We are grateful to United States Attorney Bill Essayli for taking this important step by requesting that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency investigate the reported cases of pediatric Ewing Sarcoma in the Ladera Ranch community.
Our hearts are with the children, families, and neighbors who have been affected. While the investigation is ongoing, these cases have raised understandable concerns throughout our community.
As legislators representing families across South Orange County, we believe those concerns deserve answers. We support Attorney Essayli’s request for a systematic, science-based investigation to determine whether environmental factors may be contributing to this reported cancer cluster and whether any additional action is warranted. The goal is simple: determine the cause of these illnesses and ensure every appropriate resource is brought to bear in finding those answers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute recognize that unusual patterns of cancer and concerns regarding potential environmental exposures should be evaluated through a careful, science-based process. We encourage the Environmental Protection Agency to work alongside the Department of Justice and state and local public health officials to conduct a comprehensive and coordinated investigation.
Families deserve a clear understanding of what happened and the confidence that every available scientific tool is being used to uncover the facts.
Our shared goal is simple: determine the cause, provide answers to the families who have been affected, and help ensure that no other community experiences a similar tragedy.
This is not about politics. It is about finding answers, protecting our communities, and giving families the information they deserve.
We stand ready to support this effort in any way we can.
