Update: Go Congressman Inslee!

Thanks to help from many of you we delivered thousands of petition signatures to Congressmen Inslee’s office last week. The petition asked him to make sure new federal legislation called the Safe Chemicals Act protects American families from toxic chemicals.

Specifically we want to make sure the new law phases out the worst, persistent toxic chemicals (PBTs) first.

Good news! We just received this statement from Rep. Inlee’s office (emphasis added):

“I would like you to know that the safety of American families is of utmost importance to me as a Representative as well as a citizen, husband and father of three.  As you may know, I am a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over consumer protection issues such as the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The protections of TSCA where last updated in 1974 and they are now woefully inadequate to keep up with possible dangerous effects of new chemical compounds and new scientific research on chemicals that are already in use. Unfortunately, TSCA requires chemical safety specialists at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assume that all new chemicals are safe for widespread distribution unless proven otherwise after extensive scientific testing. I am also concerned that the EPA lacks authority to address the dangers of Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxins (PBTs), chemicals that may not be harmful with limited exposure but which, over time and extended exposure, are suspected to cause cancer. The House Energy and Commerce Committee has begun holding hearings and will soon consider reforms to TSCA.

“I would like to share with you that I am dedicated to improving toxics regulation in order to protect our children and the community. Last Fall, I wrote to Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection Subcommittee Chairman Bobby Rush asking that new TSCA reforms include legislation to address the problem of phthalates, dangerous chemicals from household products which have been shown to enter waste-water systems through household laundry, building up in eco-systems like the Puget sound. I will keep your thoughts in mind as consumer safety reforms are considered in the Energy and Commerce committee.”

--- Congressman Inslee

Three cheers for the hero in our own backyard!

From the field,

Anna Davis