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House Democrats on a Judiciary subcommittee sparred with the former administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) yesterday, calling her statements about post-Sept. 11 air quality politically motivated.
“Following the attacks, Administrator Christine Todd Whitman repeatedly assured New Yorkers that the air was ‘safe to breathe,’” said Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), who led the subcommittee hearing. “EPA’s Inspector General found that these statements were falsely reassuring, lacked a scientific basis, and were politically motivated.”
“We are looking for an honest reparation of the circumstances and the relationship between the EPA and the White House,” added Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.), chairman of the full committee.
Whitman defended herself aggressively in her testimony.
“Mr. Chairman, I fully appreciate that the events of 9/11 are full of emotions,” said Whitman, “but I am disappointed that misinformation, innuendo, and outright falsehoods have characterized the public discussion about the EPA in the aftermath of the terrorist attack.”
Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) questioned the purpose of the hearing.
“I am concerned that our hearing today will be seen as … questionable or inappropriate … before the legal process has made it to the final destination,” he said, referring to two pending legal actions against the EPA.
A local report in New York said that two busloads of New Yorkers were scheduled to attend the hearing.
“This is our chance to see Christine Todd Whitman and EPA be held accountable for denying the dangers and the dust and the smoke that has damaged so many people’s health,” said Kimberly Flynn of 9/11 Environmental Action, which helped organize the busing. “We are stunned that she’s sticking to her story.”
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