Reassessment of PCB Use Authorizations PCBContaining Fluorescent Light

Reassessment of PCB Use Authorizations PCB-Containing Fluorescent Light Ballasts AASA Legislative Advocacy Conference July 8, 2014

PRESENTATION OVERVIEW • Background on polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) • Current stage of rulemaking development • Overview of EPA rulemaking process 2

PCBS BACKGROUND • PCBs are a group of chemicals used extensively in industrial applications because of their persistence, heat resistance, elasticity to plastics and low electrical conductivity. • Chronic exposure to PCBs can lead to health effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, endocrine system and can cause cancer. 3

PCBS BACKGROUND • The Toxic Substances Control Act or TSCA banned the manufacture of PCBs in 1977. • Under TSCA, EPA issued use authorizations in 1979 for existing PCBs based on a finding at the time of “no unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment. ” • One of the use authorizations was for PCBs in small capacitors including those within fluorescent light ballasts (FLBs). • EPA is now re-examining some of the PCB use authorizations including for FLBs. 4

PCB SMALL CAPACITORS IN FLBS • We have learned from incidents in schools that PCB FLBs are still in use and often leak. • Particularly prevalent in New York City schools. • Court mandate to remove PCB FLBs by December 31, 2016. • EPA research shows that even PCB FLBs that are not leaking still off-gas, resulting in PCB exposures. 5

POTENTIAL PCB FLB OPTIONS • Phase-out near or at estimated natural attrition date (2020). • Public outreach campaign targeting schools and other public and commercial buildings to encourage the removal of PCB FLBs. • Considering different regulatory universes (schools, daycares, hospitals, public housing). 6

RULEMAKING STEPS Proposed Rule • Consultations (Federalism, Tribal consultations, Small Business Advocacy Review Panel) • Internal EPA review • Office of Management and Budget (OMB) interagency review period • Administrator signature • Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in Federal Register (Proposed Rule comment period) Final Rule • Incorporate comments received • Internal EPA review • OMB interagency review period • Administrator signature • Final Rule published in Federal Register 7

RULEMAKING PROCESS NEXT STEPS • Notice of Proposed Rulemaking– May 2015 8

QUESTIONS? ROBERT COURTNAGE. ROBERT@EPA. GOV 9