Florida Senator Bill Nelson criticized the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) for failing to improve the safety of portable generators.
During a nomination hearing, Nelson cited numerous deaths in Florida caused carbon monoxide poisoning from portable generators after Hurricane Irma.
The Florida senator told CPSC Acting Chairwoman Ann Marie Buerkle that the agency’s response to the growing problem was slow. He pointed out that consumers have huge desire to buy generators because of hurricanes.
The senator warned that the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning from generators is even greater in Puerto Rico. The power outage in some parts of the U.S. territory could last for months.
Nelson questions Buerkle over proposed CPSC rule
Additionally, Nelson noted that last year the CPSC proposed a rule requiring portable generator manufacturers to reduce carbon monoxide emissions. Buerkle was the only one who voted against it. The senator asked why she opposed the proposed regulation.
