Chemicals Policy Update Regulatory options for pollution prevention and toxics use reduction. Ken Zarker, P2 Section Manager Washington State Department of Ecology 5 th National Product Stewardship Forum May 5, 2009

What does state chemicals policy look like? State Initiatives Potential State Legislative Components

State Chemicals “Prioritization” Legislation CA, CT, ME, OR, WA Focus on children’s & consumer products MN (requires list by 2012) MI Sources: NPPR, Lowell Center US Chemicals Policy data base

Washington State Children’s Safe Products Act Implementation Governor’s partial veto & passage of federal legislation – the law creates three tasks for Ecology. 1.Report to the legislature. 2.Create a list of high priority chemicals of high concern for children (CHCC). 3.Write a rule. We can’t wait any longer for the federal government to take action. Governor Chris Gregoire signing HB April 1, 2008

State Green Chemistry & Toxic Use Reduction Legislation Components Expand Pollution Prevention Reporting the use of high priority chemicals, especially children Help industry find safer chemical alternatives Develop green chemistry workforce Support an Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse Sources: NPPR, Lowell Center US Chemicals Policy data base

State Green Chemistry & Toxic Use Reduction Legislation Components Provide technical assistance & incentives Toxics in Products – know what’s in your products Product Stewardship Framework State authority to regulate products, not just waste Sources: NPPR, Lowell Center US Chemicals Policy data base

State Green Chemistry & Toxic Use Reduction Legislation Components Endorse “informed substitution” Expand community right-to-know Fees Structure Reporting Track use and toxics reduction Ability to use data from other recognized sources. Sources: NPPR, Lowell Center US Chemicals Policy data base