Activists Push Bill To Mandate EPA Voluntary Flame Retardant Phaseout

摘要

Backed by environmentalists, a Maine lawmaker has introduced legislation to mandate an EPA phaseout of a controversial flame retardant and strictly regulate any substitutes, one day before domestic manufacturers announced plans to voluntary phase out production of the chemical, decabromodiphenyl ether (deca).rnBut supporters of the legislation may face hurdles as EPA toxics chief Steve Owens has endorsed the voluntary phaseout plan as "an appropriate and responsible step to protect human health and the environment." EPA may also take steps under its existing authority to facilitate the deal.