Short Takes – 4-14-26 - Federal Register Edition

 1,3,4,6,7,8-Hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-Hexamethylcyclopenta [g]-2-Benzopyran (HHCB); Phthalic Anhydride; o-Dichlorobenzene (o-DCB) and p-Dichlorobenzene (p-DCB); Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) Peer Review; Draft Risk Evaluations; Notice of SACC Meeting; Availability of Draft Documents and Request for Comment. Federal Register EPA notice. Summary: “The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is announcing that there will be two virtual public meetings of the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC). On May 26, 2026, a preparatory meeting will be held for the SACC to consider the scope and clarity of the draft charge questions for the peer review of the draft risk evaluations for 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta [g]-2-benzopyran (HHCB) and phthalic anhydride and the draft hazard assessments for o-dichlorobenzene (o-DCB) and p-dichlorobenzene (p-DCB). The peer review meeting will be held June 8 through 12, 2026, for the SACC to consider the draft risk evaluations for HHCB and phthalic anhydride, the draft hazard assessments for o-DCB and p-DCB, the technical support documents, and their public comments. EPA is also announcing the availability of and soliciting public comment on the draft documents and charge questions that will be provided to the SACC for this peer review. The draft risk evaluations and draft hazard assessments were prepared under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and will be submitted to the SACC for peer review.” 

1,3,4,6,7,8-Hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-Hexamethylcyclopenta [g]-2-Benzopyran (HHCB) and Phthalic Anhydride Draft Risk Evaluations Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Notice of Availability and Request for Comment. Federal Register EPA notice. Summary: “The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is announcing the availability of and seeking public comment on draft risk evaluations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta [g]-2-benzopyran (HHCB) and phthalic anhydride. The purpose of risk evaluations under TSCA is to determine whether a chemical substance presents an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment under the conditions of use (COUs), including unreasonable risk to potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulations identified as relevant to the risk evaluation by EPA, and without consideration of costs or non-risk factors. EPA is seeking comment on the draft risk evaluations for HHCB and phthalic anhydride.” 

Petition for Rulemaking-Amendments to Regulations Governing Ex Parte Communications. Federal Register STB advanced notice of proposed rulemaking. Summary: “The Surface Transportation Board has received a petition asking it to revise and streamline the rules governing ex parte communications. The Board is considering several changes to its ex parte regulations and seeks comment from interested persons on the changes being considered. The Board also invites commenters to identify additional options for revisions to the Board's ex parte communications rules.” 

Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act Guidance. Federal Register CEQ notice of availability. Summary: “On April 9, 2026, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) issued a memorandum to the heads of Federal departments and agencies (agencies) on establishing, revising, adopting, and applying categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This guidance replaces initial guidance on the same subject issued on December 6, 2010.” 

Modification to the Start of the Submission Period for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Reporting and Recordkeeping Under TSCA 8(a)(7). Federal Register EPA final rule. Summary: “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action to revise the start of the reporting period for the Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Reporting and Recordkeeping Rule (PFAS Reporting Rule). Pursuant to this action, the submission period for the PFAS Reporting Rule will begin on January 31, 2027, or 60 days following the effective date of a forthcoming final rule on the substantive requirements of the PFAS Reporting Rule, whichever is earlier.”