ABSTRACT
Lobbying at regional/eve/ Since its establishment in 1970, SI'OP has been a key watchdog of all aspects of the Montreal Url>an Community (MUC)'s air pollution control programme (emission limits, ambient air monitoring. response to citizens' complaints, enforcement, access to information and budgets). SI'OP has helped to provide public support for stronger MUC air quality rules (MUC by-law in 1970, replaced by by-law 44 in 1978, replaced by by-law 90 in 1986). Since 1975, SI'OP has helped citizens with local air pollution problems involving several industrial sources, assisting local residents in documenting their cases. Moreover, it has succeeded in obtaining public access to emission data and pushed for tougher emission standards. In 1989, under pressure from SI'OP, the MUC adopted laws increasing fines for non-observance of air and water quality regulations. Also, in 1994, SI'OP helped to convince the MUC to postpone a request by Montreal's oil refineries to burn dirtier fuels.
