The Path Forward:

Green Chemistry and Chemicals Policy Reform

Ken Zarker, Manager

Pollution Prevention & Regulatory Assistance Section

ken.zarker@ecy.wa.gov

Spokane River Forum

March 27, 2013

Materials ProductionProcesses

Products

Wastes

Sound Chemical Management Strategies

Source:Ken Geiser, Ph.D.Professor of Work EnvironmentUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell

Materials ProductionProcesses

Products

Wastes

Sound Chemical Management Strategies

Waste ManagementPollution Control

Command and Control Regulations1970s to 1980s

Materials ProductionProcesses

Products

Wastes

Sound Chemical Management Strategies

Pollution PreventionCleaner Production

Clean Production AuditsFacility Planning and Technical Assistance1980s-1990s

Materials ProductionProcesses

Products

Wastes

Sound Chemical Management Strategies

Safer Product PolicyChemicals Policy

Design for EnvironmentLife Cycle Assessment and Alternatives Assessment2000s

Materials ProductionProcesses

Products

Wastes

Sound Chemical Management Strategies

Green Chemistry

Chemical Design

Growing the Green Economy through Green Chemistry

“Green chemistry is the utilization of a set ofprinciples that reduces or eliminates the useor generation of hazardous substances in thedesign, manufacture and application ofchemical products.”

- Paul Anastas and John Warner, Green Chemistry:Theory and Practice, 1998

12 Principles of Green Chemistry

1. Prevent waste rather than treat it or clean it up.

 

2. Incorporate all materials used in the manufacturing process into the final product. 

3. Design synthetic methods to use and generate substances with little or no toxicity to people and the environment.

 

4. Design chemical products to be effective, but to have little or no toxicity.

 

5. Avoid the use of harmful solvents and auxiliary substances.

 

6. Minimize energy requirements and conduct processes at ambient temperature and pressure.

12 Principles of Green Chemisty

7. Use renewable feedstocks. 

8. Avoid the use of chemical intermediates to reduce waste. 

9. Use catalysts that carry out a reaction many times instead of less efficient reagents. 

10. Use chemicals that readily break down into innocuous substances in the environment.  

11. Use in-process real-time monitoring and control to avoid or reduce the formation of hazardous substances.

12. Use chemicals with low risk for accidents, explosions, fires, and releases.

10

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FILTER CHEMICALS

EVALUATE HAZARDS

PRIORITIZETHE LIST

INNOVATEPRODUCT &

PROCESS

EVALUATE EXPOSURE

Source: Nike, Inc., Used by Permission

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TRADITIONAL RUBBER ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERRED RUBBER

Numberof “Red” Chemical

s:

5“Red”

Chemicals by

weight

12%

Numberof “Red” Chemical

s:1

“Red” Chemical

s by weight

1%REDUCED TOXICS96% BY WEIGHT

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Source: Nike, Inc., Used by Permission

Question:

How can the Spokane River Forum promote green chemistry?

Growth of State Green Chemistry Programs

2005 Michigan establishes Green Chemistry Strategy

2006 California launches Green Chemistry Initiative

2011 Minnesota, New England 2012 Oregon Executive Order2013 Washington Green Chemistry Center & EPA

Green Chemistry Centers (2 molecular design & 2 chemical life-cycle

California’s Green Chemistry Initiative

• 2007---Department of Toxic Substances Control launches the state Green Chemical Initiative

Six Objectives:• Expand Pollution Prevention• Develop Education and Training, Research and Development

and Technology Transfer• Create an On-Line Product Ingredient Network• Create an On-Line Toxics Clearinghouse• Accelerate the Quest for Safer Products• Move Towards a Cradle to Cradle Economy

California Green Chemistry Initiative

• Two bills enacted in 2008• AB 1879 creates a process of identifying and prioritizing chemicals of high concern and a process for regulating

them where there are safer alternatives

• SB 509 requires the establishment of a public Toxic Chemicals Clearinghouse

• Established a California “Wiki” tool for public input

• Established a Science Panel for advice

Green Chemistry for Michigan

• 2005 Governor Granholm Executive Order on Green Chemistry• 2007 Michigan DEP commences first Stakeholder Meeting on

Green Chemistry

• 2008 Lowell Center contracted to prepare Policy Study on Green Chemistry– Building Awareness

– Building the Program

– Building the Future

• Michigan Department of Environmental Quality adopts a three phase “Action Plan” and sets aside $1 million for implementation

Governor Kitzhaber, OregonApril 2012EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 12 - 05

FOSTERING ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY PURCHASING AND PRODUCT DESIGN

• Build Awareness for Green Chemistry

• Environmental Preferable Purchasing Reforms

• Oregon Interagency Toxic Chemical and Pollutant Reduction Strategy

• Identify at least two industries in Oregon where green chemistry should be applied to reduce the use and generation of chemicals of concern.

Washington State Green Chemistry Roadmap- Framework Document

• Green Chemistry Awareness and Outreach• Advancing Green Chemistry Education• Driving Safer Product Innovation through Tools and Information• Incentivizing Green Chemistry Through Supply Chains• Accelerating Economic development & New Collaborations• Harmonizing Policy and Regulatory Frameworks• Emerging Technology: Green Nanotechnology

Washington State Green Chemistry Roundtable

WA State Green Chemistry Innovation

• Green Chemistry Roadmap• Green Chemistry Center• Green Chemistry Research Projects

Better Brakes Roofing AssessmentPCBs in Inks/Dyes Pigments

• Educational Network Project

Prospects for TSCA Reform: Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 (S. 847)

Senator Frank Lautenberg

• Preserve states’ ability to protect public health and the environment.

• Require minimum data for all chemicals and require manufacturers to show that chemicals meet safety standards.

• Require EPA to define criteria for “safer alternatives” using a hazard and risk-based approach that considers the entire chemical life cycle, and encourage use of safer alternatives through market incentives and other means.

TSCA Reform: Key Issues for States

• Give EPA authority to take immediate action to reduce threats from the most harmful chemicals, especially Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic chemicals (PBTs), including chemical bans where needed.

• Reward innovation and help safer chemicals and alternatives get to the market place faster.

• Share information and coordinate between state and federal programs to maximize use of resources and ensure a predictable regulatory environment for all stakeholders.

TSCA Reform: Key Issues for States

States Leadership on TSCA Reform

• States Legislation • States Principles on TSCA Reform (2009)• Environmental Council of the States Resolution (2010)• Congressional Testimony (2011)