Gretchen Schaefer
202.833.7311
Statement by Christopher Cathcart, President, CSPA, on Today’s House Subcommittee Hearing
on The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976
WASHINGTON, DC (February 26, 2009) – “Product safety is the single most important goal for member companies of the Consumer Specialty Products Association. Sound science is the cornerstone that makes it possible for our members to deliver safe products to the marketplace and help improve the quality of life for consumers.
“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 enhancements to TSCA through a stakeholder process.
“We will only be able to achieve meaningful reform of TSCA if all stakeholders come to the table. We therefore urge Chairman Rush and Ranking Member Radanovich to create and endorse a stakeholder process that recognizes the critical role played by the consumer specialty products and other industries.
“CSPA has a long history of successfully working with environmental groups and non-governmental organizations to reach consensus on critical and often difficult issues. For TSCA reform to be successful, it is critical that stakeholder voices be heard to achieve consensus on priorities in a timely manner.
“We look forward to working with Congress and many others on the important and necessary enhancements of TSCA.”
CSPA, the Grocery Manufacturers of America and The Soap and Detergent Association sent a letter to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection for today’s hearing.
About CSPA
The Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) is the premier trade association representing the interests of approximately 250 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 and garden; 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 everyday. 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.
