In what year was the Toxic Substances Control Act enacted?

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was enacted in 1976, marking a significant milestone in environmental regulation. This legislation was designed to regulate the introduction of new or already existing chemicals, aiming to provide the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the authority to assess and manage the risks associated with chemical substances. By doing so, it laid the groundwork for ensuring that new materials are evaluated for their potential environmental and health impacts before they can be manufactured or imported in the United States.

The importance of TSCA cannot be overstated; it was a response to growing public concern over the safety of chemicals in products and the environment. TSCA established procedures for reporting, record-keeping, and testing requirements that apply to existing and new chemical substances. Therefore, the correct identification of 1976 as the year of enactment is crucial to understanding the legislative history of chemical regulation in the United States.