Comments are due by July 29 on an EPA proposed rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to restrict the use and handling of the solvent n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) (see 2406060008), according to a June 14 notice in the Federal Register. The substance is used in the manufacturing and production of electronics, polymers, agricultural chemicals and petrochemical products, the agency said in a June 5 news release.

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing new reporting requirements for 65 chemicals under significant new use rules. The proposed SNURs would require notification to EPA at least 90 days in advance of a new use by importers, manufacturers or processors, it said in a pair of notices published June 11. Importers of chemicals subject to these proposed SNURs would need to certify their compliance with the SNUR requirements should these proposed rules be finalized, EPA said. Exporters of these chemicals would become subject to export notification requirements. Comments on the proposed SNURs are due by July 11.

An EPA proposed rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) would restrict the use and handling of the solvent n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), which is used in the manufacturing and production of electronics, polymers, agricultural chemicals and petrochemical products, the agency said in a June 5 news release.

The EPA has published a final rule, effective July 8, imposing import certification and export notification requirements for methylene chloride, a chemical that has killed those using it as a paint stripper and for bathtub refinishing.

The EPA on April 10 filed a complaint against California engine lubricant seller USA Wholesale for illegally importing hydrofluorocarbons via a New Mexico port in 2022, marking the first time the agency has filed such a complaint under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020, the agency announced.

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing new reporting requirements for 30 chemicals under significant new use rules. The proposed SNURs would require notification to EPA at least 90 days in advance of a new use by importers, manufacturers or processors, it said in a notice published in the April 8 Federal Register. Importers of chemicals subject to these proposed SNURs would need to certify their compliance with the SNUR requirements should these proposed rules be finalized, EPA said. Exporters of these chemicals would become subject to export notification requirements. Comments on the proposed SNURs are due by May 8. The SNURs would cover the following chemical substances:

EPA seeks comments by May 3 to inform its development of potential regulations that could restrict imports of lead wheel-balancing weights. The agency says it may issue a proposed rule under Toxic Substances Control Act Section 6(a) if it finds “unreasonable risk to human health and the environment” from exposure to lead wheel weights, which it said may be a source of lead exposure when they fall off wheels or are otherwise handled.

Chemical and industrial materials producer Resonac, which reached a settlement with EPA this week for allegedly illegally importing hydrofluorocarbons, said in a March 22 email that it “takes this matter seriously and is committed to preventing any future recurrence." ​​The company will pay about $416,000 to settle charges it illegally imported more than 6,000 pounds of HFCs and failed to notify EPA about the shipments (see 2403210051).

EPA is setting new emissions standards for passenger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty vehicles with model years 2027 through 2032 and beyond, the agency said in a final rule publicly released March 20. The new rules, which EPA said are the “strongest-ever” pollution standards for cars, also finalize “minor amendments” to update its greenhouse gas program requirements for certain imported vehicles and engines, and more. “Entities potentially affected by this rule include light-duty vehicle manufacturers, independent commercial importers, alternative fuel converters, and manufacturers and converters of medium-duty vehicles,” EPA said. The changes take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

The American subsidiary of a Japanese chemical and industrial materials producer will pay about $416,000 to settle charges that it illegally imported hydrofluorocarbons, EPA announced March 21. The agency said Resonac America Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Resonac Corp., illegally imported 6,208 pounds of HFCs on three separate occasions in 2023 at the Port of Los Angeles, and it failed to notify EPA about another shipment that was planned for February.