December 14, 1:30-3:00pm
Hosted by Susan Christopherson, a Professor in the City and Regional Planning Department, and featuring the work of Cornell Master's Candidates, the goal of this webinar is to inform local officials about what green economy investments mean for their communities and help them make wise and informed policy. We address a set of issues (wind energy, biofuels, green technology & jobs, and local foods) that involve local policy makers as initiators, facilitators, decision-makers, and negotiators. (See specific presentation descriptions below.)
Our approach to green investments recognizes that if a green economy is to take shape in a positive way, local policy makers have to know what choices are available and have the capacity to implement those that are in the best interests of their communities and regional environment.
Please click here to view the recorded webinar.
Resources from the webinar:
Powerpoint Presentation: Green Economy Investments: What do Local Policymakers Need to Know?
Resources for Further Information
THE PRESENTATIONS
Local Management Of Industrial Wind Energy Siting
By: Kate McCarthy – klm279@cornell.edu and Eric VanderMaas - ejv29@cornell.edu
If the topic of industrial wind development was on the table in your community, where would you begin the discussion? In this presentation, we will provide information to help local officials understand the complicated issue of industrial wind farms. First, we'll describe the basics of wind development and the actors involved. Then, we'll suggest how three actions - planning ahead with residents about their questions and concerns, developing zoning and wind ordinances, and working with a neutral third party who can help with negotiations and regulations - can enable local officials to manage the process of deciding whether wind development is a good option for their communities. We will end by presenting and discussing a set of key questions which local officials and policy makers should ask when considering wind farms as economic development.
A Biofuel Strategy Right for Upstate New York
By: Jonathan Wellemeyer – jhw236@cornell.edu and Chris Koenig - cck57@cornell.edu
Given the steady increase in gas utility rates, it's becoming more and more desirable for homeowners to seek out energy alternatives for home heating in Upstate New York. In this presentation we discuss why large-scale liquid biofuel production—such as ethanol—is an inappropriate alternative solution for Upstate's home heating energy needs and how locally grown and produced grass pellets burned in the home can fill that gap. After briefly introducing the technology involved, we outline the potential benefits as well as the obstacles of producing and consuming grass pellets for home heating Upstate.
How Local Policies Can Support The Development Of Green Jobs
By: C.J. Randall - cjr222@cornell.edu, Anika Patterson - ahp52@cornell.edu, Kate Hess Pace - kmh245@cornell.edu and Ana Cajina - apc24@cornell.edu
Green jobs and the green economy have received considerable attention from state and national policymakers, particularly in the energy efficiency sector. Local leaders can capitalize on the momentum and facilitate the growth of green jobs in industries ranging from construction to manufacturing to high-tech. By focusing initially on weatherization and retrofitting projects, communities will create jobs, increase energy efficiency, and save taxpayers' money. To maximize the benefits of this growing industry, policy makers will need to address financing options, job training, changes in local policy, programs to support green entrepreneurs, and local manufacturing of energy efficiency products.
Why Manufacturing Green Technologies Matters
By: Marc Ufberg - mau25@cornell.edu
$22 billion in stimulus money has been provided to promote renewable energy projects and re-train workers but amidst the frenzy, something has been missing in the public discussion. While the media has championed the use and installation of renewable energy technologies, little has been said about where those technologies are being manufactured. Not much attention is paid to the source of renewable energy equipment. One example is solar power. Perhaps not surprisingly, most solar panels are manufactured abroad; virtually none are manufactured in New York State. This presentation looks at whether this should be a cause for concern, what policymakers can do about it, and how to determine when offering incentives to renewable energy manufacturing companies is a good idea.
Developing Markets For Local Food Producers
By: Ruth Kroeger - rek86@cornell.edu and Yelena Zeltser - yz368@cornell.edu
Wealth building in a region happens when local dollars go to support local businesses and products. While New York State is home to many small and medium-sized family farms, local producers lose income when imported products substitute locally produced ones, and wealth escapes the region. Meeting local demand with home-grown products can contribute to a vibrant regional economy through job creation, increased tax revenues, and wealth formation. In this presentation, we look at the economic development potential of local food systems in upstate New York and how public-private initiatives can boost the profitability of small and medium size farmers.