E.P.A. Suggests Enhancements to Chemical Reporting

WASHINGTON - As part of Administrator Lisa P. Jackson's commitment to strengthen and reform chemical management, the E.P.A. is proposing several actions to enhance reporting on chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The Inventory Update Reporting Rule enables E.P.A. to collect and make current information on volumes of chemical production, manufacturing facility data, and how the chemicals are used. This information helps the agency determine whether chemicals may pose risks to people or the environment. In addition to enhancing the information to be reported, E.P.A. is proposing to increase the frequency of reporting.

"Enhanced reporting on the production and use of chemicals will help give the American people greater access to information on the chemicals to which their children and families are exposed every day," said Steve Owens, EPA's assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. "The suggestion being announced today will allow the agency to more effectively and expeditiously identify and address potential chemical risks and enhance the information accessible to the public on chemicals most commonly used in commerce."

The suggested rule would require manufacturers, including importers, to submit information electronically, which will help the agency to make the data public more quickly. The suggested rule also would limit the information that can be treated as confidential so the public can access it, and require more reporting from chemical manufacturers.

This suggestion will undergo public comment, which E.P.A. will use to develop the final rule and guidance documents. E.P.A. expects to finalize the modifications to the chemical information reporting rule in time for the next reporting period, scheduled for June one - Sept.30, 2011. E.P.A. will make the electronic reporting software and associated guidance materials accessible before the start of the submission period.

In addition to the suggested rule on chemical reporting, E.P.A. is seeking public review on a outline guidance document on chemical information reporting and on specific documents relating to the reporting of chemical byproducts.

To submit comments on the suggested rule and the guidance document, see docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2009-0187: http://www.regulations.gov

More information about the TSCA Inventory Update Reporting plan and the IUR Modifications suggested rule: http://www.epa.gov/iur

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