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MARCH 29, 2001

In the ongoing saga of Clinton administration decisions put on hold by President Bush and his Cabinet, Democratic House Leaders on Wednesday sent a letter to EPA Head Christie Todd Whitman to ask her why she is not going to adhere to a Congressional mandated June 22 deadline to reduce the level of arsenic in drinking water from 50 parts per billion to 10 parts per billion.

Arsenic can cause bladder, lung and skin cancer, and may cause liver and kidney cancer according to a study conducted by the National Academy of Sciences. The EPA originally initiated ots stricter Arsenic standard in response of a lawsuit.

Environmental activists claim that the decision to not adhere to the lower arsenic level accomodates mining companies, chemical companies and small water treatment facilities. Whitman told the Associated Press she wants to reduce the level below 50 parts per billion but questions the 10 part per billion number.

She also said did not even know that mining companies were among the largest producers of arsenic in drinking water.

Get the Story:
Democrats challenge Bush delay on reducing arsenic in water (AP 3/29)

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EPA promises strong arsenic standard (3/23)
Environment: The GOP strikes back (3/21)