Paterson Draws Fire in Shift on Emissions [View All]

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/06/nyregion/06paterson.html?_r=1

March 6, 2009

Paterson Draws Fire in Shift on Emissions

By DANNY HAKIM

ALBANY — At the urging of the energy industry, Gov. David A. Paterson has agreed to reconsider a key rule New York adopted as part of a 10-state pact aimed at reducing the threat of global warming by cutting power plant emissions.

Mr. Paterson appeared to overrule the State Department of Environmental Conservation in making the move, which would reopen state regulations to provide power plants leeway to release greater amounts of emissions at no additional cost. Administration officials said the governor was concerned the rule might unfairly burden the energy industry.

His decision infuriated environmental groups, which learned of Mr. Paterson’s decision just this week, though he met with energy executives privately last fall and assured them he would take the step.

“We’re extremely troubled by this development,” said Jackson Morris, an energy expert at Environmental Advocates of New York. “I have trouble even fathoming what played out.”

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