Industry Supports TSCA Modernization

2010-03-09 | 04:09

Will help restore public confidence in the U.S. chemicals management system.

The Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA), Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA) submitted testimony today for a hearing, “Business Perspectives on Reforming U.S. Chemical Safety Laws,” before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Superfund, Toxics and Environmental Health.

The industry groups support efforts to modernize the federal Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA), which provides the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the regulatory authority over chemicals in commerce.

Given the more than three decades of scientific and technological advancements since TSCA was enacted, the industry groups say the modernization of TSCA will help restore public confidence in the U.S. chemicals management system.

The groups are urging Congress to convene a stakeholder process—that would include all interested parties including regulators, downstream users such as the industry groups, raw chemical material suppliers, retailers, environmental, consumer, animal welfare, and labor groups—to work together to develop sound public policy on the complex issue and keep the U.S. in an enhanced position to lead the world in innovation.

The industry groups remain committed to manufacturing and marketing safe and innovative products that provide essential benefits to consumers while protecting human health and the environment, noting that product safety is the foundation of consumer trust and that the consumer products industry devotes substantial resources to achieving this goal.

Building on that foundation, the groups note in their testimony key issues that must be addressed in the modernization of TSCA. Addressing those issues would provide a means to identify “priority” chemicals which should be subject to greater review; to ensure that EPA has adequate information about chemical hazards and uses, as well as the resources to meet deadlines for priority chemical review; to leverage the chemical management programs undertaken by other nations; to integrate the patchwork quilt of laws governing product safety; to bring clarity to EPA’s risk management tools; and to support more rapid innovation of safe and sustainable products.