California Chemicals Lawyers

The chemicals industry is one of the largest manufacturing industries in the United States. The business of chemistry plays a vital and growing role in the U.S. economy. The industry represents an $801 billion enterprise with 15% of the worlds chemicals produced by America’s manufacturers. In 2014 alone, U.S. chemicals industry exports were responsible for producing $191 billion.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security divides facilities in the chemistry sector into five core segments: (1) basic chemicals; (2) specialty chemicals; (3) agricultural chemicals; (4) pharmaceuticals; and (5) consumer products. The majority of these facilities are privately owned by companies that are subject to strict and expanding governmental regulation. These laws and regulations create substantial challenges for members of the chemicals industry and require an advanced understanding of environmental law and the distinct characteristics of the individual chemical manufacturers. In addition, the chemical industry pervades and crosses over into other products, including consumer products. Chemicals in the manufacturing process and used in consumer products are heavily regulated. Similarly, pesticides are also heavily regulated because of the chemicals in the products.

Environmental Laws and Regulations Impacting the Chemicals Industry

Toxics regulations can seriously affect a company’s bottom line. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) allows EPA broad authority to regulate operations of businesses in the chemicals industry. TSCA subjects companies to complex reporting requirements that often involve confidential information. Successful navigation of these requirements necessitates a team of skilled environmental lawyers with an understanding of both the law and industry operations.

The EPA regulates several pesticides under TSCA, including traditional chemical products, products manufactured using biotechnology, agricultural products, products for homeowners, and any product containing an antimicrobial constituent. Manufacturers and retailers of pesticide-containing products must develop comprehensive strategies for evaluating risks and benefits and addressing risk concerns. These businesses need to pay close attention to the environmental rules and regulations governing their activities or they may find themselves in regulatory agency proceedings and arbitrations mandated by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) , the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), and state analogs.

There are also numerous state, federal and international chemical-specific requirements governing consumer products. These legal mandates cover a broad range of consumer products. Associated regulations concern restrictions on lead in paint and prohibitions on bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles and children’s cups.

Providing Guidance to the Chemicals Sector

The attorneys at Bick Law work with companies operating across all segments of the chemicals industry. We understand the complex regulatory issues and business challenges facing chemical and pesticide manufacturers. Our California chemicals lawyers regularly guide industry clients through the complicated maze of federal, state and local laws, regulations and enforcement actions that impact and govern their daily and long-term business operations.

At Bick Law we believe in taking a comprehensive approach to environmental challenges. Our lawyers counsel chemical manufacturers and other companies on environmental issues that may arise at any stage of the product life cycle, from initial product development and manufacturing, to labeling, shipping, waste disposal and recycling. We help companies develop environmental policies and procedures that comply with federal, state and local statutes and regulations. Our focus is to help our clients identify and resolve issues before they turn into difficult and costly legal problems. We also assist chemical companies with commercial and real estate transactions and work to obtain any permits and approvals needed to manufacture their products.

Bick Law LLP excels at handling high stakes environmental litigation, enforcement actions, or compliance counseling for members of the chemicals industry. Our careful analysis of clients’ legal situation from all angles allows us to develop strategies that bring cases to quick resolutions while protecting our clients’ business, financial and legal interests.