Plastics News

Thirteen states today released a set of principles designed to ensure that the debate over reforming the nation's outdated chemical policy stays focused on protecting public health and the environment. The states believe that the 33-year-old Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) does not contain powerful enough tools to safely monitor and control the tens of thousands of chemicals used every day in the United States. The states are particularly interested in protecting vulnerable populations such as children.

The Environmental Protection Agency recently outlined its principles for revising the Toxic Substances Control Act and Congress has begun hearings on TSCA reform. EPA says TSCA reform is one of its top priorities.

States involved in the coalition include California, Washington, Michigan and Maine -  who have been successful in passing state chemicals policy legislation -- as well as Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Vermont.

The chemical industry has also signaled its willingness to work on fundamental changes to the current federal chemical management policies at a conference on "Chemicals Policy for the 21st Century"
earlier this fall.

Principles for TSCA Reform Announced by 13 States