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The UCLA Sustainable Technology and Policy Program (STPP) is a new program bringing together faculty and scientists from Law, Public Health, Public Policy, Engineering and Chemistry with the goal of establishing an inter-disciplinary program of policy research, education, and outreach supporting adoption of a precautionary approach to chemical policy in California and nationally. STPP brings together researchers from those schools and others across the UCLA campus in a unique, action-oriented initiative.
STPP responds to growing concerns regarding the pervasive use of chemicals in California. These chemicals can undermine community and occupational health, and can have devastating effects on our environment. Traditionally, lawmakers and business have sought to manage the risks associated with our dependence on chemicals. Government regulation and voluntary industry standards focus on proper storage and management of chemicals, and on collection and disposal of chemical wastes. However, this risk management approach is costly and often ineffective. Risk prevention is a competing approach that seeks to replace dangerous chemicals and processes with safer alternatives. While pursuit of risk prevention has been described by a variety of terms—pollution prevention, “clean” technology, “green” chemistry, sustainable production to name a few—one principle drives all of these: it is generally better avoid chemical dangers than to manage them.
For more information about STPP, go here.
