Number: RS22379
Title: Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): Fact Sheet on Three International Agreements
Authors: Linda-Jo Schierow, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: The President has signed and submitted the two treaties to the Senate for advice and consent. If the Senate consents by a two-thirds majority, and if Congress passes legislation needed to implement the treaties and the executive agreement in the United States, then the treaties could be ratified and the agreements would become binding U.S. law. Two U.S. statutes are inconsistent with the agreements: the Toxic Substances Control Act, which governs industrial uses of chemicals, and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, which regulates the sale and use of pesticides. Proposals to amend these statutes were considered but not enacted in the 107th, 108th, and 109th Congresses. Prospects for the 110th Congress are unclear.
Pages: 3
Date: June 12, 2008