Business Leaders Applaud Signing of Vermont Chemical Reform Bill
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC), Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) and Seventh Generation, applauded the signing of Vermont Bill S.239. The bill, which was signed today at the VT headquarters of Seventh Generation, allows state health officials to regulate and ban the use of hazardous chemicals in children’s products. These business leaders said that they look forward to working with the Vermont legislature next year to strengthen the bill and ensure its’ proper implementation.”
Vermont’s action on chemicals reform comes as Congress remains unable to reform the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which has been unchanged since its passage in 1976. The Companies for Safer Chemicals coalition, which is led by ASBC and Seventh Generation, has urged Congress to modernize TSCA, while supporting transparency, innovation, and safety.
At the bill signing, Seventh Generation CEO John Replogle said, “It’s a proud day for Seventh Generation and for our home state of Vermont. The Toxic-Free Families bill will protect thousands of Vermont families from exposure to dangerous toxic chemicals and will, hopefully, spur other states to adopt similar reform to protect their families across the country.”
“While the country waits for the long-overdue reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act, Vermont has joined other states in leading the way towards a healthier and safer economy,” said David Levine, CEO of ASBC. “The American Sustainable Business Council Action Fund and Companies for Safer Chemicals coalition applaud the Vermont legislature and Governor Shumlin for passing and signing into law a bill that will drive further innovation in the marketplace by seeking to advance safer chemicals.”
“Regulating the use of toxic chemicals in consumer products will create a stronger, healthier and more sustainable economy,” said Andrea Cohen, Executive Director of VBSR. “Giving consumers more information about dangerous chemicals found in products they purchase will expand the market in Vermont for clean, green and safe products.”
The American Sustainable Business Council and the ASBC Action Fund represent a membership network of more than 200,000 businesses nationwide, and more than 325,000 entrepreneurs, executives, managers and investors. The Council HTTP://WWW.ASBCOUNCIL.ORG informs policy makers and the public about the need and opportunities for building a vibrant and sustainable economy. The Action Fund HTTP://WWW.ASBCACTION.ORG advocates for legislative change.
Founded in 1990, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) is a non-profit, statewide business trade organization with a mission to advance business ethics that value multiple bottom lines: economic, social, and environmental. VBSR members employ more than 13% of Vermont’s workforce and generate more than 4 billion dollars in revenue annually. It helps members set a high standard for protecting the natural, human and economic environments of the state’s residents, while remaining profitable. The organization advances its mission through education, public influence and workplace quality. www.vbsr.org
Established in 1988, in Burlington, Vermont, Seventh Generation is one of the nation’s leading brands of household and personal care products. The company lives its commitment to “caring today for seven generations of tomorrows,” with products formulated to provide mindful solutions for the air, surfaces, fabrics, pets and people within your home — and for the community and environment outside of it. A pioneer in corporate responsibility, Seventh Generation continually evaluates ways to reduce its environmental impact, increase performance and safety, and create a more sustainable supply chain. To learn more about Seventh Generation products and business practices, locate a retailer in your area, or review Seventh Generation’s Corporate Consciousness Report, visit www.seventhgeneration.com
