Bill aims to reveal what NYC knew about 9/11 toxins and when

NEW YORK — What did New York City officials know about the toxins that lingered in the air following the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks? That’s what the City Council wants to learn. 
A new transparency bill was introduced Thursday, one day after the city paused to mark 23 years since the attacks.
Councilmember Gale Brewer is behind the legislation that aims to reveal what city government knew about the environmental toxins in the air.
“We know that the air was filthy, but we don’t know if there’s more information that the city has that others don’t have,” Brewer said. “I have friends who have died recently, so, I think, maybe you could help us with what kind of toxic chemicals were here.”
More people have now died of 9/11-related illnesses than on the day of the attacks, and first responders continue to fight for funding to help those who risked their health during the rescue and recovery efforts at ground zero.
Brewer’s bill is a last-ditch effort for answers. In the years since 9/11, the city has never released information that she believes exists. As does Andrew Ansbro, president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association and a 9/11 first responder.
“I’ve had lung issues. I’ve had skin cancer issues. And those I consider minor. I consider myself a very lucky person,” Ansbro said.
Ansbro said his father, Michael, then chief of Transit Police, told then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani to wear a mask while hunkered down shortly after the attacks.
“What Rudy Giuliani was told, in between the North and South tower collapsing, the two collapses, he was told there was asbestos in the air. And for them to say at any point in time that the air was safe is a total lie,” Ansbro said.
The transparency effort is nothing new. Congressmen Jerry Nadler and Dan Goldman wrote an open letter to Mayor Eric Adams in April. There have also been Freedom of Information Act requests and even lawsuits from survivors. None have led to answers.
In a statement Thursday, a City Hall spokesperson said, “Mayor Adams is unwavering in his support of the 9/11 victims, first responders, families, and survivors. We will review the legislation.”
It would be a binding resolution, which is what makes it unprecedented. Adams cannot veto it. It would require the Department of Investigation to do just that, investigate, and it would then have two years to report its findings. 
Bagpipes and drums led a parade outside the FDNY Ten House on Wednesday night, with first responders and military personnel marching in formation to honor the fallen. A few yards away, visitors at the memorial pools reflected on the nearly 3,000 names etched onto the panels. 
Earlier Wednesday morning, six moments of silence were held to mark when the planes struck and the twin towers fell. Families of the fallen shared their memories, as the names were read aloud. 
“Twenty-three years is like 23 seconds. On Sept. 11, my brother disappeared, but this place has become my altar,” one man said at the podium. “This ceremony is essential, because that day he disappeared, but if I come here and I speak his name out loud, and you hear his name, he will never, never disappear.”  
President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance were all on hand, along with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and several former mayors of the city.