As an environmental engineer I spent many years cleaning up PCB contamination, and I know firsthand the costs these efforts can place on individuals and communities.

In this quote, Chris Sununu, the Governor of New Hampshire, reflects on his personal experience as an environmental engineer, where he spent years working to clean up PCB contamination. PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) are toxic industrial chemicals that were widely used in electrical equipment and other products before being banned due to their harmful environmental and health effects. Sununu acknowledges the significant costs associated with environmental cleanup efforts, which can place a heavy burden on both individuals and communities. His firsthand knowledge of the challenges involved in addressing environmental hazards informs his understanding of the need for sustainable and responsible environmental policies.

Sununu’s statement emphasizes the real-world impact of environmental contamination on people’s lives. He recognizes that cleaning up harmful substances like PCBs is not just a technical challenge, but one that requires extensive resources and often involves dealing with complex health risks. The efforts to remediate such pollution can disrupt local communities and economies, as they often necessitate relocation, prolonged exposure to dangerous conditions, and expensive cleanup technologies. Sununu’s experience suggests that addressing environmental damage comes with high economic and social costs, which must be carefully considered in policymaking.

The origin of this quote lies in Sununu’s background as an environmental engineer before his political career. He worked in the field of environmental remediation, where he gained hands-on experience in dealing with hazardous materials like PCBs. This professional background has shaped his views on environmental protection and the practical challenges of addressing pollution at the governmental level.

Ultimately, Sununu’s quote highlights the importance of environmental engineering in mitigating the long-term effects of industrial pollution and the complex costs involved in restoring contaminated environments. It underscores the need for public policies that balance environmental responsibility with the resources required for cleanup efforts, while also addressing the health and economic well-being of affected communities.