Today, Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), joined by 27 Senators, introduced the “Safe Chemicals Act of 2013,” a landmark bill that seeks to protect families in America from exposure to harmful chemicals. The bill mirrors legislation that passed out of the Environment and Public Works Committee in the 112th Congress.

The crucial proposal would overhaul the outdated Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976, by strengthening the authority of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to learn more about the safety of chemicals and limit their use if they pose a threat to public health and the environment.

“From Maine to Florida, Oregon to Minnesota, 29 Senators are standing with the 77 percent of Americans who support reform that will protect us from toxic chemicals before they enter our homes and workplaces,” said Andrea Delgado, Legislative Representative for Earthjustice. “We applaud Senator Lautenberg and Senator Gillibrand for leading the charge to safeguard the health and safety of all families in America and urge their colleagues in Congress to follow suit.” 

Along with Sen. Lautenberg and Sen. Gillibrand, co-sponsors of the bill include Senators: Schumer (D-NY), Durbin (D-IL), Murray (D-WA), Boxer (D-CA), Udall (D-NM), Baucus (D-MT), Mikulski (D-MD), Bennet (D-CO), Klobuchar (D-MN), Franken (D-MN), Tester (D-MT), Whitehouse (D-RI), Feinstein (D-CA), Blumenthal (D-CT), Cowan (D-MA), Sanders (I-VT), Warren (D-WA), Harkin (D-IA), Merkley (D-OR), Wyden (D-OR), Cardin (D-MD), Leahy (D-VT), Menendez (D-NJ), Schatz (D-HI), Nelson (D-FL), Cantwell (D-WA), and King (I-ME).