Sen. Barbara Boxer, a California Democrat who chairs the committee, co-sponsored a bill meant to increase coordination, transparency and accountability when federal agencies address potential disease clusters.
A study by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the National Disease Clusters Alliance reported 42 disease clusters in 13 U.S. states, showing incidence of numerous types of cancer, birth defects and other chronic illnesses.
Julia Roberts won the Academy Award for best actress for her portrayal of Brockovich in the 2000 movie "Erin Brockovich," which focused on the advocate's work as a paralegal with residents of Hinkley.
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) called the hearing Tuesday by the Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee, entitled, "Oversight Hearing on Disease Clusters and Environmental Health."
In news coverage, Brockovich was identified as "environmental whistleblower" (Cleveland Plain Dealer), " high wattage environmental advocate" (Raleigh News and Observer) and "consumer advocate" (Northwest Arkansas Newspapers). Reporters might have informed their readers by noting Brockovich's obvious self-interest. She runs Brockovich Research & Consulting, a PR front and source of referrals for assorted trial lawyer operations. As the LAObserved.com website reported in March, 2010, "Where's Erin Brockovich?"
Tim Cavanaugh, Reason Online, Dec. 13, 2010, "'Erin Brockovich' Town Shows No Cancer Cluster."
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