Insights

State governments from coast to coast are doubling down on science as a foundation for good governance and health-protective policy.

Thanks to http://www.plasteranddisaster.com for this great blog post discussing the hazardous chemicals and dangers of using paint strippers. The EPA is currently the EPA is considering a rule to ban the two worst of these chemicals, and you can help by sending a note to the EPA voicing your support for the ban.

TOXIC PAINT STRIPPERS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM

States are once again asserting their authority to address health hazards from chemicals in everyday products by introducing policies in at least 21 state legislatures.

As promised, EPA announced the first ten toxic chemicals that they’ll evaluate in order to protect human health and the environment. It's a great start, and a call for states to act in partnership with the agency.

Until everyone enjoys a safe and healthy workplace, it’s our responsibility to follow in the footsteps of our labor heroes and insist on a better way.

Walmart has the power to influence how 90,000 items are made by 700 manufacturers. So when the world’s largest retailer pledges to remove ten toxics from products on its shelves, it’s no small change.

In project TENDR, national scientists and health experts are speaking with a single voice: If we are to reduce autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disabilities and other learning and behavioral disabilities, we must address toxic chemical threats. State-level work is essential if we’re to avoid creating the next toxic legacy.

President Obama signed reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act into law. But it will take time and resources to ensure that gaps, flaws and weaknesses are addressed — along with the work of state-grown experts who have been effectively driving chemical stewardship for decades.

Even as federal chemical policy reform is enacted, states must do their part as experts in innovative chemical policy.

By Memorial Day, our nation could pass a long-awaited overhaul of a bedrock environmental law that will guide the way our nation regulates toxic chemicals. And after 40 years of broken legislation, isn’t it time we got it right? Unfortunately, the proposal that will soon be up for a vote would take away the rights of states to protect their citizens. Safer States joins Congress members and state environmental officials urging lawmakers to fix the problem before a final vote.