250 groups urge Senate to protect chemical safety law

A coalition of 250 organizations is pressing Senate leaders to reject efforts to weaken the Toxic Substances Control Act, arguing that people most affected by toxic exposures have not been heard. The appeal comes as lawmakers weigh changes to the nation’s main chemical safety law and as advocates warn about health and cleanup costs tied to hazardous substances.

Why it matters: - The Toxic Substances Control Act is the nation’s primary chemical safety law. - Weakening the law could affect public health protections for veterans, workers, families, and frontline communities. - The coalition says toxic exposures are linked to cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses. - States could face higher costs tied to contamination, cleanup, and health care.

What happened: - 250 organizations and groups sent a letter to Senate Environment and Public Works Committee leaders on July 23, 2026. - The letter asked Chair Shelley Moore Capito and Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse to reject industry-backed efforts to weaken TSCA. - The groups said Congress has not publicly heard testimony from people most likely to bear the consequences of weaker chemical rules.

The details: - The signers include public health professionals, scientists, consumer advocates, environmental justice leaders, community organizations, environmental advocates, and impacted communities. - The letter says Congress has not yet heard from veterans, workers, families, and frontline communities in hearings on TSCA changes. - The coalition pointed to chemicals and substances including asbestos, methylene chloride, trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PERC), and carbon tetrachloride. - The letter says those substances can be found in homes, schools, workplaces, consumer products, drinking water, and communities nationwide. - The organizations wrote, “We urge the Committee to ensure that any proposed legislation to revise TSCA receives full and careful review and input from all interested parties.” - The groups also wrote that the vast majority of Americans support stronger protections from toxic chemical exposure and more accountability from corporate polluters. - A broad public health modernization of TSCA passed in 2016. - The letter says that update has helped address toxic chemicals in the years since.

Between the lines: - The coalition is trying to frame the debate as a public health issue, not a regulatory fight. - By emphasizing missing testimony from affected communities, the groups are pressuring senators to slow down any markup process. - The message also suggests the coalition believes industry interests are driving the current push for changes.

What's next: - Senate EPW leaders will decide whether to advance any TSCA revision legislation. - Advocates want hearings and public input before any markup. - The Alliance for Health and Safe Chemicals said it will keep working to defend TSCA and preserve federal protections from toxic chemicals.

The bottom line: - The fight over TSCA is becoming a test of whether Congress prioritizes public health or industry-backed deregulation.