Obama Administration Indicates Support for Overhaul of Nations Toxic Substance Law
The Obama administration has joined the voices of ANA and other health professionals, environmental advocates, states, and even industry calling for reform of our nation’s ineffective and outdated toxic chemicals policy. At a historic September 29th press event, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson released the Obama administration’s guiding principles for overhauling the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Since the 1976 law was enacted, the EPA has only required testing on about 200 chemicals of the more than 80,000 chemicals produced for commerce. Jackson, who has identified the issue a top priority, asserted that TSCA does not provide her agency with the tools necessary to protect public health.
Administrator Jackson indicated the time is now for Congress to take action that would protect Americans from toxic chemicals. Major points that Jackson outlined to guide Congress in creating new legislation include:
• Chemicals must pass under a safety standard based on sound science that protects human health and the environment
• Vulnerable populations, especially children, must be given special consideration when setting safety standards
• Responsibility for providing data rests with the chemical manufacturer, not taxpayers
• Manufacturers and EPA should assess and act on the most dangerous chemicals, both existing and new, in a timely manner
• The design of safer and more sustainable chemicals, processes, and products (i.e. green chemistry) should be encouraged and supported
• EPA must have clear authority and necessary funding to implement of the law
These principles are in line with key criteria set forth in the platform of the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families Coalition, a groundbreaking and growing coalition of diverse groups, including ANA, united by a common concern about toxic chemicals and health.
Legislation to reform TSCA is expected to be introduced in Congress this fall by Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Representative Bobby Rush (D-IL).
For more information:
EPA “Essential Principles for Reform of Chemicals Management Legislation
Safer Chemicals Healthy Families Coalition
Rebecca Clouse, MS, RN
Tags: EPA, Obama administration, October 2009, Toxic Substances Control Act
