| What Should Be Done? Tell Us. You only need to scan news headlines to see why Green Chemistry is so important. California, like the rest of the country, learned all too well last year about the disturbing presence of toxic chemicals - from lead to phthalates - in children’s items and other consumer goods. Lead has been shown to impair intellectual development in youngsters, and phthalates are known to cause cancer in animals. And yet these are toxins being found in products on store shelves, not just in landfills. Beginning in early March, representatives from the California Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction with other state agencies with regulatory authority over consumer products, have been discussing how to make California’s consumer protection laws more effective. Now, as part of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Green Chemistry Initiative that would strive for smarter design, manufacture and packaging of products with less or no toxic material, CalEPA is inviting the public to talk about improving consumer protection laws. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this topical and important discussion. Two workshops are planned: Friday, April 25, 2008* 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Coastal Hearing Room
California Environmental Agency Building
1001 I Street, Sacramento
Thursday, May 8, 2008 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
El Segundo Public Library
111 W. Mariposa Avenue
El Segundo
Media Advisory
Please join us at one or both workshops. *The April 25th workshop will be webcast, so interested parties can ask questions and listen in over the Internet. Additionally, all materials will be available on the Internet. Questions? Call 916-449-5321 or 322-7650. | California’s
Green Chemistry Initiative Process
Now - May 23, 2008: Workshops being held and website opened soliciting public participation on Key Elements of the Green Chemistry Initiative. One Key Element is “Strengthening Consumer Protection Laws”.
May 27 - July 1, 2008: Preliminary Phase Two Green Chemistry Initiative report to be prepared and presented to CalEPA Secretary Linda S. Adams.
Late summer: Final Phase Two Green Chemistry Initiative report to be delivered to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger with recommendations for future policy decisions. How The Green Chemistry Initiative Has Progressed Spring 2007: California becomes the first state in the nation to announce Green Chemistry Initiative.
June - December 2007: Brainstorming sessions held around the state, and Green Chemistry website opened for Phase One public comments and suggestions. December 2007 - January 2008: Comments and suggestions compiled, reviewed and organized by topic area.
January 31, 2008: Phase One Green Chemistry Report released and Key Elements outlined.
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