"States Pursue Toxics Lawmaking Despite Federal Law Constraints

"Legislation that would require the disclosure of or restriction of chemicals in hydraulic fracturing fluids, cosmetics and other products had been introduced in 16 states as of Feb. 10.

Another five states are expected to have chemical legislation introduced later this year, Sarah Doll, national director of Safer States, told Bloomberg BNA Feb. 8. Safer States is a network of environmental health and other state-based organizations.

States are working in an uncertain space. The 2016 overhaul of the Toxic Substances Control Act allows some state chemical controls. It also preempts state controls that would replicate or conflict with regulations and other decisions it requires the federal Environmental Protection Agency to make. The line between what a state can and can’t do is unclear."

Pat Rizzuto reports for Bloomberg BNA's Chemical Regulation Reporter February 14, 2017.

Source: BNA, 02/15/2017