Update the toxic substances law, but do it right

Cal Dooley, Arlington, Va.

Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010 | 2:01 a.m.

The Las Vegas Sun’s Wednesday editorial, “Ensuring product safety,” significantly exaggerates the state of the nation’s product safety regulations, serving to confuse rather than inform your readers.

However, it is fair and accurate to say that our current chemical safety law, the Toxic Substances Control Act, needs to be updated. The American Chemistry Council has been participating in the public discussion of this for the past two years.

What’s important is that we do it right. With 96 percent of all manufactured goods touched by chemistry, any new law must protect public safety without destroying jobs or America’s ability to continue leading the world in innovation.

In Nevada alone, our industry contributes to over 2,000 direct jobs, and for every chemical industry job, an additional 1.7 jobs are created within the state’s economy. With an unemployment rate at an astounding 14.2 percent, Nevadans should look carefully at any new regulation that might affect their jobs, and not just accept proposals at face value.

We firmly believe that by working with Congress and other stakeholders, we can carefully craft a new law that does ensure safety, while promoting innovation and protecting the jobs Nevada needs.

The writer is president and CEO of the American Chemistry Council, which represents the chemical industry.