Consumer Product Safety: Is Michael Baroody the Fox Guarding the Henhouse?

Laura Blatt

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President Bush's nominee to head the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is none other than Michael Baroody, the vice president of the industry-driven National Association of Manufacturers. This group makes the products that the Commission regulates and its members include corporate giants such as Dow Chemical and Proctor & Gamble.

Mr. Baroody is known for lobbying against fire-safe cigarettes, improved standards for baby walkers, anti-pollution regulations and product safety. "If you want to guard the interest of the hens, you don't put the fox in charge of the henhouse," commented Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL). He has called for a "hold" on the appointment, which comes up before a Senate committee this Thursday, May 24.

Groups opposing the Baroody nomination include the Center for Environmental Health, Center for Justice and Democracy, Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union, Kids in Danger, Public Citizen, Saferparks and, U.S. PIRG.