Leading Consumer Brands CEOs Critical of Shimkus TSCA Reform Proposal: Falls Short on Transparency, Safety Standards and Incentive for Innovation - Feb 28, 2014
Leading Consumer Brands CEOs Critical of Shimkus TSCA Reform Proposal: Falls Short on Transparency, Safety Standards and Incentive for Innovation - Feb 28, 2014
WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 /CSRwire/ - Yesterday, Representative John Shimkus (R-IL) introduced a legislative proposal entitled the “Chemicals in Commerce Act” to reform the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The following statements are from the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) and member businesses of the Companies for Safer Chemicals coalition, which is pushing for meaningful reform of chemical regulations.
“While it is good to see that Chairman Shimkus recognizes the need to fix TSCA, meaningful reform must address three fundamental aspects: transparency, robust safety standards, and incentive for innovation,” said David Levine, CEO and Co-Founder of ASBC. “Upon initial review, this draft falls short on the business principles we’ve identified to achieve meaningful reform. Our business leaders understand that we are in dire need of comprehensive chemical policy reform to drive a system-wide shift away from hazardous chemicals and towards safer chemicals. Meaningful reform will invigorate consumer confidence to grow our business and our economy.”
“TSCA is woefully outdated, and if it’s taken thirty-eight years to address its flaws, we need to be sure that the new legislation is right and stands the test of decades to come. While we can’t afford to risk waiting longer and allowing further toxic exposure, we have to ensure the new law is rooted in smart policy. For example, the legislation should require public access to information regarding the safety of chemicals and the onus must be appropriately placed on chemical manufacturers to demonstrate the chemicals they use are safe. Finally, we also must ensure that the federal government has the regulatory tools and financial resources to protect consumers and uphold the law. If these conditions are not met, we should urge Congress to continue to work on the legislation until they get it right,” said John Replogle, CEO of Seventh Generation, a leading supplier of household and personal care products.
“As a company that is meeting increasing consumer demand for cleaner and safer products, we believe reform legislation must clear the way for the EPA to act, not erect further barriers to action, on the most hazardous chemicals in the marketplace,” said Barry Cik, Co-Founder of Naturepedic, a leading manufacturer of mattresses.
“Meaningful reform will improve consumer confidence in American made products,” said Rebecca Hamilton, Director of Product Development of Badger, which makes personal care products. “Making safety information available to the business supply chain and the public will drive the market towards cleaner and safer products.”
The American Sustainable Business Council and its member organizations represent more than 200,000 businesses nationwide, and more than 325,000 entrepreneurs, executives, managers and investors. The council includes chambers of commerce, trade associations and groups representing small business, investors, microenterprise, social enterprise, green and sustainable business, local living economy and women and minority business leaders. ASBC informs and engages policy makers and the public about the need and opportunities for building a vibrant and sustainable economy. www.asbcouncil.org
Feb 28, 2014