EPA to Begin First-Ever ‘Unilateral’ New Chemical Restriction

The EPA is preparing to issue a “unilateral” restriction on new chemicals, an option it’s never used before, a top agency official said Wednesday.

“We’re moving to issue the first series of unilateral [orders] over the next month or so,” said Lynn Dekleva, associate deputy assistant administrator for new chemicals at the Environmental Protection Agency.

Such orders would in some way restrict a new chemical, one that’s never been made in or imported into the U.S.

But what’s unusual is the agency would do so without any input from the company wanting to make or import the new chemical.

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