The Outlook for TSCA Reform

The combative mood in Washington DC that has flared over the fiscal cliff, the debt ceiling and even Superstorm Sandy relief is impacting a wide array of legislation, including reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Marketers and suppliers to the household cleaning industry are watching the stalemate very closely, but industry experts don’t expect much movement on the issue during the current Congressional session.

According to industry observers, Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) is working on a TSCA reform bill, while Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) is expected to reintroduce his bill to reform TSCA. When Vitter’s legislation is introduced, it will mark the first time that Republican and industry groups will offer a public alternative to long-standing TSCA reform legislation sponsored by Lautenberg and strongly backed by environmentalists, say industry experts.

“My members are still committed to getting TSCA amended in a way to have a credible Federal program,” said American Cleaning Institute President Ernie Rosenberg. “They want to be relieved as much as possible of a situation where states set their own requirements.”

Rosenberg recalled that phosphates in automatic dishwash detergents were eliminated because one state banned them for reasons that had little to do with the detergent industry.

A key ACI goal in TSCA modernization is to ensure members’ ability to innovate and formulate. ACI is committed to targeted risk-management measures that focus priorities and are practical, timely, transparent and responsive to the needs of consumers and other stakeholders. The resulting program should encourage innovation and acknowledge the benefits our products provide to enhance health and the quality of life, according to ACI.

“We need to educate House and Senate members on what TSCA is, and why we need to reform it,” explained Rosenberg, who said it will take at least three years to get TSCA reform through the legislative process. He predicted that 2013 will be dominated by budget battles and 2014 is another election year. And if the Democrats lose the Senate or the Republicans lose the House of Representatives, it will have a major impact on Washington machinations.

“It’s frustrating, but that’s nature of the legislative process under the best of circumstances—and we are not in the best of circumstances,” noted Rosenberg.