Kathleen M. Roberts And Richard E. Engler Present At ABLC2017

On March 2, 2017, Kathleen M. Roberts, Executive Director of the Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group (BRAG^®), participated as a panelist alongside four other trade associations in the “Domestic Policy Forum” at the 2017 Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference (ABLC2017).  Ms. Roberts discussed the challenges facing the bioeconomy, including the implementation of the amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), issues with the TSCA nomenclature system, and the potential for increased scrutiny of renewable products under the current Administration, as well as the work being done by BRAG to address these challenges and to level the playing field for biobased chemicals.  If companies wish to ensure equitable regulations for biobased chemicals and products, they should consider joining BRAG to assist with future engagement with EPA.

On March 2, 2017, Richard E. Engler, Ph.D., Senior Chemist for Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C^®), presented “New TSCA: How Renewable Chemicals Survive and Thrive” at ABLC2017.  Dr. Engler presented as part of the Renewable Chemicals Summit and provided an overview of amended TSCA with a focus on the fundamental changes that will impact the bioeconomy.  Amendments to TSCA Section 5 require EPA to make an affirmative determination on every new chemical review, which has resulted in significantly more regulations for new chemicals.  Additionally, under amended TSCA, Congress has the authority to preempt state action, and EPA has increased testing authorities, as well as the authority to determine chemical substances as equivalent and the authority to increase fees under Sections 4, 5, 6, and 14.  For a copy of this presentation, please contact Dr. Engler at rengler@lawbc.com.