They've fueled controversy for years, now state environmental officials say it's time to get rid of the burn barrels. Governor Eliot Spitzer is reviewing a proposal that would ban open burning statewide.
The State Department of Environmental Conservation says most counties have already banned the use of burn barrels, which pollute the air with harmful chemicals.
"What we want to do is get people just to phase them out. Counties across the state already have their own county regulations saying that you can't open burn," said DEC Spokesperson Steve Litwhiler.
The DEC says a public hearing would have to be held before a burn ban could be passed.
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