Americans Declare Independence From Hazardous Chemicals
From: Robina Suwol
Date: 04 Jul 2003
Time: 04:17:04
Remote Name: 66.143.227.231
Comments
Copyright 2003 U.S. Newswire, Inc.
U.S. Newswire
July 1, 2003 Tuesday
SECTION: National Desk and Environmental Reporter
HEADLINE: Americans Declare Independence From Hazardous Chemicals: Over 10,000
Citizens and 60 Groups Speak Out for Chemical Policy Reform DATELINE:
WASHINGTON, July 1
On the eve of the Fourth of July holiday, over 10,000 Americans from all 50
states have signed the "U.S. Declaration of Independence from Hazardous
Chemicals," according to World Wildlife Fund-one of the 60 environmental,
health, and trade groups that have endorsed the declaration. Spurred by policy
reforms underway in Europe, citizens from around the country have demonstrated
their support for improved protection from chemical hazards.
"From Anchorage
to Atlanta, Albany to Albuquerque, Americans are proclaiming their right to be
free from hazardous chemicals that threaten wildlife and people around the
world," said Clif Curtis, Director of WWF's Toxics Program. "As we celebrate
our country's independence, we are reminded of our duty as U.S. citizens to
speak out when governmental policies fail to protect us."
The European Union has requested public comments on the proposed legislation
known as REACH, (note 3) which could transform how chemicals are regulated. In
short, for some 30,000 chemicals used in Europe, companies must provide data
on potential health or environmental hazards, eventually creating a valuable
resource for public and private decision making.
REACH would also allow Europe to restrict the use of the most dangerous
chemicals. By putting the burden of proof on companies and harmonizing the
rules across the EU, REACH will create a huge incentive for developing and
using safer alternatives. The "U.S. Declaration of Independence from Hazardous
Chemicals" supports the proposed EU reforms and urges the EU Commission to
strengthen key elements of the legislation. On behalf of all signatories, WWF
has submitted the signed declaration to the European Commission and to
President Bush. The U.S. government has been critical of REACH, claiming it
could impact U.S. business, but has ignored the potential benefits for
innovative industries. "REACH could revolutionize the management of chemicals
and is already inspiring action in states and cities across the United
States," said Daryl Ditz, Senior Program Officer for WWF's Toxics Program.
"While the Bush Administration and chemical industry lobbyists are working
behind closed doors to derail this promising European initiative, it is
encouraging to know that Americans are strongly in favor of healthier
families, safer jobs, and cleaner communities."
NOTES:
2. The following organizations have signed the Declaration:
Agricultural Resources Center; Alaska Community Action on Toxics; The Breast
Cancer Fund; California Communities Against Toxics; Californians for
Alternatives to Toxics; Cape Downwinders; Center for Environmental Health;
Center for International Environmental Law; Center for Health Environment and
Justice; Citizens' Environmental Coalition; Clean Production Action; Clean
Water Action; Clean Water Action Alliance of Massachusetts; Communications
Workers of America; Consumers' Healthy Home Center; Delta Institute; Ecology
Center; Environmental Defense; Environmental Entrepreneurs; Environmental
Health Fund; Environmental Health Network; Environmental Research Foundation;
Friends of the Earth-US; Global Community Monitor; GrassRoots Recycling
Network; Greater Boston Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life; Great
Lakes United; Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility; GreenCAPE;
Greenpeace USA; Health Care Without Harm; Hilltown Anti-Herbicide Coalition;
Indiana Alliance for Democracy; International Campaign for Responsible
Technology; Lawrence Environmental Action Group; Learning Disabilities
Association of America; Merrimack Valley Environmental Coalition; National
Environmental Trust; Natural Resources Defense Council; Northwest Coalition
for Alternatives to Pesticides; Oregon Toxics Alliance; Our Bodies Ourselves;
Our developing world; Our Rights, Our Water-Massachusetts Pesticide Action
Network North America; Physicians for Social Responsibility; Public Citizen;
Refinery Reform Campaign; Regional Environmental Council; Science and
Environmental Health Network; Sierra Club; Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition;
Sudbury Earth Decade Committee; Tri-State Environmental Council; United
Steelworkers of America; US Public Interest Research Group; Washington Toxics
Coalition; Women's Community Cancer Project; Women's Voices for the Earth;
Working Group on Community Right to Know; World Wildlife Fund-US
3. REACH stand for the Registration, Evaluation, and uthorization of
Chemicals.
This news release and associated material can be found on
http://www.worldwildlife.org. World Wildlife Fund, known worldwide by its
panda logo, leads international efforts to protect endangered species and
their habitats and to conserve the diversity of life on Earth. Now in its
fourth decade, WWF works in more than 100 countries around the globe.
http://www.usnewswire.com
Last changed: March 14, 2006