In Advance of Hearing, Trump EPA Nominee Exposed as Chemical Industry Hired-Gun
Senate Committee Holds Confirmation Hearing on Nominee to Oversee Federal Chemical Safety
Contact:
(Washington DC—October 4, 2017) In advance of Wednesday’s Senate Committee hearing on the EPA toxics nominee Michael Dourson, Environmental Defense Fund chemical safety expert Dr. Richard Denison raised serious concerns about Dourson’s fitness for the position.
“Michael Dourson has spent decades working to downplay concerns about chemicals for his industry clients,” said Denison, Lead Senior Scientist at Environmental Defense Fund. “For at least a dozen toxic substances, Dourson recommended standards that were far less health-protective than prevailing standards – while being paid by the very companies making or using those chemicals. He should not be trusted to decide what’s safe for our kids and families.”
Several news stories have documented Dourson’s work as a toxicologist for hire—working for industry clients including tobacco companies as well as dozens of chemical and pesticide makers. If confirmed, Dourson would be charged with regulating the same chemicals and pesticides for which he has worked to undermine health protections.
Additional background on Dourson’s work can be found at this link.
