Jul 26 2010
The National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) is deeply concerned with the Toxic Chemicals Safety Act (H.R. 5820) and the impact it will have on the entire United States economy.
H.R. 5820 mandates a series of new standards and regulations that would be simply unworkable for chemical distributors and their customers, increasing costs for consumers while sacrificing jobs.
"NACD had hoped that lawmakers would work towards creating a true risk-based system that would continue to encourage innovation and growth in our nation's chemical industry while emphasizing the safety of our nation's citizens," said NACD President Chris Jahn. "While NACD appreciates the introduction of H.R. 5820 as one step in this process, the legislation introduced unfortunately creates a system far too burdensome and unworkable for the chemical distribution industry and its customers."
"We applaud Congressmen Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Bobby Rush (D-IL) for taking this step towards modernizing our nation's chemical management system, and thank them for reaching out to industry groups like NACD," said Jahn. "However, we hope that is just a first of many steps that will continue in this Congress and the next towards reforming our nation's chemical safety laws."
In particular, NACD is greatly concerned with the treatment of mixtures and products containing mixtures, as well as a lack of adequate protection of confidential business information.
"As a result of H.R. 5820, not only would chemical distribution companies be significantly impacted, but their customers as well," said Jahn. "NACD members distribute products to over 750,000 industrial customers, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal care, food and beverage, and textiles. All customers of chemical distribution companies would feel the negative effects of this legislation."
Source: http://www.nacd.com/