Spitzer Urges Greater Attention To Acid Rain And Air Pollution

Attorney General Spitzer today joined The Adirondack Council to sound an alarm on the growing acid rain threat in New York State. He also specifically expressed concerns about a federal court decision undermining stronger air pollution standards.

Spitzer called for comprehensive federal and congressional action to combat air pollution and the acid rain threat. In a 2-1 ruling on May 14, a federal court in Washington, D.C. threw out two critical Environmental Protection Agency regulations controlling particulate pollution and ground-level ozone.

"The federal regulations that the court threw out would have provided the public with increased protection from ozone and particulates, the kind of airborne pollution that contributes heavily to respiratory problems, such as asthma, and also causes enormous damage to our natural resources," said Spitzer. "I call on the EPA to appeal this court decision and I will vigorously support that effort."

In addition to urging EPA to appeal, Spitzer called on Congress to adopt strong legislation requiring stricter controls on utility emmissions, particularly from fossil fuel power plants. U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan has introduced legislation that would make great strides in this area.

Spitzer said that in light of the recent federal court ruling, it is now even more imperative to strongly enforce existing air pollution laws. "I will work to ensure that facilities producing air pollution both in and outside New York State are abiding by all environmental laws," said Spitzer.

"Air pollution has a crippling effect on New York State," said Spitzer. "Its pernicious impacts run from lakes and streams in the Adirondack and Catskill mountains that are now so acidic they can no longer support fish to skyrocketing asthma rates among children in urban areas. I am committed to strong legal action that will improve air quality for all our citizens."