WASHINGTON — Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) have introduced The Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act, S. 1660, the first-ever national standard for product ceiling emissions.  Introduced Sept. 11, the Act also directs the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to implement regulations on testing, certification, recordkeeping and enforcement.

Based on the regulation promulgated by the California Air Resources Board last year, the legislation would add a new section to the federal Toxic Substances Control Act and require EPA to enact a national rule by 2011.  The legislation also requires EPA to recognize and incentivize the use of ultra-low emitting formaldehyde and no-added formaldehyde adhesives in composite wood products and requires to work with other federal agencies to provide for equally robust compliance verification of imported products as well as those manufactured in the United States, and corresponding enforcement.

“This is a great day for American consumers and industry alike,” said Tom Julia, president of the Composite Panel Assn., which joined with the Sierra Club in first proposing the legislation.

“By focusing on our shared commitment to reduce formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products through an enforceable standard, CPA and the Sierra Club have forged a strong partnership to protect all Americans,” added Tom Neltner, chairman of the Sierra Club’s National Toxics Committee.

Other organizations supporting the legislation participating in its development include: the American Forest & Paper Assn., Alliance for Healthy Homes, APA-The Engineered Wood Assn., Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Assn., Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Assn., National Center for Healthy Housing, National Environmental Health Assn. and United Steelworkers Union.

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