The Adhesive and Sealant Council (ASC) reports it recently conveyed the following message to the staffs of Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Christopher Coons (D-DE): The U.S. Senate must find a bipartisan solution to the reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The meetings were part of an effort by the American Alliance for Innovation (AAI), a broad-based coalition association interested in the chemicals management policy as regulated by TSCA, to educate legislators about the importance of legislation keeping pace with advances in science and technology. The ASC is a charter member of the AAI.

In its discussions with both offices, the ASC emphasized that the complexity of TSCA will require that all concerned parties find common ground in modernizing legislation and that it is critical to do this in a timely manner in order to preempt efforts by states and local municipalities to introduce their own chemical regulatory efforts. The ASC also pointed out that in any modernized TSCA legislation, intellectual property must remain protected. American manufacturers are continually seeking to develop new products through expensive research development efforts, which could be stifled unless confidential business information remains protected.

“ASC is continuing its commitment to its members to get the word out to legislators about the importance of establishing a modernized TSCA program,” said Mark Collatz, director of Government Relations. “Giving everyone added confidence in the federal chemical management system is just another step forward in rebuilding the American economy.”

For more information, visit www.ascouncil.org.