Letter: Sen. Donnelly's Bill to Reduce Toxic Chemicals Progressing

The following is a letter from 4th Middlesex District Sen. Kenneth Donnely:

Toxic chemical reduction is closer for Massachusetts consumers as Senator Ken Donnelly’s (D-Arlington) “Healthy Families” Bill quickly received a favorable vote from the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. The bill, “An Act for healthy families and businesses,” is being championed by Senator Donnelly and Representative Jay Kaufman (D-Lexington) and now moves to the Senate Ways & Means Committee, bringing it one step closer to enactment.

This bill builds upon the successful Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) program’s pragmatic approach to reducing chemicals through manufacturing. “Healthy Families” will help Massachusetts industries by creating a comprehensive program to identify, report on, and replace toxic chemicals with safer alternatives in consumer products.

“Toxic chemicals in these everyday products put our workers and our families at risk for serious illnesses,” said Senator Donnelly. “I am grateful that the quick approval by the Committee brings our consumers one step closer to relief from these dangerous substances.”

In addition to protecting the environment and protecting public health, this bill will expand the reporting and transparency requirements for some of the most toxic chemicals. With more information, consumers can choose to purchase safer goods, creating a competitive market for businesses to make safer products.