Feb-2006-Last week U.S. Rep. Hilda Solis (El Monte) introduced legislation that would protect people from dangerous toxic chemicals.

The bill would allow the U.S. to take part in an international treaty to phase out the most harmful chemicals linked to birth defects and learning disabilities. The bill would also protect California's right to pass stronger protections against toxic chemicals if the federal government fails to act.

Please take a moment to ask your representative to show strong California leadership and cosponsor this bill. Then ask your friends and family to help by forwarding this email to them.

To take action, click on this link or paste it into your web browser:

http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/action/enviro-health/chemicals


BACKGROUND

U.S. Rep. Hilda Solis (El Monte) has taken an important step in protecting people's health worldwide from some of the most harmful toxic chemicals by introducing H.R. 4800.

This bill would allow the United States to implement an international treaty, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), which is aimed at eliminating or restricting a small number of the most dangerous contaminants.  POPs are toxic chemicals that build up in our bodies and persist in the environment for a long time.  Many POPs may cause developmental problems like learning disabilities and birth defects.

The bill includes three main provisions:
* Requires the Environmental Protection Agency to decide whether or not to regulate new chemicals added to the treaty in a timely fashion;
* Does not prohibit states from further protecting their citizens from dangerous toxics when the EPA fails to act; and
* Uses a health-based scientific standard when making decisions about regulating chemicals added to the treaty.

Other proposals on the table fail to do these three simple things.  Showing strong California support on Congresswoman Solis' bill will help the legislation move forward to further protect public health from toxic chemicals.

Most recently, Environment California led the successful fight to ban toxic flame retardants from consumer products like couches and fabrics. California was the first state to act on this issue and set an important precedent.

Please take a moment to ask your representative to show strong California leadership and cosponsor this bill. Then ask your friends and family to help by forwarding this email to them.

To take action, click on this link or paste it into your web browser:

http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/action/enviro-health/chemicals


Dan Jacobson
Environment California Legislative Director DanJ@environmentcalifornia.org http://www.EnvironmentCalifornia.org

P.S.  Thanks again for your support.  Please feel free to share this e-mail with your family and friends.
 

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