The Chemical Safety Bill - NYTimes.com Your editorial endorsing a new chemical safety bill ("An Opening to Strengthen Chemical Regulations," May 30) makes the unwarranted claim that the measure would be "a significant advance" over current law. While the editorial acknowledges our concerns, it does not make clear how fundamental they are. In reality, the new bill mimics two of the fatal flaws of existing law - the lack of enforceable deadlines and a weak safety standard - while more broadly pre-empting states from protecting their citizens. In short, the bill could result in few if any additional limits on toxic chemicals at the federal level, while blocking state action. We need bipartisan chemical safety reform worthy of the name. We're not there yet. FRANCES BEINECKE President Natural Resources Defense Council Washington, May 30, 2013