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RochesterEnvironment.com

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.

And, 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 found a tipping point and became a crisis. Students, scientists, historians, and citizens alike should benefit from being able to follow the thread of an issue back through time.

2009

• 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]
• 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.