Posted on December 7, 2016
Brent Kynoch, Linda, and Dr. Barry Castleman
Last week, asbestos victims across the country scored an historic victory when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed priority evaluation and regulation, to begin in 2017.
This is a monumental step toward banning asbestos. As a veteran stakeholder in DC, I traveled to Washington this week to solidify ADAO’s place at the stakeholder table, and to shore up support for our cause as big changes get underway in our nation’s capitol.
In just two days, ADAO met with 13 Senate offices to talk with their health and environmental legislative specialists about the next steps in the process of regulating asbestos. ADAO Science Advisory Board Member Dr. Barry Castleman and Prevention Advisory Board Co-Chair Brent Kynoch joined me for these meetings, lending their expertise and influence to our discussions.
During these meetings, I also had a chance to wish farewell to our longtime Congressional Champion, Sen. Barbara Boxer, who is retiring from her seat in the Senate. Sen. Boxer has been the fiercest advocate for asbestos victims on Capitol Hill, and it’s tough to imagine our work without her. I am encouraged, however, knowing that the Senators I’ve met with this week will do a fantastic job stepping up as our next champions.
So much is changing in Washington right now, but I can assure you that one thing will stay the same: ADAO will continue to advocate and fight, loud and proud, for the civil rights of asbestos victims in the U.S. and for policy that delivers a future free of asbestos-caused diseases.
In unity,
Linda