AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Environmental activists are upset by Gov. Paul LePage’s proposals to revise dozens of laws protecting the air, water and land.
At a news conference in the State House on Thursday, speakers said they are especially outraged by a proposal they say weakens protections from toxic substances in consumer products. They referred to a 2008 law aimed at keeping the chemical Bisphenol-A, or BPA, out of babies’ drinking cups and other consumer items.
The Natural Resources Council of Maine’s Matt Prindiville says toxic chemicals cause at least $380 million in health-related costs in Maine each year.
LePage issued a statement saying he’s not passing judgment on BPA or any other chemical by his proposed rule change. He says federal agencies have better resources than the state to effectively establish standards for such chemicals.
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