[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 70 (Monday, May 21, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E866]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      LETTER TO THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES REGARDING ARSENIC

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                           HON. DOUG BEREUTER

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 21, 2001

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member submits this letter he sent on 
May 17, 2001, to Dr. Bruce Alberts, President of the National Academy 
of Sciences regarding a meeting of the National Research Council's 
arsenic review subcommittee. The letter expresses strong concerns about 
the agenda and participants.

                                    Congress of the United States,


                                     House of Representatives,

                                     Washington, DC, May 17, 2001.
     Dr. Bruce Alberts,
     President, National Academy of Sciences,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Dr. Alberts: I am writing to express concerns about 
     the meeting scheduled to be held on May 21st by the National 
     Research Council's arsenic review subcommittee.
       As you know, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has 
     asked the National Academy of Sciences to review new studies 
     regarding the health effects of arsenic in drinking water and 
     to review the EPA's risk analysis of arsenic. Unfortunately, 
     it has come to my attention that there are significant 
     concerns about the upcoming review. There is a growing 
     appearance that the process may not be as balanced as it 
     needs to be and questions have been raised about the 
     objectivity of the review.
       Several specific and troubling concerns have been recently 
     relayed to me. First, it is my understanding that a 
     representative of the Natural Resources Defense Council is on 
     the agenda for the May 21st meeting, but no one representing 
     state or local interests has been invited. Second, I have 
     been informed that certain scientists who expressed concerns 
     about the proposed lower levels of arsenic in drinking water 
     were not invited back to serve on the panel while those 
     supporting a significant decrease were included on the 
     subcommittee. Finally, it has been brought to my attention 
     that the panel will only be hearing from those EPA 
     representatives who favor advocating a lower standard for 
     arsenic in drinking water.
       Because of the seriousness of this issue, I believe it 
     requires immediate attention and I would appreciate a prompt 
     response addressing these concerns. I strongly support a 
     scientific approach to addressing this issue which is of 
     great interest to many Nebraskans. However, I believe it must 
     be done in an objective manner which takes into account a 
     wide variety of scientific viewpoints.
       Thank you for your attention in this matter. Additionally, 
     I want you to know I will place this letter in the 
     Congressional Record.
           Best wishes,
                                                    Doug Bereuter,
                                               Member of Congress.

     

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