Congressman Brian Higgins is calling for federal and state agencies to put a stop to Tonawanda Coke.

Higgins says the company has exhibited a blatant disregard for the health and safety of its employees and neighbors for years.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation ordered the plant to cease operations in July after DEC staff documented multiple instances of excessive black smoke emitting from the facility.

The company requested a hearing with the DEC in the hopes of overturning the decision.

Tonawanda Coke paid $12 million in penalties in 2015 after violating the Clean Water Act. Officials are expected to be in federal court next week.