Oral history interview of the toxic substances control act from the perspective of Charles L. Elkins
- 2010-Apr-09
Charles L. Elkins witnessed the centralization of federal environmental regulation in the early 1970s, first as an Office of Management and Budget examiner and then in the newly created Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Within the new EPA, Elkins worked in the Office of Categorical Programs, where he was involved with the pre-Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Office of Toxic Substances and the Noise Abatement Program. The categorical programs struggled from a lack of constituency and attention compared to the larger water and air pollution programs of the Office of Media Programs. Elkins became the director of the Office of Toxic Substances in 1986. While there were managerial challenges to running the office, the biggest challenge he faced was TSCA’s lack of a coherent mandate; the program instead consisted of several distinct tasks, each beset with procedural impediments. The new chemicals program worked well, and the testing program was considered too unworkable, so he focused on revitalizing the existing chemicals program, primarily by taking action on asbestos. That rule was overturned by the courts.
Elkins laments the lack of involvement by environmental and public health advocates in the Office, limiting the pressure it could exert when negotiating with industry for more stringent voluntary measures. He mentions some voluntary initiatives the Office undertook with industry, and cooperative programs with other federal agencies. He is skeptical that Congressional oversight could have improved the Office’s performance. While the Toxics Release Inventory was not a part of the TSCA program, he thinks it was influential in creating a constituency both within EPA and the public for increased data on toxics.
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About the Interviewers
Jody A. Roberts served as the Director of the Institute for Research at the Science History Institute. He received his PhD and MS in Science and Technology Studies from Virginia Tech and holds a BS in chemistry from Saint Vincent College. His research focuses on the intersections of regulation, innovation, environmental issues, and emerging technologies within the chemical sciences.
Kavita D. Hardy was a research assistant in the Environmental History and Policy Program at the Chemical Heritage Foundation. She received a BA in chemistry and in economics from Swarthmore College.
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| Oral history number | 0643 |
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Interviewee biographical information
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Education
| Year | Institution | Degree | Discipline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Yale University | BA | Philosophy |
| 1967 | Yale Law School | JD |
Professional Experience
United States. Office of Management and Budget
- 1967 to 1971 Budget Examiner for Environmental Programs
United States. Environmental Protection Agency
- 1971 to 1972 Special Assistant to the Administrator
- 1972 to 1973 Principal Deputy to the Assistant Administrator, Office of Categorical Programs
- 1973 to 1974 Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Categorical Programs
- 1974 to 1975 Director of Program and Management Operations, Office of Water and Hazardous Materials
- 1975 to 1981 Deputy Assistant Administrator for Noise Control Programs, Office of Air, Noise, and Radiation
- 1982 to 1983 Director, Office of Policy and Evaluation, Office of Air and Radiation
- 1983 Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation
- 1983 to 1985 Director, Office of Program Development, Office of Air and Radiation
- 1985 to 1986 Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation
- 1986 to 1990 Director, Office of Toxic Substances
- 1990 to 1994 Associate General Counsel
Jellinek, Schwartz, and Connolly, Inc.
- 1995 to 1999 Vice President
Chuck Elkins & Associates
- 1999 to 2011 President
Honors
| Year(s) | Award |
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| 1972 | Gold Medal for Exceptional Service, US Environmental Protection Agency |
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