On November 9, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invited nominations of scientific experts from a diverse range of disciplines to be considered for appointment to the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC), established pursuant to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 88 Fed. Reg. 77308. EPA states that it anticipates appointing new SACC members by mid-2024 due to expiring membership terms. Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified individuals to be considered prospective candidates, and individuals may also self-nominate. Nominations are due December 11, 2023.
EPA states that it established SACC to provide independent advice and recommendations to the EPA Administrator on the scientific basis for risk assessments, methodologies, and approaches relating to implementation of TSCA. SACC members serve as Special Government Employees (SGE) or Regular Government Employees (RGE). According to EPA, SACC expects to meet approximately four to six times per year, or as needed and approved by the designated federal officer. EPA notes that there are currently 18 SACC members, with eight membership terms that will expire over the next year. The expiring membership terms are eligible for reappointments. Therefore, up to eight new appointments or a mix of reappointments and new appointments are possible by mid-2024.