Press Releases

September 09, 2003:
Jewish Environmental Group Urges Passage of Harmful Chemical Bill

Landmark Legislation Protects Health of Nursing Mothers; Bans Harmful Flame Retardants

LOS ANGELES, August, 2003 – The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life of Southern California (CoejlSC) was one of the premier sponsors of AB 302, a landmark bill banning dangerous chemicals, and group members were in attendance when Gov. Gray Davis signed the bill into law. Assembly Bill 302 (Chan) prohibits the use, sale and manufacturing of certain highly hazardous forms of PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) in California. The new law is the first of its kind in the nation.

“Once again, California is at the forefront of progressive legislation,” said Gov. Davis at the Venice Family Clinic as he signed the bill. “This bill protects California’s most vulnerable residents: nursing infants and mothers. Health risks for all Californians will be reduced. Our air, rivers and ocean will be cleaner. Our quality of life will be better.”

The Governor also thanked Assemblywoman Chan and the environmental groups who shepherded the bill through the State Senate. The bill had no opposition when passed by the State Legislature.

“California is a leader in protecting children’s health,” said Lee Wallach, President of CoejlSC’s Board of Directors, at the signing ceremony. “This bill demonstrates how environmental protection legislation is truly a moral issue. The faith community applauds Gov. Gray Davis and the legislature for taking this very important step to protect our children.”

PBDEs, a form of flame retardant, have been used in a variety of products including housings for computers and electronics; seat cushions; upholstery; office dividers; autos and many others. PentaBDE and OctaBDE have been shown to accumulate at high levels in animal and human tissue and in mother’s milk.

In anticipation of the state’s ban, some manufacturers will likely eliminate PBDE use. Already, several U.S. chemical makers and product manufacturers have voluntarily stopped making or using the two forms of PBDEs California has now banned. The ban takes effect January 1, 2008, and gives manufacturers an adjustment period to modify processes and secure replacement chemicals.