Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2026
Latest action (4 Aug 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2026 (S. 5235) would amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the manufacture, processing, use, and distribution of commercial asbestos and products containing it, effective on enactment. It defines "commercial asbestos" to cover chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, actinolite, richterite, and winchite fibers extracted for commercial value, while excluding trace impurities, materials already installed in structures before enactment, and disposal-only distribution. The ban would not affect existing asbestos regulation under cosmetics law or metal ore mining activities.
The bill includes targeted exceptions: chlor-alkali facilities could continue using asbestos diaphragms until May 25, 2032 (or 2036 for companies that have converted some facilities to non-asbestos technology), subject to interim exposure-control requirements; asbestos sheet gaskets would phase out under existing EPA timelines; and the President could grant one-time, renewable national-security exemptions (up to 3 years each), with public notice generally required in the Federal Register.
The bill mainly affects industries still using asbestos-containing materials—chiefly chlor-alkali chemical manufacturers and gasket producers—as well as EPA's regulatory authority under TSCA. It was introduced August 4, 2026, by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) with Sen. John Curtis, read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, where it awaits further committee action before any floor vote.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on August 4, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 5235 do?
- Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2026 (S. 5235) would amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the manufacture, processing, use, and distribution of commercial asbestos and products containing it, effective on enactment. It defines "commercial asbestos" to cover chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, actinolite, richterite, and winchite fibers extracted for commercial value, while excluding trace impurities, materials already installed in structures before enactment, and disposal-only distribution. The ban would not affect existing asbestos regulation under cosmetics law or metal ore mining activities. The bill includes targeted exceptions: chlor-alkali facilities could continue using asbestos diaphragms until May 25, 2032 (or 2036 for companies that have converted some facilities to non-asbestos technology), subject to interim exposure-control requirements; asbestos sheet gaskets would phase out under existing EPA timelines; and the President could grant one-time, renewable national-security exemptions (up to 3 years each), with public notice generally required in the Federal Register. The bill mainly affects industries still using asbestos-containing materials—chiefly chlor-alkali chemical manufacturers and gasket producers—as well as EPA's regulatory authority under TSCA. It was introduced August 4, 2026, by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) with Sen. John Curtis, read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, where it awaits further committee action before any floor vote.
- Has S. 5235 become law?
- Not yet. As of 4 Aug 2026, S. 5235 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5235?
- S. 5235 was sponsored by Sen. Jeff Merkley [D-OR] (Democrat-OR), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 5235?
- Introduced (4 Aug 2026).
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