EU-U.S. Politics and Chemicals Management.

Trans-Atlantic relations are important in many areas of international environmental politics. Studies show that the status of these relations can both facilitate and hinder effective policy making and implementation. This paper examines trans-Atlantic relations on international chemicals management. The paper shows how EU and U.S. led policy developments on chemicals over the past decade have led to the creation of several multilateral treaties and organizations, as well as the expansion of existing programs. While they share a basic concern over hazardous chemicals, however, the European Union and the United States often disagree over specific regulatory issues and approaches. There are moreover signs that ongoing European efforts to expand Community chemicals assessment and regulation are resulting in growing EU-U.S. controversy over the future direction of chemicals management. Specifically, the EU and the U.S. disagree on regulatory, financial and market based issues relating to chemicals and their management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]