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EPA nominee pledges to prioritize timely review of new chemicals; Curtis warns slow approvals harm environment
Summary
During a confirmation exchange, Senator Curtis pressed a nominee about delays in EPA’s new-chemicals reviews, saying prior approvals fell short of statutory timelines and that withholding safer replacement chemicals can harm the environment. The nominee pledged to emphasize the program and meet timelines.
Senator Curtis used part of his allotted time to press an EPA nominee on the agency’s review of new chemicals, saying the prior administration approved no chemicals within statutory guidelines and that failing to approve safer replacement chemistries could “really harm our environment.”
Curtis asked the nominee to commit to timely review and approval of new chemicals that may replace older, more harmful substances. He characterized the agency’s review of new chemistries as a "critical function" and urged that statutory timelines and scientific review guide decisions.
Mr. Fattuhi acknowledged the importance of the new chemicals program and said the agency must conduct reviews in line with statutory timelines and the science. "You have my commitment to take that as an area of emphasis so that EPA gets back on track and is meeting its statutory obligations in its new chemicals program," he said. The nominee also noted that newer chemistries are often more environmentally friendly and thus merit timely consideration.
The exchange produced a verbal pledge to prioritize the new chemicals program but did not include a binding timetable or specific procedural commitments. The committee proceeded to other business after Curtis yielded his time.
