TSCA Inventory Update Reporting Rule Proposed

U.S. EPA has proposed a draft Inventory Update Reporting rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The proposed rule requires manufacturers of certain chemicals on the TSCA Chemical Substances Inventory to electronically submit information on the manufacturing, importing, processing and use of chemical substances. EPA is also altering the circumstances under which reporting requirements are triggered and the data that must be reported. EPA is accepting public comments on the proposed rule through October 12, 2010.

To view the publication of the proposed rule in the Federal Register, please click here.

EPA Issues Chemical Action Plans

U.S. EPA has issued Chemical Action Plans to address potential health risks with benzidine dyes, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and nonylphenol (NP)/nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) – chemicals widely used in consumer and industrial applications, including dyes, flame retardants, and industrial laundry detergents. The Action Plans include adding HBCD and NP/NPE to EPA’s Chemicals of Concern list and issuing significant new use rules for all three chemicals. For HBCD and benzidine dyes, the Action Plans also include imposing new Toxic Release Inventory reporting requirements and potentially banning or limiting the manufacture or use of the chemicals.

To view the Chemical Action Plans, please click here.

New Fuel Economy Labels Proposed

U.S. EPA and the U.S. Department of Transportation are jointly proposing to change the fuel economy labels that are required on all new cars and light-duty trucks sold in the U.S. The labels are intended to enable consumers to make informed vehicle comparisons. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 requires EPA and DOT to rate available vehicles according to fuel economy, greenhouse gas emissions and smog forming pollutants. The agencies are seeking public input on two proposed label designs.
To view the proposed fuel economy labels, please click here.

Ohio EPA updates Hazardous Waste Tank Advisory.

The changes aim to facilitate review of Part B permit application and affect external concrete liners.

U.S. EPA proposes new rule to reduce fine particle and ozone pollution in the eastern United States.

The new rule, known as the “Transport Rule,” would include requirements for reductions in SO2 and NOx emissions and allows for units to opt-in to a proposed emissions trading program.

EPA Allows More Time For Input On Coal Ash Rule

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Friday it would extend the public hearings in 7 cities on this rule.  The EPA has proposed groundbreaking national regulations for the disposal and management of coal ash from coal-fired power plants. For more information, click here.

U.S. House of Representatives to debate Toxic Chemicals Safety Act of 2010.

If passed, the Act would widely expand the reporting and testing obligations already required of the chemical industry.

US EPA Issues Rules on Mercury Emissions from Cement Plants

On August 9, 2010, the US EPA issued its final rulings on mercury and other toxic emissions from cement plants. These are the first national limits to be imposed on existing and new Portland cement manufacturing facilities, the third largest source of mercury emissions. The rules will be fully implemented in 2013.  Click here for more information.