AGENCY TESTIMONY
Discussion of proposed resolution (Resolution 560)
0:29:35
ยท
120 sec
Commissioner Strauber addresses Resolution 560, which calls for DOI to investigate what past mayoral administrations knew about environmental toxins produced by the September 11th terrorist attacks.
- The resolution aims to provide answers about information available to NYC government regarding health and safety risks from the 9/11 attacks
- The investigation would require analysis of materials dating back two decades and interviews with individuals from prior administrations
- DOI would need substantial resources, including environmental and medical experts, to conduct this investigation properly
- At current staffing levels, DOI would not be able to undertake an investigation of this magnitude and importance
- Additional funding would be necessary to hire a dedicated team of investigators, attorneys, experts, and a dedicated inspector general for this project
Jocelyn Strauber
0:29:35
This resolution calls on DOI to conduct an investigation to ascertain what mayoral administrations knew about environmental toxins produced by the September 11th terrorist attacks and to submit a report to the city council.
0:29:51
The health and safety of New Yorkers is paramount.
0:29:54
And DOI understands that the goal of this resolution is to provide critical answers to lingering questions about the information that was available to New York City government historically about risks to health and safety arriving arising from the 911 attacks.
0:30:11
This type of investigation would require an analysis of materials dating back 2 decades and therefore would call for a deep dive into archived materials to to ascertain the existence and content of relevant records.
0:30:27
Individuals who worked in prior administrations would also need to be identified, located, and interviewed as well as individuals affected by these events.
0:30:37
In addition to a substantial investigative staff, a full understanding of the relevant records and witness interviews likely would require environmental experts, medical experts, and possibly others with specialized skills to be part of the staff for such an investigation.
0:30:59
To undertake an investigation of this volume and scope, DOI would need funding to hire the sort of team I just mentioned of investigators, attorneys, and experts, as well as a dedicated invest inspector general.
0:31:17
At our current staffing levels, we would not be able to undertake the work of this importance and magnitude, with the in-depth analysis that it would call for and deserve.
0:31:31
Thank you for your time, and I'm happy to take any questions you may have.