Is California a Canary in the Coalmine? Emerging Trends and the Future of Chemical Regulation in California

During the last decade, the chemical industry has experienced unprecedented changes in the regulatory and litigation environment. The traditional regulatory paradigm relating to human health and environmental protection is being supplanted by more precautionary and public policy-based approaches. This shift has increased costs not only for chemical and product manufacturers, but also for downstream users dependent on specific chemicals for their products.

Our panel will explore the political, scientific and legal aspects of this paradigm shift and focus on specific burdens imposed on product manufacturers by California's Proposition 65 and Green Chemistry initiatives. Specific guidance will also be provided.