Dan Smith

Photo from NYGEO 2019 (4/10 - 11) of slide of current activism objectives for grid-based electricity:

Here's a photo of the program for NYGEO 2019 (4/10- 11).  Red stars next to the events I attended.

Attended NYGEO 2019 Conference in Schenectady, NY  (April 10 - 11).   Great event.   It was not just a bunch of geothermal nerds getting together to talk shop--- this was a comprehensive event that included top state regulators, utility representatives, manufacturers, drillers, and climate and energy activists,  (and yes, geothermal nerds).  The New York State government, with utilities in tow, are setting aggressive policies and strategies to reduce fossil fuel use, boost efficiency, and advance State goals to achieve carbon-neutrality.   Collaboration between the diverse set of stakeholders is paramount for addressing energy issues and climate change , and this event was small, but world-class, in that regard.

The breadth of innovative renewable heat-exchange solutions that are underway is amazing-- from utilizing underground aquifers as "storage batteries", to fitting skyscaper foundation piles with heat-exchange "wells", to new drilling and heat pump products that achieve greater efficiencies at lower costs.  I returned to Bard with a fresh set of ideas to help transform campus to meets the needs for a low-carbon future.

For refrigerant recovery, I can see why someone who does not know any better (or doesn't care about the issue), would skip this process-- you need the machine, need to know how to use it properly, and take the time to complete.  It is far easier to just let the refrigerant leak/evaporate, and no one would be the wiser, certainly not the lay homeowner or facility owner.  It is almost completely in the hands of the service technician to complete this step, and there is little consequence for skipping-- unless someone is vigilant in watching or demanding that the job be completed properly.  Stay vigilant!