Published
February 10, 2025
A predictable regulatory framework is essential to strengthening supply chains and maintaining U.S. leadership in the global economy. Unfortunately, delays in the EPA’s new chemical review process under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) are creating obstacles for manufacturers, businesses, and consumers alike.
Immediate action is crucial to ensure the TSCA review process functions as Congress intended—efficiently, transparently, and in a manner that fosters economic growth while protecting human health and the environment.
Bottlenecks and Supply Chain Disruptions
Under TSCA, EPA is required to complete its Pre-Manufacture Notice (PMN) reviews of new chemicals within 90-180 days. However, businesses report that reviews often take years instead of months.
Why it matters: Such unpredictability disrupts supply chains, limits manufacturers’ ability to introduce safer and more sustainable products, and ultimately weakens American competitiveness. Products that Americans rely on every day, from sectors across the economy, are potentially impacted, including aerospace, automotive, energy, health care, semiconductors, national security, and public safety.
This uncertainty, in turn, creates a chilling effect on investment and innovation. Businesses need clear timelines and transparent processes from government.
The Path Forward
For new chemicals, policymakers must prioritize reforms that restore efficiency to the TSCA review process, ensuring that PMNs and Significant New Use Notices (SNUNs) are reviewed within statutory timeframes. For example, EPA’s Safer Choice initiative should be strengthened and streamlined to provide valuable pathways for businesses to develop and market safer products.
Challenges and Opportunities
With Republicans now in control, there is a renewed focus on regulatory reform. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Chairman of the Senate Environment Committee, is open to considering legislation to improve TSCA. And industry TSCA watchers are hopeful that Administrator Zeldin and his incoming leadership team will improve the efficiency and functioning of the TSCA program without gutting it.
We urge Congress and the Administration to support TSCA reforms that enhance regulatory efficiency, protect supply chains, and sustain American leadership in manufacturing and chemical production.
About the authors
