John Rumpler, “Report maps hundreds of toxic waste sites in the path of 2020’s record- shattering Atlantic hurricane season"

“A Perfect Storm: When Tropical Storms Meet Toxic Waste,” released by the U.S. PIRG Education Fund and the Environment America Research & Policy Center, reports that, so far, only “dumb luck” has prevented Superfund toxic waste sites in the path of hurricanes from causing an environmental and public health catastrophe. Rumpler, echoing the report, calls for the EPA to reinstate the “Polluter Pays” tax to expand, improve, and expedite cleanup of these toxic sites. The report itself also recommends that: the effects of climate change should be considered when prioritizing cleanup; state and local governments should work more closely with the EPA; and individuals should find out if they live near a Superfund site to protect themselves.

SOURCE

Report Maps Hundreds of Toxic Waste Sites in the Path of 2020’s Record-Shattering Atlantic Hurricane Season

CITATION

John Rumpler, “Report maps hundreds of toxic waste sites in the path of 2020’s record-shattering Atlantic hurricane season: Hurricanes and tropical storms crossed over 800 toxic “Superfund” waste sites last year.” Environment America, May 13, 2021.