Chemical Regulation Debate

"When the Toxic Substances Control Act became law, health concerns focused on...agents that cause cancer, genetic mutations, and embryonic or fetal abnormalities...Now there are increasing concerns about the effect of everyday chemical exposures on a number of chronic diseases."
- Why the Toxic Substances Control Act Needs an Overhaul, and How to Strengthen Oversight of Chemicals in the Interim, Health Affairs
As technology progresses, the industrial use of new chemicals has revived the debate over the effectiveness of past laws. The current debate reflects the continued efforts to protect humans and the environment without hindering innovation.

The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act 

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Source: Senators Introduce Bill To Overhaul U.S. Chemical Regulations, March 10, 2015


"The old law (Toxic Substances Control Act) has been criticized for years for its failures, which include allowing companies to use thousands of chemicals in products without first demonstrating safety...The new bill would update that law, requiring safety testing for new chemicals...requiring chemicals to meet tougher standards to protect vulnerable populations..."
-Senators Introduce Bill To Overhaul U.S. Chemical Regulations, March 10, 2015

Proponents

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Source: Congress.gov
""the best opportunity to strengthen safeguards against dangerous chemicals and dramatically improve existing law, while allowing innovation in the industry."
- Senator Tom Udall, Senators Introduce Bill To Overhaul U.S. Chemical Regulations, March 10, 2015
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Source: U.S. Senator David Vitter
" Our legislation is a solid, balanced, bipartisan compromise that will provide the necessary reforms to our nation’s most important chemical safety law."
- Senator David Vitter, Senators Introduce Bill To Overhaul U.S. Chemical Regulations, March 10, 2015

Opponents

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Source: Congress.gov
"Legal experts...tell me this bill is worse than current law. This means there will be fewer protections from the most dangerous chemicals for communities and families." 
- Senator Barbara Boxer, Green Groups Split on Competing Chemical Reform Bills, March 18, 2015