A chemical industry group recently unveiled a hub for companies operating under the nation's new chemical oversight law.
The Center for Chemical Safety Act Implementation, announced last week by the American Chemistry Council, aims to serve as a scientific, technical and advocacy clearinghouse for the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act.
The bill, which revised the nation's chemical laws for the first time in some 40 years, passed with bipartisan support earlier this year. In part, the law creates new processes for the Environmental Protection Agency to evaluate chemicals currently used in commerce as well as new materials.
The center will help organize companies into consortia that can present comments or data to the EPA as it crafts rules to implement the law.
The consortia, ACC officials said, would allow companies to reduce individual costs and make the process more efficient. The CCSAI will also provide input on chemical prioritization and risk evaluation and management.
Other services provided by the center include strategy guidance, data compensation agreements and information regarding chemical use and exposure.
“Because of our constructive role in the enactment of the LCSA, ACC is well versed in the new law, and we are already actively engaged with EPA on implementation,” ACC President and CEO Cal Dooley said in a statement. “Through the Center for Chemical Safety Act Implementation, we offer a centralized approach that will help companies and EPA fulfill the law’s requirements.”
The program will be managed by the group's Chemical Product & Technology Division and is open to both ACC members and non-members alike.