Bill > S2811

This bill, named the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025, proposes to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to comprehensively prohibit the manufacture, processing, use, and distribution of commercial asbestos and products containing asbestos. The bill defines "commercial asbestos" as specific asbestiform varieties, including chrysotile, crocidolite, and others, when extracted and processed for commercial value. The prohibition would take effect immediately upon enactment, with two notable exceptions: the chlor-alkali industry would be allowed to continue using asbestos for manufacturing diaphragms until January 1, 2030, and the President may grant limited national security exemptions for up to three years (with a potential three-year extension) if no feasible alternatives exist. The bill carefully defines terms like "distribution in commerce" and excludes existing installations and disposal activities from the ban. It also specifies that the prohibition applies only to chemical substances regulation and does not affect other asbestos-related regulations, such as those governing cosmetics. The legislation aims to protect public health by eliminating commercial asbestos use across most industries, with built-in provisions for rare, critically necessary applications.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2811/all-info