Press release on EPA Task Force for Ground Zero air

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document • v.4.za zAJL xeva aas ozsa SEN. CLINTON Qi 002

Tor Immediate ltdease Coniacl: Press Office rehnjaiyl3.2002 (212)224-2243

Senator Clinton Lands Co: ntH Itment to Create Air Quality Task Force for Ground Zero EFA Agrees ta Ctinton Froposatto Farm Partnerskip to Address Air Quality Concerns in Lower Mankeitan Senator ffas Concerns About l^etaUs, Funding Washington, DC - ha response to a hearing on World Trade Center air quality organized by «$mator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-KT) and chaired by Senator Joseph Ueberman (T -CT), EPA Admimstzator Chrisfine Todd Whitman has committed to establish a Task orce on Indoor Air in Lower Manhattan. Senator Clinton called for an indoor air progrun as part of a five-point plan that she unveiled at the heating, which was held in New York City this past Monday, February 11. Adzniaistzatar Whitman a^earod this aoraing at another heariag of the EnviroxmcDt and Public Works Committee, where Senator Clinton co ded Whitman fcxhw commitment to establish the new Task Force. While recogjuzing the Agency's efforts in this regard. Senator Clinton also expressed concern about the lack of details regarding the Task Force's activities, as well as the identification ofan appropriate funding source for the Task Force.

Clinton emphasized that it was ’^impentive (bat (his Task Force conduct door-to-door ^^^^ections and indoer sampling within no less (ban a 10 block radius of Ground Zero.** The Task Force should also operate a centralized location where the public can get information on whether their bnildiag hrs beat tested or injected, the results of those tests and clear guidance on cleanup requirements, resources available to pay for cleanups, Vjnd certified clearer companies in &e area," Clinton sai±

**1 believe die idea, as you had mentioned, of an indoor task force, is an important one, because that's one of the areas where jurisdiction is not dear," Whitman said. "2 mean it’s not a simple task, but it is one (hat we have to deal with particularly in light of the kind of challenge that we &ce now since September 11*."

Clinton thanked Whitman for a quick response to the concerns that were raised ar the bear-.g on Monday, and stated Aat she looked forward to working widi her on fixe new effort. As a first siq^ Clinton indicated that would be working to set a meeting as soon as possible between EPA and the eicy to make sure that the task force is underway as soon as possible.

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