American Lung Association of New York State
New York Public Research Interest Group
For Immediate Release: March 26, 2001
For Additional Information,
contact:
Jason K. Babbie (NYPIRG):
436-0876 ext. 268
Anne Reynolds (EA) 518-462-5526
ext. 238
Peter Iwanowicz (ALA)
518-453-0172 ext. 318
in Sulfur
Emissions from Power Plants
(Albany, NY) March 26, 2001 — Research released on March 25th by nationally recognized ecological experts demonstrates that acid rain continues to damage water quality and forests in the U.S. This research finds that additional reductions in power plant sulfur dioxide emissions of 80 percent beyond current requirements would allow recovery of sensitive ecosystems by mid-century.
These results are consistent with the pollution reduction targets set in multi-pollutant power plant bills introduced by a bi-partisan group of Congressional leaders earlier this month.
The study by the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation, Acidic Deposition in the Northeastern United States: Sources and Inputs, Ecosystem Effects and Management Strategies, was released in the March issue of BioScience. Drawing from research conducted at long-term monitoring sites in New England, New York and Pennsylvania, the team of ten scientists, including Dr. Gene Likens, Director of the Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, New York and Dr. Charles Driscoll, Distinguished Professor at Syracuse University found that in spite of present pollution controls, many lakes and streams remain acidic, and many are unable to support trout and other fish species.
41 percent of Adirondack lakes are acidic, as are 15 percent of lakes in the Catskill region.
In analyzing sulfur reductions called for in bills before Congress, the report found that only sulfur cuts consistent with the most aggressive proposals would allow sensitive ecosystems like the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire to recover in about 50 years.
“When the nation’s leading scientists tell you that deeper cuts are needed to solve the acid rain problem, it’s time for Congress and other decision-makers to heed their advice and act accordingly,” said Jason K. Babbie of the New York Public Interest Research Group. “The science is in and it’s clear that only the most aggressive sulfur cuts will deliver the reductions needed to allow for recovery of New York’s sensitive ecosystems.”
On March 15, Senators Jeffords (R-VT), Collins (R-ME), Lieberman (D-CT), Schumer (D-NY) and Clinton (D-NY) and Representatives Boehlert (R-NY) and Waxman (D-CA) introduced multi-pollutant power plant pollution reduction legislation that would require power plants, among other things, to reduce their sulfur dioxide emissions 75 percent below the levels required by the 1990 Acid Rain Law. The bi-partisan legislation, which also requires mandatory reductions in carbon dioxide (the chief climate change gas), received special notoriety because it was introduced two days after President Bush reneged on his campaign promise to support carbon dioxide reduction as part of the multi-pollutant power plant legislation.
Sulfur cuts do not just reduce acid rain. Sulfate is the primary component of small particles that degrade views and, when inhaled over a number of years, can trigger asthma attacks and shorten lives. “We are convinced by this growing body of research that the benefits from deeper sulfur cuts will be immense, not just in terms of New York’s lakes, but also New York’s lungs,” said Peter Iwanowicz of the American Lung Association of New York State.
Anne Reynolds of Environmental Advocates said, “The Hubbard Brook research clearly shows that acid rain is a problem we can solve, with the proper pollution cuts and political commitment. We have the means to allow our lakes and forests to recover — even within our lifetimes — if we choose to do so.”
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The full article is available on the American Institute of
Biological Sciences website at:http://www.aibs.org/biosciencelibrary/vol51/mar01special.ldml
To
view a companion report for a non-scientific audience:
www.hbrook.sr.unh.edu/hbfound/hbfound.htm
The
multi-pollutant bills before Congress, (the Clean Smokestacks Act and the Clean
Power Act of 2001) are available online at: www.cleartheair.org