Thank You; Toxic Safe Chemicals Act!

Dear EJ Crew (which you will remain forever),

First, heartfelt thanks for the lovely plant, group portrait (complete with toothy grins) and the lovely note commemorating our journey together this summer. I am deeply proud of each of you for what you have accomplished individually and collectively, and will always hold a special place in my heart (and office) for each of you. I look forward to seeing you in the fall, and staying in touch with Tiffany as she heads to Israel.

Some positive news: The new Toxic Safe Chemicals Act was proposed yesterday in the House of Representatives, similar to the bill proposed in the Senate in April It would make significant changes to current regulatory approach to chemicals in the U.S.-- a welcome first step in overhauling TSCA. Check it out!

http://www.ewg.org/Chemicals_Law_Overhaul_Proposed_In_House

For more detail on the provisions and the text of the bill:
http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2087:chairmen-rush-waxman-release-hr-5820-the-toxic-chemicals-safety-act-&catid=122:media-advisories&Itemid=55

Of particular interest to our EJ Crew is Section Section 38, "Hot Spots":

"New section 38 would require the Administrator to identify, assess, and develop action plans to address disproportionate exposures of residential populations in certain localities to toxic chemical substances and mixtures. The section would establish criteria for the determination of disproportionate exposure. Within one year of publishing or updating a list of such “hot spots”, the Administrator would be required to develop and publish an action plan for each identified locality that includes the chemical substances and mixtures contributing to the disproportionate exposure. The section would require an annual report to Congress on the listing and action taken pursuant to these provisions." [from the section-by-section summary by the Congressional Committee on Energy and Commerce]

Best to all,
Prof G