News

Chemical law reform in works

A plan is in the works to reform the nation’s 34-year-old chemical laws. Legislation written by New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg would require manufacturers to prove the safety of chemicals before they enter the marketplace. Current law allows chemicals to be used unless the federal government proves they harm health or the environment.

The bill also mandates that manufacturers submit health and safety data to the EPA for 84-thousand chemicals now in use. The agency would review the information to determine whether the chemicals remain on the market. The bill would make it significantly easier for the EPA to restrict or ban chemicals that are known hazards.

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson calls the legislation a major step forward. American Chemistry Council President Cal Dooley says his organization would help move the legislation forward. DuPont’s vice president of safety, health and the environment, Linda Fisher calls the bill a good starting point.

The NAFB News Service contributed to this article