House committee to markup toxic chemical reform bill

The House Energy and Commerce Environment and Economy Subcommittee will mark up a new draft of legislation to reform the nation’s toxic chemical laws on Thursday.

The TSCA Modernization Act first introduced by Environment and the Economy Subcommittee Chairman John Shimkus (R-Ill.), aims to address the shortcomings of the Toxic Substances Control Act, which hasn’t been updated in decades.

Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Fred Upton (R-Mich), and Ranking and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J,) have signed onto the bill as co-sponsors. The legislation would force EPA to complete risk assessments for dangerous chemicals within a three-years, issue risk management rules within 90 days of completing an assessment and preserve states’ rights to issue their own protections

The language of the bill, however, was criticized as confusing when it was first discussed in committee last month.  Lawmakers questioned whether the EPA would be required to consider costs when regulating a chemical and whether the bill will create an addition roadblock by forcing the agency to find an exposure risk before assessing a chemical.

“We have all spent a great deal of time studying the law and negotiating solutions, and we have reached a strong bipartisan agreement that works to improve both chemical safety and commerce,” Shimkus, Tonko, Upton, and Pallone said in a joint news release. “This is an opportunity to make meaningful reforms that will enhance consumer protections and strengthen our economy.”