Declarations – West

FDA on BPA

“The FDA is out-of-step with scientific and medical research. This illustrates the need for a major overhaul of how the government protects us against dangerous chemicals.”

—Dr. Sarah Janssen, senior scientist at Natural Resources Defense Council, on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration denying a petition to ban the chemical bisphenol A, or BPA, used to harden plastic or make the epoxy resin that lines tin cans.

Tsunami Week

“A lot of people still think that their standard homeowners’ policy includes coverage for flooding.”

—Pete Moraga, a spokesman for the Insurance Information Network of California, discussing Tsunami Preparedness Week in late March.

Private Sit Down

“We need to give the private sector a seat at the table.”

—Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, says governmental emergency management teams should work inclusively with all partners when responding to and recovering from disasters.

Paulson on The Hardford

“We are pleased that The Hartford is taking steps to focus on core operations and to divest or discontinue non-core and capital intensive businesses.”

—A statement from hedge fund, Paulson & Co. Inc., which calls for more changes at The Hartford to clearly delineate the P/C and non-P/C businesses.