California lays out plan to reduce hazardous chemicals through science

December 16, 11:21 AMSacramento Environmental News ExaminerHarry Osibin

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Arnold/Jack/12/15/08

California Secretary for Environmental Protection Linda Adams has established a Green Chemistry Initiative to develop policy options for implementing a green chemistry program.  Instead of making chemical policy through the legislature on a case-by-case basis, the goal of this initiative is to work with scientists from California and around the world to evaluate the health effects of chemicals and possible alternatives with a systematic and comprehensive approach that is science-based.

Tuesday the office of Governor Schwarzenegger released a statement in which the Governor said, “These recommendations usher in a new era of how we look at household products – from our children’s toys to the plastic we use to make shampoo bottles to the varnish on our wood furniture.  Instead of paying attention to the toxic substances in our everyday products only when it comes time to throw them away in the landfill, we will now pay attention to those substances every step of the way – from when the product is designed, manufactured, used and recycled.

“California’s comprehensive approach takes into account what will be needed to implement a nation-leading green chemistry program, including educating a green work force, expanding current pollution prevention programs, enhancing consumer product information and employing the use of scientists to evaluate chemicals and their suggested alternatives. These landmark policy options will continue California’s environmental leadership and will boost our economy through the use of new technologies, products and a green workforce.”

On September 29, 2008, a bi-partisan legislative effort resulted in the passage and signing of two Green Chemistry bills that enact two key recommendations made in the Final Report. AB 1879 (D-Feuer) authorizes DTSC to identify and prioritize chemicals of concern, evaluate alternatives and specify regulatory responses. The bill also establishes a Green Ribbon Science Panel to provide implementation advice and expands the Environmental Policy Council to oversee critical program activities. The second bill, SB 509 (D-Simitian), requires an online Toxics Information Clearinghouse be established to provide public access to information on the toxicity of chemicals.