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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10085 — Rescission of Regulatory Determinations and Removal of Related Provisions for Four PFAS Substances (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and the Mixture of These Three PFAS Plus PFBS)
The EPA is proposing to undo its rules for four PFAS chemicals (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and a mix including PFBS) in drinking water because the original process wasn’t done right. This means public water systems won’t have to monitor or treat these chemicals for now. People and water providers should weigh in by July 20, 2026, and a virtual hearing happens July 7.
2026-10086 — Extending the Compliance Deadline for the PFOA and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Levels
The EPA is giving water systems more time to meet safety rules for two harmful chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, by extending the deadline from April 2029 to April 2031 if they ask for it. This helps water providers get ready without rushing, keeping our drinking water safe. The EPA wants your thoughts and will hold a public hearing in July 2026 to hear from everyone.
2026-09895 — Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category-Unmanaged Combustion Residual Leachate
The EPA is updating rules for steam electric power plants to better control dirty water leaking from leftover coal waste. This change affects existing power plants and is expected to save up to $1 billion a year while protecting water quality. Comments on the proposal are open until June 17, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-09524 — Begin Actual Construction in the New Source Review (NSR) Preconstruction Permitting Program
The EPA is updating rules about when companies can start building big projects that might affect air quality. Now, they can begin building parts that don’t release pollution before getting a full air permit, making things clearer and easier. This change mainly affects businesses planning major construction and could speed up projects without extra costs, but comments are due by June 29, 2026.
2026-09179 — Definition of Hazardous Waste Applicable to Corrective Action for Releases From Solid Waste Management Units; Withdrawal
The EPA has decided to cancel its plan to change the rules about what counts as hazardous waste for cleaning up pollution at certain waste sites. This means businesses and cleanup crews won’t have to deal with the confusing new rules that were proposed. The withdrawal takes effect immediately, so no extra costs or changes will happen right now.
2026-08750 — Extension of Postponement of Effectiveness for Certain Provisions of Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
The EPA is hitting the pause button again on some rules about a chemical called TCE, which is used in workplaces. This means certain limited uses of TCE won’t have to follow new restrictions just yet, while courts review the rules. If you work with TCE, this delay gives you more time before changes kick in, starting May 18, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20408 — Certain Electrolyte Containing Beverages and Labeling and Packaging Thereof (II); Second Notice of Request for Submissions on the Public Interest
The U.S. International Trade Commission is asking the public for their thoughts on a possible ban and new rules for certain electrolyte drinks and their packaging. This affects companies importing or selling these drinks, with potential changes that could impact what products stay in the U.S. market. If a violation is found, these changes could happen soon and might affect business costs and consumer choices.
Next: 2025-20412 — Clean Air Act Operating Permit Program; Order on Petition for Objection to State Operating Permit for Neville Chemical Company
The EPA reviewed a petition challenging Neville Chemical Company's air pollution permit in Pennsylvania and decided to agree with some concerns but not all. This means Neville must fix certain issues in their permit, but some parts stay as is. Anyone wanting to challenge the EPA’s decision has until January 20, 2026, to take it to court.