Richard Denison, Ph.D., is a Senior Scientist.
Today, the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families coalition released the results of a poll conducted by the well-respected Mellman Group in key swing districts around the country. It shows that Americans of all stripes and political persuasions overwhelmingly support a major overhaul of our nation’s chemical safety law.
A whopping 84% of likely voters say that “tightening controls” on chemicals is important, with 50% calling it “very important.” That response includes 75% of Republicans and 82% of Independents. When provided with a brief description of the reform proposals recently introduced into Congress, seven in 10 likely voters indicated they favor the legislation.
But here are the real kickers: When given more detail about its specific provisions, support for the legislation went up significantly, from 71% to 82%. And the largest increases in support were seen among Republicans (a 25% increase) and those in a household dependent on the chemical industry (22% increase). Read More