New Draft Safer Consumer Product Regulations

Posted on Nov 7, 2011

We need your voice to make sure Californians and our environment are protected in the state’s Safer Consumer Product Regulations, a key component of the Green Chemistry Initiative! A new informal draft was officially released on October 31 by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). Please mark your calendar for a Dec. 5 public workshop hosted by DTSC - sign up for updates on CHANGE at this workshop! More details below.

We want to protect Californians by removing the most pervasive and hazardous chemicals from the market, promoting the use of safer/healthier alternatives, and protecting the health of workers, fenceline communities, and those facing the greatest hazards. We all deserve a chemical policy framework that accomplishes these goals.

We'll be adding more information and analysis as the public meetings unfold. Please sign up here to receive updates from CHANGE.

Read more about CHANGE’s stance about Green Chemistry solutions and chemical policy reform at “Essential Building Blocks of Green Chemistry”. It comes from the people and groups who are part of CHANGE. We’re now a broad-based coalition of more than 30 environmental and environmental justice groups, health organizations, labor advocates, community based groups, parent organizations, and others working to change chemical policies in order to protect workers, children, public health, the environment, and the economy.

To read the draft regulation, visit the DTSC website. DTSC also developed a series of short videos to introduce this draft. Director Deborah Raphael introduces them here:  

DTSC has a schedule for comments about these draft regulations. It is also holding a workshop in which you can participate. Read the full notice on DTSC’s website (PDF). Key dates are as follows (all official information on the DTSC website):

• Nov. 14-15 - Green Ribbon Science Panel meeting in Sacramento to respond to the draft regulations. Read more on DTSC’s website.
• Nov. 28  - If you have specific questions that you would like to have addressed at the Dec. 5th workshop, submit them via e-mail to gcregs@dtsc.ca.gov by Nov. 28.
• Dec. 5 – DTSC is hosting a workshop for members of the public to discuss the scope and content of the informal draft regulations with DTSC. Read the full notice.
• Dec. 8 - Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee special hearing on California's Green Chemistry Initiative
• Dec. 30 - The deadline for final comments on the draft regulations. DTSC is requesting that you provide written comments electronically to gcregs@dtsc.ca.gov or mail them to the address on DTSC's website.

These regulations can move us toward a less toxic, greener and more vibrant economy in California. Let’s not waste this opportunity! Join us in making sure our health and the environment are protected, and that we are supporting truly green innovation.

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