EPA Administrator Jackson Testifies Before Congress on Toxic Regulation Reform
Momentum continues to build for overhaul of 1976 toxic chemical law
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Kathleen Sutcliffe, Earthjustice, (202) 667-4500, ext. 235
Momentum for chemical management reform continued to build today as EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson testified before a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing.
In September, Jackson identified the issue as one of her top priorities, and outlined the administration’s guiding principles for overhauling the nation’s broken and outdated toxic chemical law, the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
The following is a statement from Earthjustice Legislative Associate Emily Enderle:
“Administrator Jackson has said what none of her predecessors dared say before: our current system of regulating toxic chemicals — which doesn’t even allow the government to restrict the use of asbestos and has required testing of only 200 chemicals out of the more than 80,000 chemicals produced and used in this country — is badly broken.
“What’s more, she has made clear her commitment to reforming this system by outlining a comprehensive set of principles. Now she is taking her message to the audience with the power to do something about it: Congress.
“We sincerely hope the members of Congress heed her call and work to bring us closer to a day when expectant parents can paint their nurseries, stock it with playthings and baby supplies — and do it all with the security of knowing that each and every chemical in those products has been tested for health effects and found safe for their newborn.”
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