EPA Releases Draft Chemical Regulation Priorities for Fiscal Year 2013

Chemical Regulation:

Readers interested in EPA FY 2013 plans may wish to review the Agency’s draft National Program Manager (NPM) Guidance plans. The draft plan from the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) discusses priorities for the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT), and regional priorities. Also addressed are OCSPP efforts with respect to environmental justice and plans for collaboration among EPA programs and offices.

The NPM stresses EPA plans for Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) and Pollution Prevention (P2). SMM efforts will work to reduce negative environmental and societal impacts across material life. P2 programs will facilitate the development of safer, “greener” materials and products. A key element of P2 efforts is the Agency’s green chemistry program. (See e.g., Design for the Environment–EPA’s Safer Product Labeling Program for further information on EPA’s Green Chemistry efforts.)

Hazard assessment and risk management will comprise OCSPP efforts to address disproportionate risks to children and other vulnerable populations. In addition, OCSPP plans to build on existing activities to meet environmental justice goals.

The NPM also reports that OCSPP and the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) will continue efforts to enhance collaboration between the two offices to enhance Agency efforts to protect the public and environment from chemical risks.