Lautenberg Confirmed as Senate Subcommittee Chair - Reaffirms Commitment to TSCA Chemical Reform

It's official.  Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey has been confirmed as the continuing Chair of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Superfund, Toxics and Environmental Health.  EPW Committee Chair Barbara Boxer of California made the announcement earlier this week.  Lautenberg has been the force behind repeated attempts over the last 5 years to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).  According to his office's press release, Lautenberg noted:

“Our Subcommittee will work to identify solutions for the environmental health challenges facing both our families and our businesses.” Communities in New Jersey and across the country want to clean up contaminated sites to protect public health and boost local economies, and parents want assurances that the products they buy for their families are free of toxic chemicals.  I am optimistic that our panel will work together to find common ground and enact reforms that improve our environmental health while strengthening the American economy.”

The subcommittee held a hearing earlier this month and ranking member James Inhofe promised to work with Lautenberg to find a path forward for the 34-year old law.  All parties agree that some "modernization" of TSCA is needed, though once you get below the general principles there is still quite a bit of differences of opinion on the details.

More information on Lautenberg's priorties and the jurisdiction of the subcommittee can be found here.