“TSCA MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2015” published by Congressional Record on June 25, 2015

Volume 161, No. 103 covering the 1st Session of the 114th Congress (2015 - 2016) was published by the Congressional Record.

The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.

“TSCA MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2015” mentioning the Environmental Protection Agency was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E990 on June 25, 2015.

The publication is reproduced in full below:

TSCA MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2015

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speech of

HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

of maryland

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2576, the TSCA Modernization Act. While this bill is not perfect, it is a good step toward better protecting Americans and our environment from dangerous chemicals.

Current law, the Toxic Substance Control Act, passed in the 1970s and has been a failure. While its name implies that it gave the Environmental Protection Agency the authority to ensure the safety of many chemicals, in reality, its scope is severely limited and the standards for action are unreasonably high. It also restricted testing to thousands of chemicals that were already in use when it passed. Since it was enacted, EPA has partially regulated only five chemicals under the law.

Democrats have been calling for TSCA reform for many years, and today we are considering the first meaningful change. While it does not go as far as previous Democratic proposals, it represents significant progress over current law. It makes it easier for EPA to test chemicals using a risk-based approach, explicitly protects vulnerable populations, and provides more resources to get the job done. It also allows EPA to move more quickly to address the most toxic and harmful chemicals.

Our work is not done--the Senate is finalizing its proposal and we will have to reconcile our differences. I will continue to advocate for strong protections for American families and our environment. I am voting yes today to take an important step forward in that effort.

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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 161, No. 103