With the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 going nowhere fast, states are filling the void with their own laws to protect consumers from toxic exposures.  Sarah Doll, National Director of Safer States, put up a great article showcasing the highlights of the upcoming legislative season.

State proposals cover everything from bans on toxic chemicals to green cleaning in schools.  Twenty states will consider BPA phase-outs.  Eight states are looking at proposals to place limits on flame retardants.   Thirteen more are considering laws that require manufacturers to label products containing “chemicals of concern” and, in some cases, phase them out.  For an example, see this post on Maine’s Kid Safe Products Act, the leading law of this type.  Maine identified BPA and Nonlyphenol as its chemicals of concern and has since enacted a BPA ban.

In addition to looking at products available for general consumers, some states are rethinking their priorities for buying. Oregon will soon consider a state procurement law that would make non-toxic products a priority.  Vermont passed a school “green” cleaning policy which will require manufacturers of cleaning products to only sell environmentally preferable products in schools.  Vermont was just one of five states considering school greening laws.

For more information regarding state chemical laws, check out the Safer States.  It is a non-profit that champions state-based solutions to toxic exposures.  You might think of it as Safer Chemicals Healthy Families little sister, since Safer Chemicals focuses on National legislation, such as the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011.