      
      From: Alden, Claire <Claire.Alden@mail.house.gov> 
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 3:29 PM
To: EtO <EtO@epa.gov>
Cc: Wood, Jordan <Jordan.Wood@mail.house.gov>; Sharma, Moksh <Moksh.Sharma@mail.house.gov>
Subject: TX05 (Rep. Gooden) - EPA Policy on EtO
      
      Good afternoon,
      
      I'm reaching out to you on behalf of Congressman Gooden regarding a recent development in our district. It was brought to our attention by some of our constituents regarding the possible enforcement of stringent regulations for Ethoxide (EtO). Our constituents have expressed concerns about the consequences of such a policy being enforced in the near future, given how marking areas in the district as potentially hazardous will negatively impact the value of residential homes. In addition, we have also received concerns this policy will significantly burden small businesses, specifically a major black-owned business in our district. Aside from the direct negative impact on residents and businesses, constituents have expressed strong concerns about the opacity of the process and the lack of sufficient time to prepare for such a decision.  
      Before proceeding with any definitive action, we seek your help in understanding the basis for this policy. While the EPA website has a few pages that claim the possibility of some harm due to a prolonged exposure to ETO over several decades, we would like to know if this decision was based on any other, perhaps less remote assessments of any actual harm that has been caused by EtO.  
      To best serve our constituents, we would like to fully assess the possible long-standing impacts of this policy and urge you to do the same, before proceeding any further. For this purpose, we would like to schedule a meeting or a call to discuss this issue.  
      Best, 
      
      Claire Alden | Legislative Director
      Rep. Lance Gooden (TX-05)
      2431 Rayburn HOB
      202.225.3484

