EPA Seeks to Renew Chemical Accident Data Reporting Rules
Published Date: 11/20/2025
Notice
Summary
The EPA is asking to keep collecting info about chemical accident risks near communities, under the Clean Air Act. This renewal affects companies handling hazardous chemicals, helping keep neighbors safe by sharing important safety info. Comments on this plan are open until December 22, 2025, with no new costs expected—just a smooth continuation of current rules.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Chemical Facilities Keep Reporting Risk Plans
Companies that handle hazardous chemicals must continue submitting Risk Management Plans (RMPs) that include off-site consequence analyses (OCA) under Clean Air Act section 112(r)(7). The EPA has submitted a renewal of the information collection request (ICR No. 1981.09, OMB Control No. 2050-0172) to continue those reporting requirements.
Public Can Read Chemical Risk Files
Members of the public can read off-site consequence analysis (OCA) information at 55 federal reading rooms across the United States, but they may not mechanically copy or remove documents and may view OCA for up to 10 stationary sources per calendar month. State or local LEPCs may also provide access and state/local officials are authorized and encouraged to access OCA for official use.
Online Tool Shows Nearby Chemical Risk
Anyone can use EPA’s Vulnerable Zone Indicator System (VZIS), available online or by mail request, to find out whether a specified address might be within the vulnerable zone of one or more stationary sources based on RMP data.
Respondents Face Small Annual Burden
State and local agencies and the public (an estimated 385 respondents) face a total estimated burden of 610 hours per year and an estimated total cost of $32,145 per year (including $42 annualized capital or O&M costs) to support distribution of OCA information. The renewal shows a decrease of 53 hours annually from the previously approved estimate (663 hours) and a decrease in annualized capital costs from $81 to $42.
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