Oakland, Calif. – The departure of environmental and public health champion Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., “will be an enormous loss to anyone who cares about safe drinking water, clean air, food safety and children’s health,” EWG president Ken Cook said today.
“On behalf of the biosphere, I’d like to thank Congressman Waxman for his tireless advocacy on behalf of us humans and the surrounding world we inhabit,” Cook said about learning of Waxman’s plans to retire. “There is no one either elected or appointed at any level of government in this country who has done more to protect the public from the ravages of industrial pollution, HIV/AIDS and tobacco, among many other serious issues.”
“I was proud to have worked alongside Congressman Waxman during the landmark passage of the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act that for the first time set health-protective standards for pesticides on foods to keep children safe,” Cook said.
“His work can be seen and felt in virtually every area of our lives. Nutrition labels on food packaging, the Ryan White Act, updates to the Clean Air Act and Safe Drinking Water Act and warning labels on tobacco products – all courtesy of Congressman Waxman,” said EWG executive director Heather White.
“All of us in California and across the country owe Congressman Waxman a huge debt of gratitude, regardless if you’re a Democrat, a Republican or an Independent,” Cook said. “Everyone from every walk of life, political persuasion and region in the country has and will benefit from his legacy.”
A list of Waxman’s accomplishments during his 40 years in Congress can be found here:
Note: The office of Rep. Waxman gave EWG permission to use the attached photo.
