SOCMA to Congress: Draft Chemicals in Commerce Act an Improvement over Status Quo

WASHINGTON, March 12, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. Beth D. Bosley, President of Boron Specialties, a member of the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA), told lawmakers March 12 the discussion draft of the "Chemicals in Commerce Act" is a "workable, good-faith vehicle for bipartisan [Toxic Substance Control Act] reform." Bosley delivered her testimony on behalf of SOCMA to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy.  

Among other provisions, Bosley expressed support for the discussion draft's treatment of new chemicals. "In general, the new chemicals provision in the draft bill preserves the delicate balance in existing law between the opportunity to innovate and protecting human health and the environment," she said. "As I have mentioned in prior testimony, an overly-stringent standard like that for food, drugs and pesticides would be inappropriate and would grind new chemical innovation to a halt."

Bosley also expressed support for the Act's strong confidential business information (CBI) protections. "The draft bill strengthens [the CBI] provision and represents a balanced approach to increased transparency and trade secret protection."

Speaking to the prioritization provision in the draft bill, which would divide the TSCA inventory of existing chemicals into active and inactive lists, Bosley said, "The bill provides a mechanism for a more complete picture of chemicals in commerce. EPA should focus its resources on prioritizing active chemicals in commerce. The bill in general mandates this."

In conclusion, Bosley stressed the importance of proposed improvements the Chemicals in Commerce Act draft would place upon existing TSCA legislation. She urged the Subcommittee not to allow the "perfect to be the enemy of the good," as lawmakers work in a bipartisan manner to make adjustments to the bill before its official introduction.

About SOCMA

SOCMA is the only U.S.-based trade association dedicated solely to the batch, custom and specialty chemical industry. Since 1921, we have represented a diverse membership of small, medium and large chemical companies, making us the leading authority on this sector. SOCMA has a global membership of 220 companies, which employ more than 46,000 workers in the U.S. alone. www.socma.com

Contact: Jennifer Drogus
Senior Manager, PR and Media
(202) 721-4182
[email protected]

SOURCE Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates

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