TSCA reform bill achieves overwhelming approval

House of Representatives in US passed a bill by 398-1 to reform the existing TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) of decades on last Tuesday.
 
The bill is TSCA Modernization Act (HR 2576).
 
In the meanwhile, the Senate will also issue its TSCA measure (the Udall-Vitter bill). If the bill takes into force, both chambers shall consult to reconcile differences in two bills and determine a unified bill for two chambers to pass before heading to the President’s desk for signature. The Senate bill is expected to have floor consideration in next month.
 
HR 2576 mainly includes: repeal the current TSCA's requirement that the EPA use “the least burdensome requirements” to impose restrictions on toxic chemicals; require the EPA to start ten or more risk evaluations in each fiscal year, subject to the availability of funding; allow industry to designate chemicals for EPA risk evaluations if they are willing to pay the administrative costs; require the EPA to complete risk evaluations no more than three years (evaluations initiated by a manufacturer in two years) and so on.
 
Competent officials show that major sections of TSCA are not changed at all. It addresses key shortcomings of the status quo, while maintaining areas of the statute that work well or could work better.

【中文版】

Further information
Toy industry association supports TSCA reform to address chemical use nationally

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