The top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works chemicals subcommittee sees room for common ground with Republicans keen on amending the Toxic Substances Control Act.
“TSCA is not perfect, it can be improved. So let’s work honestly about how we can maximize the good and minimize the harm,” Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Chemical Safety, Waste Management, Environmental Justice and Regulatory Oversight, said during a hearing on Thursday.
Democrats so far have been hesitant or opposed to another round of TSCA reforms, citing fears of weakening the law, which gives EPA authority to regulate dangerous environmental chemicals.
Merkley pointed to extending deadlines for new chemical reviews and ensuring EPA has adequate funding as areas where “I can work with my colleagues across the aisle,” he said in a press gaggle after the hearing.
