The chemical industry is subject to complex and ever-evolving laws and regulations. New standards governing the production and use of chemicals are implemented every year worldwide, and existing laws and regulations are constantly changing to keep pace with new information and scientific advancements. Chemical Industry Regulatory Update provides a monthly digest of recent legislative and regulatory developments and related industry news.
U.S. EPA Reaffirms Commitment to Environmental Self-Disclosure Audit Policy with Updated FAQ
On February 5 the U.S. EPA released an updated Frequently Asked Questions guidance document (2021 FAQ) regarding its Incentives for Self-Policing: Discovery, Disclosure, Correction and Prevention of Violations Self-Policing Audit Policy and related policies (Interim Approach to Applying the Audit Policy to New Owners and Small Business Compliance Policy) (together, the “Audit Policies”). Read more.
Regulating PFAS under California’s Safer Consumer Products Program
Four staffers at California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) argue that regulations that focus solely on perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are ineffective, given that nearly all other PFAS can generate PFAAs in the environment. In their recently published paper, they present the DTSC’s rationale for regulating PFAS as a class in certain consumer products. The paper is available here.
Virginia Enacts New Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Law
Steven G. Stransky, Thomas F. Zych
On March 2 Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed into law the Consumer Data Protection Act (CDPA), which grants Virginia residents new data privacy rights and creates new obligations for how businesses collect and use their personal data. Continue reading.
Environmental Podcast - Hot Topics Under Canadian Environmental Laws
Andrew Kolesar of Thompson Hine is joined by Harry Dahme of Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP for a wide-ranging discussion of hot topics under Canadian environmental laws.
Transition: A Presidential Change Webinar Series
What will the new presidential administration look like in 2021? As President Joe Biden settles into the White House, we invite you to join us for a series of webinars that will examine what this shift in presidential power could mean for the country. The change of hands will likely spark significant changes affecting a wide range of government sectors, from U.S. trade to immigration. We will explore these potential changes and their consequences for U.S. businesses.
Coming up next in this series:
Session Eight - Government Contracts Under the Biden Administration
In this session, we will focus on the Biden administration’s "Build Back Better" plan for economic recovery and examine proposed expenditures for R&D and new procurement initiatives. Our discussion explores the new administration’s infrastructure and clean energy objectives, the importance of buying and manufacturing goods in America and corresponding impacts to the government’s supply chain. We’ll also highlight recent changes affecting procurement regulations and processes.
Previously in our series:
Session Four – Will the Biden Administration Unwind Immigration Policy Implemented by the Trump Administration?
Session Five – Back to the Future: Will Biden Take Us Back to the Obama-era NLRB?
Session Six – Bridging the Gap in Your Capital Stack with New Markets Tax Credits
Session Seven – Practical Advice for Antitrust and Privacy Compliance in the Biden Era
For more information visit Thompson Hine’s Events page.
For more information, contact the editor, William J. Hubbard, or any of the authors.
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Additional Resources
We have assembled a firmwide multidisciplinary task force to address clients' business and legal concerns and needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please see our COVID Task Force page for additional information and resources.
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Chemical Industry Regulatory Update is compiled by Thompson Hine lawyers on behalf of The Adhesive and Sealant Council. It should not be construed as legal advice, and the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the ASC or its members.