February 15, 2024

Recent Federal Developments for February 2024

TSCA/FIFRA/TRI                                                                                                                           EPA Announces Automatic Addition Of Seven Additional PFAS To TRI List Of Chemicals: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on January 9, 2024, the automatic addition of seven per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to...
February 14, 2024

EPA Releases Final TSCA Fees Rule

On February 8, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its final amendments to the 2018 final rule that established fees for the administration of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The final rule includes changes to the fee amounts and EPA’s total costs for administering TSCA; exemptions for entities subject to the EPA-initiated risk evaluation fees; exemptions for test rule fee activities; modifications to the self-identification and reporting requirements of...
February 5, 2024

EPA Proposes to Modify the Definition of Hazardous Waste and Add Multiple PFAS as Hazardous Constituents

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on February 1, 2024, two proposed rules that will add to its comprehensive approach to tackling per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution and the commercial bottom line for hundreds of businesses facing costs for cleanup. The first proposed rule would modify the definition of hazardous waste as it applies to cleanups at permitted hazardous waste facilities. EPA states that this modification “would assure that EPA’s...
February 2, 2024

EPA Releases Draft Updates to Its Scientific Integrity Policy for Public Comment

On January 24, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began a 30-day public comment period on the draft updates to its Scientific Integrity Policy (Policy). 89 Fed. Reg. 4606. EPA states that in accordance with the requirements of the 2021 Presidential Memorandum on Restoring Trust in Government Through Scientific Integrity and Evidence-based Policymaking, it is revising its Policy. The updated Policy will adopt a new federal definition of scientific integrity and “meaningfully...
January 30, 2024

EPA Holds Webinar on PFAS Reporting Rule Requirements

On January 25, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a webinar on EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section 8(a)(7) rule on the reporting and recordkeeping requirements for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). During the webinar, EPA provided an overview of the rule’s requirements. EPA also answered questions from webinar participants and stated that it is preparing a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document that it intends to circulate in early summer...
January 29, 2024

Senate Committee Holds Hearing on TSCA Implementation

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing on January 24, 2024, on “Oversight of Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Amendments Implementation.” Michal Freedhoff, Ph.D., Assistant Administrator (AA) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) was the Committee’s sole witness. Committee Chair Tom Carper (D-DE) and Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) provided opening statements. On the whole, no...
January 16, 2024

Recent Federal Developments for January 2024

TSCA/FIFRA/TRI EPA Publishes Final SNURs On Certain Chemical Substances: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published final significant new use rules (SNUR) on December 18, 2023, for certain chemical substances that were the subject of premanufacture notices (PMN) and are also subject to an Order issued by EPA pursuant to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 88 Fed. Reg. 87346. The SNURs require persons who intend to manufacture (defined by statute to include import) or...
January 12, 2024

EPA Issues Final SNUR to Prevent Inactive PFAS from Reentering Commerce

On January 11, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final significant new use rule (SNUR) to prevent companies from starting or resuming the manufacture (including import) or processing of 329 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are designated as inactive on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Substance Inventory. 89 Fed. Reg. 1822. The final rule notes that persons subject to the final SNUR are required to notify EPA at least...
January 11, 2024

B&C Consortia Management Seeks Consortium Manager

B&C® Consortia Management, L.L.C. (BCCM) is seeking a Consortium Manager (Manager) to provide operational, administrative, financial, and communication strategy and support to assigned BCCM consortia clients. The Manager reports to the BCCM Senior Manager. This position will be directed from our Washington, D.C., office with flexible telework arrangements available., including full time remote option. Overview of Requirements The successful candidate will be an experienced project manager...
January 9, 2024

EPA Releases Decision Framework to Assess Eye Irritation or Corrosion in New Chemicals

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released on January 8, 2024, a decision framework for identifying eye irritation or corrosion hazards for new chemicals reviewed under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 89 Fed. Reg. 1093. EPA states that the “New Chemicals Program Decision Framework for Hazard Identification of Eye Irritation and Corrosion” provides a decision framework for use by the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) New Chemicals Division (NCD) to...