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For Immediate Release
Contact:

Keith Rushing, krushing@earthjustice.org, (202) 797-5236; (757) 897-2147
Carrie Apfel, Earthjustice attorney,  capfel@earthjustice.org  (202) 258-3082
Alexis Andiman, Earthjustice attorney, aandiman@earthjustice.org  (203) 640-1926

EPA Holds Hearing on Proposed Rule that Would Weaken Role of Science in Setting Pollution and other Toxic Limits

Advocates and researchers to speak out in opposition to proposed rule

WASHINGTON

WHAT: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Public Hearing on proposed rule that would weaken role of science in setting pollution and other toxic limits

WHEN: Tuesday, July 17, 2018 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.)

WHERE: Environmental Protection Agency, William Jefferson Clinton East Building, Main Floor, Room 1153, 1201 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.

THE PROBLEM: In April, EPA proposed a rule, called "Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science," which, if finalized, would exclude critical public health scientific studies that are essential for setting pollution and toxic limits. The proposed rule would illegally require revealing private health data, making it far less likely that the public would participate in essential health studies that are used to limit air pollution and exposure to toxic substances. The pollution and toxic regulations set by EPA save hundreds of thousands of lives and prevent millions of diseases. Advocates and researchers who work to protect the public from exposure to pesticides and other toxic substances will share their experiences involving research and advocacy and speak out in opposition to the proposal. The public comment period for the proposed rule ends August 16, 2018. Earthjustice is submitting comments on the proposal to EPA. These comments will be publicly available once filed.

Those testifying in the afternoon (between noon and 4 p.m.) at the briefing include:

  • Pamela Miller, Executive Director, Alaska Community Action on Toxics and IPEN Co-Chair, Alaska Community Action on Toxics
  • Eugenia (Jeannie) Economos, Pesticide Safety and Environmental Health Project Coordinator, Farmworker Association of Florida
  • Virginia Ruiz, Director of Occupational and Environmental Health, Farmworker Justice

In addition, Devon Hall, Executive Director, Rural Empowerment Association for Community Help (REACH), in Duplin County, North Carolina, the hog capital of the country, will provide testimony that an Earthjustice attorney will read into the record.

Earthjustice is a non-profit public interest law firm dedicated to protecting the magnificent places, natural resources, and wildlife of this earth, and to defending the right of all people to a healthy environment. We bring about far-reaching change by enforcing and strengthening environmental laws on behalf of hundreds of organizations, coalitions and communities.

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