Cutting Through the Haze:
The Art & Science of Air Quality Monitoring
A professional webinar produced by Grassroots Environmental Education
in association with the Environmental Health Project
Webinar Videos
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Welcome and Introduction - Doug Wood, Associate Director, Grassroots Environmental Education and NYS Senator Pete Harckham, Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee. Senator Harckham was elected to the New York State Senate in November 2018, and re-elected in 2020 and 2022—the culmination so far of a distinguished career in public service. Currently, he is chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee.
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Air Quality and the EPA, with Richard Ruvo, Director, Air & Radiation Division, EPA Region II and Anahita Williamson, Director, Division of Environmental Science and Assessment, EPA. Mr. Ruvo has been with EPA’s air program for over 30 years, with experience in planning, permitting and enforcement. Dr. Williamson is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating the implementation of Region 2’s environmental science and assessment programs.
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Air Quality and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) - Margaret LaFarr, Assistant Director, Division of Air Resources, NYS DEC.
Ms. LaFarr has over 30 years of experience as an air quality scientist with a specialty in air pollution meteorology. She leads the DEC team of Research Scientists working on the CLCPA Statewide Community Air Monitoring Initiative.
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Air Quality and the Work of the Environmental Health Project - Nathan Deron leads a team of professionals working in the fields of public health, data analytics, and public policy. Mr. Deron's work has centered on analysis of air quality monitoring, the development of air pollution dispersion models, and the evaluation of protective policy changes.
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Panel Discussion with all presenters, moderated by Alison Steele, Executive Director of the Environmental Health Project (EHP). EHP is a public health organization that focuses on analyzing impacts of oil and gas development in the region. Ms. Steele earned her undergraduate degree in Physics from Drew University and her MBA in Sustainable Business Practices from Duquesne University.
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AQI Links and Contact Information
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Today's Air Quality Index (AQI) Forecast for New York State
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New York State Air Quality Hotline: (800) 535-1345
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NYSDOH Health advice: btsa@health.ny.gov or 518-402-7800
NYSDOH Worker advice: boh@health.ny.gov or 518 402-7900
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