Over the opposition of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Senate last week adopted a bill to control hazardous asbestos in the nation’s schools.
Sponsored by Senator Robert T. Stafford of Vermont, S 2083 would force the E.P.A. to set standards for the inspection and control of cancer-causing asbestos in an estimated 31,000 schools across the country. The agency would also be responsible for ensuring that school districts comply.
Senator Stafford told his colleagues that he hoped the bill would become law this year. A companion bill, H R 5073, sponsored by Representative James J. Florio of New Jersey, passed the House on Aug. 12, and differences between the two are expected to be I resolved in a conference committee.
Unlike the House version, the , Senate bill sets aside added funds for loans and grants to help local school districts control asbestos. As much as $10 million in funds appropriated for the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act for 1987 and 1988 could be set aside for local aid.
Unlike the House version, the , Senate bill sets aside added funds for loans and grants to help local school districts control asbestos. As much as $10 million in funds appropriated for the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act for 1987 and 1988 could be set aside for local aid.