Welcome to our podcast on the latest developments from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This week, we're focusing on several significant updates that impact public health, environmental safety, and regulatory policies.
First off, the EPA has issued final significant new use rules (SNURs) for certain chemical substances, effective March 7, 2025. These rules require manufacturers to notify the EPA at least 90 days before commencing the manufacture or processing of these substances for designated significant new uses. This step ensures the EPA evaluates the conditions of these uses to protect human health and the environment[1].
Additionally, the EPA has updated the list of chemicals subject to toxic chemical release reporting under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA). Nine new PFAS have been added to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) for reporting year 2025, with facilities required to start tracking their activities involving these chemicals as of January 1, 2025. Reporting forms will be due by July 1, 2026[1].
The EPA has also released a draft risk evaluation for dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP), finding that it poses an unreasonable risk to human health. Comments on this draft are currently being solicited[1].
Furthermore, the EPA has announced the availability of draft national recommended ambient water quality criteria for three PFAS—PFOA, PFOS, and PFBS—to protect human health. These criteria will provide information for states and tribes to consider when adopting water quality standards[1].
In another development, the EPA has released a draft risk assessment on the presence of PFOA and PFOS in biosolids, indicating potential human health risks associated with exposure to these "forever chemicals" through land application, surface disposal, or incineration of sewage sludge[3].
The EPA has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to formalize coordination on assessing and managing existing chemicals under TSCA Section 6, aiming to improve workplace health and safety protections[1].
Looking ahead, the EPA plans to implement new source performance standards and emission guidelines for power plants and the oil and gas sector, as well as regulations to require enhanced reporting of emissions from U.S. industrial sectors[2].
These developments underscore the EPA's commitment to protecting public health and the environment. For more information and to stay updated on these initiatives, visit the EPA's official website. Public input is crucial, so we encourage you to engage with these processes and provide your comments where applicable.
Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for listening.