Supporters of a Senate bill to reauthorize and modernize the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) for the first time since 1976 celebrated 60 cosponsors this week, action they hope will prompt chamber leaders to allow a vote when the Senate returns from recess October 19.

Lead authors of the bill, Sen. David Vitter (R, LA) and Sen. Tom Udall (D, NM), had hoped to move the bill this week when the magic 60 cosponsors was reached, but their move to get the bill to the Senate floor under unanimous consent - straight vote, no amendments - was blocked by Sen. Richard Burr (R, NC) who wants to add unrelated land and water use language to the bill.  

The bill is virtually veto-proof, supporters say, because the list of cosponsors includes both Republican and Democrat leaders, achieved by language changes in the bill to make tougher industry compliance requirements, as well as giving greater freedom to the states to enforce their own chemical safety regulations.  

Sen. Edward Markey (D, MA), in announcing his cosponsorship said, "I'm proud we have secured changes in the bill that will ensure chemical companies comply with mandatory deadlines for safety regulations, expedite regulatory action on the most dangerous chemicals, allow states more flexibility to implement new chemical regulations and gives EPA the funds to do the job."  

The bill creates a four-year mandatory deadline for compliance with EPA rules, but would allow an extension for companies of up to 18 months if meeting that deadline is found to be technically or economically impossible.  The bill also authorizes EPA to expedite its evaluation of 90 chemicals that are acknowledged dangers.  TSCA fees would increase on a yearly basis from $18 million to $25 million, and set up a process whereby fees offset 25% of EPA's chemical safety program costs.  Also included are protections for "vulnerable populations," including children, the elderly, pregnant women and workers, and add a new requirement that EPA release information on any priority chemical safety decisions.