June 5, 2013

Senator Involved in Bipartisan Chemical Safety Compromise Passes Away

Sens. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., and David Vitter, R-La., introduced a bipartisan bill to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act. Among other things, the bill would require that all commercially used chemicals are evaluated and labeled based on their potential health and environmental risks, with further assessment by the Environmental Protection agency for high-priority chemicals. "Our bill strikes the right balance between strengthening consumer confidence in the safety of chemicals, while also promoting innovation and the growth of an important sector of our economy," said Vitter.

But, introducing this bill was one of the last political actions for Sen. Lautenberg, who died June 3 from complications from viral pneumonia, according to his office.

"Frank was a real statesman, and his knowledge and strong spirit will definitely be missed in the Senate, especially on the Environment and Public Works Committee," Vitter said. "Wendy and I are keeping Bonnie and the Lautenberg family in our prayers."