Climate change is often framed in the context of oblique policies, such as the different regulatory approaches to cutting climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions. Missing from that public discourse is the human element. But activists across the country have realized that personal stories may be the key to speeding up action on climate change, and they’re […]
Rochester People’s Climate Coalition
State approves energy-buying arrangement for Brockport and others
A power-purchasing initiative backed by local climate activists received an important state approval today. The State Public Service Commission approved Joule Assets’ plan to administer a community choice aggregation program for the Village of Brockport, the Village of Lima, the Town of Geneva, and three other communities across the state, if those local governments decide […]
Climate activists wary of new energy offering
The state gives local governments a pretty powerful tool for helping their residents and businesses buy renewable energy, and Brighton resident Sue Hughes-Smith has campaigned hard to get local elected officials to use it. But now Smith is worried that a new initiative may undercut those efforts. The state’s mechanism, called community choice aggregation (CCA), […]
Groups team up for RTS meeting
Several advocacy groups will hold a Reimagine RTS “Meeting in a Box” from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Workerโs United Building, 750 East Avenue. Reimagine RTS is a deep study of Greater Rochester’s bus system, initiated by RTS’ operater, the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority. When the project is complete, RGRTA will have […]
Local summit aims for action on climate
For several years, climate and environmental activists have been calling for New York to take serious, aggressive action to transition the state to 100 percent renewable energy. The state has made progress. It now requires utilities to get half of their electricity from renewables by 2030. And earlier this year, New York and some other […]
City moving on energy program
A year or so from now, City of Rochester residents and small businesses could have easy access to 100 percent renewable energy at a price lower than their current rates. Mayor Lovely Warren is preparing legislation stating the city’s intent to pursue community choice aggregation. Under a CCA arrangement, which state law allows, the city […]
Urban Action 6/7
This week’s calls to action include the following events and activities. (All are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.) Mayoral hopefuls will debate AFSCME Council 66, which includes BENTE/AFSCME Local 2419 and AFSCME 1635, will host a mayoral candidates forum on Thursday, June 8, featuring the three Democratic candidates: former TV reporter […]
Marches promote science, climate action
Rochester is steeped in science. George Eastman’s film business was basically chemistry. The cutting-edge medical and tech research happening at the University of Rochester Medical Center uses just about every branch of science, from biology to theoretical physics. Photonics, a high-potential industry for the Rochester region, is a branch of science. And that just scratches […]
The evolution of Earth Day
The event ain’t what it used to be, but that’s not a bad thing
Rochester People’s Climate Coalition moves ahead
Climate activism and action appear to be ramping up in the Rochester area, which is a very good thing. The City of Rochester is putting together a comprehensive plan to reduce its impact on climate change, governments and local businesses are leading by example on renewable energy, and new advocacy and activism groups are forming. […]






