Dourson’s Withdrawal a Victory for Science, Health

WASHINGTON (December 13, 2017)—Michael Dourson, President Trump’s nominee to head the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, has withdrawn his name from consideration after key senators made it clear he could not win confirmation. That’s a victory for science-based policy and the health of millions of people across the country, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).

Below is a statement by Ken Kimmell, president of UCS.

“Michael Dourson was, quite simply, the wrong choice to oversee the EPA’s chemical safety program. The senators who opposed his nomination made the right decision for their constituents.  

“Dourson’s withdrawal is a victory for millions of Americans—especially communities of color and people living in lower-income neighborhoods, who face higher risks from pollution and chemical exposure. This victory is thanks to a group of senators, including Richard Burr and Thom Tillis from North Carolina, who crossed party lines to do the right thing. It’s also thanks to voters across the country who spoke up, including thousands of scientists and supporters of science who saw the threat Dourson posed and got engaged, telling their Senators to vote no.

“This is a small step in the right direction.  Congress must take seriously its oversight role, and make sure that the decisions made by Trump appointees are based in science and serve the public interest.”