Chemical Policy: Assessing Legal Interventions and Challenges

For years, states that have been concerned about the health effects of hazardous chemicals passed bills targeting specific substances in products such as toys, jewelry and cosmetics. Now, some states are taking a comprehensive approach to regulating chemicals in consumer products by asking regulators to review all chemicals and identify those that are particularly hazardous. California and Maine recently passed legislation that requires state agencies to identify chemicals of concern, prioritize which chemicals pose the greatest risk to public health, and regulate how these chemicals are used in consumer products. Connecticut and Washington will begin compiling inventories of toxic chemicals used in children's consumer products, although these new laws do not include requirements for further regulatory action. States also will establish online chemical clearinghouses to provide information to the public on regulated substances. This session will explore current and anticipated impacts of chemical regulation stemming from state reform, as well as federal chemical policy reform. The session will approach the issue from a number of vantage points, with the goal of equipping participants with a comprehensive framework, noting effective legal strategies, as well as an analysis of perceived gaps in regulatory efforts. One presenter will provide a contextual framework for understanding the issues, examining chemical reform from the state perspective, and efforts to expand this discussion to include several chemicals. Other presenters will provide analysis on the potential effects of chemical reform from the federal perspective, highlighting efforts and discussions re-examining current laws and regulations (e.g. Toxic Substances Control Act).