[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 103 (Thursday, June 25, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E990]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     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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