Misinformation and coordinated disinformation about renewable energy is widespread and threatens to undermine public support for the transition to clean energy. In a new report, the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School identifies and examines 33 of the most pervasive false claims about solar energy, wind energy, and electric vehicles, with the aim of promoting a more informed discussion. Read the full report by visiting Sabin Center’s website.
The exterior unit of a ground source heat pump, installed at a home in the Southern Tier in 2021. Photo by Erica Herman.
By Harrison Hensley
Have you heard of but are skeptical of heat pumps? In the latest edition of Tompkins Weekly, local expert Ian Shapiro helps explain how heat pumps work and debunks common misconceptions. Shapiro is the founder of Taitem Engineering and has worked on heat pump design and research for over 30 years.
Read the full article on Tompkins Weekly’s website.
Community Energy Advisor Devin Bialey talks about a resident he’s been advising. The resident is facing significant energy challenges in their old home, particularly it being constantly cold in the winter. Devin connected her with community resources and assistance programs, and she is now optimistic that the energy improvements she’s making will increase her home comfort in the long run.
John Graves and his wife used to struggle with a cold home in the winter and an overworked AC in the summer due to the house’s poor insulation. But help from Smart Energy Choices, as well as state assistance, was able to get him the insulation he needed, helping them stay comfortable all year round.
Jack Wright (he/him) has long had a passion for youth education, particularly environmental education. Before joining Smart Energy Choices, he spent four years doing farm-based and nature-based education, which eventually led him to seek out educational opportunities at Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County. Once he applied, he learned more about the PowerHouse, a Tiny Home structure with educational elements inside to help educate residents on ways to reduce their energy use and transition to renewable forms of energy.
Jack joined the Hub as PowerHouse Educator in January of 2023, and throughout the following summer, he led a wide variety of educational programs and workshops in and around the PowerHouse. PowerHouse programming usually happens around the warmer months, so in December of 2023, as PowerHouse programming wrapped up for the winter, Jack has taken on some Community Energy Advisor (CEA) work.
““If folks have energy questions, they can give us a call and we can point them in the right direction and make sure they’re getting all the incentives that are available to them.””
Jack said his favorite part of his role at the Hub is helping to explore complex subjects like energy with people of all ages. He also appreciates the Hub’s focus on equity, making energy assistance programs and education available to those who could most benefit from lower utility bills and a more comfortable home. In his free time, Jack loves gardening, particularly vegetables and flowers, as well as spending time with his wife and their dog.
Contact Jack for more information on the PowerHouse or if you are interested in energy advising.
