Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), questioned Lee Zeldin, President Donald Trump’s nominee for EPA administrator, about the plastic pollution crisis in a confirmation hearing Thursday held by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
PBS video on plastic pollution starts at 4:02.
In short:
- Sen. Merkley highlighted recent studies linking microplastics to cancer, heart disease and fertility issues and their presence in breast milk and various organs, including the brain.
- He stressed the importance of addressing plastics as an endocrine disruptor and asked Zeldin if he is familiar with the science behind these issues. Zeldin indicated he is researching the topic.
- Merkley expressed skepticism about the chemical industry's efforts to promote "chemical recycling" as a solution to the plastic waste problem.
Why this matters:
Environmental advocates fear Zeldin's pro-industry stance will allow the fossil fuel and plastic industries to continue polluting while eliminating regulatory safeguards to protect public health.
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