Statement

ACC Commends Historic Gathering of Industry, NGO and Government Groups to Address Chemical Management Policies

ARLINGTON, VA (October 6, 2009) – Today, organizations representing chemical manufacturers, environmental and public health advocates, environmental justice leaders and consumer product goods companies came together at a Future of U.S. Chemicals Policy conference to explore fundamental changes to the current federal chemical management policies. Speaking at a panel on Chemicals Policy for the 21^st Century, American Chemistry Council (ACC) President and CEO, Cal Dooley, stated:

“This truly is a historic event and we are encouraged to see the EPA, environmental groups and consumer companies come together to discuss a law that is central to one of the most important issues Americans are faced with today; the safety of the products we use to make our lives better, safer and healthier.”

“Our highest priority is public health and safety and Americans deserve to have confidence that the products they buy are safe for the uses for which they were designed.  Or: “that the products they buy can be used safely”?  Chemical products are fundamental to our modern way of life, from the clothes we wear to the medicines that keep us healthy. Yet, the primary current federal chemical law is more than 30 years old.  We want to harness the advances made in science and technology to develop a comprehensive chemical management law that protects the health and safety of the Americans, while promoting the innovation that will lead to the development of essential new chemical products and new high-paying jobs.” 

“The Obama Administration shares this view, as we heard from today’s keynote speaker, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson. Without a comprehensive approach, the American people will be left with minor adjustments to the current federal regime, and a patchwork of state and federal laws that will not enable a robust chemical management system.”

“There is much work to be done and we look forward to continuing today’s dialogue by working with our colleagues in other industries, associations, environmental advocacy groups and government to develop a gold-standard approach to chemicals management.”

The Future of U.S. Chemicals Policy conference was sponsored by the Environmental Working Group, Rachel’s Network, The Pew Health Group, Community Against Pollution, The Louisiana Bucket Brigade, American Chemistry Council, Grocery Manufacturers Association, Turner Foundation, Soap and Detergent Association, and Consumer Specialty Products Association.

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Learn more about chemical management policies and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).