Aug 11, 2004 — The head of the Environmental Protection Agency visited the Adirondacks yesterday to address a water quality conference at Paul Smiths College. Michael Leavitt says the Bush administration will act in the next year to curb acid rain and mercury pollution. But his plan is drawing criticism from environmental groups and from top officials in the Pataki administration. Brian Mann has our story.  Go to full article

Jul 13, 2004 — The state health department yesterday issued new fish advisories for 10 Adirondack lakes and ponds due to mercury contamination. 20 other lakes and ponds in the park already have health advisories for eating fish. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

May 06, 2004 — Acid rain isn't a new threat to the environment. But its effect on trees and soils has been a point of debate. Now, a new study supports the theory that acid rain can deplete nutrients in forest soil. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium's Corbin Sullivan has more.  Go to full article

Mar 18, 2004 — Around the North Country, sugar houses are in high gear, boiling maple sap into syrup. The spring harvest is big business in this part of the world, but it's also a part of the culture. Brian Mann spoke with Colin Campbell, director of the Cornell-Uiehlein Sugar Maple Field station. The research center has operated near Lake Placid for forty years.  Go to full article

Feb 03, 2004 — For the first time, the U.S. government is preparing to regulate mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. Part of the administration's proposal is to use a market-based approach, called "cap-and-trade." People in the energy business say "cap-and-trade" programs are proven tools to protect the environment at a lower cost. But some critics say a pollutant as toxic as mercury should have a more traditional and tougher regulatory program. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium's Erin Toner reports.  Go to full article

Dec 05, 2003 — The Bush Administration is proposing new restrictions on power plants in the eastern U.S. which some environmental groups say would cure the problem of acid rain in the Adirondacks. The EPA announced the new policy late Thursday. Brian Mann has details.  Go to full article

Oct 31, 2003 — An Adirondack based environmental group is urging Congress to act to curb pollution emissions that lead to acid rain, before this year's session comes to a close. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Oct 31, 2003 — Though he doesn't support the President's "clear skies" plan, Congressman John McHugh called the Adirondack Council's call for action yesterday "realistic".  Go to full article

Oct 31, 2003 — On Earth Day in 2002, President George Bush visited the Adirondacks to talk about acid rain - and introduce the plan he calls "Clear Skies". The President said his "clear skies" plan would revolutionize environmental law - ending acid rain, without crippling industry. Critics say the plan would allow heavy pollution to continue for decades. In this story from last year, Brian Mann sorts out how the "clear skies" plan would work:  Go to full article

Oct 31, 2003 — Monday, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a formal rule to implement a crucial part of the clear skies plan - called new source review. New York, Vermont and 10 other states immediately sued to block the action, saying that only Congress can make such deep changes to such a bedrock law. Congressman John McHugh is co-sponsor of two bills that would address acid rain. He told Martha Foley he agrees with the states that it should be up to Congress to re-write the clean air rules, not the Bush administration.  Go to full article