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.
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