The Latest Asbestos News from U.S. Senator Patty Murray.................................................................................... Asbestos: Senator Murray Asks New OMB Nominee to Look into Delays on Safety Warnings for Brake Mechanics(Washington, D.C.) – Today at a Senate Budget Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Patty Murray asked Robert Portman, the President's nominee to head the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to examine why the agency has delayed the release of safety rules to protect American workers and consumers. For years, Murray has been frustrated that the Bush Administration has not released an update to the EPA's 1986 "Gold Book," which provides critical safety guidance for workers who come into daily contact with asbestos. News reports indicate that imports of brake materials containing asbestos have increased 83 percent in the past decade, putting thousands of workers and their families at risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers. In addition, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has failed to release a long-awaited fact sheet that provides specific instructions to help protect brake mechanics who handle asbestos-laden brake products. Murray, who worked with Ambassador Portman in his previous role as United States Trade Representative, asked the nominee to look into the issue and get to back her. Senator Murray's remarks follow:
Ambassador Portman replied, "Thank you, Senator. If confirmed, I look forward to working on that with you too." Murray's past efforts to spur the release of safety guidance includes writing to EPA and OSHA officials and questioning the OSHA nominee. .................................................................................... Sign Up for Asbestos Updates: Read Our Last Update: More Asbestos News: |