Weather Alert  

AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the following areas: All five boroughs of New York City, and Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, and Suffolk counties. Until 11 PM EDT this evening. Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of Ground Level Ozone. The New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, and those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician. A toll free air quality hotline has been established so New York residents can stay informed on the air quality situation. The toll free number is 1 800 5 3 5, 1 3 4 5.

Statement by AG Schneiderman on EPA's Agreement to Finalize New Air Pollution Standards for Residential Wood Heaters

Press Releases

By Published: April 29 2014

LongIsland.com

Standards will be finalized by February 2015.

Print Email
New York, NY - April 29. 2014 - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued the following statement regarding today’s settlement in federal court requiring the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finalize air pollution standards for new residential wood heaters by February 3, 2015: 
 
“I commend EPA for acknowledging its overdue obligation to update its air pollution standards for wood heaters, and for agreeing to finalize those standards by early next year. My office will continue to engage EPA and the other states to ensure that the standards safeguard public health.”
 
In October 2013, leading a coalition of seven states, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman filed a lawsuit against the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for violating the Clean Air Act by failing to adequately limit air pollution emissions from new residential wood heaters. In the legal papers, Schneiderman's coalition contended the EPA's existing emissions limits, which haven't been revised in 25 years, were outdated and left out popular types of residential wood heaters -- including outdoor wood boilers, which have proliferated in many areas of New York. 
 
On February 3, 2014 EPA published in the Federal Register new standards to limit emissions from new residential wood heaters. The EPA is currently accepting public comments on those standards through May 5, 2014.  The settlement announced today requires EPA to finalize its issuance of those standards by February 3, 2015. 
 
Further information about the settlement papers entered by the court today can be obtained here.  Further background information about the Attorney General’s lawsuit, including court filings, can be obtained here.