A recent National Law Review article the health and safety regulatory outlook for manufacturers in 2022. These include:
- Emerging contaminants: U.S. EPA is expected to take specific action to target “per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)” including PFAS drinking water monitoring, regulating PFAS discharges through Clean Water Act discharge permits, and possibly categorizing PFAS compounds “hazardous substances” under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
- EDG developments from the SEC: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may issue new environmental disclosure guidelines (EDG) / regulations requiring public companies to report on environmental, social and governance (ESG). This is a hot topic. Increase your knowledge and awareness of ESG issues as they will likely impact manufacturing companies.
- Environmental justice: Apparently U.S. EPA plans to release “Guidelines for Cumulative Risk Assessment Planning and Problem Formation” to further the Biden Administration’s environmental justice initiatives.
- COVID-19: OSHA is considering alternative COVID-19 regulation in the workplace. It is unclear what regulations / guidance OSHA may promulgate, but it appears OSHA is not ready to give up on regulating workplace COVID-19 protections.
Many other initiatives also will be launched this year. As always, companies must stay informed about changing environmental and health and safety laws and regulations.