Senators Bill Nelson and Barbara Boxer
Block EPA Chief Nomination
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by Reuters April 8, 2005
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WASHINGTON — Two Democratic senators Thursday said they would block the nomination of
Stephen Johnson to head the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
until the EPA cancels a program to test pesticide exposure of
children in a Florida county.
Sens. Bill Nelson of Florida 
and Barbara Boxer of California said the testing program was unfair.
The research project, which is partially funded by the
American Chemistry Council, does not require the participants to buy
or use any additional pesticides than what is already in their
homes.
The EPA has defended its children's environmental
exposure study as important to help the agency understand how kids
are exposed to pesticides that are common in American homes. The
research project plans to examine the homes of selected children in
Duval County, Florida, and will give participants a camcorder,
children's clothing and a $970 payment.
Nelson said the
research project was taking place in a "low-income, minority
neighborhood" where families would be eager to receive the small
payment and clothing.
"Testing pesticides on small children
and infants is wrong. We already know it's bad for them," Boxer told
reporters at a news conference to announce she and Nelson had placed
a "hold" on the White House's nomination of Johnson.
"This
program may just be the tip of the iceberg as to what's going to
come from this administration regarding human testing," Boxer added.
Johnson, a scientist at the EPA for more than two decades,
faced a contentious confirmation hearing Wednesday before the Senate
Environment Committee. The panel is expected to vote on his
nomination next week. Boxer is a member of the committee.
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Source: Reuters
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