Back in February, we previewed the legislative priorities of the Illinois Environmental Council and the list included bills sponsored by State Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) and State Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook) to prohibit the sale of baby bottles, sippy cups, and other reusable food containers for children under age 3 that contain the chemical Bisphenol-A.  BPA, as its known, has been linked to childhood asthma, reproductive problems, and increased risk of cancer. 

Last year, the Chicago City Council was the first local government in the country to ban the sale of such products.  The state-level legislation has the support of over 30 groups, including Citizen Action, the AARP, and the Illinois Public Health Association.  But our own Adam Doster has learned from advocates in the capitol that a full Senate vote on the bill (which made it out of committee in March) is apparently being held up by lobbyists for the chemical industry. 

Just another infuriating day in Springfield ...