WEBSTER COUNTY, KY - Representative Ed Whitfield raised serious concerns today about the impact recently introduced legislation to regulate the use of chemicals in manufacturing could have on the U.S. economy and job creation.

"With an estimated 96% of all manufactured goods involving one kind of chemical or another, this legislation would have a significant impact on our nation's economy," Whitfield said. "While we can all agree that we need to have safe chemicals in commerce in our country and in our homes, I fear this bill would compromise innovation and hurt our economy more than it will protect human health."

The House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, on which Whitfield serves as Ranking Member, held a hearing today on H.R. 5820, the Toxic Chemicals Safety Act of 2010. The legislation would amend the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, which was enacted to regulate the introduction of new or already existing chemicals in the marketplace.

Several concerns have been raised about the impact this legislation would have on the chemical and manufacturing industries, as well as the economy as a whole. The bill would implement cumbersome assessment requirements for businesses on new products; expands the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval process which will require the hiring of hundreds of new toxicologists and risk assessors; and treats U.S. importers (for example, retailers) as manufacturers and makes them liable for products being brought into the U.S. for sale.

"If this legislation were to pass as written, instead of helping us create more jobs in America, it would help us lose more jobs in America," Whitfield said.

Whitfield also noted his concerns about the impact this legislation would have on chemical distribution companies, including one located in Henderson, Kentucky. The Congressman said the bill is so broad that its ripple effects would be felt throughout the entire supply chain and that many of these companies do not have the resources or expertise to comply with the legislation.  

To see video of Whitfield speaking at today's hearing, please visit the Congressman's YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/WhitfieldKY01.

Information provided by Kristin Walker.
Posted by Karen Klay Orange - iSurf News

 

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