Washington, D.C. - In an Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee hearing, Subcommittee Republican Leader David B. McKinley (R-WV) spoke about the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
Excerpts and highlights from his prepared remarks:
THE EPA IS STIFLING INNOVATION
“John Shimkus and his staff worked tirelessly to get the Lautenberg Act passed in 2016, the first amendments to TSCA in nearly 40 years.
“And now, five years later, this Committee is looking at how it’s been implemented for the first time.
“And in doing so, the Lautenberg Act provided for much-needed changes so that the U.S. can unlock the potential of its chemical industry.
“EPA administers this statute, but unfortunately, instead of promoting innovation and supporting the chemical industry, as the Act intended, it seems like EPA is stifling innovation and creating barriers to commerce for new and existing chemicals.
“The chemical industry is a key component of the U.S. supply chain.
“We can all see that getting products from overseas is not working. Our ports are backing up and deliveries are missing deadlines.
“But now, EPA wants to regulate more than just chemicals, like an imported article that may contain a regulated chemical, thereby disrupting the supply chain.
“And look at the New Chemicals Program, known as the ‘Gateway to Innovation,’ there is a significant backlog of new chemicals at EPA awaiting approval.
“And recent policy changes at EPA will only slow things down."
DELAYS AT THE EPA
“Mr. Chairman, I’d like to enter into the record an article from Bloomberg from October 20.
“According to this article, just last week, Assistant Administrator Freedhoff told her staff to:
* “Take more time off and and hour every day for lunch;
* “Not to take meetings on Fridays;
* “Limit public engagement;
* “‘Improve’ meetings by ‘streamlining topics, requesting agendas, and keeping conversations crisp,’ and;
* “Mentally to not take their work home with them.
“No wonder EPA’s chemical backlog is expanding. How does that statement encourage a more streamlined chemical review process?"
EPA’S ACTIONS HARMING THE STRATEGIC NATIONAL STOCKPILE
“There are other issues too that this Committee will discuss today.
“Mr. Chairman, Section 902 of the CLEAN FUTURE Act places a three-year moratorium on permits for plastics facilities.
“Am I missing something?
“The U.S. is striving for a robust chemical industry. But how is that possible with:
* “A backlog of bureaucratic delays in the New Chemicals Program;
* “The email telling staff to do less;
* “And then a ban on constructing plastics facilities;
* “Further constricting access to U.S.-made PPE, gloves, shields, and masks.
“These are all necessary for the Strategic National Stockpile.
“What’s happening under this administration?
“I thought the purpose of the John Shimkus’ efforts with TSCA was to stimulate the potential of the U.S. chemical industry, but this is diametrically opposed to that."
