Arkansas Coalition for Chemical Safety Launches with Support from State Businesses and Associations

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Today a group of organizations, businesses, and individuals, including the Arkansas Environmental Federation and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, launched the Arkansas Coalition for Chemical Safety (ARCCS).  This non-profit, non-partisan coalition has joined together as part of a national organization to support the modernization of our nation's system for regulating the use of chemicals.

"We're excited to be part of this important effort," said Randy Thurman, Executive Director of the Arkansas Environmental Federation.  "Modernizing the federal law regulating chemicals is important for the safety of all Arkansans, whether at home, school, or in the workplace, and we're proud to be a part of this organization committed to making that happen."

"The federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is more than 30 years old," said Joe Householder, Executive Director of the Coalition for Chemical Safety, the national organization partnering with ARCCS.  "Our ability to assess chemical risks has advanced tremendously since then, and our nation's laws should reflect improvements in science and technology."

Throughout the coming months, ARCCS will be building its membership and educating the public and elected officials about the importance of a strong, innovative, properly regulated chemical industry.  With more than 17,500 Arkansas jobs tied to the use of chemicals—directly or through agriculture, manufacturing, construction, health care, and other sectors—it is important that the TSCA reflect the current state of the industry.  

The organization supports a national chemical safety regulatory system that:

• Protects public health and the environment.
• Provides consistent, reasonable regulation and consistent protection across industries and across states and regions.
• Encourages American companies, including small businesses, to invent, manufacture, use and sell innovative chemical-based products and services. With an improved chemical regulatory system, American industries will be better able to create and support high-quality jobs.
• Advances our nation's ability to lead the world in developing innovative, beneficial products.

The ARCCS is affiliated with the national Coalition for Chemical Safety, which is based in Washington, D.C.  The Coalition for Chemical Safety can be found on the Web at www.coalitionforchemsafety.com.

SOURCE Arkansas Coalition for Chemical Safety