TSCA Reform Will Encourage Innovation and Pollution Prevention, BIO Says

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today thanked Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) and 17 co-sponsors for introducing the “Chemical Safety Improvement Act of 2013.” The biotechnology industry supports reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act to promote innovation in renewable chemicals, which consumers can be confident are cleaner, healthier and safer.

Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIO’s Industrial & Environmental Section, said, “We look forward to working with Senator Lautenberg, Senator Vitter and other members of the Environment and Public Works Committee to ensure that reform of TSCA promotes growth and innovation in the renewable chemical sector and consumer confidence in the safety of everyday products. Industrial biotechnology enables companies to produce biobased chemicals from renewable resources that meet consumer demand for healthier, safer products in the home. It also allows manufacturers to adopt processes that are inherently more energy efficient and cleaner, generating fewer byproducts and less pollution.

“Growing worldwide demand for cleaner, safer chemical alternatives is creating a market opportunity for renewable chemicals. Providing clarity in the law will help U.S.-based renewable chemical companies capture a share of the growing market. TSCA reform should adequately promote and incentivize green chemistry and renewable chemicals.”