Packaging materials: Industry responds to 'Safe Chemicals' Bill

The following release was issued by the American Chemistry Council April 16, 2010:

New Jersey Senator, Frank Lautenberg, today introduced the Safe Chemicals Act, which is intended to enhance the federal regulation of chemicals. Representing the leading companies in the chemical business and consumer products industries, 16 associations issued the following statement:

"Protecting public health by ensuring the safety of chemicals and the products they go into is a top priority for our industries. This should be a priority for any federal chemical regulatory reform effort as well. We agree with Senator Lautenberg that it is time to modernize the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), and have been working with Congress, the Administration and stakeholders to enhance the way chemicals are managed.

"We agree with certain concepts in the bill, such as: a risk-based approach to prioritizing chemicals for review, efforts to minimize animal testing and practical approaches to information and data development. We support a federal policy to regulate chemicals in commerce rather than a patchwork quilt of state laws that would make it difficult to bring products to the marketplace. However, preemption provisions in this proposal will allow states to adopt regulations that are not uniform. We are also concerned about the proposed standard for decision-making.

"Congressmen Henry Waxman and Bobby Rush have proposed a 'discussion draft' and an outreach process before introducing a formal bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. We look forward to participating with both Senate and House leaders in a transparent and meaningful discussion by all key stakeholder groups to ensure that TSCA reforms are based on sound science and protect the safety of all consumers, while promoting jobs and innovation."

  American Chemistry Council
  American Coatings Association
  American Petroleum Institute
  Consumer Specialty Products Association
  Flexible Packaging Association
  Fragrance Materials Association
  Grocery Manufacturers Association
  National Association of Chemical Distributors
  National Petrochemical and Refiners Association
  North American Metals Council
  Personal Care Products Council
  Pine Chemicals Association
  Silicone Environment, Health and Safety Council of North America
  Soap and Detergent Association
  Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates
  U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Source: American Chemistry Council

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