MAY 6, 2013: Augusta, Maine — Today, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection formally withdrew a proposed rule that would have required manufacturers to disclose which children’s products contain formaldehyde, a widely used toxic chemical known to cause leukemia and other cancers in humans. The proposed rule would have named the carcinogen a Priority Chemical under the Kid-Safe Products Act, a groundbreaking state law that seeks to protect children’s health from harmful chemicals in consumer products. Citing federal government review, the DEP action followed the lobbying pleas of major formaldehyde producers, including Koch Industries, the industrial conglomerate owned by David and Charles Koch. “Federal action on formaldehyde has been stalled by Koch brothers campaign cash and chemical industry lobbying,” said Mike Belliveau, president of Prevent Harm, a public health group. “That means Maine should lead, not follow the money. Instead, once again, Governor LePage has placed toxic politics before the health of Maine people.” “The withdrawal of the formaldehyde rule is yet another example of Governor LePage ignoring science and common sense, and putting the interests of chemical companies and corporate interests ahead of the health and safety of Maine people,” said Maine People’s Alliance executive director Jesse Graham. “The point of the Kid-Safe Products Act is to protect children, not the profits of the Koch brothers.” preventharm.org/press-release-gov-lepage-caves-in-to-koch-brothers-chemical-industry/
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 13:02:12 +0000
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