Re: [CPEO-MEF] GAO issues perchlorate overview

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

Natural Resources Defense Council
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2005

Contact: Rob Perks, NRDC  202/289-2420

GAO PERCHLORATE REPORT DEMANDS ACTION, NRDC SAYS

Statement by Erik Olson, NRDC Senior Health Attorney

WASHINGTON (June 21, 2005)--The General Accountability Office (GAO) 
today is expected to release the results of its 18-month study on 
perchlorate. The chemical, a primary component of rocket fuel, harms the 
thyroid and is especially dangerous for infants. Perchlorate has 
contaminated drinking water supplies for millions of Americans. GAO 
found, among other things, that perchlorate contamination is widespread 
and its exposure threatens human health.

The following is a statement by Erik Olson, senior attorney in the 
health program at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):

"The GAO report shows how the Pentagon and its defense contractors are 
largely responsible for the widespread perchlorate pollution of our 
drinking water.

"The findings illustrate why it's a bad idea for Congress to grant the 
Pentagon's wish to exempt the Defense Department from federal laws that 
safeguard our health and environment.

"As the nation's biggest polluter, the Defense Department shouldn't get 
off the hook when it comes to cleaning up its toxic mess.


"The report also highlights how the Environmental Protection Agency has 
failed to protect people from perchlorate pollution in our drinking water.

"The EPA has known for at least 20 years that perchlorate contaminates 
drinking water supplies. Despite this, and despite the fact that there 
are hundreds of sites across the country polluted with this rocket fuel, 
the agency has yet to establish a safe drinking water standard for 
perchlorate.

"It is irresponsible for EPA to continue to deny and delay an 
enforceable federal standard for perchlorate. Waiting until well after 
the year 2010 for an enforceable standard to take effect, which is what 
EPA seems content to do, represents a clear and present danger to 
millions of Americans.

"Because EPA has fallen down on the job, we're encouraging states and 
local governments to act now to set safe levels for perchlorate in 
drinking water."

For more information on NRDC's fight for protection from perchlorate, 
visit: www.nrdc.org/media/pressreleases/040324.asp.

###

The Natural Resources Defense Council is a national, non-profit 
organization of scientists, lawyers and environmental specialists 
dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. Founded in 
1970, NRDC has more than 1 million members and e-activists nationwide, 
served from offices in New York, Washington, Los Angeles and San 
Francisco. More information is available at www.nrdc.org.




--
Lenny Siegel
Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
c/o PSC, 278-A Hope St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/961-8918
http://www.cpeo.org


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