The EPA's internal review makes it clear that this administration's policies will mean more problems for the state if we do not act to protect ourselves.

Gov. George Pataki needs to set power plant standards to protect our interests and as a lead example for federal action.

Specifically, the governor should set more stringent cuts in sulfur dioxide to save the approximately 1,200 New Yorkers that prematurely die every year from power plant pollution. He also needs to set stringent standards on mercury, to make our fish safe to eat, and carbon dioxide, to mitigate global warming.

The state is accepting comments on acid rain pollutant regulations for power plants. But not limiting the pollutants causing mercury contamination and global warming ignores two very serious problems with very real consequences.

Legislation that supports "green" energy like wind and solar power should be encouraged throughout the state so that Pataki will live up to his promise to be a national leader in controlling power plant pollution.