EPA backlog of hundreds of new chemicals spurs U.S. manufacturers to consider overseas production

As of Sept. 1 the EPA reported 421 new-chemical notices awaiting review, with 409 of 446 under its jurisdiction exceeding the statutory 90-day deadline and 307 pending for a year or longer. A recent extension allows the agency to continue collecting fees from chemical firms until Dec. 11. The American Chemistry Council highlighted that prolonged reviews prevent firms from scaling production, noting that one company moved an advanced semiconductor-cooling chemical to France because of the delay.

Survey data from the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates indicate that over 60% of respondents face reviews longer than a year, resulting in lost opportunities and project cancellations, and that a faster, predictable process would make U.S. manufacturing more attractive. Draft legislation from the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee seeks to reauthorize fees and tighten review timelines, but neither bill has been formally introduced. Industry groups argue that stronger, science-based reviews can coexist with timelier decisions, emphasizing the need for reforms to keep U.S. chemical production competitive.