Approximately 27 trillion pounds of chemicals are produced or imported into the United States every year, more than one trillion of them in California alone. In the face of relative inaction at the federal level, state governments have moved to address hazardous chemical use. Our third Pritzker Brief evaluates California's green chemistry legislation (AB 1879), identifying four critical flaws that threaten to undermine its success. Recommended revisions to the law are discussed. These recommendations include: review of new chemicals and new uses before introduction into commerce; required disclosure of chemical data by product manufacturers; and authorization of a regulatory fee to adequately fund California's green chemistry program.
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California's long-term prosperity is vulnerable to climate change, energy insecurity, environmental threats to public health, and a growing scarcity of key resources. Governor Brown has a tremendous opportunity to build on the state's past environmental successes, bringing enormous benefits to our economy and public health.
Our Blueprint describes three key areas that Governor Brown must focus on to ensure a healthy environmental future for all Californians. He must strengthen California's foundation for environmental protection. He must promote specific initiatives to address climate and energy instability. And he must advance cost-effective initiatives in traditional areas of environmental concern, such as water quality, water supply, coastal resources, chemical risks, air quality and biodiversity.
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