The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to amend the Accidental Release Prevention Requirements of Risk Management Programs (RMP) under the Clean Air Act, Section 112(r)(7). The proposed revisions aim to modernize its chemical safety and security regulations, guidance, and policies are required under Executive Order (EO) 13650. EO 13650 directs the federal government to carry out a number of tasks intended to prevent chemical accidents, such as the explosion in West, Texas on April 17, 2013.
The proposed revisions include several changes to the accident prevention program requirements, including:
- An additional requirement for the process hazard analysis (PHA) required for Program 3 processes,
- Enhancements to the emergency preparedness requirements,
- Increased public availability of chemical hazard information, and
- Several other changes to certain regulatory definitions and data elements submitted in the RMPs.
Comments are due 60 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register.
Link to EPA article
