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November 23, 2021

Lynn L. Bergeson and Richard E. Engler, Ph.D., Quoted by Chemical Watch in “TSCA approach for addressing abandoned PFASs may invite criticism”

Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.

On November 23, 2021, Chemical Watch featured comments by Lynn L. Bergeson, Managing Partner, Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) and Richard E. Engler, Ph.D., Director of Chemistry, B&C, regarding a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plan to use Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) significant new use rules (SNUR) to address inactive per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

“The Snur authority is a de facto bar to manufacture/import,” Lynn Bergeson and Rich Engler of law firm Bergeson & Campbell said. Requiring companies to submit a significant new use notice (Snun) “leaves EPA in complete control of reviewing and approving or not a ‘new use’” of a substance.

[…]

The EPA received harsh criticism over its 2019 decision to impose a Snur on asbestos, with some public health advocates at the time describing the move as “toothless” and a “half step”. 

Ms Bergeson and Dr Engler said this outlook may stem from a “flawed understanding” of how a Snur functions. But in the case of PFASs, “whether EPA will choose to risk another round of likely criticism is unclear”, they said. 

See – https://chemicalwatch.com/377083/tsca-approach-for-addressing-abandoned-pfass-may-invite-criticism (subscription required)