Coalition Calls On CPSC To Extend Comment On Pressure Treated Wood

Washington, D.C., February 25, 2003—The Competitive Enterprise Institute and seven other groups are requesting that the Consumer Products Safety Commission delay its upcoming hearing on pressure-treated wood to allow adequate time for individuals and groups to file comments and prepare for the hearing.  A letter has been sent to CPSC requesting the extension.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office” />

CPSC is considering a petition to ban residential uses of wood treated with the chemical chromated copper arsenate in playground equipment, decks, and other outdoor structures.  However, the risks of any potentially ill effects on children are extremely low.  Earlier this month, the Commission announced it would hold a hearing on the issue March 17 and set a deadline of February 28 for presentation materials, and March 28 for written comments.  Agencies normally give at least 60 days notice.

“These comment deadlines provide unusually short notice for comments on an important and complex topic that has the potential to significantly impact thousands of small businesses and local governments as well as millions of consumers,” writes the coalition in the letter.  “Rule making is a serious process, not something to be rushed through before the affected parties can have an opportunity to comment.” 

Joining CEI in this request are the National Federation of Independent Business, American Council on Science and Health, Consumer Alert, Free Congress Foundation, Small Business Survival Committee, National Center for Public Policy Research, and the National Center for Policy Analysis.

The coalition's letter is now available online.

CEI is a non-profit, non-partisan public policy group dedicated to the principles of free enterprise and limited government.  For more information about CEI, please visit our website at www.cei.org.