Recently we announced two online petitions we were circulating concerning environmental issues.

The first petition addressed plans for a vote on an alteration at Republic Airport that would afford more opportunity for 200,000lb CIII Class flights. In the way of an update, we are happy to announce that in a press release statement by Republic Airport Commission Chairman Frank Nocerino, the July 27th Informational Center and the August 9th Republic Airport Commission vote have been tabled indefinitely. Although there is still the possibility of an alteration expanding the distance between Runway 1-19 and Taxiway B at some future date, it is not an imminent threat to our community. In addition, Chairman Nocerino, whose paramount concern is the safety of the airport, has requested further clarification from the FAA regarding their communications in reference to the non-standard separation of the runway and taxiway. Currently, he has also requested the FAA to offer acceptable alternatives to the aforementioned proposal of separating the runway and taxiway. According to Chairman Nocerino, the expansion plans will only be considered if the FAA feels the airport presents safety issues that must be addressed immediately. However, even if this is the case, there will be ample opportunities for community input and information exchange.

With reference to the MTBE petition, the proposed federal energy legislation that included the "safe harbor" provision is moving closer to enactment without that clause. This particular provision has been a source of discussion thwarting passage of the bill for over two years. Last week, the House proposed an $11.4 billion MTBE Cleanup Fund as a compromise to maintain the oil industries' insulation from liability. This proposal was strongly rejected by the Senate.

At a meeting on Sunday, July 24 the House-Senate conferees met to negotiate amenable terms to ensure completing their efforts toward the passage of a comprehensive energy bill by Aug. 1. With consensus reached on legislation that doesn't shield the gasoline manufacturers from MTBE liability, the potential burden of the MTBE clean-up costs will not be passed on to the local water purveyors and taxpayers.

We would like to thank you as always for your concern and incredible assistance with the petition drive. We'll keep you abreast of further updates regarding these matters.

Carol Meschkow

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