18. CHEMICALS: Maine Legislature sends BPA ban to governor(04/13/2011)

A bill banning bisphenol A (BPA) passed the Maine Legislature with a unanimous vote in the state Senate yesterday.

The legislation would prohibit the use of BPA in reusable food and beverage containers as of next year. Its passage through the GOP-controlled Legislature was celebrated by public health and environmental groups.

BPA has been a source of controversy in recent years as a growing number of scientific studies have linked the chemical to learning disabilities, reproductive issues, cancer and obesity.

Gov. Paul LePage (R) is the final obstacle for the bill. The governor has questioned the need for action on BPA, joking that its worst side effect was that women would grow "little beards."

If LePage vetoes the bill, both chambers of the state Legislature have the numbers to override his decision. LePage might also refrain from signing the bill, allowing it to pass into law.

"This victory for Maine families continues Maine's tradition of embracing common sense safer chemical policies," said Mike Belliveau, executive director of the Environmental Health Strategy Center, in a statement (Kevin Miller, Bangor (Maine) Daily News, April 12). -- PK