Cuomo vs. the hospitals: A little context
On the face of it, the situation in Delaware County looks like a straightforward case of polluters brought to justice. Hospitals and nursing homes have been disposing of drugs by flushing them down sinks and toilets, a practice of dubious legality that poses a threat to drinking water and wildlife. State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo caught them at it. Rather than face the full wrath of the A.G. in court, the hospitals settled for fines and policy changes. Press releases were issued; the usual suspects in the environmental community applauded. Heckuva job, as they say.
Beneath the surface, the situation is far more complicated. Cuomo's sting operation has effectively confirmed local suspicions that the state is run at the whim of New York City at upstate expense, undone years of behind-the-scenes work on better ways to dispose of pharmaceutical waste, and put financially struggling rural hospitals in jeopardy with their creditors. It may be that the AG has overplayed his hand.
