California EPA Publishes Green Chemistry Policies

Posted: January 16, 2009

As part of its Green Chemistry Initiative, the California Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published its six policy recommendations to strengthen the protection of public health. According to the agency, these policy recommendations can lead to a new consumer product economy. The following are the agency's policy recommendations.

1. Expand Pollution Prevention and product stewardship programs to more business sectors to refocus additional resources on prevention rather than clean up.

2. Develop Green Chemistry Workforce Education and Training, Research and Development and Technology Transfer through new and existing educational programs and partnerships.

3. Create an Online Product Ingredient Network to disclose chemical ingredients for products sold in California, while protecting trade secrets.

4. Create an Online Toxics Clearinghouse, an online database of chemical toxicity and hazards populated with the guidance of a Green Ribbon Science Panel to help prioritize chemicals of concern and data needs.