The American Cleaning Institute (ACI), the trade association for the cleaning product supply chain, called on Congress to press the Environmental Protection Agency to remove the “bottleneck in innovation” caused by delays in the EPA’s new chemicals review process.
ACI submitted written comments to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which held a hearing to assess the impact of 2016’s Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which updated the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) governing chemicals in commerce.
“We have long advocated for a regulatory framework, which the Lautenberg Act provides, that is balanced and science-based in order to promote innovation and ensure chemical safety while maintaining a competitive and sustainable industry,” wrote Blake Nanney, ACI Director, Government Affairs.
“It is critical for the EPA to provide predictability, consistency and transparency in determining new chemical reviews. ACI member companies have experienced significant delays and restrictions with the EPA’s Pre-manufacture Notice and Significant New Use Notice review process.
“This has caused a bottleneck in innovation, hindering advancements in public safety and environmental protection; new chemistries could replace existing chemicals by using improved manufacturing and processing techniques that reduce risk, exposure, and energy use.”
Nanney added that “ACI stands ready to work with the Committee and EPA staff to implement a chemical management process that supports American innovation and benefits U.S. consumers and international business competitiveness.”
Read the full letter.
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.