November 30, 2004
AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK STATE
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES OF NEW YORK
NEW YORK PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH GROUP

Diverse Coalition Urges Governor to Clean Up Dangerous Power Plants
Current Level of Emissions Putting the Lives and Health of New Yorkers at Risk

Over 134 groups called on Governor Pataki to set responsible limits on coal burning power plant pollution. Coal burning power plant pollution puts the lives and the health of all New Yorkers at risk. It also is responsible for mercury contamination and global warming. Religious and civic organizations from across New York State have joined environmental and public health groups in the call to action.

The coalition called on Governor Pataki to cut sulfur dioxide emissions by 75%, rather than the 50% called for in the Department of Environmental Conservation’s plan. The organizations are confident that the additional cuts would provide significant public health impacts, while leveling the “emissions playing field” between new and old power plants. Beyond sulfur, the group urges a reduction in mercury pollution at each plant by 90% from current levels and a cap on carbon dioxide emissions at least 30% below power plants' 1990 levels.

“The old, outdated coal plants are in desperate need of cleanup and modernization. Stricter power plant rules that also cover mercury and carbon are sorely needed,” said Anne Reynolds, Air and Energy Project Director for Environmental Advocates of New York. “Many New York groups are echoing this call, knowing it will do the job of cleaning New York’s air.”

In urging quick action the groups cited Governor Pataki's past promise for reductions. In February 2002, Governor Pataki promised to set in-state standards on power plants for mercury, a potent neurotoxin, and carbon dioxide, and the predominant pollutants that cause global warming, if the federal government failed to do so.

“New Yorkers are tired of waiting for real clean air regulations while Governor Pataki gives us empty promises,” said Jason Babbie for NYPIRG. “Now over 140 groups, including civic, religious, environmental, health and student organizations are taking a stand and urging Governor Pataki to take action now to clean up New York’s dirty power plants.”

The groups also cited DEC Commissioner Erin Crotty from her public comments on the EPA's power plant mercury proposal, in which she called it “illegal and potentially harmful to public health and the environment.” The coalition stated that New York needs to be the leader, because the federal government is failing to protect public health and the environment.

“Air emissions from power plants make people sick and cut short lives,” said Peter Iwanowicz, Director of Environmental Health for the American Lung Association of New York State, Inc. “To adequately reduce the dangerous health impacts of these plants, Governor Pataki must direct the Department of Environmental Conservation to cut sulfur emissions deeper and to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and mercury. Failure to do so will continue to place the health of New Yorkers at risk.”


Click here to read the Clean Air Principles.