(Sacramento) In the biggest leap forward in California’s chemicals policy in two decades, AB 1879 (Feuer) and SB 509 (Simitian) were signed by Governor Schwarzenegger at a ceremony this morning. For the first time, state scientists and regulators will have comprehensive authority to protect the public from harmful chemicals found in everyday consumer products.

“Many of the world’s leading scientists have said that our kids are pre-programmed in the womb for a variety of illnesses including cancer and neurological diseases as a result of the toxins to which their mothers are exposed,” said Feuer. “The system this legislation puts in place will protect the health of children for many generations to come.”

“Enactment of Assemblyman Feuer’s AB 1879 and Senator Simitian’s SB 509 represents a major milestone for improving California’s environment and public health,” said Secretary for Environmental Protection Linda Adams. “With this landmark legislation we can begin the process of establishing the most comprehensive Green Chemistry program in the nation,” Secretary Adams concluded.

AB 1879 and SB 509 are the foundational steps of California’s Green Chemistry efforts. They authorize Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) to identify, prioritize, evaluate and regulate any harmful chemicals in consumer products and collect vital hazard and toxicity information on chemicals in commerce.

“We want to thank Assemblyman Feuer for authoring AB 1879 which, along with Senator Simitian’s SB 509, is the cornerstone for California’s Green Chemistry Initiative,” said Maureen Gorsen, Director of the state’s Department of Toxic Substances Control. “Enactment of this statute sets the foundation for making products sold in California safer and our environment cleaner,” Director Gorsen concluded.

Governor Schwarzenegger, Assemblymember Feuer, Senator Simitian, and member of the Governor’s administration were joined at the ceremony by the diverse group of interests supporting AB 1879 including the Breast Cancer Fund, Chemical Industry Council of California, Sierra Club, DuPont Company, Environment California, Intel, the California League of Conservation Voters, and the Silicon Valley Manufacturing Group.

Assemblyman Feuer was elected to the California State Assembly to represent the 42nd Assembly District, which includes all or part of the Los Angeles communities of Sherman Oaks, Studio City, North Hollywood, Valley Glen, Valley Village, Toluca Lake, Universal City, Griffith Park, Brentwood, Bel Air, Holmby Hills, Beverly Glen, Westwood, Century City, Hollywood, Fairfax, Hancock Park, Los Feliz, as well as the Cities of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood.