Senators David Vitter and Frank Lautenberg introduced a TSCA reform bill as S. 1009[1] on May 22, 2013, co-sponsored by a number of other senators at the United States House Energy Subcommittee on Environment and Economy.[2] After Senator Lautenberg died, Senator Tom Udall sponsored Senate bill 697 in 2015, to amend and re-authorize TSCA, called the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.[3][4] The House then passed H.R.2576, the TSCA Modernization Act of 2015, and was referred to the Senate.[5]
Congress passed a reconciled version of the reform bill with bipartisan support in June 2016. On Wednesday, June 22, 2016, President Barack Obama signed the bill into law.[6] Lawmakers and industry groups were largely supportive of the new law, while environmental advocates offered more mixed reactions.[7]
Changes to TSCA
TSCA as reformed by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act
TSCA pre-reform
Mandatory duty on EPA to evaluate existing chemicals with clear and enforceable deadlines
No duty to review, no deadlines for action
Chemicals assessed against a risk-based safety standard
Risk-benefit balancing standard
Unreasonable risks identified in the risk evaluation must be eliminated
Significant risks might not be addressed due to cost/benefit balancing and no mandate to act
Expanded authority to more quickly require development of chemical information when needed
Testing on existing chemicals required lengthy rulemaking
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