http://nmindependent.mypublicsquare.com/person/18131 Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:32:40 GMT Stories by Suemedha Sood http://nmindependent.mypublicsquare.com/view/consumer-safety http://nmindependent.mypublicsquare.com/view/consumer-safety The federal Consumer Product Safety Commission was set up in 1973 to "protect the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death" from more than 15,000 varieties of consumer products. But over the years, the commission has grown weak, highlighted by the fact that its staff has been cut by more than half, to about 400 employees. But consumers may have reason for hope. Congress is working to reauthorize and reform the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:32:40 GMT Suemedha Sood Health Politics http://nmindependent.mypublicsquare.com/view/fema-braces-for-slew http://nmindependent.mypublicsquare.com/view/fema-braces-for-slew <img class="left" width="196" height="125" alt="" title="" src="/files/nmindependent/fema-braces-for-slew/trailers.jpg" />FEMA has asked a federal judge for immunity in cases filed over high levels of formaldehyde found in trailers used to house Hurricane Katrina victims. Congressional hearings have revealed that FEMA knew about the formaldehyde problem in its trailers, which it bought, and failed to take action for almost two years. Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:37:24 GMT Suemedha Sood Economics Environment Politics