ACC Says Safe Chemicals Bill a 'First Step' in Chemical Debate

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Apr 15, 2010, 02:11 ET

ARLINGTON, Va., April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) today introduced the Safe Chemicals Act, which is intended to enhance the federal regulation of chemicals. Representing the leading companies in the business of chemistry, American Chemistry Council (ACC) president and CEO Cal Dooley issued the following statement:

"Safety must be the primary goal of chemical regulatory reform, as it is the top priority of our industry. This is a complex issue and we compliment Senator Lautenberg, and Congressmen Waxman and Rush, for bringing focus to the need for modernization of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). While TSCA has been protective of public health and the environment in the past, we should harness the scientific and technological advances made since its passage to assess the safety of chemicals while fostering innovation and preserving hundreds of thousands of American jobs.

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"We are encouraged that the Safe Chemicals Act (SCA) reflects some aspects of the principles that ACC released last year, which are mirrored by EPA's principles. These include the need to prioritize chemicals for evaluation, a risk-based approach to EPA safety reviews, and a reduction in animal testing. However, we are concerned that the bill's proposed decision-making standard may be legally and technically impossible to meet. The proposed changes to the new chemicals program could hamper innovation in new products, processes and technologies. In addition, the bill undermines business certainty by allowing states to adopt their own regulations and create a lack of regulatory uniformity for chemicals and the products that use them.

"ACC is committed to enhancing the way chemicals are managed in the U.S., and our member companies go to great lengths to ensure their products are safe for their intended uses. Today, Americans live safer, healthier lives thanks to the development of chemical products and technologies. We look forward to continuing a constructive dialogue with Congressional leaders to ensure that reforms to TSCA promote safety and preserve these important innovations."

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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 $689 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.

SOURCE American Chemistry Council