NEW YORK – The following quote is attributable to Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman with regard to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposal limiting air pollution emissions from new residential wood heaters:
“Today, for the first time in 25 years, EPA proposed to strengthen air pollution standards for new residential wood heaters. I commend EPA for taking this long overdue action. My office is looking forward to reviewing EPA’s proposed standards for new residential wood heaters and will continue to work with EPA and the other states to ensure that the standards better 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 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Schneiderman's coalition contends the EPA's existing emissions limits, which haven't been revised in 25 years, are outdated and leave out popular types of residential wood heaters -- including outdoor wood boilers, which have proliferated in many areas of New York.
Further information about the Attorney General’s lawsuit, including court filings, can be obtained here.