LOCI Small Grants Program commits $40,000 towards funding four research projects that address knowledge gaps and contribute to the understanding of problems or issues associated with coastal Lake Ontario. The LOCI Local Implementation Grants successfully fund ten projects in the first round of funding ($260,000) to support local implementation projects.
CEI through the CARE Program awards grants upto a total of $30,000 to three local community groups for projects that reduce human exposure to air toxics from mobile sources.
CEI hosts a press conference to formally announce receiving a landmark grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for collaborative efforts to fight pollution throughout the Rochester city and county through the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program.
The Lake Ontario Coastal Initiative (LOCI) releases a 15-year, multimillion- dollar Action Agenda to guide restoration, protection and sustainable use of the Lake Ontario coastal region. A gathering of about seventy local and regional officials on May 15, 2006 press conference hosted by CEI at the SUNY Brockport Metro Center in Rochester celebrates the kick-off of LOCI.
In celebration of the 35th anniversary of Earth Day, CEI was honored by U.S. EPA Region 2 with its 2005 Environmental Quality Award. The Environmental Quality Award is the highest recognition presented to the public by the Regional office.
'Saving New York’s North Coast: The Lake Ontario Coastal Initiative', conference held in May 2005, with twenty-five co-sponsoring organizations and agencies and 146 participants from 108 affiliations.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awards $303,000 to CEI as part of the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) grant program. The Center was one of twelve grantees chosen from a field of 132 applicants nationwide in this inaugural year of the CARE program. Mobile air toxics, small stationary air toxics sources, lead poisoning, and the 'toxics information gap' are key issues to be targeted by CARE Rochester.
The Rochester Geen Business Network conducts 12 case studies highlighting good environmental practices of local businesses.
Cindy M. Stachowski , formerly the Executive Director of the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund), is appointed Executive Director of CEI.
A grant from the New York State Department of State Division of Coastal Resources supports outreach activities to municipalities in the coastal region and the development of a framework for action under the Lake Ontario Coastal intitiative(LOCI). Congressman James T. Walsh secures an additional FY2005 grant in the amount of $500,000 for LOCI for the implementation of the strategic plan.
Grants from U.S. EPA and Empire State Development enable the Rochester Green Business Network to develop case studies that demonstrate how integrating environmental criteria into desicion-making can make businesses more competitive, while doing the right thing.
Input to CEI's $aving Energy study provides an action agenda for revitalization of the area's economy and for pollution prevention in the Lake Ontario region.
CEI helps lay the foundation for diverse community groups to collectively apply for a $300,000 grant for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the new Community Action for Renewed Environment (CARE) program.
Congressman James T. Walsh (25th Dist. NY) secures a $250,000 grant for CEI to lead preparation of a streategic plan to guide long and short-term research, restoration, remediation and outreach for the Lake Ontario Coastal Intiative, which will result in protection and sustainable use of the North Coast for future generations. SUNY Brockport and Finger Lakes-Laker Ontario Water Protection Alliance partners with CEI on this initiative.
The Rochester Green Business Network attracts 50 companies, professional organizations and institutions as charter members in its first year.
Supported by a grant from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, CEI launches Project $aving Energy, a process for evaluating energy demand reduction strategies and awareness in the Rochester metropoliton area, involvong over 70 community leaders, energy professionals and citizens.
'New York's North Coast: A Troubled Coastline', conference held in Rochester, NY. As a direct response to the ideas generated in this conference, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awards a grant of $37,577 to CEI to initiate a community based regional network to develop and implement a comprehensive program of remediation and restoration, to be known as the Lake Ontario Coastal Intiative.
A new CEI program, the Rochester Green Business Network gets underway with plans to establish a network in order to encourage businesses in Rochester region to adopt good environmental management practices.
Liz Thorndike, CEI founder, past Executive Director and current Board member is presented with New York Parks and Conservation Association's Environmental Leadership Award.
Peter Smith, Vice President for Programs, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority reported on the most up-to-date information regarding New York energy supply and consumption; alternative and renewable energy sources; as well as energy efficient; and environmentally friendly products and processes available.
CEI hosts a national conference 'Acid Rain: Are the problems Solved' in Washington, D.C.
Chairman of Great Lakes Commission, Nathaniel Robinson, addresses Community Salute to the Environment.
CEI hosts its first breakfast forum on the topic of 'Earth, Wind, Fire and Water: Energy resources and their Use'.
Right to internet access for past issues of the Global Climate Change Digest sold to Pacific Institute for Studies Development, Environment and Security.
CEI recognizes the need to shift from its traditional library information services to an Internet based one. In preparation for this change, CEI enters into a partnership with the Rochester Public Library allowing them to acquire a significant number of volumes from the CEI collection.
Conferences and information seminars held in 1999 include 'Water Quality in Upstate New York: Keeping our Ace in the Hole from Going Down the Drain' and 'Environmental Threats to Children's Health'.
Washington Climate Change Conferences and the Global Climate Change Digest are discontinued after years of success.
CEI celebrates its 25th anniversary by recognizing 25 individuals, organizations, businesses and agencies that have made outstanding contributions to the Rochester region in the past two and half decades.
CEI Coordinates a 'Rochester Energy Expo' for local business on programs and assistance available from the New York State Emergy Research and Development Authority.
'Climate Change and New York State: Gaining the Competitive Edge' conference held in Albany, cosponsored by 52 federal, state and local government, business, utility, environmental planning, acdemic and professional associations, agencies and institutions.
The U.S. Global Change Research Program awards CEI a grant to provide free online acces to past issues of the Global Climate Change Digest.
CEI spearheads the formation on the Rochester Area Coalition for the Clean Water/ Clean Air Bond Act, the $1.75 billion measure that was passed by New York voters in November, as part of a statewide effort.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addresses guests at the annual 'Community Salute to CEI' dinner.
CEI launces a new Survey Course in Environmental Science to complement its award-winning enviuronmental law course, now in its 20th year.
The University of Rochester Environmental Health Sciences Center contracts with CEI for assistance with community outreach.
Environmental Events Calendar, a monthly listing od activities in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region launched.
'Here Comes the Sun: The Northeast's Alternative Energy Fair' held at Rochester Institute of technology, is cosponsored by RIT, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation.
CEI's tenth annual conference ion climate change issues. 'National Actions for International Commitment: Evaluating Climate Change Action Plans,' is held in Washingtoin DC.
The Rochester Area Foundation awards CEI a grant to conduct an environmental education program in cooperation with the Rochester City School District.
Center for Environmental Information Fund established at the Rochester Area Foundation
William Wagner named Executive Director
CEI selected to receive a Certificate of Environmental Achievement from Renew America for its success in protecting the environment while serving as a model which can be replicated around the country.
'Respond to the Community', a five-session program on environmental risk communication, is presented through a grant from the federal Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry.
'User's Guide to Water Resources Information' prepared under contract to the United States Geological Survey.
Russell Train, chairman of the World Wildlife Fund, speaks at annual meeting.
Elizabeth Thorndike leaves CEI after 18 years to pursue graduate studies in natural resource policy at Cornell University.
'New technology Options for the Recycling of Nontraditional materials' workshops are conduscted under a grant from the U.S. Environmental protection Agency.
'A Question of Risk', a 20-minute video with Leader's Guide and Viewers Pathfinder, produced as part of the environmental risk communication program.
'The Future of the Finger Lakes, Revisited' conference held in geneva with support from the Rochester Area Foundation.
'Communicating Environmental Risks' conference is held at Nazareth College.
'Environmental Ethics: Bringing the Message Home' conference is held at Colgate Rochester Divinity School.
Program in Environmental Risk Communication established with funding from the Adirondack Mountain Club, Eastman Kodak Company, Monroe County, Rochester Area Foundation, Sierra Club and EPA. A 45-member national and regional advisory panel is formed.
Gilbert Grosvenor, Chairman of the National Geographic Society, speaks at CEI's 15th anniversary meeting.
Global Climate Change Digest launched, prepared by CEI under contract to Elsevier Science Publishing Company (which also assumes publication of the 'Acid Precipitation Digest').
Desmond Stone becomes editor of Upsate Environment.
CEI Manager of Information Services, Fred Stoss, instrumental in the creation of ACIDOC, a bilingual database on acid rain.
'Environment 2000: Setting Our Sights for a Sustainable Future', a conference on the environmental challenges facing the region through the end of the century, is held at Monroe Community College.
Past CEI presidents spearhead Development Campaign.
CEI Biotechnology conference held in Albany, the first statewide forum on the environmental implications of genetic engineering.
CEI accepted for membership in the Rochester Regional Library Council.
CEI receives Eleanor Roosevelt Community Service Award Certificate oif Merit.
Governor's Conference on Environment, held in New York City, is organized by CEI under contract to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
CEI receives Presidential Recognition Award for Community Service, and recognition from the Environmental Law Section of the New York State Bar Association for 'outstanding environmental legal education'.
CEI releases comprehensive report on Energy Use in Monroe County.
'Acid Rain: Economic Assessment', CEI's first national conference takes place in Washington, D.C.
First 'CEI Towpath Rally' for bicyclists, hikers and canoeists is held along the Erie Canal Trail.
Long-Range Planning Committee sets goals for next ten years.
Smokey the Bear becomes honorary member of CEI in the occasssion of his 40th birthday.
Acid Precipitation Digest begins publication. 21-member binational advisory council provides oversight.
Acid Rain Information Clearinghouse established with a grant from Edison Electric Institute and a contract from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. CEI named state documentation center under the New York/ Quebec acid rain agreement.
First Home Energy Tour coordinated.
The Link renamed to Upstate Environment to better reflect the newspaper's geographic and environmental emphasis.
Ann Gorsuch, EPA Administrator, draws over 300 to annual meeting.
CEI is one of two candidates top-rated by the National Science Foundation for designation as a Public Service Science Center. Program is then eliminated from the federal budget.
Board Issues Committees expand program outreach.
Conference on Hazardous Waste Management draws 300 registrants.
Russell Peterson, former chair of the Presidents Council on Environmental Quality, is annual meeting speaker.
First Environmental Quality Award presented to William T. Davis, creator of 'Rediscover the River Day'.
Dr. John Gibbons, director of U.S. Congress Office of Technology Assessment, speaks at 'Energy Conservation and Economic Growth'.
600 people enroll in CEI courses, conference and seminars.
At CEI conference on 'Disposal of Hazardous Materials', Hooker Chemical represented on program in wake of Love Canal disclosures.
20,000 volunteer hours donated over five years.
CEI serves as local coordinator of ' Sun Day', a nationwide celebration to highlight the existing and potential uses of the sun's energy.
'Conference on the Future of the Finger Lakes Region' held in Canaddaigua. 300 people from 14 copunties participate in the conference.
The National Science Foundation awards CEI a grant to prepare a manual, Establishing an Environmental Information Center.
'Energy Week' cosponsored with the Industrial Management Council and American Institute of Architects. Speakers include energy guru Amory Lovins and Deputy Secretary of Energy John O'Leary.
Outdoor Biology Instructional Strategies (OBIS) program instituted in cooperation with the Girl Scouts of Genesee Valley.
Grant received for National Science Foundation's Science for Citizens Program.
'Timely Topic' launch instituted with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Peter Berle as speaker. First individual membership drive launched.
CEI sponsors its first conference, 'Sensible Salting', on de-icing salt. A process initiated in the conference results in guidelines used countywide in de-icing procedures that effect significant cost savings and reduction in salt use.
First Survey Course in Environmental Law is cosponsored by the Monroe County Bar Association and draws 110 registrants.
First Directory of Environmental Agencies and Organizations is compiled by volunteer Chris Fredette, who has continued editing the Directory through 20 editions.
Junior League volunteer Jean Thompson joins the CEI staff as Assistant Director.
February- the Junior League provides a start-up grant of $5,000 to launch the Center. The Monroe County Environemntal Management Council commits funds to support an environmental newspaper, and the Gannett Foundation contributes $5,000 in dadditional support.
March- The Center for Environmental Information is incorporated as a nonprofit, educational organization. A nine-member Board of Directors, chaired by Arthur Crapsey, is established. Elizabeth Thorndike serves as Executive Director.
May- CEI obtains office space in the Jonathan Child House, 33 South Washington St (home of Rochester's first mayor).
June- Volume 1, Number 1 of The Link, the region's first environmental newspaper, is published.
September- the CEI Library opens to the public.
December- CEI hosts a formal opening reception with Senator Smith as a the guest of honor.
February- New York State Senator Bernard Smith, Chairman of the Commission on Youth Education in Environmental Conservation, holds one of six statewide publication forums at Monroe Community College. The need for a regional environmental information clearinghouse is identified.
Fall- Elizabeth Thorndike drafts a proposal for the establishment of a center for environmental information and submits it to the Monroe County Environmental Management Council and the Junior League of Rochester.