Augusta - Thursday in Augusta, the Board of Environmental Protection decided to proceed with a phase out of the toxic chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) from infant formula packaging and baby food packaging.

But the board stopped short of phasing BPA out of toddler food packaging.

The Kids Safe Product Act actually blocks the board from making a ruling on BPA in food packaging for children over the age of three.

They'll need the legislature to amend the law before a phase out of BPA in toddler food packaging can proceed.

Environmental advocates are pleased with the board's decision. "It's a victory for Maine kids. It's a victory for science," said Steve Taylor of the Environmental Health & Strategy Center. "It was very clear that the unanimous decision by the board was based on the extensive science in the public record and we're very glad that Maine has an independent board like this. That they followed the science and they saw their way forward to protect Maine kids."

Thursday's decision comes after seven months of public hearings, scientific presentations, and technical analysis.

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