Government’s Attempt to Quash Deposition of Dr. Christopher Portier
In a recent development, the government has sought to prevent the deposition of Dr. Christopher Portier, the former Director of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), who played a significant role in overseeing the water modeling and health studies for Camp Lejeune. Their motion for a protective order argues that Dr. Portier’s involvement was minimal and raises concerns about the expenses associated with conducting the deposition in Italy.
In response, plaintiffs’ lawyers filed a motion asserting that the government aims to discredit the findings of the ATSDR and favor a critical report by the National Research Council (NRC). Dr. Portier, who defended the ATSDR’s studies and identified errors in the NRC’s report, is deemed crucial to effectively challenging the criticisms outlined in the NRC report.
Furthermore, attorneys representing the victims emphasize that Dr. Portier has willingly agreed to testify, and they are willing to cover the costs associated with ensuring the deposition adheres to international laws. The crux of the government’s argument appears to revolve around financial considerations, which, as highlighted previously, are deemed insignificant in the broader context of this litigation.
