EPA Seeks Comments on Trade Secret Paperwork Renewal
Published Date: 12/11/2025
Notice
Summary
The EPA wants to keep collecting info about trade secret claims related to community safety and emergency planning. This affects businesses that share chemical info but want to protect secrets. They’re asking for public comments by February 9, 2026, before renewing the paperwork approval, with no big changes or costs expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
ICR Renewal for Trade Secret Claims
The EPA plans to renew its information collection about trade secret claims under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). The ICR covers facilities that report under EPCRA sections 303, 311, 312, and 313, uses EPA Form 9510-1, and is currently approved through June 30, 2026.
Estimated Annual Burden and Cost
EPA estimates the ICR will cover 283 trade secret claims with a total annual burden of 2,689 hours and a total annual cost of $164,989. The agency says burden hours are likely to stay substantially the same.
Mandatory Submission When Claiming Trade Secret
If your facility decides to assert a trade secret claim for a chemical identity in EPCRA reports, you are required to submit the trade secret claim information as part of those reports (sections 303, 311, 312, or 313).
No Capital or O&M Costs Reported
EPA estimates there are no capital or operation and maintenance (O&M) costs associated with this information collection renewal.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13667, Minor New Source Review Program Air Permitting Public Participation Requirements for State Implementation Plans
The EPA wants to give states more freedom to decide how much public input is needed when approving small air pollution sources or changes. This means local air agencies can tailor public participation to fit their community’s needs while still protecting air quality. If you’re involved in air permits, watch for comment deadlines and possible virtual hearings this summer!
2026-13263, Revisions To Establish the Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) for Public Water Systems
The EPA is rolling out the sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) to check for new, sneaky chemicals in public drinking water. Big water systems serving 3,300+ people and some smaller ones will test for 30 different contaminants, including certain PFAS and pesticides, to keep our water safe. Comments and feedback are open until late August 2026, and the EPA will host fun online meetings to chat about the plan!
2026-12927, U.S. Ecology Nevada, Inc. High Mercury Subcategory Wastes Land Disposal Restrictions Variance
The EPA is giving U.S. Ecology Nevada a special green light to handle and dispose of high-mercury waste a bit differently than usual. This means mercury waste treated in Pennsylvania can now be safely sent to U.S. Ecology’s Nevada site for disposal under new rules starting July 27, 2026. This change helps protect people and the environment while keeping mercury waste management efficient and cost-effective.
2026-11047, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants From Hazardous Waste Combustors: Residual Risk and Technology Review
The EPA just updated rules for places that burn hazardous waste, like incinerators and boilers, to keep the air safe and clean. They confirmed current standards work well but added new limits on harmful gases like hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen cyanide. These changes start June 3, 2026, and include easier electronic reporting and some new rules for startup and shutdown times—helping protect health without big costs.
2026-10641, Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Federal CCR Permit Program; Reopening of Comment Period
The EPA is reopening the comment period until June 29, 2026, for its proposed rule to create a federal permit program for safely disposing of coal ash from power plants. This affects electric utilities that handle coal waste and aims to improve environmental safety while possibly impacting their costs. Now’s the time for everyone to share their thoughts and help shape the rules!
2026-10387, Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Reconsideration of Certain Regulatory Requirements Promulgated Under the Technology Transitions Provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
The EPA is updating rules to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals used in cooling systems like refrigerators and air conditioners. These changes affect businesses in refrigeration, supermarkets, semiconductor manufacturing, and more, allowing some older equipment made before 2025 to keep running. The new rules kick in on July 27, 2026, helping industries transition smoothly while cutting harmful emissions.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22526, Airport Terminal Program; FY 2026 Funding Opportunity
The FAA is offering about $1 billion in grants for airports to fix and upgrade terminals and control towers in 2026. This is the last year for this funding program, so airports need to apply by January 15, 2026. If you run an airport, now’s the time to grab this chance to modernize your facilities and keep things running smoothly!
Next: 2025-22528, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; RCRA Expanded Public Participation, EPA ICR No. 1688.11, OMB Control No. 2050-0149
The EPA wants to keep collecting info to help more people get involved in decisions about hazardous waste rules. This affects communities, businesses, and anyone interested in environmental safety. They’re asking for your thoughts by February 9, 2026, and this process won’t cost you anything but your two cents!