Cuomo and Schneiderman File Complaint, Act to Compel U.S. EPA to Protect State's Air Quality

 

Governor Andrew Cuomo and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today filed a complaint which seeks to compel the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to fulfill its mandatory duty under the federal Clean Air Act to curb ground-level ozone (or "smog") pollution that blows into New York from upwind states.

At least one in three New Yorkers breathe air with unhealthy levels of smog pollution, with some analyses placing it as high as two in three New Yorkers (approximately 12.7 million people). EPA studies demonstrate that pollution from upwind states contributes substantially to New York's dangerous smog problem. Specifically, New York is asking that EPA require sources in five states—Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia—do their fair share to address pollution impacting New York.

"New York is once again taking aggressive actions to not only push forward our nation leading energy goals, but also protect our state from harmful air pollution." Governor Cuomo said. "With this action, we are sending yet another clear message to the federal government that when our environment is threatened, New York will step up at every turn to protect our most vital resources for future generations."

"Millions of New Yorkers breathe unhealthy air due to smog pollution, much of which blows into New York from upwind states," said Attorney General Schneiderman. "Yet the Trump EPA continues to ignore its responsibilities under the Clean Air Act to reduce interstate smog pollution.  Since the Trump EPA refuses to follow the law, we're suing to protect the health of New Yorkers."

Click here for the full announcement.

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo