Tonawanda residents suffering the effects of deadly emissions from the Tonawanda Coke plant have finally been validated by Senator Charles Schumer, with recent reinforcement from Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

With this type of support, Tonawanda should be see swift improvement in ambient air quality. But while the senators’ action here is laudable, they—Senator Schumer in particular—have failed to act on behalf of other of their constituents suffering from an equally grave health threat.

Apparently, putting a private corporation on notice to become compliant with federal regulations is politically preferable to dealing similarly with a “friendly offender” such as the Public Bridge Authority.

Like their counterparts in Tonawanda, Peace Bridge neighborhood residents have presented irrefutable scientific and medical evidence to Senator Schumer of a variety of serious illnesses linked to toxic air on Buffalo’s west side. Air samples 12 blocks away from the Peace Bridge measure dangerously high levels of cancer-causing toxins—toxins produced by the relentless emissions of Peace Bridge diesel truck traffic.

Not only has the senator ignored thousands of letters, emails, and other contacts, he has stedfastly maintained his support of the current Peace Bridge expansion plan while ignoring the catastrophic effect it would have on the environment and health of west side residents.

As an elected officials, Senator Schumer is obligated to expose every private or public interest that threatens air quality. Pollution does not discriminate. No one should have to pick a poison based on where that person lives.

Peterjoe Certo
Buffalo

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