On Monday, April 23, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in the Brooklyn Borough Hall Courtroom, 209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, New York, the Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on the environmental and health effects of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center, and federal, state, and local coordination in measuring and addressing environmental concerns.

            This hearing examined the scientific evidence of environmental contamination in Brooklyn and other boroughs, the potential health effects on area residents, steps taken by federal, state, and local governments, gaps in agency coordination and potential next steps to ensure the health of New York residents and others.  

            The hearing continued the Oversight Committee’s review of the federal response to the 9/11 attacks and implementation of federally funded programs that medically monitor and treat individuals who were exposed to toxins following the attacks.

            The Chair asked unanimous consent for Members from the New York City delegation to participate in the hearing.

The following offered testimony:

Hon. Yvonne Graham, Deputy Brooklyn Borough President

Kwai-Cheung Chan, former Assistant Inspector General for Program Evaluation, Environmental Protection Agency

David Newman, Industrial Hygienist, New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health

Patrick Roohan, Director, Bureau of Program Quality, Information and Evaluation New York State Department of Health

Dr. Anthony Szema, Assistant Professor of Medicine, SUNY-Stony Brook School of Medicine

Suzanne Mattei, Executive Director, Sierra Club of New York City

Peter Gudaitis, Executive Director, New York Disaster Interfaith Services