250 groups urge Senate to keep chemical safety law strong

A coalition of 250 organizations is pressing Senate Environment and Public Works leaders to reject industry-backed changes to the Toxic Substances Control Act, arguing that any rewrite should hear from workers, families and frontline communities most exposed to toxic chemicals. The appeal comes as Congress considers the future of the nation’s main chemical safety law and the scope of federal protections for public health.

Why it matters: - The fight over the Toxic Substances Control Act could shape how the federal government regulates toxic chemicals in homes, schools, workplaces, drinking water and consumer products. - Weakening the law would affect workers, veterans, families and frontline communities already dealing with cancer, Parkinson’s disease and other illnesses linked to chemical exposure. - States could face more contamination, cleanup burdens and health costs if federal protections are reduced.

What happened: - 250 organizations and groups urged Senate Environment and Public Works leaders to reject industry-led efforts to weaken TSCA, the nation’s primary chemical safety law. - The letter went to committee chair Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and ranking member Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I. - The groups said Congress has not yet publicly heard testimony from people who would bear the greatest consequences of weakening the law. - The coalition includes public health professionals, scientists, consumer advocates, environmental justice leaders, community organizations, environmental advocates and impacted communities.

The details: - The letter says Congress should hear from veterans, workers, families and frontline communities facing illnesses tied to toxic chemical exposure. - The signers also pointed to states that handle contamination, cleanup and rising health costs. - The letter says TSCA has produced broad public health benefits since Congress modernized the law in 2016. - The groups cited federal actions targeting asbestos, methylene chloride, trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PERC), carbon tetrachloride and other harmful substances. - Those chemicals are found in homes, schools, workplaces, consumer products, drinking water and communities nationwide. - The letter says any bill to revise TSCA should get full and careful review and input from all interested parties. - The groups wrote that the vast majority of Americans across party lines support stronger protections from toxic chemical exposure and more accountability from corporate polluters. - They warned against rushing a markup on a bill that has not been seen by the public or heard in testimony with all stakeholders.

Between the lines: - The coalition is trying to frame the debate as a public health issue rather than an industry-regulation fight. - The timing suggests concern that lawmakers may move before the public has a chance to weigh in. - The letter also signals a broader effort to protect the 2016 TSCA overhaul from rollback attempts.

What's next: - The Senate EPW Committee could consider proposals to revise TSCA. - The coalition says it will keep pushing to defend the law and preserve federal chemical safety protections. - More member quotes are available in the coalition’s press room.