April 4th, 2022 Daily Headlines

Tompkins County is unveiling a new mass notification system. According to 14850.com, Tompkins is switching over to the SIREN system which will allow residents to receive emergency notifications and updates. Tompkins previously used the Swift911 system. Residents can receive notifications via phone calls, emails, or text. Residents already enrolled in the Swift911 system will be automatically enrolled into the Siren System. To enroll visit tompkinscountyny.gov/siren or text SIREN to 67283.

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On Friday the Finger Lake Land Trust (FLLT) announced a $20 Million fundraising campaign. In a statement to the press the organization said they’ve already raised $18 Million which have helped the FLLT open new nature reserves, expand existing conservation areas in the state, and acquire new lands. The FLLT says it plans to protect an additional 2,000 acres of land as well as 4,400 feet of lakeshore through land acquisitions and conservation easements over the next year. 

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On Thursday, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced they would delay a final decision on air permit renewal for the Greenidge Generation Cryptocurrency mining facility. According to WENY, the department was expected to make a decision on the permit by March 31st. A new final decision is expected by June 30th. Seneca Lake Guardians, a local environmentalist group, condemned the decision calling it “outrageous.” The group, which has advocated a moratorium on proof-of-work crypto mining in New York state, went on to suggest Governor Hochul was looking to make a final decision after the June Democratic primaries. State Assemblymember Anna Kelles called the decision “disappointing” reaffirming her calls for a moratorium.