EPA Releases Proposed Rule to Update Risk Management Program

On August 18, 2022, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan signed the RMP Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention Proposed Rule. The rule proposes revisions to the Risk Management Program (RMP) to further protect vulnerable communities from chemical accidents, especially those living near facilities with high accident rates. According to EPA, the proposed rule would strengthen the existing program and includes new safeguards that have not been addressed in prior RMP rules. Some of the proposed requirements include identifying safer technologies and chemical alternatives, more thorough incident investigations, and third-party auditing. Many of the proposed provisions would return RMP back to policies enacted by the Obama Administration that were subsequently rescinded by the Trump Administration.  The public may comment on the proposed rule until 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. EPA is also holding three virtual public hearings on the proposed rule on September 26, 27, and 28, 2022.  GCCA will actively participate in the rulemaking to highlight industry concerns with the proposal as the process moves forward.