Sen. Frank Lautenberg’s Legacy: Healthier Children and Safer Environment

WASHINGTON (June 3, 2013) – Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) the oldest senator and last World War II veteran in the United States Senate, passed away today.

Following is a statement on his passing from Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council:

“History will hold Senator Lautenberg in extremely high regard. He was a steadfast champion of the environment and a leading voice for protecting the health of our planet and our children. Perhaps his most enduring achievement was to help inform and protect the public from the harm of toxic chemicals, including creating the nation’s toxic right-to-know law, establishing the U.S. Chemical Safety Board and pushing for greater security at chemical plants. He also helped to ban smoking on planes and to ensure that public is informed about water quality at beaches.

“He never shrank from a fight if one was necessary, but he will also be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his love of his grandchildren, and all children. We mourn his passing, and thank him for dedicating his life as a senator to truly creating a better and safer world.”