Sometimes it seems like just yesterday that I began doing the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA) reports in one form or another. I’ve been doing them my whole career yet never questioned the age of the original TSCA. Now in 2009 I find out it is the only major environmental law that has not been amended since the 1970s. When I stop to think about it the lack of change is a bit shocking given the changes in chemical manufacturing and public perspectives of environmental health over these past 30 years. I guess the consensus among government and the regulated community is that “30 something makes” this statute overdue for revision.

In a recent speech the US EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson the current Administration’s goals for a revised TSCA in the “Essential Principles for Reform of Chemicals Management Legislation.” EPA created theses new Principles “…to guide Congress in writing a new chemical risk management law that will fix the weaknesses in TSCA.” Congress is expected to introduce legislation sometime later this year.

So what are these “Essential Principles for Reform of Chemicals Management Legislation”  that Ms. Jackson is referring to? Well here is the basic list.

• Chemicals should be reviewed against risk-based safety standards based on sound science and protective of human health and the environment.
• Manufacturers should provide EPA with the necessary information to conclude that new and existing chemicals are safe and do not endanger public health or the environment.
• EPA should have clear authority to take risk management actions when chemicals do not meet the safety standard, with flexibility to take into account sensitive subpopulations, costs, social benefits, equity, and other relevant considerations.
• Manufacturers and EPA should assess and act on priority chemicals, both existing and new, in a timely manner.
• Green Chemistry should be encouraged and provisions assuring Transparency and Public Access to Information should be strengthened.
• EPA should be given a sustained source of funding for implementation (breath deep for this one).

A more complete picture of the proposed changes can be found on the EPA’s Existing Chemical Website: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/enhanchems.html

If you visit the above link you will also note that the EPA is targeting specific chemicals like Mercury, Lead, and formaldehyde. Since chemical use and safety directly impact not only communities but employees as well keep you eyes on this one because it really could mean substantive changes and you may want to start discussing impacts at the plant level.