S. 2811: Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025, seeks to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the manufacture, processing, use, and distribution of commercial asbestos. Here’s a breakdown of its main components:

Definitions of Commercial Asbestos

The bill defines commercial asbestos to include various types of asbestiform minerals, specifically:

• Chrysotile (serpentine)
• Crocidolite (riebeckite)
• Amosite (cummingtonite-grunerite)
• Anthophyllite
• Tremolite
• Actinolite
• Richterite
• Winchite

Prohibitions Established

Effective immediately upon the bill's enactment, the following prohibitions will apply:

• No one may manufacture, process, use, or distribute in commerce commercial asbestos or any mixtures or articles that contain it.
• There is a specific provision allowing the chlor-alkali industry to continue using commercial asbestos until January 1, 2030, solely for making diaphragms used in their processes.

Exemptions for National Security

The bill includes a provision that allows the President to grant exemptions from these prohibitions under specific circumstances:

• The exemption can only be granted if the use of commercial asbestos is necessary for national security and no feasible alternatives exist.
• Such exemptions can last for up to three years but may be extended for an additional three years.
• Exemptions will come with terms to minimize exposure to asbestos as much as possible.
• Information related to these exemptions must be published, unless it threatens national security.

Regulatory Framework

This legislation modifies how asbestos is handled under the Toxic Substances Control Act. It clarifies that:

• The definitions and prohibitions outlined will specifically pertain to the regulation of chemical substances.
• This legislation will not affect other existing prohibitions or definitions related to asbestos outside the scope of this bill.
• Materials containing asbestos only as an impurity are not included in these prohibitions.

Impact on Existing Materials

The bill acknowledges existing mixtures and articles containing commercial asbestos installed in buildings or structures before the act’s enactment. These will be exempt from the ban as long as they are not actively distributed for commerce.

Implementation Timeline

The relaxed restrictions for certain industries and the overall prohibitions will take effect as soon as the bill is enacted, marking a significant shift in how asbestos can be handled in the U.S.

Relevant Companies

• ALB - Albemarle Corporation: As a manufacturer of chemicals, Albemarle could be affected by the prohibition on using commercial asbestos.
• HEI - HEICO Corporation: They may need to adjust their supply chain and product formulations if any components rely on asbestos.
• LANC - Lancaster Colony Corporation: They will have to ensure that their production methods comply with the new regulations if they use materials that may contain asbestos.