Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Legislative Positions (June 2015) 

For Immediate Release: April 20, 2015

Public Health and Environmental Coalition Pushes for Real Reform of Federal Chemicals Policy

Coalition LogoWashington, D.C. – Several public interest groups have formed a coalition to urge lawmakers to make public health the top priority as Congress debates legislation to address the serious shortfalls of the federal Toxic Substances Control Act. The coalition, RealTSCAReform.org, was formed by Linda Reinstein, president and co-founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness OrganizationEWG Action FundSafer Chemicals, Healthy Families and Trevor’s Trek Foundation are among the members.

“The mere fact Congress is now moving forward with overhauling the failed federal TSCA law is welcome news,” Reinstein said. “However, unless the final legislation gives the Environmental Protection Agency the authority to fast-track a ban of asbestos, among other toxic chemicals, the American people will continue to be at risk. As a mesothelioma widow, it is reprehensible asbestos remains legal and lethal in the USA today.”

“The American people deserve a proposal from Congress that goes the distance to protect public health and not just the interests of the chemical industry, ” said Andy Igrejas, director of Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families.

“Congress has a choice to make that likely won’t come again for decades,” said Alex Formuzis, VP for strategic campaigns at EWG Action Fund. “It can adopt chemicals reform legislation embraced by industry that will continue to leave millions of Americans at unnecessary risk from toxic chemicals, or it can support a proposal that gives the EPA the tools and resources to protect our families.  For decades, the American people have been exposed to thousands of different toxic chemicals associated with a number of serious health problems, like cancer and neurological disorders, among others. Congress can finally right this ship by passing a TSCA reform bill that puts toxic chemicals, not public health, in its crosshairs.”

“The overall rates of cancer among children and other childhood diseases, such as autism and asthma, are rising dramatically. There is mounting evidence that toxic pollutants and untested chemicals play a pivotal role in causing these chronic illnesses in children,” said Trevor Schaefer, a brain cancer survivor and founder of Trevor’s Trek Foundation. “I envision a world in which children no longer have to suffer from preventable diseases that are related to the air they breath, the food they eat, the water they drink and the dirt in which they play. For the sake of our children, I urge Congress to pass a true TSCA reform law so parents no longer have to ask, why did this happen to my child?”

Legislation introduced by Sens. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and named after Trevor Schaefer and Reinstein’s late husband Alan, who died in 2006 after a long battle with mesothelioma, is backed by the vast majority of environmental and public health organizations, including the coalition.The Markey-Boxer plan would require that chemicals be safe, set clear deadlines for EPA action, give the agency the resources it needs, preserve a role for states to protect their citizens from chemical exposures and provide an expedited process to ban asbestos. For an in-depth analysis of the Alan Reinstein and Trevor Schaefer Toxic Chemical Protection Actclick here.

The coalition has launched a joint petition to build public support for the strongest possible TSCA reform proposal.  Specifically, the petition calls for:

  • The EPA to act quickly to consider a ban on asbestos; 
  • Protect children and vulnerable populations from harmful toxins; 
  • Provide stronger safety standards and quicker safety reviews of chemicals; 
  • Ensures exposure from chemical spills and leaks are addressed; and
  • Maintains states’ rights to protect people from dangerous toxic chemicals.

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To learn more about TSCA reform, the recently proposed congressional legislation, and how to make your voice heard, please reference ADAO’s previous relevant blogs listed below.

April 20, 2015: Support Real TSCA Reform and Sign the “SAY NO TO TOXIC CHEMICALS” Petition Now! 

April 20, 2015: Senator Boxer and ADAO Representative, Dr. Laurie Welch, to Hold Press Conference to Call for Real Reform of Toxic Chemical Law

March 24, 2015: CALL TO ACTION: Say NO to Toxic Chemicals, Say NO to the Senators Vitter – Udall – Inhofe “Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act”

March 21, 2015: Linda Reinstein Statement for Senators Boxer and Markey’s Press Conference to Call for a Toxic Chemicals Reform Bill that Protects Children and Families from Dangerous Toxins

March 18, 2015: Boxer Statement on Legislative Hearing: “Frank R Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act”

March 17, 2015: Senators Boxer & Markey to Hold Press Conference Calling for a Toxic Chemicals Reform Bill that Protects Children and Families from Dangerous Toxins

March 17, 2015: Senator Boxer’s Statement for Press Conference on Udall-Vitter TSCA Bill

March 15, 2015:  The Alan Reinstein and Trevor Schaefer Toxic Chemical Protection Act Summary.

March 15, 2015: NEW ADAO SPECIAL EDITION eNewsletter: NEW Legislation – Your Support is Crucial! 

March 16, 2015:  GOP Pushing Hard!  EPW Legislative Hearing: Frank R Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act 

March 15, 2015: CALL TO ACTION: Say NO to Toxic Chemicals, Say YES to the Boxer Markey TSCA Reform S.725 

March 15, 2015 Senator Boxer and Markey’s New “Alan Reinstein and Trevor Schaefer Toxic Chemical Protection Act” Paves the Way for Harmful Chemical Regulation & U.S. Asbestos Ban

March 13, 2015: ADAO Supports the Introduction of the Reducing Exposure to Asbestos Database (READ) Act

March 12, 2015 Press Release: Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) Applauds Sens. Boxer and Markey for Introducing The Alan Reinstein and Trevor Schaefer Toxic Chemical Protection Act

March 10, 2015 Press Release: Statement from Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) Opposing Senate “Chemical Safety” Bill which Lets Asbestos off the Hook

March 12, 2014: Enough is Enough. ADAO Calls on Congress to Draft and Pass True TSCA Reform Legislation

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