Pallone Applauds Historic Biden Administration Action to Ban Asbestos

Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) applauded the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement today that it will ban ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, including imports, representing the first rule to regulate an existing chemical under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act:

“Thirty-five years ago, EPA finalized a rule banning asbestos, but it was overturned in court following industry challenge.  The original Toxic Substances Control Act, or TSCA, simply did not give EPA the tools it needed to address the risk – even though we were aware of the dangers of asbestos for decades.  That is why the Energy and Commerce Committee worked in strong bipartisan fashion to pass much-needed TSCA reform, and in 2016, the landmark Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act was signed into law.  This historic law updated and modernized TSCA for the first time in 40 years, finally giving EPA the tools it needs to address the threats of toxic chemicals like asbestos.

“I am thrilled that today – after more than thirty-five years of frustration, sickness, and loss – asbestos is finally set to be banned in the United States.  Currently asbestos is still being used in auto parts, construction materials, and chemical manufacturing throughout the country, but with today’s action the Biden Administration is firmly saying – enough is enough.  This toxic chemical, which still kills more than 40,000 Americans every year, has no business being used or imported into our country.  For decades we have known how deadly asbestos is, and there is no excuse for allowing our communities and workers to be exposed to it any longer.  I applaud EPA for using the tools Congress gave it to take this step toward banning this toxic substance once and for all, and I look forward to working closely with the Agency to protect every American from asbestos exposure.”

Pallone was a key author of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act and led House Democratic efforts to pass the legislation as Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2016.

###