Schneider Reiterates Call for U.S. EPA to Hold Public Meeting on Ethylene Oxide in Lake County

Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL) issued the following statement:

"The U.S. EPA this week held a public meeting in DuPage County to discuss the increased risk of cancer resulting from exposure to the toxic air pollutant ethylene oxide at the Sterigenics facility. When will the U.S. EPA do its job and hold a public meeting to discuss the EtO exposure facing communities in Lake County? My constituents deserve answers.

"Time and time again, the U.S. EPA has failed its responsibility to inform and protect the public of Lake County from environmental risks. Due to this dereliction of duty, our local communities have stepped forward to launch their own ambient air monitoring program, and I eagerly await the results so we can make informed decisions for the health and safety of our communities. But this is a burden that should have always been borne by the U.S. EPA, not the local county, towns, and affected neighborhoods.

"I am thankful the House Appropriations Committee included my provision to increase funding for ambient air monitoring specifically focused on ethylene oxide, and will continue to work with my House colleagues to enact into law my legislation to require the U.S. EPA to more strictly regulate ethylene oxide."

Background:

Schneider and other members of the Illinois congressional delegation have repeatedly called on the U.S. EPA to hold a public meeting in Lake County since October 2018.