Toxic Substances Control Act:
EPA's Limited Progress in Regulating Toxic Chemicals
T-RCED-94-212: Published: May 17, 1994. Publicly Released: May 17, 1994.
Additional Materials:
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GAO discussed the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) implementation of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), focusing on EPA efforts to: (1) assess the risks of chemicals before and after they enter commerce; (2) control those chemicals found to be harmful; and (3) make information on chemicals publicly available. GAO noted that: (1) because of high legal standards, EPA has issued regulations to control only nine chemicals since the enactment of TSCA; (2) extensive use of TSCA is not likely as long as EPA gives preference to other environmental laws that provide limits on emissions rather than restrictions on production; (3) TSCA chemical information-gathering and control authorities are difficult to use and ineffective; (4) EPA has assessed the risks of only about 2 percent of the chemicals in use; (5) EPA review processes do not ensure that the potential risks of new chemicals are fully assessed before they enter commerce; (6) EPA may not be able to improve its chemical review and control procedures without shifting more of the burden to the chemical industry; (7) much of the information on chemicals cannot be disseminated by EPA because it is confidential; and (8) although EPA has successfully challenged the validity of some confidentiality claims, it does not have the resources to challenge a significant portion of claims.
Mar 1, 2021
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Man-Made Chemicals and Potential Health Risks:
EPA Has Completed Some Regulatory-Related Actions for PFASGAO-21-37: Published: Jan 27, 2021. Publicly Released: Mar 1, 2021.
Jan 22, 2021
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
Information on the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability ProgramGAO-21-240R: Published: Jan 22, 2021. Publicly Released: Jan 22, 2021.
Jan 19, 2021
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Chemical Assessments:
Annual EPA Survey Inconsistent with Leading Practices in Program ManagementGAO-21-156: Published: Dec 18, 2020. Publicly Released: Jan 19, 2021.
Jan 15, 2021
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Environmental Liabilities:
NASA's Reported Financial Liabilities Have Grown, and Several Factors Contribute to Future UncertaintiesGAO-21-205: Published: Jan 15, 2021. Publicly Released: Jan 15, 2021.
Jan 13, 2021
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Nuclear Waste:
Congressional Action Needed to Clarify a Disposal Option at West Valley Site in New YorkGAO-21-115: Published: Jan 13, 2021. Publicly Released: Jan 13, 2021.
Jan 7, 2021
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Hanford Cleanup:
DOE's Efforts to Close Tank Farms Would Benefit from Clearer Legal Authorities and CommunicationGAO-21-73: Published: Jan 7, 2021. Publicly Released: Jan 7, 2021.
Dec 18, 2020
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Drinking Water:
EPA Could Use Available Data to Better Identify Neighborhoods at Risk of Lead ExposureGAO-21-78: Published: Dec 18, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 18, 2020. -
Recycling:
Building on Existing Federal Efforts Could Help Address Cross-Cutting ChallengesGAO-21-87: Published: Dec 18, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 18, 2020.
Dec 9, 2020
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Environmental Protection:
Action Needed to Ensure EPA's Enforcement and Compliance Activities Support Its Strategic GoalsGAO-21-82: Published: Dec 9, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 9, 2020. -
Oil and Gas:
Onshore Competitive and Noncompetitive Lease RevenuesGAO-21-138: Published: Nov 19, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 9, 2020.
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