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Chemicals Policy ReformConfluence and Context
Presentation by Cheyenne Chapman, JD, LLM
Product Stewardship InstituteAnd Northwest NAHMMA Chapter ConferenceChemicals Policy State and Regional Update
June 3, 2009Seattle, WA
An unprecedented confluence of challenges . . . .
We’re seeing increasing product bans manifesting themselves in state legislation and even local laws. We also see retailers banning products. This is all a direct result of the lack of public confidence in the effectiveness and the efficacy of our chemical management system.
We would like the federal government, through the EPA, to have the ultimate authority to identify “chemicals of greatest concern” and determine their safety . . .
Rather than individual states coming up with their own regulations
. . . for Calvin M. Dooley and the ACC
ACC Calls for Next Generation of Chemical RegulationThe American Chemistry Council is leading the way in the drive to modernize the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and enhance public confidence in our federal chemical management system. American consumers deserve no less.
. . . and for can manufacturers? Manufacturers of cans for
beverages and foods and some of their biggest customers, including Coca-Cola, are trying to devise a public relations and lobbying strategy to block government bans of a controversial chemical used in the linings of metal cans and lids.
"Their 'holy grail' spokesperson would be a 'pregnant young mother who would be willing to speak around the country about the benefits of BPA,' " the notes said.
Who are these people?Why are they so happy?
Local
First in the nation ban on sale of baby bottles and cups
containing Bisphenol-A
The Toxin Free Toddlers and Babies ActSuffolk County, New York
April 2, 2009
State and Local Policy Categories Pollution Prevention & Toxics Use Reduction Single Chemical Restrictions Multiple Chemical Restrictions Regulation of Product Categories Biomonitoring & Environmental Health Tracking and Surveillance
Systems Data Collection Right to Know Prioritization Alternatives Assessment Green Chemistry & Design for the Environment Product Stewardship Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Precautionary Principle
State “Comprehensive”
Maine Washington California Minnesota
Single Chemical (BPA) Minnesota Connecticut
State coalitions take action
www.saferstates.org
CA – WA – MN – MI – NY – MA – ME – CTAnd many other ally states and partners
FederalRevisiting the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976
Congressional Hearing by House Energy and Commerce Committee – Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection Subcommittee
Chaired by the HonorableRep. Bobby L. Rush (D-IL)
February 26, 2009
State and Federal Roles
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
May 20, 2009
MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE
DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
SUBJECT: Preemption
President Obama’s Memorandum
The Federal Government's role in promoting the general welfare and guarding individual liberties is critical, but State law and national law often operate concurrently to provide independent safeguards for the public. Throughout our history, State and local governments have frequently protected health, safety, and the environment more aggressively than has the national Government.
As Justice Brandeis explained more than 70 years ago, "[i]t is one of the happy incidents of the federal system that a single courageous state may, if its citizens choose, serve as a laboratory; and try novel social and economic experiments without risk to the rest of the country."
Federal proposal examples
TSCA Reform Kids Safe Chemicals Act of 2009 Single Chemical - Bisphenol A Single Product – Cosmetics Environmental Justice Research and Funding Chemical Security
International Stockholm Convention COP-4 (Congress of
the Parties), Geneva, May 4-8, 2009
POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) and POPs Review Committee
Ratification requires ability to implement obligations – must reform TSCA
Closing the loop - place
Bhopal Disaster – 1984 Accidental release of 40 metric tons of methyl isocyanate from a Union Carbide Indian pesticide plant in heart of city resulted in the killing thousands, and injured 100s of thousands.
Closing the loop - time
Berkeley City CouncilResolution
May 19, 2009
That the City Council proclaim December 3, 2009, the 25th
anniversary of the disaster in Bhopal, as “Berkeley Day of Remembrance for
Victims of Industrial Pollution in Bhopal.”
Finding our way forward . . .
Where an activity raises threats of harm to the environment or human health, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically.
Wingspread Statement on the Precautionary Principle
“We must follow the precautionary principle and be pro-active, especially when the health of our most vulnerable citizens, our babies and young children, is at risk and safe alternatives are
available.”
Suffolk County Legislator Steve Stern, The Toxin Free Toddlers and Babies Act Sponsor
Chemicals Policy ReformPioneers in New Territory
Thank you!