NPRA criticizes new EPA data reporting regulations

A statement issued by the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association (NPRA) says that the modifications to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Chemical Data Reporting rule will place an unfair burden on manufacturers. “EPA showed sound judgment when it decided to retain a threshold of reporting on chemicals produced to 25,000 pounds per year, and not lower it,” said James Cooper, vice president of petrochemicals for NPRA. “Additionally, by moving the reporting period to early 2012, producers are better able to gather, consolidate and provide more accurate information,” he added. But he said that EPA was imprudent when it decided to increase the type and amount of information the agency collects from commercial chemical manufacturers. He explained that the move imposes unrealistic requirements on petrochemical manufacturers and those that sell commodity chemicals. “Requiring them to report use and exposure information of the chemicals when many of their customers are traders and distributors is analogous to requiring the manufacturers of Girl Scout cookies to track who eats every box,” said Cooper. NPRA is an American trade association that represents manufacturers that produce gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and other fuels, as well as petrochemicals. (August 3, 2011)