OMB Recommends Zapping ‘Popcorn Lung’ Bill

[Omaha Steve]

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2007/09/25/omb-recommends-zapping-popcorn-lung-bill/

September 25, 2007, 6:53 pm
OMB Recommends Zapping ‘Popcorn Lung’ Bill

Christopher Conkey reports on legislation.

The White House today took what may be a lone stand against the Popcorn Workers Lung Disease Prevention Act, a bill the House may vote on as soon as Wednesday. It would require the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to publish standards regulating worker exposure to diacetyl, a flavoring chemical used in microwave popcorn and other foods that can cause bronchiolitis obliterans, or “popcorn lung.”

The White House Office of Management and Budget today suggested the bill, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Lynn Woolsey of California, is a hasty mandate that could disrupt OSHA’s already-adequate response to the problem. “More time is needed to gather sufficient evidence concerning” the causes of popcorn lung, the “range of exposure levels that may be hazardous,” and “the kinds of control measures that are most effective,” OMB said.

In a letter to House members, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said, “Congressional action is urgently needed because has failed to take action to protect workers from this serious workplace hazard.” Besides labor groups, the bill is also supported by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association, the trade group representing the flavoring industry’s manufacturers and suppliers. The group says the legislation is similar to recommendations it made three years ago.

UPDATE: It turns out the White House does have allies in this battle: The OSHA Fairness Coalition, comprised of the National Association of Manufacturers and some other business groups (but not the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Asssociation). The group sent a letter to House members yesterday afternoon expressing its “strong opposition” to the bill.

SECOND UPDATE: The House today passed the legislation 260-154, but the Senate hasn’t considered the bill yet.
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[pansypoo53219]

1. never liked micro corn.

more reason to avoid it.