FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Adrienne Appell
646.520.4863
aappell@toyassociation.org
HOUSE AND SENATE REACH COMPROMISE ON TSCA REFORM
Toy Industry Association Lauds Critical Step Forward in Overhauling Outdated Chemical Law
NEW YORK, NY | May 18, 2016 – The Toy Industry Association (TIA) congratulates both chambers of the U.S. Congress for reaching compromise on important chemical legislation after months of negotiations by U.S. House and Senate staff. Reform of the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) will strengthen the federal chemical regulatory system and is a top policy priority for the toy industry.
“TIA applauds Congress for working together to reach an effective compromise on a very complex piece of legislation,” said Steve Pasierb, TIA President & CEO. “We continue to seek a federal uniform policy for regulating chemicals across all 50 states that keeps American children and families safe while fostering innovation. This compromise bill proves we are moving in that direction.”
Both chambers passed TSCA reform legislation in 2015 (the House version passed 398-1 last June; the Senate version was unanimously approved last December) and the bills were very different, with the Senate version providing greater detail on how and when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should develop chemical regulations. This bipartisan compromise bill represents an important and necessary step forward in overhauling the federal chemical law, which has not been updated in nearly 40 years.
TIA has been advocating for several years for a stronger federal chemical regulatory system so that states and counties will not feel it necessary to act in the absence of stricter federal oversight. Once President Obama signs the bill into law, the EPA will begin the process of prioritizing chemicals and taking necessary steps to review them. TIA will stay engaged with the EPA during this process to find opportunities to participate in the development of future rules and regulations that could impact the toy industry.
About the Toy Industry Association www.toyassociation.org
Founded in 1916, the Toy Industry Association™, Inc. (TIA) is the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. Over the past 100 years, TIA has led the health and growth of the toy industry, and today its 900+ members account for an estimated 90% of the annual $24 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Association serves as the industry’s voice on the cognitive, social, emotional and creative benefits of play, and promotes play’s positive impact on childhood development to consumers and media. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, government, consumers and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.
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