On May 18, 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invited environmental justice communities and stakeholders to participate in environmental justice consultations regarding the development of proposed risk management actions under Section 6(a) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to address unreasonable risks presented by trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE). EPA will hold two identical consultation webinars, one on June 16, 2021, and the other on July 6, 2021. EPA states that both sessions will provide an overview of the TSCA risk management requirements, the findings from the final risk evaluations, the tools available to manage the unreasonable risks from TCE and PCE, and an opportunity for EPA to obtain input on environmental justice concerns. The consultations are open to the public, and EPA invites national, local, and non-governmental organizations, communities, and other interested stakeholders to participate. Comments are due August 20, 2021.

In addition to these environmental justice consultations, EPA states that 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.

While outreach and stakeholder engagement on risk management activities for TCE and PCE will continue to move forward, EPA is actively reviewing final risk evaluations to ensure they use the best available science and protect human health and the environment, in accordance with Executive Orders and other direction provided by the Biden-Harris Administration. EPA states that it will keep stakeholders updated as it makes decisions and determines next steps. More information on EPA’s final risk evaluations for TCE is available in our November 24, 2020, memorandum and on EPA’s final risk evaluation for PCE in our December 17, 2020, memorandum.