Media Advisory for Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 - Rochester Community Air Monitoring Results

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), along with community partners and stakeholders, will hold a public meeting to report out on DEC's Community Air Monitoring results, which were released in August, including sharing the data and story maps and findings and providing an opportunity for participants to ask questions.

When: Thursday, Sept. 12, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: Bausch and Lomb Public Library Building, 115 South Ave., Rochester

Register: Visit DEC's Community Air Monitoring Initiative webpage

Last month, DEC announced the release of results from the first phase of the State's historic effort to monitor air quality in 10 disadvantaged communities using local data collected through mobile and stationary monitoring. Through the initiative, DEC collaborated with local residents and community stakeholders to collect data that will help develop strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other sources of air pollution in areas with high air pollution burdens.

The study is a critical part of the State's ongoing implementation of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. First announced by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2021, the statewide Community Air Monitoring Initiative is the largest air monitoring initiative ever undertaken in New York State.

The year-long study, supported with funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), provides a comprehensive picture of air quality in 10 disadvantaged communities disproportionately impacted by air pollution and home to approximately five million New Yorkers.

Additional meetings in the other nine communities that were part of the initiative have been announced or will be announced soon. Information about each meeting and how to register is available on DEC's website.