Judge named in DuPont Teflon chemical case - EPA
USA: September 1, 2004
Source: Planet Ark
NEW YORK - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said a judge was appointed yesterday to oversee its Teflon-related case against DuPont Co. (DD.N: Quote, Profile, Research) that could result in millions of dollars in fines.
Administrative Law Judge Barbara Gunning will handle the case. Administrative law judges preside over agency disputes with outside parties, the EPA said.
The EPA in July charged that the No. 2 U.S. chemicals maker failed for more than 20 years to report potential health hazards caused by C-8, a key chemical used in Teflon's manufacturing process.
DuPont has countered that it met the EPA's reporting requirements. The company opted to fight the case rather than enter a dispute resolution process with the agency, it said yesterday.
"DuPont is pleased that a judge has been named and we look forward to moving ahead with the proceeding," a company spokeswoman told Reuters. "We especially look forward to presenting our entire case in front of the ... judge."
Gunning will need time to study the case before setting a hearing date, the EPA said.
DuPont has the right to appeal the judge's decision in U.S. federal court.
Teflon is the widely used coating used in nonstick cookware and other consumer goods.
Story by David Brinkerhoff
REUTERS NEWS SERVICE
