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NJ DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NEWS RELEASE
RELEASE: 11/9/98
98/143
CONTACT: Amy Collings or Elaine Makatura
609-984-1795 or 609-292-2994

CLEAN AIR COUNCIL SUPPORTS INCENTIVES FOR I&M PROGRAM AT ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY MEETING

The New Jersey Clean Air Council, a 30-year-old state advisory body, is recommending a study be conducted of the possibility of offering an incentive program to encourage private facilities to participate in the state's enhanced auto inspection and maintenance (I&M) program.

The recommendation is part of a report submitted today to the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The report summarizes the testimony received at the council's public hearing in April. Outgoing Council Chair Stephen Papenberg of Pennington presented the report to DEP Commissioner Bob Shinn.

The report commends the DEP for achieving significant and widespread progress in reducing acid rain, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulates and lead in New Jersey's air. It calls for additional measures to reduce ozone levels and bring the state into compliance with the Clean Air Act.

"The I&M program will bring cleaner air to New Jersey, and we welcome all suggestions to facilitate its implementation," said DEP Commissioner Shinn, noting that the council recently joined the Coalition for Clean Air, a group supporting implementation of the I&M program. "The council is to be commended for not only compiling this report, but for its 30-year effort to improve air quality in New Jersey. They are long-time partners in our quest for cleaner air."

Special recognition was given to council members Irwin Zonis of West Orange and Rutgers University Professor Emeritus Raymond Manganelli of Hillside who have served on the council since its inception. The council also welcomed two new members, Margaret Nordstrom of Long Valley and Somerset County Freeholder Peter Palmer, and incoming chair, Joseph Spatola, executive director of the Union County Resource Recovery Facility.

The council's report notes the state's ozone levels will be exacerbated by the deregulation of the power industry, and recommends that "green power" - electricity generated without producing high levels of air pollution - be narrowly defined to include only those meeting rigid air pollution standards.

Copies of the report are available by calling DEP at 609-292-1413 or by visiting the DEP website at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/

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