Recently disclosed documents prove that Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York ignored federal findings of polluted water in the upstate rural village of Hoosick Falls.
The documents, attained by Politico via the state’s Freedom of Information Act, show that Cuomo’s administration dismissed Federal EPA calls to alert the people of Hoosick Falls to the crisis. Moreover, Cuomo’s officials actively disputed the concerns of the EPA specialists.
Last November, the EPA finally bypassed Cuomo and warned residents against drinking the tainted water.
The water is contaminated by PFOA, a chemical used in a Teflon plant long operating in the area. PFOA has been linked to cancers, thyroid issues and other serious health problems in humans.
Local residents have long protested Cuomo’s apathy. Several of them have commissioned their own blood tests which confirm that the contaminated water has poisoned them with cancer-causing chemicals. These blood tests show much higher levels of PFOA in their bloodstream than Cuomo’s administration admits. Worst of all, children in the area are evidencing higher levels of toxins than their elders.
Nevertheless, the Democrat-dominated State Assembly declined to embarrass Cuomo by investigating the situation.
Now the recently-disclosed documents have prompted calls for further investigation. Congressman Chris Gibson (R-Kinderhook) has asked the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to investigate the matter.
Last week, Republican State Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin called on US Attorney Preet Bharara to conduct a probe into the Hoosick Falls water disaster. Bharara is already investigating allegations of Cuomo corruption regarding the Buffalo Billion economic development program.
Meanwhile New York’s Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, a Democrat, recently launched an investigation into ExxonMobil because he deems that the company has violated “settled science” regarding “climate change.” There is no sign of Schneiderman being concerned about the water crisis occurring within 25 miles of the state capital in Albany.
During the same time frame, the water crisis in Flint, Michigan has gained national attention and several Congressional hearings.
Where is the outcry for the citizens of Hoosick Falls?
