EPA Announces Inclusion of Seven PFAS in Toxics Release Inventory

On January 9, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that seven per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been automatically added to the list of chemicals covered by the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). 

The TRI was expanded to include seven additional PFAS in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020. This addition is part of EPA's efforts to better understand and protect people from chemicals such as PFAS. The NDAA established a framework for the annual automatic addition of PFAS to TRI in response to specific EPA activities involving PFAS. The total number of PFAS subject to reporting requirements is now 196.  

Because EPA determined a toxicity value in 2023 for the six PFAS listed below, they were automatically added for the Reporting Year 2024. This data helps communities understand how local facilities are handling the listed chemicals; supports informed decisions by the public, businesses, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs); and advances the Biden-Harris commitments to ensure environmental justice. 

Addition of PFAS no longer claimed as confidential business information. 

EPA is required to assess claims of confidential business information (CBI) before adding a PFAS to the Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory List. One PFAS was nominated for inclusion but was not added due to CBI claims over its identity. In February 2023, the compound's identity was declassified, and the following chemical was added because its identity is no longer classified. This process ensures that the TRI list is up-to-date and protects chemical identification. 

• Betaines, dimethyl(.gamma.-.omega.-perfluoro-.gamma.-hydro-C8-18-alkyl); CASRN 2816091-53-7 

Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act requires facilities that report on PFAS to start tracking their actions by January 1, 2024, with reporting forms due by July 1, 2025. EPA must assess claims of confidential business information before adding a PFAS to the TRI list.