Editorial: Regulating safety

Sunday, July 15, 2007 | 2:31 a.m.

It should be welcome news that the Consumer Product Safety Commission is working on strengthening regulations regarding imported products, but the move just underscores how far the commission has fallen.

The New York Times reported last week that Nancy Nord, the acting chairwoman, is working on a plan in response to the problems with Chinese imports, a rise in reports of dangers in other products, such as all-terrain vehicles, and Democratic efforts in Congress to change regulations.

Nord's proposal, which has yet to be released, would require that manufacturers certify that their products comply with U.S. laws. Such a requirement could lead to inspections that might detect faulty products before they reach U.S. shelves. The Times reports that the commission may move for the power to seize dangerous products or block their entry into the country. The commission sometimes must wait until a product is on the market before pushing for a recall.

These are steps the commission should have taken a long time ago, but under the Bush administration the commission has been slow or reluctant to strengthen safety regulations. It also has been hobbled by staff cuts.

Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., chairman of the House subcommittee that oversees the commission, called the agency "a distant sixth cousin to the federal government or a stepchild."

Commissioner Thomas Moore, who was appointed in 1995, told Congress in March that because of budget constraints, the commission had lost 51 full-time positions over the past two years and would lose 19 more under the proposed Bush budget.

While staffing is being cut, there are more than 27,000 deaths and more than 33 million injuries each year associated with the 15,000 consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction, Moore said.

The American people deserve better. It is unconscionable that the government has not adequately provided for the public's safety.

Instead of waiting for commission action, Congress should pass tougher regulations and override the Bush administration's plans so the commission has the authority, funding and manpower worthy of such an important agency.