US Manufacturers Urge Congress to Reform Chemical Safety Law Amid China Competition

Over 100 US manufacturers are urging Congress to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) before a September 30 deadline, warning that regulatory bottlenecks are causing America to lose ground to China in the chemistry sector. The article highlights a significant backlog at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where hundreds of new chemical reviews are delayed, stifling innovation and driving investment overseas. While EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is working to improve review efficiency, industry leaders argue that legislative action is essential to ensure timely, science-based regulations. The coalition proposes five key improvements, including predictable review timelines and risk analysis based on real-world usage rather than hypothetical worst-case scenarios. This issue impacts various industries, from semiconductors to pharmaceuticals, and affects millions of jobs. With bipartisan hearings underway in both the Senate and House, lawmakers are considering modernization efforts to restore competitiveness. The article emphasizes that updating TSCA is crucial for maintaining American industrial leadership and preventing further migration of manufacturing capabilities to foreign competitors, particularly China, thereby securing economic stability and technological advancement within the United States.