Republican House Bill Targets US Toxic Chemical Regulations for Major Changes
A new Republican House bill proposes sweeping revisions to US toxic chemical laws, which critics argue would significantly weaken protections for consumers, workers, and the environment. The legislation, drafted by Republican Alabama congressman Gary Palmer, seeks to amend the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA), reversing many of the safeguards strengthened by Congress in 2016.
Key Provisions and Industry Influence
Among the most contentious changes, the bill would limit the type of scientific research used to assess health risks, giving greater preference to industry-funded studies. It would also remove the legal requirement for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that new chemicals are safe for human health, instead mandating only that they "probably" won't cause harm. This shift could allow dangerous substances, such as PFAS "forever chemicals," to enter the market despite known health risks.
Additionally, the legislation would grant industry a prominent role in the chemical review process, including mandatory meetings with the EPA during evaluations. If the EPA fails to approve new chemicals within 90 days, the agency's top administrator must provide a report explaining the delay to industry representatives, potentially pressuring scientists to rush their assessments.
Impact on Worker Safety and Legal Challenges
The bill also raises concerns for worker safety by prohibiting regulations stricter than Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, which OSHA itself admits are often outdated. For example, the OSHA limit for trichloroethylene (TCE), a common dry cleaning chemical, is 500 times higher than the level deemed safe by the EPA. Furthermore, the legislation would allow industry to sue the EPA during the risk assessment phase, rather than waiting until rules are finalized, which could halt scientific reviews with litigation.
Maria Doa, an attorney with the Environmental Defense Fund, criticized the changes, stating, "These were characterized as 'small changes', but no, they are fundamental changes that put industry profits ahead of health." Daniel Savery of Earthjustice added that industry sees a "historic opportunity" to gut TSCA, given Republican control of the federal government.
Political Context and Opposition
The push for deregulation aligns with broader efforts by the Trump administration, which has close ties to the chemical and pesticide industries. However, this has created tension among some Republicans and supporters of the Maha movement, who prioritize cleaning up water and food supplies. With re-election battles looming, passing an unpopular bill may prove challenging for Republicans seeking to maintain voter support.
In a statement, Chris Jahn, CEO of the American Chemistry Council, praised the legislation, emphasizing the need for a "timely, predictable, and grounded" regulatory system. Despite this, public health advocates continue to mobilize against the proposal, warning that it could lead to increased exposure to toxic chemicals in everyday products and environments.
