On Tuesday, May 24, 2016 the U.S. House of Representatives approved a final version of a bill updating the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976, according to an article published by abc News. Earlier in May 2016, a majority of negotiators from the U.S. House and Senate agreed on a TSCA reform bill reconciling the two chambers’ previous versions (FPF reported). The bill will now be sent to the Senate, and, if approved, to U.S. President Barak Obama for signing (expected before the end of May 2016). The U.S. White House stated that “while not perfect, the bill meets the high goals set by the administration for meaningful reform.” The White House expects the legislation “to restore public confidence in the safety of chemicals while improving public health and environmental protections.”

The industry group American Chemistry Council (ACC) welcomes the House passage stating “U.S. manufacturers and America’s consumers can take heart that a 21st century approach to managing chemicals is just steps away.” Some environmental groups such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) remain opposed, stating that the bill “continues to place chemical company interests above the public interest.”

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Matthew Daly (May 24, 2016). “House approves bill to regulate toxic chemicals.abc News

ACC (May 24, 2016). “ACC lauds House passage of historic TSCA reform.

EWG (May 24, 2016). “Chemical reform law falls short in protecting public health, environment.

Gayle S. Putrich (May 25, 2016). “U.S. House passes TSCA update.Plastics News

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