TSCA Modernization Act of 2015

Floor Speech

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Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2576, the TSCA Modernization Act. While this bill is not perfect, it is a good step toward better protecting Americans and our environment from dangerous chemicals.

Current law, the Toxic Substance Control Act, passed in the 1970s and has been a failure. While its name implies that it gave the Environmental Protection Agency the authority to ensure the safety of many chemicals, in reality, its scope is severely limited and the standards for action are unreasonably high. It also restricted testing to thousands of chemicals that were already in use when it passed. Since it was enacted, EPA has partially regulated only five chemicals under the law.

Democrats have been calling for TSCA reform for many years, and today we are considering the first meaningful change. While it does not go as far as previous Democratic proposals, it represents significant progress over current law. It makes it easier for EPA to test chemicals using a risk-based approach, explicitly protects vulnerable populations, and provides more resources to get the job done. It also allows EPA to move more quickly to address the most toxic and harmful chemicals.

Our work is not done--the Senate is finalizing its proposal and we will have to reconcile our differences. I will continue to advocate for strong protections for American families and our environment. I am voting yes today to take an important step forward in that effort.

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