Cool cars

Cars may be one of the leading sources of greenhouse gases, but in a few years that will be a little less true of New York's.

Starting in 2009, the state will require all cars sold here to meet California's tough new emission standards for gases that are linked to global warming --- carbon dioxide and methane, among others.

Environmental Advocates of New York's Christine Vanderlan says the state Department of Environmental Conservation estimates that these standards will reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions 18 percent by 2020 (compared to levels without the standards). In 2030, after more vehicles on the road are post-2009, that number climbs to 27 percent.

New York becomes the second state (after Vermont) to follow California's lead. Yet despite its importance in the global economy, the Empire State contributes just 1 percent of the world's greenhouse gases. Even if the percentage reductions the DEC foresees are achieved, are they anything more than cosmetic?

The state's environmental lobby thinks so.

"This is significant, and a great first step in dealing with global-warming pollution from cars and trucks," says EANY's Vanderlan. She and others point out that the state still represents a significant market for auto manufacturers. Add California to that mix and it begins to make economic sense for auto makers to incorporate the changes into their entire American fleet, say backers of the measure.

Get a jump on jazz fest

The 2006 Rochester International Jazz Festival --- the fifth annual ---takes place Friday, June 9, through Saturday, June 17. Attendance at last year's event topped 65,000, with many of the club shows selling out. But you can beat the rush for the 2006 festival's ClubPass and save some coin as well.

Club Passes are available for a special holiday discount price of $75 (plus $4 service charge). The offer's good through December 31, and is available online at www.rochesterjazz.com or ticketmaster.com