| Local News |
August 16, 2011
Local parents join in toxic chemicals protest
Special to the Register
RICHMOND — Parents across the country organized local stroller brigades Wednesday, Aug. 10 to demand increased protections from toxic chemicals. The Kentucky event in Lexington featured parents and children asking Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul to work for increasing protections for American families. This quest for safer chemicals has gained traction among women of all demographics and political parties."Parents are ready for Congress to protect American families from toxic chemicals lurking in our homes," said Richmond mother Jamie Austad. "We're here to ensure a healthy future for our kids." |
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Parents are rallying behind a bill that would take steps to protect the American public from toxic chemicals.
The Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 (S.847), introduced by Sen. Frank Lautenberg (NJ) is geared increase
chemical safety, inform consumers and the marketplace on chemical hazardous and protect vulnerable
populations like pregnant women and children.
"The rates of cancer and learning disabilities are on the rise in Kentucky," said Greg Capillo, the Kentucky
Environmental Foundation's (KEF) Toxics and Health coordinator. "We need leadership from Senators
McConnell and Paul so that chemicals are tested for safety and we can prevent illness associated with
toxic chemical exposure."
A vote is likely this fall on the Safe Chemicals Act in the Environment and Public Works committee, and a
Senate floor vote.
The stroller brigade took place in 20 states including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Maine,
Massachusetts, Montana, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington and Vermont.
