A White House ceremony is scheduled for Mr. Obama to sign the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which is named for the late New Jersey Democrat who spent years trying to fix the toxic-substance law before his death in 2013. It will also grant EPA scientists and researchers funding to accomplish the ultimate goal of keeping everyone safe.
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As we all now turn to the challenging task of implementing this new law, I am optimistic that we’ve turned a corner as a nation and are embarking on a new path to better protecting the health of this and future generations.
The legislation received strong bipartisan, bicameral support as well as support from industry, manufacturers, and environmental and public health organizations. “This victory truly belongs to all of us, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for the hard work and dedication you showed in the process of bringing about this historic policy reform”. ADAO seeks to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos, advocate for an asbestos ban, and protect asbestos victims’ civil rights.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) said that while the law makes “improvements to the worst environmental law on the books”, it still falls short of needed reforms.
After his speech, the President signed the law to the applause of all who attended.
President Barack Obama shakes hands with Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., center, after signing bill H.R. 2576, the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act., Wednesday, June 22, 2106, during a ceremony at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington.
Not only did I have the incredible honor this morning of meeting with President Obama, but it was just prior to getting to witness his signing of a bill that I think is going to make a big difference in our lives.
The President added that such bipartisanship is rare these days, a situation that gives even greater weight to the passage of the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act.
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One of my main hopes with the revised law is that it will shift the incentive structure companies face towards one that rewards affirmative evidence of safety instead of ignorance (a theme that goes back to EDF’s 1997 report, Toxic Ignorance). There is still a long ways to go before a full ban on asbestos and other risky materials could be implemented, and there may be many years of rulemaking, policy drafting, and even court hearings that could delay and interrupt the process.
