Viewing blog posts tagged with 'legislation'
The Environmental Protection Agency announces limited PFAS roadmap
October 18, 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its roadmap on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a class of toxic chemicals known to cause harm to people and the environment. The EPA’s plan states that it will “deliver tangible public health benefits to all people who are impacted by these chemicals.”
California passes new precedent-setting laws that require accurate product labeling and regulate PFAS “forever chemicals” as a class
October 05, 2021
California today passed new precedent-setting laws that require accurate labeling for products and regulate toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” as a class. The three bills signed today by Governor Gavin Newsom ensure truth in advertising through labeling requirements in products claiming to be recyclable; in compostable products; and in cookware, respectively. A fourth bill was also signed that regulates toxic chemicals in juvenile products. All four bills notably address toxic PFAS chemicals as a class, a longstanding recommendation by science experts, health care professionals, and advocates alike.
Maine is the first state in the country to ban PFAS “forever chemicals” in all products
July 15, 2021
Today, Maine’s groundbreaking bill that bans “intentionally added” toxic PFAS chemicals in all products by 2030 became law. The new law positions Maine as the first state in the country to establish a procedure to eliminate PFAS in all products, except where the state determines the use is “currently unavoidable,” meaning that the use is both critical for health or safety and a safer alternative is not available.
Vermont Governor Signs First-in-Nation Restrictions on Toxic PFAS Chemicals
May 19, 2021
PORTLAND, O.R.—Today, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed into law a nation-leading bill that restricts the sale of consumer products that contain toxic chemicals known as PFAS. The bill bans PFAS chemicals from firefighting foam, food packaging, ski wax, and carpets, rugs, and stain-resistant treatments.
How the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act can help get toxic chemicals out of our products and communities
April 02, 2021
Last Thursday’s introduction of the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act (BFFPPA) by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Representative Alan Lowenthal (D-CA) represents an ambitious attempt to address our plastic pollution crisis. Since so many toxic chemicals are plastic additives, reducing plastics can also reduce toxic chemical use and exposure.
Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act Includes Toxics Provisions
March 24, 2021
Today, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Representative Alan Lowenthal (D-CA) will join environmental advocates to discuss the reintroduction of the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act (BFFPPA). In response, Safer States strategic advisor Renée Sharp issued the following statement.
New analysis finds at least 27 states will consider toxic chemical policies in 2021
February 03, 2021
Safer States today released its annual analysis of anticipated state-level policies on toxic chemical regulation, finding that at least 27 states will consider policies in 2021. Safer States anticipates that at least 180 bills will be under consideration in 2021 and efforts to combat toxic PFAS chemicals will continue to be the most prevalent issue.
2021 Analysis of Upcoming State Legislation on Toxic Chemicals
February 03, 2021
Safer States analyzed anticipated state-level policies on toxic chemical regulation, finding that at least 27 states will consider policies in 2021. Safer States anticipates that at least 180 bills will be under consideration in 2021 and efforts to combat toxic PFAS chemicals will continue to be the most prevalent issue.
Protecting communities from toxic PFAS
November 12, 2020
While Safer States primarily focuses on stopping the use of toxic chemicals, another key aspect of our mission is to support the clean up of communities that have been impacted by toxic pollution. We are happy to report that we have seen many victories this year in this fight!
State Legislatures Take the Lead on Turning off Tap on Toxic Chemicals
February 05, 2020
At least 29 states will consider more than 180 policies to require companies to disclose what is in their products as well as limit exposures to toxic chemicals. These policies include bans on PFAS in food packaging and firefighting foam as well as bans on toxic flame retardants in electronics.