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H.R. 1603, the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2019
H.R. 1603, the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2019, was introduced by Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), and Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) on March 7, 2019. On Nov. 19, 2019, H.R. 1603 was reported favorably out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee by a bipartisan vote of 47-1. With such a strong vote in the Committee, it is likely that at some point in the 116th Congress, probably in 2020, this bill will be considered by the House of Representatives. However, at this point, it is unclear whether out not the Republican controlled Senate would consider this legislation.
The legislation, after enacted into law for one year, prohibits the manufacturing, processing, and distribution of asbestos or any mixture or article containing asbestos, though there is an exception process for certain national security applications. Within 120 days of enactment any person who has manufactured, processed, or distributed asbestos in the 36 months prior to enactment shall submit a report about such action to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Also any person who has manufactured, processed, or distributed asbestos after enactment of this bill will have 60 days to also report to the EPA about such action. The amended bill would give companies using asbestos to make chlorine, caustic soda 10 years for transition.
The bill requires, within 18 months of enactment, the EPA to report to Congress on the presence of asbestos in residential, commercial, industrial, public, and school building and the resulting extent of exposure and risk to human health.