MA DEP Commissioner signs principles for toxics reform
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner, Laurie Burt, joined forces with officials from twelve other states today to dictate a set of eight guiding principles to be used for reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act, or TSCA -- a law from 1976 which provides the EPA with the authority to regulate toxic chemicals.
The Obama Administration and Lisa Jackson, Administrator of the EPA, recently acknowledged that a major overhaul of this decades-old law is imperative for public safety.
There is concern, however, about the way that the Administration is setting out to reform TSCA. Some advocates are concerned that the changes are proposed by EPA will results in endless government studies and gridlock, rather than action.
Thirteen states -- California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont and Washington -- came together to outline principles which will help avoid gridlock and efficiently move to protect the public from known toxic chemicals.Linda Adams, California Secretary for Environmental Protection stated,
We need a more innovative approach to chemical policy, to apply our best scientific solutions to today’s real-world environmental challenges, and these principles help define the important changes needed.
The principles outlined by the states include:
- Require chemical data reporting.
- Demonstrate chemicals and products are safe.
- Prioritize chemicals of concern.
- Protect the most vulnerable.
- Promote safer chemicals and products.
- Address emerging contaminants.
- Strengthen federal law and preserve states' rights.
- Fund state programs.
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