Chemical Policy Reform
New Report Sets Framework for Healthier Chemicals Policy in California
In March 2006, UC Berkeley released a report that outlines a framework for chemicals policy reform. The report, Green Chemistry in California: A Framework for Leadership in Chemicals Policy and Innovation, recommends that California take the lead in establishing a comprehensive chemicals policy, or face a growing set of health and environmental problems and risk being left behind by the global economy.
Some key points of the report:
- By 2050, California’s population will grow to 55 million residents. This expansion will be accompanied by a growing set of social, economic, and environmental problems whose magnitude will be determined by the policy decisions California makes now.
- A modern, comprehensive chemicals policy is essential to placing California on the path to a sustainable future. Problems associated with chemicals are already affecting human and environmental health.
- A comprehensive approach is needed to correct the failures and weaknesses in our federal chemicals policy. In response, California needs to adopt a chemicals policy that greatly improves chemical information, regulatory oversight, and support for green chemistry research.
- Policymakers will need to guide industrial development in a way that fully integrates environmental quality and human health issues. These reforms will build the foundation for new capacity in green chemistry—the design, manufacture, and use of chemicals that are safer for biological and ecological systems.
- Given California’s unparalleled capacity for innovation and its scientific and technical expertise, a proactive response could position the state to become a global leader in green chemistry innovation.
BCA and the Call for Chemicals Policy Reform in California
For years, BCA and other organizations have called for chemicals policy reform to better protect our health. In June 2006, State Senator Joe Simitian will convene a hearing to start discussions about what chemicals policy reform in California would look like.
As a national leader on environmental health issues, California must make sure any chemicals policy reform is done wisely. No chemicals policy will be successful without diversity of thought, perspective and input. The chemicals industry will make sure to voice their opinions. We have to make sure legislators hear our voices too.
We are seeking your help in telling our legislators that Californians want to see this happen, and in getting the word out to others. There are many ways you can participate.
- If you can do only one thing, write a letter of support to encourage our legislators to support chemicals policy reform. We have sample letters for individuals and organizations.
- Individual letter
- Organizational letter (individual organization, preferred)
- Organizational Sign-On letter (if you don’t have time to do individual organization letter)
- Help mobilize others in your community. The more groups that participate in this process, the more comprehensive and thoughtful any new chemicals policy will be.
- Participate in the June 2006 informational hearing in Sacramento (date tentatively set for June 28, 2006). Your attendance will ensure that diverse perspectives will be heard. The hearing will include a brief public comment period.
Reforming the way California regulates chemicals is a huge task. It will take the commitment of many of us across the state to ensure that any reform has integrity and the support of diverse interests. Together we can reduce the toxins we are exposed to, and we can make California a healthier place to live.
TAKE ACTION! For more information or to get involved, contact Brenda Salgado, BCA’s Program Manager, at bsalgado@bcaction.org or 415-243-9301 x14.