WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 15, 2010) Following the introduction today of the Safe Chemicals Act in the U.S. Senate, the BlueGreen Alliance released the following statement from Executive Director David Foster:

“We commend Senator Lautenberg for introducing this important piece of legislation, a long overdue effort to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act.

“Protecting the health of workers and communities from toxic chemicals, enhancing public health and promoting safer alternatives must be central elements of any effort to update TSCA, and we believe this legislation is well on the way to achieving this goal.

“Requiring the chemical industry to prove the safety of chemicals, and ensuring that workers are notified if a safety determination is not issued by EPA, are important to ensuring the health and safety of the public and workers. Providing agencies like the EPA with the tools it needs to regulate toxic chemicals is essential to making our workplaces, our communities and our environment cleaner, safer and more prosperous.

“We also appreciate the steps taken to significantly strengthen the safer alternatives focus of the bill while ensuring opportunities for workers in these emerging areas. We look forward to working with Senator Lautenberg and the Committee on this critical legislation.”

The BlueGreen Alliance recently released a statement on the reform of chemicals policy in the United States. Read the policy.

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The BlueGreen Alliance is a national partnership of labor unions and environmental organizations dedicated to expanding the number and quality of jobs in the clean energy economy. Launched by the United Steelworkers and Sierra Club in 2006, the BlueGreen Alliance now includes the Communications Workers of America, Natural Resources Defense Council, Laborers’ International Union of North America, Service Employees International Union, Utility Workers Union of America, American Federation of Teachers, Amalgamated Transit Union, and the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association.