ACC Commends Senators Lautenberg And Vitter For Bipartisan Leadership To Reform TSCA

Chemical Safety Improvement Act Will Enhance Consumer Safety, Promote American Innovation

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May 22, 2013, 01:09 ET

WASHINGTON, May 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Chemistry Council (ACC) President & CEO Cal Dooley issued the following statement in response to the introduction of the "Chemical Safety Improvement Act of 2013" (CSIA) by Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), David Vitter (R-LA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mike Crapo (R-ID) and others to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

"Senators Lautenberg, Vitter, Gillibrand and Crapo have demonstrated outstanding leadership by forging a bipartisan compromise to reform TSCA that considers the interests of all stakeholders. The CSIA takes a balanced, comprehensive approach to updating the law, which will give consumers more confidence in the safety of chemicals, while at the same time encouraging innovation, economic growth and job creation by American manufacturers.

"In particular, we appreciate the tremendous work of Senators Lautenberg and Vitter and their staffs to develop a solution that could garner support from both the environmental community and industry. Through their deep commitment to this issue, we now have a historic legislative opportunity that can be embraced by both sides of the aisle, an accomplishment all too rare in Washington today.

"The business of chemistry creates the building blocks for 96 percent of all manufactured goods and is a key driver of the U.S. economy. Reforming TSCA in a way that supports safety, jobs and innovation is important for American consumers, U.S. chemical producers and American businesses of all kinds, as well as their workers. These principles are at the foundation of the CSIA.

"At a time when the chemical industry is driving a national manufacturing renaissance, a sensible, strong and workable bipartisan solution to modernize TSCA as laid out in the CSIA is more important than ever, not only for our industry, but for the countless others that rely on chemical products. We stand committed to work with the Senate to ensure passage of this compromise legislation."

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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 $760 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is the largest exporting sector in the U.S., accounting for 12 percent of 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.

SOURCE American Chemistry Council