Chemical security

Obama signs major overhaul of toxic chemicals rules into law

President Barack Obama signed the first major overhaul of toxic chemicals rules in 40 years into law on Wednesday, calling it proof that Washington can function despite intense polarization.

In a White House signing ceremony, Obama praised both chemicals industry groups and environmentalists alike for finding consensus despite their usual differences of opinion. He was joined by a diverse group of U.S. lawmakers who helped pass the legislation, including House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California and Republican Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana.

"If we can get this bill done, it means somewhere out there on the horizon, we can make our politics less toxic as well," Obama said before putting his pen to the bill.

In addition to updating rules for tens of thousands of everyday chemicals, the law also sets safety standards for dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde, asbestos and styrene. The law aims to standardize on the national level what is currently a jumble of state rules governing the $800 billion-per-year industry.

Read more here: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/national-politics/article85216047.html?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Defense%20EBB%2006-22-16&utm_term=Editorial%20-%20Early%20Bird%20Brief#storylink=cpy