WASHINGTON - Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, released the following statement on the Environment and Public Works Committee hearing, "Toxic Substance Control Act:"

"I would like to thank Senators Boxer and Lautenberg for holding this important hearing today on efforts to manage toxic chemicals in our country. Senator Lautenberg has been dedicated to improving the control of toxic chemicals in our country for many years.

"Over the last several years, Senator Lautenberg has introduced four versions of legislation aimed at modernizing the Toxic Substances Control Act, or TSCA. He has also held numerous meetings with members of this Committee on both sides of the aisle to discuss a path forward on TSCA reform, and met with stakeholders off the Hill as well. I commend Senator Lautenberg on his tremendous leadership on this very important issue.

"Every day in this country, manufacturers use various chemicals to make everything from carpets to cosmetics, water bottles to dishwashing soap. We need these chemicals to keep our manufacturing base strong, but we also need to make sure we're using and disposing of them safely.

"It's been more than 30 years since we have revisited the Toxic Substances Control Act, and that's far too long when you consider how much more we manufacture and use chemicals today and how much more we understand today about chemicals. Industry, environmental and public health leaders, the Obama Administration, and several of my colleagues in Congress – including me – agree that it is time that the Toxic Substances Control Act is modernized.

"I believe that there is a path forward to reforming TSCA that can address the needs of our diverse stakeholders on this issue. Senator Lautenberg has introduced a bill to strengthen our chemical safety laws. I think it's a good start, and I'm committed to working with him and my colleagues in the Senate to pass strong chemical safety legislation. I look forward to today's testimonies from our witnesses to hear their thoughts on how we can move forward to modernize our country's chemicals policy in a way that best meets the needs of our diverse stakeholders on this important issue."