We have exciting news!
Today, Sen. Merkley and Congresswoman Bonamici introduced the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act of 2023. ADAO applauds all those who have contributed to this significant milestone. ARBAN would ban imports and use of eight asbestos fibers in all uses -- no exemptions or loopholes. As Sen. Merkley also stated in his excellent video, Americans need an asbestos ban now more than ever, and we invite you to read our recent blog discussing the “Big Why” behind ARBAN.
We look forward to working with our bipartisan colleagues in Congress, other agencies, and our ever-growing community of advocates to get ARBAN passed in 2023!
In addition, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the 18th National Asbestos Awareness Week Resolution. We thank the sponsors, Sen. Tester and Sen. Daines, and the original co-sponsors for championing this crucial action to raise asbestos awareness and expand prevention efforts.
We invite you to join us April 1-7, 2023, to celebrate the 19th Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW). Each day will feature new themes, videos, asbestos victims’ stories, and educational resources from leading organizations and more.. Our press releases will be translated into Spanish, French, Portuguese, Russian, Hindi, Turkish, and Ukrainian, to reach as many people as possible and make the week a global educational opportunity. GAAW culminates on April 7th with a virtual worldwide candlelight vigil to honor and remember those impacted by asbestos. Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #2023GAAW.
Education and research are vital parts of ADAO’s work. The only proven way to prevent asbestos-caused illnesses is to stop asbestos exposure through resources and knowledge. We acknowledge EPA’s Notice of Data Availability recently published in the Federal Register, and it's open for public comment until April 17th. We continue to urge EPA to expeditiously finalize its rule to prohibit the import and use of chrysotile asbestos.
While ADAO supports EPA’s regulation, it’s not a total ban. We continue to employ our dual-track strategy and advocate for legislation as we garner bipartisan Congressional support for ARBAN, a comprehensive ban without loopholes or exemptions. Join us and send your own #BanAsbestos letter to Congress, reminding your members that America must ban asbestos and start saving lives today.
Thanks to all of you, our Virtual Day of Action on March 23rd was a great success. You sent hundreds of letters to your government officials, and the shockwave from your participation continues to echo.
April 28th marks International Workers Memorial Day, a time to honor those injured or killed in the workplace. ADAO stands with individuals, trade unions, and organizations worldwide to keep all workers safe from asbestos exposure while on the job. To follow the conversation online and learn more about how to keep our workers safe, use the hashtag #IWMD23.
Finally, ADAO takes this opportunity to remember John D. Cooney, Sr., a deeply respected mesothelioma trial lawyer and friend. To learn about John’s important work and legacy, read ADAO’s commemorative blog here.
Check out our global calendar to keep up with our exciting March and April events.
Thanks to so many -- we did it!
Linda Reinstein
|
|
|
|
