See Which Safety Regulations They Want To Remove

Safety Regulations Protect Us. Companies Want Them Removed.

November 2017

It makes sense – if something is toxic to our health, unsafe, it shouldn’t be used. Safety regulations have banned many harmful chemicals from foods or other items, in order to protect us. That’s great – and it’s right.

But there’s a problem. When you put safety regulations in place, it may cost companies money. Many companies prefer less regulation.

Is De-Regulation Happening?

When Trump was campaigning to get elected as US President, he promised to rid the government of 75 percent of rules that get in industry’s way.

(He had a personal interest – he wanted to build hotels quickly and cheaply, and regulations meant he couldn’t always do what he wanted).

He has already acted. For example, he has removed limits on the toxic waste that coal companies can dump in rivers. He has cut regulations that promote more fuel-efficient cars.

There are also many regulations that the EPA put into place, that are being rolled back or delayed under Scott Pruitt.

What’s the Problem With De-Regulation?

We know that many regulations are in place to protect public health and safety. But even apart from that obvious benefit, there are many good reasons to keep safety regulations in place.

There is strong data showing that environmental rules actually help the economy – by preventing illness, missed school days, worker absence, productivity problems and early death.

But the Trump Administration wants even more de-regulation. So, according to the EDF (Environmental Defense Fund), the Administration has asked companies, trade associations and lobbyists to suggest other rules they’d like the president to roll back.

Here are some safety regulations that – astonishingly – some companies want removed.

The Safety Regulations That Companies Would Like To Be Removed

If you thought that some companies have your best interests at heart (like their advertisements tell you), then see what they privately want. Here are just 5 examples.

1. Leaky oil and gas drill sites: Trade groups don’t want to fix them

Trade associations representing the oil and gas industry, including The Independent Petroleum Association of America, don’t like the Clean Air Act standards that require them to reduce methane and other air pollution. These standards would also help to reduce climate change.

2. Coal tar: Trade association wants to end health studies

Coal tar is a nasty product made from coal.  It’s often used to seal pavements – even though there are safe alternatives. The Pavement Coatings and Technology Council – a trade association for the paving industry – doesn’t want research into the health dangers of the black top on which your children and pets play.

3. Roofing fumes: Companies want no restrictions

The National Roofing Contractors Association, a trade group representing roofing companies, doesn’t want smog-forming chemicals restricted, saying such regulations “have been burdensome to our members.”

4. Cancer-causing lubricant oils: Manufacturers say they should still be used

Some oils use materials known to cause cancer in humans. The Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association complained that a new chemical safety law may require its members to find alternatives.

5. Toxic pesticide: Chemical manufacturer wants ban removed

The pesticide chlorpyrifos is shown to damage kids’ health. There are alternatives – but Pruitt, under pressure from the manufacturer, ignored his EPA scientists and rejected the proposed ban.

But The Government Should Protect Us!

Of course it should! Governments are supposed to work for the people, not for “special interests”. But money talks.

And even though climate change is our biggest threat (rising sea levels, severe storms, droughts, flooding, and water and crop shortages to mention a few), guess who influences government policy on climate action?

A report from InfluenceMap (a U.K. think tank), assessed the 50 biggest companies influencing climate policy.

Out of those 50, they found that 35 (more than half) actively fight against climate-friendly legislation.

That’s seriously bad news. ExxonMobil and Chevron are some of the most influential climate lobbyists. Now that’s scary. (ExxonMobil knew the truth about climate change a long time ago and actively covered it up).

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Warm regards,

P.S.  Want to live a simpler, more green and ecofriendly life? (It’s been shown to increase happiness!). You can download your FREE green living handbook “Live Well, Live Green” here. Get it now!

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