News Release

California Policy Research Center Report Falls Short

Misleading report raises unnecessary concerns about
health and environmental safety

ARLINGTON, VA (March 14, 2006) – The American Chemistry Council (ACC) is disappointed by today’s release of a report by the University of California, Berkeley’s California Policy Research Center calling for new chemicals policy in California. In ACC’s view, the report has several critical shortcomings.

“ACC had hoped that the Wilson Report would acknowledge the benefits and advances made by the chemistry industry rather than propose public policy based on multiple, unfounded assumptions,” said Mike Walls, ACC’s Managing Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs. “Unfortunately, the Research Center’s report demonstrates a significant lack of understanding of the breadth and depth of the existing Federal chemical regulatory structure.”
 
In ACC’s view, the report is based on limited data, makes sweeping generalizations about chemical exposures; cherry picks research that supports its themes; and if its recommendations were adopted, would have negative effects on the California economy.

The report also suggests that California adopt chemical regulatory legislation proposed in the European Union (called REACH) even though more than 30 governments in the World Trade Organization have raised concerns about the trade and competitive impacts of the proposal. The report fails to recognize the serious concerns industry and consumers have voiced about aspects of the REACH proposal. The REACH proposal is an unproven, untested regulatory system – and the assumption that it applies to California has simply not been established.

The report makes the assumption that current U.S. regulations discourage the chemistry industry from adopting initiatives that promote “green chemistry” and responsible product stewardship. However, the chemistry industry has been at the forefront of green chemistry innovations. Chemical companies have been regularly recognized by the President’s Green Chemistry Challenge, administered by EPA (http://www.epa.gov/gcc/presgcc.html). Far from discouraging environment and health conscious products and manufacturing practices, the market and the regulatory system have encouraged significant technological progress and innovation.

American Chemistry Council member companies have significantly improved their environmental, health, safety and security performance through industry’s Responsible Care® performance initiative. The U.S. chemistry industry continues to invest heavily in the application of improved technologies to ensure the safe production and use of essential chemical products. In fact, the residents of California are living longer, safer and healthier lives through the essential benefits provided by the chemistry industry.

ACC President and CEO Jack N. Gerard said, "Our industry works hand-in-hand with government and scientists to increase knowledge about the safety of our products. We hope that future reports of this kind will reflect industry's transparent communication to the public about the essential benefits of chemistry that enhances human health and the quality of our lives."

Learn more about the Responsible Care® Program.