UPDATE: THE RADON BILL Somewhat disappointing news: The radon bill did not make it onto the Assembly Codes Committee agenda on Monday, the last day v
UPDATE: THE RADON BILL
Somewhat disappointing news: The radon bill did not make it onto the Assembly Codes Committee agenda on Monday, the last day viable for it to move forward to the Ways and Means Committee. This means it won't reach a floor vote this session, which closes on Thursday. Intel is that there was some objection to the bill's $25,000 per day fine, which would kick in if utilities violate the terms of the law by delivering gas to residents with dangerous levels of radon. One imagines that is a sticking point requiring more convincing from constituents, especially when rate increases are so readily approved.
We're not extremely surprised; while we were hopeful, it would have been a long shot to pass so easily. The coming recess means more time to educate the wider public to convince their reps to support the measure. If you want to be part of the continuing effort to support this bill, you can become an active member of Citizen Radon Watch, an alliance that does outreach and education on radon. Send an email to contact@saneenergyproject.org for more info.
UPDATE: MATT'S WIND RUN
We were very happy to be there to see Matthew Kearns when he arrived in Long Beach late Saturday night, after running an astonishing 90 miles to promote Long Island wind projects.
The run was widely covered by local papers and Channel 12, and Newsday posted a log of his progress, as he was escorted through towns by cyclists and other runners, and greeted by supporters and family. In Long Beach, Sane Energy Project spent the day alerting residents of the run and the conflict between a wind farm and a proposed LNG port. Sentiment in town was wildly enthusiastic for a wind project to be built and the LNG port to be rejected. Locals expressed astonishment at Matt's commitment. And then there was this exchange: Sane: "Did you hear about the guy who's running from from Montauk to Long Beach?" Resident: "Why, who's chasing him?"
After it grew dark, a crowd gathered to hear a concert and rally organized by Sierra Club, and anxiously tracked Matt's progress on twitter. He'd been due in originally by 9, and as time passed, worry set in. Was he ok?
The crowd grew chilled as the wind kicking up on the boardwalk demonstrated the viability of a wind farm, to the point that the finish line had to be dismantled before it blew down. Then came the announcement that EMTs had stopped the run (with Matt protesting) and that he was on his way, via support van, to the hotel where the rally was held. At exactly that moment, the moon rose over the ocean in a surreally beautiful fiery haze–a "honey" moon–buoying the mood. Some time later, Matt arrived, dazed at first, then rallying as he was greeted with cheers and hugs. He looked in surprisingly good shape, not limping or even appearing to be stiff, but he described his feet as "a horrible mess," having lost a toenail and developed a serious marathoner's blister.
You can honor the super human effort Matt has made, and continue bringing attention to offshore wind, by sending a message to Governor Cuomo to build the wind farm and veto the LNG port. And join us later this summer as we continue to do beach excursions to alert Long Island about these conflicting projects.
Midday: More than 12 hours into the run.
10pm: A "honey moon" rises over the rally
10:30pm: Matt arrives in Long Beach!
WEDNESDAY: PIPELINE HEARING
The Harlem explosion, caused by an 8" pipeline, killed 8 people and collapsed 2 buildings
Wednesday, June 18th @ 10:45am:
In relation to the Harlem explosion, an important City Council hearing will address the economic impacts of "New York's Failing Infrastructure," including gas, water and steam pipes. Predictably, this will attract lots of agency folks saying how much money they need to replace all the old pipelines, to make us "safe." Projections for replacement are $10 billion and 40+ years.
An investment of that size should instead go towards replacing outdated fossil fuel equipment with renewable infrastructure.
The hearing will be held in City Hall proper (within City Hall Park), Council Chambers. Please bring twenty copies, double-sided, of your written testimony to the hearing.
WEDNESDAY: A FUN NIGHT OFF!
Wednesday, June 18th, 5:30-8:30pm: No Impact Picnic:
Colin Beavan (No Impact Man) will talk about living sustainably in NYC; Rachel Schraegis will perform her beloved "Cranky" art scroll and song; there'll be a giant story book, live puppets, food, fun, and free Ronnybrook ice cream (served around 6pm). Family and kid friendly!
THIS WEEKEND
If you're headed to the annual Clearwater festival in Croton Point Park on Saturday or Sunday, stop by the Sane Energy Project / Food Not Fracking booth, to say hi or volunteer for an hour. You'll be giving a fellow activist a well-deserved break (shifts at the festival are 12 hours long) to nap or go see some music. We'll have a preview of our mapping project there too, and it will BLOW YOUR MIND.
