Air Quality Newslinks - Rochester, NY area

RochesterEnvironment.com

These NewsLinks represent a decade of ferreting out local online NewsLinks to the issue of Air Quality in our area.

The more recent stories are on the top and oldest at the bottom of this list. Looking for something specific. Use Control + F and search for it on this page.

Although many of these links no longer work, I believe that it is important to be able to find that these stories have existed for ferreting out existing or impending environmental problems. The repercussions of pollution or overuse of a resource often takes a long time for us to recognize and when we finally do, it is invaluable to be able to track the history of various issues before they get to a tipping point and became a crisis.

Also, much that mankind has done to change our environment was accomplished without any knowledge of what the environment was like before changing it, but maybe we will be able to heal our environmental if we archive the news stories so we will be able to unravel the events that led up to the disaster. Students, scientists, historians, and citizens alike should benefit from being able to follow the thread of an issue back through time.

2012

DEC Announces Public Hearings on Proposed Air Quality Regulations - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation DEC Announces Public Hearings on Proposed Air Quality Regulations The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will be holding public hearings on proposed amendments to 6 NYCRR Parts 219, and 200; Part 248 and revisions to the State Implementation Plan (SIP). DEC proposes to amend Part 248, Use of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel and Best Available Retrofit Technology for Heavy Duty Vehicles. These amendments will continue to implement the Diesel Emission Reduction Act of 2006 (DERA) and conform Part 248 to the recent ECL Section 19-0323 changes. The amended regulation will continue to generally mitigate a potential threat to the health and well being of New Yorkers posed by diesel exhaust emissions by providing emissions reductions. Date: Thursday, January 19, 2012 Time: 2:00 p.m. Location: NYSDEC Region 8 Office Conference Room, 6274 East Avon-Lima Road (Rts. 5 and 20), Avon, NY 14414 (January 13, 2012) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]

2011

01/05/2012: EPA Issues Annual Report on Chemicals Released Into Land, Air and Water in New York (New York, N.Y.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today issued its 25th annual report on the amount of toxic chemicals released in 2010 to the land, air and water by industrial facilities in New York. The Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) report covers 650 New York facilities that are required to report their releases to the EPA. Total releases of chemicals in New York were 15% lower in 2010 than in 2009. Much of this reduction was due to a decrease in the amount of nitrate compounds released into water by Finch Paper Co. of Glens Falls. (January 5, 2012) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
Toxic releases rose 16 percent in 2010, EPA says - The Washington Post The amount of toxic chemicals released into the environment nationwide in 2010 increased 16 percent over the year before, reversing a downward trend in overall toxic releases since 2006, according to a report released Thursday by the Environmental Protection Agency. The spike was driven largely by metal mining, but other sectors — including the chemical industry — also contributed to the rise in emissions, according to the new analysis from the annual federal Toxics Release Inventory. (January 5, 2012) National: Breaking National News & Headlines - Washington Post [more on Air Quality in our area]
EPA tells nation's dirty coal- and oil-fired power plants to clean themselves up or shut down | syracuse.com WASHINGTON (AP) — Clean up or shut down. That’s the decision facing hundreds of the nation’s oldest and dirtiest power plants under an Environmental Protection Agency rule announced Wednesday that will force plants to control mercury and other toxic pollutants for the first time. The long overdue national standards rein in the largest remaining source of uncontrolled toxic pollution in the U.S. — the emissions from the nation’s coal- and oil-fired power plants, which have been allowed to run for decades without addressing their full environmental and public health costs. About half of the 1,200 coal- and oil-fired units nationwide still lack modern pollution controls, despite the EPA in 1990 getting the authority from Congress to control toxic air pollution from power plant smokestacks. A decade later, in 2000, the agency concluded it was necessary to clamp down on the emissions to protect public health. (December 21, 2011) Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com [more on Air Quality in our area]
EPA forces dirtiest power plants to clean up toxic air pollution, but gives leeway on timing - chicagotribune.com WASHINGTON (AP) — Clean up or shut down. That's the decision facing hundreds of the nation's oldest and dirtiest power plants under an Environmental Protection Agency rule announced Wednesday that will force plants to control mercury and other toxic pollutants for the first time. The long overdue national standards rein in the largest remaining source of uncontrolled toxic pollution in the U.S. — the emissions from the nation's coal- and oil-fired power plants, which have been allowed to run for decades without addressing their full environmental and public health costs. (December 21, 2011) Chicago Tribune: Chicago breaking news, sports, business, entertainment, weather and traffic - chicagotribune.com [more on Air Quality in our area]
EPA releases long-awaited power plant air toxics rule | iWatch News Environmental Protection Agency chief Lisa Jackson released the details of a regulation that would cut air emissions of mercury and other toxics from coal- and oil-fired power plants for the first time. The new standard is seen as a victory for environmentalists and public health advocates, who have pushed the EPA to reduce emissions from the power industry since the passage of the Clean Air Act amendments of 1990. While the standard was issued last Friday, interest groups said the Obama administration made supporters wait until bickering in Congress died down so the landmark rule could have the spotlight. (December 21, 2011) iWatch News | Investigation. Impact. Integrity. [more on Air Quality in our area]
Where regulators failed, citizens took action — testing their own air | iWatch News Until 'bucket test' and insider tips, polluter said to underreport emissions for years | TONAWANDA, N,Y. — For the past three decades, Jeani Thomson has been pleading with New York state officials to protect her and her neighbors from air pollution that regularly spreads into her yard from an industrial plant a mile away. Many mornings, a foul-smelling, thick fog settles around her modest house in Tonawanda, a working class town of 16,000 just outside Buffalo. The “toxic blue haze,” as Thomson calls it, smells like ammonia, sulfur and “an oily exhaust.” She believes it has made her sick. Ailments have transformed her, she said, from a fit mail carrier who walked a 13-mile route into a survivor of multiple illnesses who takes 22 medications and now moves with difficulty on stiff legs. Though only 57 years old, she has only one lung, and half a stomach. Her doctors have diagnosed her with a rare skin rash, as well as asthma and arthritis. Though she claims never to have had a cigarette, her voice has the raspy sound of a smoker. On bad days, she says, she inhales oxygen. (November 11, 2011)Environment | iWatch News [more on Air Quality in our area]
DEC Announces Clean Air Grants to Local Communities - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Projects Designed To Reduce Open Burning and Associated Public Health Risks New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens today announced awards for "Clean Air Grants," to 13 New York communities. The grants are designed to assist counties, towns and villages in reducing open burning of leaves and other organic materials, educate residents about the dangers of open burning and assist with the purchasing of recycling and composting equipment. "DEC is committed to reducing harmful air pollutants and the prevention of destructive wildfires," said Commissioner Martens. "In addition to releasing harmful pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde and lead, the open burning of residential organic waste such as leaves and branches, is the largest single cause of wildfires in the state." (October 18, 2011) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Air Quality in our area]
Two New Reasons to Worry about Air Pollution: Obesity and Diabetes - Forbes The debate over air pollution and, more specifically, the regulation of air pollution, raged on this week as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) watered down its cross-state pollution rule and House Republicans moved to delay new rules on toxic air pollution from cement plants, solid waste incinerators, and industrial boilers. These latest debates come on the heels of President Obama’s move last month to reneg on promises to tighten up smog standards, a decision that angered environmentalists and led to speculation that EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson might be ready to walk. In all cases, the argument against regulation goes something like this: The last thing a down economy needs is new regulation, and the EPA is overstepping its boundaries. (October 10, 2011) Information for the World's Business Leaders - Forbes.com [more on Air Quality in our area]
25 states urge court to make EPA delay power plant rule | Reuters (Reuters) - Adding pressure on the Environmental Protection Agency to relax air pollution rules, 25 states urged a federal court on Monday to require the agency to delay a rule on mercury emissions and other pollutants from power plants by at least a year, saying the measure is too costly. "In the past, EPA has designed its regulations pretty carefully to make sure that they wouldn't be forcing any facilities to shut down," Jeff Holmstead, the former EPA assistant administrator for air and radiation under President George W. Bush, said about the brief, filed electronically on Monday with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. (October 10, 2011) Business & Financial News, Breaking US & International News | Reuters.com [more on Air Quality in our area]
New Report: NYC and LI Both Rank in Top 20 Smoggiest Large Metropolitan Areas - Environment New York Environment New York released a new report showing that both New York City and Long Island are among the top twenty smoggiest large metropolitan areas in the country. Smog is a harmful air pollutant that leads to asthma attacks and exacerbates respiratory illnesses, especially among children and the elderly. The new report, Danger in the Air: Unhealthy Air Days in 2010 and 2011, also found that there were 14 days in 2010 in New York City and 13 days in Long Island when smog levels exceeding the national health standard. Residents of New York City were also exposed to a “red-alert” day, when the air quality was so poor that anyone could experience adverse health effects. This summer, residents in the New York, Newark and Bridgeport area have already been alerted to unhealthy air on 27 days. “New Yorkers deserve clean air. But on far too many days, people in the New York City and Long Island areas are exposed to dangerous smog pollution,” said Eric Whalen, Environment New York’s Field Organizer. “For the sake of our children, we must make every day a safe day to breathe.” The new report ranks cities in New York and across the country for the number of days when the air was unhealthy to breathe due to smog pollution last year and this summer, and includes new data showing that because of outdated air quality standards, New Yorkers have been unknowingly exposed dangerous air quality. The research shows that on 14 additional days last year, residents in New York City were exposed to smog levels that a national scientific panel has found to be dangerous to breathe, but because of outdated federal air quality rules, those at risk were never alerted to unhealthy air levels. (September 21, 2011) Home - Environment New York [more on Air Quality in our area]
White House threatens veto over House attack on EPA pollution rules - The Hill's E2-Wire President Obama’s advisers will recommend that he veto pending House legislation that would block two key Environmental Protection Agency air-pollution rules, a White House official said. “As the President has made clear, the administration will continue to take steps to defend the authority of the Clean Air Act, and the important progress we have made to protect the air we breathe,” the official said. (September 19, 2011) TheHill.com [more on Air Quality in our area]
Obama Withdraws Proposed Regulation On Smog : The Two-Way : NPR Saying that "reducing regulatory burdens and regulatory uncertainty, particularly as our economy continues to recover" prompted his administration to rethink, President Obama just announced that he's withdrawing proposed regulations that would have tightened government smog standards in a bid to protect the ozone. "I want to be clear: my commitment and the commitment of my administration to protecting public health and the environment is unwavering," the president added in a statement posted on the White House website. (September 2, 2011) Environment : NPR [more on Air Quality in our area]
Wildlife habitat certified at church | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com HILTON — For the first time in Monroe County, a place of worship has a portion of its property certified as a National Wildlife Habitat. St. George's Episcopal Church now hosts bluebirds, deer, rodents and other many-legged friends on its 10 acres off Old Wilder Road — where just a few years ago senior housing was proposed. (August 13, 2011) Her Rochester | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com [more on Wildlife in our area]
White House faces Senate, industry pressure on smog rule - The Hill's E2-Wire A group of Senate Democrats is pressing the White House to “stand strong” against immense industry pressure to weaken or scuttle smog standards that have been repeatedly delayed. In a letter to President Obama Thursday, seven Democrats and two independents that caucus with the party express “disappointment” at administration delays in issuing Environmental Protection Agency ozone standards. The letter urges the administration to issue a standard consistent with the 60 to 70 parts-per-billion level recommended by EPA’s formal science advisers. (August 11, 2011) TheHill.com [more on Air Quality in our area]
EPA targets air pollution from gas drilling boom WASHINGTON - Faced with a natural gas drilling boom that has sullied the air in some parts of the country, the Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday proposed for the first time to control air pollution at oil and gas wells, particularly those drilled using a method called hydraulic fracturing. The proposal, issued to meet a court deadline, addresses air pollution problems reported in places such as Wyoming, Texas, Pennsylvania and Colorado, where new drilling techniques have led to a rush to obtain natural gas that was once considered inaccessible. More than 25,000 wells are being drilled each year by "fracking," a process by which sand, water and chemicals are injected underground to fracture rock so gas can come out. (July 28, 2011) The Billings Gazette - Montana & Wyoming News [more on Air Quality in our area]
EPA Seeks To Tighten Ozone Standards : NPR The Environmental Protection Agency is expected any day now to tighten the standard for how much ozone is safe to breathe, but the level of ozone that scientists say is safe doesn't sit well with industry. The agency decision is sitting at the White House, awaiting approval. The EPA is redoing the ozone standard set under President George W. Bush. The Bush administration's EPA ignored the advice of its own panel of outside scientific advisers. It set the standard for a healthy level of ozone in the air at 75 parts per billion. (July 24, 2011) NPR : National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts : NPR [more on Air Quality in our area]
07/20/2011: EPA and DEC Report Progress at Tonawanda Coke Corporation; Announce New Commitments in Tonawanda Community -- Benzene Emissions Cut by at least Two-thirds (Buffalo, N.Y.) In a continuing effort to protect public health and the environment in Western New York, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regional Director Abby Snyder announced progress in their agencies’ investigation of the Tonawanda Coke Corporation and launched a new community-wide effort to reduce pollution in the community. Under agreements reached this week between EPA, NYSDEC and the Tonawanda Coke Corporation, the company will improve its operations and monitoring for coke oven gas leaks, repair equipment and upgrade pollution controls. Combined with previous actions taken to reduce harmful benzene emissions from the facility, these actions will slash benzene emissions by at least two-thirds. (July 20, 2011) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
Greece's Russell Station will be razed | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com State regulators have given Rochester Gas & Electric Corp. the green light to tear down Russell Station, the 63-year-old relic near the Lake Ontario shoreline in Greece. RG&E closed the coal-fired power plant in 2008 after state officials threatened to sue because the facility didn't meet air-quality standards. The state Public Service Commission subsequently ordered the company to sell Russell and four smaller power plants. (July 15, 2011) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Air Quality in our area]
Power Plant Emission Rules Toughened by E.P.A. - NYTimes.com WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday issued new standards for power plants in 28 states that would sharply cut emissions of chemicals that have polluted forests, farms, lakes and streams across the Eastern United States for decades (July 7, 2011) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Air Quality in our area]
EPA releases new pollution limits - News Blog - Rochester City Newspaper New York State attorneys general have in the past sued out-of-state power plants over emissions, which drift over the state and cause environmental problems. (July 6, 2011) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper [more on Air Quality in our area]
06/28/2011: Take Action on Hot Summer Days to Reduce Asthma Attacks (New York, N.Y.) Summer is here and the hot weather can cause ozone levels to rise, making the air unhealthy to breathe, especially for people with asthma or other respiratory ailments. On days like today and throughout the hot summer months, it’s important to pay close attention to air quality. Like the weather, air quality can change from day to day or even hour to hour, and can have a serious affect on people’s health. (June 28, 2011) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
Air Quality Concerns Threaten Natural Gas's Image : NPR Massive stores of natural gas that lie underneath big portions of the United States offer a cleaner source of electricity to a country that relies heavily on coal, but producing all that gas also can pump lots of pollution into the air. Gas production already has caused unhealthy air in Wyoming's Sublette County and Utah's Uintah Basin. And experts project that booming shale gas developments like Haynesville, stretching through Texas and Louisiana, and Marcellus, which lies beneath several Mid-Atlantic states, will start contributing to unhealthy levels of ozone or smog in coming years. (June 21, 2011) NPR : National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts : NPR [more on Air Quality in our area]
Democratandchronicle - EPA's tests of air outside schools find problems WASHINGTON — The federal government's first attempt to assess the dangers from air pollution around schools is nearing completion, and the findings underscore the need for more extensive air monitoring, especially in pollution hot spots, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency says. "There is work to be done still on air quality," EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson says. "The best result would be to find that all of our concerns were overblown, but we're not finding this in every case." (June 09, 2011) News, Travel, Weather, Entertainment, Sports, Technology, U.S. & World - USATODAY.com [more on Air Quality in our area]
Air quality alert issued for our region today | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com Anticipating very hot, sunny weather today, state officials have posted an air quality alert for this afternoon and evening. Officials warn that ground-level ozone levels likely will be high enough that everyone, but especially children, should consider limiting strenuous outdoor exercise. People with pre-existing respiratory illnesses should be extra cautious. (June 8, 2011) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Air Quality in our area] [more on Green Business in our area]
05/03/2011: EPA Helps Build Awareness Around Asthma / Asthma affects nearly 25 million people in the U.S. WASHINGTON – To kick off Asthma Awareness Month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is commemorating World Asthma Day by bringing awareness to a growing nationwide problem. Asthma has consistently increased over the past decade with more than 4 million additional cases reported, including nearly 1 million additional cases reported in children. One out of every 10 school aged children is affected and approximately 13 million people have reported having an asthma attack in the past year. EPA is taking action to ensure cleaner air and a healthier environment for children and families dealing with asthma. "All Americans should be able to breathe easy whether they’re at home, at work or on the playground," EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said. "Yet too many of our children and family members suffer from asthma, resulting in doctor and hospital visits, lost learning time, more sick days and higher health care costs. It's our mission at EPA to protect the health of our communities by putting Clean Air Act safeguards in place to reduce levels of harmful pollutants in the air we all breathe. " (May 3, 2011) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
04/27/2011: Obama Administration Affirms Comprehensive Commitment to Clean Water WASHINGTON – Recognizing the importance of clean water and healthy watersheds to our economy, environment and communities, the Obama administration released a national clean water framework today that showcases its comprehensive commitment to protecting the health of America’s waters. The framework emphasizes the importance of partnerships and coordination with states, local communities, stakeholders and the public to protect public health and water quality, and promote the nation’s energy and economic security. For nearly 40 years, the Clean Water Act, along with other important federal measures, has been a cornerstone of our effort to ensure that Americans have clean and healthy waters. The administration’s framework outlines a series of actions underway and planned across federal agencies to ensure the integrity of the waters Americans rely on every day for drinking, swimming, and fishing, and that support farming, recreation, tourism and economic growth. It includes draft federal guidance to clarify which waters are protected by the Clean Water Act nationwide; innovative partnerships and programs to improve water quality and water efficiency; and initiatives to revitalize communities and economies by restoring rivers and critical watersheds. (April 28, 2011) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
Monroe County gets mixed marks for air quality | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com An annual air-quality ranking has given Monroe County a good mark for one air pollutant but a failing mark for another. The American Lung Association's State of the Air study, released Wednesday, graded this area an "F" for concentrations of ground-level ozone. The study said the ambient air in the county exceeded federal ozone standards 13 days between 2007 and 2009. The statewide average was 11.5 days during that period. (April 28, 2011) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Air Quality in our area]
Commissioner Martens Reminds Small Communities of High Fire Risk Season and State Ban on Brush Burning - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Residential Brush Burning Prohibited March 16 - May 14 State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens today reminded New Yorkers who reside in smaller communities that all residential brush burning is prohibited during the state's historically high fire risk period beginning March 16 through May 14. "Since the open burning regulation passed in 2009, we've already seen results in fewer number of fires reported in New York State this time of year, known as the highest fire risk time," Commissioner Martens said. "It's our responsibility to protect the health and safety of our children, families and our natural environment, therefore, we remind all New Yorker's that this is a time of risk and the statewide ban is now in effect through mid-May." (March 16, 2011) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation [more on Air Quality in our area]
03/15/2011: TOMORROW: EPA, American Lung Association to Hold Press Conference to Discuss Mercury and Air Toxics Standards WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, March 16, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson will join American Lung Association President and CEO Charles D. Connor and American Academy of Pediatrics President O. Marion Burton, M.D., F.A.A.P. to discuss the agency’s mercury and air toxics standards - the first-ever national standards for mercury and other air toxics from coal-fired power plants. They will be joined by Dr. Jonathan Truwit, a pulmonary and critical specialist at the University of Virginia Health System and member of the American Thoracic Society, who will discuss the impacts these harmful emissions have on his patients. (March 15, 2011) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
Toxic Air Report - American Lung Association The American Lung Association’s report Toxic Air: The Case for Cleaning Up Coal-fired Power Plants documents the range of hazardous air pollutants emitted from coal-burning power plants and the urgent need to clean them up to protect public health. The report details the dangerous mix of toxic air pollutants that flow from the stacks of uncontrolled coal burning power plants and the health harm associated with these pollutants. The report also discusses the technologies that are available for dramatically cutting these emissions—technologies that are commercially available and proven to work. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to issue a proposal to cleanup this toxic pollution by March 16. (March 8, 2011) Homepage - American Lung Association [more on Air Quality in our area]
E.P.A. Issues Scaled-Back Emissions Rules for Boilers - NYTimes.com Responding to a changed political climate and a court-ordered deadline, the Obama administration issued significantly revised new air pollution rules on Wednesday that will make it easier for operators of thousands of industrial boilers and incinerators to meet federal air quality standards. The new regulations represent a major step back from more demanding and costly rules proposed last spring that provoked an outcry from members of Congress from both parties and from thousands of affected businesses. One industry-financed study said the proposed standard would cost businesses $20 billion to comply and cause the loss of more than 300,000 jobs. (February 23, 2011) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Air Quality in our area]
How Great Lakes states stack up in powerplant CO2 emissions | Great Lakes Echo Four Great Lakes states rank in the top ten–for 2010 power plant carbon dioxide emissions. A recent report by the Environmental Integrity Project shows carbon dioxide emissions from power plants rose 5.56 percent nationwide. More than 2.4 billion tons of carbon dioxide, a common greenhouse gas, were released nationally. Texas topped the list with about 257 million tons. Ohio led the Great Lakes states and placed third nationally. Staff used data from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Markets database. Sulfur dioxide emissions decreased nationwide between 2009 and 2010 while nitrogen oxide increased slightly. 23: New York 40,031,704 tons (February 23, 2011) Great Lakes Echo - Environmental news across the basin [more on Air Quality in our area]
SCHNEIDERMAN URGES U.S. HOUSE ENERGY CHAIR TO KEEP ENVIRONMENTAL REGS THAT CUT TOXIC AIR POLLUTION IN NEW YORK Schneiderman Leads Coalition of Five State AGs in Warning that Proposed U.S. House Resolution Would Weaken Hard-Fought Protections for Health and the Environment Ravena and two other plants collectively account for 20% of all mercury emitted annually in New York NEW YORK – Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, leading a coalition of attorneys general from Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and Massachusetts, called on the U.S. House of Representatives leadership today to rebuff efforts to remove critical environmental regulations that protect New York communities from toxic pollution. In a letter to Rep. Fred Upton, Chairman, House Energy & Commerce Committee, Schneiderman and his fellow attorneys general detail their opposition to House Joint Resolution No. 9, which would undo strict, new limits on the cement industry’s emissions of mercury and other toxic substances hazardous to human health and the environment. The resolution was referred to Chairman Upton’s committee on February 1. (February 14, 2011) HOME - OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL [more on Air Quality in our area]
Clean Air Act funds to help clean Lake Champlain ALBANY - $200,000 in recovered funds will assist Champlain Valley farmers in combating water pollution in Lake Champlain. The money, recovered from a 2007 case in which a major power company violated the Clean Air Act, will target phosphorous reduction from area farms, improving their operations, fighting pollution, and improving the health of Lake Champlain. "A healthy Lake Champlain and a vibrant agricultural sector are both vital to sustaining the Champlain Valley's economy and way of life," said Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. "Our office will continue to fight to protect our natural resources on behalf of New Yorkers. At no cost to taxpayers, these funds will help area farmers improve their operations, while furthering their responsible stewardship of the environment. By promoting the vitality of area farms and Lake Champlain, this funding is an investment in the future of the Champlain Valley.” (February 7, 2011) New York State News on the Net! [more on Air Quality in our area]
Rochester air quality improves, study finds | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Though the change probably isn't noticeable to most people, air quality in Rochester has improved markedly in recent years — and public health may well improve as a consequence. Thanks to falling levels of key air pollutants given off by cars, trucks and power plants, the air contains far fewer of the irritants that might cause a scratchy nose in a healthy person, and definitely can worsen asthma in someone who suffers from that potentially serious respiratory disease. (February 6, 2011) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Air Quality in our area]
A.G. SCHNEIDERMAN SENDS LOCAL FARMERS $200,000 TO JOIN THEIR FIGHT TO REDUCE POLLUTION IN LAKE CHAMPLAIN Funds Recovered from a 2007 Clean Air Act Case Will Help Farmers in Essex & Washington Counties Improve Operations, Fight Pollution & Improve Lake Health ALBANY - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the dedication of $200,000 in recovered funds to assist Champlain Valley farmers in combating water pollution in Lake Champlain. The money, recovered from a 2007 case in which a major power company violated the Clean Air Act, will target phosphorous reduction from area farms, improving their operations, fighting pollution, and improving the health of Lake Champlain. (February 5, 20110) HOME - OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL [more on Air Quality in our area]
01/31/2011: EPA Proposes to Retain National Air Quality Standards for Carbon Monoxide / Air monitoring revisions would ensure people are protected WASHINGTON – After a careful review of the best available science, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to keep the current national air quality standards for carbon monoxide (CO), while taking steps to gather additional data through more focused monitoring. The science shows that the current standards will protect people, especially those susceptible to health problems associated with breathing CO from the outdoor air. CO can cause harmful health effects by reducing oxygen delivery to the body’s organs (like the heart and brain) and tissues. At extremely high levels, CO can cause death. (January 31, 2011) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
01/28/2011: EPA to Hold Five Listening Sessions on Updating the Clean Air Act’s Pollution Standards for Power Plants, Refineries/ Sessions seek input to design common-sense, cost-effective greenhouse gas standards for largest polluters WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold five listening sessions to help the agency update the Clean Air Act pollution standards to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution from fossil fuel power plants and petroleum refineries. The listening sessions will be open to the public and will help EPA develop a common-sense approach to reduce GHGs from two of the largest industrial pollution sources, which are responsible for nearly 40 percent of the GHG pollution in the United States. Reducing greenhouse gas pollution can also result in reductions to other harmful air pollutants emitted by these facilities. The agency is in the process of gathering information and seeking important input and, as part of a settlement agreement announced December 23, 2010, will propose GHG standards based on existing technologies for power plants in July 2011 and for refineries in December 2011. The agency will issue final standards in May 2012 and November 2012, respectively. (January 28, 2011) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
EPA, DOT and California Align Timeframe for Proposing Standards for Next Generation of Clean Cars WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the state of California today announced a single timeframe for proposing fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards for model year 2017-2025 cars and light-duty trucks. Proposing the new standards on the same timeframe - by September 1, 2011 - signals continued collaboration that could lead to an extension of the current National Clean Car Program, providing automakers certainty as they work to build the next generation of clean, fuel efficient cars. Improving fuel efficiency will save consumers money at the pump, reduce America's dependence on foreign oil and cut emissions of harmful pollutants. (January 24, 2011) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
01/21/2011: EPA Awards $25 Million to Improve Air Quality WASHINGTON – Over the course of five years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding $25 million to the Health Effects Institute (HEI) to help address the latest challenges to improving air quality and protecting health. With the funding, HEI will develop the next generation of tools and scientific information to examine the combined effects of air pollution exposures on people’s health and the relationship between air quality and climate change. “This grant continues a long and fruitful partnership to address air quality issues,” said Dr. Paul Anastas, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “The scientific contributions by HEI complement and augment EPA’s extensive clean air research program, which is providing the critical science needed to improve air quality.” (January 21, 2011) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
Taking aim at acid rain - Times Union "ALBANY -- The first lawsuit announced by new Attorney General Eric Schneiderman targets a Pennsylvania coal-fired power plant that is New York's largest outside source of acid rain-causing pollution. The lawsuit again the Homer City Station, located in Indiana County about 50 miles east of Pittsburgh, accuses the plant of multiple violations of the federal Clean Air Act. " (January 7, 2011) The Albany Times Union [more on Air Quality in our area]
ATTORNEY GENERAL SCHNEIDERMAN MOVES TO SUE MAJOR PENNSYLVANIA POWER PLANT Homer City Plant Is Largest Out-of-State Contributor of Sulfur Dioxide Pollution to New York; Emits more than double the SO2 emitted by all NY power plants combined Schneiderman Suit Seeks Full Compliance with Clean Air Laws, Including Installation of State-of-the-Art Pollution Controls to Cut Pollution Emissions NEW YORK, NY (January 6, 2011) - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced that he is taking action to sue a major Pennsylvania electric power plant over multiple violations of the federal Clean Air Act (CAA) at the facility. The plant, Homer City Station, is the largest out-of-state contributor of sulfur dioxide (SO2) pollution to New York. The facility emits approximately 100,000 tons of SO2 annually – more than twice as much of this harmful pollutant as all of the power plants operating in New York combined. (January 6, 2011) HOME - OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL [more on Air Quality in our area]

2010

NY panel enacts outdoor furnace regulations - Boston.com ALBANY, N.Y.—New outdoor wood furnaces sold in New York state will have to comply with strict air pollution regulations approved by a state environmental board Wednesday. Tweet 0diggsdigg Yahoo! BuzzShareThis The regulations, which take effect in 30 days, are designed to reduce pollution and adverse health impacts from the furnaces, also called boilers. The heaters are growing in popularity in rural areas because they save hundreds or thousands of dollars a year by using wood often harvested on the farmer's or homeowner's own land. (December 22, 2010) Boston.com [more on Air Quality in our area]
EPA lists top ten New York polluters NEW YORK - The annual U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report on the amount of toxic chemicals released to the land, air and water by industrial facilities in New York State in 2009 showed a decrease over the past reporting year. The Toxics Release Inventory report issued today by EPA covered 646 New York facilities that are required to report their releases to the Agency. Total releases to land, air and water by these facilities decreased by nearly 26% from 24.7 million pounds in 2008 to 18.3 million pounds in 2009. Topping the New York State list for 2009 was a paper plant in Glens Falls, followed by an industrial site in Rochester and a power plant in Orange County. The EPA’s official in charge of the study, Nora Lopez, said the findings have a multitude of uses. (December 27, 2010) [more on Air Quality in our area]
Environmental Board Approves Regulation for New Outdoor Wood Boilers Sold in New York State - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Action Ensures New Models Will Burn 90% Cleaner than Old The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that the Environmental Board today approved a new regulation that sets stringent performance standards for new outdoor wood boilers (OWBs) sold in the state. The regulation will go into effect 30 days after it is filed with the Secretary of State. The stricter guidelines will ensure that new OWBs burn at least 90% cleaner than older models. "This is about ensuring that new outdoor wood boilers burn cleaner -- not only for people who buy OWBs and their families, but also for their neighbors. It's not unlike the switch to cleaner cars," said Acting DEC Commissioner Peter Iwanowicz. "It's also to ensure that OWB stacks are high enough to disperse emissions rather than having them blow directly into houses and other dwellings. That's important for public health. Also, we have listened to the agricultural community and made appropriate exceptions for farming operations." (December 22, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Air Quality in our area]
DEC alters ban on wood burning boilers - Utica, NY - The Observer-Dispatch, Utica, New York The state Department of Environmental Conservation has modified its plan to ban current styles of wood burning boilers. The agency, which is seeking to regulate furnaces in an effort to adhere to rigorous emissions, height and placement guidelines, will no longer require local residents and businesses to replace their wood boilers by a certain date. Instead, under the proposed policy initiative, the DEC will require local residents to purchase DEC compliant boilers as their current units need to be replaced. (December 21, 2010) Home - Utica, NY - The Observer-Dispatch, Utica, New York [more on Air Quality in our area]
Farm bureau, state face off over boilers - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow MPNnow.com — The New York Farm Bureau threatened legal action Friday over the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s plan to nail down new regulations for outdoor wood boilers this coming week. The farm bureau, a lobbying organization of some 30,000 member farm families, has been battling the DEC for months, saying new regulations aimed at reducing air pollution will backfire by creating significant financial hardship for farmers and others in rural areas. (December 20, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Air Quality in our area]
12/16/2010: EPA Issues Annual Report on Chemicals Released Into Land, Air and Water in New York; Finch Paper, Eastman Kodak and Danskammer Power Plant Top the List of NY Polluters (New York, N.Y.) The annual U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report on the amount of toxic chemicals released to the land, air and water by industrial facilities in New York State in 2009 showed a decrease over the past reporting year. The Toxics Release Inventory report issued today by EPA covered 646 New York facilities that are required to report their releases to the Agency. Total releases to land, air and water by these facilities decreased by nearly 26% from 24.7 million pounds in 2008 to 18.3 million pounds in 2009. EPA added 16 chemicals to the list of reportable toxic chemicals in November 2010. These chemicals are reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens, and represent the largest chemical expansion of the reporting program in a decade. Data on the new chemicals will be reported by facilities on July 1, 2012. (December 16, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
DEC Submits Regulation For New Outdoor Wood Boilers Sold In New York State - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the submission of a regulation to the state Environmental Board for consideration at its October 25 meeting that will set stringent performance standards for new outdoor wood boilers (OWBs) sold in New York State. If approved, the regulation would go into effect 30 days after its filing with the state Secretary of State. The stricter guidelines will ensure that new OWBs burn at least 90% cleaner than older models. "This is a positive and necessary step in our goal to improve air quality in New York State and protect the health of our residents," DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said, explaining that DEC limited an earlier proposal in response to comments received during an extensive public outreach effort. "DEC staff carefully reviewed and took into account all the concerns that were expressed during the rulemaking process and has developed this regulation to ensure that new outdoor wood boilers are cleaner and that existing boilers have a reduced impact on air quality." (October 20, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Air Quality in our area]
Coalition weighs in on recycling project » Local News » Tonawanda News TOWN OF TONAWANDA — While the town board reviews a proposal for a new recycling facility, a local environmental organization is calling on town leaders to carefully weigh the potential environmental impact before allowing the project to proceed. The board conducted a hearing last week for Triad Recycling and Energy Corp. to do business at 3755 River Road, a stretch that includes a variety of industrial facilities whose output of toxins is monitored by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Board members chose to leave the hearing open pending additional information from the DEC relating to environmental issues. (October 5, 2010) Homepage » Tonawanda News [more on Air Quality in our area]
09/30/2010: New Air Pollution Testing at Tonawanda Coke Corp. Shows that Facility is a Significant Source of Benzene (New York, N.Y.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released the results of environmental testing conducted at EPA’s direction at the Tonawanda Coke Corporation (TCC), a coke and coal tar manufacturer based in Tonawanda, New York. EPA had ordered TCC to conduct the testing under government oversight to determine what levels of benzene are coming from the facility to determine if TCC is a major source of hazardous air pollutants under the federal Clean Air Act. The testing showed that TCC does meet this definition and that the majority of benzene being emitted from the facility is coming from the process area and not the smoke stacks. These emissions, called “fugitive,” are likely to be coming from leaks in the process area. EPA and New York State will work closely to determine what actions need to be taken to reduce the benzene coming from these areas. The readings were taken on-site at the facility and represent a snapshot of the process on the days they were taken. Exposure to benzene and other hazardous air pollutants can significantly harm human health, and excessive exposure to benzene is a known cause of cancer. (October 1, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
Class action suit filed on coke plant » Today's Top Stories » Tonawanda News A Buffalo law firm on Monday filed a class action lawsuit against Tonawanda Coke Corp., claiming the company is responsible for health issues and a reduced quality of life for thousands of people who live near the Town of Tonawanda facility. (September 28, 2010) Homepage » Tonawanda News [more on Air Quality in our area]
Air quality alert in effect statewide - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow MPNnow.com — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality alert, which is in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1 (September 1, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Air Quality in our area]
Air quality alert in effect for Monroe, Wayne Counties - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow MPNnow.com — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has put an air quality alert in effect for Monroe County, Wayne County and nearby parts of the state. The alert will be in effect until 11 p.m. tonight. According to the DEC, outdoor air is predicted to have high amounts to ozone, which can be hazarous to health. (August 31, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Air Quality in our area]
Adirondack Council Urges EPA to quickly finalize new “Transport Rule” to address acid rain PHILADELPHIA, PA - The Adirondack Council today called on the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finalize as quickly as possible its proposed “Transport Rule” to curb the acid rain and high-elevation smog that afflicts the largest park in the contiguous United States – Upstate New York’s 9,300-square-mile Adirondack Park. The Adirondack Council has been a national leader in the fight against acid rain since the mid-1970s. The newly proposed Clean Air Transport Rule would sharply reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) from power plants, from the District of Columbia and all 31 states east of the Rocky Mountains. The cuts are due to occur between next spring, when the rule is expected to become final, and 2014, when the cuts would be complete. (August 27, 2010) New York State News on the Net! [more on Air Quality in our area]
08/24/2010: EPA To Hold Public Hearing on the Proposed Rule to Reduce Interstate Transport of Ozone and Fine Particle Pollution WASHINGTON (August 24, 2010) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold one of its three public hearings on its proposed “transport rule” this week in Philadelphia. The proposed rule would cut power plant pollution that drifts across the borders of 31 eastern states and the District of Columbia. The proposed rule, along with local and state air pollution controls, is designed to help areas in the eastern United States meet national air quality health standards. (August 24, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
08/12/2010: EPA Proposes Rules on Clean Air Act Permitting for Greenhouse Gas Emissions WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing two rules to ensure that businesses planning to build new, large facilities or make major expansions to existing ones will be able to obtain Clean Air Act permits that address their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the spring of 2010, EPA finalized the GHG Tailoring Rule, which specifies that beginning in 2011, projects that will increase GHG emissions substantially will require an air permit. Today’s rules will help ensure that these sources will be able to get those permits regardless of where they are located. (August 12, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO ANNOUNCES INTENT TO SUE MAJOR PENNSYLVANIA POWER PLANT THAT POLLUTES NEW YORK WITH ITS EMISSIONS Homer City Plant Is One of the Largest Out-of-State Sources of Sulfur Dioxide Pollution to New York NEW YORK, NY (July 20, 2010) - Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that his office has notified a major Pennsylvania electric power plant of his intent to sue over multiple violations of the federal Clean Air Act (CAA) at the facility. The plant, Homer City Station, is one of the largest out-of-state contributors of sulfur dioxide (SO2) pollution to New York. (July 21, 2010) Official website of THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ANDREW M. CUOMO [more on Air Quality in our area]
Governor Signs Legislation Requiring Oil Industry to Provide Cleaner Heating Fuels Governor David A. Paterson today signed legislation that will require the oil industry to reduce the amount of sulfur in the fuel oil used to heat New York homes and businesses. The cleaner fuel will lead to lower levels of dangerous fine particle pollution that makes people sick and shortens lives. The new measure will begin with the 2012-2013 heating season and continue thereafter. "Reducing the levels of sulfur in heating fuel oil will improve the health of New Yorkers and our environment, and will help consumers cut their energy bills through reduced fuel use and lower maintenance costs," Governor Paterson said. "The energy, health and environmental benefits of this legislation are indisputable. It is critical, however, that Legislators work to pass a chapter amendment this year that would ensure that tax exempt status of heating fuel oil is maintained. While the law does not take full effect until 2012, I will do everything in my power to ensure that homeowners are protected as quickly as possible, securing a shared win for the environment, homeowners and the health of all New Yorkers." July 20, 2010) http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/index.html [more on Air Quality in our area]
Springtime Ban on Brush Burning Results in 33% Fewer Wildfires in 2010 - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation The number of wildfires during New York's traditional high-fire period declined 33 percent in 2010, following the enactment of new restrictions on open burning, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. DEC forest rangers responded to 34 wildfires from March 15 to May 15 in 2010 compared to 51 during the same period in 2009. "The statewide ban on brush burning during the high-fire period has had an impact already," Commissioner Grannis said. (July 14, 2010) [more on Air Quality in our area]
Going Green: Air temperature patterns - YNN, Your News Now A study of city air temperature patterns is underway to learn how trees and tree cover can influence temperature fluctuations, and temperature has a big impact on energy use for heating and cooling urban buildings. “We're basing our methods on a study that we did recently in Baltimore. We have also collaborated on a similar study in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Sensors were placed around the city to make the measurements and then predict the effect of the tree cover on temperature in that city as well,” said Gordon Heisler, Meteorologist, U.S. Forest Service. (July 11, 2010) TOP STORIES - Rochester - YNN, Your News Now [more on Air Quality in our area]
07/06/2010: EPA Proposal Cuts Pollution from Power Plants in 31 States and D.C. / Rule would reduce smog- and soot-forming emissions contributing to unhealthy air WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing regulations to cut air pollution that impairs air quality and harms the health of people living downwind. The regulation will target power plant pollution that drifts across the borders of 31 eastern states and the District of Columbia. Air pollution is linked to thousands of asthma cases and heart attacks, and almost 2 million lost school or work days. Along with local and state air pollution controls, the new proposal, called the transport rule, is designed to help areas in the eastern United States meet existing national air quality health standards. (July 6, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
Heat wave hits Rochester today; air quality alert issued | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The National Weather Service has issued an air quality alert for Monday for much of western New York, including Monroe, Wayne, Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties. The alert, in effect from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, indicates high levels of ozone, which can make breathing difficult for people with chronic lung conditions such as asthma or heart disease. (July 4, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Air Quality in our area]
Air quality health advisory issued for Ontario County - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. — An Ozone advisory has been issued for Sunday, July 4 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. for Ontario, Wayne, Livingston, Monroe, Yates and Stueben counties, as well as a number of other counties statewide. People, especially young children, those who exercise outdoors, those involved in vigorous outdoor work and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma) should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce your exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing should consider consulting their doctor. (July 3, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Air Quality in our area]
DEC seeks public input on air toxics - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Finger Lakes, N.Y. — The state Department of Environmental Conservation will hold an informational meeting June 7, from 1 p.m to 3 p.m., at the DEC Region 8 office, 6274 Routes 5 and 20 in Avon, Livingston County, to discuss potential revisions to the state’s Air Toxics Program. (June 2, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Air Quality in our area]
05/05/2010: Air Quality Awareness Week Focuses on Reducing Exposure to Ozone, Particle Pollution / Keep your eye on the AQI WASHINGTON – EPA, state and local air agencies across the country are marking Air Quality Awareness Week by reminding Americans to stay “Air Aware” to reduce their exposure – and their contribution – to air pollution. By following recommendations of the Air Quality Index (AQI), people can take simple steps to reduce the amount of pollution they breathe in. The AQI is EPA’s color-coded tool for reporting daily air quality and forecasts for common air pollutants, including ozone (smog) and particle pollution. (May 5, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
Monroe County flunks in air quality again | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The air quality in Monroe County has flunked for the second year in a row because of high levels of ground ozone, but there were two positive trends. The number of bad-ozone smoggy days improved slightly and Monroe County earned a "B" for short-term particle pollution, or soot, up from a "C," according to the annual State of the Air report released Wednesday. (April 20, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Air Quality in our area]
Commissioner Grannis Releases New Proposal to Cut Pollution - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation DEC Rules Would Affect Outdoor Wood Boilers New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced the release of a proposed new state regulation to dramatically cut pollution from outdoor wood boilers (OWBs). The proposal will reduce the significant air quality impacts from the boilers, and address what has become a public nuisance for many New Yorkers. (April 23, 2010 )Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Air Quality in our area]
04/15/2010: EPA Finalizes the 2008 National U.S. Greenhouse Gas Inventory WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the15th annual U.S. greenhouse gas inventory report, which shows a drop in overall emissions of 2.9 percent from 2007 to 2008. The downward trend is attributed to a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions associated with fuel and electricity consumption. (April 15, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
New Vehicle Standards Historic Step in Regulating Greenhouse Emissions, But U.S. Still Lags Behind WASHINGTON- On Thursday the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency finalized national regulations of greenhouse gas emissions from cars, light-duty trucks, and SUVs. The standards, an important and historic step, are a significant improvement on the status quo yet still leave the United States far behind other countries in fuel economy. (April 2, 2010) Environmental News Network -- Know Your Environment [more on Air Quality in our area]
Meet the Toxic 100 Corporate Air Polluters Amherst, MA - Researchers at the Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst today released the Toxic 100 Air Polluters, an updated list of the top corporate air polluters in the United States. "The Toxic 100 Air Polluters informs consumers and shareholders which large corporations release the most toxic pollutants into our air," said Professor James Boyce, co-director of PERI's Corporate Toxics Information Project. (March 31, 2010) http://www.truthout.org/ [more on Air Quality in our area]
Cost of emissions compliance taxing DIESEL TRUCKS: Many private companies, municipalities can't afford upgrades Taxpayers will pay upfront for the installation of soon-to-be-required advanced emissions systems for state diesel-fueled trucks and some municipal trucks. But contractors warn that state jobs also will cost taxpayers more down the road owing to a lack of competition as companies that can't afford the upgrades simply won't bid on state jobs. (March 25, 2010) http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/ [more on Air Quality in our area]
02/17/2010: One Year Later, EPA-Funded Recovery Act Projects Yielding Cleaner Air, Water and Land Across New York State; EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Visits Renewable Energy Installations in Syracuse (New York, N.Y.) One year ago today, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and over the last year, projects funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have yielded cleaner air, water and land, and new jobs across the country. Nowhere is this better exemplified than in New York State, where EPA’s Recovery Act funding has spurred cleanups of toxic waste sites and leaking petroleum storage tanks, cleaner water, and projects to reduce air pollution from diesel engines. EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Peter S. Silva today visited one such project, a drinking water system in Syracuse that will soon be partially powered by wind and hydroelectric energy thanks to Recovery Act funding. (February 17, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
02/12/2010: As Anniversary of Recovery Act Nears, EPA-Funded Projects Yielding Cleaner Air, Water and Land Across New York State; EPA Regional Administrator, DEC Commissioner Visit Cleanup Project in Albany (New York, N.Y.) As the one-year anniversary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act nears, projects funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are yielding cleaner air, water and land, and new green jobs across the country. Nowhere is this better exemplified than in New York State, where EPA’s Recovery Act funding has spurred cleanups of toxic waste sites and leaking petroleum storage tanks, cleaner water, and projects to reduce air pollution from diesel engines. EPA Regional Administrator Judith Enck and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today visited one such project, the cleanup of an abandoned gas station and repair shop in Albany, N.Y. The greatest potential hazard from a leaking underground storage tank is that the petroleum or other hazardous substances seep into the soil and contaminate ground water, the source of drinking water for nearly one-third of all Americans. (February 12, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
01/28/2010: EPA Orders Tonawanda Coke Corp. to Clean Up Its Act; Company Ordered to Comply with Clean Air Act, Fix Wastewater Leaks, Stop Dumping Coal Tar Sludge; Comply with NY Air Plan (New York, N.Y.) You must follow environmental law. That’s the clear message that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) have sent to the Tonawanda Coke Corporation (TCC) over the past two months in a series of enforcement actions that order the company to maintain and operate its coke manufacturing facility in a manner that no longer violates federal and state environmental laws. In an effort to keep the Tonawanda community fully informed, EPA is sharing information about its ongoing multi-faceted investigation of this facility. The company violated the Clean Air Act by polluting the air with uncontrolled releases of ammonia and benzene, failing to conduct required annual maintenance inspections of emission controls and proper maintenance and operations, and failing to complete multiple required reports. Exposure to ammonia, benzene and other hazardous pollutants can significantly harm human health, and excessive exposure to benzene is a known cause of cancer. (January 28, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area}
Report links air pollution, drinking water | A new report urges the provincial government to look to the sky when assessing pollutants to drinking water. Essex Region Source Protection Area ranked eighth out of 18 regions throughout the Great Lakes Basin for the release of toxins and contaminants in the air. (January 11, 2010) Windsor Star - Breaking news Ontario, business, sports, entertainment and more [more on Air Quality | Water Quality in our area}
London air pollution worst in Ontario | London | News | London Free Press More toxic chemicals are pumped into the skies over the London region than anywhere else in Ontario, a just-released report by environmental groups warns. At more than eight million kilograms of toxins a year, not counting what blows in from the industrial U.S. midwest, the air discharge is 40% higher than the pollutants released above Canada's largest metropolis, the Toronto area, which ranks second in Ontario. (January 8, 2010) London Free Press [more on Air Quality in our area]
Rural areas would have meet tougher EPA smog limits | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle WASHINGTON — Hundreds of communities far from congested highways and belching smokestacks could soon join America's big cities and industrial corridors in violation of stricter limits on lung-damaging smog proposed Thursday by the Obama administration. (January 8, 2010} democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Air Quality in our area]

2009

ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH ONE OF THE LARGEST US ENERGY COMPANIES TO MAKE MAJOR CUTS IN AIR POLLUTION Duke Energy to Eliminate Over 85% of Annual Sulfur Dioxide Emissions -- Almost 35,000 Tons -- at Indiana Power Plant Company Will Pay $400,000 to New York for Projects to Fight Air Pollution and Promote Energy Conservation NEW YORK, NY (December 22, 2009) - Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York and a coalition of states, joining the U.S. Department of Justice and environmental groups, have reached a settlement with Duke Energy, one of the country’s largest power producers, requiring the company to make dramatic reductions in its air pollution emissions and pay for environmental projects in New York. (December 22, 09)HOME - OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ANDREW M. CUOMO [more on Air Quality in our area]
12/11/2009: Power Plants Continue to Decrease SO2 Emissions under EPA Cap and Trade Program WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that power plants across the country decreased emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), a precursor to acid rain, to 7.6 million tons in 2008. Emissions from sources in the Acid Rain Program fell by 52 percent compared with 1990 levels and are already below the statutory annual emission cap of 8.95 million tons set for compliance in 2010. (December 11, 09) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
North Country Gazette » EPA: Finch Paper Doubled Amount Of Pollutants NEW YORK—Finch Paper LLC in Glens Falls had the largest increase in on site release of toxic air pollutants into the environment in New York State during 2008, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, nearly doubling the release of toxic chemicals from 2007 to 2008. According to the EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Finch Pruyn released 2.076 million pounds of toxic air pollutants in 2008, up from 1.074 million pounds released in 2007 for an increase of 93.28%. Finch is third in the state in the release of toxic air pollutants, behind the St. Lawrence Zinc Co. in Governeur with 4.061 million pounds, a decrease of 6.58%, and Eastman Kodak Co. of Rochester with 2.186 million pounds, a 7.52% decrease, according to the EPA in its report released last week. (December 11, 09) North Country Gazette [More on Air Quality in our area]
Don't burn those leaves | Richmond, N.Y. — In recent weeks, the Richmond Fire Department has responded to about 20 fires. No, there isn’t an arsonist on the loose. The uptick in fire calls is a direct result of new regulations on open burning in New York. {November 23, 09) [more on Air Quality in our area]
10/29/2009: EPA Posts New Schools Air Toxics Monitoring Initiative Data (New York, N.Y.) The first results from ongoing air toxics monitoring at two New Jersey schools and one New York school are now available on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Web site. A total of four schools in EPA’s Region 2 were selected as part of the agency's national Schools Air Toxics Initiative. The initiative, which is monitoring 63 schools in 22 states, will help EPA and the states learn if long-term exposure to toxics in the outdoor air poses health concerns for school children and staff. (October 29, 09) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
New Regulation on Open Burning Takes Effect Oct. 14 - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Taking a step to reduce harmful air pollutants and help prevent wildfires, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has extended restrictions on the open burning of residential waste effective Oct. 14. The open burning of residential waste will be prohibited in all communities statewide, regardless of population, with exceptions for burning tree limbs and branches at limited times and other certain circumstances (detailed below). Previously, the ban applied only in towns with populations of 20,000 or more. The New York State Environmental Board approved this state regulation on Sept. 1. (October 5, 09) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Air Quality in our area]
City can sue 'smog' plants A federal appeals court has ruled that New York City and eight states can sue utilities to force them to cut carbon-dioxide emissions at their power plants. (September 23, 09) New York News | Gossip | Sports | Entertainment | Photos - New York Post [more on Air Quality in our area]
Air quality alert issued for tomorrow for Monroe County | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The state Dept. of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality alert for Monroe, Wayne, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming and other western New York counties, from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. tomorrow. (August 13, 09) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
In Recession, Aging Cars Pollute Region's Air, Study Finds - washingtonpost.com The recession is contributing to higher levels of air pollution in the Washington area as new car sales plummet and older, dirtier vehicles remain on the road longer, according to a recent study by regional planners. (July 4, 09) washingtonpost.com - nation, world, technology and Washington area news and headlines
The Associated Press: Air has elevated cancer risk in 600 neighborhoods WASHINGTON (AP) — People living in nearly 600 neighborhoods across the country are breathing concentrations of toxic air pollutants that put them at a much greater risk of contracting cancer, according to new data from the Environmental Protection Agency. (June 24, 09) The Associated Press | The essential global news network
Monroe County gets 'F' for air pollution levels | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Ozone air pollution in Monroe County reached potentially harmful levels on 19 days in three years, earning the county a failing grade on the annual State of the Air report from the American Lung Association. (April 30, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
WXXI: Monroe County Air Quality Receives Failing Grade (2009-04-29) Monroe County gets an "F" when it comes to air quality. That's according to the American Lung Association, which has released its annual "State of the Air Report." (April 30, 09) WXXI NewsRoom
Study: Most Americans live in high pollution areas - NewsFlash - mlive.com (AP) — LOS ANGELES (AP) ? Sixty percent of Americans live in areas with unhealthy air pollution levels, despite a growing green movement and more stringent laws aimed at improving air quality, according to a new study on air pollution. The study to be released Wednesday by the American Lung Association ranks cities and counties as the most and least polluted. (April 29, 09) Michigan Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - MLive.com
MOULE: Truck stops - News Blog - Rochester City Newspaper It's Earth Day: when a broad spectrum of people and groups embrace all things green. But one of the big criticisms of this kind of thing is that, come tomorrow, most people will go back to their normal lives and enviro-action again takes a back seat. So against this backdrop, it's a smart move for the state DEC to forgo the feel-good tree plantings or whatever and hold a press conference on a decidedly un-sexy topic: ongoing enforcement of diesel truck emissions standards. (April 22, 09) Rochester City Newspaper
DEC's Earth Day Crackdown Targets Dirty Diesels from Buffalo to Plattsburgh to Long Island - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation To mark Earth Day, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today took statewide a clean air initiative, cracking down on smoke-spewing diesel trucks in pullover operations across New York. (April 22, 09) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Truck Pollution Crackdown A lot of people have the environment on their minds because it's earth day. DEC Police were out in full force across the state pulling over diesel trucks. They're inspecting the trucks to make sure they're not polluting the area. (April 23, 09) RochesterHomePage
Feds: Toxic burn penalty -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY Norlite plant in Cohoes handles 19 million pounds of hazardous waste, up 450 percent from earlier reports; company pays $60,000 fine (April 20, 09) Albany NY News - Times Union - Serving Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy
WXXI: Statewide Toxic Chemical Emissions Decline (2009-03-26) A report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says fewer toxic chemicals were released into New York's air and water -- partly because of reductions at Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester. The EPA's annual Toxic Release Inventory or TRI covers 2007. It's the most recent information available on the amount of chemicals released into the environment by factories, power plants and other licensed facilities. (March 26, 09) WXXI NewsRoom
03/19/2009: Toxics Release Inventory Shows Progress in New York Release date: 03/19/2009 Contact Information: Elias Rodriguez (212) 637-3664, rodriguez.elias@epa.gov (New York, N.Y.) What if you wanted to know how many pounds of toxic air pollutants were being generated by your local power plant? Or how many pounds of toxic chemicals were being released by a factory near your child’s school? The latest Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) report issued today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can help answer these questions. It finds a decrease in releases to the air and water in New York. EPA’s database provides the most recent information available about the amount of toxic chemicals released into the environment of New York by permitted industrial and other facilities. Since 1988, TRI data has been released to the public annually to help people learn more about the chemicals present in their local environment and gauge environmental trends over time. U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases
03/10/2009: EPA Proposes First National Reporting on Greenhouse Gas Emissions EPA Proposes First National Reporting on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Release date: 03/10/2009 Contact Information: Cathy Milbourn, 202-564-4355 / milbourn.cathy@epa.gov (Washington, D.C. – March 10, 2009) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today proposed the first comprehensive national system for reporting emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases produced by major sources in the United States. “Our efforts to confront climate change must be guided by the best possible information,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Through this new reporting, we will have comprehensive and accurate data about the production of greenhouse gases. This is a critical step toward helping us better protect our health and environment – all without placing an onerous burden on our nation’s small businesses.” - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

2008

USA Today Labels Local Schools ‘Toxic’ - 13WHAM.com National newspaper USA Today analyzed EPA data to examine the impact of industrial pollution on air quality outside schools and has labeled several Rochester-area schools as "toxic." (Dec 10, 08) http://www.13wham.com/
Report: Air imperils Rochester schoolchildren | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The eight New York state schools where outdoor air contains the highest levels of toxic chemicals are all in Rochester, clustered in the industrialized area not far from the former Kodak Park. (Dec 9, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
New regulations will clean up state owned and operated diesel engines - ALBANY - A coalition of environmental, public health and business groups testified this week in support of regulations drafted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation which implement aspects of the New York State. (Nov 29-30) New York State News on the Net!
IN ONE OF NEW YORK'S ASTHMA HOT SPOTS, THE BRONX: GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES ENFORCEMENT INITIATIVE TO CURB HEALTH IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH HEAVY TRUCK EMISSIONS | Announces Reimbursement for Qualified Health Care Providers Offering Asthma Self-Management Education to Patients | Governor David A. Paterson today announced plans to step up New York’s long-term enforcement plan to reduce the adverse health impacts associated with smoke-spewing and idling diesel trucks and buses. He made the announcement in the Bronx – home of the highest asthma rate in the State. Additionally, Governor Paterson announced that beginning January 1, 2009, New York’s Medicaid program will reimburse qualified health care providers for providing asthma self-management education to patients, which has been shown to reduce complications and avoidable hospital admissions for asthma patients. (Nov 26, 08) New York State Department of Health
Aggressive Enforcement Strategy Targeting Truck/Bus Pollution in Urban Neighborhoods Goes Statewide - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation DEC Effort Targets High Asthma, High Traffic Areas Expanding a clean air initiative statewide, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced the launch of a long-term enforcement strategy to cut down on the health impacts associated with smoke-spewing diesel trucks and buses, especially in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by pollution. -- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
EPA sets rules for lawn, boat engines Most non-road motors will be required to add catalytic converters to significantly reduce emissions. David Shepardson / Detroit News Washington Bureau WASHINGTON -- The Environmental Protection Agency unveiled sweeping regulations limiting emissions from small engines in lawn mowers and boats Thursday -- requiring that most small engines have catalytic converters. The new regulation applies to lawn mowers with a 25-horsepower engine or smaller and will reduce smog-forming emissions by 35 percent. Recreational boats will see a 70 percent reduction in evaporated fuel and NOx emissions. (Sept 5, 08) Detroit News Online | Detnews.com | Saturday, September 6, 2008 | News, sports, features, blogs, photos and forums from Detroit and across Michigan
Legislature opposes rule change to ban open burning LITTLE VALLEY — The Cattaraugus County Legislature voted, 18-2, Wednesday to oppose the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s proposed rule change to ban open burning across the state. Buffalo News
Rochester Area Under Air Quality Advisory - ROCHESTER, NY (2008-07-18) An Air Quality Health Advisory has been issued for Western New York Friday. The advisory comes from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the State Health Department. WXXI Public Broadcasting Council
NYSDOT highlights summer air quality initiative upstate - ALBANY - New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Astrid Glynn has highlighted a summer clean air initiative upstate, an educational program that notifies travelers and residents when air quality is poor so that they can make small changes in their everyday transportation choices to reduce vehicle miles travelled and improve air quality. (July 14, 08) New York State News on the Net!
NY utility settlement will retrofit school buses - Forbes.com ALBANY, N.Y. - Money from a state settlement with a western New York utility will be used to retrofit school buses to reduce air pollution. (June 19, 08) Business News and Financial News at Forbes.com
Air Quality Alert Issued for Friday - The State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality advisory for Friday. (June 6, 08) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
Attorney general sues EPA for adopting ‘lax’ air pollutions standards - ALBANY - Attorney General Andrew Cuomo Wednesday announced that he is leading a coalition of 14 states, New York City, and Washington D.C. in suing the federal Environmental Protection Agency “for failing to protect the public and the environment.” The EPA and the Bush Administration have watered-down standards intended to regulate the amount of ground-level ozone air pollution allowed in the atmosphere, in violation of the Clean Air Act, the attorney general’s office said. (May 29, 08) New York State News on the Net!
Rochester Ranks 14th for Small Carbon Footprint - 13WHAM.com (Rochester, N.Y.) -- A new report released by the Brookings Institution on Thursday says Rochester residents have a smaller "carbon footprint" than many cities around the country. (May 29, 08) - 13WHAM.com
Rochester ranks 14th best in national study of cities' carbon emissions | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Rochester-area residents have a smaller "carbon footprint" than residents of most other large American cities, a new study has found, though much room remains for reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions locally. In a study being released today by the Brookings Institution, the five-county Rochester area — Monroe, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans and Wayne counties — ranked 14th-best among the nation's 100 largest metro areas in per capita emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to global warming. (May 29, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Monroe County, with Kodak, tops list of industry releases ROCHESTER, N.Y. - The Environmental Protection Agency says Monroe County remains New York's top producer of toxic releases to the air, water and land by industry. That's mainly because the county is home to the state's biggest single industrial plant, at Kodak park in Rochester. (Feb 27, 08) Long Island and New York City news from Newsday.com - A Long Island Newspaper -- Newsday.com
Gorham poised to adopt outdoor furnace law - Rochester, NY - MPNnow The Town Board is ready to pass a law that would permit outdoor wood-burning furnaces as long as they are outside the hamlet, away from the lakefront and in compliance with other conditions. “We’re not banning them,” said Zoning Officer Gordy Freida. “They will be allowed in the agricultural district and the rural residential district.” (Feb 02, 08) - Rochester, NY - MPNnow

2007

Regulators Hope to Cut Emissions - Federal regulators approved a Northeast regional plan to cut smokestack mercury emissions. New York and six New England states are collaborating on the plan. They've already cut their mercury emissions and discharges by more than 70 percent in the past 10 years. (Jan 18, 07) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
Anti-asthma bills signed into law - Albany -- With over three million children across New York heading back to school, Governor Eliot Spitzer has signed into law two significant pieces of legislation to help combat New York’s nation topping asthma rates. The legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Peter Rivera and Senators Andrew Lanza and Martin Golden will help combat rising levels of pediatric asthma by preventing the idling of school vehicles on school grounds and by requiring schools with nurses to maintain an asthma nebulizer on site for chronic asthmatic children. (August 07, 07) New York State News on the Net!
DEC Using More Stringent Measurement for Air Quality Forecasts - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation New York State will be incorporating a new, more stringent air quality measurement in forecasting air quality health advisories. The revision incorporates a reduction enacted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in fine particulate matter exposure to protect public health and the environment. In December 2006, the EPA revised the 24-hour national ambient air quality standard for PM 2.5. The standard was made more stringent by reducing PM 2.5 to 35 micrograms per cubic meter in response to the latest research indicating that the previous standard of 65 micrograms per cubic meter did not adequately protect public health. While the EPA has not yet revised the AQI to reflect the lower standard, DEC determined that the new standard should be used when forecasting PM 2.5 levels to better protect public health. --from NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
State: Ozone issues likely today - Air quality advisory in effect for area — State officials have issued an air quality health advisory for the western and central New York and eastern Lake Ontario regions through 10 p.m. today because of ozone levels. The advisory means that people, especially young children, who exercise or do vigorous work outdoors and those with respiratory diseases should consider limiting outdoor activity in the afternoon and early evening, when ozone levels are highest. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing should consider consulting their doctor. (September 7, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Greece equips buses to reduce emissions - State, federal aid funds system for entire fleet — When students in the Greece Central School District climb aboard their buses next week on the first day of school, they'll be able to breathe a little easier. Using federal and state agency grant money, the school district retrofitted its entire 162-bus fleet with emissions systems that reduce particulates and soot in engine exhaust by 60 percent to 90 percent. (August 31, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
MPNnow.com: State issues ozone warning High temperatures contribute to ozone, and today could be the hottest June 26 since 1952. State officials have issued a statewide air quality advisory for Tuesday, warning of high levels of the pollutant ozone. The advisory from the health and conservation departments will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. It’s issued when meteorologists predict pollution levels exceeding 100 on the Air Quality Index. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emissions are the primary causes of ground-level ozone, a major component of smog, and they constitute the most serious air pollution problems in the Northeast, the state Department of Environmental Conservation said. (June 26, 07) Messenger Post Newspapers
DEC to use more stringent measurement for air quality standards - Albany -- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis and Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Richard Daines, Friday announced that New York would be incorporating a new, more stringent air quality measurement in forecasting air quality health advisories. The revision incorporates a reduction enacted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in fine particulate matter exposure to protect public health and the environment. (June 09/07) New York State News on the Net!
Suburban Spotlight: Scrub put to diesel fumes - Retrofitted school buses in Greece, Fairport and Livonia will run cleaner - Unpleasant and unhealthful diesel fumes from school buses will be a thing of the past soon in the Greece Central School District and two other local districts. The district is retrofitting its bus fleet with equipment that will significantly lower diesel emissions. The equipment, called diesel oxidation catalysts (DOC) and closed crankcase filtration (CCF) systems, also is being installed in the Fairport School District, the Livonia School District in Livingston County and another downstate district. (February 4, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle

2006

MPNnow.com: Manchester bans outdoor furnaces - During the next six months, town officials will write rules meant to head off problems with smoldering chimneys. MANCHESTER — The Town Board has adopted a six-month moratorium on outdoor wood-burning furnaces to give officials time to write regulations for them. (December 20, 2006) Messenger Post Newspapers
RIT aids in emissions study - U.S. initiative gives $2 million to fund a 5-year research project— HENRIETTA — Every gallon of gas you pump into your car comes out the tailpipe as, among other things, roughly 20 pounds of carbon dioxide. Now scientists and policy makers around the globe are seeking ways to cut gas emissions that are considered a major factor in rising temperatures worldwide. To help take the guesswork out of the impact of policy changes on automakers, consumers and the environment, a federal initiative — the National Science Foundation's Materials Use: Science, Engineering and Society program — has given $2 million to researchers from Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Michigan to develop a computer model that will map out the impact of different scenarios. (September 24, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
Heat causes unhealthy ozone levels — As the temperature topped 90 degrees during Memorial Day festivities Monday, Rochester marked another annual milestone — the first day of unhealthy ozone levels. The Buffalo-Rochester region's air quality is the worst in the state, according to Peter Iwanowicz, vice president of the New York chapter of the American Lung Association. - (May 31, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
Kodak unveils its data on global pollutants — Many governmental leaders have advocated against restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions, calling international treaties like the Kyoto Protocol a drain on the economy. But some American corporations are quietly taking action. Tuesday, Eastman Kodak Co. released its global greenhouse gas emissions to public scrutiny. Three years of Kodak data for all six of the greenhouse gases regulated by the Kyoto Protocol — carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen oxides, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride — were posted online by the California Climate Action Registry. - (April 5, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
Advocates give our ozone level an 'F' — Monroe County received a failing grade for its continued problems with ozone pollution in the annual State of the Air report released today by the American Lung Association. "The worst ozone problem in the state is in western New York," said Peter Iwanowicz, director of environmental health for the association's New York chapter. While industrial pollution, on the whole, has declined in recent years, ozone problems linger. The chemical components of ozone — volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides — are produced by fuel combustion, so as the number of vehicles on local highways has increased, more ozone is created, canceling out other gains. (April 27, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle

2005

Data say Monroe has state's unhealthiest air - Areas near Kodak Park rate high for risk — When school lets out in western Irondequoit, crossing guards walk children along the tree-lined streets to their snug brick houses. With Christmas lights twinkling at dusk, it looks like the perfect place to raise a family. But an analysis of federal air pollution data finds these streets harbor some of the state's unhealthiest air. What's at stake - Your health. Microscopic air pollution can cause respiratory and cardiac problems, while some toxic pollutants cause cancer. A new analysis of federal data indicates that the risk of developing these illnesses is 47 times higher in Monroe County than in the nation as a whole. Democrat and Chronicle: World and Nation (searchable database) (December 14, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
Vehicle emissions rule approved - N.Y. move against greenhouse gases called likely to change manufacturing — The air above Rochester's skyline could be cooler and clearer in the future, now that New York auto dealers must sell cars and trucks that produce lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions. The state Environmental Board on Wednesday gave unanimous approval to the rule, which requires better control of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and hydrofluorocarbons by model year 2009. What's at stake: Public health. The state Environmental Board gave unanimous approval Wednesday to stricter environmental standards for automobiles sold in New York. The new rule requires better control of emissions by model year 2009. California and Vermont already have such rules; eight other states expect to adopt similar rules by year's end. Together, they account for 30 percent of the U.S. auto market. (November 10, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle

2004

Illness linked to area ZIP codes - SUNY Albany professor's study maps health risks and pollutants.— New York state residents who live near certain hazardous waste sites — including some in the Rochester area — are up to 20 percent more likely to be hospitalized for respiratory diseases than those who don't. That's according to a study by researchers at the State University of New York at Albany, to be published this month in Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology. On the Web For a copy of the study, go to: http://www.albany.edu/news/pdf_files/ETP.pdf (December 9, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Kodak emissions cited in new report - A statewide environmental group issued a report Thursday claiming Kodak Park violated state guidelines for emissions of the solvent methylene chloride for 13 years. Citizen’s Environmental Coalition, along with the Kandid Coalition, a Rochester group, said environmental consultant Wilma Subra analyzed Eastman Kodak Co.’s air-monitoring data in Rochester and found it violated guidelines. -- (November 11, 2004) Rochester Business Journal
Democrat & Chronicle: Air pollution hot topic at seminar — Air pollution is much talked about in Rochester, a city that includes Kodak Park, the largest chemical manufacturing complex in the Northeast. A city that in April flunked new federal standards for ozone, a summertime pollutant linked to emissions from power plants and vehicles. (September 26, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Kodak reports emissions down— Overall pollution at Kodak Park declined 16 percent in 2003, compared with the year before, according to an Eastman Kodak Co. newsletter.Total releases to air and water in 2003 were 3.7 million pounds, or 700,000 pounds less than in 2002. There were no releases to land either year. Kodak's synopsis of its Rochester emissions were published in Update, a company newsletter mailed to 13,500 households and businesses in the vicinity of Kodak Park. (July 20, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Pollution: Nation up, Kodak down — Federal environmental data released today shows a 5 percent increase in industrial pollution to air, land and water. The data is from the year 2002, and is the latest available. Nationally, 24,379 factories, mines and other polluting facilities reported to the so-called Toxic Release Inventory, administered by the Environmental Protection Agency. In the Rochester area, Eastman Kodak noted an 11 percent decline in overall emissions for 2002. The company’s Kodak Park manufacturing site, traditionally the largest industrial polluter in New York, reported on emissions or disposal of 107 chemicals. (June 23, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Report: Area's air impure Environmentalists rank it 43rd worst in quality, links to illness. — Rochester is the 43rd-worst metropolitan area in the nation for air quality, according to a national report released by a nonprofit organization Wednesday. Clear the Air, based in Washington, D.C., released a report, “Dirty Air, Dirty Power,” linking health problems to areas near older, coal-burning power plants. Rochester was 43rd out of 352 metro areas. (June 11, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle Check out Clear The Air - Power Plant Air Pollution Locater from Clear The Air
WXXI: Power Plant Pollution Said to Kill 80 Rochesterians Per Year (2004-06-09) Power Plant Pollution Said to Kill 80 Rochesterians Per Year ROCHESTER (2004-06-09) The New York Public Interest Research Group says pollution from coal burning power plants is causing 12-hundred premature deaths a year across the Empire State. NYPIRG issued a report naming Rochester and Buffalo among the nation's 50 worst cities for health problems caused by air pollution. (June 10, 2004) Public NewsRoom
Democrat & Chronicle: Monroe, Wayne flunk smog test Lung Association report faults 17 N.Y. counties for ozone levels. - (April 29, 2004) — A new report shows that Monroe and Wayne counties both flunk a national group’s test for air quality. According to “State of the Air: 2004,” released today by the American Lung Association, the two counties — with 15 others statewide — received an “F” for ozone pollution. (April 29, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
WXXI: Pataki Brings "Clean Bus" Funds to Monroe (2004-04-22) ROCHESTER, NY (2004-04-22) Governor Pataki marked Earth Day in Rochester by announcing that some school buses will be more environmentally friendly. Three local school districts will be participating in the "New York State Clean Air School Bus Program." It's designed to modify existing diesel school buses into cleaner running vehicles. (April 26, 2004) Public NewsRoom
Democrat & Chronicle: Kodak: 7 of 8 emission goals met — Eastman Kodak Co. announced in Rochester today that its five-year global plan to reduce emissions and conserve energy met seven out of eight goals set in 1999. The eighth goal, a pledge to reduce greenhouse gases by 20 percent, fell short by only 3 percent. Kodak’s chief greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide, largely a product of burning coal for energy. (April 13, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
ENN News Story - New York may join growing number of states banning backyard trash burns ALBANY, N.Y. — New York may join a growing number of states that ban the burning of household and farm trash in backyard barrels, as physicians and environmentalists argue the practice releases harmful toxins into the air. This year, the practice was banned in California and New Mexico. Trash burning already is prohibited by several Northeastern states including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Vermont. In an Assembly hearing last week, state health and environmental officials, physicians, and environmentalists said burning garbage in the relatively low temperatures of burn barrels spews toxins into the air. Physicians said that a byproduct of the burns includes dioxin, a possible cancer-causing agent. (March 19, 2004) Environmental News Network - ENN.com
Democrat & Chronicle: Kodak, activists spar over air tests — On a frigid Sunday afternoon recently, a group of citizen activists parked along a road in Seneca Park. Across the Genesee River was Eastman Kodak Co.’s water treatment plant — and the apparent source of a strong, sewer-like smell. The group of six represents a new brand of activist: the “bucket brigade.” Such city-based groups collect unofficial fence-line air samples, in hopes of stirring official action against polluting industries. The name comes from the historical volunteers who banded together to save burning buildings. (March 11, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Soot-belching plant decried Canadians say pollutants travel to Rochester, rest of Northeast.- — A report released Thursday by a coalition of Canadian activists claims that soot and other air pollutants from an Ontario power plant blanket Toronto, Rochester and cities in most of the U.S. Northeast. The result: more smog, acid rain, haze and negative health effects. Based on Canadian federal pollution data, the report points a finger at a government-owned coal-fired energy plant in Nanticoke, Ontario, on Lake Erie, 30 miles south of Hamilton. (February 13, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: States protest action by EPA — Led by New York, six state legal agencies warn that a federal court settlement announced last week may soon curtail the ability of regulators to monitor smokestack pollution. In Rochester, the rule interpreted in court would not immediately affect Eastman Kodak Co., according to officials there. The company oversees the 2,200-acre Kodak Park, the largest chemical manufacturing complex in the Northeast. (January 31, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Clearing the air - DEC should address concerns about air quality around Kodak.-— Eastman Kodak Co. says that its industrial emissions of a suspected cancer-causing chemical are 70 percent below the state’s guidelines. Yet, last year, the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition performed tests that showed levels of acrylonitrile to be 900 times higher than state standards in neighborhoods near Kodak Park. (January 19, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Activists demand Kodak air study# Company spokesman questions accuracy of groups' bucket tests. January 16, 2004) — Western New York activists on Thursday sent a letter to state health, law and environment authorities demanding an investigation of air quality in neighborhoods near Kodak Park. The sprawling Eastman Kodak Co. facility, the largest chemical manufacturing center in the Northeast, covers 2,200 acres in Rochester and Greece. The letter, posted by the statewide Citizens’ Environmental Coalition and the Rochester-based Kandid Coalition, also calls for a chemical hazard notification system for neighbors as well as real-time monitoring of air chemicals 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (January 16, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Kodak fails air tests, activists say — Area environmental activists today will target what they say is bad air at Kodak Park, claiming that two air tests in November showed high levels of a toxic chemical. “It bears investigating,” said Mike Schade of Buffalo, who runs the western New York office of the statewide group Citizens’ Environmental Coalition. (January 15, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Kodak, Xerox vow to cut emissions - Two giants are part of voluntary fed plan to reduce greenhouse gases — Eastman Kodak Co. and Xerox Corp. have joined a voluntary federal program designed to reduce greenhouse gases emitted by private industry. The announcement came Tuesday from the federal Environmental Protection Agency, which oversees the “Climate Leaders” program, a business-government partnership. (January 14, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
City Newspaper: Sooty skies: all ‘downwinders’ beware Love it or hate it, this region has its share of hazy, if not lazy days. Credit the "lake effect" in part. But there's also an atmospheric effect that could be termed "coal comfort." The Great Lakes region has long been dependent on large coal-fired electric-generating plants. And despite the availability of cleaner technologies, some more-or-less local power plants still belch out soot in impressive quantities. City Newspaper

2003

Activists monitor Kodak pollution - ‘Bucket Brigade' raises concern; company disputes tests' validity. — Earlier this year, Rochester activists formed New York’s first citizen team to measure chemicals along industrial fence lines, in hope of highlighting air pollution problems. Last week, the “Kandid Coalition Bucket Brigade” announced the laboratory test results of its first two air samples, taken in June and September. Members said levels of the solvent methylene chloride, Eastman Kodak Co.’s signature air pollutant, were many times higher than the state’s guidance for the chemical in the open air. (November 3, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
Russell Station on 'dirty' list - Environmentalists charged Tuesday that a Greece power plant is among 19 “dirty” energy facilities statewide that are still exempt from pollution rules written 30 years ago into the federal Clean Air Act. Such plants, including Rochester Gas and Electric Corp.’s Russell Station on Lake Road, at that time could sidestep requirements to modernize air pollution control equipment, with the expectation they would do so one day. (October 29, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
Pataki Opposes New EPA Rule On Emissions Equipment Albany, NY (AP) 09/04/03--New York Governor George Pataki said a new EPA rule easing emissions restrictions on aging power plants is inappropriate. Under the rule change, power plants, refineries, paper mills and other factories can make major upgrades without installing extra anti-pollution controls. The rule could mean billions of dollars in savings for operators of the facilities. (September 4, 2003) WOKR-TV 13 || ROCHESTER
Northeast Governors to Create CO2 Emissions Trading System - ALBANY, New York, - New York Governor George Pataki today announced that he has received commitments from the governors of nine northeast states to join New York state in a regional strategy to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants. The initiative would develop an emissions trading system to require power generators to reduce emissions. "I thank the leaders of northeast states who have joined New York in this historic initiative to build on those efforts by working together to develop an effective regional strategy to further reduce harmful emissions," Governor Pataki said. (August 1, 2003) (ENS)
Fuel futures - Just as Honeoye Falls is now a global center for hydrogen fuel-cell R&D (see City Newspaper, June 4-10, 2003), Rochester Institute of Technology is a focal point for similar technologies. One example: RIT professor James Winebrake, the school's chair of public policy, recently published a study for the Electric Power Research Institute on "The Future Impacts of Electric Drive Vehicles." (July 3, 2003) City Newspaper
Democrat & Chronicle: Ozone danger again today An ozone advisory is in effect again for all of New York. The expected levels of ozone –- a lung irritant -– in western New York today could again exceed those in traffic-heavy New York City. Western New York was the area of the state hit hardest Wednesday. Levels of the chemical in Rochester and Buffalo — 0.115 parts per million — exceeded those in New York City. (June 26, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: EPA panel in Albany is told plan would hurt Northeast — COLONIE — The Bush administration wants to reward power plants that have flouted pollution rules by allowing them more leeway, a state environmental lawyer said Monday. “It’s the equivalent of addressing the Enron scandal by easing accounting rules,” said Peter Lehner, chief of the state attorney general’s Environmental Protection Bureau. (April 1, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
Ten States Seek to Put New Dirty Air Rules on Hold Ten states today filed an emergency motion for a stay, seeking a court order to halt the implementation of recently announced changes to the Clean Air Act which the states contend will cause irreparable harm by seriously damaging air quality. As the states argue in the stay motion, the recently promulgated rules by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would exempt numerous factories and power plants from having to reduce their air pollution. Published on December 31, 2002, the new rules are to take effect March 3, 2003. Once the rules are in effect, states may immediately need to begin incorporating the reforms into their own programs and some states will have to immediately change the way they regulate major polluters. The ensuing confusion will increase costs and delays and compromise enforcement efforts. In addition, companies in some states will immediately be able to avoid installation of state-of-the-art pollution controls that would be required but for the new regulatory loopholes. (February 7, 2003) Office of New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer
WXXI: Clearing The Air Around Van Lare (2003-01-14) ROCHESTER, NY (2003-01-14) Monroe County will invest nearly seven million dollars to finish the job of clearing the air around the Van Lare sewage treatment plant in Irondequoit. (January 15, 2003) Public NewsRoom
NINE STATES SUE BUSH ADMINISTRATION FOR GUTTING KEY COMPONENT OF CLEAN AIR ACT Nine states today filed a lawsuit challenging new Bush Administration regulations that gut a key provision of the federal Clean Air Act. The Administration's action represents the first major weakening of the landmark federal environmental law since it was signed into law by President Nixon in 1970. The changes initiated by the Bush Administration would exempt thousands of industrial air pollution sources, including coal-fired power plants, from the New Source Review provision of the Clean Air Act. New Source Review requires power plants and other industrial facilities to add modern air pollution controls to smokestacks when the facilities are upgraded or modified and substantially increase air pollution. (January 1, 2003) Office of New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer

2002

Democrat & Chronicle: Cancer group gives a 'C' for air quality in Monroe County — An American Cancer Society “report card” to be released Friday gives Monroe County a low mark for protecting workers against secondhand smoke. The county -- praised for its one-time role as a leader in making workplaces smoke-free -- earned a “C” for its clean indoor air policies. (December 13, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: 'Bucket brigades' keep an eye on air Amateur volunteers train to keep tabs on area contaminants — Rochester may soon have its own “bucket brigade,” a group of volunteer activists who measure chemicals in fence-line neighborhoods surrounding local industries. Training -- led by a Texas-based activist -- took place in Rochester on Saturday. Bucket brigades use $65 worth of measuring gear -- a pump, a valve and a gas-collecting bag -- crammed into a plastic bucket: hence, the name. Activists admit that the downside of community air monitoring, bucket-brigade style, is money. (December 8, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle
WXXI: "Bucket Brigade" Formed To Monitor Pollution (2002-12-05) weekend a " Bucket Brigade" will be formed with the designed purpose of monitoring pollution levels in Rochester.Mike Schade , with the Citizens Environmental Coalition, says the homemade air sampling devices, known as buckets, are designed to monitor pollution December 5, 2002) Public NewsRoom
Democrat & Chronicle: Group sues NY over jetski clean air laws — ALBANY — A government watchdog group filed a lawsuit Tuesday meant to force the state to adopt clean air regulations for jetskis. The New York Public Interest Research Group charges Erin Crotty, commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation, with failing to adopt regulations for new jetskis sold in New York. A law signed by Gov. George Pataki in 2000 gave Crotty’s department a deadline of Sept. 8, 2001, to put out regulations. (December 4, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle
SPITZER TO SUE BUSH ADMINISTRATION FOR GUTTING CLEAN AIR ACT EPA Plans to Exempt Half of Air Pollution Sources from Key Clean Air Rules Attorney General Eliot Spitzer announced today that he will file a federal lawsuit against the Bush Administration for endangering air quality by gutting a critical component of the federal Clean Air Act. Changes in the Clean Air Act announced today by the Bush Administration would exempt thousands of industrial air pollution sources, including some coal-fired power plants, from the New Source Review provision of the Clean Air Act. New Source Review requires that industrial plants add modern air pollution controls when they are upgraded or modified and substantially increase air pollution. Office of New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer
Democrat & Chronicle: New York vows suit over pollution rules change Bush relaxes rules on clean air — WASHINGTON — The Bush administration Friday finalized a plan to ease clean air regulations to allow polluting power plants to get bigger without having to install expensive anti-pollution equipment. Environmentalists and others say the move threatens public health.November 23, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Fire at Seneca Falls tire plant suspicious say police — SENECA FALLS — A weekend fire that burned thousands of tires at a recycling plant and caused the village to declare a state of emergency has been deemed suspicious, police say. (November 19, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle
'Summer air quality dips to new low in New York state' - timesunion.com Statewide monitors registered most instances of excessive ozone since tracking began, group says The air quality in the state was worse this summer than any other year since the state began tracking it in 1996, according to a report released Thursday by the American Lung Association of New York State. Using data from the state Department of Environmental Conservation, the association found that 35 monitoring stations statewide measured 292 instances when the level of ozone passed the amount considered acceptable for healthy air. The previous high for unhealthy air was 207 days in 1999. (November 11, 2002) Albany NY Times Union: timesunion.com
Kodak Permits Questioned Representatives of several environmental groups argued today Thursday against granting Eastman-Kodak Company a pair of air pollution permits. Speakers told a public hearing held by New York's Department of Environmental Conservation that the permits as written by the D-E-C would violate the federal Clean Air Act. (September 13, 2002) WXXI Public NewsRoom
Kodak applying for federal air quality permit, environmental groups raising questions - Eastman Kodak is applying for a federal air quality permit. The photo giant says the title five permit will take the place of 800 separate state air permits it has now and lead to greater accountability. Some environmental activists fear it will lead to less public oversight and more pollution. (September 13, 2002) MSNBC Local News
Democrat & Chronicle: Smog hovers over summer 'High ozone days' number 252, up from 1999 rate of 207 — Heat waves, little rain, more cars, more SUVs. It all adds up: 2002 will go down as one of New York's smoggiest summers. . (August 25, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle
Ozone Advisory For Area Residents Rochester, NY - While it doesn't look like any heat records will be broken on Thursday, there is an ozone advisory in effect. (August 14, 2002) WOKR13.TV
State Health and Environmental Conservation Departments Alert Remains in Effect — Smoke from Canadian Forest Fires May Exacerbate Certain Medical Conditions ALBANY, July 8, 2002 — State Health and Environmental Conservation officials are cautioning New Yorkers that winds have carried fine particles from forest fires in Canada into New York State. Exposure to this particulate matter may produce or worsen symptoms in individuals with chronic respiratory disease or cardiovascular conditions. The alert is still in effect for New York State. New York State Department of Health Web Site
U.S. to Relax Air Pollution Rules for Utilities WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Bush administration on Thursday said it will relax costly air pollution rules when U.S. utilities are repaired or expanded, triggering a storm of protest from environmental groups and some Democrats. The move by the Environmental Protection Agency came after months of lobbying by U.S. utilities and industry, which have long complained about complex rules on how far they can go to enlarge or upgrade a plant before having to install costly equipment to control smog, acid rain and soot. (June 13, 2002) iWon - News
STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL ELIOT SPITZER ON BUSH ADMINISTRATION PROPOSAL TO GUT THE CLEAN AIR ACT "The Bush Administration today issued a proposal that will dismantle the federal Clean Air Act. Every American should be outraged about what has unfolded in Washington today. The Administration claims that it cares about clean air and says that this gutting of the Clean Air Act will not increase air pollution. This is simply not true." (June 13, 2002) Office of New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer
Wayne County's air quality needs some work, according to a new study. The American Lung Association has given Wayne County and "F" for its high ozone levels brought about by factory and car emissions coupled with heat. (May 3, 2002) The Town Crier News -- http://www.thetowncrier.com
Yahoo! News Full Coverage-Report: Most Americans Breathe Unhealthy Amounts of Polluted Air WASHINGTON (Reuters) - More than half of all Americans breathe polluted air that can damage their health because the government doesn't fully enforce clean air laws, the American Lung Association said on Wednesday. (May 1, 2002) YahooNews.
Buffalo News - Study finds pollutants have risen in WNY Discharges of sulfur dioxide - a major component of acid rain - from coal-fired power plants has increased in New York State, and Erie, Niagara and Chautauqua counties still have serious ozone problems that contribute to asthma, according to a report issued Thursday by clean-air activists. While release of this corrosive pollutant has grown in the past five years, the report said, releases of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide are down. New York State ranked second highest nationally in the increase of sulfur dioxide discharges, lofting 51,600 more tons, an additional 27 percent, into the air in 2000 than in 1995. (April 5, 2002) http://www.buffalo.com
Canada to toughen new-vehicle pollution rules - 4/5/2002 - ENN.com OTTAWA — Canada said Thursday it will toughen pollution emission rules for all new vehicles, ending a loophole that allowed less stringent standards for popular sport utility vehicles and minivans. The new regulations, announced by Environment Minister David Anderson, will bring standards for passenger cars into line with those of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (April 5, 2002) Enn.com
Statement by A.G. Eliot Spitzer Regarding the Federal Government’s Weakening of the Clean Air Act Media reports today indicate that President Bush will soon announce relaxing air pollution regulations at old, dirty, coal-fired power plants. This would be the most serious attack on the Clean Air Act since it was signed into the law by President Nixon and would shatter a 30-year history of bi-partisan cooperation in pursuit of clean air. New York has been especially hard hit by the ravages of air pollution. I sued a number of coal-burning power plants that are violating the Clean Air Act in the Midwest and in New York State. Until President Bush took office, the Environmental Protection Agency was our partner in these lawsuits. Now, the Bush administration is capitulating on this most important enforcement strategy. (March 19, 2002) Office of New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer
STATEMENT BY ATTORNEY GENERAL ELIOT SPITZER REGARDING THE FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE CLEAN AIR ACT REPORT The Justice Department report released today places a bipartisan stamp of approval on clean air lawsuits begun by my office two years ago. Two successive federal administrations have now endorsed suits to compel power plants and other air pollution sources to reduce air pollution. Through this endorsement, the Department of Justice is agreeing with EPA and my office that many coal-fired power plants violated the Clean Air Act when they made major modifications without installing the necessary pollution controls. (Thursday, January 17, 2002) Office of New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer
Pataki seeks 4-year Clean Air Act waiver Administration says effects of Sept. 11 have caused pressing transportation needs; Senate Democrats are cool to idea ALBANY -- Citing the Sept. 11 attack, the Pataki administration has asked Congress to waive federal air quality controls on New York's transportation projects for four years. (Wednesday, January 2, 2002) Albany NY Times Union: timesunion.com

2001

Measuring emissions Clean Air Technologies' portable system measures tailpipe emissions from vehicles as they operate on the road, instead of inside a laboratory It's about the size of a suitcase, hooks up to a vehicle's cigarette lighter, and has attracted interest from customers who want "real world" emissions data. (Friday, December 14, 2001) Buffalo News
Sierra Club Study Shows Investing in Public Transportation Clears the Air Majority of Cities Fail in Their Efforts to Reduce Car and Truck Smog (Tuesday, November 13, 2001) SierraClug.org press room.
Kodak's new air-scrubber ready Unimpressed critics plan teach-in Saturday on the company's 'toxic cloud' - State environmental officials yesterday watched as the final pieces of Kodak Park's refurbished chemical waste incinerator were put into place. (Saturday, October 27, 2001) - -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Ozone a peril in 3 counties State environmental authorities issued an ozone health advisory for parts of western New York this weekend. Affected counties include Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming. (Saturday, September 8, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Study Cites Air Pollution Deaths — As nations debate the future effect on the climate of burning fossil fuels, a study finds no question that air pollution from exhaust pipes and smoke stacks already is killing people worldwide.``It is our best estimate that more people are being killed by air pollution from traffic than from traffic crashes,'' said Devra Lee Davis, first author of the study appearing Friday in the journal Science. (Thursday, August 16, 2001) WASHINGTON (AP)
STATEMENT OF NY STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ELIOT SPITZER ON RELAXING ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL CLEAN AIR ACT Today’s "Washington Post" reports that EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman is expected to recommend relaxing the enforcement of the federal Clean Air Act. This would be a grave mistake that would jeopardize air quality across the nation, particularly in New York State and the entire Northeast. ---NYS Attorney General
Castle helps cut down on air pollutants Officials say emissions dropped up to 94 percent on county-owned cars as a result of the company's technology. Rochester company Castle Hi-Tech Chem has come up with a new technology that could make cars more environment friendly, and it's already been tested on county-owned vehicles. (Wednesday, August 1, 2001) East Rochester Post
How does Rochester's air quality rate? - When you think of smog, cities like Houston, Detroit and New York City top the list but the Rochester area has smog problems too. ( May 23, 2001) 10NBC/WHEC TV-10
EPA APPROVES NY AND NJ PLANS TO REDUCE SMOG-FORMING CHEMICALS New York, New York -- In an effort to make smoggy summer days a thing of the past, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given final approval to New York and New Jersey's plans to reduce nitrogen oxide pollution. Visit the web site at www.epa.gov/ttn/rto/sip/index.html. For a copy of the Federal Register notice announcing EPA's approval of the two states' programs, go to http://www.epa.gov/region02/air. For more information, the press may contact Mary Mears at 212-637-3669.
Students buy pollution rights Hobart and William Smith groups get environmental economics lesson -- A colorless and toxic gas, sulfur dioxide smells vaguely like a match just after it's been struck. And two groups at Hobart and William Smith Colleges own the rights to give off a couple of tons of the stuff. (Thursday, April 12, 2001) --DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Spitzer: Bush Plan Compromises NY Air Washington-New York's efforts to curb pollution from out-of-state power plants would be weakened if the Bush administration agrees to suspend a key provision of the Clean Air Act, state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer charged yesterday. (Friday, April 6, 2001) Newsday.com
School will retest air quality -- Pittsford school officials called yesterday for a second test of indoor air quality at the Park Road School. (January 10, 2001) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Is our Clean Air Act about to be compromised? Supreme Court weighs power of the EPA While Americans went to the polls today, the Supreme Court heard extended argument on the power of the Environmental Protection Agency to set clean air standards.--Enn.com Find out more: Congressional Research Service, Report for Congress, IB10004: Clean Air Act Issues in the 106th Congress.

2000

N.Y. adopts smog law Car emission standards are stricter than U.S. requires -- New York yesterday joined California in adopting stricter smog-fighting emissions standards for cars and light trucks, affecting vehicle models in 2004 and beyond. (November 7, 2000) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Rochester on pollution list Study says coal power plants kill 30,000 in U.S. each year -- Pollution from U.S. coal-fired power plants causes 30,000 avoidable deaths a year, a Boston research group says. (October 18, 2000) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
EPA Issues New Pollution Rule for Diesel Trucks, Buses WASHINGTON, DC, December 21, 2000 (ENS) - In a bold move that drew accolades from environmental groups and objections from the trucking industry, the outgoing Clinton/Gore administration today unveiled a new air pollution control rule. It will force drastic reductions in heavy duty truck and bus emissions over the next decade. Diesel burning trucks and buses are significant contributors to smog producing pollution and soot, both of which pose serious public health threats. The EPA's new rule will drastically reduce emissions from these types of vehicles. (Photo courtesy EPA)

1999

Ozone levels remain unsafe Report finds Rochester had unhealthy smog concentrations seven days over the summer --10/06/99 DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE. Also, read from CNN.com: Smog sends 53,000 to hospital each summer.

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