November 16, 1998

Honorable George Pataki
Executive Chamber
State Capital
Albany, NY 12224

Dear Governor Pataki:

Throughout New York State, breathing is often a risky activity. New York State residents often breathe levels of smog that cause increased lung inflammation, coughing, asthma attacks, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations due to respiratory distress; yet most coal and oil-burning power plants in New York State are taking advantage of a loophole that allows them to avoid meeting modern air emission standards. By directing DEC to promulgate stringent new regulations and by advocating prompt and strong Congressional action, you can become a national leader in the effort to clean up our air. I look forward to your reply.

I am writing to urge you to direct the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to promulgate regulations requiring that all fossil fuel power plants meet the same air emissions standards for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) that are currently required of new coal plants. I also urge you to play a leadership role in the national effort to prevail upon Congress to amend the Clean Air Act to eliminate the loophole that allows old power plants to evade the NOx and SO2 standards that apply to modern plants. This would go a long way towards reducing our acid rain, ozone smog, and respiratory health problems.

Sincerely,