green Planet Products LLC to become the first municipality in New York State to begin testing 100 percent biodegradable motor oil. Susan E. Savage, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature, announced this new “green” initiative at the League of Conservation Voters Eco-Breakfast where she was being honored with the Environmental Champion Award for efforts to make Schenectady County a leader in environmental policy.
Chair Savage and the Democratic Majority on the County Legislature have worked to position Schenectady County as a leader in renewable energy. This effort helped to attract GE’s Renewable Energy Headquarters and new Battery Plant to Schenectady County, creating more than a thousand new jobs in the years ahead.
From expanding park land to prioritizing climate smart practices, Schenectady County Democrats continue to work to make Schenectady a great place to live, work, and raise a family, not only for our current residents, but for generations to come.
For more information on this initiative, click here.
Showing posts with label Protecting the environment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Protecting the environment. Show all posts
Monday, December 21, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Big Deal for GE is a Big Win for Schenectady County
In 2004, the new Democratic majority on the County Legisalture set out to change economic development in Schenectady County. This effort resulted in the unified economic development team and changes to the tone of the County's efforts. Now Schenectady County continues to see the major positive results.
Just one of the areas of change has been the new positive relationship with GE. The Daily Gazette on February 22, 2009 quoted Jan Smith, spokeswoman for GE Energy, as saying "When the new group came in, they said we should have a climate for change. There has been an effort on [their part] to work with us and us with them." The article further stated "Smith credited the changed environment with GE's decision to locate 500 jobs related to solar and wind power generation."
Now that investment continues to pay dividends as GE has announced it has received a $1.4 billion contract to produce wind turbines. Project management and service will take place right here in Schenectady County. Read more coverage of this deal here.
Just one of the areas of change has been the new positive relationship with GE. The Daily Gazette on February 22, 2009 quoted Jan Smith, spokeswoman for GE Energy, as saying "When the new group came in, they said we should have a climate for change. There has been an effort on [their part] to work with us and us with them." The article further stated "Smith credited the changed environment with GE's decision to locate 500 jobs related to solar and wind power generation."
Now that investment continues to pay dividends as GE has announced it has received a $1.4 billion contract to produce wind turbines. Project management and service will take place right here in Schenectady County. Read more coverage of this deal here.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Schumer Annouces $697,000 for energy projects in Schenectady County
Senator Charles E. Schumer recently announced that General Electric’s Global R&D Center in Niskayuna has been selected to receive $697,769 in federal funding for projects that will help address difficulties in the energy market. The funding will specifically focus on wind turbine manufacturing process monitoring.
“This project is a win-win for upstate New York,” said Senator Schumer. “Not only will this funding help keep New York a leader in the clean energy movement, but it will create much-needed jobs across the state. I will continue to fight for funding to support research and development of renewable energy sources to keep New York facilities at the forefront of clean energy technology.”
Click here for more information.
“This project is a win-win for upstate New York,” said Senator Schumer. “Not only will this funding help keep New York a leader in the clean energy movement, but it will create much-needed jobs across the state. I will continue to fight for funding to support research and development of renewable energy sources to keep New York facilities at the forefront of clean energy technology.”
Click here for more information.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Congressman Paul Tonko votes for landmark energy legislation
Foreign energy sources often involving dangerous associations and the threat of global warming to not only our economy but our very way of life necessitate bold action. Congressman Paul Tonko and House Democrats recently worked to ensure the passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act, a bill that will create millions of new clean energy jobs, protect the environment, and enhance America’s energy independence.
“This bill is a bold step towards changing our nation’s direction on energy policy, reducing our gluttonous dependence on fossil fuels, and sparking a new economy built on innovation that creates American jobs that cannot be exported,” said Rep. Tonko. “It’s crucial that we act now and push forward with research and development on cutting edge alternative energy technologies, because it’s our opportunity to be the leader in the 21st Century global economy.”
Click here for more information on this important legislation.
“This bill is a bold step towards changing our nation’s direction on energy policy, reducing our gluttonous dependence on fossil fuels, and sparking a new economy built on innovation that creates American jobs that cannot be exported,” said Rep. Tonko. “It’s crucial that we act now and push forward with research and development on cutting edge alternative energy technologies, because it’s our opportunity to be the leader in the 21st Century global economy.”
Click here for more information on this important legislation.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Democrats on the County Legislature announce $75,000 state grant
Schenectady County Legislature Chair Susan E. Savage recently announced that Schenectady County has received a $75,000 Recreation Trails Program state grant the Plotterkill Preserve by adding 20-acres and constructing additional trails.
"We appreciate the support from Governor Paterson and the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation," said Chairwoman Savage. "This grant will increase access to our beautiful trail system for all County residents to enjoy. More importantly the new access point will improve the safety of this trail."
Chair Savage noted the new access point this grant will allow to be created will improve safety by shortening the response time needed for emergency service providers to reach a lost or injured hiker.
For more news coverage, click here.
For more information, click here.
"We appreciate the support from Governor Paterson and the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation," said Chairwoman Savage. "This grant will increase access to our beautiful trail system for all County residents to enjoy. More importantly the new access point will improve the safety of this trail."
Chair Savage noted the new access point this grant will allow to be created will improve safety by shortening the response time needed for emergency service providers to reach a lost or injured hiker.
For more news coverage, click here.
For more information, click here.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Schenectady Democrats continue saving money with recycling
The Daily Gazette recently reported that the city of Schenectady has saved $40,000 this year due to increased recycling. A priority of both county and city Democratic officials has been to raise awareness of recycling programs and these efforts are clearly paying off by both protecting our environment and saving taxpayers money.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Tonko Supports Green Schools Act
Congressman Paul Tonko recently voted in support of the 21st Century Green High Performing Public School Facilities Act, which will invest in modernizing, upgrading and repairing school facilities across the country. This legislation will improve education, create jobs and encourage energy efficiency and the use of renewable fuels in our schools.
“These new funds will allow schools to make badly needed repairs to their buildings at a time when state governments are cutting back their education aid,” said Rep. Tonko. “Healthy and high performance schools reduce indoor environment hazards and are energy efficient. Every child deserves a safe, clean and healthy environment in which to learn and this bill is the first step in achieving that goal.”
For more information, click here.
“These new funds will allow schools to make badly needed repairs to their buildings at a time when state governments are cutting back their education aid,” said Rep. Tonko. “Healthy and high performance schools reduce indoor environment hazards and are energy efficient. Every child deserves a safe, clean and healthy environment in which to learn and this bill is the first step in achieving that goal.”
For more information, click here.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Major parkland expansion passes county Legislature
Recently, Schenectady County Chairwoman Susan E. Savage, and Legislators Marty Finn, and Dr. Brian Gordon sponsored and the Schenectady County Legislature adopted a new local law to create 24 acres of new parkland in the town of Niskayuna adjacent to the Woodlawn Preserve. This constitutes one of the largest parkland creations in Schenectady County history and continues to build upon the Democrats on the Schenectady County Legislature's committment to protect the environment and green space.
"This legislation will continue our efforts to leave Schenectady County a better place for our children and grandchildren," said Chairwoman Susan E. Savage. "By creating this parkland we will protect ecologically significant wetlands and provide new recreational space for our residents."
"We are very pleased that Legislators Savage, Finn and Gordon introduced the legislation that will convey additional parklands to Niskayuna," said Joe Landry, Niskayuna Town Supervisor. "By designating this land as parkland, over 24 acres will now remain a natural sanctuary in the Town. Also, we will be able to use a portion of these lands for the creation of a neighborhood park on Stanford Avenue."
Several members of the public including representatives of the Schenectady County Environmental Advisory Council came to the public hearing and testified in favor of this local law. In fact, not a single person spoke against its creation, except Republican Minority Leader Robert Farley, who voted against the designation of parkland.
Much of the parkland is considered remnant Pine Push and is part of the Woodlawn Pine Barrens-Wetlands Complex identified by the New York State Open Space and Conservation Plan as one of the region’s open space priorities for preservation. The creation of this parkland will complement current preservation activities in neighboring communities creating a link to other
protected open space and the larger Albany Pine Bush Preserve.
"This legislation will continue our efforts to leave Schenectady County a better place for our children and grandchildren," said Chairwoman Susan E. Savage. "By creating this parkland we will protect ecologically significant wetlands and provide new recreational space for our residents."
"We are very pleased that Legislators Savage, Finn and Gordon introduced the legislation that will convey additional parklands to Niskayuna," said Joe Landry, Niskayuna Town Supervisor. "By designating this land as parkland, over 24 acres will now remain a natural sanctuary in the Town. Also, we will be able to use a portion of these lands for the creation of a neighborhood park on Stanford Avenue."
Several members of the public including representatives of the Schenectady County Environmental Advisory Council came to the public hearing and testified in favor of this local law. In fact, not a single person spoke against its creation, except Republican Minority Leader Robert Farley, who voted against the designation of parkland.
Much of the parkland is considered remnant Pine Push and is part of the Woodlawn Pine Barrens-Wetlands Complex identified by the New York State Open Space and Conservation Plan as one of the region’s open space priorities for preservation. The creation of this parkland will complement current preservation activities in neighboring communities creating a link to other
protected open space and the larger Albany Pine Bush Preserve.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Niskayuna-based GE Global Research receives major stimulus investment
Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced millions in investments for energy research at Niskayuna-based General Electric Global Research to advance innovation and technology in renewable energy to combat global warming and fuel New York’s economy for the long term. The investment from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Congressman Paul Tonko helped pass earlier this year.
“Providing funds to world class research institutions will not only create jobs in New York in the short term, but will save consumers money by allowing them to buy less fuel, make us safer by fostering energy independence, and allow us to keep our resources here at home, instead of shipping them overseas,” said Senator Schumer.
“By investing in research and innovation, we can relieve our dependence on foreign oil and create jobs in New York,” Senator Gillibrand said. “New York is home to the world’s leading scientists and research institutions, which are working to develop the next generation of energy technology. These institutions provide crucial economic engines in every corner of our state. I will continue to work with Senator Schumer and the Obama Administration to direct federal dollars to develop the renewable energy industry in New York.”
The green economy is taking shape right here in Schenectady County thanks to the hardwork and leadership of Schenectady County Democrats. The Daily Gazette on February 22, 2009 quoted Jan Smith, spokeswoman for GE Energy, as saying "When the new group came in, they said we should have a climate for change. There has been an effort on [their part] to work with us and us with them." The article further stated "Smith credited the changed environment with GE's decision to locate 500 jobs related to solar and wind power generation."
Click here for more information.
“Providing funds to world class research institutions will not only create jobs in New York in the short term, but will save consumers money by allowing them to buy less fuel, make us safer by fostering energy independence, and allow us to keep our resources here at home, instead of shipping them overseas,” said Senator Schumer.
“By investing in research and innovation, we can relieve our dependence on foreign oil and create jobs in New York,” Senator Gillibrand said. “New York is home to the world’s leading scientists and research institutions, which are working to develop the next generation of energy technology. These institutions provide crucial economic engines in every corner of our state. I will continue to work with Senator Schumer and the Obama Administration to direct federal dollars to develop the renewable energy industry in New York.”
The green economy is taking shape right here in Schenectady County thanks to the hardwork and leadership of Schenectady County Democrats. The Daily Gazette on February 22, 2009 quoted Jan Smith, spokeswoman for GE Energy, as saying "When the new group came in, they said we should have a climate for change. There has been an effort on [their part] to work with us and us with them." The article further stated "Smith credited the changed environment with GE's decision to locate 500 jobs related to solar and wind power generation."
Click here for more information.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Schenectady County Democrats make the Climate Smart Community Pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
“Schenectady County is pleased to join with other communities throughout New York State to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Schenectady County Legislature Chairwoman Susan E. Savage. “This is one more step Schenectady County is taking to greatly reduce the County’s greenhouse emissions and create a livable, energy-independent and secure community for our children and grandchildren.”
Chairwoman Savage began the 2008/2009 term of the Schenectady County Legislature by committing to making County government more environmentally friendly and energy efficient. In April of 2008, Democrats on the County Legislature sponsored the first major package of environmental legislation in County history. This package required County departments to purchase Energy Star products, put into place LEED standards for all new County construction projects, ordered the establishment of new policies to be implemented for energy conservation and recycling in all County facilities, and created a partnership with NYSERDA to promote residential home energy audits within our county.
Building upon the success of that package, the Democratic Majority on the Schenectady County Legislature on April 14, 2009 supported a resolution stating that Schenectady County, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate, will:
1. Pledge to combat climate change by becoming a climate smart community;
2. Set goals to reduce carbon emissions, and act to implement those goals;
3. Decrease energy demand for county governmental operations;
4. Utilize renewable energy for county governmental operations where feasible;
5. Realize benefits of recycling and other climate smart solid waste management practices;
6. Promote climate protection through community land use planning;
7. Plan for adaptation to unavoidable climate change;
8. Support a green innovation economy;
9. Inform and inspire the public; and
10. Commit to an evolving process.
Click here for more information on the legislation.
Chairwoman Savage began the 2008/2009 term of the Schenectady County Legislature by committing to making County government more environmentally friendly and energy efficient. In April of 2008, Democrats on the County Legislature sponsored the first major package of environmental legislation in County history. This package required County departments to purchase Energy Star products, put into place LEED standards for all new County construction projects, ordered the establishment of new policies to be implemented for energy conservation and recycling in all County facilities, and created a partnership with NYSERDA to promote residential home energy audits within our county.
Building upon the success of that package, the Democratic Majority on the Schenectady County Legislature on April 14, 2009 supported a resolution stating that Schenectady County, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate, will:
1. Pledge to combat climate change by becoming a climate smart community;
2. Set goals to reduce carbon emissions, and act to implement those goals;
3. Decrease energy demand for county governmental operations;
4. Utilize renewable energy for county governmental operations where feasible;
5. Realize benefits of recycling and other climate smart solid waste management practices;
6. Promote climate protection through community land use planning;
7. Plan for adaptation to unavoidable climate change;
8. Support a green innovation economy;
9. Inform and inspire the public; and
10. Commit to an evolving process.
Click here for more information on the legislation.
Monday, April 27, 2009
County Democrats help small business and protect the environment
Schenectady County Legislature recently passed a resolution sponsored by Chairwoman Susan Savage to expand the residental household hazardous waste disposal program to small businesses and nonprofits in Schenectady County.
“I am excited that Schenectady County is expanding this successful program to our small businesses and non-profit organizations,” said Chair Savage. “This program will encourage more companies and organizations to manage waste in a legal and environmentally sound manner. They will also receive savings and at no cost to Schenectady County taxpayers.”
For more information on this expanded program, click here.
“I am excited that Schenectady County is expanding this successful program to our small businesses and non-profit organizations,” said Chair Savage. “This program will encourage more companies and organizations to manage waste in a legal and environmentally sound manner. They will also receive savings and at no cost to Schenectady County taxpayers.”
For more information on this expanded program, click here.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Earth Day News
April 22 was the 39th Annual Earth Day celebration attempting to raise awareness about our environment and Democrats representing Schenectady County celebrated different environmental measures and shared their thoughts on this important day.
Congressman Paul Tonko released a statement on Earth Day and the importance of greening our workforce. “This year represents a great opportunity for all of us to ensure a cleaner, safer and greener environment." Click here to read the full statement.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced legislation to save environmental education entitled "No Child Left Inside." These tough economic times have left many school district with tough decisions and often important evironmental science programs are being cut. This important legislation would provide grants through the Department of Education to help maintain these programs. For more information, click here.
Governor Paterson was honored by environmental advocates for passing the Bigger Better Bottle Bill as part of this year's budget. This represents a major accomplishment in the nine year struggle to improve our environment and increase recycling. For more information on this event, click here.
Congressman Paul Tonko released a statement on Earth Day and the importance of greening our workforce. “This year represents a great opportunity for all of us to ensure a cleaner, safer and greener environment." Click here to read the full statement.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced legislation to save environmental education entitled "No Child Left Inside." These tough economic times have left many school district with tough decisions and often important evironmental science programs are being cut. This important legislation would provide grants through the Department of Education to help maintain these programs. For more information, click here.
Governor Paterson was honored by environmental advocates for passing the Bigger Better Bottle Bill as part of this year's budget. This represents a major accomplishment in the nine year struggle to improve our environment and increase recycling. For more information on this event, click here.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Schenectady County keeps getting greener
Schenectady County has announced that it has secured $160,000 in State funding allocated through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Municipal Waste Reduction and Recycling Program to fund recycling program education and development. “Schenectady County keeps getting greener,” said Susan E. Savage, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “This grant will help Schenectady County inform our residents about the importance of recycling and is another pro-active step Schenectady County is taking to find ways to reduce our carbon footprint and protect our environment.”
This continues to build upon the seven point energy plan that the Schenectady County Legislature passed in March 2008 aimed at making Schenectady County a leader in energy conservation and efficiency standards. Click here for more information.
This continues to build upon the seven point energy plan that the Schenectady County Legislature passed in March 2008 aimed at making Schenectady County a leader in energy conservation and efficiency standards. Click here for more information.
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