IPC Applauds Congressional Action on the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for 21st Century Act

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On behalf of the electronics industry and an estimated 800,000 Americans employed in 2,200 U.S. member facilities, IPC – Association Connecting Electronics Industries is applauding the U.S. Congress for taking the final steps toward passage of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act H.R. 2576/S. 697.      
 
After months of work, the U.S. House approved the bipartisan compromise today on a vote of 403-12, and the U.S. Senate is expected to follow suit within days, sending the measure to President Obama for his anticipated signature.
 
With input from its members, IPC has long supported reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976, which the Lautenberg Act would achieve. Most recently, IPC sent an endorsement letter to congressional leaders last Friday, and member-company executives communicated with their elected officials in recent weeks.
 
In particular, IPC applauds the bill’s provisions that strengthen federal preemption of state chemicals regulations, because uniform, science-based regulations are the best way to protect the public while minimizing barriers to interstate commerce. Additionally, the bill includes language sought by IPC calling for a negotiated rulemaking to reduce TSCA burdens on byproducts sent for recycling.

“Our industry strongly supports the goal of improving our nation’s chemical management system, and this bill is a big step in the right direction,” said Dr. John W. Mitchell, IPC president and CEO. “A cost-effective, science-based federal regulatory program is essential to our members who work with chemicals to manufacture products for the global market. This bill is good for the U.S. economy and the environment.
 
“IPC commends the senators and representatives in both parties who worked together to achieve this landmark legislation,” Mitchell added. “Together with our members, we look forward to celebrating its passage, and then we will continue to remain engaged in the regulatory process as this bill is implemented.”
 
About IPC
IPC (www.IPC.org) is a global industry association based in Bannockburn, Ill., dedicated to the competitive excellence and financial success of its 3,700 member companies, which represent all facets of the electronics industry, including design, printed board manufacturing, electronics assembly and test. As a member-driven organization and leading source for industry standards, training, market research and public policy advocacy, IPC supports programs to meet the needs of an estimated $2 trillion global electronics industry. IPC maintains additional offices in Taos, N.M.; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta, Ga.; Brussels, Belgium; Stockholm, Sweden; Moscow, Russia; Bangalore and New Delhi, India; Bangkok, Thailand; and Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Suzhou and Beijing, China.