USA Regulatory News

On 20 October 2023, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rule that strengthens reporting requirements for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the Toxics Release I...

On 20 October 2023, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rule that strengthens reporting requirements for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). The rule eliminates an exemption that allowed facilities to withhold information on PFAS when the chemicals were used in low concentrations.  

PFAS are commonly referred to as "forever chemicals" and are found in low concentrations in a variety of products. By removing of the reporting exemption, the rule applies to all industry sectors, including metal mining and chemical manufacturing, as well as federal facilities that manufacture or use any of the 189 PFASs listed in the TRI. This rule ensures that facilities can no longer withhold information regarding the amounts of PFAS that they manage or release into the environment. 

Toxics Release Inventory 

EPA’s TRI Toxics Tracker (TRI) compiles annual data from various industries, including manufacturing, mining, power generation and chemical production. It includes information on the quantities of chemicals released into the environment or managed as waste.  

This data helps communities understand how local facilities handle listed chemicals and supports informed decisions by businesses, governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the public. EPA's updated online TRI tools, such as the TRI-listed chemicals, allow communities to map reporting facilities, view chemical releases, waste management, and pollution prevention efforts. 

PFAS in the Toxics Release Inventory 

The 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) initially added 172 PFAS chemicals to the TRI for reporting in 2021, with a framework for adding more in the future. Facilities were required to report if they used more than 100 pounds of these substances, a lower threshold than most other TRI-listed chemicals.  

However, the previous administration's codification of the NDAA did not address the availability of the de minimis exemption or other reporting burden reduction provisions, which had allowed facilities reporting to TRI to avoid reporting minimal concentrations of PFAS chemicals.  

The new rule nullifies the prior exemption for all chemicals on the TRI list of chemicals of special concern, including lead, mercury, and dioxins that accumulate in the body over time. 

California's Governor signed Assembly Bill No. 496 (AB496) on October 8, 2023, making it illegal to manufacture and sell cosmetics containing 26 specific substances in the state. This regulatory m...

California's Governor signed Assembly Bill No. 496 (AB496) on October 8, 2023, making it illegal to manufacture and sell cosmetics containing 26 specific substances in the state. This regulatory measure expands on California's Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, passed in 2020 which restricted the use of 24 harmful chemicals in cosmetics, including mercury and formaldehyde.

California's Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act forbids a person or business from manufacturing, selling, delivering, holding, or offering for sale in commerce any cosmetic product containing any of several specified intentionally added ingredients, except under certain conditions, beginning January 1, 2025. A list of the prohibited ingredients can be found here and it includes for example:

• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals like Dibutyl phthalate, Diethylhexyl phthalate

• Phenyl diamine salts and parabens

• Polyfluoroalkyl substances like sulphonates, acids, and more

 From January 1, 2027, Assembly Bill No. 496 would broaden this prohibition by including specific prohibited ingredients. A list of the ingredients prohibited under AB496 can be found here and it includes:

• Borates, tetraborates, octaborates, and boric acid salts and esters

• Anthraquinone, and dyes which are found in some hair-coloring products

• Aldehydes and more. 

These chemicals are associated with a higher risk of cancer, genetic flaws, harm to the developing fetus, decreased fertility, severe skin burns, and organ or eye damage. Furthermore, they can cause long-term harm to aquatic organisms. They are no longer allowed in cosmetics and personal care products sold in the European Union but are allowed in personal care products sold in the United States.

A cosmetic product that meets the requirements of Assembly Bill No. 496 may contain trace amounts of an ingredient due to natural or synthetic impurities, resulting from manufacturing processes, storage, or packaging migration, but this does not constitute a violation.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on October 26, 2023, unveiled a comprehensive plan to improve the assessment of pesticides to quickly and effectively assess potential endocrine-disrupti...

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on October 26, 2023, unveiled a comprehensive plan to improve the assessment of pesticides to quickly and effectively assess potential endocrine-disrupting effects in humans. This initiative will strengthen the Agency's ability to safeguard against such effects when making pesticide-related decisions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and to implement the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP) under Section 408(p) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

Understanding Endocrine Systems and Disruptors

Endocrine systems, which regulate hormones in various living organisms, play a central role in processes ranging from development and reproduction to metabolism. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the natural functions of hormones. EPA established the EDSP in 1996 to evaluate how pesticides and other chemicals might affect the estrogen, androgen, and thyroid systems. However, challenges have hampered its effective implementation. EPA lacked efficient methods to rapidly test numerous chemicals for endocrine-disrupting effects and often did not provide clear explanations for collecting the necessary endocrine data.

The Path Forward

EPA's strategic plan involves using its FIFRA process to collect human health endocrine data to improve the efficiency of endocrine-related decision-making. The Agency will prioritize around 400 conventional pesticide active ingredients that are either being registered for the first time or are under registration review. In cases where existing data align with the findings of the FFDCA EDSP, EPA will use this information to expedite decisions and reduce the need for additional testing.

EPA is releasing a scientific paper to clarify which existing data can be used to support endocrine disruption findings. For 403 conventional pesticides, EPA has established sufficient estrogen and androgen data for 86 chemicals to make EDSP decisions regarding their potential effects on human systems. Additionally, 52 pesticide chemicals are now part of this plan, and EPA is communicating its final EDSP decisions regarding their potential effects on the human endocrine system.

Remaining Challenges

As the science on the human endocrine system, especially the thyroid, continues to evolve, EPA anticipates seeking scientific peer review in 2025 to assess advances and its current approach to thyroid assessments.

In the short term, EPA has identified 30 high-priority pesticides that require additional data on potential human estrogen and androgen effects. Preliminary data suggest that these pesticides may affect the endocrine system. The Agency is inviting the public to submit data or comments on these chemicals during a 60-day public comment period. To fill the remaining data gaps, EPA intends to issue FIFRA human health data requests for these pesticides in the spring of 2024. For a second group of 126 conventional pesticides with limited endocrine data, the Agency is seeking information to evaluate their endocrine data needs. Moreover, EPA will determine which of the 161 additional conventional pesticides will require updated endocrine data in the coming years during the registration review process.

The public comment period for this initiative opened on Friday October 27, and stakeholders are encouraged to submit their contributions via Docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0474 at www.regulations.gov.

On October 20, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released updated Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data on the management of toxic chemical waste. The updated TRI data includes the ...

On October 20, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released updated Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data on the management of toxic chemical waste. The updated TRI data includes the preliminary data set released on August 4, 2023, which included releases, and pollution prevention activities that took place in 2022 at more than 20,000 industrial and federal facilities nationwide were as reported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  

General Information on the 2022 Updated Data  

The 2022 TRI Chemical List data has been updated, to include industries such as metal mining, electric power generation, chemical manufacturing, and hazardous waste treatment that manufactured or used quantities of substances on the TRI Chemical List  during 2022. The dataset released on October 20, provides an update to the preliminary 2022 data released in August of 2023. The updated dataset includes revised and late facility submissions that were received by EPA on or before October 18, 2023. 

The EPA has updated its EPA’s TRI Toxics Tracker to help communities locate TRI-reporting facilities, track chemical releases, and learn about waste management practices. The 2022 TRI National Analysis will provide a comprehensive analysis of the data including trends in releases, industry reporting on waste management and discussion of facility efforts to reduce pollution. EPA will publish the full analysis of the 2022 data in the beginning of 2024. 

Contract Sterilization Facilities Updated Data 2022  

EPA has initiated reporting requirements for ethylene oxide (EtO), from 29 Contract Sterilization Facilities (CTFs) that were not previously subject to TRI reporting requirements. These facilities either release EtO or manage it as waste. EPA extended the TRI reporting requirements for EtO in December 2021 to facilities that are likely to exceed an “otherwise used” TRI reporting threshold of 10,000 pounds per year. 

As of October 3, 2023, EPA has received TRI EtO reporting forms from 26 out of the 29 CTFs. In 2022, the 26 CTFs reported that they managed more than 6 million pounds waste associated with ethylene oxide production, of which 9,133 pounds were released on-site into the air. 

On October 19, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced a new rule aimed at improving the evaluation of chemical risks under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This propos...

On October 19, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced a new rule aimed at improving the evaluation of chemical risks under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This proposal seeks to align EPA procedures with legal requirements, ensuring comprehensive assessments that safeguard workers and communities.

Key Changes Proposed in the New Rule:

1. Environmental Justice Emphasis: The rule commits to considering disproportionate harms in overburdened communities, including multiple exposure pathways and combined risks from multiple chemicals.
2. Comprehensive Evaluations: Risk evaluations must cover all conditions of use and exposure pathways.
3. Worker Protection: Clear provisions to ensure that risks to workers are properly assessed.
4. Scientific Rigor: EPA will use the best available science for evaluations and base decisions on scientific evidence.
5. Unified Determination: Risk evaluations will culminate in a single determination of unreasonable risk; not individual chemical uses.
6. Transparency and Procedural Requirements: New requirements for transparent risk evaluation document revisions.
7. Adjusted Manufacturer Requested Evaluations: Aligns the process with EPA-initiated evaluations and data collection.

These changes, previously announced in 2021, aim to provide certainty and predictability for EPA and stakeholders. Public comments on the proposed rule will be accepted for 45 days at docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2023-0496 on www.regulations.gov. This proactive approach is part of a broader effort to ensure the safety of chemical substances and protect the environment and public health.

Background: The Three-Step Process

EPA's risk evaluation process for existing chemicals under TSCA is a structured, three-step procedure that begins with Prioritization, followed by Risk Evaluation, and concludes with Risk Management. The primary objective of the Risk Evaluation step is to determine whether a chemical substance poses an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment under its specific conditions of use.

During this evaluation, several key principles guide the assessment:

1. Hazard and Exposure Assessment: EPA examines both the hazards associated with the chemical, which may include factors such as toxicity and the extent of exposure. This approach disregards non-risk-related factors and ensures that scientific methods align with the best available science and a weight-of-scientific-evidence basis.
2. Initiation of the Risk Evaluation: Risk evaluations can be initiated by the EPA either through the Prioritization process or by accepting a manufacturer's request.
   • EPA-Initiated Risk Evaluations: The EPA, pursuant to the Lautenberg Act, initiated evaluations for the first 10 chemicals in December 2016, chosen from the 2014 Update to the TSCA Work Plan. Subsequently, EPA continues to conduct evaluations on High-Priority Substances designated through the Prioritization process.
3. Components of a Risk Evaluation: The risk evaluation process comprises several key components:
   • Scope of the Risk Evaluation: A draft scope is published in the Federal Register within three months of initiating the risk evaluation, followed by a 45-day public comment period. A final scope is published no later than six months after the evaluation's initiation, as required by law.
   • Hazard Assessment: EPA identifies the adverse health or environmental effects of exposure to the chemical, encompassing areas like cancer, mutation, reproductive, developmental, and respiratory impacts.
   • Exposure Assessment: This phase delves into the extent and nature of exposure under various conditions of use, as well as the populations exposed.
   • Risk Characterization: EPA integrates available information regarding hazards and exposure, including assessments of information quality and alternative interpretations.
   • Risk Determination: EPA produces a draft determination regarding whether the chemical poses an unreasonable risk to health or the environment.
4. Publication of the Risk Evaluation: The final risk evaluation is released within 3 to 3.5 years after identifying the chemical as a high priority for risk assessment.

Find the docket numbers, problem formulations, scope documents and supplemental documents for each chemical substance undergoing risk evaluation under TSCA here.

On October 23, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled a major proposal aimed at prohibiting the use of trichloroethylene (TCE), an exceptionally dangerous chemical known to be a...

On October 23, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled a major proposal aimed at prohibiting the use of trichloroethylene (TCE), an exceptionally dangerous chemical known to be associated with serious health risks, including cancer, neurotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity.

Background-

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a substance found in various cleaning and furniture maintenance products, degreasers, brake cleaners, and tyre repair sealants. Several safer alternatives are readily available for most of these consumer applications. Commercially, TCE is used in vapor degreasing of components such as aircraft parts and machinery, as an intermediate in the production of specific refrigerants (which are already being phased out in the US), and in the production of battery separators for electric vehicles, transportation, security, and defense systems.

For decades, TCE contamination has plagued numerous communities, causing adverse health effects. This harmful substance is often found as a contaminant in soil and groundwater at Superfund sites. EPA has been actively involved in cleanup efforts, but the regulations proposed today, as part of the revamped 2016 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), would potentially have spared many communities from the harmful effects of TCE exposure.

EPA's research has identified TCE as a causative agent of liver cancer, kidney cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Moreover, TCE adversely affects the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, immune system, reproductive organs, and poses a threat to fetal development, even at minute concentrations. People residing near TCE production and use facilities face an elevated risk of developing these health conditions.

Proposal-

Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), this initiative seeks to protect the public by prohibiting the manufacture, processing, and distribution of TCE for all uses. The proposed risk management rule will take effect within one year for consumer products and most commercial uses. It will also enforce strong protections for workers in the limited remaining commercial and industrial applications, with a longer phase-down period.

The anticipated reductions in exposure from this proposal aim to prevent cancer before it takes root, in line with President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative.

Details of the Proposal-

EPA's proposed risk management rule would restrict most uses of TCE within a year, including its manufacture and processing for most commercial and consumer products. During this period, most individuals at risk of exposure to TCE such as workers in various sectors, consumers, and communities, will benefit from the protections in place. Safer alternatives are already available for most uses of TCE as a solvent

For limited uses of TCE, such as critical uses by federal agencies, the production of battery separators for electric vehicle batteries, and the manufacturing of specific refrigerants that are subject to national phase-down in favor of environmentally friendly alternatives, the proposal will grant an extended transition period. Strict worker protection measures will be mandated to minimize near-term exposures.

Furthermore, EPA's proposal includes provisions for essential laboratory use and proper disposal of TCE wastewater at sites with historic TCE contamination, extending up to 50 years, subject to workplace safety protocols.

The EPA is inviting public input on this proposed TCE rule for 45 days following its publication in the Federal Register via docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0642 at www.regulations.gov. The Agency also plans to conduct a public webinar for employers and workers to provide insight into the proposed regulatory measures.

This initiative represents a significant step towards safeguarding public health and promoting a cleaner, safer environment for all.

On August 17, 2023, the first set of data collected under the fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5) was released by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As part of the most r...

On August 17, 2023, the first set of data collected under the fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5) was released by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As part of the most recent effort to implement EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap, UCMR 5 will provide new data that will improve EPA's understanding of the prevalence of 29 per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFASs) and lithium in the United States drinking water systems. The Agency will use the lithium and PFAS monitoring data to make decisions about how best to implement the public health protection measures of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in the future. The Administration is committed to stopping PFAS pollution and protecting drinking water for all people. 

Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule  

The UCMR 5 data will help EPA make better science-based decisions and help EPA find out how much of these 29 PFAs and lithium people are being exposed to at the national level, and whether they are disproportionately affecting people with environmental justice issues.  The first batch of data represents about 7% of the total results EPA expects to get over the next 3 years. 

The Agency will make the results available to the public on a quarterly basis in  EPA’s National Contaminant Occurrence Database (NCOD) until the data reporting ends in 2026. EPA continues to look for new ways to measure these and other contaminants and at lower levels. 

PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals’, pose significant risks to public health. The EPA is implementing an extensive monitoring program to address these harmful chemicals, monitoring them in all large and medium-sized public water systems in the United States. 

EPA has proposed regulations in March 2023 to limit the presence of certain PFAS in drinking water, which would allow public water systems to use UCMR 5 findings to meet their initial monitoring obligations and alert communities to potential remedial actions. EPA has established Health Advisories for four of the PFASs included in UCMR 5. The science behind the potential health effects of a variety of PFASs, including many of those tested under this program, is still being developed by EPA. 

Safe Drinking Water Act 

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requires EPA to monitor for priority contaminants every five years. Priority contaminants are those that may be present in drinking water but are not yet subject to EPA drinking water regulations. EPA uses the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) to provide the Agency and other interested parties with nationally representative information on the presence of contaminants in drinking water. This data includes the magnitude of potential exposure to the public as well as estimates of exposure levels. These data can support forthcoming regulatory decisions, the development of National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs), and other measures to protect human health.