Tell the Senate to oppose Michael Dourson's nomination to lead the EPA toxics office
From tobacco to toxic chemicals, Michael Dourson has long been industry's go-to man to downplay health concerns. He not only helped Big Tobacco play down the health impacts of second-hand smoke, but has spent years working to minimize health concerns for dozens of chemicals—work paid for by the very chemical industry he could soon be in charge of regulating, now that President Trump has nominated him to lead the EPA's toxics office.
Dourson sees nothing wrong with aiding and abetting companies that put Americans' health in danger. When asked how he justified working for Big Tobacco, he responded: "Jesus hung out with prostitutes and tax collectors."
We can keep this man out of the EPA—but only with your help. Take action today, and tell your Senators to oppose Dourson's nomination.
Please publicly oppose Michael Dourson's nomination to lead the EPA toxics office
Dear [Decision Maker],
I'm writing today to urge you to publicly oppose President Trump's nomination of Michael Dourson to lead the EPA's toxics office.
Just last year, America witnessed a stunning bipartisan victory as both houses of Congress passed the Lautenberg Act with overwhelming support. Finally, there was hope that our 40-year-old, broken chemical safety law would be fixed--but this new legislation is only as strong as the agency tasked with enforcing it. Putting Michael Dourson in this office puts this entire victory, and the health of our families, in jeopardy.
Dourson has a long history of "blessing" chemicals for industry clients who want to downplay concerns about their products--from tobacco to toxic chemicals. His firm was paid by more than three dozen companies or trade associations (who he would now be tasked with regulating) for work involving at least three dozen different chemicals, creating huge conflicts of interest. And his firm has managed industry-funded websites that have propagated industry-friendly spin about dangerous chemicals to parents and the public.
Someone with such extensive conflicts of interest does not belong at the EPA. Please protect the integrity of the Lautenberg Act, stand up for the health of our families, and oppose this dangerous nomination.
[Your comments here]
Sincerely,
[Your name]
