Companies Calling for Chemical Regulation

While some companies actively resist government regulation, others are welcoming it. A group of responsible consumer product companies is pushing for chemical safety reform legislation to better protect the public from toxins that are commonly found in consumer products.

This coalition was started by Seventh Generation along with the American Sustainable Business Council. Other members of the group include Annie’s, and Stonyfield Farm. These companies are behind safer products and chemicals for decades. they are also leaders in transparency and accountability.
A reform bill for the anemic 37 year old Toxic Chemical Safety Act, has been languishing in the Senate for months.

Even the American Chemistry Council advocates reform. However, a number of powerful and very wealthy companies have controlled the debate in Washington and stymied any hope of reform.

There has been increasing coverage of the toxins contained in home
products like shampoo. When given a choice people will choose what is
healthier for themselves and their children.
While it is clear that there will be opposition from some quarters,
those who do not support the coalition for healthier consumer products
will have to publicly declare their opposition and then the public can
decide who has their best interest at heart.

The coalition have signed a declaration that states:

Current chemical regulation is outdated and inadequate. Now is the time to change it. As business leaders we urge Congress to pass chemical safety reform legislation that protects all families from toxic chemicals, and incentivizes the production of cleaner and safer chemicals and products.

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was passed in 1976, and unlike other major environmental laws, has never been updated. As it currently stands, TSCA is a broken law. As a result, tens of thousands of potentially harmful chemicals continue to be used in the marketplace since the 1970’s without proper testing and without disclosure by the companies that produce them.

We believe this has to change.

As companies and business leaders we’re asking Congress to pass comprehensive and effective chemical safety reform legislation now. Chemical policy reform must protect the most vulnerable among us, and require public access to information regarding the safety of chemicals. Reform must respect the rights of states to protect their residents when the federal government fails to do so, and require the Environmental Protection Agency to take fast action on the most harmful chemicals. Right now the Chemical Safety Improvement Act does NOT meet these criteria. Guided by good science, legislation can drive business innovation and success and protect public health.

Parents and families should not have to worry about harmful chemicals in our everyday products. That’s why we’re working together to encourage Congress to pass chemical safety reform now.

This is good for business and for our economy.