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History

CHANGE started in May 2006 when representatives of ten organizations met in Sacramento, California, to begin the formation of a California initiative on chemicals policy. The ten organizations- the Breast Cancer Fund, California Interfaith Partnership for Children’s Health and the Environment, Center for Environmental Health, Commonweal, Environment California, Just Transition Alliance, National Environmental Trust, Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles, Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, Worksafe,  Environmental Working Group, Health Care Without Harm, the Green Schools Initiative, Breast Cancer Action, and the Science and Environmental Health Network. The first teleconference conversations focused on how to help generate media coverage for the University of California special report, “Green Chemistry in California: A Framework for Leadership in Chemicals Policy and Innovation.” Following the successful release of the UC report, the dialogue shifted to how to use the legislative opportunities generated by the report to transform chemicals policy in California.

Our History and Victories:

CHANGE was closely involved in the 2008 legislative session, in which two key bills (AB 1879 and SB 509) were passed that lay the initial groundwork for the Green Chemistry Initiative (GCI.) These bills represented an important step forward for California in its effort to develop green chemistry.

  • On the legislative front, CHANGE members were instrumental in resurrecting Senate Bill 797 (Pavley), which would eliminate BPA from baby feeding devices and formula. A tremendous effort went into the successful passage of the bill on the Assembly Floor.
  • Key wins in the implementation process of California Safer Consumer Products regulations and changes.