Fourteen Attorney Generals Criticizes EPA for Failing to Protect Americans from Asbestos, a Long-Known Dangerous Carcinogen

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, leading a coalition of 14 attorneys general, including New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal, submitted comments criticizing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) finding that certain uses of asbestos present no unreasonable risk to human health. In the comment letter, the coalition argues that the EPA’s draft risk evaluation for asbestos violates the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and Congress' intent that the EPA consider all uses of asbestos in its evaluation. The coalition notes the finding is unsupported by the EPA's own assessment and urges the agency to obtain the information it has admitted it needs to conduct the necessary, thorough evaluations of the risks presented by this chemical.

US Congress Holds Virtual Briefing on Building a Contact Tracing Workforce

The Committee on Education and Labor held a virtual briefing to examine Congress’ role to support a qualified, strong, community-based contract tracing workforce. The briefing, entitled “Building A Community-Based Contact Tracing Workforce,” focused on the need for a robust contact tracing workforce and how the public workforce system can support the recruitment and training of contact tracers.

OSHA's vague COVID-19 reporting guidance

OSHA issued a COVID-19 reporting guidance that lacks a foundation in essential epidemiology as well as legal evidentiary principles for admissibility. It is doubtful that court of law would permit the guidance to be used for the determination of causal relationship.

NJ Proposal as to Prohibited COVID-19 Related Employment Discrimination

The Department of Labor and Workforce Development (Department) is extending the comment period for the Proposed New Rules at N.J.A.C. 12:70, Prohibited COVID-19 Related Employment Discrimination.

Chairwoman Adams Opening Statement at Workforce Protections Subcommittee Hearing on Protecting Workers from COVID-19

Subcommittee on Workforce Protections Chairwoman Alma Adams (NC-12) delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing entitled, “Examining the Federal Government’s Actions to Protect Workers from COVID-19.”

Rep. Maloney Joins with Industry and Trade Association Leaders to Introduce the Pandemic Risk Insurance Act

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, today joined with various stakeholders to introduce H.R. 7011, the Pandemic Risk Insurance Act of 2020 (PRIA). This legislation will create the Pandemic Risk Reinsurance Program, a system of shared public and private compensation for business interruption losses resulting from future pandemics or public health emergencies.

NY to Pay Death Benefits For All Essential Public Workers Who Died From COVID-19

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that state and local governments will provide death benefits for frontline workers who died from COVID-19 during this emergency.