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Jackson, Ryan[jackson.ryan@epa.gov] POLITICO Pro Wed 10/4/2017 3:28:46 PM Dourson won't follow Democrat request to recuse himself on many chemicals issues
By Alex Guillen
10/04/2017 11:25 AM EDT
Michael Dourson, the nominee to head EPA's chemicals and pesticides office, declined today to recuse himself from any issue he worked on previously as an independent toxicologist, saying he would evaluate each one on a case-by-case basis.
Sen. Tom Carper, the top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, asked Dourson to agree to a blanket recusal during his nomination hearing. Carper brought a chart that showed Dourson had often recommended significantly higher "safe" levels of substances than recommended by EPA, including chlorpyrifos -- which EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt this year declined to ban despite agency scientists' recommendations -- as well as perchlorate, PFOA, TCE and other chemicals.
"I can give you as many or more examples of situations where the science that we brought forward as a team actually lowered the safe dose ... for various sponsors," Dourson told Carper. He added that he has previously worked with or for various government entities.
Dourson said he would rely on guidance of agency ethics officials for any recusal issues.
WHAT'S NEXT: The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has to set a date to vote on Dourson's nomination.
To view online'. https://www.politicopro.com/energy/wliiteboard/20 l 7/10/dourson-wont-follow-democrat-requestto-recuse-himself-on-many-chemicals-issues-093903
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