By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – New York is among a dozen states that are suing the Bush administration to force greater disclosure of public data on toxic chemicals in communities.
A change enacted by the US Environmental Protection Agency last year allows thousands of companies to limit information they disclose about toxic chemicals they store, use and release into the environment.
University at Buffalo Chemistry Professor Joe Gardella says he doesn't understand why such a change was made.
"I have been using data for 12 years in collaborations with community members, government and industry, and regard the information as a necessary tool for understanding of pollution emissions," Gardella said. "I firmly support Attorney General (Andrew) Cuomo's efforts to have these new regulations overturned immediately."
Cuomo, who filed the suit on behalf of New York State, says the EPA's rollback hits low-income communities the hardest because many are burdened with the siting of industrial facilities.
An EPA spokesman had no immediate comment.