California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed two bills into law that would establish a science-based process for tackling potentially toxic chemicals to prevent lobby groups and political interests from determining the content of consumer goods. The first, A.B. 1879, gives the California Department of Toxic Substances Control authority to regulate chemicals in consumer products.

The other bill, S.B. 509, establishes an online Toxic Information Clearinghouse to provide information about the toxicity and hazards of widely used chemicals.