Officials in an upstate New York community with water sources tainted by chemical pollution are applauding the withdrawal of President Donald Trump’s pick for a top position in the Environmental Protection Agency.
Michael Dourson, President Trump’s nominee to lead the EPA’s chemical safety division, withdrew his name from consideration Wednesday.
The New York Times reported that opposition to Dourson was mounting, and that in recent weeks, two Republican senators said they would not support his confirmation.
Dourson, a toxicologist, has been criticized for his ties to the chemical industry.
Hoosick Falls Mayor Rob Allen tweeted Dourson’s withdrawal is a “big victory” for Hoosick Falls, Newburgh and Petersburgh. Those communities are struggling with PFOA and PFOS contamination in their water supplies.
Village Trustee Brian Bushner also praised the withdrawl on Twitter.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a resident of Rensselaer County, is among Democrats who opposed Dourson’s nomination.
