Federal policy on chemicals in the United States is long overdue for fundamental reform, but it won’t be easy. Environmental initiatives stand little chance of passage in the Congress especially given the political climate and the looming November 2006 midterm elections. Nonetheless, many Americans are concluding that a new approach is needed to eliminate dangerous chemicals.
This report surveys recent developments in the United States and assesses the prospects for major changes in the national framework for regulating chemicals. It summarizes the longstanding problems with the principal federal law, describes some of the political obstacles to reform, and explains how the situation is changing as a result of international forces, state legislation, and business leadership.