Local News: March 13, 2024

- State Assembly passes bill banning CO2 gas mining -

The State Assembly banned permitting for a proposed new natural gas mining practice by a vote of 98-50. The bill was introduced after a Texas-based company, Southern Tier Solutions began approaching landowners about leasing their property using a new process. The company said it would extract natural gas from the Marcellus and Utica shales using carbon dioxide. Questions were raised by local lawmakers Senator Lea Webb and Assemblyperson Anna Kelles. Kelles introduced the Assembly bill. Kelles represents Tompkins and part of Cortland counties. The bill now awaits a Senate vote. Hydraulic fracking was banned in New York State in 2014 after almost a decade of debate about it.

- Chanticleer owners say bar will remain open -

The owners of Chanticleer, an iconic Ithaca bar say it is not closing despite being for sale. They spoke with The Ithaca Voice to clear up rumors that the bar might close. The asking price for the establishment is $1.5 million. The owners say the bar will stay open while they consider offers from potential buyers. They say they want to find a buyer committed to keeping the bar open.

- Elmira Heights voters approve budget for school improvements -

Voters in the Elmira Heights school district overwhelmingly approved a budget for school improvements worth over $17 million. The Elmira Star Gazette reports the funds will be used to build a new school bus garage and other improvements to school buildings. The district currently rents bus storage space from the Horseheads school district. The district won’t be able to use that space after 2026.