"We are here to discuss the epidemic of opioid abuse. The numbers are stark. Each year, approximately 17,000 people die from prescription opioid overdoses, and 3,000 die from heroin overdoses."
"For far too long, prescription opiate pain relievers were prescribed too easily, without enough attention paid to the potential risks, and a large number of people became addicted."
"Unfortunately, if the goal is a broadly supported bipartisan bill, this process is currently failing."
"If we want a law, we will have to work together to address those concerns."
"The public health groups remain in strong opposition to the draft."
"The draft retains the cost-benefit standard, leaving American families, and especially children, without adequate protection."
"The bill would even overturn recent reforms made by EPA to enhance transparency."
"For decades, the Toxic Substances Control Act has operated under an unreasonable risk standard, which requires EPA to perform a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether or not a chemical is to be re..."
"Costs would still come into play in figuring out how best to regulate a chemical, but we shouldn't use cost to determine whether the public should be protected from a chemical exposure."
"I think many in the public would listen to this discussion and find this proposal morally questionable."
"Do you think that we can protect our kids and keep industry's costs manageable if we use a risk-based standard that sets a clear goal of protecting health and the environment?"
"I think there is a consensus outside this room that the safety standard in TSCA should be risk-based."