EPA Extends Comment Period for Proposed Risk Management Program Updates

What: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the comment period for its proposed updates to the Risk Management Program (RMP).

Why: The EPA is proposing several changes to the 2024 Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention rule. These changes seek to improve chemical process safety by realigning RMP requirements with existing Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules to avoid duplicative regulations. The changes will also eliminate unnecessary burdens placed on facilities where there is no specific data available to show that the current RMP standards would reduce or have reduced the number of accidental releases.

Action: Read the proposed rule and submit comments before the May 11, 2026, deadline.

EXTENSION NOTICE:

Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs Under the Clean Air Act; Common Sense Approach to Chemical Accident Prevention; Extension of Comment Period

PROPOSED RULE:

Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs Under the Clean Air Act; Common Sense Approach to Chemical Accident Prevention

ADVOCACY’S REGULATORY ALERT ON ORIGINAL RULE:

EPA Proposes Risk Management Program Updates

CONTACT: Nick Goldstein

EMAIL: nick.goldstein@sba.gov