“David can actually slay Goliath”
Sounding off over Rocketdyne cleanup milestone – Pros & Con
Left to right: Dawn Kowalski, Marie Mason, Dan Hirsch, Holly Huff, Christina Walsh, D'Lanie Blaze, Bonnie Klea, Bill Bowling, Dave Einhorn
Cal/EPA Secretary Linda Adams
“I’d like to thank our partners for their tireless efforts. U.S. EPA, community members, Boeing, and local and state elected officials continue to be valuable partners in our efforts to plan and implement site cleanup.”
Louise Rishoff, District Director for Assemblymember Julia Brownley (Assembly District 41 – Democrat)
A huge amount of credit on this one belongs to Linda Adams. Having the agency Secretary hands-on with this issue, facing down the political might of the Boeing Company and their resistance to cleaning up this highly contaminated and dangerous site, was a personal priority for her. It made all the difference. Her involvement was just extraordinary and Assemblymember Brownley is deeply grateful to her.
“To me, today was one of those days in your life that you never forget. Sitting in the meeting room at the Governor’s office hearing the news that the State was not going to deal in any more nonsense, and was keeping control where it belongs – with California. It reminded me that all things are possible, even when we are faced with the ugly truth about the impacts from what generations before us did under the guise of going to the moon. We have come such a long way in this last year, and with the leadership we have now, and the agreements and law we have in place, there is absolutely no reason why we can’t get this right, finally. This is the year of “yes we can” and we saw a united community today, clear in our goals of long-time efforts for the most protective clean-up and getting OUR legacy right.
“We saw the writing on the wall with signals from EPA that they wouldn’t follow SB990. It is such a relief to see the strength and keen perception of the state’s leadership in Secretary Adams and Mr. Riley that saw through the rhetoric of what would be coming down the pike when already talking about an ARAR waiver, before characterization is even complete. This idea of skipping ahead to “parkland” because we don’t have the attention-span or patience to get investigation right, might have serious implications to the quality of the clean-up that is ultimately accomplished. “Yes we can!
“What a moment when Sheila James Kuehl entered the Secretary’s office during the call. We owe so much to her and to Dan who pushed bill after bill trying to get acknowledgement from our government that promises had been made, and broken about cleaning up this site. When the law was signed and the Senator told us in her office that she had to make a deal to “carry to pass” new legislation to basically undo it in the next session. She looked us square in the face and said, “but I’ve only promised on my behalf. I expect you all to be yourselves, and if that means opposing me, then that’s what you do.” I will never forget the look in her eyes, She basically fell on the sword to make sure SB990 was signed in to law. One step at a time until we get it done. Then came the first LOI between Boeing and the State, and the second, when Dan said, “what about a commitment between the state and the people?”
“We’ve been defending SB990 for a year now, and today, we see law, and a paradigm shift to new possibilities. Now it is time for all of us to roll up our sleeves and see what we can accomplish.”
D’Lanie Blaze, creator and web master for The AeroSpace.org
“I’m elated about today’s outcome, which is the result of the tireless efforts of many who – for decades – have remained firm in their convictions and fought for what is right. I think many could learn a great lesson from the veterans to this issue, who have created positive change against insurmountable odds through commitment and tenacity, and a willingness to get involved. I am so grateful to every one of them.
“I am also grateful for SB990 on behalf of SSFL’s former employees, who dedicated their lives to protecting our country during the Cold War and Space Race. They felt pride in their work, certain that their efforts were serving their country and protecting its citizens. Leaving a site that poses a threat to the very people the employees worked hard to protect – often at their own peril – would be a disservice to their contributions and patriotism. A clean site through SB990′s implementation is the only acceptable route to facilitating a healthy community. It’s also the best way – the only way fitting – to honor the service and sacrifices made by SSFL’s Cold War and Space Race Heroes. Many are no longer with us, and many continue their own war against illnesses consequential to their exposures to radiation and chemicals at SSFL. SB990 is a victory for them, too.
“As I newcomer, my arrival seems like it’s just in time to celebrate the results of others’ years of hard work, and that seems less than fair. But I know there is more to be done, and it is an honor to stand with this group of people, and keep learning from them, and help to make a difference.”
