Summary:
Safe Chemicals Act of 2013 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to state that it is the policy of the United States to: (1) protect the health of children, workers, consumers, and the public and to protect the environment from harmful exposures to chemical substances; (2) promote the use of safer alternatives and other actions that reduce the use of and exposure to hazardous chemical substances and reward innovation toward safer chemicals, processes, and products; (3) require that chemicals in commerce meet a risk-based safety standard that protects vulnerable and affected populations and the environment; (4) require companies to provide sufficient health and environmental information for the chemical substances that the companies manufacture, process, or import as a condition of allowing those companies to distribute chemical substances in commerce; (5) improve the quality of information on chemical safety and use; (6) guarantee the right of the public and workers to know about the hazards and uses of chemical substances that they may be exposed to by maximizing public access to information on chemical safety and use; and (7) strengthen cooperation among the federal, state, municipal, tribal, and foreign governments.

Declares that it is the goal of the United States to address the harmful exposure of vulnerable or affected populations caused by the distribution of chemical substances in commerce by: (1) reviewing all chemical substances for safety and identifying the highest priority substances for expedited review, (2) determining whether chemical substances in commerce meet the safety standard under TSCA, (3) applying appropriate restrictions to the use of a chemical substance, and (4) encouraging the replacement of harmful chemicals and processes with safer alternatives.

 Adds and revises definitions under TSCA.

Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine that a variant of a chemical substance is a new chemical substance.

Redefines "distribute in commerce" to include exporting a chemical substance, mixture, or article.

 Defines “toxic” as a chemical substance or mixture that has a toxicological property: (1) meeting the criteria for Category 1or Category 2 for any of the toxicity endpoints established by the Globally Harmonized System for the Classification and Labeling of Hazardous Substances, (2) that causes an adverse effect that has been demonstrated in humans or other exposed organisms, or (3) for which the weight of evidence demonstrates the potential for an adverse effect in humans or other exposed organisms.

Defines "toxicological property" to mean actual or potential toxicity or other adverse effects of a chemical substance or mixture, including effects of exposure on: (1) mortality; (2) morbidity, including carcinogenesis; (3) reproduction; (4) growth and development; (5) the immune system; (6) the endocrine system; (7) the brain or nervous system; (8) other organ systems; or (9) any other biological functions in humans or nonhuman organisms.

 Directs the Administrator to promulgate a rule that: (1) establishes minimum information sets to evaluate chemical substances; (2) provides for varied or tiered information to be provided for different chemical substances; (3) identifies the particular set that applies to a chemical substance; (4) requires each set to include sufficient information to conduct a screening-level risk assessment of the chemical substance; (5) specifies information quality and reliability requirements applicable to the information submitted; (6) accommodates the use of alternative testing methods and strategies to generate information quickly, at low cost, and with reduced use of animal-based testing to the extent such methods and strategies would yield information of equivalent quality and reliability; and (7) establishes sets sufficient to carry out categorization of new and existing chemical substances, assignment of chemical substances to priority classes, and safety standard determinations.

 Requires chemical manufacturers and processors to submit and update their minimum information sets.

 Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) require by rule or order the testing of, and the submission of test results for, any chemical substance; (2) require submission of a sample of any chemical substance for testing by a specified date; and (3) impose restrictions on violators of testing requirements, including a prohibition against manufacturing, processing, or distributing chemical substances. Requires such rule or order to: (1) include standards for the development of test information for a substance, and (2) specify testing deadlines. Authorizes the Administrator to prescribe standards for the development of test information for health and environmental information. Requires the Administrator to review such standards at least once every three years and make revisions if necessary.

 Requires any rule or order that requires the testing and submission of information for a particular chemical substance or for a category of chemical substances to expire by the end of the applicable reimbursement period. Sets forth exemptions to such testing requirements.

 Requires the Administrator, within 15 days after the receipt of test information pursuant to such rule or order, to publish a notice that: (1) identifies the chemical substance for which information has been received, (2) lists the uses of such substance and the information required by the applicable standards for the development of test information, and (3) describes the nature of such information developed.

 Requires each person who submits information under TSCA, rule, or order to certify that such information is accurate and reliable and includes all material facts.

 Prohibits a person from commercially manufacturing a new substance or processing a substance for a new use unless the person submits to the Administrator a notice of the intention to manufacture or process such substance and complies with data submission requirements, and the Administrator finds that: (1) the chemical substance is likely to meet the applicable safety standard under TSCA; or (2) the person has established that such use is in the paramount interest of national security, that the lack of availability of such substance would cause significant disruption in the national economy, and that such use is a critical or essential use for which no feasible safer alternative is available or that such use, as compared to alternatives, provides a substantial net benefit to human health, the environment, or public safety.

 Requires the Administrator to promulgate a rule that: (1) designates the categories for substances of very high concern, substances likely to meet the safety standard, substances with insufficient information, and substances unlikely to meet the safety standard; (2) specifies the process and criteria the Administrator will use to categorize new chemical substances; and (3) describes criteria and factors the Administrator will use to assess the weight of evidence and the quality and reliability of information used to inform categorization decisions.

Requires the Administrator to assign a new chemical substance to one of such categories within 90 days after receiving such notice.

 Requires the Administrator to designate as a "substance of very high concern" any new substance that: (1) is toxic, persists in the environment, and is bioaccumulative; or (2) is highly hazardous. Prohibits manufacturing or processing such substance unless notice has been submitted pursuant to TSCA and the criteria for a substance of very high concern has been met.

 Requires the Administrator to designate as a "substance likely to meet the safety standard" any new chemical substance that the Administrator determines would likely meet the safety standard under TSCA: (1) for uses and under conditions specified by the submitter of such notice for such substance, and (2) for uses and under additional conditions that could be specified by the Administrator in making a safety standard determination for such substance. Requires the Administrator to assign to such category any new chemical substance that meets the criteria specified for "substances of very low concern" and "substances to undergo safety standard determinations."

Authorizes a chemical substance designated as a "substance likely to meet the safety standard" to be manufactured or processed under specified conditions, pending the completion of a safety standard determination.

 Requires the Administrator to designate as a "substance with insufficient information" any new chemical substance for which the Administrator concludes that needed information for such substance is not available, is insufficient, or is not of sufficient quality and reliability to allow for an informed categorization decision. Prohibits any person from manufacturing or processing a chemical substance designated under this category until the Administrator has recategorized the substance.

 Requires the Administrator to designate as a "substance unlikely to meet the safety standard" any new chemical substance that the Administrator determines would be unlikely to meet such standard: (1) for uses and under conditions specified by the submitter of a notice of the intention to manufacture or process the substance, or (2) for other uses or under additional conditions that the Administrator may evaluate in making a safety standard determination for the substance. Prohibits the manufacture and process of such substances.

Prohibits, subject to an exemption, any person from manufacturing or processing an existing chemical substance for which the Administrator has not made a safety standard determination for a use that was not ongoing prior to this Act's enactment or at a volume that is significantly increased from the volume as of this Act's enactment.

Prohibits manufacturing, processing, distributing in commerce, using, or disposing of an existing chemical that has met the applicable safety standard for uses at production volumes or in manners other than those specified in the safety determination, unless: (1) notice is made of the intention to manufacture and process such chemical; and (2) the Administrator determines that the person submitting such notice will continue to meet such standard.

 Sets forth provisions concerning amending safety standards and safety standard determinations.

 Requires the Administrator to determine that a variant of a chemical substance exhibiting special substance characteristics: (1) is a use that is separate from any use of the substance that does not exhibit such characteristics, or (2) is a distinct substance. Requires manufacturers or processors of: (1) a variant that the Administrator determines has a separate use, to satisfy conditions established by the Administrator; and (2) a distinct chemical substance that is not listed in the active inventory of chemical substances manufactured or processed published by the Administrator, to comply with requirements for new chemicals.

Authorizes the Administrator to exempt from requirements for new chemicals and new uses of chemicals an intrinsically safe chemical substance that does not and would not pose any risk of injury to human health or the environment under any intended or reasonably anticipated levels of production, patterns of use, or exposures arising at any stage across the lifecycle of such substance.

 Authorizes the Administrator to order a manufacturer or processor to revise quality control procedures that are inadequate to prevent a chemical substance from presenting a risk of injury to human health or the environment.

Sets forth provisions concerning notice requirements for polymeric chemical substances.

Authorizes the Administrator to permit a person to manufacture or process of a chemical substance for test marketing purposes: (1) upon a showing that the manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use, and disposal of such substance will not endanger human health or the environment; and (2) under such restrictions as the Administrator considers appropriate.

 Requires the Administrator to provide fair and equitable reimbursement for the costs incurred to comply with information submission requirements for a chemical substance when information has already been submitted for an equivalent substance.

 Sets forth exemptions from notice and data submission requirements for chemical substances that are manufactured and processed in small quantities solely for the purpose of: (1) scientific experimentation or analysis; or (2) chemical research on, or analysis of, substances.

 Authorizes the Administrator to exempt from notice and data submission requirements the manufacturing or processing of any chemical substance: (1) that exists temporarily as a result of a chemical reaction in the manufacturing or processing of a mixture or another substance; and (2) to which there is, and will be, no human or environmental exposure.

 Requires that each submission of information required under TSCA be accompanied by a certification of the accuracy, reliability, and inclusion of all material facts of such submission.

 Repeals provisions prohibiting federal agencies from selling, distributing, or transferring elemental mercury.

 Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish a system for assigning chemical substances into batches to ensure that an efficient and orderly process and pace are established for the determination of safety of chemical substances in commerce and the application of risk management measures as needed, (2) assign chemical substances on the active portion of the inventory to batches of chemical substances at least once every five years until all such substances have been so assigned, and (3) publish the list of substances assigned to each batch.

 Requires the initial batch to include substances for which reports are submitted to the Administrator under the chemical data reporting rule as of this Act’s enactment. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) include in such batch substances that are manufactured at volumes below the threshold for substances subject to basic reporting under such rule but that are used or released into the environment in a manner that warrants early evaluation by the Administrator; and (2) exclude from such batch substances that are reported under such rule but that are used or released into the environment in a manner that does not warrant early evaluation.

 Requires the Administrator to assign chemical substances to subsequent batches in a manner that reflects the extent to which the substances warrant earlier or later evaluation.

 Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations that: (1) establish the categories and specify the process and criteria the Administrator will use to categorize chemical substances; (2) designate the process and criteria the Administrator will use to prioritize substances that are placed in the category of chemical substances to undergo safety standard determinations; (3) describe how the categorization and prioritization process and criteria relate to and take into account the categorization and prioritization decisions made in other jurisdictions, including states and foreign governments; (4) describe criteria and factors the Administrator will use to weigh evidence and assess the quality and reliability of information used to inform categorization and prioritization decisions; (5) incorporate and establish criteria for substances of very high concern, substances of very low concern, substances to undergo safety standard determinations, and substances with insufficient information; and (6) establish specified priority classes and criteria.

Prohibits a chemical substance from being simultaneously in more than one the following categories: substances of very high concern, substances likely to meet the safety standard, substances with insufficient information, and substances unlikely to meet the safety standard. Requires the Administrator to publish: (1) such category assignments for chemical substances in the initial and subsequent batches, and (2) the priority class assignments for the chemical substances in the initial batch of chemical substances that the Administrator has assigned to the category of "substances to undergo safety standard determinations and for the substances in subsequent batches that the Administrator has assigned to the category of "chemical substances to undergo safety standard determinations."

 Requires the Administrator to designate as "Priority Class 1" those chemical substances that the Administrator determines warrant safety standard determinations in the near term. Requires the Administrator to initially assign as "Priority Class 1" substances that possess relatively greater hazard potential and for which there is evidence of more significant or widespread exposure. Authorizes the Administrator to designate as "Priority Class 1" any substance initially assigned to a lower priority class as safety determinations for the substance are completed.

 Directs the Administrator to: (1) designate as "Priority Class 2" those chemical substances that the Administrator determines are of lower priority than Priority Class 1 substances with respect to the timing for conducting safety standard determinations, and (2) require submission of the applicable minimum information set within five years of this Act’s enactment and within five years after the assignment of a substance to such priority.

 Requires the Administrator to designate as "Priority Class 3" those chemical substances that the Administrator determines may be set aside for further assessment until such time as: (1) safety stand determinations are completed on all Priority Class 1and 2 substances, and (2) new information arises that warrants reprioritization of such substance to a higher priority class. Prohibits the Administrator from requiring submission of the applicable minimum information set for a substance designated under such class until such time as the substance is reassigned to Priority Class 1 or 2.

 Sets forth provisions concerning reprioritizing chemical substances.

 Requires chemical substance manufacturers and processors to: (1) bear the burden of proving that chemical substances meet applicable safety standards, and (2) provide sufficient information for the Administrator to determine whether such standards have been met.

 Allows a chemical substance that undergoes a safety standard determination to be manufactured, processed, or distributed in commerce only if the Administrator determines that the chemical substance: (1) meets the safety standard, or (2) can meet the safety standard for uses through the imposition of additional conditions. Requires the Administrator to base a determination of whether such standard has been met solely on considerations of human health and the environment.

 Prohibits the Administrator from being required to conduct a risk assessment to determine that a manufacturer or processor has not met the burden of proof. Prohibits a determination by the Administer that a manufacturer or processor has not established that the chemical substance meets the applicable safety standard from being subject to judicial review.

 Requires the Administrator to: (1) conduct safety standard determinations of all chemical substances assigned to the category of "substances to undergo safety standard determinations," beginning with substances initially designated as Priority Class 1; (2) complete and publish such determinations for all substances designated as Priority Class 1 in the initial batch within five years of this Act’s enactment; (3) complete and publish such determinations for all substances designated as Priority Class 1 in subsequent batches within five years of the designation of a substance as Priority Class 1; and (4) complete and publish such determinations for Priority Class 2 or 3 substances that have been reprioritized as Priority Class 1 within five years after such reprioritization.

 Requires the Administrator, in making such determinations, to determine whether the manufacturers and processors of a chemical substance have established that the substance meets the safety standard.

 Requires the Administrator to seek to publish such determinations and risk management decisions concurrently. Prohibits the Administrator from unduly delaying the issuance of any safety standard determination if more information or analysis is required to make a determination regarding risk management.

 Requires the Administrator to publish completed determinations no less frequently than annually and at a pace sufficient to demonstrate steady progress toward completing all such determinations within the required time frame.

 Prohibits manufacturing, processing, or distributing substances subject to such determinations for any use or under any condition other than those specified in such orders within specified periods. Authorizes the Administrator to grant an extension of such deadline if the manufacturer or processor demonstrates: (1) a compelling technological need to continue a restricted activity beyond such period, and (2) that a factor wholly beyond the control of the manufacturer or processor prevents compliance with such restriction within such period.

 Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) initiating a redetermination of whether a substance meets such standards, and (2) petitions for redeterminations.

 Authorizes the Administrator, after a chemical substance has been assigned to the category of substances of very high concern, to require the submission of additional information that is necessary to conduct an expedited assessment of the known uses of, and exposures to, such substance. Requires the Administrator to complete and publish an identification and assessment of the known uses, and exposures to, a substance within a year of the date on which a substance is assigned to such category. Requires the Administrator to impose use restrictions and other conditions within 18 months on the manufacturing, processing, use, distribution, and disposal of such substance that are necessary to achieve the maximum practicable reduction in human or environmental exposure to the chemical. Prohibits manufacturing, processing, or distributing substances subject to such determinations for any use or under any condition other than those specified in such orders.

 Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) require that the manufacturer or processor submit a description of the quality control procedures followed in such manufacturing or processing of a chemical substance if the Administrator has a reasonable basis to conclude that the substance is being manufactured or processed in a manner that may present a substantial endangerment to health or the environment, (2) order the manufacturer or processor to revise such procedures to remedy such inadequacy, and (3) order the manufacturer or processor to give notice when such procedures have resulted in the distribution of a substance that may present a substantial endangerment to human health or the environment and provide for the replacement or repurchase of such substance.

 Sets forth provisions concerning exemptions from restrictions on manufacturing a new chemical substance and substances of very high concern and safety standard determination requirements.

Prohibits an agency from conveying, selling, or distributing any elemental mercury, other than mercury contained within an article containing a chemical substance, under the agency's control or jurisdiction. Exempts from such prohibition: (1) a transfer between federal agencies of elemental mercury for the sole purpose of facilitating storage of mercury to carry out such Act; or (2) a conveyance, sale, distribution, or transfer of coal.

Requires the Administrator to: (1) designate asbestos as a chemical substance of very high concern; (2) complete and publish an identification and assessment of the known uses of, and exposures to, asbestos; (3) impose, by order, use restrictions and other conditions on the manufacturing, processing, use, distribution in commerce, and disposal of asbestos to achieve the maximum practicable reduction in human or environmental exposure to asbestos; and (4) select conditions that permanently reduce or eliminate the possibility of exposures to the maximum extent practicable. Prohibits manufacturing, processing, or distributing in commerce asbestos for any use or under any condition other than those specified in such order.

Requires the Administrator to publish guidance describing the steps agencies must take to: (1) enhance protections for public health and safety and the environment; and (2) better solicit information from, and protect the health and safety of, people located near areas where asbestos is located, transported, and disposed. Provides that nothing in such guidance should be construed to affect or limit the application of, or obligation to comply with, any environmental law.

Redefines asbestos to include any: (1) material formally classified as tremolite, including winchire asbestos and richterite asbestos; and (2) asbestiform amphibole mineral.

Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) commence a civil action for seizure of and relief from a chemical substance that may present an imminent and substantial (currently imminent) endangerment to health or the environment, and (2) issue orders to protect health or the environment from such substances. Authorizes such action to be: (1) commenced notwithstanding the existence of a rule or order under TSCA and the pendency of any administrative or judicial proceeding under TSCA, and (2) proceeded against by process of libel for seizure and condemnation of such substance. Revises provisions concerning venue and consolidation of such actions.

 Requires each manufacturer to submit to the Administrator a declaration of the interest of the manufacturer for a chemical substance in which the manufacturer has a commercial interest. Requires such declarations notwithstanding any exclusions or exemptions from other notification or reporting requirements of TSCA. Authorizes: (1) a processor of a substance in which the processor has a current or potential commercial interest to voluntarily submit a declaration for such substance; and (2) a manufacturer or processor to submit a declaration of a cessation of producing, importing, processing, and exporting a substance.

 Establishes criteria for identifying substances to which such declarations apply. Requires the Administrator to issue guidance describing such criteria and specifying the supporting information manufacturers and processors are to include in such declarations.

 Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the Administrator reviewing such declarations and establishing a periodic reporting program on such chemical substances; (2) manufacturers and processors maintaining records to support such declarations and report; and (3) manufacturers and processors updating information contained in such reports at least every four years, when they come into possession of or generate significant new information regarding the production, processing, use, distribution, hazard, or exposure potential of such substances, and when there is a significant change in the production, distribution, or use of such substances.

 Revises provisions concerning the inventory of chemical substances manufactured or processed that the Administrator is required to publish.

 Requires the Administrator to establish an Internet-accessible database for storing and sharing information relating to the toxicity and use of, and exposure to, chemical substances.

 Requires any person that manufactures, processes, or distributes any chemical substance to maintain and, on request, submit to the Administrator records of significant adverse reactions to human health or the environment alleged to have been caused by the substance.

 Requires any person that manufactures, processes, or distributes a chemical substance and that obtains information that reasonably supports the conclusion that the substance presents a substantial risk of injury to health or the environment to immediately inform the Administrator of the information unless the person has actual knowledge that the Administrator has been adequately informed of the information.

 Requires the Administrator to report to federal agencies in cases where action may be taken under law not administered by the Administrator to address activities involving, uses of, or exposures to a chemical substance that do not meet a safety standard under TSCA.

 Revises provisions concerning inspections, including by allowing the Administrator to: (1) inspect any place at which records relating to substances or compliance with TSCA are held, and (2) require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of reports and information.

 Repeals provisions concerning exemptions to TSCA for chemical substances that are manufactured, processed, or distributed in commerce for export. Establishes deadlines for notifications to the Administrator relating to the exportation of such chemical substances.

 Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (currently the Secretary of the Treasury) to refuse entry into the U.S. customs territory of chemical substances under specified circumstances.

 Revises data disclosure requirements, including provisions concerning designating and releasing confidential data.

 Requires the Administrator to treat as confidential: (1) precise information describing the manufacture, processing, or distribution of a chemical substance; (2) marketing and sales information; (3) information identifying the customers of a manufacturer, processor, or distributor; (4) details of the full composition of a mixture of a particular manufacturer or processor; (5) precise information about the use, function, or application of a substance in a process, mixture, or product of a particular manufacturer or processor; and (6) precise production or import volumes of a particular manufacturer, processor, or distributor.

Requires the Administrator to disclose: (1) the identity of a chemical substance; (2) safety standard determinations; (3) specified health and safety study data; (4) health and safety data in notices of substantial risk; (5) general information describing the manufacturing volumes and the functions and uses of substances; (6) any information indicating the presence of a substance in consumer products intended for use by children aged 14 years or younger if such substance is a known or probable reproductive, developmental, neurological, or immunological toxicant, carcinogen, or mutagen, is persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic, or has been found by the Administrator to not meet a safety standard. Provides that such requirements do not authorize the release of data that discloses a process used in the manufacturing or processing of a substance. Establishes exemptions from requirements to disclose identities of substances.

 Requires the Administrator to promulgate rules that specify: (1) the acceptable bases on which written requests to maintain confidentiality of information may be approved, (2) the nature of the documentation and justification that must accompany such a request, and (3) the types of information the Administrator determines warrant protection for an indefinite period of time. Sets forth provisions concerning the review of such requests. Requires the Administrator, if a request to maintain confidentiality of information is approved, to specify a time period not to exceed five years for which such information will be kept confidential, unless the information otherwise becomes available to the public or the request for confidentially is exempted from such time constraint.

 Establishes a civil penalty for: (1) wrongful disclosure of information by current and former officers or employees of the United States, and (2) false requests for confidential treatment by officers or employees of companies that submit information.

 Requires all information reported to or otherwise obtained by the Administrator under TSCA to be made available to Congress upon request.

 Requires the Administrator to facilitate the sharing of information pertaining to chemical substances that workers may come into contact with or that they may otherwise be exposed to during the course of work with those workers and their bargaining agents.

 Prohibits any person from manufacturing, processing, distributing, using, or disposing of chemical substances that such person knew or had reason to know was manufactured, processed, or distributed in violation of any rule, order, prohibition, restriction, or other requirement imposed by TSCA.

Prohibits any person from failing or refusing to establish or maintain records or to submit accurate and complete reports, notices, information submissions, disclosures, declarations, certifications, or other information as required by TSCA.

 Prohibits any person from making or submitting a statement, declaration, disclosure, certification, writing, data set, or representation that is materially false or from falsifying or concealing any material fact in taking any action or making any communication pursuant to TSCA.

 Increases the cap on the amount of civil and criminal penalties for each violation of TSCA.

Authorizes fining and imprisoning individuals who knowingly violate TSCA and who know at that time that the violation places another person in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury.

 Revises enforcement provisions, including by authorizing the Administrator to: (1) commence a civil action in the appropriate U.S. district court to compel compliance of any person with any provision of, or any rule or order promulgated pursuant to, TSCA; and (2) seek civil or criminal penalties.

 Revises preemption provisions by providing that nothing in TSCA affects the right of a state to adopt or enforce any requirement that is different from, or in addition to, a requirement under TSCA unless compliance with both requirements is impossible, in which case the applicable provisions of TSCA shall control.

 Revises provisions concerning citizens’ civil action by allowing a person to commence a civil action for a violation of this Act or order issued under this Act (currently actions are limited to specific violations).

 Revises provisions concerning citizens’ petitions by allowing a person to petition the Administrator to initiate a proceeding for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a rule or order under TSCA (currently petitions are limited to initiating proceedings for issuing, amending, or repealing specific requirements).

 Repeals a cap on fees from persons required to submit data to defray the cost of administering TSCA.

 Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator to carry out TSCA for 2013-FY2020.

 Requires the Administrator to establish: (1) the Children’s Environmental Health Research Program to provide grants to further the understanding of the vulnerability of children to chemical substances, and (2) the Interagency Science Advisory Board on Children’s Health Research.

 Requires the Administrator, when a chemical substance has been identified as being present in human biological media that may have adverse effects on early childhood development, to coordinate with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a biomonitoring study to determine the presence of such substance in such media in, at a minimum, pregnant women and infants. Requires: (1) the Secretary to publish such study, and (2) manufacturers and processors to disclose any substance that is determined to be present in such study.

 Requires the Administrator to: (1) take action to minimize the use of animals in testing of chemical substances, and (2) establish the Interagency Science Advisory Board on Alternative Testing Methods.

 Requires the Administrator to establish: (1) a program to create market incentives for the development of safer alternatives to existing chemical substances that reduce or avoid the use and generation of hazardous substances, (2) a network of no less than four green chemistry and engineering centers to support the development and adoption of safer alternatives to chemical substances, and (3) a program to facilitate the development of a workforce that produces such alternatives. Requires the Administrator to make grants to promote and support the research, development, and adoption of such alternatives. Requires the Secretary of State, the heads of other appropriate federal agencies, and the Administrator to cooperate with international efforts to develop: (1) a common protocol or electronic database relating to substances, or (2) safer alternatives for substances.

 Requires the Administrator to establish and implement procedures to ensure data reliability.

 Requires the Administrator to: (1) identify localities of the United States that are subject to exposure to toxic substances at levels that are significantly greater than the average exposure, (2) publish a list of such localities, (3) update such list at least every five years, and (4) develop and publish action plans to reduce such disproportionate exposure.

 Requires the Administrator to implement and support the implementation by the United States of the provisions of the Stockholm Convention, the Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants to the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP POPs Protocol), and the Rotterdam Convention that have entered into effect for the United States.

 Prohibits manufacturing, processing, distributing, using, disposing of, or taking any other action with respect to a chemical that is listed on any Annex of the Stockholm Convention the LRTAP POPs Protocol, or the Rotterdam Convention or that is identified by notification to the Secretariat of the Rotterdam Convention by the United States as banned or severely restricted in the United States if such listings have entered into force for the United States, in a manner inconsistent with obligations for such chemicals under such agreements.

 Requires the Administrator to provide public notice of the chemicals that are subject to the instrument of ratification for the Stockholm Convention, LRTAP POPs Protocol, or Rotterdam Convention and of any chemical added after such instrument has entered into force for the United States within 30 days of the deposit of such instrument or the listing of any chemical added.

 Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate regulations to carry out the Stockholm Convention, the LRTAP POPs Protocol, and the Rotterdam Convention and to ensure compliance with any obligations under such instruments.

safe chemicals act amends toxic_substances_control_act tsca state policy united_states protect health children workers consumers public protect environment harmful exposures chemical substances promote use safer alternatives actions reduce use exposure hazardous chemical substances reward innovation safer chemicals processes products require chemicals commerce meet risk based safety standard protects vulnerable affected populations environment require companies provide sufficient health environmental information chemical substances companies manufacture process import condition allowing companies distribute chemical substances commerce improve quality information chemical safety use guarantee right public workers know hazards uses chemical substances exposed maximizing public access information chemical safety use strengthen cooperation federal state municipal tribal foreign governments declares goal united_states address harmful exposure vulnerable affected populations caused distribution chemical substances commerce reviewing chemical substances safety identifying highest priority substances expedited review determining chemical substances commerce meet safety standard tsca applying appropriate restrictions use chemical substance encouraging replacement harmful chemicals processes safer alternatives adds revises definitions tsca authorizes administrator environmental_protection_agency epa determine chemical substance new chemical substance redefines distribute commerce include exporting chemical substance mixture article defines toxic chemical substance mixture property meeting criteria category category toxicity endpoints established globally harmonized system classification labeling hazardous substances causes adverse effect demonstrated humans exposed organisms weight evidence demonstrates potential adverse effect humans exposed organisms defines property mean actual potential toxicity adverse effects chemical substance mixture including effects exposure mortality morbidity including reproduction growth development immune system endocrine system brain nervous system organ systems biological functions humans nonhuman organisms directs administrator promulgate rule establishes minimum information sets evaluate chemical substances provides varied tiered information provided different chemical substances identifies particular set applies chemical substance requires set include sufficient information conduct screening level risk assessment chemical substance specifies information quality reliability requirements applicable information submitted accommodates use alternative testing methods strategies generate information quickly low cost reduced use animal based testing extent methods strategies yield information equivalent quality reliability establishes sets sufficient carry categorization new existing chemical substances assignment chemical substances priority classes safety standard determinations requires chemical manufacturers processors submit update minimum information sets authorizes administrator require rule order testing submission test results chemical substance require submission sample chemical substance testing specified date impose restrictions violators testing requirements including prohibition manufacturing processing distributing chemical substances requires rule order include standards development test information substance specify testing deadlines authorizes administrator prescribe standards development test information health environmental information requires administrator review standards years revisions necessary requires rule order requires testing submission information particular chemical substance category chemical substances expire end applicable reimbursement period sets forth exemptions testing requirements requires administrator days receipt test information pursuant rule order publish notice identifies chemical substance information received lists uses substance information required applicable standards development test information describes nature information developed requires person submits information tsca rule order certify information accurate reliable includes material facts prohibits person commercially manufacturing new substance processing substance new use person submits administrator notice intention manufacture process substance complies data submission requirements administrator finds chemical substance likely meet applicable safety standard tsca person established use paramount interest national security lack availability substance cause significant disruption national economy use critical essential use feasible safer alternative available use compared alternatives provides substantial net benefit human health environment public safety requires administrator promulgate rule designates categories substances high concern substances likely meet safety standard substances insufficient information substances unlikely meet safety standard specifies process criteria administrator use categorize new chemical substances describes criteria factors administrator use assess weight evidence quality reliability information inform categorization decisions requires administrator assign new chemical substance categories days receiving notice requires administrator designate substance high concern new substance toxic environment bioaccumulative highly hazardous prohibits manufacturing processing substance notice submitted pursuant tsca criteria substance high concern met requires administrator designate substance likely meet safety standard new chemical substance administrator determines likely meet safety standard tsca uses conditions specified notice substance uses additional conditions specified administrator making safety standard determination substance requires administrator assign category new chemical substance meets criteria specified substances low concern substances undergo safety standard determinations authorizes chemical substance designated substance likely meet safety standard manufactured processed specified conditions pending completion safety standard determination requires administrator designate substance insufficient information new chemical substance administrator concludes needed information substance available insufficient sufficient quality reliability allow informed categorization decision prohibits person manufacturing processing chemical substance designated category administrator substance requires administrator designate substance unlikely meet safety standard new chemical substance administrator determines unlikely meet standard uses conditions specified notice intention manufacture process substance uses additional conditions administrator evaluate making safety standard determination substance prohibits manufacture process substances prohibits subject exemption person manufacturing processing existing chemical substance administrator safety standard determination use ongoing prior act enactment volume significantly increased volume act enactment prohibits manufacturing processing distributing commerce disposing existing chemical met applicable safety standard uses production volumes specified safety determination notice intention manufacture process chemical administrator determines person submitting notice continue meet standard sets forth provisions concerning amending safety standards safety standard determinations requires administrator determine chemical substance exhibiting special substance characteristics use separate use substance exhibit characteristics distinct substance requires manufacturers processors administrator determines separate use satisfy conditions established administrator distinct chemical substance listed active inventory chemical substances manufactured processed published administrator comply requirements new chemicals authorizes administrator exempt requirements new chemicals new uses chemicals safe chemical substance pose risk injury human health environment intended reasonably anticipated levels production patterns use exposures arising stage lifecycle substance authorizes administrator order manufacturer processor revise quality control procedures inadequate prevent chemical substance presenting risk injury human health environment sets forth provisions concerning notice requirements chemical substances authorizes administrator permit person manufacture process chemical substance test marketing purposes showing manufacture processing distribution commerce use disposal substance endanger human health environment restrictions administrator considers appropriate requires administrator provide fair equitable reimbursement costs incurred comply information submission requirements chemical substance information submitted equivalent substance sets forth exemptions notice data submission requirements chemical substances manufactured processed small quantities solely purpose scientific experimentation analysis chemical research analysis substances authorizes administrator exempt notice data submission requirements manufacturing processing chemical substance exists temporarily result chemical reaction manufacturing processing mixture substance human environmental exposure requires submission information required tsca accompanied certification accuracy reliability inclusion material facts submission repeals provisions prohibiting federal agencies selling distributing transferring elemental mercury requires administrator establish system assigning chemical substances ensure efficient orderly process pace established determination safety chemical substances commerce application risk management measures needed assign chemical substances active portion inventory chemical substances years substances assigned publish list substances assigned requires initial include substances reports submitted administrator chemical data reporting rule act enactment authorizes administrator include substances manufactured volumes threshold substances subject basic reporting rule released environment manner warrants early evaluation administrator exclude substances reported rule released environment manner warrant early evaluation requires administrator assign chemical substances subsequent manner reflects extent substances warrant earlier later evaluation requires administrator promulgate regulations establish categories specify process criteria administrator use categorize chemical substances designate process criteria administrator use prioritize substances placed category chemical substances undergo safety standard determinations describe categorization prioritization process criteria relate account categorization prioritization decisions jurisdictions including states foreign governments describe criteria factors administrator use weigh evidence assess quality reliability information inform categorization prioritization decisions incorporate establish criteria substances high concern substances low concern substances undergo safety standard determinations substances insufficient information establish specified priority classes criteria prohibits chemical substance simultaneously following categories substances high concern substances likely meet safety standard substances insufficient information substances unlikely meet safety standard requires administrator publish category assignments chemical substances initial subsequent priority class assignments chemical substances initial chemical substances administrator assigned category substances undergo safety standard determinations substances subsequent administrator assigned category chemical substances undergo safety standard determinations requires administrator designate priority class chemical substances administrator determines warrant safety standard determinations near term requires administrator initially assign priority class substances possess relatively greater hazard potential evidence significant widespread exposure authorizes administrator designate priority class substance initially assigned lower priority class safety determinations substance completed directs administrator designate priority class chemical substances administrator determines lower priority priority class substances respect timing conducting safety standard determinations require submission applicable minimum information set years act enactment years assignment substance priority requires administrator designate priority class chemical substances administrator determines set aside assessment time safety stand determinations completed priority class substances new information arises warrants substance higher priority class prohibits administrator requiring submission applicable minimum information set substance designated class time substance reassigned priority class sets forth provisions concerning chemical substances requires chemical substance manufacturers processors bear burden proving chemical substances meet applicable safety standards provide sufficient information administrator determine standards met allows chemical substance undergoes safety standard determination manufactured processed distributed commerce administrator determines chemical substance meets safety standard meet safety standard uses imposition additional conditions requires administrator base determination standard met solely considerations human health environment prohibits administrator required conduct risk assessment determine manufacturer processor met burden proof prohibits determination administer manufacturer processor established chemical substance meets applicable safety standard subject judicial review requires administrator conduct safety standard determinations chemical substances assigned category substances undergo safety standard determinations beginning substances initially designated priority class complete publish determinations substances designated priority class initial years act enactment complete publish determinations substances designated priority class subsequent years designation substance priority class complete publish determinations priority class substances priority class years requires administrator making determinations determine manufacturers processors chemical substance established substance meets safety standard requires administrator seek publish determinations risk management decisions concurrently prohibits administrator unduly delaying issuance safety standard determination information analysis required determination risk management requires administrator publish completed determinations frequently annually pace sufficient demonstrate progress completing determinations required time frame prohibits manufacturing processing distributing substances subject determinations use condition specified orders specified periods authorizes administrator grant extension deadline manufacturer processor demonstrates compelling technological need continue restricted activity period factor wholly control manufacturer processor prevents compliance restriction period sets forth provisions concerning initiating redetermination substance meets standards petitions authorizes administrator chemical substance assigned category substances high concern require submission additional information necessary conduct expedited assessment known uses exposures substance requires administrator complete publish identification assessment known uses exposures substance year date substance assigned category requires administrator impose use restrictions conditions months manufacturing processing use distribution disposal substance necessary achieve maximum practicable reduction human environmental exposure chemical prohibits manufacturing processing distributing substances subject determinations use condition specified orders authorizes administrator require manufacturer processor submit description quality control procedures followed manufacturing processing chemical substance administrator reasonable basis conclude substance manufactured processed manner present substantial endangerment health environment order manufacturer processor revise procedures remedy order manufacturer processor notice procedures resulted distribution substance present substantial endangerment human health environment provide replacement repurchase substance sets forth provisions concerning exemptions restrictions manufacturing new chemical substance substances high concern safety standard determination requirements prohibits agency conveying selling distributing elemental mercury mercury contained article containing chemical substance agency control jurisdiction exempts prohibition transfer federal agencies elemental mercury sole purpose facilitating storage mercury carry act conveyance sale distribution transfer coal requires administrator designate asbestos chemical substance high concern complete publish identification assessment known uses exposures asbestos impose order use restrictions conditions manufacturing processing use distribution commerce disposal asbestos achieve maximum practicable reduction human environmental exposure asbestos select conditions permanently reduce eliminate possibility exposures maximum extent practicable prohibits manufacturing processing distributing commerce asbestos use condition specified order requires administrator publish guidance describing steps agencies enhance protections public health safety environment better solicit information protect health safety people located near areas asbestos located transported disposed provides guidance construed affect limit application obligation comply environmental law redefines asbestos include material formally classified including asbestos asbestos mineral authorizes administrator commence civil action seizure relief chemical substance present imminent substantial currently imminent endangerment health environment issue orders protect health environment substances authorizes action commenced notwithstanding existence rule order tsca pendency administrative judicial proceeding tsca proceeded process libel seizure condemnation substance revises provisions concerning venue consolidation actions requires manufacturer submit administrator declaration interest manufacturer chemical substance manufacturer commercial interest requires declarations notwithstanding exclusions exemptions notification reporting requirements tsca authorizes processor substance processor current potential commercial interest voluntarily submit declaration substance manufacturer processor submit declaration cessation producing importing processing exporting substance establishes criteria identifying substances declarations apply requires administrator issue guidance describing criteria specifying supporting information manufacturers processors include declarations sets forth provisions administrator reviewing declarations establishing periodic reporting program chemical substances manufacturers processors maintaining records support declarations report manufacturers processors updating information contained reports years come possession generate significant new information production processing use distribution hazard exposure potential substances significant change production distribution use substances revises provisions concerning inventory chemical substances manufactured processed administrator required publish requires administrator establish internet accessible database storing sharing information relating toxicity use exposure chemical substances requires person manufactures processes distributes chemical substance maintain request submit administrator records significant adverse reactions human health environment alleged caused substance requires person manufactures processes distributes chemical substance obtains information reasonably supports conclusion substance presents substantial risk injury health environment immediately inform administrator information person actual knowledge administrator adequately informed information requires administrator report federal agencies cases action taken law administered administrator address activities involving uses exposures chemical substance meet safety standard tsca revises provisions concerning inspections including allowing administrator inspect place records relating substances compliance tsca held require attendance testimony witnesses production reports information repeals provisions concerning exemptions tsca chemical substances manufactured processed distributed commerce export establishes deadlines notifications administrator relating exportation chemical substances requires secretary homeland_security currently secretary treasury refuse entry customs territory chemical substances specified circumstances revises data disclosure requirements including provisions concerning designating releasing confidential data requires administrator treat confidential precise information describing manufacture processing distribution chemical substance marketing sales information information identifying customers manufacturer processor distributor details composition mixture particular manufacturer processor precise information use function application substance process mixture product particular manufacturer processor precise production import volumes particular manufacturer processor distributor requires administrator disclose identity chemical substance safety standard determinations specified health safety study data health safety data notices substantial risk general information describing manufacturing volumes functions uses substances information indicating presence substance consumer products intended use children aged years younger substance known probable reproductive developmental neurological persistent bioaccumulative toxic found administrator meet safety standard provides requirements authorize release data discloses process manufacturing processing substance establishes exemptions requirements disclose identities substances requires administrator promulgate rules specify acceptable bases written requests maintain confidentiality information approved nature documentation justification accompany request types information administrator determines warrant protection indefinite period time sets forth provisions concerning review requests requires administrator request maintain confidentiality information approved specify time period exceed years information kept confidential information available public request confidentially exempted time establishes civil penalty wrongful disclosure information current officers employees united_states false requests confidential treatment officers employees companies submit information requires information reported obtained administrator tsca available congress request requires administrator facilitate sharing information pertaining chemical substances workers come contact exposed course work workers bargaining agents prohibits person manufacturing processing distributing disposing chemical substances person knew reason know manufactured processed distributed violation rule order prohibition restriction requirement imposed tsca prohibits person failing refusing establish maintain records submit accurate complete reports notices information submissions disclosures declarations certifications information required tsca prohibits person making submitting statement declaration disclosure certification writing data set representation materially false falsifying concealing material fact taking action making communication pursuant tsca increases cap civil criminal penalties violation tsca authorizes individuals knowingly violate tsca know time violation places person imminent danger death bodily injury revises enforcement provisions including authorizing administrator commence civil action appropriate district_court compel compliance person provision rule order promulgated pursuant tsca seek civil criminal penalties revises preemption provisions providing tsca affects right state adopt enforce requirement different addition requirement tsca compliance requirements impossible case applicable provisions tsca shall control revises provisions concerning citizens civil action allowing person commence civil action violation act order issued act currently actions limited specific violations revises provisions concerning citizens petitions allowing person petition administrator initiate proceeding issuance amendment repeal rule order tsca currently petitions limited initiating proceedings issuing amending repealing specific requirements repeals cap fees persons required submit data defray cost administering tsca authorizes appropriations administrator carry tsca fy2020 requires administrator establish children environmental health research program provide grants understanding vulnerability children chemical substances interagency science_advisory_board children health research requires administrator chemical substance identified present human biological media adverse effects early childhood development coordinate secretary health_and_human_services hhs conduct study determine presence substance media minimum pregnant women infants requires secretary publish study manufacturers processors disclose substance determined present study requires administrator action minimize use animals testing chemical substances establish interagency science_advisory_board alternative testing methods requires administrator establish program create market incentives development safer alternatives existing chemical substances reduce avoid use generation hazardous substances network green chemistry engineering centers support development adoption safer alternatives chemical substances program facilitate development workforce produces alternatives requires administrator grants promote support research development adoption alternatives requires secretary state heads appropriate federal agencies administrator cooperate international efforts develop common protocol electronic database relating substances safer alternatives substances requires administrator establish implement procedures ensure data reliability requires administrator identify localities united_states subject exposure toxic substances levels significantly greater average exposure publish list localities update list years develop publish action plans reduce disproportionate exposure requires administrator implement support implementation united_states provisions convention protocol persistent organic pollutants convention long range transboundary air pollution protocol convention entered effect united_states prohibits manufacturing processing distributing disposing taking action respect chemical listed annex convention protocol convention identified notification convention united_states banned severely restricted united_states listings entered force united_states manner inconsistent obligations chemicals agreements requires administrator provide public notice chemicals subject instrument ratification convention protocol convention chemical added instrument entered force united_states days deposit instrument listing chemical added authorizes administrator promulgate regulations carry convention protocol convention ensure compliance obligations instruments


Summary:
Sensible Environmental Protection Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act [CWA]) to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or a state from requiring a permit under CWA for a discharge from a point source into navigable waters of: (1) a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use under FIFRA; or (2) the residue of the pesticide, resulting from the application of the pesticide. Excepts: (1) a discharge resulting from the application of a pesticide in violation of a provision of FIFRA relevant to protecting water quality if the discharge would not have occurred without the violation or if the amount of pesticide or pesticide residue in the discharge is greater than would have occurred without the violation; (2) stormwater discharges regulated under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES); and (3) discharges of manufacturing or industrial effluent, treatment works effluent, and discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel.

Directs the Administrator to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the status of intra-agency coordination between the Office of Water and the Office of Pesticide Programs of EPA regarding streamlining information collection, standards of review, and data use relating to water quality impacts from the registration and use of pesticides; (2) an analysis of the effectiveness of current regulatory actions relating to pesticide registration and use aimed at protecting water quality; and (3) recommendations on how FIFRA can be modified to better protect water quality and human health.

sensible environmental protection act amends federal_insecticide fungicide rodenticide_act fifra federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act cwa prohibit administrator environmental_protection_agency epa state requiring permit cwa discharge point source navigable waters pesticide authorized sale distribution use fifra residue pesticide resulting application pesticide excepts discharge resulting application pesticide violation provision fifra relevant protecting water quality discharge occurred violation pesticide pesticide residue discharge greater occurred violation stormwater discharges regulated national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system npdes discharges manufacturing industrial effluent treatment works effluent discharges incidental normal operation vessel directs administrator report specified congressional committees status intra agency coordination office_of_water office pesticide programs epa streamlining information collection standards review data use relating water quality impacts registration use pesticides analysis effectiveness current regulatory actions relating pesticide registration use aimed protecting water quality recommendations fifra modified better protect water quality human health


Summary:
EPA Fair Play Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to remove the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prohibit the specification, or restrict the use, of an area as a disposal site for discharges of dredged or fill materials into waters of the United States once the Army Corps of Engineers has issued a permit for the discharge.

Makes this Act effective as of October 18, 1972.

epa fair play act_-_amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act remove authority environmental_protection_agency epa prohibit specification restrict use area disposal site discharges dredged fill materials waters united_states army_corps_of_engineers issued permit discharge makes act effective october


Summary:
Chemical Safety Improvement Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to establish an evaluative framework for chemical risk assessment and management.

 Declares that it is the policy of the United States that: (1) this Act should protect the health of people and the environment from the unmanaged risks of chemicals; (2) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should have the appropriate hazard, use, and exposure information necessary to make safety determinations and the resources and tools necessary to implement TSCA; (3) the Administrator should have the authority to share confidential business information with states; and (4) adequate information should be available with respect to the effect of and exposure to chemicals on health and the environment and the development of such test data and information should be the primary responsibility of those who manufacture or process such chemicals.

 Replaces current chemical testing requirements for determining whether chemicals present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment with a framework for: (1) making a determination on whether a chemical meets the safety standard established by this Act; and (2) determining the relevance, quality, and reliability of related data and information. Requires such framework to integrate information from multiple sources.

 Defines “safety standard” as a standard that ensures that no unreasonable risk of harm to human health or the environment will result from exposure to a chemical substance.

 Directs the Administrator to require submitters of any health and safety study of chemicals to disclose funding sources of any funding used for the study.

 Requires the Administrator, within a year, to establish a risk-based screening process for identifying existing chemicals that are a high priority for a safety assessment and determination and a low priority for a safety assessment and determination. Directs the Administrator, in implementing the process, to: (1) only consider active chemicals as either high-priority or low-priority chemicals, and (2) only consider inactive chemicals if the Administrator determines that they have not been subject to regulatory or other enforceable action by the Administrator to ban or phase out the chemical and that they demonstrate high hazard and high exposure. Requires the Administrator to complete the prioritization screening process for all active chemicals in a timely manner.

 Authorizes the Administrator to screen categories or classes of chemicals to ensure an efficient prioritization screening process to allow for timely and adequate safety assessments and determinations.

 Requires the Administrator, from time to time, to publish a list of chemicals being considered in the prioritization screening process and request the submission of data on the chemicals. Requires the Administrator to publish for public comment a proposed screening process and establish criteria for determining whether a substance is a high or low priority. Requires such proposal to contain an initial list of chemicals that includes those substances prioritized by the Administrator before this Act’s enactment and for which assessments or safety determinations have not been completed.

 Authorizes the Administrator to defer a prioritization screening decision for a chemical for a reasonable period to allow for the submission and evaluation of additional information.

 Requires the Administrator to determine the order for performing safety assessments on high-priority chemicals. Prohibits the Administrator from performing a safety assessment on low-priority chemicals.

 Requires the Administrator to: (1) publish and keep current a list of both high- and low-priority chemicals, and (2) remove a high-priority chemical from the list when a safety determination for the chemical is published.

 Prohibits a decision by the Administrator to prioritize a chemical from affecting the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, or disposal of the chemical substance, or regulation of those activities.

 Requires the Administrator to make a prioritized screening decision for a chemical within 180 days of receiving a recommendation and relevant information from a state that an active chemical be identified as a priority.

 Prohibits decisions to prioritize a chemical by the Administrator from being considered to be a final agency action and from being subject to judicial review.

 Authorizes the Administrator to require the development of new test data for a chemical if the agency promulgates a rule, enters into a testing consent agreement, or issues an order based on a determination that additional data are needed to perform a safety assessment, make a safety determination, or meet the testing needs of the implementing authority under another federal statute.

 Requires the Administrator to develop a tiered testing framework. Requires tier one to include both a screening level exposure assessment and screening tests for hazards. Requires, if the Administrator determines that additional testing is necessary, tier two to include an exposure assessment.

 Requires the Administrator to minimize the use of animals in testing of chemicals.

 Directs the Administrator to make available to the public all testing consent agreements and orders and all data and information the Administrator requires to be developed by manufacturers and processors of chemicals, except data protected as confidential business information.

 Establishes notice requirements, including requiring manufacturers and processors to submit notice to the Administrator for the manufacture or processing of a chemical for a significant new use. Directs the Administrator to prohibit the manufacture of a chemical and the manufacture or processing of a chemical for a significant new use if the Administrator determines that the chemical will not likely meet the safety standard.

 Requires the Administrator to provide an opportunity for additional data to be submitted if the Administrator determines more data is needed in order to conduct a review of a notice to manufacture a new chemical or manufacture or process a chemical for a significant new use.

 Requires the Administrator to: (1) conduct a safety assessment of each high-priority chemical, (2) establish requirements for risk management of such chemicals based on the assessment’s results, and (3) base such assessment solely on considerations of risk to human health and the environment.

 Requires the Administrator, as soon as possible after the safety assessment is completed for a high-priority chemical, to determine whether the chemical meets the safety standard under the intended conditions of use of the chemical.

 Requires the Administrator, after determining that a chemical does not meet the safety standard under the intended conditions of use, to promulgate a rule establishing necessary restrictions, including if appropriate a ban or phase out of the manufacture, processing, or use of the chemical substance.

 Requires the Administrator, after making such a determination, to consider and publish a statement on the: (1) availability of technically and economically feasible alternatives for the chemical under the intended conditions of use; (2) risks posed by those alternatives as compared to those of the chemical; (3) economic and social costs and benefits of the proposed regulatory action and options considered, and of potential alternatives; and (4) economic and social benefits and costs of the chemical, alternatives, and any necessary restrictions on the chemical or alternatives.

 Authorizes the Administrator to exempt the use of a chemical from restrictions for specified reasons, such as exemptions for national security and significant disruption in the national economy, without having to provide clear and convincing evidence for such exemption as currently required under TSCA.

Authorizes the Administrator to commence a civil action for: (1) seizure of an imminently hazardous chemical or any article containing the chemical; and (2) relief against any person who manufactures, processes, distributes in commerce, uses, or disposes of an imminently hazardous or any article containing the chemical.

 Requires the Administrator to promulgate rules requiring the reporting of information known or reasonably ascertainable by the person making the report so that the Administrator has the information necessary to carry out testing of chemicals and safety assessment and determinations.

 Requires the Administrator to make publicly available a candidate list of active chemicals. Directs the Administrator to issue a rule requiring manufacturers and processors to notify the Administrator that they have manufactured or processed a chemical on such candidate list or on the current inventory list compiled under TSCA for a nonexempt commercial purpose during the last five years.

 Requires the Administrator to designate chemicals as active or inactive based on the notifications received in response to such rule. Requires the Administrator to designate a chemical as active if it: (1) has been manufactured or processed for a nonexempt commercial purpose at any point during the last five years, (2) is added to the inventory list after this Act’s enactment, (3) is the subject of a notice received by the Administrator stating that a person intends to manufacture or process a chemical designated as inactive, or (4) is reported under the TSCA chemical data reporting requirements after this Act’s enactment. Requires the Administrator to designate a chemical as inactive if it has not been manufactured or processed for a nonexempt commercial purpose in the last five years.

 Directs: (1) any person who intends to manufacture or process for a nonexempt commercial purpose a chemical designated as an inactive to notify the Administrator before the chemical is manufactured or processed, and (2) the Administrator to then designate the chemical as active and review its priority for a safety assessment.

Requires the Administrator to make available to the public specified information about chemicals on the list that designates chemicals as active or inactive.

Authorizes any person to submit to the Administrator data reasonably supporting the conclusion that a chemical does not present a substantial risk of injury to health and the environment.

Prohibits exempting from TSCA requirements those chemicals manufactured for export if they are new chemicals unlikely to meet the safety standard or existing chemicals that do not meet the safety standard.

Requires a person to notify the Administrator if that person is exporting a new chemical not likely to meet the safety standard under the intended conditions of use, an existing chemical that does not meet the safety standard under the intended conditions of use, or a chemical for which the United States is obligated by treaty to provide export notification. Requires the Administrator to: (1) submit to the government of each country to which a chemical is exported a notice that information can be obtained from the Administrator about the substance, and (2) provide notice that satisfies the U.S. obligation under the applicable treaty if the chemical is covered by treaty.

Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to refuse entry into the customs territory of the United States any chemical if: (1) the Administrator has determined that the chemical does not meet the safety standard under the intended conditions of use of the chemical substance, or (2) the chemical is in violation of a rule or order in effect under TSCA. Establishes exemptions to such rule and notice requirements concerning imports.

Revises provisions concerning protection of confidential business information from chemical disclosure requirements, including by: (1) identifying information not protected from disclosure, (2) requiring written documentation justifying why information qualifies for protection from disclosure, and (3) authorizing disclosure of information if the disclosure is necessary to protect human health or the environment.

Revises provisions concerning federal preemption, including by preempting new state prohibitions or restrictions for any high-priority and low-priority chemical.

chemical safety improvement act_-_amends toxic_substances_control_act tsca establish framework chemical risk assessment management declares policy united_states act protect health people environment risks chemicals administrator environmental_protection_agency epa appropriate hazard use exposure information necessary safety determinations resources tools necessary implement tsca administrator authority share confidential business information states adequate information available respect effect exposure chemicals health environment development test data information primary responsibility manufacture process chemicals replaces current chemical testing requirements determining chemicals present unreasonable risk injury health environment framework making determination chemical meets safety standard established act determining relevance quality reliability related data information requires framework integrate information multiple sources defines safety standard standard ensures unreasonable risk harm human health environment result exposure chemical substance directs administrator require health safety study chemicals disclose funding sources funding study requires administrator year establish risk based screening process identifying existing chemicals high priority safety assessment determination low priority safety assessment determination directs administrator implementing process consider active chemicals high priority low priority chemicals consider inactive chemicals administrator determines subject regulatory enforceable action administrator ban phase chemical demonstrate high hazard high exposure requires administrator complete prioritization screening process active chemicals timely manner authorizes administrator screen categories classes chemicals ensure efficient prioritization screening process allow timely adequate safety assessments determinations requires administrator time time publish list chemicals considered prioritization screening process request submission data chemicals requires administrator publish public comment proposed screening process establish criteria determining substance high low priority requires proposal contain initial list chemicals includes substances prioritized administrator act enactment assessments safety determinations completed authorizes administrator defer prioritization screening decision chemical reasonable period allow submission evaluation additional information requires administrator determine order performing safety assessments high priority chemicals prohibits administrator performing safety assessment low priority chemicals requires administrator publish current list high- low priority chemicals remove high priority chemical list safety determination chemical published prohibits decision administrator prioritize chemical affecting manufacture processing distribution use disposal chemical substance regulation activities requires administrator prioritized screening decision chemical days receiving recommendation relevant information state active chemical identified priority prohibits decisions prioritize chemical administrator considered final agency action subject judicial review authorizes administrator require development new test data chemical agency promulgates rule enters testing consent agreement issues order based determination additional data needed perform safety assessment safety determination meet testing needs implementing authority federal statute requires administrator develop tiered testing framework requires tier include screening level exposure assessment screening tests hazards requires administrator determines additional testing necessary tier include exposure assessment requires administrator minimize use animals testing chemicals directs administrator available public testing consent agreements orders data information administrator requires developed manufacturers processors chemicals data protected confidential business information establishes notice requirements including requiring manufacturers processors submit notice administrator manufacture processing chemical significant new use directs administrator prohibit manufacture chemical manufacture processing chemical significant new use administrator determines chemical likely meet safety standard requires administrator provide opportunity additional data submitted administrator determines data needed order conduct review notice manufacture new chemical manufacture process chemical significant new use requires administrator conduct safety assessment high priority chemical establish requirements risk management chemicals based assessment results base assessment solely considerations risk human health environment requires administrator soon possible safety assessment completed high priority chemical determine chemical meets safety standard intended conditions use chemical requires administrator determining chemical meet safety standard intended conditions use promulgate rule establishing necessary restrictions including appropriate ban phase manufacture processing use chemical substance requires administrator making determination consider publish statement availability technically economically feasible alternatives chemical intended conditions use risks posed alternatives compared chemical economic social costs benefits proposed regulatory action options considered potential alternatives economic social benefits costs chemical alternatives necessary restrictions chemical alternatives authorizes administrator exempt use chemical restrictions specified reasons exemptions national security significant disruption national economy having provide clear convincing evidence exemption currently required tsca authorizes administrator commence civil action seizure imminently hazardous chemical article containing chemical relief person manufactures processes distributes commerce uses disposes imminently hazardous article containing chemical requires administrator promulgate rules requiring reporting information known reasonably person making report administrator information necessary carry testing chemicals safety assessment determinations requires administrator publicly available candidate list active chemicals directs administrator issue rule requiring manufacturers processors notify administrator manufactured processed chemical candidate list current inventory list compiled tsca nonexempt commercial purpose years requires administrator designate chemicals active inactive based notifications received response rule requires administrator designate chemical active manufactured processed nonexempt commercial purpose point years added inventory list act enactment subject notice received administrator stating person intends manufacture process chemical designated inactive reported tsca chemical data reporting requirements act enactment requires administrator designate chemical inactive manufactured processed nonexempt commercial purpose years directs person intends manufacture process nonexempt commercial purpose chemical designated inactive notify administrator chemical manufactured processed administrator designate chemical active review priority safety assessment requires administrator available public specified information chemicals list designates chemicals active inactive authorizes person submit administrator data reasonably supporting conclusion chemical present substantial risk injury health environment prohibits exempting tsca requirements chemicals manufactured export new chemicals unlikely meet safety standard existing chemicals meet safety standard requires person notify administrator person exporting new chemical likely meet safety standard intended conditions use existing chemical meet safety standard intended conditions use chemical united_states obligated treaty provide export notification requires administrator submit government country chemical exported notice information obtained administrator substance provide notice satisfies obligation applicable treaty chemical covered treaty requires secretary homeland_security dhs refuse entry customs territory united_states chemical administrator determined chemical meet safety standard intended conditions use chemical substance chemical violation rule order effect tsca establishes exemptions rule notice requirements concerning imports revises provisions concerning protection confidential business information chemical disclosure requirements including identifying information protected disclosure requiring written documentation justifying information qualifies protection disclosure authorizing disclosure information disclosure necessary protect human health environment revises provisions concerning federal preemption including preempting new state prohibitions restrictions high priority low priority chemical


Summary:
Nuclear Waste Administration Act of 2013 - Establishes as an independent agency in the executive branch: (1) the Nuclear Waste Administration (NWA) to provide for the permanent disposal of nuclear waste, including the siting, construction, and operation of additional repositories, a test and evaluation facility, and additional storage facilities; and (2) the Nuclear Waste Oversight Board.

Transfers to the NWA Administrator specified functions of the Secretary of Energy (Secretary).

Prescribes guidelines for nuclear waste facilities and for the identification and suitability of candidate sites.

Directs the Administrator to (1) establish a Storage Facility Program to provide interim storage for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste, and (2) request proposals for cooperative agreements for a pilot program for the storage of priority waste.

Requires the Administrator, prior to selecting a storage facility site, to enter into a consent agreement to host the facility with: (1) an authorized official of the state in which the site is proposed to be located; (2) each affected unit of general local government or Indian tribe; and (3) submit to Congress a program plan, a list of proposed storage facility sites, and cost estimates for licensing, constructing, and operating each storage facility.

Requires the Secretary to issue guidelines, evaluate potential sites, as well as select sites for repositories.

Subjects construction and operation of a storage facility or repository to: (1) applicable standards for the protection of the general environment from offsite releases of radioactive material, and (2) the licensing and regulatory jurisdiction of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Requires the Secretary to arrange for the Administrator to dispose of defense wastes in a repository developed under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to arrange for the Administrator to store defense wastes in storage facilities developed under this Act pending disposal in a repository.

Confers upon the Administrator responsibility for transporting nuclear waste under this Act.

Establishes in the Treasury the Nuclear Waste Administration Working Capital Fund.

 Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to reflect the amendments made by this Act.

Terminates those authorities of the Secretary regarding siting, construction, and operation of repositories, storage facilities, or test and evaluation facilities which were not transferred to the Administrator under this Act.

nuclear waste administration act establishes independent agency executive branch nuclear waste administration provide permanent disposal nuclear waste including siting construction operation additional repositories test evaluation facility additional storage facilities nuclear waste oversight board transfers administrator specified functions secretary energy secretary prescribes guidelines nuclear waste facilities identification suitability candidate sites directs administrator establish storage facility program provide interim storage spent nuclear fuel high level radioactive waste request proposals cooperative agreements pilot program storage priority waste requires administrator prior selecting storage facility site enter consent agreement host facility authorized official state site proposed located affected unit general local government indian tribe submit congress program plan list proposed storage facility sites cost estimates licensing constructing operating storage facility requires secretary issue guidelines evaluate potential sites select sites repositories subjects construction operation storage facility repository applicable standards protection general environment offsite releases radioactive material licensing regulatory jurisdiction nuclear_regulatory_commission nrc requires secretary arrange administrator dispose defense wastes repository developed act authorizes secretary arrange administrator store defense wastes storage facilities developed act pending disposal repository confers administrator responsibility transporting nuclear waste act establishes treasury nuclear waste administration working capital_fund amends nuclear waste policy act reflect amendments act terminates authorities secretary siting construction operation repositories storage facilities test evaluation facilities transferred administrator act


Summary:
Comprehensive National Mercury Monitoring Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a national mercury monitoring program that monitors: (1) long-term changes in mercury levels and important ancillary measures in the air; and (2) long-term changes in mercury and methyl mercury levels and important ancillary measures in water and soil or sediments and in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial organisms.

Requires the program to be compatible with similar international efforts, including the Global Mercury Observation System and the Global Earth Observation System of Systems.

Requires the Administrator to: (1) select multiple monitoring sites representing multiple ecoregions that include national parks, wildlife refuges, National Estuarine Research Reserve units, and other sensitive ecological areas in which substantive changes are expected from reductions in domestic mercury emissions; (2) establish and publish standardized measurement protocols for the program; and (3) establish a centralized database for environmental mercury data.

Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish a Mercury Monitoring Advisory Committee to advise the Administrator on the establishment, site selection, measurement, recording protocols, and operation of the program; (2) report on the program every two years and include, every four years, an assessment of mercury deposition rates that need to be achieved in order to prevent adverse human and ecological effects; and (3) make all data obtained under this Act available to the public through a dedicated website and on written request.

comprehensive national mercury monitoring act_-_directs administrator environmental_protection_agency epa establish national mercury monitoring program monitors long term changes mercury levels important ancillary measures air long term changes mercury methyl mercury levels important ancillary measures water soil marine freshwater terrestrial organisms requires program compatible similar international efforts including global mercury observation system global earth observation system systems requires administrator select multiple monitoring sites representing multiple include national parks wildlife refuges national estuarine research reserve units sensitive ecological areas substantive changes expected reductions domestic mercury emissions establish publish standardized measurement protocols program establish centralized database environmental mercury data requires administrator establish mercury monitoring advisory_committee advise administrator establishment site selection measurement recording protocols operation program report program years include years assessment mercury deposition rates need achieved order prevent adverse human ecological effects data obtained act available public dedicated website written request


Summary:
Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to impose liability for hazardous substances releases of pollutants or contaminants if the President takes any response measure pursuant to CERCLA response authorities with respect to the pollutants or contaminants.

 Excepts otherwise liable persons who engage in conduct with respect to such pollutants or contaminants from liability for damages for injury to, destruction of, or loss of natural resources, including the reasonable costs of assessing the injury, destruction, or resulting loss.

amends comprehensive environmental response compensation liability act cercla impose liability hazardous substances releases pollutants contaminants president takes response measure pursuant cercla response authorities respect pollutants contaminants excepts liable persons engage conduct respect pollutants contaminants liability damages injury destruction loss natural resources including reasonable costs assessing injury destruction resulting loss