NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced Jan. 17 that New York has joined with Connecticut to sue the Trump administration over allegations of violating the Clean Air Act’s ground-level ozone pollution rules.
“Millions of New Yorkers breathe unhealthy air due to smog pollution, much of which blows into New York from upwind states,” Schneiderman said. “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.”
The lawsuit seeks to force the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce upwind sources of air pollution. According to Schneiderman’s office, at least one in three New Yorkers breathe unhealthy levels of smog. The EPA has its own study, and it shows New York is negatively affected by pollution from that comes from upwind states.
“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.” New York Gov. Andrew 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.”