Statement of Katherine Kennedy, NRDC Senior Staff Attorney on EPA'S Delay on the Hudson River Dredging Plan

NEW YORK (July 18, 2001) - "EPA officials have just announced that there will be a delay until September of the decision on the Hudson River PCB cleanup.

NRDC questions why, after more than a decade of scientific study, EPA needs yet more time to study this issue? With millions of dollars being spent by GE on a publicity blitz, the health risks from the Hudson -- particularly to children, pregnant women and poor people -- continue. EPA should base this decision on sound science, not GE's political power.

Governor Pataki and the New York congressional delegation should redouble their efforts to make sure that EPA finalizes the plan it has already proposed -- without further delays."

The Natural Resources Defense Council is a national, non-profit organization of scientists, lawyers and environmental specialists dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. Founded in 1970, NRDC has more than 500,000 members nationwide, served from offices in New York, Washington, Los Angeles and San Francisco.