After the completion of the Final Risk Evaluation for C.I.(Color index) Pigment Violet 29, the Environmental Protection Agency has started to invites small businesses, governments, and other parties to take part as Small Entity Representatives (SERs).

This prominent engagement aims to provide advice and recommendations to a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) panel for C.I. Pigment Violet 29 (PV29). For the sake of the proposed rule (which addresses unreasonable risks identified in EPA’s recently completed Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) risk evaluation for this chemical), the panel will be deployed to focus on the agency development. The agency’s final determinations on which conditions of using present unreasonable risks to human health or the environment are based on a robust review of the scientific data.

EPA reviewed 14 conditions use of PV29 in the final risk evaluation. Such as components of paints, coatings, etc. Releasing a final risk evaluation is the last step in the scientific evaluation process required by TSCA and will guide the agency’s efforts to issue regulations to address unreasonable risks associated with this chemical. EPA has one year to propose and take public comments on any risk management actions.

To determine the unreasonable risks associated with the existing chemicals in commerce, EPA is required to evaluate it with the use of the best available science on behalf of TSCA. The issued final risk evaluation for PV29 in January 2021, results in unreasonable risks to workers and occupational non-users (ONUs) under certain conditions of use.

To focus on the rules that may have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, the Regulatory Flexibility Act requires an agency to form an SBAR Panel. This panel will be incorporating federal representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and EPA.

By providing comments on behalf of their company, community, or organization, SERs will advise the panel on the potential impacts of the proposed rule on small entities. Meanwhile, self-nominations directly from the small entities that may be subject to the rule requirements are encouraged by the EPA.SERs may include trade associations that exclusively or at least primarily represent potentially regulated small entities.

As a result, SERs provide advice and recommendations to the panel. During the consultations, the comments are submitted in a written statement with the SBAR Panel. By March 5, 2021, Self-nominations may be submitted through the associated link.

At the time of engagement, EPA is intended to carry out a strong effort on risk management that includes formal consultations with state and local governments, tribes, and environmental justice communities. EPA has one year to propose and take public comments on any risk management actions.

If smooth engagement is achieved on risk management among the stakeholders and other participants, EPA will actively review the final risk evaluation to ensure it uses the best available science and protects human health and the environment. Thus, the proposed rule or regulation will be placed, following the Executive Orders and other directions provided by the Biden-Harris Administration.

References: https://www.epa.gov/
https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/final-risk-evaluation-ci-pigment-violet-29