Gretchen Schaefer
202.833.7311
WASHINGTON, DC (August 4, 2009) – Chris Cathcart, President & CEO of the Consumer Specialty Products Association, today released the following statement at a news conference regarding the need to modernize the more than 30-year-old Toxic Substances Control Act.
“All interested parties need to come to the table to discuss the many issues surrounding chemicals management policy and the need to modernize the Toxic Substances Control Act. We recognize that advancements in science and technology achieved over the last three decades warrant modifications to TSCA that will help improve public confidence in the federal government’s ability to regulate chemical substances while at the same time foster innovation.
“CSPA has a long history of successfully working with environmental groups and non-governmental organizations to reach consensus on important public policy issues, and, based on these experiences, we believe it is critical that all voices be heard in order to reach consensus on how to help ensure product safety.
“As in a prior communication to Congress, I reiterate my call for all stakeholders to come together and develop an action plan with deadlines to address the many important issues surrounding TSCA modernization.
“CSPA advocates that TSCA modernization 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.
“Science is the cornerstone that makes it possible for CSPA members to deliver safe, effective and innovative products to the marketplace and help improve the quality of life for consumers. We look forward to working with Congress and many other stakeholders on the important and necessary changes to TSCA to help ensure a positive outcome for all.”
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.
