Another Step Toward Clean Air

Today saw a historic development in MOM's multi-year Clean Air Campaign for South Bronx residents: a lawsuit filed by NY State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo against the NY Organic Fertilizer Company (NYOFCO). This is an unprecedented level of support by a top-level State official, and an affirmation of the fierce leadership, vision and commitment of MOM Environmental Justice Committee members.

The increased exposure brought by the Attorney General's action adds strength to an already heavyweight litigation process. Last July, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) filed a lawsuit on behalf of MOM against the City of New York, the Department of Environmental Protection, Synagro Technologies (which operates NYOFCO) and its owner, the Carlyle Group.

In its announcement today, the Office of the Attorney General cites the work of MOM and our ally organizations in this fight, Sustainable South Bronx and The Point CDC. MOM leader Cerita Parker is quoted, saying:

By treating South Bronx as its own private dumping ground, NYOFCo has denied our community the basic satisfaction of enjoying a walk in a park, a Sunday backyard barbeque, or even a summer's breeze from an open window. By putting the weight of his office behind our cause, Attorney General Cuomo brings us support and the hope that we can finally put an end to this odor problem and restore our quality of life.

Go here for the full text of today's announcement.

For more information on the campaign or to get involved in this exciting work, please contact EJ Organizer Thomas Assefa - thomas@mothersonthemove.org