California leads the way towards green chemistry

“California launches nation’s first green chemistry program,” writes Env. Science & Technology. “With Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s (R-CA) signature on September 29, California became the first U.S. state to approve two laws that will move its regulatory scheme toward a comprehensive chemicals policy. The legislation is intended to improve public and environmental health protection and encourage green chemistry−the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances.”

The Nov. 19 ES&T article describes the California program, its supporters and detractors, and how it compares to the innovative REACH program being implemented by the EU for chemical manufacture. While the impact of the California program won’t be known for some time, the establishment of a state-wide green chemistry program could encourage other states to do adopt similar programs.