Lecture invitation, New York Academy of Medicine, May 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

r - 'z Linda T. Zidell Robert R Kennedy, Jr. negotiated on Irehalf of environmentalists and 1947 - 2000 New York City watershed consumers, is regard­ ed as an international model in stakeholder com M Linda T. Zidell Robert F. Kennedy, sensus negotiations and sustainable develop­ H lived her life by a Jr.'s reputation as a ment. He helped lead the fight to turn back the 7'^ guiding principle: resolute defender of anti-environmental legislation during the l04th I she believed that the environment Congress. k M ' -i K individuals could stems from a litany of Among Mr. Kennedy’s published books are The make a difference successful legal Riterkeepers (1997), New York State Apprentice -1 B and have B responsibility to a actions: prosecuting Falconer's Manual, (1987), and Judge Frank M. governments and Johnson, Jr. A Biography (1977). I try. Her activism companies for pollut­ was motivated by ing the Hudson River His articles have appeared in The Nav York Times, a deep and abid- Atlantic Monthly, The Wall Street Journal, Eszjnire, and Long Island ing regard for the The Village Voice, The Boston Globe, The Sound; winning set­ entire web of life. Washington Post, Pace Environmental Law Review, tlements for the H When it was dis- Ki Hudson Riverkeeper; and other publications. covered ten years arguing cases to expand citizen access to the Mr. Kennedy is a graduate of Harvard ago that toxic chemicab off-gassing from new shoreline, and .suing sewage treatment plants to University. He studied at rhe London School of carpet in her home caused her chronic insom­ force compliance with the Clean Water Act. Economics and received his law degree from the nia, memory loss and speech difficulties, Linda "He's a pioneering environmental attorney who Uniwrsity of Virginia Law Schcxsl. Following became one of rhe leading figures in the fight ha.s established whole new standards for govern­ graduation he attended Pace University Schtxrl against environmentally caused illness. mental and industrial compliance with environ­ of Ltw, where he was awarded a Masters Degree Childhood exposure to toxic chemicals was of mental laws," says Hudson Riverkeejier John in Environmental Liw. particular concern to Linda - exposures present Cronin. He is a licensed master falconer, and as often its in everyday surroundings that cause decreased Mr. Kennedy serves as Senior Attorney for the po.ssible he pursues a life-long enthusiasm for intelligence, hyperactivity, and an increased Natural Resources Defense Council, Chief white-water paddling. He hits organized and led risk of disease throughout life. To tackle the Prosecuting Attorney for the Hudson several ex|tedirions to bttin America, including problem, Linda founded and directed the Riverkeeper and President of the Waterkeeper first descents on three little known rivers in Chemical Impact Project (CIP), an organiza­ Alliance. He is also a Clinical Professor and Peru, Colombia, <ind Venezuela. tion that supports top-level scientists and their Supervising Attorney-' at the Pace Environmental work on these issues. CIP helped convince Litigation Clinic at Pace University School of officials from twenty-two nations to draft legis­ Law in New York. Earlier in his career he served lation regulating toxic chemicals. "We can find as Assistant District Attorney in New York City. alternatives to these chemicals," Zidell said. "1 He has ws irked on several political campaigns CCHE decided not to sit back but to do something." and was state coordinator for Edward M. Even after her untimely death from breast can­ Kennedy's 1980 Presidential Campaign. He has The Center for Children's Health and the cer in December 2000, Linda T. Zidell is still worked on environmental issues across the Environment (CCHE) of the Mount Sinai School ot making a difference. In gratitude for her Americas and has assisted several indigenous Medicine is spearheading the eftort to protect chih activism on behalf of environmental health dren from environmental toxins. Its mission is to tribes in Latin America and Canada in success­ issues, the Mount Sinai School of Medicine is translate science into public policy, to educate the fully negotiating treaties protecting traditional public and the mctlical community about the envi­ proud to name this lecture series in her honor. homelands. He is credited with leading the fight ronmental risks to children, and to influence policy- to protect New York City's water supply. The makers to enact legislative safeguards to protect chil­ New York City watershed agreement, which he dren against environmental threau.

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