After scoring a major court victory against Tonawanda Coke late last week, The Clean Air Coalition of Western New York has now launched a call for fair elections.
Coalition executive director Erin Heaney says the group is now calling for "robust campaign finance reform" to prevent so-called corporate polluters in the Town of Tonawanda influencing state government.
"Tonawanda Coke gave over $53,000 in recent years. Huntley, the coal-burning power plant, has given over $100,000. NOCO has given nearly $200,000. If we are going to continue to make changes in Tonawanda, we need residents' voices to be heard," said Heaney.
The organization is calling on the Western New York Delegation to support fair elections.
Assemblyman Sean Ryan, Assemblywoman Crystal People-Stokes, and State Senator Tim Kennedy are among those who have already agreed to support the effort.
Heaney says she hopes two more lawmakers who represent Tonawanda will jump on board, including Assemblyman Robin Schimminger and Senator Mark Grisanti.
Heaney and the Coalition led the fight against Tonawanda Coke, which was fined $200 million by a federal jury in Buffalo for polluting the air. The organization is working to keep the fine money local.