The EPA has released the first of its Chemical Action Plans (CAP) targeting phthalates, following EPA chief Lisa Jackson's pledge last September to more closely scrutinize chemicals that cause public concern.
"Lisa Jackson said in September that increasing public concern about chemicals would result in more EPA regulation," says ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross. "Well, it's speeches like those that generate public concern when there's no reason for it," as Ross warned in an op-ed at the time.
FoodNavigator.com relays the response of the American Chemistry Council: "[ACC] slammed the EPA, saying the initial chemicals 'seem to have been selected based on little more than their current high-profile nature' rather than scientific data relating to the dangers and risks posed by the substances."
ACC president and CEO Cal Dooley suggested instead, "In exercising its authority under [the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act], EPA should prioritize chemicals for the CAP program based on scientific criteria that reflect available hazard, use, and exposure information provided to the agency."
"I'd like to compliment him for this statement," says ACSH's Dr. Elizabeth Whelan. "He's coming out very strongly pro-science and not caving to the EPA, which industry has done in the past."
"It's ironic that we feel the need to compliment industry for defending themselves," adds ACSH's Jeff Stier. "They should be doing that anyway."