June 16, 2005

The Chemicals Agenda: Multilateral, Regional & National Trends and Activities

Co-Sponsored by The Environmental Law Institute
and The International Environmental Law Committee of ABA Section on International Law, and
The International Environmental Law Committee of ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources

The American Bar Association presented two panel discussions on global, regional and national approaches to chemicals management. The first panel was international in scope and discussed multilateral chemical activities and programs, including the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, UNEP’s Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management, and UNEP’s mercury program. Panelists provided an update on recent developments of each program and outline next steps. The first panel also discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each approach and featured:

• John Buccini, Director, UNEP Chemicals and Acting Executive Secretary for the Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention
• Jim Willis, Director, Chemical Control Division, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, USEPA and former Director, UNEP Chemicals
• Robert Simon, Senior Director, International Affairs, Chlorine Chemistry Council
• Glenn Wiser, Senior Attorney, Center for International Environmental Law
• Moderator: Dave Wagner, Attorney-Advisor, International Environmental Law Office, USEPA

RealAudio recording of first session.

The second panel discussed national and regional trends in chemicals management. Topics included Federal chemicals programs and activities in the US, preparations for the implementation of the EU’s REACH proposal, programs and activities at the US State level. The second panel featured:

• Charles Auer, Director, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, USEPA
• Rob Donkers, Environment Counselor, Delegation of the European Commission to the US
• Daryl Ditz, Senior Policy Advisor, Center for International Environmental Law
• Moderator: Jane Luxton, Partner, King & Spalding

RealAudio recording of second session.