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The regulation is an attempt to align New York State with federal air quality standards in order to mitigate climate change.
"Establishing limits on these harmful emissions is a critical step towards protecting air quality, as well as the health of New Yorkers," said Cuomo. "These new standards will reduce pollution, further encourage the development of renewable resources and support this state's efforts to combat climate change."
The proposed rule, 6 NYCRR Part 222, specifically targets nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions and is a key component of New York State's effort to meet the new, stricter ozone national ambient air quality standard by 2018, as required under the federal Clean Air Act.
Nitrogen oxide emissions contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, the principal component of smog.
Both ozone and particulate matter can cause adverse health effects, including respiratory problems such as asthma, shortness of breath, coughing and nasal irritation.
The proposed rule is also an effort to reduce other toxic pollutants caused by diesel fuel combustion, and to encourage the use of non-emitting renewable distributed energy sources.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is accepting public comments on the proposed rule through February 18, 2016.
Public hearings will be held in February in New York City, Avon and Albany. More information on the meetings will be released at a later date.
The proposed rule can be viewed here.
Comments on Part 222 may be sent to: John Barnes at the NYS DEC at 625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233-3250.
Comments can also be made by e-mail at air.regs@dec.ny.gov or by phone at (518) 402-8396.
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