Pallone Applauds House Passage of TSCA Modernization Act

After Four Decades, Toxic Chemicals Reform Key to New Jersey takes Historic Step Forward

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, applauded passage of the TSCA Modernization Act by the House of Representatives. The legislation, which originated in the Committee and was co-authored by Pallone, now advances to the Senate. It is a bipartisan effort to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), enacted in 1976, to improve the protection of human health and the environment, and to give the public greater confidence in American-made chemicals and the products that contain them. This is the first time either chamber of Congress has passed a proposal to reform the 1976 statute.

Protecting consumers from dangerous chemicals in commerce was a long-held priority of late U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and has been worked on for years by Congressman Pallone. New Jersey has one of the largest chemical industries in the country, making reform of the decades-old Toxic Substances Control Act critical.

“After four decades, House passage of TSCA reform is a historic step towards effectively removing toxic chemicals from everyday products. The long-needed legislation will also encourage continued innovation, growth, and leadership by New Jersey in this vital economic sector,” said Congressman Pallone. “I am proud to continue Senator Lautenberg’s legacy of leadership on toxic chemical reform, and I know he would be proud of the work we are doing.”

In 1976, TSCA gave the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authority to address the risks posed by the production and use of toxic chemicals in consumer products. However, because of limitations in the statute, it is widely agreed that TSCA has largely failed to fulfill its purpose. Learn more about the TSCA Modernization Act HERE.

Last month, at a chemical facility in Avenel, NJ, Congressman Pallone highlighted the progress in Congress and the importance to New Jersey of the TSCA Modernization Act. Pictures of the tour are available HERE.