CUNY Blogs on Dirty Canals

The CUNY Journalism blogs have been churning out some good coverage lately. One of the recent posts on the different interpretations of similar situations at the Gowanus Canal and Newtown Creek by local politicians caught my eye. They correctly surmise that some, such as Yvette Clark, demonstrated cowardice by refusing to endorse the will of the people, while other, such as Nydia Velzaquez, took a stand early on the issue:

"Clarke seemed to favor the Bloomberg administration’s business-friendly approach to the clean-up, which would rely on companies to admit they polluted into the canal and, then, expect them to voluntarily pay for the clean-up. This, Bloomberg officials said, would avoid a “Superfund” stigma that might deflect new business development and economic activity around the Gowanus Canal.

“I am glad a decision has been reached on this issue,” said Clarke, as the EPA made their Superfund announcement.

Velazquez, on the other hand, striking a victorious tone, said, “The EPA has the proven expertise to oversee a comprehensive clean-up, while holding accountable those responsible for the pollution.”"

Thanks, Nydia.