Wait For It... (Frank Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act)

By Jon Rhodes, M.S.
Senior Scientific Advisor
ABC Laboratories
www.abclabs.com

Wait for it...... Waaiitt forrr ittttt...

That’s the phrase I use with my dog while I hold a treat three inches from the end of her nose.  Her eyes are locked on target and there are long tendrils of drool streaming from her lips in anticipation of something so fantastically tasty that she’s willing to postpone immediate gratification.

Last Tuesday’s announcement that the Frank Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21^st Century Act was being introduced in the U.S. Senate triggered memories of anticipation, related to previous efforts to reform the nearly 40-year old Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).  Wasn’t it the Chemical Safety Improvement Act (CSIA) in 2013?

The Frank Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21^st Century Act appears to be an improved version of the CSIA and addresses preemption by states – a major sticking point and provides a funding mechanism via user fees.  It mandates chemical safety decisions that are based solely on risk to public health and the environment and eliminates cost and benefits as considerations in the evaluation of chemicals.  Interestingly, it appears to enjoy broader bi-partisan support. 
Bi-partisan support?

Waaiitt forrr ittttt...