Nader calls for Environmental Impact Statement at new stadium site in DC
Given the site’s proximity to the Anacostia waterfront, the varied uses of the land – including industrial uses – in its history, and the ballpark project’s potential to wreak serious environmental harm, it’s time for you to give taxpayers an accurate assessment of the costs for building a stadium at the current site.
From the beginning, you have sought to establish tight control of this important environmental matter. With the help of your appointed city planners, the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission leadership, and Chief Financial Officer, the Williams Administration has continually provided assurances that no significant environmental contamination or hazard exists at the stadium site.
However, as of June 8, 2006 — after just two weeks of digging — the cost of environmental cleanup has swelled 30 percent over the environmental cost estimate provided by a private firm that was hired by the city for $420,000. In the DC Council appropriations hearing on June 12, 2006, Councilmember David Catania called this environmental cost estimate “a sham.” Indeed, all signs point to a “yes-men” firm hired to produce a favorable estimate in order to avoid cost caps and gain Council approval for the project.
Mr. Mayor, the proper testing must be done. Please do not undermine the well-being of the citizens and the environment to make up for past mistakes concerning this stadium. You can not allow the cost uncertainty of the project, your Administration’s propensity to obscure the real costs, or the Lerner group’s drive to an April, 2008 opening to mask the environmental hazards at the stadium site.
I look forward to your response, and a forthcoming Environmental Impact Statement.
Sincerely,
Ralph Nader
Washington, DC
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Media
"How We Can Save Sports" author Ken Reed appears on Fox & Friends to explain how there's "too much adult in youth sports."
Ken Reed appears on Mornings with Gail from KFKA Radio in Colorado to discuss bad parenting in youth athletics.
“Should College Athletes Be Paid?” Ken Reed on The Morning Show from Wisconsin Public Radio
Ken Reed appears on KGNU Community Radio in Colorado (at 02:30) to discuss equality in sports and Title IX.
Ken Reed appears on the Ralph Nader Radio Hour (at 38:35) to discuss his book The Sports Reformers: Working to Make the World of Sports a Better Place, and to talk about some current sports issues.
- Reed Appears on Ralph Nader Radio Hour League of Fans’ sports policy director, Ken Reed, Ralph Nader and the New York Times’ Tyler Kepner discussed a variety of sports issues on Nader’s radio show as well as Reed’s updated book, How We Can Save Sports: A Game Plan. Reed's book was released in paperback in February, and has a new introduction and several updated sections.
League of Fans is a sports reform project founded by Ralph Nader to fight for the higher principles of justice, fair play, equal opportunity and civil rights in sports; and to encourage safety and civic responsibility in sports industry and culture.
Vanderbilt Sport & Society - On The Ball with Andrew Maraniss with guest Ken Reed, Sports Policy Director for League of Fans and author of How We Can Save Sports: A Game Plan
Sports & Torts – Ken Reed, Sports Policy Director, League of Fans – at the American Museum of Tort Law
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