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Reassessment of PCB Use Authorizations

Reassessment of PCB Use Authorizations. PCB-Containing Fluorescent Light Ballasts. AASA Legislative Advocacy Conference July 8, 2014. Presentation Overview. Background on polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Current stage of rulemaking development Overview of EPA rulemaking process.

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Reassessment of PCB Use Authorizations

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  1. Reassessment of PCB Use Authorizations PCB-Containing Fluorescent Light Ballasts AASA Legislative Advocacy Conference July 8, 2014

  2. Presentation Overview • Background on polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) • Current stage of rulemaking development • Overview of EPA rulemaking process

  3. PCBs Background • PCBs are a group of chemicals used extensively in industrial applications because of their persistence, heat resistance, elasticity to plastics and low electrical conductivity. • Chronic exposure to PCBs can lead to health effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, endocrine system and can cause cancer.

  4. PCBs Background • The Toxic Substances Control Act or TSCA banned the manufacture of PCBs in 1977. • Under TSCA, EPA issued use authorizations in 1979 for existing PCBs based on a finding at the time of “no unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment.” • One of the use authorizations was for PCBs in small capacitors including those within fluorescent light ballasts (FLBs). • EPA is now re-examining some of the PCB use authorizationsincluding for FLBs.

  5. PCB Small Capacitors in FLBs • We have learned from incidents in schools that PCB FLBs are still in use and often leak. • Particularly prevalent in New York City schools. • Court mandate to remove PCB FLBs by December 31, 2016. • EPA research shows that even PCB FLBs that are not leaking still off-gas, resulting in PCB exposures.

  6. Potential PCB FLB Options • Phase-out near or at estimated natural attrition date (2020). • Public outreach campaign targeting schools and other public and commercial buildings to encourage the removal of PCB FLBs. • Considering different regulatory universes (schools, daycares, hospitals, public housing).

  7. Rulemaking Steps • Proposed Rule • Consultations (Federalism, Tribal consultations, Small Business Advocacy Review Panel) • Internal EPA review • Office of Management and Budget (OMB) interagency review period • Administrator signature • Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in Federal Register (Proposed Rule comment period) • Final Rule • Incorporate comments received • Internal EPA review • OMB interagency review period • Administrator signature • Final Rule published in Federal Register

  8. Rulemaking Process Next Steps • Notice of Proposed Rulemaking– May 2015

  9. Questions?Robert Courtnagecourtnage.robert@epa.gov

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