Cool
cars
Cars
may be one of the leading sources of greenhouse gases, but in a few years that
will be a little less true of New York’s.
Starting
in 2009, the state will require all cars sold here to meet California’s tough new
emission standards for gases that are linked to global warming — carbon
dioxide and methane, among others.
Environmental
Advocates of New York’s Christine Vanderlan says the state Department of
Environmental Conservation estimates that these standards will reduce the
state’s greenhouse gas emissions 18 percent by 2020 (compared to levels without
the standards). In 2030, after more vehicles on the road are post-2009, that
number climbs to 27 percent.
New York becomes the
second state (after Vermont) to follow California’s lead. Yet
despite its importance in the global economy, the Empire State contributes just
1 percent of the world’s greenhouse gases. Even if the percentage reductions
the DEC foresees are achieved, are they anything more than cosmetic?
The
state’s environmental lobby thinks so.
“This
is significant, and a great first step in dealing with global-warming pollution
from cars and trucks,” says EANY’s Vanderlan. She and others point out that the
state still represents a significant market for auto manufacturers. Add California to that mix
and it begins to make economic sense for auto makers to incorporate the changes
into their entire American fleet, say backers of the measure.
Get a jump on jazz
fest
The 2006 Rochester International Jazz Festival — the fifth annual —takes place Friday, June 9, through Saturday, June 17.
Attendance at last year’s event topped 65,000, with many of the club shows
selling out. But you can beat the rush for the 2006 festival’s ClubPass and save some coin as well.
Club Passes are
available for a special holiday discount price of $75 (plus $4 service charge).
The offer’s good through December 31, and is available online at www.rochesterjazz.com
or ticketmaster.com
This article appears in Nov 16-22, 2005.
