Toxic Chemicals Safety Act

Floor Speech

Ms. PINGREE of Maine. Mr. Speaker, today I want to commend Chairmen Waxman and Rush for introducing H.R. 5820, the Toxic Chemical Safety Act, a bill that will for the first time require the chemical industry to prove that the chemicals in our products are safe.

In America, we have too long failed to regulate chemicals and consumer products--even those that we know have links to cancer, learning disabilities, reproductive disorders, and other serious health problems.

Under the old Toxic Substance Control Act, 62,000 chemicals were grandfathered in. Only six chemicals have been banned since its passage. Not even asbestos--a widely known carcinogen--could be taken off the market.

Maine has always been the leader in toxic chemical regulation, passing new laws phasing out mercury, lead, and flame-retardant chemicals in everyday products. In 2008, our legislature passed the groundbreaking Kid-Safe Products Act that establishes a new statewide system to identify and phase out the most toxic chemicals that endanger our children.

It is time for the Nation to follow Maine's lead. It has never been more important for Congress to pass the strongest and most effective toxic chemical bill possible.

Source