In this issue:
-
Effective September 5, 2024: Subpart 220-3: Asphalt Pavement Manufacturing Plants – The Department proposes repealing Subpart 212-4 and creating a new Asphalt Pavement Manufacturing Plant regulation under Subpart 220-3.
-
Ongoing Public Engagement: Statewide Community Air Monitoring Initiative Meetings – DEC recently released the results of the Community Air Monitoring Initiative, which included detailed “story maps” of each community, interactive maps, and analysis tools to help review the data collected. Check the 2022-23 Statewide Community Air Monitoring Initiative webpage for access to the story maps, fact sheets, and the latest information on upcoming community meetings.
-
September 23, 2024, 6:30 pm – Manhattan Sixth Street Community Center, 1st FL event space, 638 E 6th Street, New York
-
September 24, 2024, 3:00 pm – Borough President Donovan Richards’ office, Queens Borough Hall RM 200, 120-55 Queens Boulevard, Queens
-
September 25, 2024, 6:00 pm – Doles Recreation Center, 250 S 6th Avenue, Mount Vernon
-
September 26, 2024, 6:00 pm – Bronx Borough Hall, 851 Grand Concourse, Veterans Memorial Hall, Bronx
-
October 3, 2024, 5:00 pm – Hofstra University, Multipurpose Room, Hempstead
-
October 8, 2024, 5:00 pm – Central Branch Library, Community Room, The Galleries of Syracuse, 447 S Salina St, Syracuse
-
October 10, 2024, 6:00 pm – Brooklyn Borough Hall, Courtroom and 2nd Floor Mezzanine, 209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn
-
October 15, 2024, 5:30 pm – Buffalo Museum of Science, 1020 Humboldt Parkway, Buffalo
-
Ongoing Public Engagement: The DEC and NYSERDA are seeking feedback for the New York Cap-and-Invest Program under the Climate Act on a series of questions for the three regulations being developed within the Cap-and-Invest Program: Cap-and-Invest Rule, Mandatory Reporting Rule, and the Auction Rule, as well as the methods for the analysis underpinning the program. Comments continue to be accepted, and your feedback is important to us. Check the Cap-and-Invest website for the latest information on upcoming meetings, recordings of past meetings, and the process status.
-
Various NYS projects in the Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB).
Air Mail! is the publication to announce public and stakeholder information about air quality topics. All NYS residents are environmental stakeholders – we welcome anyone to join the information sessions and other opportunities posted here.
As part of the NYS Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act), NYS is developing strategies to identify and reduce air pollution in disadvantaged communities. The Climate Justice Working Group developed 45 criteria, such as income, race and ethnicity, and housing mobility, to determine what communities are considered disadvantaged. To further this goal, DEC created the Community Air Monitoring Initiative (CAM), which collected air pollution data from ten disadvantaged communities across the state. The goal was to identify sources contributing to the disproportionate air pollution burdens in the ten communities and to help those communities develop strategies to reduce their air pollution.
In August, DEC released the findings of the CAM project. The results are displayed in an interactive story map format that includes mapping tools to display the monitoring findings, air pollution sources, and locations of sensitive receptors like schools and nursing homes. These story maps also include a survey for input on community air quality concerns.
To further engage and communicate with community members and stakeholders, DEC is hosting a series of public meetings to explore the results shown in the story maps and gather feedback from attendees. Check out the dates and locations of these in-person meetings.
Community input is an essential component of the CAM. Multiple communities will collaborate with DEC, the Climate Justice Working Group, and other entities to prioritize their air pollution concerns and work on possible strategies to reduce air pollution this fall and winter. In 2025, DEC will provide a report that includes the recommendations to reduce air pollution and the entities with authority to implement the actions.
Autumn weather is rolling in, bringing chillier days and colorful leaves. As the beautiful foliage catches our attention, let’s also remember the positive effect trees and other plants have on our air. Plants pull carbon dioxide from the air, and the leaves on trees and plants reduce air-borne particulate matter. If you’re looking for more ways to connect with NYS’s autumn landscapes and clean air, consider the following:
-
Visit a State Park or DEC campground: NYS’s 180 state parks and 51 DEC-operated campgrounds allow you to explore nature in many ways, with hiking trails, boat launches, and more.
-
Hiking: Explore new hiking trails and appreciate NYS’s diverse and beautiful landscapes.
-
Enjoy the fall harvest: Whether it’s apples, squash, or cider you are looking for, NYS Farmers have it all.
- Apple Picking: The official fruit of NYS is the apple. Embrace the autumn weather by visiting an apple orchard near you and trying your hand at a homemade apple treat.
-
Pumpkin Picking: Fall isn’t complete without a pumpkin pie or Jack-o’-lantern. Stop by a local pumpkin patch to enjoy the outdoors and the abundant fall harvest.
-
Leaf Peeping: The vibrant leaves may only last a month, but a photo lasts forever. Check the Fall Foliage Report to know when and where to view the foliage at its peak and snap a few pictures.
As you enjoy all the activities fall has to offer, don’t forget to check the Air Quality Index (AQI). Being informed about your air quality will ensure you have a great time in the crisp fall air.
This past August, the Division of Air Resources (DAR) participated at the NYS State Fair to promote and educate the public about clean energy and air. If you didn’t have a chance to visit the fair or missed the DEC booths, check out these photos of DAR’s outreach efforts at the Great NYS State Fair.
A DAR employee educating the public on the importance of the Air Quality Index.
A group of fairgoers stops by the booth to learn about the Air Quality Index.
DAR employees educating the public on the importance of clean energy.
-
DECinfo Locator – An interactive map that lets you access DEC documents and public data about the environmental quality of specific sites in NYS as well as outdoor recreation information.
-
DEC Delivers – Stay informed by subscribing to the environmental topics that interest you. We will send you information, updates, and e-newsletters on the topics of your choosing. As an Air Mail! subscriber, you may be interested in subscribing to the Air Quality Alert topic so you know when air quality levels are a concern in your area.
-
DEC Does What?! – Check out our new podcast, which highlights what DEC does to protect our environment.
-
AQI Forecasts – Check the daily ozone and particulate matter pollution forecast for your area of NYS.
-
NYSDEC YouTube – Keep up with what's going on with DEC staff by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Watch video clips of DEC public protection in action, learn about the Hudson River, or watch the latest episode of "On the Front Lines," DEC's video series.
-
Conservationist – NYS’ premiere outdoor magazine--bringing nature to your door! Published six times a year, Conservationist is a NYS-focused magazine that is packed with informative and entertaining articles, first-rate photography, and stunning artwork. Articles cover a broad range of environmental and natural history related topics. Subscribe today to get a piece of the outdoors in your mailbox.
-
September - October: Fall Foliage Report – Before you head out on your leaf-peeping adventure, check out the fall color report from “I Love New York”. The Adirondack and Catskill mountains are breathtaking this time of year. Remember to be safe and respectful when hitting the trails.
-
September 22: World Car-Free Day – Transportation contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. You can lower the number of emissions released by choosing to walk, bike, or even take the bus.
-
September 22-29: Get There Green! – DEC’s annual campaign encourages New Yorkers to use sustainable transportation for one week to battle greenhouse gas emissions and show what living a greener life can look like. More sustainable forms of transportation include walking, biking, public transport, carpooling, or driving an electric vehicle.
-
September 22-29: Climate Week NYC – Hosted in conjunction with the United Nations, Climate Week NYC will explore how to fulfill the commitments made by businesses, governments, and organizations in the pursuit of a net-zero future.
-
October 4: World Animal Day – Clean air is important for all Earth’s creatures.
-
October 16: World Food Day – Purchasing locally grown food reduces fossil fuel emissions from cross-country transportation, improving air quality for everyone.
-
October 18: Federal Clean Water Act was enacted this day in 1972 – By conserving electricity, you can help reduce the effects of acid rain on our waterways.
-
October 31: Halloween – Consider keeping your trick-or-treating local by walking house to house or to outdoor fall celebrations. It will help keep our air clean.
NYS' ozone season runs from April through September. DEC publishes ground level ozone forecasts during ozone season and particulate matter pollution forecasts year-round, using a scale called the Air Quality Index (AQI). DEC sends out an air quality alert when there is a high AQI value, which indicates polluted air. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions and people who exercise outdoors should take caution during an air quality alert.
The AQI can be accessed in four ways:
Did you enjoy reading this issue? Perhaps your friends and family would too. Share Air Mail! by using the “Share” button below. If you would like to receive Air Mail! in your own email box, sign up now!
We would also like to know what you think. Send your Air Mail! questions and comments to the team at DAR.web@dec.ny.gov.
|
