ACC CEO Reaffirms Support for Updating Toxic Substances Control Act Before Congress Today

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Feb 03, 2011, 10:23 ET

Modernization Done Right Good for Consumers and Jobs

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In testimony before the Subcommittee on Superfund, Toxics and Environmental Health of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, American Chemistry Council President and CEO Cal Dooley reiterated the Council's desire to work with Congress and stakeholders to update the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

"The American Chemistry Council and our member companies support modernization of the Toxic Substances Control Act. It is time to update and refresh our 35-year-old chemical management system," Dooley said in remarks before the subcommittee. "Simply stated, TSCA modernization done right is good for consumers and good for jobs."

"Only by creating a scientifically-disciplined, efficient and focused federal chemicals management system can we ensure a uniform national market, provide American businesses the certainty they need to justify new investment and hiring here rather than nations like China and India, and give state governments and consumers confidence," he continued.

"Chemistry is the source of many of the new technologies that will help create jobs in the future and drive economic growth, including clean energy, improved infrastructure, efficient transportation options, medical advancements that bring down the cost of health care, and even a strong defense. Sound national chemicals management policy is essential to innovation in nearly every sector in our economy," he said.

ACC is at the forefront of a broad inter-industry alliance working to support Congress' effort to modernize the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which was passed by Congress and signed into law in 1976. The Association strongly believes that the nation's chemical management system should be updated to keep pace with advances in science and technology. You can read ACC's 10 Principles for Modernizing TSCA here.

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care^®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $674 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure. www.americanchemistry.com/newsroom

SOURCE American Chemistry Council