The state is trying to help save a bankrupt company that Elmwood Park residents call a big polluter.

Marcal Paper Products filed for bankruptcy in November. State officials say the company was forced to file for bankruptcy because it was fined several hundred thousand dollars last year for air pollution violations. Last week, a state Senate committee unanimously approved a bill to give a seven-year sales tax break on energy use to keep the company afloat.

A Marcal spokesman says keeping the company out of bankruptcy will help keep recycling affordable for municipalities statewide, since Marcal is the largest consumer of waste paper. The spokesman adds that if the company can renew its permit for a power generator, which was shut down in 2005, energy costs would go down, nullifying the company?s need for a tax break.

Though the measure still needs full legislative approval, many residents are outraged the state wants to bail out a company with environmental violations. A public hearing will be held on February 28 at Elmwood Park Borough Hall for residents to voice their pollution concerns.