Novick focuses on the environment

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Steve Novick today hit Republican incumbent Gordon Smith over the reauthorization of the federal Superfund Fund Trust.

"During my eight years at the Justice Department suing polluters, I saw first-hand the successes of the Superfund program in cleaning up toxic waste and rehabilitating our communities," said Novick. "But now, at the behest of the big oil and chemical companies, Gordon Smith and his Republican pals continue to block reauthorization of the Superfund Trust Fund – meaning that either toxic sites won't be cleaned up at all, or working families will have to pay the bill through their taxes.

“I spent the first half of my career fighting to ensure that taxpayers didn't have to pick up the tab for corporate polluters, and I pledge to keep up that fight in the United States Senate."

The Novick campaign told PolitickerOR.com that it is confident in focusing on the environment.

“Steve has a strong environmental record,” spokesman Jake Weigler said. “It is an issue that is near and dear to his heart.”

Novick, 44, is a former environmental lawyer for the United States Department of Justice.

He is running for the Democratic nomination against House Speaker Jeff Merkley.