Final Amendments to the Risk Management Program (RMP) Rule

Rule Summary

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized amendments to the Accidental Release Prevention Requirements for Risk Management Programs under the Clean Air Act, Section 112(r)(7). The amendments aim to modernize EPA's RMP regulations as required under Executive Order (EO) 13650. EO 13650 directs the federal government to carry out a number of tasks intended to prevent chemical incidents, such as the explosion in West, Texas on April 17, 2013.

The amendments are intended to:

  • Address and improve accident prevention program elements;
  • Enhance the emergency preparedness requirements;
  • Ensure LEPCs (Local Emergency Planning Committees), local emergency response officials, and the public can access information in a user-friendly format to help them understand the risks at RMP facilities and better prepare for emergencies.

Final Rule (82 FR 4594) (112 pp, 792 K, About PDF)

Rule History

On August 1, 2013, President Obama issued Executive Order (EO) 13650: Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security following several catastrophic chemical facility incidents in the United States. The focus of the EO is to reduce risks associated with hazardous chemicals to owners and operators, workers, and communities by enhancing the safety and security of chemical facilities.

The keys areas of emphasis under the EO are:

  • Strengthening community planning and preparedness,
  • Enhancing federal operational coordination,
  • Improving data management, and
  • Modernizing policies and regulations.

On July 31, 2014, the Risk Management Program (RMP) Request for Information (RFI) was published in the Federal Register. The RFI sought comment on potential revisions to EPA’s RMP regulations and related programs to modernize its regulations, guidance, and policies as required under the EO. The public comment period closed October 29, 2014. Public comments may be viewed online at: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EPA-HQ-OEM-2014-0328.

On November 4, 2015, EPA invited small businesses, governments, and not-for-profit organizations to participate as Small Entity Representatives (SERs) for a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) panel.

On March 14, 2016, EPA published the Proposed Rule: Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs Under the Clean Air Act, Section 112(r)(7)(PDF)(76 pp, 811 K, About PDF).

Additional Resources

Frequent Questions (Updated December 21, 2016, 3:50 pm)

Response to Comments on the 2016 Proposed Rule Amending EPA’s Risk Management Program Regulations