On October 19, 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) posted the Final Work Plan (FWP) for the nanosilver registration review process under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The FWP explains what the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) “knows about nanosilver generally, highlighting anticipated data and assessment needs for each unique nanosilver chemistry, identifying the types of information that would be especially useful to the...
Category: General
Section 8(b)(10)(B) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act (Lautenberg), directs that “[n]ot later than April 1, 2017, and every 3 years thereafter, the Administrator shall carry out and publish” (Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2018a, p. 30056) an inventory of mercury or mercury-added products or uses of mercury in a manufacturing process. On June 27, 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency...
Hi, this is Lynn Bergeson of Bergeson & Campbell in Washington, D.C. I'm here to announce that we have launched a podcast. It's called All Things Chemical. And whether you are a lawyer in the chemical space, a scientist or a manager, or a CEO of a Fortune 50 chemical company, you will want to listen up. Starting November 1st we will be releasing a podcast every other week. We're going to be dealing with a whole host of really interesting issues including animal testing and alternatives to...
October 19, 2018
B&C Presents “Keeping up with FSMA – Rules, Obligations, and Key Compliance Dates” Webinar
On October 17, 2018, Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) presented a complimentary webinar regarding pending implementation dates of key U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) rules. “Keeping up with FSMA – Rules, Obligations, and Key Compliance Dates” was presented by Karin F. Baron, MSPH, Senior Regulatory Consultant, B&C, Lynn L. Bergeson, Managing Partner, B&C, and Scott J. Burya, Ph.D., Regulatory Chemist, B&C, and...
October 19, 2018
EPA Issues Final TSCA Fees Rule in Federal Register
On October 17, 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its final fees rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in the Federal Register. 83 Fed. Reg. 52694. The final rule largely tracks the proposed rule. EPA is establishing fees applicable to any person required to submit information to EPA; or a notice, including an exemption or other information, to be reviewed by EPA; or who manufactures (including imports) a chemical substance that is the subject of a...
October 19, 2018
Weekly Roundup of Other Biobased News
The Detroit News, “UM Researchers Get Algae Biofuel Grant” The Hill, “Oil Industry, Green Groups Join to Oppose Trump’s Ethanol Plan” AgriNews, “Investing in the Future of Agricultural Innovations” Renewable Energy Magazine, “Neste and Air BP Collaborate to Support Sustainable Aviation Fuel” The Economic Times, “Plant to Convert E-Waste into Bio Fuel to Be Made Operational Soon: Harsh Vardhan”
October 19, 2018
Presidential Determination: Alane Fuel Cells
By Lynn L. Bergeson On October 11, 2018, President Trump issued a Presidential Determination that the development and purchase of equipment and materials needed for alane fuel cells are essential to the national defense. Alane fuel cells are, essentially, comprised of aluminum hydride and are possible alternatives to hydrogen fuel cells. According to manufacturers, the only byproducts are water and aluminum, the latter of which can be recycled. Issuing the determination under...
October 19, 2018
Democrats Express Concern Over RFS Waivers
By Lynn L. Bergeson On October 15, 2018, U.S. Representatives Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Danny Davis (D-IL) submitted a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing concern over President Trump’s issuance of waivers to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Particularly worried about EPA’s recent actions to waive RFS blending requirements, the letter, signed by 19 members of Congress, urges EPA “to halt the issuance of additional RFS waivers and to reallocate...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued on October 16, 2018, a proposed rule that would establish significant new use rules (SNUR) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for 13 chemical substances that are the subject of premanufacture notices (PMN). 83 Fed. Reg. 52179. The proposed rule is significant. Unlike other recent SNURs (i.e., those enacted since entry into force of amended TSCA), the 13 chemical substances are not also subject to consent...
As part of Amazon’s commitment to responsible sourcing, Amazon has posted its chemicals policy, which includes its first Restricted Substance List (RSL). Amazon states that it defines chemicals of concern as those chemicals that: (1) meet the criteria for classification as a carcinogen, mutagen, reproductive, or other systemic toxicant; or (2) are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. Amazon “strategically prioritize[s] which chemicals of concern to focus on based on product type, customer...