E-mails 2002 M. Gilsenan

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Legislative Hearing on Air Quality in Lower Manhattan Page 2 of 4

The November hearing also focused on the difficulty of coordinating the efforts of Federal, State and local agencies to provide adequate responses to the concerns raised by the community. Subsequent studies and events have indicated that additional attention and direction is necessary.

Since the November hearing, these concerns have been further documented and new concerns have arisen. Doctors continue to report cases of residents, workers, students and others in the area with multiple symptoms of various chronic illnesses which may be attributable to the contamination in the air. Furthermore, ongoing air quality monitoring and studies performed by civilian scientists and physicians have indicated alarming levels of contamination inside apartments, offices, education facilities and public buildings.

To date, the Assembly has urged governmental agencies to coordinate air monitoring and reporting, and has proposed specific funding for improved air quality in schools. The Assembly has also passed legislation requiring the reduction of sulfur content in diesel fuel in order to address one prevalent source of air contamination in Lower Manhattan immediately.

This hearing will provide an opportunity for the Committees to consider any new air quality concerns in Lower Manhattan of residents, workers at Ground Zero, students, visitors and employees of businesses, and address long-standing concerns, such as: the continued uncertainty of air quality in residences in Lower Manhattan neighborhoods; the need for air monitoring, ventilation and other measures to maintain high air quality in public schools; and the importance of reducing diesel emissions from the trucks and equipment operating at Ground Zero. This hearing will also attempt to re-focus appropriate governmental agencies to ensure adequate and coordinated service to the affected community.

SHELDON SILVER Speaker of the Assembly

THOMAS P. DINAPOLI, Chair RICHARD N. GOTTFRIED, Chair Environmental Conservation Committee Health Committee

CATHERINE T. NOLAN, Chau- Labor Committee

HEARING PROCESS Oral testimony will be limited to 10 minutes' duration. Because of time constraints, those invited to testify will speak first. Others will be provided an opportunity to speak as time permits.

Twenty copies of any prepared oral testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committees would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

Written testimony also will be accepted. A copy of the written testimony should be sent to the contact person listed below. In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committees' interest in receiving testimony from all sources.

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