July 21, 2011

TSCA Reform Series: The Standard of Safety

Several key issues have emerged as pivotal in ongoing efforts to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Progress on these complex issues is central to the success of TSCA reform. To foster further discussion of these critical topics, ELI is convening a series of issue-specific lunchtime teleconferences during the summer and fall of 2011 that will provide a forum for focused dialogue among key players.

Session#2 -The Standard of Safety

This panel examined the central issue of whether and what standard of safety should replace TSCA's current "unreasonable risk" standard for regulating chemicals. Topics that were addressed included: hazard/exposure/risk criteria; burden of proof; judicial review of agency decisions; sensitive populations; cost-benefit analysis; and application of the safety standard to new materials/technologies.

Speakers:
Linda Breggin, Environmental Law Institute (moderator)
James V . Aidala, Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.
Wendy Cleland-Hamnett, Director, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Dr. Richard Denison, Senior Scientist, Environmental Defense Fund

Additional Materials:
James Aidala powerpoint presentation
Wendy Cleland-Hamnett powerpoint presentation
Richard Denison powerpoint presentation
mp3 recording

Additional sessions in the TSCA Reform Series may be accessed HERE.