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There are many ways to address the problems of toxic chemicals in our everyday lives. One important tool is the implementation of policies that direct the market to switch to safer solutions. The JustGreen Partnership is committed to working at the local, state and federal level to implement policies that follow the principles of the Louisville Charter for Safer Chemicals:
- Require Safer Substitutes and Solutions
- Phase Out Persistent, Bioaccumulative, or Highly Toxic Chemicals
- Give the Public and Workers the Full Right-to-Know and Participate
- Act with Foresight and take action when credible evidence shows that harm may be occuring
- Require Comprehensive Safety Data for All Chemicals
- Take Immediate Action to Protect Communities and Workers
State Legislatures Tackle Toxic Chemicals to Protect Citizens
Lack of Federal Reform Makes State Laws More Urgent
In 2012, at least 28 state legislatures will consider legislation to address concerns over toxic chemicals in consumer products, according to a new analysis by Safer States, a national coalition of state-based environmental organizations. Bills to be introduced this year will cover a broad list of topics, including bans on toxic chlorinated Tris flame retardants and cadmium, and requirements that makers of consumer products publicly disclose chemicals in products.
Read more...
NYS Senate and Assembly Pass Law to Protect Babies from Cancer-Causing Chemical
Advocates Laud Passage as First in the Nation, Call on Governor to Sign the "Tris-free Children and Babies Act"
Chemical Facing Ban Was Recently Found in 17% of Foam Baby Products Tested
(Albany) Organizations in the JustGreen Partnership hailed passage of S. 4085a/A. 6919a in the Senate today, following the Assembly's earlier passage of the bill. The "Tris-Free Children and Babies Act" would prohibit the sale of products containing a cancer-causing chemical called "TCEP" if they are meant for young children and babies. TCEP is no longer produced in Europe and has been identified by Canada as posing a risk to human health. In a recent scientific study, TCEP was found in 17% of foam baby products tested. (Including the padded seat cushion shown here.) These products include those on which babies spend the vast majority of their time, including nursing pillows, car seats, crib positioners, baby carriers, high chairs, and booster seats.
"It takes forward-thinking leaders like Assemblyman Sweeney and Senator Grisanti to pass the first state-level tris ban in the nation," said Kathy Curtis, Policy Director for Clean New York and co-coordinator of the JustGreen Partnership. "Until comprehensive, sensible chemical policy is a reality, we're glad we can depend on them to protect the health of New York's babies and children," Curtis added.
Read more..."Safe Chemicals Act of 2011" Introduced!
Signaling their clear intention to protect families from toxic chemicals linked to serious health problems, Senators Frank Lautenberg, Barbara Boxer, Amy Klobuchar, Charles Schumer and others today introduced the “Safe Chemicals Act” to upgrade America’s outdated system for managing chemical safety. (Click "Read More" to watch video of Sen. Lautenberg talking about the bill.) The JustGreen Partnership, a collaboration of over 50 organizations representing a million New Yorkers, hailed the bill’s introduction and praised Senator Schumer for being an originating co-sponsor.
JustGreen Partners Advocate for Child-Safe Products
On Tuesday, April 12, the JustGreen Partnership met with policymakers in Albany, urging them to advance legislation to protect us from toxic chemicals in our daily lives. NYPIRG, WE ACT, Clean New York, the Learning Disabilities Association of NYS, Sierra Club, Environmental Advocates of NY, and Environmental Justice Action Group of Western NY met with Assemblymembers and Senators throughout the day.
30 States Consider Bills to Protect People from Toxics
In response to growing public concern over dangerous chemicals in common household products and continued Congressional inaction, on Wednesday, January 19th legislators and advocates in 30 states across the country announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at protecting children and families from harmful toxic chemicals. Despite well-funded opposition from the chemical industry, 18 state legislatures have already passed 71 chemical safety laws in the last eight years by an overwhelming, bipartisan margin – with more to come in 2011.
