The House Science, Space and Technology Committee will hold a hearing this week to examine how federal rules affect research and development of new chemicals, ahead of potential changes to major regulations.
Chair Brian Babin (R-Texas) announced the full panel will meet Thursday to discuss: “Chemistry Competitiveness: Fueling Innovation and Streamlining Processes to Ensure Safety and Security,” a move that underscores mounting Republican pressure to tweak the nation’s primary toxics law.
“Chemical research and development is foundational to our economy and national security,” Babin said in a statement. “I look forward to hearing from experts on how policy and regulatory certainty can better support responsible R&D here in the United States and help keep America competitive.”
The hearing comes at a pivotal moment for chemical regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act, which Congress overhauled in 2016. The House Energy and Commerce Committee has been preparing draft TSCA reform legislation for months, with committee leadership signaling in October that a bill was imminent.
