Press Releases

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement today regarding the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) National Toxicology Program’s listing of styrene and formaldehyde in the 12^th Report on Carcinogens (RoC). After the RoC is approved by the HHS, it can be used by regulatory agencies and others for decision making:

“Here we go again. Just yesterday we learned that proposed regulations from the EPA will cost us jobs by closing the Glen Lyn Plant in Giles County and will cost additional jobs by restructuring the Clinch River Plant in Russell County. Now, today’s report pertaining to formaldehyde and styrene by the HHS threatens nearly 1,000 manufacturing jobs in the 9^th District. In my opinion, these listings are not based on sound science. Recently, the National Academy of Sciences called into question the EPA’s draft health assessment pertaining to formaldehyde.  The NAS disagreed with the EPA’s finding that formaldehyde causes cancer. Also, in contradiction to the National Toxicology Program’s listing of styrene as ‘reasonably anticipated carcinogen,’ a 2009 study by world health leaders came to the conclusion that ‘evidence does not support a causal relationship between styrene exposure and any type of human cancer.’

“Real jobs are on the line if regulations are expanded to include these chemicals. If formaldehyde regulations expand, up to 600 jobs could be lost in Giles County and more in Smyth County. The production of styrene-based products accounts for nearly 350 jobs in Bristol. With 9 percent unemployment, we cannot afford to lose more jobs – especially when it is based on unsound science.

“If the Obama Administration wants to know how to get the economy back on track, they should look at their regulators and tell them to stop killing our economy. Across the United States thousands of jobs are in jeopardy by their actions. How much more can America take?”

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