CT Environmental Headlines

Fuel cell project: Weston reaches agreement with CL&P

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:38:52 +0000

The town has reached a settlement agreement with Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) that puts a fuel cell project at the schools one step closer to reality. The Board of Selectmen met last Thursday, March 4, and agreed to allow First Selectman Gayle Weinstein to sign an agreement with CL&P that allows Weston to “net meter”— add together — its electric accounts at Weston High School and Weston Middle School. via Fuel cell project: Weston reaches agreement with CL&P | Weston Forum.

Conservation panel OKs wetland permit

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:12:27 +0000

The Norwalk Conservation Commission approved Tuesday night a wetland permit for a proposed 11-unit housing development along Silvermine Avenue near Mary Austin Place. via Conservation panel OKs wetland permit – The Hour – Norwalk’s Newspaper.

Mountain Ridge condo proposal creates concerns about water run-off

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:31:50 +0000

TORRINGTON — A proposal to complete the second phase of the Mountain Ridge condominium complex has some downhill residents concerned about an increase in water run-off. There are currently 32 units in the development at 505 Harwinton Avenue. Twenty-five years ago, there were supposed to be a total of 99 units built in two phases, but a downturn in the economy meant the project was abandoned after the first phase was completed. via Mountain Ridge condo proposal creates concerns about water run-off – The Register Citizen.

Seymour farm joins preservation list (video)

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:24:40 +0000

SEYMOUR — Three generations of the Bomba family on Monday welcomed Gov. M. Jodi Rell to their farm, where she announced that the state Bond Commission is expected to approve $5 million toward the state’s ongoing efforts to preserve farmland. via Seymour farm joins preservation list (video) – The New Haven Register.

Branford Cell Tower Gets Initial Approval

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:20:05 +0000

The Connecticut Siting Council has given initial approval for T-Mobile to build a 125-foot cell tower on Pine Orchard Road, the first new cell tower proposal to get underway in Branford. However, the cell company cannot begin construction until the council approves final site plans. via Branford Cell Tower Gets Initial Approval | Branford Eagle.

Yes to safety, no to sprawl: Route 7’s future takes shape

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:16:45 +0000

Eliminating remaining choke points, improving safety, and maintaining local character are three of the top concerns people have about Route 7, but perhaps the overriding sentiment is, “We don’t want Route 7 to look like Route 1.” Opinions flowed freely among the 60 or so people who attended a public information meeting on the future of Route 7, Monday evening, March 1, at the Wilton High School cafeteria. via Yes to safety, no to sprawl: Route 7’s future takes shape | Ridgefield Press.

Residents concerned about CL&P plan to install overhead power lines

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:15:46 +0000

EAST GRANBY — A proposal on the Connecticut Siting Council’s docket of hearings, scheduled to allow Connecticut Light and Power to run high-voltage utility wires above-ground through East Granby along Newgate Road and through surrounding towns is one step closer to being passed. via Residents concerned about CL&P plan to install overhead power lines | The Granby News.

Cell tower ban backers praise RTM vote

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:35:12 +0000

A backer of a Representative Town Meeting resolution Monday on cell towers said it sends a strong signal to state officials that the town doesn't want cell towers looming over schools. via Cell tower ban backers praise RTM vote – GreenwichTime.

Connecticut towns turn attention to water power

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:30:09 +0000

In Connecticut three towns are turning their attention to water power. In a sense they want to go back in time, tapping into a local river for electricity. In water there is power. Hydroelectric power. This abandoned powerhouse is one of two on the Farmington River in Collinsville, Connecticut. The Collins Company built the dams and power plants to provide electricity to its plant. The powerhouses went on line in 1935. via Connecticut towns turn attention to water power | NECN.

Consumer Chemicals: Too Much “Wait and See”

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:26:06 +0000

For years, Syngenta, the Swiss corporation that makes atrazine, has maintained that the herbicide does not pose a health risk, that, as the Post put it, it’s “safe for wildlife, and for the people who are exposed to small amounts of it in drinking water.” A new study published last week by the National Academy of Sciences and led by UC-Berkeley scientist Tyrone Hayes suggests otherwise. via Consumer Chemicals: Too Much “Wait and See” | The Valley Advocate.

HARD TIMES: COMMUNITY SELF-RELIANCE ::: The 4th Open Space Community Think Tank Building & Housing Saturday, March 27

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:25:44 +0000

HARD TIMES: COMMUNITY SELF-RELIANCE ::: The 4th Open Space Community Think Tank Building & Housing, sponsored by Transition Greater New Haven, Saturday, March 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Common Ground High School, New Haven. We are in a time of TRANSITION “When the rug is pulled out from under our feet, how do we keep a roof over our heads?” “How can we meet the building and housing needs of a low energy future? Possible questions to explore: How can we house more people within existing buildings? How might buildings be modified to make it easier for larger groups to cohabit? What role might co-housing or eco-villages play in an energy constrained future? How will we make old houses more energy efficient and eco-friendly? How will we adapt when elements [...]

Long Island Sound Clean-up Reaches Into Vermont

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:24:42 +0000

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has worked for decades with New York and Connecticut to clean up Long Island Sound. Too much nitrogen in the water has led to “dead zones” where fish and shellfish can’t survive. Now the federal agency is asking sewage treatment plants nearly 200 miles away in Vermont to help reduce pollutants that are hurting the sound. As part of a collaboration with Northeast public radio stations, VPR’s John Dillon reports. via Long Island Sound Clean-up Reaches Into Vermont | VPR News.

‘Pickle Bill’ Would Help Farmers At Markets – Courant.com

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:20:40 +0000

If we want to protect what’s left of our open space, we need to preserve our remaining farms. One way is to help farmers make a living. That is why the legislature should pass the “pickle bill.” This proposed law would let farmers sell pickled fruits and vegetables — pickles, salsa, relish — at farm stands and farmers markets, as they can now do with homemade jellies and jams. via ‘Pickle Bill’ Would Help Farmers At Markets – Courant.com.

Hummingbirds: Our Featured Feathered Gems, 3:30 Sunday, March 15

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:20:07 +0000

Audubon Greenwich, 613 Riversville Road, Sunday, March 14, 2010, 3:30-4:30 pm, Hummingbirds: Our Feathered Gems. via Hummingbirds: Our Featured Gems | Greenwich Blog :: The Blog of Greenwich, Connecticut :: USA.

Area farm leader supports fines on outdoor furnaces

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:18:41 +0000

The leader of a New London County farm group is supporting fines on people who misuse outdoor wood-burning furnaces after a lengthy hearing Monday in Hartford. Wayne Budney, president of the New London County Farm Bureau, said financial penalties are necessary to discourage trash burning and other misuse of the furnaces. via Area farm leader supports fines on outdoor furnaces – Norwich Bulletin.

Anti-nuke groups want Vermont plant closed now

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:12:18 +0000

MONTPELIER, Vt. — Two weeks after lawmakers voted to close Vermont Yankee in 2012, Vermont regulators are being pressed to act sooner — shutting it down immediately — because of leaking tritium that environmental groups say is polluting the environment. On Wednesday, the state Public Service Board opens an investigation sought by the Conservation Law Foundation and the New England Coalition, which say the nuclear power plant in southeastern Vermont should stop operating until the source of the leak — first reported two months ago — is found and fixed. via Anti-nuke groups want Vermont plant closed now – BostonHerald.com.

Bill would force DEP to provide land for off-road riders

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:11:48 +0000

Dirt bike and quad enthusiasts yearning for places to ride in Connecticut may get their dreams fulfilled by summer if the state legislature acts on a new bill specifically designed to end 24 years of growing frustration on the part of off-road riders. via Bill would force DEP to provide land for off-road riders The Republican-American.

How America Could Get Rich by Going Green

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:05:07 +0000

Like it or not, China is the country cashing in on the green revolution. That’s a problem for America, according to Kenneth Lieberthal, a China expert at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. “We’re going to have to end up using those technologies on a very large scale,” Lieberthal said. “The question is whether we are producing them – or whether we have to end up buying them from the Chinese or others because we didn’t get our act together.” via How America Could Get Rich by Going Green – CBS Evening News – CBS News.

Aramco CEO Warns of ‘Green Bubbles’ – WSJ.com

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:03:20 +0000

HOUSTON—The chief executive of the Saudi Arabian Oil Co., the world's largest crude producer, warned that enthusiasm for alternative energy could engender “green bubbles” as the new technologies “overpromise but then underdeliver.” via Aramco CEO Warns of ‘Green Bubbles’ – WSJ.com.

DOE Chief Urges Energy Leaders to Accept Curbs on Greenhouse Gases – NYTimes.com

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:02:56 +0000

HOUSTON — Energy Secretary Steven Chu told participants at a major energy industry gathering here that they need to accept a limit on carbon pollution and start finding ways to meet it. Chu’s remarks at CERAWeek fit the Obama administration’s narrative — that enacting rules to limit climate change won’t cost jobs. Rather, the administration says, a lack of such rules is preventing the United States from joining a global “clean energy economy.” via DOE Chief Urges Energy Leaders to Accept Curbs on Greenhouse Gases – NYTimes.com.

Turn out for Earth Hour 8:30 p.m. March 27, 2010

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:42:57 +0000

Be part of a movement to demand action on climate change. Vote Earth by turning off your lights during Earth Hour and recruit your friends, family, neighbors, school or workplace. Make a difference every day by learning what you can do to combat climate change. Learn how you can help

EPA Seeks Public Comment on the 15th Annual U.S. Greenhouse Gas Inventory

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:40:50 +0000

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comment on the annual Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2008 draft report. This report will be open for public comment for 30 days after the Federal Register notice is published. The draft report shows that in 2008, overall greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions have decreased by 2.9 percent. This downward trend was attributed to a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions associated with fuel and electricity consumption. Total emissions from GHGs were about 6,946 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent. Overall, emissions have grown by 13.6 percent from 1990 to 2008. The inventory tracks annual greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 to 2008 at the national level. The gases covered by this inventory include [...]

DEP Having Forums to Discuss Regulations Concerning Possession of Wild Animals

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:38:41 +0000

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has scheduled three open forums on proposed changes to the rules governing the importation, possession and liberation of wild animals. The three forums will take place: March 16, 2010, 7–9 p.m. at the Department of Environmental Protection Marine Headquarters, 333 Ferry Road, Old Lyme, CT; March 18, 2010, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. at the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, 16 Meriden Road, Rockfall, CT; and March 24, 2010, 7 – 9 p.m. at the Department of Environmental Protection, Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave., Derby, CT. As a result of action in the 2009 session of the General Assembly, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection is charged with developing new regulations pursuant to Section 26-55 of the Connecticut General Statutes, affecting the [...]

Middletown Green Drinks at the Claddagh House, March 16, Higganum

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:31:09 +0000

Join Middletown’s Meet Your Greens at The Claddagh House, March 16, 2010, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Claddagh House Irish Pub and Restaurant is located at 12 Killingworth Road, Higganum, CT 06441. Meet Your Greens is Middlesex County’s monthly green drinks happy-hour network providing opportunities to make connections and exchange news about environmental issues in Middlesex County. Based on the popular Green Drinks in CT and nationwide, this informal gathering of people drawn from the community, nonprofit groups and the business world offers time to brainstorm ideas and plant seeds for collaboration. All are welcome with no reservations or advanced registration necessary. It Takes a Village … What better way to prepare for St. Patrick’s Day then to gather with green friends and colleagues [...]

Tanning beds should be regulated

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:19:58 +0000

THE World Health Organization ranks tanning beds alongside cigarettes, arsenic and asbestos for their ability to cause cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology has declared that the evidence linking tanning beds to melanomas is overwhelming. Nancy Alderman is president of Environment and Human Health Inc., 1191 Ridge Road, North Haven 06473. E-mail: info@ehhi.org. via Tanning beds should be regulated – The New Haven Register.

4th Annual Green Lifestyle Fair on Saturday, March 27, 2010, Westbrook

Christopher Zurcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:17:00 +0000

Shoreline League of Democratic Women Hosts their 4th Annual Green Lifestyle Fair, on Saturday, March 27, 2010, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Water’s Edge Resort and Spa, Westbrook, CT. This free event features Energy Alternatives, Green Home and Consumer Products, Consultants and Service Providers, Energy and Environmental Advocates. The Shoreline League of Democratic Women (SLDW) will host the 4th Annual Green Lifestyle Fair on Saturday, March 27, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Water’s Edge Resort and Spa, in Westbrook, CT. The Green Lifestyle Fair will feature 58 Exhibitors featuring energy alternatives, green products and services. Industry experts and environmental advocates will be on hand to offer valuable insight into real world energy alternatives, financial incentives, conservation initiatives; and to discuss [...]

The Third Annual Smart Growth Conference, March 18, 2 to 8 p.m., 950 Main St., Hartford

Christopher Zurcher — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:51:39 +0000

Below is a summary of the 14 workshops currently scheduled for the two afternoon break out sessions for our upcoming Smart Growth Conference on March 18. You will have your choice of attending one workshop during each session. There may be some unforeseen changes and/or adjustments to the workshops over the next ten days but we wanted to give you an idea of the extensive professional background and expertise of our presenters and panelists and the broad range of interesting and dynamic topics of our workshops. Please tell them you heard about it in CT Environmental Headlines. Thanks. Conference Agenda: 1:30 – 2 Registration, front foyer of 960 Main St. 2 – 2:15 Welcome Sue Merrow, Chair, 1000 Friends of Connecticut, G. Fox Room, 960 Main St. 2:15 – 2:30 Opening Remarks Mayor [...]

Fare Hikes & Service Cuts — ‘Talking Transportation’ with Jim Cameron

Christopher Zurcher — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:18:34 +0000

From coast to coast, mass transit is under attack. Decreased ridership due to the economy and reduced state subsidies are leading to cuts in service and fare increases. For us in Connecticut, New York’s MTA and its $800 million budget shortfall could affect our daily commute. The NY transit agency is holding public hearings on plans to cut bus and subway service, eliminate student discount fares and, yes, even target Metro-North service. Starting this June, the MTA wants to shorten Metro-North trains (achieving a $2.8 million annual savings) and eliminate others (a $1.6 million savings). Targeted for cuts in Connecticut are two mid-day trains between Grand Central and New Haven, and a late night local from GCT to Stamford. But neither of these cuts will [...]

EHHI Testimony On An Act Adding Wood Smoke to the Public Health Nuisance Code and Concerning Outdoor Wood-burning Furnaces

Christopher Zurcher — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:57:51 +0000

From the testimony of David R. Brown, ScD, Public Health Toxicologist, EHHI: “Two of the most hazardous components of wood smoke – particulate matter measuring 2.5, and smaller, and particulate matter 05 were significantly elevated inside homes near outdoor wood furnaces. High levels were present in every 24 hour period tested in every home.” via EHHI Testimony On An Act Adding Wood Smoke to the Public Health Nuisance Code and Concerning Outdoor Wood-burning Furnaces. Or …… Testimony of David R. Brown, ScD, Public Health Toxicologist, EHHI To Chairs Senator Ed Meyers, Representative Richard Roy and members of the Environment Committee: Outdoor wood furnaces must be banned immediately. My name is David R. Brown ScD, I am Public Health Toxicologist for Environment and Human Health, Inc., (EHHI) a non-profit [...]

At the library: Talk focuses on living off the land

Christopher Zurcher — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:22:42 +0000

John Holbrook of Holbrook Farm in Bethel will be at the Mark Twain Library on Sunday, March 14, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. to give tips on how to get the most from your yard. A seasoned 15-year Connecticut farmer, Mr. Holbrook has developed methods of companion planting, raised beds and the use of beneficial insects to stay organic. He will cover such topics as composting, organic gardening, raising chicks, and will even identify edible delights already growing in your own backyard. via At the library: Talk focuses on living off the land | Redding Pilot.

Weekend Bicycle Trek Puts Spotlight On Hopes For High-Speed Rail – Courant.com

Christopher Zurcher — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:21:35 +0000

As the riders rested outside the Capitol on Monday, House Speaker Chris Donovan and Rep. David McCluskey, D-West Hartford, pledged to bring legislators, state congressional members and Gov. M. Jodi Rell together to set strategy for landing the hundreds of millions of dollars in federal aid that will be needed to build a system for 110-mph trains linking Springfield and New Haven to Amtrak’s heavily traveled Boston-to- Washington corridor. The same system also would accommodate slower commuter trains making more frequent stops. via Weekend Bicycle Trek Puts Spotlight On Hopes For High-Speed Rail – Courant.com. For a related story: HARTFORD — While many students are spending their Spring Breaks in Cancun or Palm Beach or other exotic locations, a dedicated group of ConnPIRG students are using [...]

Job: Sell ads to help the environment

Christopher Zurcher — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:03:57 +0000

We’re a New Haven-based environmental news blog that happens to be the top environmental news blog in the state, and soon the country (with your help). Environmental Headlines is looking for an experienced ad sales person who is familiar with environmental issues and the environmental scene, or who cam immerse themselves in that scene in order to sell some ads to support the blog. Can you find the lead and close the deal? It seems easy enough to me, but I’m not a sales person. We need a sales professional to bring in the ads so we can expand to other states and do the same thing there. If you can sell for an environmental website, we want to talk to you. Please e-mail [...]

State funding will help preserve more farmland

Christopher Zurcher — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:58:39 +0000

Gov. M. Jodi Rell has announced that $5 million, which will allow the state to add hundreds of acres of working farmland to ongoing preservation efforts, is expected to be approved when the state Bond Commission meets March 16. Today, she will be at the 62-acre Bomba Farm, a former dairy operation, in Seymour where owners are in the process of selling its development rights to the state for $865,000 or $13,956 an acre. via State funding will help preserve more farmland – Connecticut Postings.

Group studies walk-bike trail linking Norwalk to Danbury

Christopher Zurcher — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:26:56 +0000

A working group comprising representatives from Norwalk, Wilton, Ridgefield, Redding and Danbury has formed to explore the development of a multi-use trail for bicyclists, pedestrians and other users of non-motorized transportation. The proposed trail, which would extend from Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk through the Norwalk River valley to Danbury, would, where possible, incorporate existing trails in Norwalk, Ridgefield and Wilton. via Group studies walk-bike trail linking Norwalk to Danbury | Ridgefield Press.

Wood Smoke Bill Discussions Get Heated

Christopher Zurcher — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:53:44 +0000

Alderman, president of Enivronment and Human Health Inc., favors the wood smoke bill, saying it is a step in the right direction. In her testimony, she stressed that wood smoke furnances are dangerous and can cause health problems. Wood smoke plumes can travel about a half mile, she added, noting that nine Connecticut towns already prohibit wood smoke, incouding Granby, Hadaam and Woodbury. Hurlburt, however, said he thinks the bill is not necessary because local health departments already have the right to regulate such issues. via Capitol Watch Blog – Connecticut Politics, Political News and Legislation.

Third Annual Global Environmental Sustainability Symposium | CCSU

Christopher Zurcher — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:51:25 +0000

Monday – April 05, 2010, 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Location: TBA 3rd Annual Global Environmental Sustainability Symposium: A Green Economy for a Sustainable Future The transition to a greener economy by redefining the American economy from one of development towards one of sustainable developement. For more information, including schedule and registration (required only for luncheon with DEP Commissioner Amey Marrella): click here. Monday, April 5, 2010 Central Connecticut State University Free and open to the public via Third Annual Global Environmental Sustainability Symposium | CCSU.

Environmental Dislocations | Yale Divinity School

Christopher Zurcher — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:05:49 +0000

Environmental (Dis)Locations — a conference with religious imagination exploring environmental justice and climate change — April 8-10, 2010 at Yale University. The conference is free and open to the public. You may purchase a Saturday lunch ticket for $10 separately. Please see the instructions on the registration form. Locations: Saint Thomas More Center 268 Park Street Yale Divinity School 409 Prospect Street Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies 195 Prospect Street Thank Tank session and advance reading assignments: GENERAL REFERENCE FOR THE CONFERENCE Angela Park, Everybody’s Movement: Environmental Justice and Climate Change Desmond D’Sa Strategies for Local and Global Climate Change Case Study for the Session (please print and bring with you) Background reading, “The World Bank and Eskom: Banking on Climate Destruction” Felício Pontes AMAZON–THE CLASH BETWEEN TWO PATTERNS Participants are [...]

Owners Of Wilkus Farm In Wethersfield Will Have To Clean Up Contamination Before Town Buys It – Courant.com

Christopher Zurcher — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:33:38 +0000

WETHERSFIELD — – The owners of Wilkus Farm have agreed to clean up contamination at the property before the town buys it for open space. The original deal, negotiated by the Trust for Public Land with the three owners, called for the town to buy the 87-acre property for $3.5 million. That deal was postponed in December while the extent of the environmental contamination was assessed. via Owners Of Wilkus Farm In Wethersfield Will Have To Clean Up Contamination Before Town Buys It – Courant.com.

Seeds of discontent sown over Shelton community garden plan – Connecticut Post

Christopher Zurcher — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:22:45 +0000

SHELTON — For more than four decades, Barbara Murzin has lived on Longview Road next to what was once the Klapik Farm. Several years ago when the city purchased that property Murzin thought it would remain open space forever, but now city officials want to turn a portion of it into a community garden and build a road right by her home. via Seeds of discontent sown over Shelton community garden plan – Connecticut Post.

Raw sewage at Danbury Airport frustrates business owners – NewsTimes

Christopher Zurcher — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:46:56 +0000

DANBURY — A “bubbling crude” of sewage on a Danbury Airport tarmac is causing a lot of frustration for at least two local businesses. via Raw sewage at Danbury Airport frustrates business owners – NewsTimes.

Local electrician follows the sun

Christopher Zurcher — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:45:52 +0000

Following the direction of the sun — and a marketplace that is increasingly demanding “green” building components — a local electric company has recently expanded its focus to include solar photovoltaic installations. Anderson Electric Inc., located in Pemberwick, has been nationally certified as a solar photovoltaic installer and is one of only a handful of contractors in the state to achieve the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners certification. via Local electrician follows the sun | Greenwich Post.

Five million steps: Hiker walks the Appalachian Trail and finishes on his birthday

Christopher Zurcher — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:26:33 +0000

Brian Scheller decided to embark on the daunting hike by himself, after graduating from UConn last May, with a degree in political science. Only 25% of those who start the hike end up finishing the trail, which touches 14 states and takes approximately five million footsteps to complete. Mr. Scheller was one of only 170 who completed it last year, earning the designation as a “thru-hiker.” via Five million steps: Hiker walks the Appalachian Trail and finishes on his birthday | Wilton Bulletin.

Health District help families decrease asthma risks

Christopher Zurcher — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:04:48 +0000

NEWINGTON — Asthma is a leading cause of school absences Paul Hutcheon, director of the local health district, told the Town Council recently. To combat the disease, the Central Connecticut Health District is starting its state grant-funded “Putting On Airs” in-home visitation program to help families reduce emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to asthma, he said. via Health District help families decrease asthma risks – The New Britain Herald.

A unique combination of retail and salon-type services found at Ecobody

Christopher Zurcher — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:38:50 +0000

Through the collaborative efforts of TANGO Alliance, non-profit organizations can leverage their impact. TANGO Alliance brings a wealth of professional services, such as employee benefits, strategic marketing, and financial planning, at a great value, forming a powerful purchasing cooperative for the non-profit sector. via A unique combination of retail and salon-type services found at Ecobody | The Avon News.

Environment America seeking Federal Transportation Advocate

Christopher Zurcher — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:26:23 +0000

Environment America’s Transportation Advocate will work to advance federal policies to promote clean, efficient transportation choices. The Environment America federal advocacy office in Washington, DC represents Environment America in federal policy matters. Our organization’s roots at the state level give Environment America a unique “outside the beltway” perspective on the issues, while our state staff, members, and national field organizers provide the grassroots power necessary to enact change at the federal level. via Environment America Federal Transportation Advocate – Environment America.

Busway making slow headway

Christopher Zurcher — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:24:40 +0000

NEW BRITAIN – The long-awaited New Britain-Hartford Busway isn’t exactly stalled, but its movement toward completion is moving slowly. Although support for the plan appears to be geographical rather than political, officials on both sides are lining up on either side of the issue that crosses party lines. via Busway making slow headway – The New Britain Herald.

ArtFarm off table for Maromas

Christopher Zurcher — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:44:34 +0000

The proposal, made by city nonprofit ArtFarm, was withdrawn after a lawyer for the state attorney general’s office said that the plan did not meet the deed restrictions for the land, since theater does not fall under the categories of active or passive recreation. via ArtFarm off table for Maromas – The Middletown Press. The Middletown Eye reports that the Economic Development Committee will be considering requests for proposals (RFPs) for former CVH lands in the Maromas section of town at a meeting at 6 p.m. tonight.

Connecticut bottle bill revenues fall short of projections

Christopher Zurcher — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:13:25 +0000

The expansion of the so-called bottle bill was expected to raise about $17 million a year in unclaimed deposits, called escheats. But an analysis of the first few months of the program, which took effect Oct. 1, indicates that the law may generate only slightly more than $11 million annually. via Bottle bill revenues fall short of projections – NewsTimes.

Demystifying the Green Office Lease | BuildingCTGreen

Christopher Zurcher — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:12:40 +0000

Stamford-based Pitney Bowes has joined with DuPont, IBM Corp., Fluor Corp. and the Switzer Group to raise awareness that it is difficult to secure leading-edge energy and environmental features when a company is leasing a relatively small amount of space in a large multi-tenant building. On the surface, this may not seem like serious stuff but it certainly sets a tone for the next generation of green building activity and may change how the landlord/owner and tenant interact. via Demystifying the Green Office Lease | BuildingCTGreen.

New Haven Walks The Clean-Energy Walk

Christopher Zurcher — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:31:19 +0000

New Haven’s successes have earned the city a prize, 23 kilowatts of solar arrays to be installed on public buildings. So far, a two-kilowatt array has been installed at Common Ground High School (pictured at the right of the roof). via New Haven Walks The Clean-Energy Walk | New Haven Independent. See also the story about the AFL-CIO taking aim at the CBIA here.