The controversy over the toxic gas ethylene oxide spilled over into the Georgia General Assembly on Monday.
A House panel approved legislation to require companies to notify state regulators of any “unpermitted release” or leak of the chemical, which is used to sterilize medical equipment. Releases of ethylene oxide from sterilizing facilities have sparked community protests in two areas of metro Atlanta in recent months.
Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups argued that House Bill 927’s reporting requirements for companies would not go far enough. Under the legislation, the state would gather data on all leaks of ethylene oxide, but would not have to publicly report the releases if they’re under 10 pounds a day.
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