July 2020 Newsletter

• inform fellow residents about all the incredible ways that our community is “Going Green” with a focus on climate
• educate people as to how they can reduce their carbon footprints - at individual, family, neighborhood, municipal, state, and federal levels
• organize local volunteers to participate in high impact campaigns, and 
• support and empower Penfield residents to become community leaders in addressing climate change. 

We are respectful, inclusive, nonpartisan, solutions-focused, collaborative, scientifically-informed, and committed to social, racial, environmental, and intergenerational justice.
 
We are proud of all that Penfield has accomplished and are excited to help lead the way in protecting our environment in the future. Please check out our new and still evolving website ColorPenfieldGreen.org and join us in our current and future campaigns! If interested, send an email to ColorPenfieldGreen@gmail.com. 

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On May 20th, 2020, our town board unanimously passed Local Law #2 of 2020 enabling the creation and implementation of Penfield’s Community Choice Aggregation program.

Quite a bit has been happening in the last few weeks regarding our next step: the selection of our CCA Program Administrator.

Click here to read more about our exciting recent progress!

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The Town of Penfield's Energy and Environmental Advisory Committee met June 24th (watch the full meeting here) and shared that they are going to continue their research into the state's Climate Smart Communities Certification to determine if it is right for our town. Taking the pledge and committing to completing a series of climate mitigation and/or adaptation actions (like CCA or installing an EV charging station) opens up opportunities for free technical assistance, grants, and rebates for electric vehicles.

Irondequoit and the Village of Brockport have taken the pledge.   
The City of Rochester and Brighton have taken the pledge and are also bronze certified.

Click here to learn more about the program.

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We have signed on in support of a letter to the NY Public Service Commission by the Alliance for a Green Economy and Renewable Heat Now. They are asking NY State to develop a plan that aligns with the Climate Act of 2019 and rapidly and justly transitions our homes away from natural gas through beneficial electrification of our heating and cooling systems, hot water, and cook tops. Many people like natural gas in their homes for a variety of reasons but methane is produced during its production and transport of this fuel, and methane is ~25x more efficient at trapping heat then CO2. We will be exploring this issue more in the near future. 

Read the whole letter here.

Speaking of beneficial electrification, ColorPenfieldGreen's Al Hibner will be documenting his personal journey moving away from fossil fuels.  Last month he shared his impressions of his new electric car. This month, in Our-Big-Beautiful-Green-ALL-ELECTRIC-Life-Part I, Al introduces his new blog series exploring all-electric, high efficiency  heat pumps, hot water systems, and home appliance options. 

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Looking for resources to make your faith community greener? RAICA (Rochester Area Interfaith Climate Action) is the “go to” place for campaigns and resources that support local houses of worship. Looking to solarize, save energy, start a composting program, connect with engaged youth or simply seeking ways to raise up creation-care within your congregation?

Find it all at raica.net. New members are always welcome.

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