On October 9, 2019, Executive Order 13891 “Promoting the Rule of Law Through Improved Agency Guidance Documents” was issued requiring agencies, including the U.S. EPA, to make available “on its website a single, searchable, indexed database with links to all guidance documents in effect.” The order also dictates each agency must create their own procedure for issuing new guidance documents.
EPA published its “Proposed Rule on Administrative Procedures for Issuance and Public Petitions” on May 22, 2020. Per the rule, any guidance document not found on EPA’s website by June 27, 2020, would no longer be in effect. To reinstate a guidance that did not make it into the database by this deadline would require the agency to notify the public and publish the guidance for comment.
Scientific & Regulatory Consultants, Inc. (SRC) provided a review of the portal and worked with the Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC) and Household & Commercial Products Association (HCPA) to ensure all necessary documents were present prior to the deadline. SRC was honored to assist with this effort to promote accessible and transparent guidelines.
SRC continues to monitor regulatory changes so we may provide quality and accurate advice to our clients.