A Meeting of the Energy & Environment Working Group (“Group”) of Western New York Coalition for Progress (“Coalition”) was held on November 20, 2006, at 7:30 PM at JP Bullfeathers Restaurant, 1010 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, New York. The following members were present in person: Steve Rao, Rachel Brancato, Robert Matecki, David Gaeddert, Jan Barton, Mike Conway, Claudia Conway, Brenda Young, Jenny Gnanendran, Nelson Starr, Christa Vidaver, and Mark Poloncarz. Steve Rao acted as chairman, and Mark Poloncarz acted as secretary of the meeting.

The Chairman opened the meeting and discussed the possibility of partnering with the Climate Action Coalition is presenting a “Kidwind” organization in Western New York. He would put together a presentation for the group on the concept for the next meeting.

A discussion then ensued regarding presenting awards at an annual dinner to companies that are pro-environment: “Green Companies.” Nelson Starr noted that before any awards could be decided upon it would have to be approved by the Board of Directors of the Coalition (“Board”), and he would present any recommendation to the Board as the Group’s board liaison. The Group decided to pursue this at a later date.

Jan Barton then discussed her proposal to present a power-point presentation to the Board on platinum plus gasoline additives. Other group members had questions about the product, and Nelson Starr discussed his efforts to contact the manufacturer for more information, but at this point he had not received any information. After more discussion it was determined that more information would be needed before a presentation should be made to the Board.

The discussion then turned to an effort to get big box retailers to reduce their stores temperatures by 1 degree. Dave Gaeddert noted that if retailers reduced the internal temperature of their stores by just 1 degree the stores could save millions of dollars in utility costs, thereby reducing the amount of electricity or gas used. Mike Conway noted that rather than focus on national retailers the Group should contact local retailers like Wegman’s, Tops, and others. Jenny Gnanendran said she would put together a fact sheet on the issue and present it at the next Group meeting.

Robert Matecki then discussed the possibility of the Coalition getting a grant from the DEC to plant trees. The grant would match Coalition funds for the purchase and planting of trees. Mark Poloncarz noted that this was doubtful as the Coalition has not yet received its 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status from the IRS, and the Coalition does not have enough money in its accounts to spend on such an effort.

The Chairman then moved the meeting to the next item on the agenda: issues related to Zoar Valley. Robert Matecki noted that the fiscal plan and other issues related to valley are being reviewed by the DEC. Jan Barton noted that it might be too late to comment on the proposal and that she would check the timetable and get back to the group on that soon.

Rachel Brancato and Jenny Gnanendran then presented a proposal to start a “Green Roofs” program in Buffalo. Green Roofs is a program where trees, grass and other vegetation is planted on top of buildings. Jenny noted it is popular in New York City and Chicago, especially with schools. Rachel and Jenny noted that they will put together a proposal to approach local schools with the idea. Nelson Starr noted that before they could do that they should put the proposal together to be presented to the Board for its approval. Jenny agreed to work on such proposal.

Brenda Young then informed the Group that a free showing of the movie “Out of Balance: ExxonMobil’s Impact on Climate Change” would be screened at Daemen College on November 30th. She passed out slingers on the event to those in attendance.

The Group then decided to hold its next meeting on January 8, 2007 at 7:30 pm at JP Bullfeathers

There being no other items before the Group, and upon the motion of Rachel Brancato, seconded by Steve Rao, the meeting was adjourned.

Dated: Buffalo, New York
November 20, 2006

Mark Poloncarz, Secretary