EPA Revives TSCA Review of Lead Wheel Weights After 15 Years

On April 3, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) titled “Lead Wheel Weights; Regulatory Investigation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)” (see here). Comments are due by May 3, 2024. This ANPRM follows roughly 15 years after EPA had issued a notice requesting public comment on a petition by the Ecology Center, Sierra Club et al. seeking EPA to “establish regulations prohibiting the manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce of lead wheel balancing weights.” ReMA submitted comments at that time. Via this ANPRM, EPA is seeking information about “potential exposure to lead during manufacturing, processing (including recycling), distribution in commerce, use, or disposal of lead wheel weights, as well as information on substitutes for lead wheel weights.” Based on the ANPRM comments, EPA could initiate a TSCA Section 6(a) rulemaking to address any unreasonable risks posed by lead wheel weights anywhere in the economy. Regarding questions or comments on the ANPRM, please contact David Wagger, ReMA Chief Scientist / Director of Environmental Management, here or 202-662-8533.