All Knowledge & Insights By Date

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released and requested comment on a draft document titled, “A Framework for Categorizing the Relative Vulnerability of Threatened and Endangered Species to Climate Change” (EPA/600/R-09/011).  74 Fed. Reg. 61671.  The document was prepared by the National Center for Environmental Assessment within EPA’s Office of Research and Development.  The draft document describes an evaluative framework to categorize the relative...

We are pleased to announce that Lynn L. Bergeson is included on the list of top environmental lawyers in the feature on top lawyers in the December 2009 issue of Washingtonian . Washingtonian compiled its list of top lawyers relying heavily on peer recommendations, asking attorneys who was setting the standard in his or her field. Washingtonian’s list of the 800 top lawyers in 29 legal specialties represents the top one percent of lawyers in D.C.

We are pleased to announce that Joseph E. Plamondon, Ph.D., who works for both Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C) and The Acta Group, L.L.C., a B&C consulting affiliate, will be speaking at the Sixth International Fresenius Chemicals Policy Conference: REACH in Practice, on December 7-8, 2009, in Cologne, Germany. On December 8, 2009, Dr. Plamondon will provide an update on the current status of reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and address chemical nomenclature under...

On September 16, 2009, Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW), with and relying on the advice and assistance of The Acta Group EU, Ltd (Acta EU), an affiliate of Bergeson & Campbell, P.C., submitted the first appeal against a decision of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA or the Agency) with the ECHA Board of Appeal, on behalf of the registrant. On the basis of this submission, on October 14, 2009, the Executive Director of ECHA rectified the contested decision pursuant to Article 93(1) of the...

On September 16, 2009, Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW), with and relying on the advice and assistance of The Acta Group EU, Ltd (Acta EU), an affiliate of Bergeson & Campbell, P.C., submitted the first appeal against a decision of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA or the Agency) with the ECHA Board of Appeal, on behalf of the registrant. On the basis of this submission, on October 14, 2009, the Executive Director of ECHA rectified the contested decision pursuant to Article 93(1) of the...

Today the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled “Prioritizing Chemicals for Safety Determination.”  The hearing was intended to examine the options for prioritizing chemicals for safety determinations in the event that Congress passes legislation amending the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and reflects Congress’s sustained interest in chemical management reform legislation. The hearing, which was...

The November 17, 2009, issue of BNA Daily Environment Report quotes Lynn L. Bergeson regarding Australia's proposed strategy to regulate new nanoscale chemicals and existing chemicals produced at the nanoscale. According to Bergeson, the proposal is "refreshingly thorough and comprehensive" and could serve as a model for other governments.

Today the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the online availability of a webinar regarding preparing and submitting a registration dossier.  ECHA held the webinar on November 4, 2009, for lead registrants.  The objective of the webinar was to provide lead registrants with an understanding of the main technical concepts required to be able to prepare and submit a registration dossier.  ECHA covered the following topics:  exporting information as an IUCLID 5...

On October 29, 2009, the European Commission (EC) adopted a Communication entitled Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies: An Action Plan for Europe 2005-2009. Second Implementation Report 2007-2009. The Communication outlines the key developments during 2007-2009 in each policy area of the Nanotechnology Action Plan 2005-2009, identifies current challenges, and draws conclusions relevant to the future European nanotechnology policy. According to the Communication, the EC has made significant...

Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed significant new use rules (SNUR) under Section 5(a)(2) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for two chemical substances that were the subject of premanufacture notices (PMN). EPA identified the substances generically as multi-walled carbon nanotubes and single-walled carbon nanotubes. According to the notice, these substances are subject to TSCA Section 5(e) consent orders issued by EPA. The consent orders require protective...