RAY BROOK -- Commissioners at the Adirondack Park Agency commended Gov. Eliot Spitzer Friday for securing agreements with American Electric Power Service Corp. last month to cut 813,000 tons of air pollution.

The largest settlement ever obtained in an environmental lawsuit requires the Midwest power company to cut emissions at 46 units upwind from the Adirondack Park.

American Electric now has to install pollution-control equipment costing more than $4.6 billion and pay a $15 million penalty.

In addition, the power company has to spend $60 million on environmental cleanup from past emissions; a total $36 million will be spent on sensitive lands in the Northeast.

MILESTONE

Over the next 10 years, the accord will reduce amounts of sulfur-dioxide emissions -- a primary cause of acid rain -- equal to more than is produced per year in 45 out of 50 states, APA scientist Dan Spada told commissioners.

"This is a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to sustain natural resources on which the natural and human communities of the Adirondack Park depend."

APA also called for restoration of full Clean Air Status and Trends Network federal programs, which monitor acid rain here and in other parts of the country.

"The lessons of the Adirondacks are that long-term monitoring is essential for effective prevention and remediation," Spada said.

EPA estimates the new pollution-control devices will save nearly $32 billion per year in health-related costs from related respiratory illness.

The long-term impact on the environment will be immeasurable, Spada said.

"New York state and the Adirondack Park Agency will continue to take action and advocate for solutions that honor the efforts of past generations to protect the park for our time."

SOLAR PLANS

APA also has put plans in motion to generate power for its office in Ray Brook.

APA staff planner Ed Hood said they have begun working with the New York Power Authority and New York State Energy and Research Development Agency to place 10 solar panels on the property.