PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Eileen Spinner, Member of the Public
2:20:22
·
121 sec
Eileen Spinner testifies against Intro 941, arguing that it weakens the Citizens Air Complaint Program and makes it easier for companies to pollute. She emphasizes the program's effectiveness in reducing idling and improving air quality, particularly for those with respiratory issues like asthma.
- Spinner shares a quote from Samara Swanson about personal loss due to asthma and the importance of the program
- She discusses her own experience with asthma improving due to reduced pollution during the pandemic
- Spinner urges support for Intro 5 and Intro 291, which combat illegal idling, while opposing Intro 941
Eileen Spinner
2:20:22
My name is Eileen Spinner, We want New Yorkers to be excited to get out and report Yeah.
James F. Gennaro
2:20:27
We can speak right into the microphone
Eileen Spinner
2:20:29
and report illegal idling and be paid more for working more.
2:20:33
A strong citizen incentive is vital.
2:20:36
Intrio 941 makes it harder for new people to join this important program, and it makes it easier for big companies to pollute our air.
2:20:45
This is wrong.
2:20:46
We should not be writing loopholes into the air code We should not be cutting the awards.
2:20:51
And frankly, we're astonished that we have to come to city hall to remind this committee of that fact.
2:20:57
My dear friend, Samara Swanson, wanted the committee to know something else that she didn't get a chance to say, and this is her quote, The issue of air pollution is very personal to me because I have lost multiple family members to asthma asthma.
2:21:12
Sadly, this year, 32100 New Yorkers will die from air pollution and 6000 adults and children will be rushed to the emergency room because of asthma.
2:21:24
Her personal loss of family members is why she helped draft and passed the law expanding the citizens' air complaint program and setting the award at 25%.
2:21:34
This program is working, and only intro 5 and intro 291 should move forward because they combat illegal idling.
2:21:42
But intro 941 must be stopped today.
2:21:46
I too personally have asthma.
2:21:48
And during the pandemic, I would sit on the Brooklyn Heights promenade with the BQE basically car free.
2:21:55
I saw my pulmonologist after that And he said to me, I cured you.
2:22:00
I said, no.
2:22:01
You didn't cure me.
2:22:02
Far less pollution helped lessen my asthma symptoms.
2:22:05
And my Brooklyn Heights neighbor also participates in this program, and I've badly barely seen an idling truck anymore.
2:22:13
The program has made a difference.
2:22:15
It works.
2:22:16
And I hardly need this anymore.
2:22:18
It's my inhaler because I can walk on Fulton Street and Montague Street, and I'm able to breathe.
