Despite pleas from U.S. House Republicans Committee on Energy and Commerce, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has denied the extension of the 60-day comment period, saying that there has been sufficient time to comment and collect information in order to finalize the rule this year.

Revisions to the Risk Management Program (RMP) include changes to the accident prevention program, emergency response requirements and public availability of chemical hazard information.

According to the committee’s letter: “EPA projects approximately 12,500 facilities, including small businesses, will potentially be affected by the proposed rule and the cost for compliance will exceed $1 billion over the next 10 years.”

EPA’s rule mimics and overlaps with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Process Safety Management program. According to the letter, the conflicting nature of both rules will create uncertainty and confusion.

IWLA Chemical Council will continue to monitor the RMP program and PSM program and inform members of compliance information and deadlines. Stay tuned.