- Trade Group Calls For Targeted Improvements To Modernize Chemical Safety Law And Strengthen U.S. Supply Chain
The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) continued to advocate for targeted changes and modernization of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), as part of the House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing Thursday.
ACI, the trade association for the U.S. cleaning product supply chain, submitted a letter to the Chairs of the Subcommittee in advance of the hearing on the Environment Chemicals in Commerce: Legislative Proposal to Modernize America’s Chemical Safety Law, Strengthen Critical Supply Chains, and Grow Domestic Manufacturing.
Draft legislation introduced earlier this month would lead to changes that improve the consistency and predictability of the TSCA program and incentivize advancements in safer, more sustainable chemistries used in cleaning products, detergents and disinfectants, as well as improved manufacturing and processing techniques that reduce risk, exposure and energy use.
“ACI strongly supports the Committee’s continued attention to targeted, practical, science-based improvements that deliver a TSCA program that is predictable, transparent, and innovation-forward,” Blake Nanney, ACI Director of Government Affairs, wrote in the letter. “The discussion draft thoughtfully addresses longstanding concerns shared by manufacturers engaged in both the EPA’s new and existing chemicals programs.”
With member companies facing delays in the review processes, slowing down the ability to bring new and innovative chemistries to market, ACI is encouraged to see proposed improvements to the new chemical review process, including:
- Requiring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to engage directly with submitters within 30 days of Pre-Manufacturer Notice (PMN) submissions.
- Tracking TSCA reviews and milestones on a proposed public dashboard, helping stakeholders and the public gain greater visibility into EPA’s review process.
- Including a priority review pathway for new chemicals that qualify as safer substitutes, which will bring more innovative chemistries to U.S. consumers.
- Allowing EPA to use direct final rules for certain new chemicals to help streamline decisions and reduce administrative bottlenecks.
- Requiring EPA to base work on real-world workplace protections, including the use of personal protective equipment and OSHA compliance, rather than assuming non-compliance.
- Integrating OECD test guidelines, weight of scientific evidence standards and regular updates to alternative testing methods, which advances high-quality, globally aligned scientific practices.
John Carey, the Regulatory Director at ACI member company dsm-firmenich, a global leader in health, nutrition, bioscience, fragrance and taste, shared written testimony at the hearing. He highlighted data showing a 70% decline in new chemical submissions over the past decade, meaning new chemical innovation in the U.S. is stagnating. Likewise, the current system is driving investment and manufacturing overseas when U.S. policymakers seek to expand domestic production and strengthen supply chains.
“Reforms that improve predictability, transparency, and alignment with global scientific practices will not only enhance safety—they will help restore the United States as a leader in chemical innovation,” Carey wrote in his testimony.
ACI is ready to support and collaborate with all members of the Committee as TSCA provisions are considered and negotiated.
“ACI appreciates the Subcommittee’s leadership in advancing targeted and practical improvements that strengthen TSCA implementation and promote U.S. innovation in safer, more sustainable chemistries,” Nanney said.
The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI – www.cleaninginstitute.org) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry® and represents the $60 billion U.S. cleaning product supply chain. ACI members include the manufacturers and formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and chemical distributors. ACI serves the growth and innovation of the U.S. cleaning products industry by advancing the health and quality of life of people and protecting our planet. ACI achieves this through a continuous commitment to sound science and being a credible voice for the cleaning products industry.