The March 23, 2011, issue of BNA Daily Environment Report quotes James V. Aidala regarding the prospects for reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). According to Aidala, TSCA reform is unlikely in the current Congress due to the Tea Party movement and a desire among some Congressional members to reduce the size of government and cut the federal budget.
March 23, 2011
China to Implement Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
On March 12, 2011, China's State Administration of Work Safety (SAWS) issued Decree 591, "Regulation on the Safe Management of Dangerous Chemicals," which concerns the safe use of chemicals. The regulation is very wide ranging in scope and "sets the tone" for future chemicals legislation. As one of the more immediate impacts, State Decree 591 uses the National Standards GB 13690-2009 on the general rules for the classification and hazard communication of chemicals, and GB 12528-2009 on...
On March 23, 2011, Lynn L. Bergeson participated in the Lessons Learned Panel, which discussed lessons learned to date from nanotechnology and synthetic biology.
March 23, 2011
Sweden Will Focus on Nanomaterials in National Action Plan
According to a March 10, 2011, press release, the risks connected with nanomaterials are one of the areas on which the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KemI) will focus in its national action plan, which will apply from 2011-2014. The press release states that the objective is for Sweden “to become one of the leading member states in the [European Union (EU)] in proposing new bans and restrictions.” Sweden expects the action plan to “lead to intensified cooperation and...
March 22, 2011
Dutch Urge EU to Act on Nanomaterials
In February 2011, the Dutch Environmental Safety and Risk Management Directorate sent a letter to the Directorate General (DG) Enterprise and DG Environment expressing concern regarding delays in the work of the Competent Authorities Sub-Group on Nanomaterials (CASG Nano) and the European Commission’s (EC) progress regarding clarifying the definition and status of nanomaterials. The Dutch Directorate states that an essential first step is to define what nanomaterials are and asks that the EC...
March 21, 2011
EPA Updates Table Listing Sunset Dates of Chemicals Subject to Final TSCA Section 4 and Related Section 12(b) Actions
Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated its table listing the sunset dates of chemicals subject to final Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section 4 and related Section 12(b) actions. The table lists, in ascending Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number order, all chemical substances and mixtures that are and/or have been the subject of final TSCA Section 4 test rules and/or TSCA Section 4 enforceable consent agreements/orders (ECA) issued by EPA under the...
Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.was a proud sponsor of the 2011 Global Chemical Regulations Conference. James V. Aidala spoke on March 21, 2011. More information
March 17, 2011
Lynn L. Bergeson and James V. Aidala Will Speak at the CropLife America and RISE 2011 Spring Conference
Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C), B&C Consortia Management, L.L.C. (BCCM), The Acta Group, L.L.C. (Acta), and The Acta Group EU, Ltd (Acta EU) are pleased to announce that on April 8, 2011, Lynn L. Bergeson and James V. Aidala will speak at the CropLife America and Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE) 2011 Spring Conference, "Seeking Scientific Solutions in a Regulatory Landscape," on two key issues -- the future of nanotechnology and the challenges...
March 17, 2011
Obama Administration Sets Forth Principles for Regulation and Oversight of Emerging Technologies
A March 11, 2011, memorandum from the White House Emerging Technologies Interagency Policy Coordination Committee (ETIPC) sets forth the Obama Administration’s principles for regulation and oversight of emerging technologies, including nanotechnology. The ETIPC Co-Chairs include John P. Holdren, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP); Cass R. Sunstein, Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory...
On March 11, 2011, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the availability of the SaferProducts.gov database mandated by Congress, as part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. CPSC encourages consumers to visit www.SaferProducts.gov to submit reports of harm or risks of harm, and to search for safety information on products they own or may be considering buying. According to CPSC, reporting product safety incidents through the site will help CPSC...