CCFE PROGRAMS

Energy Education

Wind Power Education
In 2006, CCFE launched the Wind Power Education Project (WPEP)—a collaborative effort with Pace Law Energy and Climate Center and the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), which has continued through 2007 and 2008. With the goal of increasing the public’s access to accurate information about wind power, the collaboration issued a series of educational fact sheets, including “Myths and Facts”, “Wind & Wildlife”, “Wind and Agriculture”, “Sight and Sound”, “Is Wind Power a Breeze”, and “Frequently Asked Questions”. Additionally, the WPEP collaborative created an interactive slide show presentation. All materials are available on-line. CCFE continued to organize events and accept invitations to speak to the environmental benefits of wind power.

In 2009, CCFE expanded wind power education to focus on off-shore development in the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. CCFE is an active participant in the development of the New York Power Authority’s Off Shore Great Lakes Wind Initiative. Brian Smith, CCFE Western New York Program Director and member of the Wind Action Group is actively working with stakeholders and the power authority on this critical initiative. CCFE spoke at two conferences in 2009 on off-shore wind power. Adrienne Esposito, CCFE Executive Director spoke at the national Off-Shore Wind Power conference held in Washington D.C. on March 30-April 1st. Dereth Glance, CCFE Executive Program Director spoke at the annual Great Lakes Research Consortium to 75 researchers, professors and students focused on Great Lakes and Wind Energy

CCFE reaches 100,000 people per year through the WPEP project.

Hydro-Fracking
In 2009, CCFE worked to culminate a three year research project by developing a white paper on a natural gas drilling process called high volume hydraulic fracturing. New York State has proposed to use this natural gas drilling process to develop low-permeability shales such as the Marcellus Shale. CCFE staff has been monitoring the development of this gas production in other states, namely Pennsylvania and Texas. CCFE has drawn upon the challenges and environmental contamination observed in these states to assess the problems and challenges faced by New York State as the State DEC seeks to advance and incorporate this gas production.

CCFE’s research has identified the deficiencies in funding and availability of critical infrastructure such as wastewater and water treatment. In addition, CCFE has reviewed the process for public participation in gas drilling and has found that serious gaps in public participation and review exist. CCFE will continue working to use this research as a basis for educating the public and policymakers and continue building upon this research as new information is made available and to help shape the discussion around how New York’s water is used and energy decisions are made. We have completed the first draft of the white paper and are expecting it to be printed early in 2010.

Greening Bridgeport
In 2009 CCE partnered with the City of Bridgeport to launch the B Green Bridgeport Mayor’s Conservation Corps. The Program educated the residents of Bridgeport on recycling, energy efficiency and weatherization. Residents had access to reduced costs of energy audits to help them find ways to save energy costs and reduce carbon emissions. The Greening Bridgeport comprehensive plan aims to push Bridgeport towards a sustainable future.