September 22, 2023

Comments on EPA’s White Paper on Quantitative Human Health Approach to Be Applied in Risk Evaluation for Asbestos Part 2 Due October 2, 2023

On August 3, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of and solicited public comment on the document entitled “White Paper: Quantitative Human Health Approach to be Applied in the Risk Evaluation for Asbestos Part 2 — Supplemental Evaluation including Legacy Uses and Associated Disposals of Asbestos” (White Paper) and related charge questions. 88 Fed. Reg. 51309. EPA states that it will be soliciting comments from expert ad hoc reviewers on the...
September 7, 2023

EPA Posts Resources on Rule to Accelerate Use of PIPs

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on August 4, 2023, that it is providing resources to help biotechnology developers exercise the full benefits of the exemptions available under the Plant Incorporated Protectants (PIP) exemption rule. These resources are available on EPA’s public website and include the following: The PIPs Exemption Final Rule went into effect on July 31, 2023.  More information on the final rule is available in our June 2,...
September 22, 2023

DOE Announces $18.6 Million to Support Production of Low-Carbon Biofuels and Bioproducts

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) announced on September 12, 2023, that it awarded $18.6 million in funding for eight university and industry projects to develop biomass feedstocks to produce affordable biofuels and bioproducts that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. According to BETO, the projects “will create good-paying jobs, support rural economies, and encourage participation of underserved communities, all while putting the United States on a...
September 21, 2023

Austrian Academy of Sciences Publishes NanoTrust Dossier on the Regulation and Safety Assessment of Nanomaterials in Cosmetics in the EU

In August 2023, the Institute of Technology Assessment of the Austrian Academy of Sciences published a NanoTrust Dossier entitled “Nanomaterials in cosmetics — regulation and safety assessment in the EU.” The dossier states that to ensure “the highest possible level of consumer protection,” the European Union (EU) Cosmetics Regulation was adapted in 2009, with special provisions introduced for nanomaterials. These provisions include requiring the notification of cosmetic products...