The White House is supporting a major chemical safety bill that is making its way through the House and Senate this week that is 40 years past due.
The bipartisan version of the Toxic Substances Control Act is a clear improvement over past versions, representing a historic shift for both chemical safety and environmental law, the White House said Monday.
The latest version of the law is consistent with administration principles conveyed to Congress in 2009, addressing numerous “flaws” in the current law that place barriers in front of the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to protect public health from chemical risks, the Office of Management and Budget said.
“While not perfect, the bill meets the high goals set by the administration for meaningful reform and we commend the House and Senate for taking this historic step,” the statement reads.
The nation’s chemical safety law hasn’t been updated in four decades and is critically out of date, experts say.
Jim Aidala, a former EPA official who is now with consultants Bergeson & Campbell PC, said the legislation helps define which toxic chemicals the EPA can regulate.
He expects the House to take up its version of the bill this week. He doesn’t expect the Senate to vote on its companion bill until after the Memorial Day recess.
“If the federal government is to restore public confidence in the safety of chemicals, which are used in commerce and are an integral part of the nation’s economy, it is essential that the Congress provide EPA with the necessary tools and authorities to effectively assess chemicals and regulate risks,” the White House said.
“This legislation provides a solid foundation for advancing these goals and improving public health and environmental protection,” it adds. “The administration encourages quick action on this landmark reform.”
