Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) said that the findings of low levels of radioactivity in Albany from the Japanese nuclear disaster should sound the alarm about the potential danger of the nuclear facilities at Indian Point. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that low levels of radioactive materials were detected at EPA air monitoring stations there and around the nation and are from the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan, wrecked by a  tsunami in March.

“The fact that an elevated level of Iodine 131 precipitation was detected in Albany, over nine thousand miles from Japan, should be alarming to everyone.  If radiation from that meltdown could manage to make its way halfway across the globe, can you imagine the devastation if there was an accident at Indian Point?   This same element was found in drinking water in Idaho and Washington State.  While these small amounts do not pose a public health threat, I pose the following disclaimer – they don’t pose a threat this time. 

“If the House Republican Majority got their way, the EPA’s funding would be gutted.  They voted to halt funding to regulate greenhouse gases, to monitor water quality related to mining projects, enforcing tougher air pollution standards and many other vital EPA watchdog responsibilities.  It was EPA air monitoring that detected the radiation in Albany, and it is potentially these stations which could feel the brunt of these cuts.

“I again urge my Republican colleagues to step back from the brink, abandon their reckless policies and realize that agencies such as the EPA protect the American people from such potentially catastrophic events such as a nuclear meltdown resulting in radiation in their air, food and water.  It is time to stop the madness and let the EPA do their job.”

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