| California Green Chemistry Initiative
Linda S. Adams, Secretary for Environmental Protection, launched the California Green Chemistry Initiative in April 2007. The Secretary requested that the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) lead a broad public process to generate ideas that could fill information and safety gaps about chemicals, develop overall policy goals, and identify and recommend policy options. Green Chemistry is a strategy to reduce the use of toxic substances so that they do not harm the public or contaminate the environment. It is a sharp departure from managing industrial wastes by disposal or incineration. Green Chemistry is a way to make goods and engineer processes using less toxic materials, less energy, and less waste. Renewable feedstocks, recycling, sustainability, and other life-cycle attributes are incorporated at the design stage. This “cradle-to-cradle” approach of Green Chemistry means fewer hazardous substances along with improved air quality, cleaner drinking water, and a safer workplace. The California Green Chemistry Initiative is divided into two phases. During Phase One, from April to December 2007, participants brainstormed more than 800 options. These options were compiled into the Phase One report. We have begun work on Phase Two—the analysis of these potential options. This spring, we will analyze the multitude of possible options generated in Phase One. To evaluate these, “draft” frameworks are being developed. These draft frameworks will be posted on this web site and discussed at five scheduled public workshops. Phase Two includes three, concurrent tracks: Draft Frameworks “Key Elements” and Science Advisory Panel. PHASE TWO—ANALYSIS OF POLICY OPTIONS
January to June 2008 Draft Policy Frameworks To evaluate the many options submitted during Phase One, the department is developing and seeking public input on “draft policy frameworks.” Four remaining public workshops are scheduled this spring. Each workshop will focus on the following topic areas (from the Phase One Options report): The public and interested parties will be asked to provide answers to the following specific questions: - How would this option be implemented?
- By whom? And, in what way?
- What is the timeframe?
- How much will it cost? Who pays?
- What are the pros and cons in terms of institutional, legal, financial, economic, social and other aspects of this option?
Key Elements Concurrently in Phase Two, we are forming interagency teams within state government to begin development of plans for the “Key Elements” presented in the Phase One Options Report. The Key Elements are the building blocks for a successful California Green Chemistry program. These elements recurred throughout the array of possible options presented in Phase One. Teams are forming for: - Disseminate information on toxic chemicals and empower consumers to make informed choices.
- Account for chemical toxicity and impacts in state procurement decisions.
- Train a new generation of scientists and engineers.
- Include Green Chemistry principles in an Environmental Education Initiative.
- Strengthening consumer protection laws.
- Expand California’s pollution prevention program.
Science Advisory Panel To engage the scientific community, DTSC assembled a Green Chemistry Science Advisory Panel consisting of 23 of the nation’s leading scientists and engineers. The panel is a major asset to the program as it will guide the department on scientific matters and provide the technical basis for the Green Chemistry Initiative. | 
