ACC Welcomes Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act

Bipartisan, Compromise Bill Builds Upon Key Accomplishments of 2013 Legislation

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Mar 10, 2015, 02:24 ET

WASHINGTON, March 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Chemistry Council (ACC) President and CEO Cal Dooley today urged swift passage of the "Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21^st Century Act" introduced by Senator David Vitter (R-LA) and Senator Tom Udall (D-NM). The legislation would comprehensively update the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the nation's primary law regulating chemicals in commerce, for the first time since TSCA was passed in 1976.

"Senators Vitter and Udall are to be commended for their undaunted commitment to reaching an agreement to finally update TSCA," said ACC President and CEO Cal Dooley. "Stakeholders fromindustry, environment, public health, civil justice and labor organizations have provided input over more than two years of negotiations, and this bill is the best and only opportunity to achieve a pragmatic, bipartisan solution to reform chemical regulation. Importantly, this legislation will offer the kind of predictability, consistency and certainty that manufacturers and the national marketplace need, while also strengthening oversight and providing consumers with more confidence in the safety of chemicals. After lengthy negotiations and significant compromise, it is time to move the legislation through the Committee on Environment and Public Works and to the floor for full Senate passage."

The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21^st Century Act creates a cohesive, effective national chemical management system that will give consumers, retailers, manufacturers, public health advocates and regulators confidence that the chemicals in commerce are being used safely. Among other provisions, the bill subjects all new and existing chemicals to an EPA safety review; strengthens the law's safety standard; strengthens protections for the most vulnerable; sets aggressive and attainable deadlines; promotes cooperation between state and federal regulators, while promoting a cohesive approach to chemical regulation; and preserves existing private rights of action.

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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 an $812 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is the nation's largest exporter, accounting for twelve percent of all 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