EPA Announces Environmental Justice Consultations on the Risk Management Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites environmental justice communities and stakeholders to participate in environmental justice consultations regarding the development of a proposed risk management action under section 6(a) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to address unreasonable risks presented by n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP).

The environmental justice consultation period will extend from today through August 27, 2021. The agency will hold two identical consultation webinars, one on July 7, 2021 and the other on July 13, 2021. EPA is offering these repeated sessions to increase opportunities for participation. Both sessions will provide an overview of the TSCA risk management requirements, the findings from the final risk evaluation, the tools available to manage the unreasonable risks from NMP, and an opportunity for EPA to obtain input on environmental justice concerns. These consultations are open to the public, and EPA is inviting national, local and non-governmental organizations, communities, and other interested stakeholders to participate.

In addition to these environmental justice consultations, EPA is executing a robust outreach effort during risk management 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.

Find registration information for the environmental justice consultations and more opportunities for public and stakeholder engagement at https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/risk-management-existing-chemicals-under-tsca.

While outreach and stakeholder engagement on risk management activities for this chemical will continue to move forward, EPA is actively reviewing final risk evaluation to ensure it uses the best available science and protects human health and the environment, in accordance with the Executive Orders and other direction provided by the Biden-Harris Administration. The agency will keep stakeholders updated as decisions are made, and next steps are determined.

Background: 

Under TSCA, EPA is required to evaluate the risks associated with existing chemicals in commerce using the best available science before taking action to address any unreasonable risks. The agency issued a risk evaluation for NMP in December 2020. The final risk evaluation for NMP shows unreasonable risks to workers under certain conditions of use. Additionally, NMP shows unreasonable risks to consumers for one condition of use. EPA is now moving to risk management for this chemical, the next step in the process required by TSCA.

NMP is a solvent that is used widely in the manufacture and production of electronics, petrochemical products, polymers and other specialty chemicals. Common consumer uses include paints and coatings, glues and adhesives, paint and adhesive removers, lubricants, and automotive care products.

Learn more about the risk evaluation process required by TSCA.

Learn more about risk management for NMP.