ADAO’s Press Release: ADAO APPLAUDS SENATE’S HISTORIC BIPARTISAN REINTRODUCTION OF THE ALAN REINSTEIN BAN ASBESTOS NOW ACT OF 2026

Senator Merkley’s Press Release: Merkley, Curtis Announce Bipartisan Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2026

Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and John Curtis (R-UT) Reintroduce the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act

Posted August 4, 2026

Senator John Curtis (R-UT) has joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) to reintroduce the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act, making Curtis the first Senate Republican to co-sponsor a full U.S. asbestos ban. The bill would prohibit the import and use of all six regulated asbestos fibers plus Libby Amphibole Asbestos, going further than the EPA’s 2024 chrysotile-only rule. More than 40,000 Americans die every year from asbestos-related diseases, and asbestos is still legal in the United States.

Why ARBAN Goes Further Than the EPA’s 2024 Asbestos Rule

ARBAN was first introduced in 2016 and most recently reintroduced in September 2025 by Senator Merkley, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), and Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE), with support from the American Public Health Association, Center for Environmental Health, Collegium Ramazzini, Environmental Information Association, Environmental Working Group, and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

While ARBAN awaited action, EPA finalized its 2024 Chrysotile Asbestos Rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). That rule has three key limits:

  • Scope: It covers only chrysotile — one of six regulated asbestos minerals. It leaves out crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, actinolite, and Libby Amphibole Asbestos (winchite and richterite). All are carcinogenic with no safe level of exposure.
  • Timeline: Phase-outs run through 2037 on different schedules by use.
  • Durability: As a regulation, not a law, it can be revised or unwound by a future administration.

This version of ARBAN also has industry support. For more than three years, ADAO has built a professional relationship with the Olin Corporation, grounded in transparency and a shared understanding that preventing asbestos exposure and protecting public health are top priorities. They now understand and support the need for a ban, and alongside ADAO, they have attended meetings on Capitol Hill and participated in ADAO staff briefings.

What the ARBAN Act of 2026 Would Do

  • Ban all six regulated asbestos fibers plus Libby Amphibole Asbestos outright
  • Move EPA’s transition and compliance framework — including the chlor-alkali phase-out schedule and sheet-gasket timeline — from vulnerable regulation into permanent federal law
  • Allow a narrow, time-limited transition period instead of an overnight cutoff, the result of years of work bringing industry stakeholders to the table
  • Remain a standalone bill

Early ARBAN Supporters Include:

  • American Public Health Association (APHA)
  • Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
  • Center for Environmental Health (CEH)
  • Collegium Ramazinni 
  • Environmental Information Association (EIA)
  • Environmental Working Group (EWG)
  • Federal Fire Fighters Joint Council, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)

ADAO’s Position

We have known for decades that asbestos causes suffering, disease, and death, and protecting Americans from it has never been a partisan issue. Prevention remains the only cure. Until asbestos is banned once and for all, American families remain at risk of the same diagnosis that took Alan Reinstein’s life in 2006. We are grateful to have champions from both parties, in both chambers, ready to act.

Take Action

  • Contact your senators and ask them to cosponsor ARBAN
  • Share this post with your network
  • Organizations: get in touch to add your name in support of ARBAN
  • Share your story if you or a loved one has faced asbestos-caused disease

Frequently Asked Questions

Is asbestos banned in the United States?
No. Asbestos is not fully banned. EPA’s 2024 rule phases out only chrysotile asbestos through 2037; the other five regulated fibers remain unbanned.

What is the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2026?
A bipartisan Senate bill from Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and John Curtis (R-UT) that would ban the import and use of all six regulated asbestos fibers and Libby Amphibole Asbestos in permanent federal law.

Who is Alan Reinstein?
Alan Reinstein died of mesothelioma in 2006. The bill is named in his honor.

How many people die from asbestos each year in the U.S.?
More than 40,000 Americans annually.