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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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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.
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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
authorizations including for FLBs.
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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.
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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).
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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
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Rulemaking Process Next Steps
• Notice of Proposed Rulemaking– May 2015
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QUESTIONS?
ROBERT COURTNAGE
[email protected]
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