EPA Extends Time for Comments on Fracking Chemical Reporting Requirements

The Environmental Protection Agency is extending until Sept. 18 the deadline for comments on potential reporting requirements for chemicals used for hydraulic fracking, a method of extracting oil and gas from rock. EPA’s May 19 advance notice of proposed rulemaking said the agency is thinking about setting rules under Toxic Substances Control Act Section 8(a) and 8(d) that would require manufacturers and importers of these chemicals to maintain records and submit information to EPA, including health and safety studies (see 14051618). Before it proposes any regulations, EPA is seeking comments on issues including what information should be reported; how much reporting should be voluntary; and who should have to report.