WASHINGTON - The American Alliance for Innovation (AAI), a coalition of trade associations representing a broad spectrum of the economy, commented today on the "Chemical Safety Improvement Act of 2013" (CSIA). The CSIA was recently introduced by Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), David Vitter (R-LA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mike Crapo (R-ID), along with other fellow cosponsors, and called on Congress to modernize the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in a manner that protects human health and the environment, while promoting American innovation. The undersigned members of the AAI issued the following statement:

"We applaud Senators Lautenberg, Vitter, Gillibrand, Crapo and fellow cosponsors for their leadership on this important issue, and we especially commend them for coming together in true bipartisan fashion to introduce compromise legislation to update the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The "Chemical Safety Improvement Act of 2013" (CSIA) will enhance safety, while maintaining America's ability to compete in today's global marketplace.

"We are pleased to see that this legislation reflects the broad input that the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee received during stakeholder dialogue meetings and through numerous hearings since 2008. The bill provides a solid scientific foundation for regulatory decisions and provides clear direction for EPA to create a transparent, efficient and sensible process to manage the safety of chemicals in commerce.

"We are committed to advancing TSCA reform, and we support the efforts initiated by Senators Lautenberg and Vitter along with their bipartisan cosponsors to work with their colleagues to move this proposal forward in the Senate."

The American Alliance for Innovation represents businesses both large and small in industries including the following sectors: aerospace, agriculture, apparel, automotive, building and construction materials, chemical and raw material production, consumer and industrial goods, distribution, energy, equipment manufacturers, electronics, healthcare products and medical technology, food and grocery, information technology, mining and metals, and retail.

Adhesive and Sealant Council

Alkylphenols & Ethoxylates Research Council

American Apparel & Footwear Association

American Architectural Manufacturers Association

American Bakers Association

American Chemistry Council

American Cleaning Institute

American Coatings Association

American Coke & Coal Chemicals Institute

American Composites Manufacturers Association

American Fiber Manufacturers Association

American Forest & Paper Association

American Iron and Steel Institute

American Wood Council

APA – The Engineered Wood Association

Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers

Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association

Can Manufacturers Institute

Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing

Composite Panel Association

Consumer Healthcare Products Association

Consumer Specialty Products Association

Corn Refiners Association

CropLife America

EPS Industry Alliance

ETAD North America

Extruded Polystyrene Foam Association

Fashion Accessories Shippers Association

Fashion Jewelry & Accessories Trade Association

Flexible Packaging Association

Global Cold Chain Alliance

Grocery Manufacturers Association

Halogenated Solvents Industry Alliance, Inc.

Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association

Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association

Industrial Environmental Association

Industrial Minerals Association – North America

Institute of Makers of Explosives

Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils

International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses

International Bottled Water Association

International Dairy Foods Association

International Fragrance Association North America

International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration

International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers

IPC – Association Connecting Electronics Industries

Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association

Methanol Institute

National Association for Surface Finishing

National Association of Chemical Distributors

National Association of Manufacturers

National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers

National Industrial Sand Association

National Marine Manufacturers Association

National Oilseed Processors Association

National Pest Management Association

National Retail Federation

Nickel Institute

NORA, An Association of Responsible Recyclers

Oregon Women In Timber

Personal Care Products Council

Personal Watercraft Industry Association

Pine Chemicals Association, Inc.

Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association

Plastics Pipe Institute

Portland Cement Association

Recreation Vehicle Industry Association

Resilient Floor Covering Institute

Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment

Rubber Manufacturers Association

Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates

Specialty Graphic Imaging Association

SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association

Sports & Fitness Industry Association

Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance

SPRI, Inc. (representing the Single Ply Roofing Industry)

Styrene Information and Research Center

Textile Rental Services Association

The Chlorine Institute

The Silver Institute

The Vinyl Institute

Toy Industry Association, Inc.

Travel Goods Association

Treated Wood Council

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Vinyl Building Council

Vinyl Siding Institute, Inc.

Source: American Alliance for Innovation (AAI)