Despite the serious failings of the 30-year old Toxic Substances Control Act and a chilly political climate, CIEL finds reason for optimism about overhauling federal law on dangerous chemicals. Cloudy Skies, Chance of Sun: A Forecast for U.S. Reform of Chemicals Policy, highlights bold political steps by state and local governments, business leaders, and a growing chorus of public voices aligning around a future free of toxic chemicals.
Daryl Ditz, author of Cloudy Skies and Senior Policy Advisor for CIEL’s Chemicals Program, will present these findings at ChemCon 2006, an international chemical industry conference in Budapest May 11, 2006 against the backdrop of the impending arrival of REACH, the new chemicals regulation for the 25-nation European Union. The report makes clear that the even before it is adopted, the protracted debate on REACH has had a significant effect on American objectives and strategies for chemicals policy reform. A strong, effective REACH in Europe will increase political and market pressure for the United States to catch up. REACH legislation is expected to be approved in the European Parliament and Council in 2007.
Meanwhile, the WWF DetoX Campaign in Brussels distributed copies of Cloudy Skies to U.S. embassies across Europe. “Apparently, U.S. officials in Europe are not very aware of the rapid changes taking place within the States and by U.S. companies to join the global effort in freeing the marketplace and the environment of toxic chemicals. So we offered them this handy guide to show them what many Americans are already doing,” explains Karl Wagner, WWF’s DetoX Campaign director.