SBA Hosts Environmental Roundtable to Discuss New TSCA's Impact on Small Business

SGIA attended the Small Business Administration’s Environmental Roundtable Meeting on August 19, 2016. The roundtable focused on TSCA reform and what major changes are to come with implementation of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21^st Century Act. Jeff Morris from the EPA and Jamie Conrad from the Conrad Law & Policy Council provided an overview of the new law and discussed how this might affect small businesses. The EPA is determining whether to update the rules for qualifying as a “small manufacturer or processor”, which are exempt from reporting under section 8 rules. The agency is also currently reviewing recommendations for what the first ten chemicals for risk evaluations will be. Industries using chemicals on the existing inventory can expect to get more questions from manufacturers about using and exposures arising from chemical usage, more restrictions on chemicals, and a greater focus on occupational exposure prevention. One of the biggest issues for small businesses will be the fees that will be implemented with the new TSCA rule. Many industries are calling for lower fees for small businesses, and EPA will consider comments received on this when making a decision by December 2015. Sign up to receive the most up-to-date regulatory and legislative information on issues impacting your business.