Letter to Bobby Rush on TSCA Hearing
February 25, 2009
The Honorable Bobby L. Rush
Chairman
Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection
2125 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Mr. Chairman:
I commend you for convening a hearing this week on “Revisiting the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976.” I look forward to testifying and sharing our views on how TSCA can be modernized and improved.
While TSCA has served us well in protecting public health and safety, the time is right for taking a closer look at the statute. In our view, it is appropriate to consider improvements that modernize the system and enhance public confidence that health and the environment are protected. We hope that the discussion on TSCA will be guided by a few key principles.
Public confidence in our regulatory systems is a function of meaningful action and transparency. Changes to TSCA that simply mirror other regulatory systems are not likely to address key policy and regulatory needs. This is an opportunity to ensure the U.S has the most effective, efficient chemical regulatory system. We also should ensure that any modifications to the system leverage the considerable advances in the science and technology of chemical testing and detection. Most importantly, a modernized chemical management system should promote the necessary work to interpret the new science. And finally, we should recognize that a modern chemical management system will also mean providing EPA the resources necessary to implement its authority.
This week’s hearing is an important step in the effort to enhance our regulatory system and address public and governmental concerns about chemical safety, while enhancing the competitiveness and innovation of our industry. We look forward to working with you and your colleagues as you move forward to take advantage of this opportunity.
Sincerely,
Cal Dooley
President and CEO
American Chemistry Council