Protecting state's resources and health are O'Brien priorities

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Sen. O’Brien has been recognized by the New York League of Conservation Voters as one of the most promising new environmental leaders in the state.

Showing his commitment to protecting our state’s resources and our citizens’ health, O’Brien has recently introduced several bills attempting to tackle serious environmental issues:

• S3511-2013: Establishes comprehensive safety requirements for children's jewelry, including limits on cadmium and other heavy metals.  The requirements are based on standards developed by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) International. The standard has been endorsed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and is similar to safety requirements for toys.
• S3531-2013: Bans the use of the chemical atrazine, a common weed killer, making it unlawful to distribute, sell, or use it within the state.  Recent studies showed atrazine playing havoc with the life cycle of frogs, even resulting in spontaneous sex changes.
• S3533-2013: The bill would prohibit the manufacture, distribution and sale of toys, food and beverage containers containing bisphenol-A intended for children three years of age or younger.

-30-

Sen. O’Brien represents the 55th district in the Senate, which is made up of the eastern half of Monroe County and the western half of Ontario County, including much of the city of Rochester.

NYLCV is the only statewide environmental organization in New York that fights for clean water, clean air, renewable energy and open space through political action.

Media contact:

Thomas J. Morrisey
Communications Director
tjmorris@nysenate.gov
office: +1-585-223-1800