Governor Brown dismisses tobacco industry spokesdoctor from Prop 65 scientific advisory committee

The Sacramento Bee just reported that Governor Jerry Brown removed LaDonna Porter from the state scientific committee charged with evaluating potential water pollutants for the state of California.  Porter has served as spokesdoctor for two tobacco industry campaigns against cigarette tax increases, as well as supported industry positions opposing regulation of perchlorate, a toxic water pollutant (details).   The Bee reported that health groups and Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom called for her removal.

This was an important action by Governor Brown to protect the public interest against tobacco industry interference.  Now he should finish the job by returning the $26,000 campaign contribution Philip Morris gave him last week.