U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, D-NY, called for action on the issue of trichloroethylene contamination in Upstate New York.

The call came in the form of a press blitz Wednesday during which Schumer said if he didn't see action soon he would propose budgetary pressures on the agency.

Trichloroethylene, or TCE, is a chemical solvent used to degrease metal. In recent years much more has been learned about TCE and evidence is showing it is more toxic than previously believed and able to travel further than originally suspected.

According to Schumer's calculations, there are 23 active federal superfund sites in Upstate New York with TCE contamination. Superfund sites must meet qualifications to be cleaned up using funds budgeted for that purpose. The federal government can then approach the polluters for reimbursement.

"They've been using a water gun when a cannon is needed," Schumer said of the EPA to The Ithaca Journal. His particular criticism is the failure of the EPA to update its TCE standards for drinking water.