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May 28, 2021

EPA Begins Environmental Justice Consultation on Risk Management Rulemaking for NMP

Lynn L. Bergeson Carla N. Hutton

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on May 27, 2021, that it has invited environmental justice communities and stakeholders to participate in environmental justice consultations regarding the development of a proposed risk management action under Section 6(a) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to address unreasonable risks presented by N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP). EPA will hold two identical consultation webinars, one on July 7, 2021, and the other on July 13, 2021. Both sessions will provide an overview of the TSCA risk management requirements, the findings from the final risk evaluation, the tools available to manage the unreasonable risks from NMP, and an opportunity for EPA to obtain input on environmental justice concerns. The consultations are open to the public, and EPA is inviting national, local, and non-governmental organizations, communities, and other interested stakeholders to participate. Comments are due August 27, 2021.
 
EPA states that in addition to these environmental justice consultations, it is executing a “robust” outreach effort that includes consultations with small businesses, state and local governments, and tribes. There will also be an open public comment period on proposed risk management regulations. EPA notes that while outreach and stakeholder engagement on risk management activities for NMP move forward, it is “actively reviewing” the final risk evaluation to ensure it uses the best available science and protects human health and the environment, in accordance with the Executive Orders and other direction provided by the Biden-Harris Administration. EPA will keep stakeholders updated as it makes decisions and determines next steps.
 
More information on EPA’s final risk evaluation of NMP is available in our December 29, 2020, memorandum, “EPA Releases Final Chemical Risk Evaluation for NMP.”