Steelworkers union condemns EPA rules change

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.reliableplant.com/article.asp?pagetitle=Steelworkers%20union%20condemns%20EPA%20rules%20change&articleid=3968

Steelworkers union condemns EPA rules change
Author: RP news wires


The United Steelworkers (USW) on December 20 condemned the decision of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow corporations to withhold data on the toxic chemicals they release to the environment.

In a surprise announcement, the EPA finalized new rules rolling back the Toxic Release Inventory, the federal program designed to give citizens access to information about toxic pollution where they live and work.

Compared to the previous rules, the union says the changes allow corporations to release up to 10 times more pollution without reporting it. USW also says that the new rules also allow corporations to withhold information about their production and use of the most dangerous toxins – those that accumulate in the body and persist for long periods of time.

“EPA’s action is especially shocking given the massive public opposition generated by their earlier proposal,” states the union in a press release. “The agency received only 34 comments favoring the idea – the majority from chemical companies and other polluters. In contrast, the changes were opposed by 122,000 individual commentators, government agencies in 23 states, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the U.S. House of Representatives, and numerous labor and environmental groups.”

“This is the most arrogant, dishonest and undemocratic action we’ve yet seen from the political appointees running EPA,” said USW president Leo W. Gerard. “I know that the many dedicated career employees at EPA are just as appalled as we are. Along with other organizations, we are reviewing our legal and legislative options. This action will not stand.”

The USW represents 850,000 members in North America, including the majority of unionized employees in the chemical industry.

Cross posted in GDP.

[Dr.Phool]

1. Tell your Congressman to IMPEACH NOW!!!!

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