Illinois groups launch Illinois Coalition for Chemical Safety

02/04/2010

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Today, Illinois businesses, unions, consumer groups and other organizations, including the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Mechanical Contractors, announced the launch of the Illinois Coalition for Chemical Safety (ICCS). This non-profit, non-partisan group has joined together to support modernization of our nation’s system for regulating the use of chemicals.
 
"We're excited to be part of this important effort," said Mark Denzler, of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and a member of ICCS. "Modernizing the federal law regulating chemicals is important for the safety of all Americans, whether at home, school or in the workplace."
 
"The federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is more than 30 years old," said Mark Biel, executive director of the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois. "Our ability to assess chemical risks has advanced tremendously since then, and our nation’s laws should reflect improvements in science and technology."
 
ICCS will be building its membership and educating the public and elected officials about the importance of a strong, innovative, properly regulated chemical industry. The organization supports a national chemical safety regulatory system that:

• Protects public health and the environment.

• Provides consistent, reasonable regulation and consistent protection across industries and across states and regions.

• Encourages American companies, including small businesses, to invent, manufacture, use and sell innovative chemical-based products and services. With an improved chemical regulatory system, American industries will be better able to create and support high-quality jobs.

• Advances our nation's ability to lead the world in developing innovative, beneficial products.

 
 The ICCS is affiliated with the national Coalition for Chemical Safety, which is based in Washington, D.C. Included among the members of the national Coalition is the American Chemistry Council (ACC). The Coalition for Chemical Safety can be found on the Web at www.coalitionforchemsafety.com.