# The Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2022

This bill would ban the manufacture, import, use, and sale of commercial asbestos in the United States. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was widely used in building materials, insulation, brake pads, and other products for decades. While it was extremely useful because it resists heat and fire, asbestos is highly toxic—when fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can cause serious lung diseases including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. The bill is named after Alan Reinstein, a former congressman who died from mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure.

The ban would take effect one year after the bill becomes law, giving companies time to phase out their asbestos operations. However, there are a few exceptions. Chlor-alkali facilities—industrial plants that use asbestos diaphragms in their chemical production process—would get an extra year (two years total) to find alternatives and transition away from using asbestos. The President could also grant temporary exemptions for national security reasons if there's no feasible alternative to using asbestos for a specific military or defense purpose, though these exemptions would last no more than three years and could be extended once for another three years.

The bill requires companies currently using asbestos to report detailed information to the Environmental Protection Agency about their operations, including how much asbestos they use, what products contain it, how many workers and others might be exposed, and how they plan to dispose of asbestos-containing materials. These reports would become public so citizens and workers can know which companies are handling asbestos and where. The EPA would also be required to educate the public about the ban and help businesses comply with the new rules.

Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2022

Bonamici, Suzanne

Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2022 This bill generally prohibits the manufacture, process, use, and distribution in commerce of commercial asbestos or any mixture or article containing commercial asbestos and requires the Environmental Protection Agency to publicize the prohibition and provide assistance to those who must comply with the prohibition.