Originally posted at http://www.laineyforcongress.com
Today marks the 80th day since this crisis began. This disaster is now the largest offshore oil spill in our history. It is estimated that 35,000 to 65,000 barrels of oil are pouring into our Gulf waters everyday, and now we've seen tar balls hit our Texas shores. Our economy, our wildlife, our way of life has been decimated, but BP still finds ways to make even more bad decisions that harm Americans.
It has been reported that BP fired or threatened to fire workers who voluntarily wore respirators to protect themselves from the unknown health risks of cleaning up the spill. Workers have reported health issues related to the clean-up since the spill began and have been seeking treatment through government-run clinics which the government has deemed off-limits to the press. The current law doesn't require BP, or any other employer, to allow workers to protect themselves even after the consequences of the 9/11 clean-up has come into light.
I have joined an effort with experts, political leaders, and thousands of concerned Americans to demand that the Federal Government insist that BP allow every clean-up worker who wants to wear respiratory protective equipment to do so, and ensure that workers get the equipment and training they need to do their jobs safely. In addition to those of us who signed the original statement, including myself, Barbara Ann Radnofsky and the Burnt Orange Report, over 27,000 people have signed the statement since the release of the site today. Please join the effort and sign your support.
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Lainey Melnick
Candidate for US Congress
Texas 21st District
http://www.LaineyForCongress.com
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