EPA Outlines Plan to Implement New Chemical Safety Rules

President Obama last week signed into law an overhaul to the Toxic Substances Control Act, requiring new testing and regulation of thousands of chemicals used in everything from cleaning products to paint thinners and clothing.

The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act includes:

• Mandatory requirement for the EPA to evaluate existing chemicals with clear and enforceable deadlines;
• New risk-based safety standard;
• Increased public transparency for chemical information; and
• Consistent source of funding for the EPA to carry out the responsibilities under the new law.

Today the EPA posted an Implementation Plan that outlines the agency’s first-year plans to implement the new chemical safety rules. It gives chemical companies and others a better idea of what, and when, they can expect in terms of EPA rulemaking and enforcement activities.

Also, the EPA will host a webinar tomorrow, June 20, at 2-3pm EST to provide an overview of the new amendments, tailored to those unfamiliar with the new provisions. The agency is planning additional opportunities for stakeholder engagement in the coming weeks.