We hope your transition to the new year has been both smooth and bright. As Team ADAO welcomes 2022 with open arms and our sights are set on the big things to come, we are ready to work hard and win the fight against asbestos once and for all. Team ADAO could not be more grateful for your support over the years, and we are thankful to have you by our side as we dive into 2022.
We’re off to a strong start and have already hosted a meeting with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) encouraging accountability discussions with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a full-asbestos ban that will mitigate importation and use of asbestos under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). ADAO sees this review as a significant step towards finalizing an absolute ban on asbestos.
Looking ahead, ADAO is currently compiling public comments in preparation for the EPA Part 2 Risk Evaluation on Feb. 14th, which will address the gaps and omissions in the Part 1 Risk Evaluation. Part 2 will especially focus on the fight to combat legacy asbestos that continues to plague millions of homes, schools, and workplaces across the U.S. ADAO is proud to have held the agency accountable for considering this risk factor during the Part 1 evaluation and we intend to do the same for Part 2.
We are also so gratified by the strength of the anti-asbestos movement on Change.org, the world’s leading petition platform. A petition on the site which calls to ban asbestos and level with EPA currently has nearly 150,000 signatures -- each representing yet another voice in the fight to ban asbestos once and for all.
On a more somber note, we want to take a moment to remember Senator Harry Reid, true champion for asbestos awareness, education, and justice. We offer our condolences and wishes for healing in this new year to the friends and family of Sen. Reid, who will forever be regarded as a dear friend to ADAO.
We are ever so grateful to our 2021 sponsors Platinum Sponsor, Simmons Hanly Conroy, LLC; Gold Sponsor, The Gori Law Firm; and Silver Sponsor, Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney Meisenkothen, and are excited to share the 2022 generous sponsors in our March eNewsletter. Sponsorships are limited, if you are interested, please email me to discuss our unique and exclusive opportunities to support ADAO’s proven education, advocacy, and community efforts.
Our calendar continues to fill with vibrant events we know you will enjoy, so stay tuned! Now, onward to make 2022 the best year ever.