Massachusetts Legislature Considers New Chemical Study Bill

Two bills have been introduced to the Massachusetts Legislature (S-553/H-1286) both of which call for 10 Chemicals to be studied for potential phase-out. The real goal of the proponents of the legislation is to ban the use and sale of the 10 chemicals, one of which is Perc.

The Bills were reviewed in the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Monday, June 17th. NEFA offered joint testimony on behalf of NEFA, NCA, and IFI at the hearing. NEFA and NCA have been working in coordination with the Massachusetts Chemical and Technology Association to bitterly protest this legislation.

The industry was well represented at the hearing, and NEFA offered expert testimony on why these bills have no purpose being enacted. Throughout the hearing, the Senators and Representatives heard from both Environmental Groups in favor of passage, and industry groups in opposition. When it came time for the drycleaning segment, the Committee showed a serious interest in Perc, and peppered NEFA with

questions about worker safety, contamination, and the search for alternatives. It was clear after the hearing that Drycleaners had a great first step in the process, but it will be a long hard road ahead. The industry will have to really get behind these efforts to educate our legislators. Based on the responses from the Committee NEFA has identified 3 key players that we need to follow up with, and will over the course of the next two weeks. Continue to Next Page