Energy-related issues are already affecting communities all across New York State and they will continue to do so. Many of the most critical economic, societal, and environmental issues impacting the future well-being of individuals, families, businesses, communities, and regions have an energy underpinning.
Cornell Cooperative Extension efforts in energy issues provide a solid foundation on which to build a more comprehensive extension education program for three key audiences: households, agriculture, and community, including government and policymakers.
Photo credit: Mark Pierce
Conservation and Efficiency Resources
Consumer Education Program for Residential Energy Efficiency (CEPREE) - increasing consumer awareness of energy efficiency and related programs. Joint effort of the Dept. of Design and Environmental Analysis, Cornell University and the New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA).
EmPower New York (sm) - workshops designed to assist consumers to reduce energy bills by maximizing resources and reducing energy use.
Energy Savings in the Home - an interactive tool where home owners can learn how to save 20-60% of their energy costs each year while doing things that will also save the environment. Developed by CCE of Tompkins County.
Natural Gas Development Resources
Cornell Cooperative Extension Natural Gas Development Resource Center - providing information from a variety of sources including academic research, industry analysis, local government officials and citizens which will lead to a better understanding of the issues involved in natural gas exploration and more informed decision-making.
New York State Water Resources Institute - information on the potential impacts of gas well drilling on water resources in the region.
Leasing of Natural Gas and Drilling Rights on Public and Private Lands in New York - Dept. of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University.
Renewable Energy Resources
Biofuels and Renewable Energy Systems - highlighting efforts within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) to develop renewable, clean energy and economically sustainable systems to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Manure Management Program, - conducting research on biogas. Dept. of Animal Science, Cornell University.
Cow Power project - researching the potential for biogas energy conversion on dairy farms using fuel cell technology. Funded by Cornell University and NYSERDA.
Grass Bioenergy - the growing of perennial grasses to produce grass pellet energy on marginal farmland provides an alternative for rural communities.
The Dept. of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University provides the following papers for landowners and communities on renewable energy resources:
Wind Energy Resources Click here for resource pages
Climate Change Resources
Climate Change and Northeast Agriculture - helping farmers make practical and profitable responses to climate changes.
Northeast Climate Center - information on historic and current Northeast weather patterns and impacts of climate change on our weather. Dept. of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Cornell University.
Climate Change - investigating impacts of climate change and opportunities to adapt to the changes, including with respect to agriculture. NYS Water Resources Institute, Cornell University.
Responding to Global and Regional Climate Change - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences impact statement.
Tracking Climate in Your Backyard - youth learn how to take precipitation measurements and record data on the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCo RaHS). 4-H & Institute for Resource Information Systems, Cornell; Paleontological Research Institution; Northeast Regional Climate Center; Colorado State University.