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The “Chemical Bills”— HB 2141, HB 2367 and HB 2792— are a series of bills that seek to, among other things, arbitrarily ban certain chemicals and products and grant sweeping new authority to state regulators to impose new regulations without scientific or public input. 

HB 2141 adds a new element to the state’s definition of “hazardous substance” and grants to the director of DHS sweeping authority to regulate “hazardous substances” and any product that contains a hazardous substance, including banning the substance or product outright. 

HB 2367 would prohibit the use of bisphenol-A (BPA) and “phthalates” in a wide variety of products. 

HB 2792 would require DHS to identify “priority chemicals that pose a significant risk to the health of children or developing fetuses” in children’s products, defined broadly as a consumer product intended for use by children.  The bill would also grant authority to DHS to compel manufacturers to replace priority chemicals if the department “determines that a safer alternative” is available.

All three bills received a second hearing this week, but met with mixed reviews on the House Committee.  None of them moved into work session, and no further action has been scheduled.

Two Product Stewardship Bills had their First Look by the Senate Water and Environment Committee
 
SB 742 uses the same framework as HB 3060, but applies only to mercury-containing light bulbs.

SB 320 requires, in effect, that Oregon retailers create, pay for, and operate a waste disposal program focused on just one product—batteries.

AOI testified in opposition to both bills, and is working with a broad coalition to prevent them from moving out of committee.  Neither bill is scheduled for work session at this point, but the deadline for moving bills out of committee is approaching, and may lead to further action.