While the federal and state governments set emissions control policies and the State makes decision on the siting of power plants, it is critical that Suffolk County develop a comprehensive energy plan. The plan should outline projected energy needs and the most environmentally sound, and environmentally feasible, strategy for meeting those needs. With respect to air quality, Suffolk County, and the entire New York metropolitan region, qualifies as a non-attainment zone under the Environmental Protection Agency’s new particulate matter standards (PM2.5). The EPA has classified fine particulate emissions as “likely carcinogens” and linked them to a high incidence of asthma and other lung ailments. New EPA guidelines will mandate reduced emissions from many mobile sources of pollution in future years. In the meantime, regional collaboration will be the most effective way to mitigate air pollution. The County and municipalities should act promptly to reduce diesel emissions from their fleets and encourage private fleets to do the same. Similarly, the government should play a leading role by making its own facilities and operations energy efficient and establishing policies that encourage the private sector to follow suit.