In the United States, states have historically taken a leadership role in innovations in environmental and health policies. Chemicals policy is no exception. In the absence of federal leadership in reforming the 30 year old Toxic Substances Act, several states have initiated broad reforms of chemicals regulation.

These reforms are occurring in response to a number of important drivers including new regulations from Europe, advocacy group pressures, local impacts of chemicals, and changes in business practice. This report examines states’ emerging leadership in reforming the way chemicals in commerce are managed and analyzes chemicals policies that have been proposed or implemented at the state level.