Lynn L. Bergeson, “One Step Closer:  California Proposes Safer Consumer Products Regulations,” Environmental Quality Management, Winter 2012.

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (CDTSC) is one step closer to implementing the state’s Green Chemistry Initiative (GCI), which directs regulators to evaluate safer alternatives to chemicals that are believed to be toxic. These are not “garden variety” chemical regulations that impose a restriction here or there to prevent a perceived risk. Far from it. These regulations are game-changers. They ultimately will transform the way manufacturers select raw materials and make consumer products. As a result, these regulations are likely to influence significantly — and permanently — the way consumer products are conceived, formulated, and distributed. This “Washington Watch” column summarizes the core elements of the proposed Safer Consumer Products Regulations, highlighting significant changes from prior proposals.