EPA to Develop TSCA Chemicals of Concern List

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency intends to establish a “Chemicals of Concern” list and is beginning a process that may lead to regulations requiring significant risk reduction measures to protect human health and the environment. "

The agency’s actions represent its determination to use its authority under the existing Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to the fullest extent possible, recognizing EPA’s strong belief that the 1976 law is both outdated and in need of reform. (More..........)

Congress Considers Reform of U.S. Chemicals Control Law

Congress Considers Reform of U.S. Chemicals Control Law
By J.R. Pegg
WASHINGTON, DC, February 26, 2009 (ENS) - The U.S. chemical regulatory system is failing to protect public health and the environment and is in dire need of reform, experts told a House panel Thursday. The legal hurdles of existing law make it virtually impossible for the federal government to limit or ban the use of toxic chemicals or to even obtain the information needed to devise effective regulations, several witnesses testified before a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee. (More....)

EPA to 'Reset' TSCA Inventory

As part of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Chemical Assessment and Management Program (ChAMP), EPA announced its intent to update the current Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory of industrial chemicals by "resetting" it to more accurately reflect the chemicals in commerce. EPA also plans to develop a program to challenge the U.S. chemical industry to provide health and safety information on inorganic high-production volume chemicals.

[See press release] [See ChAMP website]

To fulfill its part of the SPP commitment, the United States will, by 2012, complete screening-level hazard and risk characterizations and initiate action, as appropriate, on more than 6,750* chemicals produced above 25,000 pounds per year. The U.S. commitment to complete assessments and initiate needed action on these chemicals will apply the results of EPA’s work on High-Production Volume (HPV) chemicals - those chemicals produced or imported in the United States in quanties of 1 million pounds or more per year - and extend its efforts to moderate production volume (MPV) chemicals - those produced or imported in quantities above 25,000 and less than 1 million pounds per year.

As an initial effort under ChAMP, EPA began, in 2007, posting screening-level hazard characterizations and expanded this effort in 2008 by posting risk-based prioritizations (RBPs). The RBPs summarize basic hazard and exposure information on HPV chemicals, identify potential risks, note scientific issues and uncertainties, and indicate the initial priority being assigned by the Agency for potential future appropriate action.

EPA Provides Information for Importing/Exporting

Importing or Exporting? New EPA Web Portal Provides Environmental Requirements

Contact (news media only): Dale Kemery, (202) 564-4355 / kemery.dale@epa.gov

EPA has developed a one-stop Web portal to help importers and exporters of goods meet requirements to protect human health and the environment. The portal provides information about:

· vehicles and engines
· fuel and fuel additives
· ozone depleting substances
· chemical substances regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act
· pesticides, including pesticide residues on foods
· hazardous wastes
· plumbing products
· scrap metal.

The portal is being released in conjunction with the federal government’s update to the November 2007 Action Plan for Import Safety. The update summarizes achievements in import safety over the past several months and key steps planned to enhance the safety of imported goods.

EPA’s new Web portal is available at: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/international/importexport.html