NC EDF Leader Commends Senators Burr, Tillis for Opposing Controversial Chemical Safety Nominee
Nominee to oversee federal chemical safety has troubling history on chemicals at heart of state’s toxic pollution
(November 16, 2017—Raleigh, NC) Today the Environmental Defense Fund commends North Carolina Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis for announcing their opposition to the nominee to oversee chemical safety at EPA, Michael Dourson. As first reported by the Wilmington Star News, both Senators issued statements Wednesday night opposing the nominee, who has a long history of working to downplay concerns about toxic chemicals for industry clients, including chemicals that have impacted thousands of Tar Heel families.
David Kelly, Manger for North Carolina Political Affairs at Environmental Defense Fund, said:
“We commend Senators Burr and Tillis for recognizing that Michael Dourson, who has made a career minimizing the dangers of chemicals like the ones affecting communities from Camp Lejeune to Wilmington, is not the right person to lead our nation’s chemical safety system. We are hopeful that other Senators will follow the lead of our Tar Heel State Senators, who are taking a strong stand for North Carolina families.”
Dourson, the controversial nominee to lead the chemical safety office at EPA, is a deeply conflicted chemical industry hired-gun who should be especially concerning to North Carolina families. Among the chemicals Dourson has been paid to downplay are chemicals that have impacted Wilmington, other communities along the Cape Fear River, and Marine Corp Base Camp Lejeune in Onslow County.
Over and over again, Dourson has recommended standards that were much less protective than those set by impartial authorities. If confirmed, Dourson would be charged with overseeing the safety of chemicals like trichloroethylene (TCE) and GenX and determining whether or at what level they need to be regulated. But, as the Wilmington Star News recently editorialized, Dourson’s record makes him the wrong choice for the job.
One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund
Media Contact
Latest press releases
-
Public Interest Groups Defend SEC’s Climate Risk Disclosure Rule
August 15, 2024 -
Puerto Rico Hit by Tropical Storm Ernesto
August 14, 2024 -
La Tormenta Tropical Ernesto toca tierra en Puerto Rico
August 14, 2024 -
Localized air monitoring in New York’s disadvantaged communities underscores the need for immediate action to cut air pollution
August 14, 2024 -
Appeals Court Rejects Attempt to Block Mercury and Air Toxics Protections
August 6, 2024 -
New Study Provides Comprehensive Estimates of Methane Emissions from Canada’s Oil and Gas Industry Based on Direct Measurements
August 6, 2024