Clean Air Coalition of Greater Ravena – Coeymans

The theme of this year’s Earth Day celebration is “Invest in Our Planet.”

As the world marks Earth Day 2022 today there are several local organizations have put out fresh appeals to create awareness about the significance of the day and ways to protect the environment. Earth Day is celebrated every year to raise awareness on issues, like pollution, deforestation, and global warming.

Many campaigns and events on this day have been planned to motivate people to find solutions to issues surrounding the climate. As we seek out businesses to shift to a greener, cleaner, and sustainable future let’s highlight the need to save the planet and leave it in a better shape for the future generations.

Here are 3 small local actions you can take this week to invest in decarbonizing our economy this month:

1. COMMENT ON LEGACY PROJECTS

One of the most ambitious pieces of legislation in New York is called the Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). This bill was signed into law on July 18, 2019, to address climate change and reach net zero emissions in NY State. The Public Comment period opened on January 1, 2022, and continues for 120-days or until the end of this month. Write and comment on Chapter 19: Land Use to stop industries from deforestation. Trees are vital for oxygen and help absorb greenhouse gases. Cutting trees result in loss of habitat for animal species and harms ecosystems.

2. LEARN ABOUT COMPOSTING & REGENERATIVE AG

Saturday, April 23 at 11am: Super-charge your garden, save money and help the planet – all in your backyard. Visit the RCS Library for their “Turn Your Spoil into Soil” in-person event. Regenerative agriculture is a farming principle that improves soil health, fertilizer use, and water management. Soul Fire Farm near Grafton is the place to see it in action on a farm that features Black, Indigenous, Latinx and other people of color land stewards.

3. RALLY FOR CLEAN AIR

Make some noise and inspire others to shut down Norlite. After 30 years of violations and fines and now operating with an expired permit, it’s time to say NO to business as usual. Put an end to the toxic chemical insanity by attending a rally at the Governor’s Mansion on Saturday, April 30th.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the execution of two Orders on Consent with SHPP US, LLC, (known as “SABIC”), in Selkirk, including $322,400 in penalties and required facility improvements. These enforcement actions resolve violations after a September 2020 incident at the SABIC plastics manufacturing facility that released approximately 22,057 pounds of styrene vapor to the environment, threatening public health and safety. READ MORE: https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/press.html

LOCAL SPRING EFFORTS THAT THE CLEAN AIR COALITION SUPPORTS

SUPPORT LightsoutNorlite.org TODAY!
The Coalition supports Lights Out Norlite to stop hazardous waste burning in Cohoes. TODAY: Please make a quick phone call to Gov. Hochul to deny Norlite’s Title V Clean Air Act and RCRA Part 373 Hazardous Waste Permits. Here’s an easy link to use.  After calling, RSVP to join Albany’s April 30th rally, featuring D. Colin and Ragliacci of Social Justice Artists Collective.

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NY RENEWS: public comment ON NYS CLIMATE ACTION PLAN New York Renews is calling for comments on NY State’s Climate Action Plan.
THURSDAY, APRIL 14: A hearing will be held in Albany to hear public comment on the State’s Climate Action plan.  Here is a link on how to offer your views.

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RIVERKEEPER SWEEP – 7 May
Every year, Riverkeeper organizes people to pick up trash along the Hudson River.  Why not join a group near you?  The Hudson River will thank you! 
SATURDAY, MAY 7: See this link to sign up for the Riverkeeper Sweep.

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ROUTINE WORK by STEERING GROUP MEMBERS Steering Group members have submitted detailed comments to the Department of Environmental Conservation on expansion plans at the Port of Coeymans and Coeymans Industrial Park; we have helped to collect hair samples in Cohoes and Saratoga to study pollution levels; our members have supported Riverkeeper’s legal cases and identification of Hudson Valley waste management & incineration sites.  Members have also tracked and opposed NY State legislation likely to increase air pollution. 

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Steering Group meets on alternate Tuesdays:
We meet on Zoom every other week to share updates and work.
Are you able to join our Steering Group? Contact us here:

Bethlehem Tomorrow is a citizens action group that includes Delmar, South Bethlehem, Glenmont, and Normanskill that aims to protect and preserve farmland, forests, parks, and other open spaces for public benefit. They help to educate, engage and promote sustainability in towns at risk of losing important forested land to residential sprawl.

Forests like the one seen here were decimated by bulldozers on Elm Ave East last month to make way for single-family homes. Not only is this heartbreaking for wildlife habitats but it’s an outrage for climate change reasons. Housing construction of this size is completely out of balance with the population growth of Albany county. Developers also want to do the same to Elsmere Avenue Extension as well as Kimmey Drive erasing more open space.

Kimmey Drive and Elsmere Avenue Extension are both long-discussed but as of yet
unbuilt collector roads. They should not be referenced in the Comprehensive Plan as a done deal or “planned” or “supported” roadways. Such roadways presuppose new residential development in areas that are currently some of the largest remaining open spaces in Town. Maintaining open spaces is one of the highest priorities for all residents and is critical to fulfilling the Town’s commitment to addressing climate change and sustainability.

If you feel the same, please speak up! Join others in voicing your concerns about the current Comprehensive Plan at the town meeting on: Monday, March 28, at the Bethlehem Town Hall, 6 pm.

Make a difference with the following topics:

• I support limiting development by clustering new homes close together while protecting as much open space as possible.
• The current plan allows too many new homes to be built in our agricultural business districts. The plan should restrict homes in these areas to only one dwelling per four acres.
• The Normanside Country Club should be zoned as “Recreation” to protect it and the surrounding neighborhoods.
• I support the strong action against climate change in the comp plan such as electrification and energy efficiency.
• I support a sustainability committee being created by the town as soon as possible.
• I support strong regulations to protect against unnecessary tree removal, especially in environmentally sensitive areas.
• I ask that our town incorporate laws to make our town more able to withstand the impact of climate change as recommended by New York State (The New York State Community Risk and Resiliency Act.)

Your voice matters!

ELECTRIC VEHICLES 101 with Ken Mueller on Wednesday, April 20 at 6:30 pm

So you’re thinking about buying a hybrid/electric car? Get your questions answered by Mueller’s Automotive Ken Mueller and longtime Electic Vehicle owner Rich Orsini. Registration is required.  https://rcscommunitylibrary.libcal.com/event/8996933

TURN YOUR SPOIL INTO SOIL event on Saturday, April 23 at 11 am

Super-charge your garden, save money, and help the planet – all in your backyard. Registration is required, sign up today. Register to reserve your spot today! https://rcscommunitylibrary.libcal.com/event/8997122

INSIDE THE GREEN LOBBY with Bernard Melewski on Saturday, April 30 at 2 pm

Former Coeymans resident Bernard Melewski joins us to talk about his book Inside the Green Lobby, which recounts the behind-the-scenes struggles of a veteran environmental lobbyist working to save New York’s six-million-acre Adirondack Park from the devastating damage from acid rain and the sudden breakup of massive private landholdings.  From strategy sessions to private meetings with legislators, governors, members of Congress, and even the President of the United States, Inside the Green Lobby recounts, through engaging and entertaining stories, how environmental advocates successfully pursue legislative and policy change. https://rcscommunitylibrary.libcal.com/event/8997299