ACC Responds to Introduction of the Safe Chemicals Act by Senator Lautenberg

WASHINGTON, April 10, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Chemistry Council (ACC) President & CEO Cal Dooley issued the following statement in response to the introduction of the "Safe Chemicals Act of 2013" by U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ):

"We thank Senator Lautenberg for his continued commitment to this important issue.  We fully agree that it is time to update the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).  The current law needs to be improved to reflect modern scientific developments in the assessment and management of chemicals.  A modernized TSCA must put the protection of human and environmental health and safety first, while also enabling America to retain its place as the world's leading innovator. 

"The business of chemistry creates the building blocks for 96 percent of all manufactured goods and is a key driver of the U.S. economy.  Reforming TSCA in a way that supports safety, jobs and innovation is important for American consumers, U.S. chemical producers and American businesses of all kinds, as well as their workers.

"Under a strengthened TSCA, chemicals should be safe for their intended use; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should prioritize chemicals for safe use determinations to focus on chemicals of highest concern; chemical manufacturers should provide robust information to EPA in a transparent manner about the chemicals they produce; and companies and EPA should work together to enhance public access to chemical health and safety information, while at the same time protecting intellectual property.  Most importantly, sound science must be the foundation on which a modern TSCA is built. 

"We are greatly encouraged by efforts in the Senate led by Senator David Vitter (R-LA) to develop a new proposal that will improve safety and promote public confidence in our nation's chemicals management system, while also enabling U.S. industries to innovate and compete in the global economy.  

"At a time when the chemical industry is driving a national manufacturing renaissance, a sensible, strong and workable bipartisan solution to modernize TSCA is more important than ever, not only for our industry, but for the countless others that rely on chemical products.  We are confident that 2013 will be the year we can make a bipartisan proposal a reality, and we stand ready to work hard to help sound chemical regulatory reform become law."   

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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care^®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $760 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is the largest exporting sector in the U.S., accounting for 12 percent of U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

SOURCE American Chemistry Council