TSCA: Legislative and Regulatory Updates - 2012

At AHMP 2011, the speaker delivered a presentation entitled, "TSCA:  Legislative and Regulatory Updates - 2011."  That presentation discussed some of the factors contributing to the growing consensus that the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) needs to reformed and updated.  It also identified several bills that were introduced in Congress to amend the TSCA; and, it summarized key provisions of the most recent bills, namely, the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 (S. 847).

Last year's presentation also discussed several chemical risk management initiatives that the U.S. EPA is pursuing based upon its existing authorities under the TSCA, including Chemical Action Plans, a new two-step process to identify priority chemicals for review and assessment, and the Agency's new and controversial Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) regulations.

From the close of AHMP 2011 through February 2012, no legislation to amend the TSCA has been enacted.  However, one formal congressional hearing and a number of informal meetings were held to identify areas of agreement among stakeholders upon which ongoing discussions may be based.  With 2012 being a congressional and presidential election year, it remains to be seen what will come from these discussions.  In the meantime, the EPA continues to pursue new chemical risk management initiatives using its existing authorities under the TSCA.

This year's presentation will provide attendees with updates regarding significant new legislative and regulatory developments, including their practical implications, and the steps that hazardous materials professionals should take to ensure that their employers or clients comply with all applicable requirements.