Sponsored by the Bayer Foundation and the Alcoa Foundation, the debate is the second roundtable of four planned by the Rachel Carson Homestead Association and Champions for Sustainability (Sustainable Pittsburgh).
The TCSA has not been revised since its passage in 1976. Environmental advocates have asked that the U.S. reform its provisions
to to assess the effects of older chemicals that were grandfathered
in the original bill. The EPA has said it does not have sufficient authority to reevaluate those existing chemicals. Efforts are underway in Congress to reauthorize and strengthen the law.
“We are asking, is there a need to put greater emphasis on safety and public health when it comes to a new chemicals policy in the United States?” says Fiona Fisher of the Rachel Carson Homestead.
Debaters include Michael P. Walls, Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs, American Chemistry Council; Timothy Jones, Regulatory Affairs-Material Science, Bayer Corporation; Jason Rano, Legislative Analyst, Environmental Working Group; and Maryann Donovan, Ph.D., MPH, Director, UPCI Center for Environmental Oncology. Questioners include Terry Collins, Ph.D., Thomas Lord Professor of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, and members of the William Pitt Debating Union, University of Pittsburgh.
The program begins at 5:30 p.m. at the New Hazlett Theater, Allegheny Square East, on PittsburghÂ’s North Side. Registration is required.
Source: Fiona Fisher, Rachel Carson Homestead
Writer: Chris O’Toole