December 29, 2022 — Springville Journal

As we start the new year, all of us at the Ashford Food Bank wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the organizations and individuals that were involved in helping us during the past year. We have seen a marked increased need for nutritional support for many families in our community during the pandemic.

We would like to thank the West Valley Fire Department, the West Valley Demonstration Project (CHBWV), Tops Market, Walmart, West Valley Central School, B&Q Energy and the many private donations from local churches and many very generous individuals.

So many have been instrumental in supporting our food pantry and helping us carry out our mission to help our neighbors in need. With your help we have been able to assist more than 90 families and provide over 10,200 meals.

You are all an inspiration. Thanks again from the Ashford Food Pantry.

Kris Aldrow, Ashford Food Pantry

December 22, 2022 — Energy Communities Alliance

As 2022 comes to a close, the Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (DOE-EM) has released a “Year in Review” summarizing work performed across the complex over the past year and specifically highlighting ECA. Read the article here.

December 9, 2022 — Olean Times Herald

Three locations were credited with bringing this years donations up to meet the needs, according to Morrow. There were boxes at St. Bonaventure University, the West Valley Demonstration Project made a large donation and the Dollar General in Ellicottville saw a steep increase over last year. Read the full article here.

December 6, 2022 — EM Update

NEW ORLEANS – The 21st Annual Intergovernmental Meeting with the U.S. Department of Energy on Nuclear Waste Cleanup last week brought together EM and six intergovernmental groups to discuss priorities and strategies to advance the cleanup mission.

DOE and EM senior leaders gave updates on navigating the future of the waste management consent-based siting process, planning for the future workforce, climate resiliency preparations, protection of cultural and historical landscapes and an emerging contaminant migrating into the environment from chemicals used in all types of materials called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Attendees also participated in an interactive budget development exercise.

In his plenary address, EM Senior Advisor William “Ike” White reflected on a successful past year that saw the cleanup program achieve the bulk of its ambitious calendar year priorities, from the launch on the Main Plant Process Building demolition at the West Valley Demonstration Project to the startup of the Hanford Site’s Tank-Side Cesium Removal System, the cornerstone of the site’s Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste Program, removing radioactive cesium and solids from tank waste.

Read the full article here.

December 2, 2022 — Syracuse.com

As New York energy demand and prices spike heading into winter, the state’s Climate Action Council (CAC) works on its final Scoping Plan for implementing New York’s landmark climate legislation, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). The Scoping Plan will lay out the details of how the state will accomplish the transition to clean energy, and how the transition will serve environmental justice.

Justice is a cornerstone of New York’s climate law, which stipulates that actions must not disproportionately burden disadvantaged communities. In a recent meeting, CAC members proposed strengthening Scoping Plan language to explain exactly why such burdens are unacceptable, and why climate and environmental justice must include every community in the state, including serious consultation with Indigenous Nations.

Continued reliance on nuclear plants — both existing and untested “advanced” nuclear or “small modular reactors” — violates these priorities. The Onondaga Nation, Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force and the American Indian Law Alliance concluded that nuclear power is not viable in combating climate change. The CAC should reach the same conclusion.

Read the full article here.