OKC Standard

U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) has raised concerns about the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulatory decision-making process. During a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing, Mullin questioned Dr. Freedhoff, Assistant Administrator of the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) at the EPA, regarding the agency's announcement of chemicals for future prioritization under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

Mullin, who is the Ranking Member of the Chemical Safety, Waste Management, Environmental Justice, and Regulatory Oversight Subcommittee, expressed his worry about the EPA's reference to anti-plastic partisan activists in their press release. He questioned how manufacturers and contractors in the industry could have confidence that the decision was not influenced by activists before its release. Mullin's remarks can be watched in full on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee's website.

The TSCA, enforced by the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention at the EPA, was first enacted in 1976 to regulate the manufacturing, processing, distribution, use, and disposal of chemical substances. Its purpose is to identify potentially dangerous chemicals in commerce that pose an "unreasonable risk" to public health.

In 2016, the TSCA was amended with the passage of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act (LCSA) to address implementation issues. This amendment revised the evaluation and determination processes for regulatory control of chemicals.

Recently, the EPA announced the consideration of five additional chemicals for prioritization under the TSCA. These chemicals are used in the production of plastics, including vinyl chloride, which is used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is commonly used in various applications such as siding panels, product packaging, vinyl records, medical tubing, and food packaging. It is also instrumental in providing affordable piping for clean drinking water and wastewater removal in rural communities.

Mullin's concerns regarding the EPA's decision-making process reflect the need for transparency and collaboration between the agency and industry stakeholders. He believes that the EPA should work with industry professionals rather than relying on the influence of activists. This approach would ensure that regulatory decisions are based on sound science and the best interests of both public health and the economy.

By raising these concerns, Mullin highlights the importance of balanced decision-making and the need for the EPA to consider the impact of its regulations on industry and communities.