California has undertaken a number of new initiatives in its

environmental and product liability laws. One of the most significant is its Green Chemistry Initiative to attempt on a state level to remove or reduce toxic chemicals in

products, and to require advance study and disclosure of chemical risks. Introduced by Governor Schwarzenegger in April 2007, the Department of Toxic Substances Control has conducted a series of public workshops, expert panel meetings and electronic solicitations to collect ideas for how to implement the Initiative.

These efforts have led to the introduction and recent amendment of Assembly Bill (“AB”) 1879 by our former colleague, Assemblyman Michael Feuer. The proposed legislation would empower DTSC, with the help of a “Green Ribbon” panel, with new statutory authority to adopt regulations by January 1, 2011 to identify and regulate chemicals of concern in consumer products.

See full legal update for more information.