EPA Releases Interim Final List of Businesses Subject to Fees for Next 20 TSCA Risk Evaluations

On August 26, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an interim final list of businesses subject to fees for the 20 chemicals designated as high priority for risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).  EPA notes that the interim list is an updated version of the preliminary list released in January 2020.  According to EPA, making the interim final list available now gives businesses and other stakeholders an opportunity to review the list for accuracy and provides time for businesses to engage in initial outreach regarding the formation of consortia to share in fee payments.  As reported in our January 29, 2020, blog item, EPA published a Federal Register notice on January 27, 2020, identifying the preliminary lists of manufacturers (including importers) of the 20 chemical substances that EPA designated as high-priority substances for risk evaluation and for which fees will be charged.  85 Fed. Reg. 4661.  During the comment period, manufacturers (including importers) were required to self-identify as manufacturers of a high-priority substance irrespective of whether they are included on the preliminary lists identified by EPA.  EPA used this information, along with feedback received during the public comment period, to develop the interim final list.
 
EPA states that it will publish the final list of businesses subject to fees for the 20 high-priority chemicals concurrently with the release of the final scope documents for these chemicals.  Companies on the final list are subject to a portion of the TSCA fee for these risk evaluations and have 60 days to notify EPA of the formation of consortia.  According to EPA, it plans to begin invoicing for the fees after those 60 days have passed.  Due to the public health emergency, EPA states that it is exploring options for payment flexibilities.  Information on forming a consortium is available in our March 2, 2020, memorandum, “The Essential Value of Forming TSCA Consortia.”