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New Report Aims to Spur Green Technology Innovation and Investment in California
In a June 2, 2008 press release, the California Environmental Protection Agency Department of Toxic Substances Control announced a Green Chemistry initiative:
“SACRAMENTO – Reducing toxic compounds in consumer products and the environment can stimulate and most rapidly be accomplished through technology innovation and investment in California, leading to greener products and processes, according to a report released today and posted online at http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/. The report was written as part of the activities of the Green Chemistry Initiative Science Advisory Panel for Director Maureen Gorsen of the state Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC).
California has an opportunity to match the creative innovations in science and technology occurring in the state with creative innovations in chemicals policy,” said John Warner, Ph.D., chairman of the Science Advisory Panel, and also president and chief technology officer of the Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry in Woburn, Massachusetts. “This panel has brought together individuals from industry, academia and non-governmental agencies. Working together, they have crafted a document which speaks to a number of options for the State of California to consider.
California Environmental Protection Secretary (Cal/EPA) Linda Adams spearheaded the California Green Chemistry Initiative, and asked Director Gorsen of DTSC to staff a multi-agency state team exploring a different approach to environmental protection – transitioning away from managing toxic waste, emissions and discharges at the end of the pipe, to protecting public health and the environment from such hazards through the design of products and industrial processes.
“This panel brings together the nation’s 21 leading thinkers and innovators of green chemistry,” said Gorsen. “We are thrilled to have been able to attract the valuable time and energies of this extraordinary collection of renowned scientists from academia, industry and non-governmental organizations. Their willingness to wrestle with our state policy issues demonstrates their belief in the potential of California to create a new robust green materials economy.”
The report concluded that the State of California needs to assemble and utilize a full and diverse set of options, if it is to create both supply and demand for green chemistry, bridge key gaps hindering current efforts, and effectively carry out the core functions of a comprehensive chemicals policy.
The report is a collection of 38 ideas to be considered. The central concept of the report is that the advancement of green chemistry in California is an effective vehicle to promote innovation in ways that also protect human health and the environment and provide economic opportunities.
SUPPLY-SIDE OPTIONS
- Green chemistry initiatives in education
- Supporting research and innovation in green chemistry and engineering
- Development of tools, methodologies and strategies for developing greener chemicals
- Providing incentives to industry for developing greener products, processes and technologies
- Recognition of industry efforts through voluntary actions
DEMAND-SIDE OPTIONS
- Identifying and prioritizing chemicals or chemical uses of concern
- Developing, improving and effectively employing regulations
- Developing incentives to boost demand for green chemistry
The panel’s proposals for a state effort to develop and use safer chemicals will be considered for possible inclusion in the final Green Chemistry Initiative report due to Secretary Adams later this year.
For more information on members of the Science Advisory Panel, visit http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/PollutionPrevention/GreenChemistryInitiative.
The mission of the Department of Toxic Substances Control is to provide the highest level of safety, and to protect public health and the environment from toxic harm.”