Congressman Cohen Demands Answers from EPA on Asbestos
Asks why agency’s own scientists’ recommendations were ignored
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, today wrote to Environmental Protection Agency Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler asking for an explanation of why the agency disregarded the advice of its own scientists by issuing a rule restricting but not banning asbestos, a known carcinogen. See the letter here.
The letter reads in part:
"I find it incredibly concerning and extremely peculiar that the EPA would cede its own experts' advice on banning asbestos, a known human carcinogen that has killed millions of people over the last several decades.
"As someone who has been closely affected by the loss of a close friend, singer-songwriter Warren Zevon, to mesothelioma, which is most commonly caused by asbestos exposure, I am acutely aware of the effects asbestos has on individuals, their families and friends."