News & Events

As many of our clients and friends know, George W. Wilson, Jr. died last November. George served as Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.'s (B&C®) chief technology officer for many years. To those of us who knew and worked with George, we loved his passion for life, we relied upon his expertise in information technology, and we appreciated and benefitted from his vision for the seamless integration of business, information technology, and accounting. Many more who did not have the pleasure of...

On April 22, 2016, Lisa R. Burchi, of Counsel with Bergeson & Campbell, P.C., presented “Regulatory Updates and Enforcement Trends,” at the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) Western Region Meeting. Ms. Burchi’s presentation detailed how the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) sets priorities and enforcement strategies. OECA identifies compliance monitoring and assurance activities for Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) New and...

On April 20, 2016, Jane S. Vergnes, Ph.D., DABT, Senior Toxicologist of Bergeson & Campbell, P.C., chaired the “Microbeads: Regulatory & Safety Issues” session and an at the Grocery Manufacturers Association Science Forum. Panelists Jack Lindard, Ph.D., Brooke Tvermoes, Ph.D., and Michael Gruber discussed new federal regulations banning the sale of certain personal care products containing the synthetic polymer particles referred to as microbeads. Dr. Vergnes also moderated an...

On April 20, 2016, Lynn L. Bergeson presented on the regulatory framework created by reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) at the 2016 Adhesive and Sealant Council (ASC) Spring Conference. Throughout the course of the presentation, “The New TSCA Regulatory Framework Post-TSCA Reform,” Ms. Bergeson discussed the future of chemical management under TSCA regardless of when action is taken to implement TSCA reform. The presentation covered TSCA’s core provisions and authorities;...

On April 14, 2016, James V. Aidala, Senior Government Affairs Consultant at Bergeson & Campbell, P.C., presented regarding the evolution of the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) at the CropLife RISE Spring Conference in Arlington, Virginia. FQPA was created to amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). During “FQPA 20 Years Later: The Evolution of Science,” Mr. Aidala discussed the history and creation of...

On April 15, 2016, Bloomberg BNA Daily Environment Report published “European Commission Sets Out Terminology for Nanomaterial Assessment,” an article focusing on the EC Joint Research Center’s release of definitions for 43 nanotechnology risk assessment terms. […]JRC technical reports are respected resources that have demonstrable value, and can be widely used, but it has no binding legal effect, Lynn Bergeson, managing partner of the U.S.-headquartered law firm Bergeson &...

On April 5, 2016, Inside EPA included comments from a Pesticide Law and Policy Blog post written by B&C partner Lisa Campbell and B&C attorney Timothy Backstrom in the article “Bayer Eyes Rare FIFRA Hearing To Challenge EPA Pesticide Cancellation.”  Observers tracking the case say that whether the Office of Administrative Law Judges (ALJ) requires EPA to follow the lengthier cancellation process under FIFRA section 6(b) could inform...

On March 29, 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the Partial Exemption of Certain Chemical Substances from Reporting Additional Chemical Data final rule in the Federal Register. This final rule amends the list of chemical substances that are partially exempt from additional reporting requirements under the Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) rule. The rule applies to six biodiesel chemicals that are very similar to petroleum based biodiesel chemicals that are...

Register online. In two short months, the reporting period for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 2016 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) rule, June 1, 2016 - September 30, 2016, will open. Will your company be ready? Are you well-versed in the new reporting elements that will be required in the 2016 reporting cycle? Do you know whether your chemicals will be subject to lower reporting thresholds, or if the 2012 reporting exemptions still apply? Are you certain you have...

On February 18, 2016, Richard E. Engler, Ph.D., Senior Chemist at Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®), presented at Cellulosic Fuels: First Commercials and Beyond, a session at the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference 2016 (ABLC2016).  Dr. Engler’s presentation, “TSCA and the Cellulosic Revolution,” covered Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) nomenclature, inventory, and model manufacturing process issues for cellulosic products.  The presentation...

On February 19, 2016, Kathleen M. Roberts, Executive Director of the Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group (BRAG®), presented “Achieving Critical Policy Changes through Consortia” at the 2016 Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference (ABLC2016).  Ms. Roberts presented as part of The Bioeconomy R&D Consortia Summit and discussed the work being done by BRAG to level the regulatory playing field for biobased chemicals.  BRAG has successfully petitioned the U.S....

Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) and The Acta Group (Acta®) are pleased to announce that Oscar Hernandez, Ph.D. has joined our teams as Senior Regulatory Chemist. Dr. Hernandez is the former Director of the Risk Assessment Division (RAD) in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT), where he managed a multi-disciplinary science group that provided expert scientific support in the areas of hazard and risk assessment of chemicals...

The December 2015 issue of Nature Biotechnology included comments by Richard E. Engler, Ph.D. on keeping biotech rules current with scientific progress in the article “A face-lift for biotech rules begins.” To stay up to date with technology, Richard Engler, a senior chemist at the environmental law firm Bergeson & Campbell in Washington, DC, suggested that technology stewards be embedded in each of the relevant federal agencies. Their role would be to monitor...

Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) and The Acta Group (Acta®) are pleased to announce that Susan M. Kirsch has joined our teams as Government Affairs Advisor. Ms. Kirsch brings substantial regulatory and technical policy expertise at the local, state, and federal levels, with experience at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the U.S. Department of Justice, Environmental and Natural Resource Division, and most recently the Association of Clean Water...

The December 14, 2015, Chemical Watch article “TSCA Bill Could Have 'Huge' Impact On Downstream Users,” included quotes from Lynn L. Bergeson on possible results of TSCA Reform. Changes to the chemical inventory as proposed in the US Senate Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) reform would have a “huge” impact on downstream users, according to Lynn Bergeson, owner of Bergeson & Campbell, PC.  Bill S697 proposes to reset the TSCA Inventory of Chemical Substances to...

On December 11, 2015, Chemical Watch, quoted Lynn Bergeson in the article “Senate TSCA Bill More Aligned With EPA Principles, Says Denison.” Lynn Bergeson, managing partner of Bergeson & Campbell, said it is possible that the Senate will approve S-697 before Congress adjourns in mid-December. “Until it emerges from the Senate we can’t have any further action on the bill,” she added.

The December 9, 2015, Daily Environment Report article “Evolving Chemical Issues Drive Change at Law Firms” included an interview with Lynn Bergeson and Heidi Lewis on how Bergeson & Campbell, P.C., has changed in the 10 years since REACH became law.  REACH became law in 2006 in the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Since then, Bergeson & Campbell PC has seen “tremendous growth” said Heidi Brown Lewis, director of marketing for the firm. “We've...

The December 1, 2015, Bloomberg BNA Daily Environment Report article “Swedish Agency Proposes Nanomaterials Reporting” included quotes from Lynn L. Bergeson. The proposal is not unexpected, said Lynn Bergeson, managing partner of the law firm Bergeson & Campbell P.C., which has tracked policies for nanomaterials for more than a decade. Sweden's National Action Plan, issued Oct. 8, 2013, recommended the creation of an inventory of products on the market that contain...

"TSCA Reform: What’s Happening Now, and What’s Next?" Request Recording and slides from “TSCA Reform Panel Summit: What’s Happening Now, and What’s Next?”  Program informational flyer George Washington University (GWU) Milken Institute School of Public Health, GWU Law School, Environmental Law Institute, Arnold & Porter LLP, and Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. Present:  TSCA Reform Panel Summit: What's Happening Now, and What's Next? Thursday, November 19, 2015,...

A November 30, 2015 story in Bloomberg BNA Daily Environment Report on the federal approach to regulating bioengineered products and comments submitted by nearly a thousand organizations and individuals on the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology, featured commentary from B&C: Bergeson & Campbell PC, a law firm that represents companies working with emerging technologies, supported the efforts to update the framework but described structural...

B&C Managing Partner and Product Stewardship Society Board Member Lynn L. Bergeson’s presentation "Legal and Stewardship Issues Associated with EPDs and HPDs" was featured in the society’s Full Circle Blog:  “Regardless of what the law requires, disclosure is fast becoming a commercial imperative, especially for companies wanting to establish themselves as ‘green,’ said Lynn Bergeson, managing partner, Bergeson & Campbell, PC, during a session at...

The November 25, 2015, Bloomberg BNA Daily Environment Report quoted Bergeson & Campbell, P.C., in the article “Diverse Parties Say Federal Biotech Rules Confusing.” Bergeson & Campbell PC, a law firm that represents companies working with emerging technologies, supported the efforts to update the framework but described structural problems that may thwart the White House's intentions. The regulatory infrastructure is ill-suited to address synthetic biology—a new form of...

On November 24, 2015, Inside EPA published the article “TSCA Bill Faces Implementation Hurdles Despite Potential For Senate Vote.”  Jim V. Aidala was quoted discussing a possible implementation timeline if the TSCA Reform bill was passed. Former EPA toxics official Jim Aidala, now with the law firm Bergeson & Campbell, at the ELI event identified some of the time frames on rulemakings, new definitions, and administrative fees as potential "early implementation hurdles"...

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The November 17, 2015, Chemical Watch article “Leading Republican Senators Pledge To ‘Rein In’ US EPA,” included a quote from Lynn L. Bergeson on a possible outcome of Republicans taking control of the Senate. “Given Senator Inhofe’s strong views on EPA, it would not surprise me if he took direct aim at many EPA initiatives, starting with, but by no means ending with, climate change,” said Lynn Bergeson of the law firm Bergeson & Campbell, which specialises in...

The Acta Group (Acta®), a consulting firm affiliated with Washington, D.C. law firm Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®), is seeking a pesticide registration specialist to join our growing team of regulatory consultants, scientists, and policy experts.  This position will be based in our Washington, D.C. office, although telework arrangements may be considered for the right candidate.  Applicants should be experienced in all aspects of preparing, submitting, and managing...

The November 10, 2015, BNA Daily Environment Report article  "Nanomaterials Said to Illustrate Need for TSCA Reform" included comments from Lynn L. Bergeson and the NanoBusiness Commercialization Association (NanoBCA) on the importance of TSCA reform for nanomaterials. […]Lynn Bergeson, managing partner of Bergeson & Campbell P.C., said the EPA could have used the authority the House and Senate [TSCA modernization] bills would give the agency to order the...

On November 6, 2015, Inside EPA included comments made by Richard E. Engler, Ph. D. at a public meeting held by EPA, USDA, and FDA to  update the federal coordinated framework for how the three agencies regulate biotechnology. […]Industry officials, meanwhile, emphasized biotechnology's growing importance in food production and cautioned that over-regulation will stifle innovation. Officials with Dupont and the law firm Bergeson & Campbell, P.C., which represents...

The November 2, 2015, BNA Daily Environment Report article, “New Authority Not Expected for Biotech Framework Update,” included comments made by Richard E. Engler, Ph.D. at the “Modernizing the Regulatory System for Biotechnology Products” public meeting held by FDA, USDA, and EPA.     […DuPont global director of corporate regulatory affairs Terry] Medley and Richard Engler, a senior chemist working for Bergeson & Campbell P.C., said the...

November 9, 20151:00 - 4:00 p.m. (EST)In-person and via Webcast Although the June 1, 2015, implementation date for hazard classification, label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) development, and packaging has passed, industry still struggles to comply with the new requirements. Many chemical manufacturers do not understand how to reclassify their hazardous chemicals, develop the appropriate labels and SDSs, or demonstrate "due diligence" to inspectors. Significant confusion remains as to how a firm...

The September 29, 2015, BNA Daily Environment Report article “States Urge Further Changes in TSCA-Reform Bill,” included comments made by Lynn L. Bergeson in a Bergeson & Campbell webinar.  Lynn Bergeson, managing partner of Bergeson & Campbell PC, discussed state pre-emption during a Sept. 24 webinar her law firm held on TSCA-reform legislation before the House and Senate. Her firm specializes in laws and regulations addressing chemicals. “State pre-emption remains...

Lynn L. Bergeson was quoted in the October 15, 2015, BNA Daily Environment Report article “Uncertain Regulatory Path Costs Biotech Companies” about the recent Wilson Center report “The DNA of the U.S. Regulatory System: Are We Getting it Right for Synthetic Biology?”: Getting regulatory approval for products made with synthetic biology techniques is a daunting process, Lynn Bergeson, managing partner of Bergeson & Campbell P.C., and co-author of the report, said during...

The October 26, 2015, Inside EPA article, “TSCA Reform Legislation Could Smooth Path For New Biotechnologies,” included comments made by Lynn L. Bergeson at an event hosted by the Wilson Center’s Synthetic Biology Project (synbio). Pending legislation in Congress to reform the 40-year-old Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) could make it easier for EPA to assess the potential risks of new technologies, such as synthetic biology, and review requests to...

George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health,George Washington University Law School,Environmental Law Institute, andBergeson & Campbell, P.C. Present: TSCA Reform Panel Summit: What's Happening Now, and What's Next? November 19, 201512:00 – 1:30 p.m. (EST)In-person and via Webcast Betting on passage by Congress of Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) reform is anything but a sure thing. While most remain optimistic, with each passing day the window of opportunity...

On October 15, 2015, Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (Wilson Center) hosted “Leveraging Synthetic Biology’s Promise and Managing Potential Risk,” a panel discussion featuring Lynn L. Bergeson, Sheryl Lindros Dolan, and Richard E. Engler, Ph.D., of B&C, and Todd Kuiken, Ph.D., Senior Program Associate, Synthetic Biology Project, Wilson Center. The event coincided with the release of “The DNA of the U.S. Regulatory...

Panel Discussion to Be Held Wednesday, October 15, 2015, from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. (EDT) On October 15, 2015, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (Wilson Center) will host "Leveraging Synthetic Biology's Promise and Managing Potential Risk," a panel discussion featuring Lynn L. Bergeson, Managing Partner of Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®), and Todd Kuiken, Ph.D., Senior Program Associate, Synthetic Biology Project, Wilson Center. The event coincides with...

The July 31, 2015, Bloomberg BNA Daily Environment Report spoke with James V. Aidala regarding the progress of Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) modernization legislation. James Aidala, senior government affairs consultant with the law firm  Bergeson & Campbell P.C., said reaching an agreement on preemption is key. Aidala was associate assistant administrator of the EPA's Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances from 1993 to 2000, and previously worked in the...

A September 3, 2015, Inside EPA article regarding EPA’s efforts to improve how it reviews companies’ proposals to develop synthetic biology products, and specifically biotech algae, featured quotes from Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.: In a recent memo to clients, the law firm Bergeson & Campbell calls the announcement of the algae guide update "hugely important for the industrial biotechnology communities," adding that "EPA's announcement suggests a broader Agency initiative is...

The July 31, 2015, Bloomberg BNA Daily Environment Report spoke with Lynn L. Bergeson regarding EPA’s plans to develop updated guidance for companies making chemicals with genetically engineered microorganisms under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). “EPA's posting of the synbio algae project is hugely important for the industrial biotechnology and synthetic biology communities,” Lynn  Bergeson, managing partner of Bergeson  & Campbell P.C., told Bloomberg BNA...

The American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources' Young Lawyers Division presented a fascinating webinar on June 23, 2015, on the key areas of alignment and non-alignment between the European Union's (EU) and the United States' approach to chemical management by exploring the EU's Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).  The webinar was moderated by Lynn L....

The June 24, 2015 Bloomberg BNA Daily Environment Report included quotes from Lynn L. Bergeson in the article “Bill to Update Toxic Substances Control Act Sails Through House by 398-1 Vote.” Lynn Bergeson, managing partner of Bergeson & Campbell P.C., told Bloomberg BNA in a June 23 e-mail that the changes in the bill prior to the House vote seemed to reflect the need for consensus more than anything. ‘‘EPA will be challenged to complete risk evaluations in two years....

B&C has prepared and serviced this press release based on information publicly available from EPA and ACS. We have no involvement in or knowledge of the award selection process. Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) and The Acta Group (Acta®) are deeply committed to supporting the development of greener, more sustainable chemical processes and products, and so we are pleased to help spread the news about a tremendous success story, featuring scientists from industry,...

The June 11, 2015, Bloomberg BNA Daily Environment Report article “Scientists Sought for New Committee To Advise EPA Office on Risk, Other Issues,” included quotes from Lynn L. Bergeson about the addition of an advisory committee for Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT). “The new advisory committee offers a timely and excellent opportunity to provide input on critically important topics at the core of OPPT's mission,” Lynn Bergeson, managing partner of...

The Acta Group (Acta®) is pleased to offer to ChemCon Asia 2015 attendees a complimentary 30-minute private session with Acta professionals and Acta's South Korean-based affiliate, SHES Chemical Consulting (SHES), to answer questions relating to K-REACH, European Union REACH, TSCA, or other Asian chemical notification/regulation programs, as requested. This service is offered free of charge, provides an excellent opportunity to maximize your attendance at ChemCon, and is designed to...

Lynn L. Bergeson was quoted in “Pick Your Poison,” an article in the Summer 2015 Washington Monthly discussing Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) modernization. In the absence of appropriate federal protections, states have stepped into the breach, promulgating their own rules. Under current TSCA regulations, unless and until the EPA regulates a chemical, states can issue their own limits. Those that have done so include California, New York, Vermont, Washington, Massachusetts,...

The May 27, 2015, Bloomberg BNA Daily Environment Report article “TSCA Modernization Act Introduced in House; Key Republicans, Democrats Back Legislation,” included quotes from the B&C analysis “TSCA Reform: Detailed Review of Representative Shimkus' Second Discussion Draft of TSCA Reform Legislation.” Time remains to address pragmatic implementation concerns in the House's “almost surgical” TSCA-reform bill as well as the more expansive Senate bill, the Frank R....

Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) is a proud supporter of the Sustainable Nanotechnology Organization (SNO) and we enthusiastically recommend that you consider joining and becoming part of the SNO family during the 2015 membership drive, running now through July 3, 2015. Lynn L. Bergeson, Managing Partner of B&C, has served on the Governance Board since SNO's founding in 2012. SNO's purpose is unique. It is the only organization devoted exclusively to supporting the...

Lynn L. Bergeson has once again been awarded a Band 1 ranking, the highest attainable, among Washington, D.C. environmental lawyers by Chambers USA Guide 2015. This is Ms. Bergeson's tenth consecutive year of being ranked by Chambers USA as one of the best lawyers in America. In the commentary accompanying her 2015 ranking, Chambers asserts "Lynn Bergeson of Bergeson & Campbell PC has developed an enviable reputation in the chemical regulation area and frequently advises on matters...

The April 30, 2015, Bloomberg BNA Daily Environment Report discussed correspondence between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its inspector general over the value of pesticide inspections.  The article quoted James V. Aidala. Tempest in a Teapot Jim Aidala, a senior consultant at the firm  Bergeson  and Campbell and the former head of what is now the EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, described the disagreement as a...

Earlier this month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published in the Federal Register its long-awaited Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section 8(a) proposed rule concerning reporting and recordkeeping requirements for certain chemical substances when manufactured or processed at the nanoscale (see our memoranda EPA Proposes Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements for Nanoscale Materials and EPA Opens Docket for Proposed TSCA Section 8(a) Rule for...