The Energy 202 Analysis

The Energy 202: This EPA nominee may be the first Trump appointee to be defeated by Congress

By Dino Grandoni November 17 at 9:29 AM

THE LIGHTBULB

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This week, North Carolina’s two Republican senators, Richard Burr and Thom Tillis, said they would oppose Michael Dourson’s nomination as the top chemical safety official at the Environmental Protection Agency.

The senators raised concerns about Dourson’s track record as a consultant for chemical companies, a role in which the University of Cincinnati professor has often produced research finding little or no human health risks for their products. Specifically, Burr pointed to contaminated water documented at a North Carolina military base and an unregulated compound known as Gen X, used to produce Teflon and other products, that was discovered in the Cape Fear River.

“I will not be supporting the nomination of Michael Dourson. With his record and our state’s history of contamination at Camp Lejeune as well as the current Gen X water issues in Wilmington, I am not confident he is the best choice for our country,” Burr said in a statement.

As a consultant, Dourson has assessed a broad range of chemicals, including PFOA, which is used to make nonstick surfaces. His research concluded the chemical is safe at levels significantly higher than those considered acceptable by the EPA. Dourson’s work for a range of corporate clients, as well as various groups representing plastics and pesticide manufacturers, drew scrutiny during his confirmation hearing last month. A Senate committee narrowly voted to send his nomination to the full Senate, which has yet to vote on his confirmation.
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The opposition of two GOP senators means that Dourson would only need one more antagonist to sink his vote. He would already need the tie-breaking support of Vice President Pence given the 52-member majority GOP Senate majority. If Dourson doesn't withdraw his nomination and another Republican senator refuses to back him, it would represent the first time the Senate has rejected a Trump nominee and would mark a significant political defeat for the administration.
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Energy & environmental reporter for @washingtonpost and newsletter writer for @PowerPost. Follow @dino_grandoni