Gretchen Schaefer
202.833.7311
CSPA Urges Stakeholder Approach to Complex Issue of U.S. Chemicals Management Policy Reform
WASHINGTON, DC (June 18, 2009) – Discussions to reevaluate the United States’ approach to chemicals management policy have begun on Capitol Hill, and the Consumer Specialty Products Association is urging Congress to take a stakeholder approach to the complex issue.
“There is no one size fits all approach to chemicals management policy reform as there are many stakeholders to consider,” said Chris Cathcart, CSPA President. “Product safety and efficacy should be the most important goals for all involved, and our members agree.”
Senator Frank Lautenberg has said he would later this year be introducing legislation that would amend the more than 30-year-old Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Earlier this year there was a hearing before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection to address TSCA. At that time CSPA, the Grocery Manufacturers of America and The Soap and Detergent Association wrote to Subcommittee Chairman Bobby Rush and Ranking Member George Radanovich urging for a stakeholder process for TSCA reform.
“We will continue to urge all members of Congress of the importance in bringing all interested parties to the table to discuss the many issues surrounding chemicals management policy reform,” Cathcart said.
CSPA advocates that TSCA reform should address issues such as: prioritizing substances for review, ensuring the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proper exposure and use data, establishing clear deadlines for the review of priority chemicals, providing clarification on what chemicals present risk to public health and/or the environment, and determining what improvements will promote and not stifle innovation.
“Because of the advancements in science and technology achieved since the enactment of the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, we recognize that steps must be taken to improve consumer confidence in the safety of chemicals used to manufacture products in the marketplace today. Thus, we support legislative modernization of TSCA.
“Science is the cornerstone that makes it possible for CSPA members to deliver safe and effective products to the marketplace and help improve the quality of life for consumers. We look forward to working with Congress and many others on the important and necessary enhancements of TSCA to help ensure a positive outcome for all,” Cathcart concluded.
About CSPA
The Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) is the premier trade association representing the interests of approximately 240 companies engaged in the manufacture, formulation, distribution and sale of approximately $80 billion annually in the U.S. of hundreds of familiar consumer products that help household, institutional and industrial customers create cleaner and healthier environments. Our products include disinfectants that kill germs in homes, hospitals and restaurants; candles, fragrances and air fresheners that eliminate odors; pest management products for home, garden and pets; cleaning products for use throughout the home; products used to protect and improve the performance and appearance of automobiles; and a host of other products used every day. Through its product stewardship program Product CareSM, scientific and business-to-business endeavors, CSPA provides its members a platform to effectively address issues regarding the health, safety, sustainability and environmental impacts of their products. For more information, please visit www.cspa.org.
