Sen. Patty Mrray (D-Wash.) will launch her push this week for a nationwide ban against asbestos when she chairs a hearing and introduces new legislation on the topic.
The substance has not been completely banned in the United States. The United States currently imports over $100 million worth of asbestos products annually, including brake pads and linings, cement pipe and floor tiles, according to Murray’s staff.
An EPA attempt to ban asbestos under the Toxic Substances Act failed in October 1991, when the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals revoked the ban because EPA hand not chosen the “least burdensome regulation” to protect public health and environment as required by the act.
The hearing is set for 10:00 a.m., Thursday March 1 in 430 Dirksen.