Just In! for July 1, 2023

The weekly newsletter of the New York Geothermal Energy Organization (NY-GEO)

Just In! is NY-GEO's weekly news feed for members. NY-GEO's calendar-year memberships are open to everyone and available for as little as $35. See more information on memberships here. If we send you a complementary copy and you're not a member of NY-GEO, it means we value your role in the transition to renewable heating, but without a membership, please don't count on getting Just In! weekly.

The State Building Code Council Must Wield Its Power to Electrify New York – Michael Hernandez (Rewiring America) – Gotham Gazette – “We must hold Governor Hochul and the Building Code Council accountable to ensure they include in their 2024 update to state building codes, at a minimum, a prohibition of fossil fuel combustion systems in newly-constructed buildings and a requirement that new construction is energy efficient and resilient. They must also consider if the 2024 Building Code Update will interfere with the State attaining its greenhouse gas reduction goals and, if so, make changes to be in alignment with such targets.” Article link here. NY-GEO urges businesses and other organizations to sign on to this letter to the Building Code Council urging the Council to comply with the Climate Act, Advanced Building Codes and Standards Act and the All Electric Building Act when approving the 2024 Building Code Update.  

Empire State of Carbon: Jessica Azulay Speaks on NY HEAT – “Win Climate and Spring Street Climate Fund have a podcast called Empire State of Carbon, where we break down New York's climate policy and politics. Our latest episode is an interview with AGREE's Jessica Azulay, and it's all about NY HEAT: what the bill does, how it does it, and the politics of winning it.” In this 40-minute podcast, hear Jessica explain how we’re “paying to go backwards”. She describes NY’s current utility framework where ratepayers are paying on their bills for gas infrastructure expansion, despite the fact that NY’s Climate goals require a massive reduction in gas use, rendering most gas infrastructure obsolete over the next couple decades. Podcast link here.

Jessica Azulay

Oak Park, Illinois to Go All-Electric - Alison Lindburg – Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance - On June 20, 2023, the Village Board of Oak Park, Illinois voted in favor of an all-electric new construction ordinance as part of their building code. This makes Oak Park the first municipality in Illinois - and the Midwest - to pass an electrification ordinance. Thanks to Anne McKibbin the Principal Director of Policy at Elevate for this tip. Article link here.

Community Preservation Corporation (CPC) Seeks to Manage $14 Billion National Clean Investment Fund (NCIF) with Partners – CPC is joining Calvert Impact and Self-Help to announce the formation of Climate United, a partnership created to compete for the opportunity to manage the NCIF, which is one of three federal grant competitions that comprise the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) that was authorized under the Biden Administration’s historic Inflation Reduction Act. CPC President Sadie McKeown was a key member of the Energy Efficiency and Housing Advisory Panel to the NY Climate Action Council and is currently a member of NYSERDA’s board.  Press release link here.

Sadie McKeown

Colorado Passes Bill for Geothermal Grants, Plans and Networks – “Section 2 of the bill authorizes the Colorado energy office to award grants for retrofitting existing buildings for installation of a geothermal system for heating and cooling under the single-structure geothermal grant that the office administers…Section 5 authorizes a gas utility that is regulated by the commission to apply for review and approval of the use of thermal energy networks in the gas utility's service area.”  Bill link here.

NYSERDA Posts on the All-Electric Building Act – NYSERDA has published a one-page description of the initiative New York State has taken to stop fossil fuel combustion in new buildings.  “The new standards will prohibit fossil fuel use for water heaters, space heaters, fireplaces, cooking stoves, and dryers. While the new law will not impact gas stoves or appliances in existing buildings, New York residents are encouraged to weatherize and consider electrifying their homes and businesses so that they can enjoy safer, healthier, and more comfortable indoor environments now, and well into the future.” Web page link here

The Man Who Invented a Time Machine - And Helped Keep the Texas Grid Alive – Bill McKibben – The Crucial Years - “John Goodenough, who died Monday at the age of 100, invented an extraordinary time machine—one that is saving the residents of his adopted state of Texas this week, and that will play a crucial role in the planet’s future. Austin Texas is insanely hot right now—a heat dome has parked above the state, producing record temperatures day after day after day… But so far the power grid has more or less held up, and a huge reason lies with the descendants of the batteries that Goodenough invented.”  Article link here.

Contractor's Corner:

Congressional IRA Webpage – The Congressional Progressive Caucus has established a webpage to help constituents access clean energy resources available through the Inflation Reduction Act. “CPC Center’s new clean energy program is dedicated to supporting the communities who want to seize this opportunity. We’re providing the analysis, training, resources and tools that local champions and community organizers need to take action. One of the IRA’s most important provisions allows for tax-exempt entities like local governments, counties, cities, churches, schools, hospitals, public utilities, and community groups to apply for direct funding to deploy renewable energy projects. Check out our events and resources here!”. Thanks to Adam Flint of NYNEST for this tip.

Working Group Series for Participating Contractors and Industry Partners – Clean Heat Program – “As the Clean Heat program moves through its midpoint review, allotted savings targets relative to budgets are increasing over time. Budgets are transitioning from aggressive initial adoption to a sustainable go-forward structure that focuses on efficiency of incentives. Category 1 partial load incentives are being phased out to focus on full load and maximum efficiency. Category 9 simultaneous space and water heating incentives are also being discontinued…”. A summary report from Session #17, 2023 06 12 can be found here.



Climate Updates:

Daniel Ellsberg and Climate – David Sassoon – Inside Climate News - The whistleblower who leaked the Pentagon Papers was undaunted by the challenge of finding out what the oil industry knew about carbon emissions and global warming. “Well then, he said, you should find out what the oil companies knew, and when they knew it. The look on my face asked how the hell are we going to do that, and he answered me. ‘You’ll find people of conscience in every corporation.’ ”   Article link here.

France Trains the Public Sector – Bill McKibben – The Crucial Years – “Like every government, the French administration should be going further and faster to address the greatest predicament humankind has faced: the gathering collapse of Earth systems. But… France now has a ministry for ecological transition. By the end of next year, the nation’s 25,000 most senior civil servants will have been trained in the principles behind this transition. By the next presidential election, in 2027, every public sector worker will have had this training, tailored to their sector. Think about that: 5.6 million people will be taught about the biodiversity crisis, the climate crisis and the natural resources crisis – how these phenomena relate to the public services they supply and how public sector workers can use this knowledge to change the way they work.” This article is the 2^nd last one on McKibben’s web page, after other interesting ones about the Time Machine, Taylor Swift and the Church of England. Article link here.

Tiny Bugs Swarm Through NYC – Brittany Kriegstein, Charles Lane, and Nsikan Akpan - Gothamist – “It may be the beginning of the ten plagues or it may just be the weather, but clouds of tiny bugs are swarming New York City… The little bugs have been caught on video, flying around parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn and making it hard to breathe. They’ve even infiltrated subway platforms. New Yorkers have said they’re hard to see until you’re in a cloud, but they show up on your clothes and car windows and are easily ingested through the mouth and nose.” (from 2023 07 01 – City & State First Read) Article link here.



Frequent Sources for Just In! briefs:

Green Energy Times

City & State First Read

POLITICO Weekly NY & NJ Energy email)

Canary Media

National Building Electrification Network & Sunstone Strategies



Just in! thanks NY-GEO board member John Ciovacco of Aztech Geothermal for his frequent proofreading contributions to this publication and Paul Maliszewski for his work on the briefs.

EVENTS:

*Indicates a New Listing or Updated Information

*2023 07 19 – Hydrogen Blending in Buildings: Bad for Health, Bad for Climate- 7:00 pm ET – Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) Pennsylvania - We will discuss why hydrogen means increased GHG emissions and ongoing reliance on methane and coal; how it increases risk of accidents and fires, continued gas stove indoor air pollution, continued health inequities; and what alternatives are healthier, safer, more efficient. Register here.

*2023 07 12 – IGSHPA Town Hall with Arlene Anderson – 11:30 am ET – Speaker: Arlene Anderson of US Department of Energy, Topic: Low-Temperature Geothermal Update. Register here

*2023 07 28 – Dig Deeper Webinar with Daniel Booy – 11:30 am ET – Speaker: Daniel Booy from Altum Engineering, Ltd, Topic: Modern Controls and Commissioning for Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems.  Register here.

*2023 10 17-19 – IGSHPA Accredited Installer Training with WaterFurnce – Hampton Inn and Suites – Poughkeepsie – “Learning to install Ground-Source Heat Pump (GSHP) systems will keep you competitive in a market forced to deal with rising energy costs and resource depletion. Installer accreditation enables you to open new markets and offers customers a low-maintenance, economical, and environmentally friendly alternative for their space conditioning needs. With more than 35 years of experience teaching these workshops, accrediting thousands of installers, and developing the industry standards, IGSHPA has pioneered training in GSHP installation.”  Register here.

2023 12 5^th to 7^th - IGSHPA Annual Conference – The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) will be holding its annual conference December 5 to 7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. IGSHPA is partnering again this year with NGWA (National Ground Water Association). Early bird registration is open now, along with exhibitor, sponsorship, and advertising opportunities. Presenter abstracts for the workshops are due by May 31, 2023. Selection of speakers and workshop topics will be confirmed in June.  For more information, check out the conference page.

2024 05 28^th to 30^th – IGSHPA Research Conference - The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) is pleased to announce that the next IGSHPA Research Conference will be held at Polytechnique Montréal. This is the fourth in a series of research conferences held in Denver (2017), Stockholm (2018), and Las Vegas (2022). Like the previous three conferences, papers will undergo peer-review to ensure quality. Details will follow, but it is anticipated that abstracts will be due on September 18, 2023 and papers due around November 20, 2023. Question? Write to info@igshpa.org

JOBS !                                                                    * = new listing

*Central New York Regional Planning & Development Board – Technical Energy Advisor - The Technical Energy Advisor will serve as the CNY Regional Clean Energy Hub’s key technical expert, customer project manager and liaison with clean energy business partners including HVAC installers, weatherization contractors and solar developers. The Technical Energy Advisor will serve as an independent resource for property owners, renters, contractors, and other key stakeholders interested in energy projects. The Technical Energy Advisor will work collaboratively with other Hub and Energy Program staff. (listed 06/10/23, apply by 7/15/23). The posting is available here.

*Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE) seeks an Energy Advisor for EnergySmart CNY. The Energy Advisor role involves collaborating on outreach development, executing activities, assisting community members with accessing programs and pursuing energy-saving measures. The position allows for remote work, but regular attendance at meetings and local events is required in Central New York. Compensation ranges from $40,000 to $50,000 per year, with benefits including health and dental insurance, paid leave, and vacation time. Bilingual fluency in English with Spanish or other

language strongly preferred. (listed January 14, 2023) The posting is available here.

 Climate Nexus - Campaign Associate – Methane Accountability, Campaigns & Strategies - Climate Nexus “is expanding our Methane Team. Our new campaign associate will help hold the oil and gas industry accountable for reducing methane pollution, and pressure governmental entities to stand up to the industry and craft policies that prioritize communities and the planet over corporate profits. Simply put, we want to humanize the fight against methane polluters. This is a remote position and we have team members across the country.  Listing here.

Hudson Valley Community College - Instructor-Heating and Refrigeration Systems - Salary for this 10-month position is $48,981.00. Application closes: Jun 23, 2023. (listed 2023 05 27) Click here for qualifications and details.

PWGC Environmental Engineers, Bohemia, NY - Geothermal Engineer – PWGC, a multi-year award-winning environmental engineering firm seeks an experienced professional engineer for closed loop geothermal projects in the downstate New York area. Expert knowledge of commercial building sciences, mechanical system design, conventional HVAC, heat pump technologies, building automation and energy modeling applications. This position requires 5-10 years related experience, bachelor’s degree in civil, mechanical or chemical engineering and a PE License. Advanced knowledge of CAD 3D and 4D software and REVIT. Interested? Send your resume to hr@pwgrosser.com or apply on our website at pwgrosser.com/careers 

Sustainable Westchester - Clean Energy Associate, EnergySmart Homes. (Location: Mount Kisco, NY) - The Community Energy Advisor (CEA) is a full time position at Sustainable Westchester. This position will provide assistance, direction, organization, coordination of programs that work to inform residents, multifamily building owners, and small businesses, with an emphasis in low-to-moderate income and priority communities, of the options for adopting clean energy strategies in their homes and businesses. $50k-$60k/year. (listed 2022 08 06) The posting is available here

Sustainable Westchester - Marketing, Communications and Outreach Director. (Location: Mount Kisco, NY) The Director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach will be responsible for developing and implementing Sustainable Westchester’s marketing, communication and outreach plans & strategies including public relations, digital communications, key messaging, storytelling and brand experience. $75k-$80k/year.  (listed 2022 08 06) The posting is available here

Cornell Cooperative Extension, Dutchess County Energy Advisor - The CCE Dutchess Environment & Energy Program currently has an open job posting for five (5) Energy Advisor positions to join our team. These positions will continue and expand on the work that we have been doing to assist residents, small businesses, and non-profits in the Mid-Hudson region to access energy efficiency and clean energy programs. We are looking for locally based candidates with a passion for educating and empowering individuals within their community to make informed energy decisions. Fluency in Spanish, and/or other locally relevant languages, is a plus and will be needed for at least 2 of the candidates hired (if not more). We encourage applications from candidates who have related skill sets but may lack direct experience with delivering programing around energy topics. On the job training will be provided, therefore a candidate with a related skill set and a strong desire to learn more about these topics could excel in a position such as these. (listed 2022 08 06) The posting is available here

Clean Energy Associate (PAID INTERNSHIP) - Sustainable Westchester aims to educate and train the next generation of leaders in sustainability in Westchester. We hire students and recent graduates who have the skills, passion, intelligence and maturity to take on significant responsibility to help bring clean energy solutions to our residents. Throughout the duration of the position, associates may work with elected officials, municipal leaders, community members, subject matter experts, and consultants to provide a one-of-a-kind experience. We are committed to providing these valuable work opportunities to people from communities that have been underrepresented in the environmental field. (listed 2022 08 06) See Sustainable Westchester website for more.

Rewiring America – Federal Senior Policy Manager – The FSPM will own and drive critical efforts to influence federal policy initiatives. This role will manage the Federal policy team and lobbyists, lead the strategy and execution of federal policy, oversee targeted research and the drafting of key content, and provide critical perspectives in support of the multi-pronged policy strategy for Rewiring. This important work will continue and grow Rewiring America’s ability to affect federal policy, removing key barriers for electrification. (listed 2022 07 09) The posting is available here

Rewiring America – Local Policy Director - With a clear vision, smart strategies, and significant and sustained financial support, Rewiring America is growing rapidly. As the Local Policy Manager on the Policy team you will lead on efforts to influence local policy initiatives around the country, particularly in public schools. This role will drive policy strategy, targeted research, support the drafting of policy and campaign documents, and provide input into the policy team’s public school electrification work. (listed 2022 07 09) The posting is available here

The Climate Solutions Accelerator of the Genesee Finger Lakes Region – Is looking to hire two staff members: 

·    The Manager of Organizational Programs will lead our efforts to educate, inspire, and support businesses and nonprofits that want to take action on climate.

·    The Program Director will be in charge of developing an exciting new program that we're not allowed to talk about until our contract with the funder is fully executed (which makes the hiring process a bit complicated). (listed 2022 05 28). The posting is available here. 

“Energy Department Will Recruit 1,000 Additional Staffers For New Corps To Tackle The Climate Crisis • The DOE is starting up a Clean Energy Corps to help implement the bipartisan infrastructure law and develop clean-energy solutions to the climate crisis, the agency said. It will hire 1,000 new employees through a newly launched hiring portal.” (from 2022 01 14 Green Energy News) [CNN]

Citizens for Local Power Executive Director - CLP’s mission is to help communities in the Mid-Hudson Region transition to a locally-based, clean energy economy. Combining research, education, advocacy, and project coordination, CLP supports community and municipal engagement in energy decision-making, transforming energy policy and practice to strengthen local economies, mitigate climate change and increase resilience…persons with strong community organizing experience are welcome to apply; training in energy policy areas can be provided. (listed 2021 12 27) See more here 

HVAC Project Manager – Aztech Geothermal, Ballston Spa, NY – Aztech Geothermal, a well-respected Geothermal Heat Pump design-build contractor, is seeking an experienced HVAC Project Manager responsible for estimating project costs, purchasing/sourcing materials & equipment, project planning including management of technicians and subcontractors. This position requires 3-5+ years' experience in Residential &/or Commercial HVAC, including AC/heat pump equipment, power and control wiring, HVAC plumbing, and sheetmetal/air distribution systems. Strong candidates must be comfortable with computers and common Microsoft programs with ability to learn industry specific analysis software. Interested? Send your resume to info@aztechgeo.com. (listed 2021 12 20)

AVANGRID, Inc. Engineer, Non-Wires Alternatives – AVANGRID, Inc. is seeking a full-time Engineer to support Non-Wires Alternatives (“NWA”) efforts in NYSEG and RG&E territory in New York. The Engineer will be responsible for providing engineering expertise to support the development and analysis of Distributed Energy Resources (“DER”) which are part of the innovative and growing NWA program in New York. This position is based out of any AVANGRID location including offices in NY, ME, and CT. Interested candidates should apply directly on the AVANGRID Career site here.

Campaign Director - Building Electrification – “Supervises: 2-6 core campaign staff, Salary: $120,000 non-negotiable. Scope: The Campaign Director for Building Electrification leads the Sierra Club’s national campaign work to end fossil fuel use in our homes and buildings, and implements just and equitable solutions in the buildings sector. The Campaign Director works alongside a team of Directors as part of Sierra Club’s Energy Campaigns to address climate disruption, transform the energy economy and protect communities from pollution.” See the job posting here.

Sierra Club Seeks Expert on “Renewable Natural Gas” - Sierra Club is looking for a new expert for PUC proceedings across the U.S. on "renewable natural gas" (including biomethane), synthetic gas and hydrogen. Experience with utility regulation and gas utility business models is a plus. If you have any recommendations, please email: Amneh Minkara (amneh.minkara@sierraclub.org)

UHAB is Hiring -UHAB (Urban Homesteading Assistance Board ) is hiring a Project Associate focusing on Energy Services, including Co-ops Go Solar, Clean Heat for Co-ops, and other energy efficiency and energy-reducing renewable technology partnerships... We also have a few other positions posted, for a part-time Affordable Housing Loan Officer, and a full-time Project Associate on the Co-op Improvement Program who’ll provide services to distressed affordable buildings. All of the job postings are viewable on our website here.

Aztech Geothermal is Hiring- Seeking an Experienced Heat Pump Technician in NY's Capital District - Aztech Geothermal is looking for an Experienced Residential HVAC Technician in the Capital Region to join our growing installation and service business based in Ballston Spa. Geothermal heat pump experience a plus. but not required; we are willing to train the right individual. Our company is based in Ballston Spa and principally serves the Capital District, Hudson Valley and Western Massachusetts. Contact info@aztechgeo.com for more information.

“Dandelion Energy is growing its Drilling Department and we are looking for Senior/Master Drillers to operate our new rigs and lead our on-site drilling efforts for residential geothermal projects.In this role, you will make a significant impact in redefining how residential ground heat exchangers are installed which will lay the groundwork for Dandelion’s future growth and success. The Senior Driller will be directly responsible for the production rate of geothermal boreholes, the operation, and maintenance of equipment, the safety of on-site workers, and delivering feedback to both the Operations and Engineering team on how to optimize the overall process. For more information about the Senior Driller opening please apply here: https://boards.greenhouse.io/dandelionenergy/jobs/4879245002

Not a Senior Driller? check out our other exciting opportunities on our career site: https://dandelionenergy.com/jobs”

 

Ongoing – NYSERDA is hiring! The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has ongoing recruitment opportunities. Join our email list or check this page periodically to learn about new career opportunities. All qualified individuals will be evaluated for each relevant position for which they apply. Opportunities include:

NYSERDA Career Opportunities

NY Green Bank Career Opportunities

Paid Fellowship Opportunities

Paid Internship Opportunities

To learn more about NYSERDA, please visit our social media channels.



NY-GEO is not necessarily notified when jobs are filled. If you find one of these jobs are no longer available, please let us know.