In an effort to create public awareness and send a strong signal to our elected officials, the Concerned Citizens of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Community, Inc. have announced two Online Petitions they are circulating regarding threats to the environment and quality of life.

The first petition is regarding the Proposed Federal Energy Bill currently in the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate. This proposed legislation includes a "safe harbor provision" which provides product liability immunity for MTBE polluters. Passage of this bill would place the onus of the cleanup cost of MTBE spills on the local water districts and subsequently the residents. It is estimated that on Long Island there are 1600 gasoline spills across the bi-county region with 155 wells identified as contaminated with MTBEs. The cost for the required cleanup is estimated to be as high as $700 million.

The second petition is in response to the Republic Airport Commission's Proposed Resolution to relocate Taxiway "B" further from the adjacent Runway 1/19. This relocation will allow the necessary 400 ft. distance between the taxiway and runway for wing-tip clearance for 200,000 lb. CIII Class aircraft including 727s. This would enable Republic Airport to expand its operation with the associated significant increase in noise, air pollution, storage of additional quantities of Jet A Fuel, and increased traffic along major arteries and peripheral routes to the airport. The public's voice is being excluded from the benefits of a full Environmental Review as the Republic Airport Commission is planning on circumventing the process.

If you would like to help, you can access the petition on line at the following URLs, for the MTBE Petition go to: www.PetitionOnLine.com/MTBEPOB/petition.html. and for the Republic Airport Petition go to: www.PetitionOnLine.com/RACCPOBC/petition.html. You are also encouraged to pass this information on to friends, relatives and neighbors in the surrounding area. For residents not on line, please drop Concerned Citizens a postcard with your name and address, to their attention at 998-C Old Country Road-PMB #143, Plainview, NY 11803. A hard copy will be returned with mailing instructions.

The Concerned Citizens of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Community, Inc. encourage every resident to take this opportunity to voice your concerns to our elected officials by participating in this petition drive. Collectively the community can make a difference, but time is of the essence so your immediate attention is appreciated.

Carol Meschkow

Concerned Citizens of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Community, Inc.