Apr 10 2009
Cal/EPA's Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) today announced the selection of 27 members to the state's new Green Ribbon Science Panel, an advisory panel created for California's Green Chemistry program, an innovative approach to removing or reducing toxic chemicals in products sold in California.
DTSC Announces Members of New Green Ribbon Science Panel for California’s Green Chemistry Program Sacramento, CA | Posted on April 10th, 2009 The Green Ribbon Science Panel was established with passage of two landmark Green Chemistry laws signed last year by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (AB 1879 - Feuer and SB 509 - Simitian).
The Panel will provide advice and act as a resource to DTSC and the California Environmental Policy Council pursuant to AB 1879, which directs the Department to develop regulations that: (1) create analytical methods for safer chemical alternatives, and (2) identify and prioritize chemicals of concern.
Panel members will serve staggered three-year terms and may be reappointed with no limitations. "I am pleased to make today's announcement and trust that the distinguished panelists will soundly advise on development of the state's Green Chemistry regulations," said DTSC Acting Director Maziar Movassaghi. "Since the Green Chemistry Initiative was launched in 2007, the Department has been honored to work on this exciting endeavor to bring safer, less toxic products into the marketplace. With our Green Chemistry efforts, California continues to be on the forefront of creating environmental policies with far-reaching global impacts."
Panel duties include:
Advising DTSC and the Council on scientific and technical matters in support of significantly reducing adverse health and environmental impacts of chemicals used in commerce, as well as the overall costs of those impacts to the state's society
Advising DTSC on the development green chemistry and chemicals policy recommendations and implementation strategies and details, and ensuring these recommendations are based on a strong scientific foundation
Advising DTSC and making recommendations for chemicals the panel views as priorities for which hazard traits and toxicological end-point data should be collected
Advising DTSC in the adoption of green chemistry regulations
Advising DTSC on any other pertinent matter in implementing AB 1879, as determined by DTSC
The Panel consists of members with expertise in the following areas:
- Chemistry
- Pollution Prevention Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Cleaner Production Methods
- Nanotechnology
- Environmental Law
- Environmental Health
- Chemical Synthesis
- Toxicology
- Public Health Research
- Public Policy
- Risk Analysis
- Maternal and Child Health
DTSC management selected the 27 panel members from more than 80 applicants based on the following criteria: education, expertise and practical experience in the fields shown above; experience serving on scientific and environmental policy advisory panels; and proven excellence with collaborative problemsolving skill and communication skills.
The initial meeting of the Panel will be held on April 29-30 at the Red Lion Inn in Sacramento. The Panel will meet a minimum of twice per year with additional meetings scheduled as needed.