REAL TRUE AMERICAN HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, SUBSTANCES AND WASTE HEROES
Warren G. Magnuson
(1905-1989)
Warren G. Magnuson, the philandering and surreptitious US Senator from Washington spent 44 years spearheading health, safety and environmental regulations has been selected as our Hazardous Materials Publishing Company’s first;
Real True American Hazardous Materials, Substances and Waste Hero.
“Maggie” as Chairman, along with the Senate Commerce Committee codified Department of Transportation’s (DOT) federal preemption over local and state governments. The committee mile post requirements, includes criminal penalties, heavy fines and potential imprisonment in cases of death or injury in regards to unintentional and willful violations.
The Senator helped create the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the language we today take too much for granted. Warnings such as Danger, Caution and Poison on our consumer products can be traced back to his earliest efforts in the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA).
Hazardous Substances Labeling Act (1960)
Magnuson’s earliest legislation required the first “right to safety” warning labels with accompanying first aid instructions on consumer packaging.
The Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970
This bill, introduced anti-resistant packaging for chemicals and prescription drugs was also sponsored by the Senator and has resulted in an innumerable reduction of overdoses and life-threatening chemical exposures.
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (HMTA)
Magnuson was instrumental in passing the original 1975 framework consolidating the Department of Transportation (DOT) hazardous cargo regulations. The legislation revamped the classification, identification, packaging, shipping papers, labeling, marking and placarding requirements.
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act Amendments of 1976
The amendment clarified the nine hazard classifications, new training and container requirements. It also updated registration, training, route selection and criminal penalty requirements. More importantly the rule codified the federal preemption over local and state rules.
Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1977
He colluded with President Jimmy Carter to sign into law a quietly attached rider known as the “Magnuson Amendment” to the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1977 banning super tankers from Puget sound. Oil companies and marine unions pushed back but failed to block the amendment.
He and the Commerce Committee spearheaded major legislation including the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, cigarette package warnings, automobile safety, warranty protection, and The Flammable Fabric Act of 1953.
Ironically, Senator Warren G. Magnuson Park, the former Sand Point Naval Air Station in Seattle dedicated to the senator, has its own tainted history. From 1930 to 1950 the United States Navy operated an on-site radium room where radiant toxic paint was re-applied to aircraft instrumentation. The Navy and the State of Washington concluded what was considered a clandestine, low level radiation remediation project at the site in 2015.
Although some might disagree with his bon vivant lifestyle, his dedication and hard work paved the way for the regulations that to this day protect us, our families and the environment.
Thank you for your support.
Robert J. Keegan
Publisher and President
Hazardous Materials Publishing Co.
Transportation Skills Inc.
Hazmat.tsp@gmail.com