Purpose  

• (a) These principles are intended to assist policymakers in developing effective, science-based chemical policies that protect human health and the environment while supporting innovation, economic growth, and a competitive American manufacturing sector.   
• (b) They reflect modern chemical management frameworks and are designed to support clarity, consistency, and effectiveness in policymaking.   

Principles   

1. Science- and Risk-Based Decision-Making  
   • (a) Chemical policy and regulatory actions should be fact based, grounded in the best available, high-quality science and rely on the weight of the scientific evidence.    
   • (b) Policy should be based on risk rather than hazard alone, taking into account real-world conditions of use and exposure.   
   • (c) In crafting regulations for chemical uses that are determined to present unreasonable risk, decision-makers must consider cost-benefit factors and the availability and feasibility of alternatives.    
2. Protection of Human Health and the Environment  
   • (a) Policies should ensure that chemicals are safe for their intended uses and protect consumers, workers, communities, and the environment. These protections should be achieved through measurable, science-based standards and reliable regulatory processes.   
3. Transparent, Predictable, and Timely Regulatory Processes   
   • (a) Effective chemical management requires clear, transparent, and predictable regulatory systems.  Agencies should ensure:   
     • i. Timely review of new and existing chemicals   
     • ii. Defined standards and decision criteria   
     • iii. Public transparency in processes and outcomes   
     • iv. Predictability is essential to maintaining investment, innovation, and public confidence.   
4. Strong Federal Framework and State Complementarity   
   • (a) Federal chemical management laws should serve as the primary framework for evaluating and regulating chemicals.  State policies should:   
     • i. Complement federal programs   
     • ii. Avoid unnecessary duplication    
     • iii. Promote national consistency   
   • (b) A coordinated system helps prevent a patchwork of state requirements that can disrupt commerce and innovation.  
5. Risk-Based Prioritization    
   • (a) Regulatory actions should prioritize chemicals that present unreasonable risks to human health or the environment, consistent with modern chemical management frameworks.   
   • (b) Regulatory systems should focus resources on chemicals of greatest potential for risk.  
     Policies should promote:   
     • i. Systematic prioritization processes   
     • ii. Efficient allocation of regulatory resources   
     • iii. Avoidance of unnecessary review of low-risk substances  
6. Data Quality, Availability, and Protection   
   • (a) Chemical policy decisions should rely on robust, high-quality scientific data, including information on hazards, use, and exposure.  Policymakers should: 
     • i.  Encourage data development and sharing   
     • ii. Ensure transparency where appropriate   
     • ii. Protect confidential business information and intellectual property   
7. Clear roles of Risk Assessment and Risk Management 
   • (a) Policies should maintain a clear distinction between:   
     • i. Risk assessment (scientific evaluation of potential harm), and   
     • ii. Risk management (policy decisions on how to address risk)   
       1. Risk management takes into account “non-risk factors,” such as the availability of economically and technically feasible alternatives; specific benefits of the chemical at issue, including functionality in materials, formulations, and articles; cost-benefit review; cost-effectiveness review; and effects on endangered species and susceptible subpopulations.    
          • A. This separation ensures decisions remain grounded in science and avoids premature or non-scientific conclusions.
8. Lifecycle and Use-Based Approach   
   • (a) Chemical evaluation should consider the entire lifecycle of a substance, including manufacture, use, and disposal, while focusing on actual exposure pathways. Policies should avoid broad restrictions that fail to account for differences in specific uses or applications.   
9. Support for Innovation and Economic Growth   
   • (a) Chemical policy should enable:   
     • i. Development of new and improved chemistries   
     • ii. Access to essential materials for key sectors (e.g., healthcare, energy, infrastructure, technology)   
     • iii. A strong and competitive domestic manufacturing base   
   • (b) Well-designed policies can simultaneously protect health and the environment while supporting economic and technological progress.
10. Stakeholder Engagement and Consensus-Based Policymaking   
    • (a) Effective policies are informed by broad stakeholder engagement, including:   
      • i. Scientific experts   
      • ii. Industry   
      • iii. Regulators   
      • iv. State and local officials   
      • v. Public comment periods  
    • (b) Policymaking processes should reflect transparency, engagement, and consensus-building to ensure durable and effective outcomes.  
11. Market Competitiveness and Alignment 
    •  (a) U.S. state chemical policies should support competitiveness and leadership on the world stage. Policymakers should:  
      • i.  Avoid adopting frameworks that are incompatible with U.S. legal and scientific standards   
      • ii. Promote alignment where appropriate to facilitate trade and innovation and protect critical supply chains   
12. Avoidance of Unintended Consequences   
    • (a) Chemical policies should be designed to prevent unintended outcomes, including:   
      • i. Supply chain disruptions   
      • ii. Substitution with less understood or higher-risk alternatives   
      • iii. Increased costs for essential products   
    • (b) Regulatory decisions should consider economic, societal, and technological impacts alongside potential risks.   

Conclusion   

A modern chemical policy framework and regulatory actions should be fact based, grounded in the best available, high-quality science, rely on the weight of the scientific evidence, and encourage innovation. By following these principles, policymakers can ensure strong protections for human health and the environment while supporting economic growth, technological advancement, and American competitiveness.