EPA Extends Comment Period for Proposal to Ensure Fuels Made Using Plastic Waste Based Feedstocks are Free from Unsafe Contaminants
Released July 19, 2023
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the public comment period for its proposed rules under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to ensure chemicals made from plastic waste-derived feedstocks are free from unsafe contaminants before they can be used to make transportation fuels. The comment period extension will give stakeholders more time to review and comment on the proposal.
The current comment period was set to close on July 20, 2023, and EPA is extending the comment period an additional 30 days. Comments can be submitted to docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2023-0245 on www.regulations.gov until August 19, 2023.
The significant new use rules (SNURs), which EPA proposed in June 2023, would require companies to notify EPA before manufacturing or processing 18 chemicals using plastic waste-derived feedstocks that contain impurities like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals, dioxins, bisphenols and flame retardants. These substances are known to cause cancer and harm the reproductive system, among other health effects. The proposed SNURs would apply to all companies that want to manufacture these chemicals and ensure that new uses undergo EPA’s full review process.
EPA’s decision to extend the public comment period for the SNURs does not impact the date on which use of the substances would be considered a significant new use, which is June 20, 2023.