U.S. Sen. Coburn Blocks Resolution Honoring Environmentalist Carson Over Writings About DDT, Effect on Malaria Control

U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) plans to block a resolution that would honor Rachel Carson, the environmentalist and author, because he says her writings on certain issues attached a stigma to using the pesticide DDT to protect against malaria and other diseases, congressional staff members said on Tuesday, the Washington Post reports.

According to the Post, Carson's book "The Silent Spring" is credited with inspiring the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the banning of most use of DDT in the U.S. in 1972. Her work has been lauded by many environmental advocates, but she also has been criticized by some experts for being "too alarmist" about DDT use, the Post reports. Coburn on Tuesday in a statement on his Web site said that Carson used "junk science" to turn public opinion against DDT and other chemicals that could prevent the spread of malaria and other insectborne diseases. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) had intended to introduce the legislation honoring Carson, who died in 1964, for her "legacy of scientific rigor coupled with poetic sensibility."

Cardin has not submitted the resolution because he "understand[s] Sen. Coburn has said he will block it," spokesperson Susan Sullam said, adding that Cardin is considering whether to introduce the measure later this week. Coburn said he also is blocking a U.S. House-approved measure that would name a post office in Springdale, Pa., after Carson. News reports said that some of the House lawmakers who voted against the post office measure cited concerns about Carson's impact on DDT use (Fahrenthold, Washington Post, 5/23).