Bill · S. 5235· Senate(119-S-5235)
Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 8/4/2026
- Last activity
- 8/4/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Sponsored by
- Jeff Merkley
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2026 aims to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act. It seeks to prohibit the manufacture, processing, use, and distribution of commercial asbestos and any mixtures or articles containing it. The bill defines commercial asbestos as specific varieties like chrysotile and amosite that are extracted for commercial value. It includes specific exceptions for the chlor-alkali industry and certain sheet gaskets. Additionally, the President may grant exemptions for national security reasons.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+8
The bill prohibits the use and distribution of hazardous asbestos to protect the environment and public health.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+5
The ban reduces consumer exposure to hazardous asbestos products.
Does this give the federal government more power?+5
The bill expands federal authority over the regulation of commercial asbestos.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-5
The bill imposes new restrictions and phase-out requirements on businesses using asbestos.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Ban on Commercial Asbestos: The bill prohibits the manufacture, processing, use, and distribution of commercial asbestos and articles containing it, which addresses the use of asbestiform varieties like chrysotile and amosite (Section 2, paragraph 3).
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Exemption for Disposal: The bill allows for the distribution of mixtures or articles containing commercial asbestos if it is done solely for the purpose of disposal in compliance with Federal, State, and local requirements (Section 2, paragraph 1, clause B, ii).
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Protection for Existing Structures: The bill does not include end-use mixtures or articles that were installed in buildings, products, or equipment before the date of the Act's enactment (Section 2, paragraph 1, clause B, ii, I).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Chlor-alkali Industry: Owners or operators of chlor-alkali facilities are restricted in how they use and hold commercial asbestos fibers, limiting their use to manufacturing diaphragms for the chlor-alkali process (Section 2, paragraph 4, clause A).
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Requirement for Interim Exposure Controls: Chlor-alkali facilities must comply with interim exposure-control requirements throughout the authorized period of asbestos use (Section 2, paragraph 4, clause D).
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Conditional Phase-out for Sheet Gaskets: The processing, use, and distribution of commercial asbestos sheet gaskets are subject to specific conditions and restrictions established by the Administrator (Section 2, paragraph 5).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+8
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+5Good For Business Owners-5
- 8/4/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
John CurtisRepublican · Utah