State and Federal Policy Update

1. State and Federal Policy Update New Programs, Funding News and a Look at Things to Come September 28, 2010 Jessica Eckerlin

2. New York State Updates

3. New York Smart Growth Law • “Public Infrastructure Priority Act” • Requires state infrastructure funding to be consistent with Smart Growth Principles • Pertains to current development projects • Also address community based planning, coordination among state and local governments, predictability in land use codes, and sustainability. • A8011/S5560B

4. The NYS Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act • Article 27, Title 26 of the Environmental Conservation Law • Purpose to ensure thatevery New Yorker will have the opportunity to recycle their electronic waste in an environmentally responsible manner • Requires manufacturers to establish a convenient system for the collection, handling, and recycling or reuse of electronic waste • Oversight by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

5. Land Trust Bill 1 • Enables land trusts to directly apply on behalf of land owners for funding from state Farmland Protection Program • Previously, only municipalities could apply, which often had limited capacity and familiarity with the process • This will streamline the process and remove unnecessary complexity and delays • A. 6687 and S. 4476

6. Land Trust Bill 2 • Increases maximum state cost share for purchase of development rights • From 75% to 87.5% • Currently, the state requires 25% “local match” but often times local funding is not available • Will enable farmers to sell their development rights at a fair price • A. 6686 and S. 5414

7. Coming Up…

8. Clean Coastal Environment and Public Health Act of 2009 • Amends Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (a.k.a. the Clean Water Act) • Requires the EPA to: • (1) Publish a list of pathogens and pathogen indicators upon the publication of the new or revised water quality criteria; and • (2) Requires coastal recreation water quality monitoring and notification programs to include monitoring consistent with performance criteria • Revises requirements applicable to state recipients of monitoring and notification program grants

9. Development of New York State Climate Action Plan • Executive Order No. 24 • Sets a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in New York State by 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050 • More than 100 individuals participate in an advisory capacity • The 5th Integration Advisory Panel meeting will be held October 5, 2010, Albany, NY • Draft Plan expected November 1, 2010

10. Current Funding Opportunities

11. Update on Sustainable Neighborhood Program • $2 million made available to address vacant buildings and revitalize upstate • A competitive request for proposals (RFP) for Sustainable Neighborhoods Demonstration Program funds is now available through DHCR and HFA • Local governments, municipal housing authorities and not-for-profit corporations may apply • The Request for Proposals and applications are available at www.nysdhcr.gov and www.nyhomes.org.

12. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grants • U.S. Department of Energy • Approximately $36 million available • To provide research and development (R&D) funding for small businesses • Deadline to be announced • www.er.doe.gov/sbir

13. Continuation of Solicitation for the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program • U.S. Department of Energy (DE-FOA-0000178) • Approximately $400 million available • Provide R&D funds for scientific and workforce development research • Deadline FY2011 September 30, 2010 • Application window for FY2012 opens October 1, 2010 • http://science.doe.gov/grants/index.asp

14. The Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program • (Section 1705 ARRA) U.S. Department of Energy and NYSTAR • Approximately $6 billion • To support projects that contribute to the President’s Advanced Energy Initiative • Renewable energy, biofuels and electriity transmisstion • Deadline is ongoing • www.lgprogram.energy.gov/index.html

15. Small Business Technology Investment Fund (SBTIF) • New York State Foundation for Science, Technology and Innovation • Allocation amount to be determined • Protects venture capital investment in NYS based companies • Also offers professional, technical and managerial services and referrals to help grow technology-based business ventures • Deadline is ongoing • http://www.nystar.state.ny.us/sbtif.htm

16. Rural Energy for America Program Grants/Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assist Programs • U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) • Funding up to $100,00 per award with 25% cost-share • To help rural small businesses and agricultural producers make energy efficiency improvements • Deadline is ongoing • www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill

17. The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)Partnership Grant • United States Department of Agriculture • Support agricultural service providers who work directly with farmers to do on-farm demonstrations, research, marketing, and other projects that will add to our understanding of sustainable agriculture • Grant awards up to $15,000 • Deadline November 16, 2010 • For more information: http://nesare.org/

18. The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)Sustainable Community Grant • United States Department of Agriculture • Make a direct connection between community revitalization and farming • Grant awards up to $15,000 • Deadline October 19, 2010 • For more information: http://nesare.org/

19. Questions? Contact: jeschn01@syr.edu