Truth to Power on Chemical Safety: Update
Yesterday was a big day in chemical safety law reform. A Senate Committee held the first hearing on the Chemical Safety Improvement Act (CSIA). For the first time in years, Congress is seriously discussing a proposal to reform our country’s outdated chemical safety rules.
The hearing was well attended by Senators and staffers from across the country. The Senators heard from CEH loud and clear: Eastern States Director Ansje Miller and Board Member Cecil Corbin-Mark were called to testify as experts on the bill’s effects on the health of children, pregnant women, low-income communities of color, and other vulnerable groups.
At the end of her remarks (start at 04:59:00 to see testimony), Ansje warned the legislators, “If the current version of CSIA with its many deficiencies is adopted, Congress will be putting millions of American children and families at risk.”
Committee members expressed support for amending the bill in ways expected to improve it dramatically. CEH will remain vigilant through this process to ensure that only a true chemical safety bill is adopted.
Public support will remain critical in this fight. Stay tuned for more– it’s going to be a wild ride, but CEH will be there to keep you informed and equipped to push for children’s health!
For those of you who missed it, here is a snapshot of CEH’s fight in the EPW hearing, as depicted through tweets!
