Of the many environmental problems facing our region, I believe that acid rain is one of the most devastating. Besides the obvious deaths of lakes and rivers and forests caused by this pollution, we've also seen it adversely affect agriculture. Efforts to preserve these lands are fruitless if we continue to allow air born pollution to poison them.

Strikingly, there are clear solutions to ending acid rain. Since mid-western power plants' emissions result in acid rain for our region, we must have them reduce their emissions. An even-handed and effective plan to do this is highlighted in current federal legislation.

New York must press for acid rain legislation at the federal level. As citizens we need to make our politicians accountable for their actions--or inaction--on this issue.

Shelley Berlincount