Lautenberg Leads TSCA Reform

Monday, July 09, 2012

WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and 25 of his Senate colleagues sent a letter today calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finalize its proposed actions regarding a class of toxic flame retardant chemicals. The letter also acknowledges that the EPA has limited authority to fully protect the public from these toxic chemicals under the current Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and calls for reforms to the law to adequately protect American families from dangerous chemicals.

TSCA Work Plan Chemicals Identified

As part of EPA’s continuing comprehensive approach to enhance the Agency’s existing chemicals management program, in March 2012, EPA identified a work plan of 83 chemicals for further assessment under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). EPA identified seven of these chemicals for risk assessment in 2012. EPA intends to use the TSCA Work Plan Chemicals to help focus and direct the activities of the Existing Chemicals Program over the next several years.

Detailed below:

• How Were the TSCA Workplan Chemicals Selected?
• What Chemicals Will EPA Assess First?
• Will EPA Consider Chemicals not on the Work Plan?