Big asbestos case in Libby, Mont., goes to trial

[IDemo]

By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS - Associated Press Writer
Edition Date: 02/22/09

MISSOULA, Mont. — After years of delays, the people of a Montana mining town are getting their day in court to see a major chemical company face federal charges accusing it of poisoning their homes and schools with asbestos.

Opening statements are scheduled for Monday in the case of U.S. vs. W.R. Grace and Co. and five of its executives, who are charged with knowingly exposing the residents of the small town of Libby to the fibrous mineral linked to cancer.

Prosecutors have had to overcome legal challenges that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

"This trial is one of the most complex and creative criminal prosecutions in the history of environmental regulation," said Andrew King-Ries, an assistant professor at the University of Montana School of Law.

The case stems from the mining for vermiculite from Zonolite Mountain near Libby, which began around 1920 and continued until 1990. The mineral could be processed into products used for plumbing insulation, fireproofing and gardening. Zonolite brand insulation is in some 35 million homes in the United States.

more -> http://www.idahostatesman.com/apusnews/story/676106.html

[pansypoo53219]

1. decades.

i think i read about in in the early 90's in 'IN THESE TIMES'. or was it THE 80'S?

[eppur_se_muova]

2. Remember when Bu**sh** felt compelled to condemn "frivolous asbestos lawsuits"

in the SOTU?

http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/911review/2006/12/dear-mr-olbermann-asbestos-at.php

Lots of connections to Cheney, Halliburton, and the Bush clan.