State Chemicals Policy: Trends and Profiles
April 22, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
For Immediate Release
WASHINGTON D.C. – A new report issued on by the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR) reveals significant state actions to address toxic chemical pollution. According to the research, over 77 individual chemical restriction bills have been passed by states in recent years, including 31 bills related specifically to mercury. The new report, “State Chemicals Policy: Trends and Profiles” reveals that almost all 50 states have either proposed or enacted legislation aimed to regulate chemicals. In 2013 alone, more than 26 states had bills introduced that are under consideration by state legislatures.
“Toxic chemical pollution is a growing and costly problem for our state,” said Ted Sturdevant, legislative and policy director for Washington State Governor Jay Inslee. “The costs of cleaning up from chemical pollution puts a drag on our economy and threatens public health. As the report shows, states are listening to citizens and taking actions on toxic threats.”
The report includes key trends and themes underway in the states, including six state toxic policy profiles. Some examples of recent trends include:
In late 2012, manufacturers were required to report the presence of certain toxic chemicals in children’s products to both Maine and Washington. In Washington State, a new publicly available data base of the reported chemicals is available to identify chemicals of concern in children’s products.
California adopted legislation to implement the nation’s most ambitious state-level program to monitor toxics levels over time in the human population. California has also issued draft regulations to address toxics in consumer products.
Oregon issued its toxics reduction strategy that is centered on a list of priority chemicals and a set of actions to reduce their presence in the environment and affects on human health.
Wisconsin passed legislation in 2012 that requires a publicly-available list of batteries that have been certified as containing low levels of mercury.
“Some consider state actions as a patchwork or piecemeal approach to chemical regulation. But in the absence of comprehensive and effective action at the federal level, we are seeing increasing states action,” said Ken Zarker, Chair of the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable.
“Ultimately, we realize that many states don’t have the resources to adequately deal with essentially the need for a national solution. This report can help states build on successful approaches taken by others, to learn from that experience. This report is aimed at facilitating that sharing. It will also help build consistency across the states, reducing the patchwork.
The report highlights key themes in state chemicals policy.
• States are transitioning from single-chemical solutions to more comprehensive approaches.
• States are focused on addressing state and regional needs to protect public health, especially children and pregnant women.
• States are embracing green purchasing policies for less toxic products.
• Even as many states move to comprehensive, risk-based systems for chemical management, restrictions on certain hazardous chemicals remains an important policy tool.
• States are embracing product lifecycle management solutions to prevent toxics release, rather than relying exclusively on end-of-pipe cleanup.
• States recognize the need for more information on toxics, including which chemicals are present in which products, which chemicals are present in human tissue, and exposure levels.
The report contains a recent history of state action on toxics, a summary table of legislative actions, key trends, and six state profiles (CA, ME, OR, MN, WA, WI).
Broadcast version:
A new report issued by the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable highlights the increased action to address toxic chemical pollution. In recent years, almost all 50 states have either introduced or passed legislation that is focused on chemical regulations, but ultimately federal action is needed to make necessary reforms to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976.
Report: State Chemicals Policy: Trends and Profiles
Press Release: NPPR States Policy Report Press Release
Report Demonstrates Over $6.6 Billion in Economic Benefits from Pollution Prevention A Result of Waste Reductions, Resource Conservation, and Cost Savings
February 5, 2013
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
For Immediate Release
A Cornerstone of Environmental Sustainability: Pollution Prevention Results from 2007 to 2009 presents available information on the achievements of state and local P2 programs for the calendar years 2007 to 2009. The Report was produced by the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR) based upon the results shared by 90 pollution prevention (P2) programs in the United States.
The Report shows that there were almost $6.6 billion in economic benefits and more than 7 billion pounds of pollution minimized or eliminated during the three year period. 7 billion pounds of waste is equivalent to the amount of waste generated by 350 thousand households, the approximate size of Columbus, Ohio. This study affirms that pollution prevention results in conservation of valuable resources and significant waste reductions, as well cost savings that were four times greater than the funds used to support the various P2 programs.
The Report is a product of the P2 Results Task Force, whose membership includes representatives from State P2 programs, EPA Headquarters and Regions, Pollution Prevention Resource Exchange Centers (P2Rx), as well as NPPR. The Task Force has developed a National Pollution Prevention Results Data System, (the System). The System aggregates data that is collected, managed, and synthesized by state and local P2 programs, non-profits, companies, and other organizations.
The Report documents additional benefits of P2 activities, including: approximately 16 billion gallons of water conserved; almost 2.5 billion kilowatt hours of reduced energy usage; more than 33 billion pounds of greenhouse gases (GHG) no longer being released into the atmosphere.
NPPR will be hosting a webinar on Thursday, February 21 at 2 ET to provide an overview of the report. Register for the webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2030884086456328960
To view the Report, go to http://www.p2.org/wp-content/uploads/p2-results-2007-9-final.pdf.
Press Release: press_release_2007_2009_results-report
Press Release - The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable Announces: The 2012 MVP2 Award Winners
September 19, 2012
WASHINGTON, DC – The 2012 Most Valuable Pollution Prevention (MVP2) awards presented by the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR) celebrates the successes of innovators in the areas of pollution prevention and sustainability. The MVP2 awards are presented annually during National Pollution Prevention (P2) Week. Since P2 Week became a national event in 1995, NPPR has been advancing pollution prevention awareness by encouraging and promoting widespread participation during this week.
The 2012 MVP2 recipients represent a broad range of backgrounds including federal government agencies, academia, industries, non-profits and individuals that have demonstrated significant accomplishments in pollution prevention. These prestigious awards were presented at a ceremony in Washington, DC on September 19, 2012.
Awards are presented in four categories. This year’s winners for the Projects/Programs Award were Earth Friendly Products, IBM Fishkill, IBM Burlington, Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center and Washing Systems LLC. The Multimedia Award was presented to the Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center for their YouTube Media Channel as well as to Cimira Studios, Impact Washington, US EPA OSEM and Washington State Department of Ecology for their video, “AccraFab - Lean and Environment Reduces Wastewater Costs for Plating Company”. Paul Anastas with Yale University and Allen White with Tellus Institute took home the awards for P2 Champion. Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Cathy Colglazier with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
Jeffrey Burke, Executive Director of NPPR, stated, “These organizations have clearly demonstrated that pollution prevention is beneficial to both the environment and the economy. They are being recognized for their leadership and commitment to promoting a sustainable future”. The MVP2 awards demonstrate how organizations can become more competitive, form partnerships, realize cost savings and enhance environmental quality all at the same time.
For more information on the MVP2 Awards and NPPR, visit www.p2.org.
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Press Release - National Pollution Prevention Week 2012
September 17, 2012
WASHINGTON, DC – Today marks the first day of National Pollution Prevention Week. Pollution Prevention Week is annually the third week of September. Pollution Prevention Week is a time when businesses, environmental groups and citizens can join forces for a common cause. By sharing information about pollution prevention, businesses can become more competitive, businesses and government can realize cost savings, and environmental quality can be enhanced.
The theme for Pollution Prevention Week 2012 is “Safer Chemicals for a Safer World”, which embodies a national effort for safer alternatives to chemicals of concern. This is to ensure the safety and health of workers and communities. Using safer chemical alternatives also provides companies with a marketing edge over their competitors.
The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR), the largest organization in the United States solely focused on pollution prevention, has several events planned throughout the week. NPPR will honor leaders in pollution prevention on Wednesday, September 19 during their annual awards the Most Valuable Pollution Prevention Awards (MVP2). September 20th NPPR will host a webinar entitled, Engaging Your Supply, with presenter Steve Walker, Insights Director with World 50. NPPR will end Pollution Prevention Week co-sponsoring a webinar with the New York State Pollution Institute that will be focused on the U.S. EPA’s Design for the Environment program.
Pollution Prevention Week is the third week of September, September 17th – 23rd, 2012. To learn more about Pollution Prevention Week activities visit the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable’s website at www.p2.org.
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Safer Chemistry Challenge Program Deadline Approaching
July 12, 2012
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Safer Chemistry Challenge Program Deadline Approaching
WASHINGTON, DC – A leading national environmental association announced today that the application period for companies to be recognized as a 2012 leader for replacing hazardous chemicals, processes or products with safer alternatives is approaching September 30. “Over 100 environmental officials at the state and local level have joined forces to create the Safer Chemistry Challenge Program”, said Jeff Burke, executive director of the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR). “This is a collaborative effort between the private and public sectors which is designed to challenge, assist, and recognize businesses for reducing their use of chemicals of concern in the products they manufacture or consume, keeping them out of our air, water, land and food.” These include chemicals that have hazardous properties, concentrate in the food chain, do not readily degrade in the environment, and are a threat to workers, consumers, or public health.
Under the program, companies are asked to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals currently being used in their processes or products by applying one or more of the following approaches: using green chemistry practices, transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable production techniques, or working with suppliers to find safer raw materials that can degrade into innocuous substances after use. “Making products safer and preventing pollution is not only better for our environment and health, but it is also good for the bottom line,” said Cindy McComas, project manager for the Safer Chemistry Challenge Program. “Many companies have discovered that using less hazardous ingredients can open up new market opportunities, increase production efficiency, and lower costs as a result of greater efficiencies and improved environmental compliance.”
Companies that participate in the Safer Chemistry Challenge Program (SCCP) will be acknowledged for their efforts through web site exposure, press releases, success stories, and recognition events. Members of the program will be provided access to SCCP resources, especially state and regional technical assistance staff with knowledge in manufacturing processes and product chemistries.
“The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable has been hosting a series of safer chemistry webinars to help companies move to safer chemicals, products and processes” said Burke. He added that the group will be sponsoring a green chemistry conference November 13-14 in Chicago, followed by a GreenScreen training session on November 15. The conference and training will focus on ways to identify hazardous ingredients in consumer and commercial products and whether an alternative to a hazardous chemical is better.
For information on how to become a member of the Safer Chemistry Challenge Program and details on the green chemistry conference, visit the NPPR’s website at www.p2.org/challenge.
Press Release (PDF)
2012 MVP2 Awards Open for Nominations
April 13, 2012
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 13, 2012
2012 MVP2 Awards Open for Nominations
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable is accepting nominees for the 2012 Most Valuable Pollution Prevention (MVP2) Awards. The MVP2 awards are presented annually during National Pollution Prevention Week. National Pollution Prevention week is the third week of September, September 17th – 23rd, 2012.
Awards are presented in four categories, Project/Program, Best Multimedia, P2 Champion, and P2 Volunteer of the Year. The MVP2 Project/Program, P2 Champion, and Best P2 Multimedia are open to all levels of government, industry, small business, non-profit, and academia. The awards are designed to recognize outstanding and innovative P2 projects/programs. As in years past, awards are judged on the following five broad criteria: innovation, measurable results, transferability, commitment, and optimization of available project resources.
The deadline for applications is July 1, 2012.
Information on past recipients and this year’s application are available at www.p2.org.
2012 MVP2 Awards Press Release (PDF)
PRESS RELEASE: The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable Announces: Safer Chemistry Challenge Program
March 12, 2012
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 12, 2012
THE NATIONAL POLLUTION PREVENTION ROUNDTABLE ANNOUNCES:
SAFER CHEMISTRY CHALLENGE PROGRAM
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR) has launched the 2025 Safer Chemistry Challenge Program (SCCP), a voluntary initiative to motivate, challenge, and assist companies to reduce the use of chemicals of concern to human health and the environment. The SCCP also rewards companies for finding safer alternatives and builds on ongoing business efforts to make toxic chemical reduction a business reality.
Forward thinking companies are focused on achieving high levels of environmental performance through sustainable business practices, including moving toward safer chemistries in the products companies manufacture and consume. It is also a way to address the ever-changing chemicals regulatory landscape. Jeffrey Burke quote: “Participating in the SCCP challenge not only gives companies an opportunity to cut costs but also a chance to become an industry leader in managing environmental responsibilities, reducing and preventing pollution, eliminating the use of toxic compounds, and substituting safer alternatives.”
The SCCP seeks to target reduction or elimination of the most toxic compounds that can be achieved by industry through pollution prevention or source reduction approaches. Companies have the flexibility to select chemicals for reduction to meet specific business objectives to focus reduction efforts on, or use the SCCP list of priority chemicals as guidance.
Companies that participate will be asked to reduce their use of chemicals by:
- Moving toward cleaner processes, including adopting greener, more sustainable technologies
- Using green chemistry tools and designs that avoid the use and generation of toxic chemicals
- Selecting and using safe alternatives, such as benign or low toxicity materials or those that degrade into innocuous substances
Another value of the SCCP is that companies are encouraged to partner with state and local technical assistance programs to help identify effective ways to reduce waste and emissions and adopt safer substitute chemicals.
The SCCP offers industry a unique leadership opportunity for public and private sector collaboration that fosters a cleaner environment, new market opportunities, improved competitive advantage, while enhancing corporate image Additional resources and application information can be found at www.p2.org/challenge.
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SCCP Press Release (PDF)
