Political Quotes

“the Senator from Florida raises a valid concern. We certainly want to ensure that our playgrounds, boardwalks, and backyard decks are not harmful to our children's health, our grandparents' health, or to our neighbors' health. The issue of arsenic in the ground around playgrounds receives considerable attention, as has already been indicated. Let me be more specific. This issue is of great concern to two agencies funded in this bill, both the EPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. For the information of all my colleagues, the CPSC has jurisdiction over treated-wood products and any risks that might come from them when the wood products are used for playground sets and decks; the EPA has jurisdiction over the chemicals used to treat the wood. These chemicals are used to prevent the wood in our decks, boardwalks, and playground sets from rotting and therefore becoming unstable and unsafe. Both agencies have been working to ensure that treated-wood products are safe. I can appreciate the frustration the Senator from Florida feels about the delay in seeing a result to those studies. EPA currently oversees a voluntary labeling program so that consumers who purchase treated-wood products are made aware of the potential risks from the chemicals. Admittedly, the program can be more effective. EPA has learned that the program has flaws and is now working to improve that program.”