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Chemicals Policy Update. Regulatory options for pollution prevention and toxics use reduction. Ken Zarker, P2 Section Manager Washington State Department of Ecology 5 th National Product Stewardship Forum May 5, 2009. What does state chemicals policy look like?. State Initiatives
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Chemicals Policy Update Regulatory options for pollution prevention and toxics use reduction. Ken Zarker, P2 Section Manager Washington State Department of Ecology 5th National Product Stewardship Forum May 5, 2009
What does state chemicals policy look like? • State Initiatives • Potential State Legislative Components
State Chemicals “Prioritization” Legislation • CA, CT, ME, OR, WA • Focus on children’s & consumer products • MN (requires list by 2012) • MI www.chemicalspolicy.org Sources: NPPR, Lowell Center US Chemicals Policy data base
Washington StateChildren’s Safe Products Act Implementation Governor’s partial veto & passage of federal legislation – the law creates three tasks for Ecology. • Report to the legislature. • Create a list of high priority chemicals of high concern for children (CHCC). • Write a rule. We can’t wait any longer for the federal government to take action. Governor Chris Gregoire signing HB 2647 - April 1, 2008
State Green Chemistry & Toxic Use Reduction Legislation Components • Expand Pollution Prevention • Reporting the use of high priority chemicals, especially children • Help industry find safer chemical alternatives • Develop green chemistry workforce • Support an Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse Sources: NPPR, Lowell Center US Chemicals Policy data base
State Green Chemistry & Toxic Use Reduction Legislation Components • Provide technical assistance & incentives • Toxics in Products – know what’s in your products • Product Stewardship Framework • State authority to regulate products, not just waste Sources: NPPR, Lowell Center US Chemicals Policy data base
State Green Chemistry & Toxic Use Reduction Legislation Components • Endorse “informed substitution” • Expand community right-to-know • Fees Structure • Reporting • Track use and toxics reduction • Ability to use data from other recognized sources. Sources: NPPR, Lowell Center US Chemicals Policy data base