Success: Formaldehyde Bill Now National Law
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Caught up in all the LeBron James hype, we missed something actually relevant to our lives.

On July 7, President Barack Obama signed into law the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Act, thereby leveling the playing field between domestic and imported products made from composite panels.

The bipartisan legislation establishes national air emission standards for products sold and distributed throughout the United States that contain particleboard, MDF and hardwood plywood, including cabinets, furniture, closet systems, flooring and other secondary wood products. These standards meet the emission ceilings set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), as well as incorporate labeling and third-party testing. The EPA will promulgate implementing regulations Jan. 1, 2013, and the regulations become effective 180 days after that date.

Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) co-sponsored S. 1660, which was brought before the House by Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Vernon Ehlers (R-MI).

“I’ve always believed that the first responsibility of government is to protect its citizens,” said Sen. Klobuchar in a statement. “High levels of formaldehyde are a health threat. This law establishes national standards that will protect public health and ensure an even playing field between domestic wood products and foreign imports.”

“The health threats posed by formaldehyde have been around us in products such as shelving, cabinets and particleboard furniture,” Sen. Crapo commented. “Our responsible domestic wood products producers adopted these safety standards years ago and it is now fitting that this new law will stop imports of these potentially dangerous products from foreign nations as well.”

What made this law unique was the support it garnered from industry and environmental groups alike, and the speed in which it became law. In a press release issued by the Sierra Club, Leslie Fields, National Environmental Justice and Community Partnerships director for the group, said, “This legislation demonstrates how a bipartisan collaborative effort can help ensure health and safety for all Americans. Industry, community activists and the environmental community worked hand in hand to ensure proper standards for these products will be promulgated for the future.”


This law is truly a demonstration of what can be achieved by working together for a common goal.

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