Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program

Toxics Release Inventory Laws and Regulatory Activities

Laws and Executive Orders

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  • Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): The CFR is the codification of rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the federal government. It is divided into 50 titles that represent broad areas subject to federal regulation, with environmental regulations contained mainly in title 40.

Recent/Ongoing Rulemakings

The TRI Program is modified over time through rulemakings. The most recent are listed below. Note that all rules published in the Federal Register by the TRI Program are also found in the Code of Federal Regulations. TRI regulations can be found at 40 CFR Part 372.

  • Addition of Natural Gas Processing Facilities to List of Covered Sectors (Proposed in January 2017): EPA proposed a rule that would add natural gas processing facilities to the scope of the industrial sectors covered by the TRI Program. This rule proposes to expand coverage to all natural gas processing facilities, which receive and refine natural gas. Natural gas processing facilities that primarily recover sulfur from natural gas are already covered by TRI. Facilities primarily engaged in natural gas extraction (e.g., exploration, fracking, etc.) are not included in this proposal.
  • Addition of NPEs Category (Proposed in November 2016): EPA proposed a rule that would add a nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) category to the TRI list of reportable chemicals. NPEs are nonionic surfactants used in adhesives, wetting agents, emulsifiers, stabilizers, dispersants, defoamers, cleaners, paints, and coatings. EPA proposed this rule because we believe that longer-chain NPEs can break down in the environment to short-chain NPEs and nonylphenol, both of which are highly toxic to aquatic organisms.
  • Addition of Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) Category (Finalized in November 2016): EPA published a final rule to add a Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) category to the list of chemicals subject to TRI reporting. HBCD presents potential human health concerns for developmental and reproductive effects, is highly toxic to aquatic and land-dwelling organisms, bioaccumulates, and is persistent in the environment.
  • Addition of 1-Bromopropane (Finalized in November 2015): EPA published a final rule to add 1-bromopropane to the list of chemicals subject to TRI reporting. The National Toxicology Program classifies 1-brompropane as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."
  • Addition of a Nonylphenol Category (Finalized in September 2014): EPA published a final rule to add a nonylphenol category to the list of chemicals subject to TRI reporting. Nonylphenol is highly toxic to aquatic organisms and has been found in ambient waters.
  • Addition of ortho-Nitrotoluene (Finalized in November 2013): EPA finalized a rule to add ortho-nitrotoluene to the list of chemicals subject to TRI reporting. The National Toxicology Program classifies o-Nitrotoluene as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."

    Past Rulemakings

    TRI rulemakings are grouped below based on whether they are related to chemicals, industry sectors or other changes in TRI reporting requirements. 

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    Related to Toxic Chemicals Covered by TRI


    Acetonitrile

    Addition of 1-Bromopropane

    Addition of Certain Chemicals

    Addition of National Toxicology Program Carcinogens

    Chlorsulfuron

    Chromite Ore from the Transvaal Region of South Africa

    Deletion of Certain Chemicals

    Diisononyl Phthalate Category

    Dioxin and Dioxin-Like Compounds Toxic Equivalency Reporting Rule

    Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether

    Hydrochloric Acid

    Hydrogen Sulfide

    Lead and Lead Compounds; Lowering of Reporting Thresholds

    Methyl Isobutyl Ketone

    Methyl Ethyl Ketone

    Nonylphenol Category

    o-Nitrotoluene

    Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxic (PBT) Chemicals;
    Lowering of Reporting Thresholds for Certain PBT Chemicals;
    Addition of Certain PBT Chemicals


    Related to Industry Sectors Covered by TRI


    Addition of Natural Gas Processing Facilities to List of Covered Sectors


    Addition of Facilities in Certain Industry Sectors

    Adoption of 2012 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes for TRI Reporting

    Toxic Chemical Release Reporting Using North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)


    Related to Other Changes in TRI Reporting Requirements


    Articles Exemption Clarification Proposed Rule

    Note: This rule was withdrawn in 2011.

    Electronic Reporting of Toxics Release Inventory Data

    Overburden Exemption

    TRI Burden Reduction Rule

    Note: The Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009 reverts the TRI reporting requirements to those prior to this rule. This rule is no longer in effect.

    TRI Reporting in Indian Country

    TRI Reporting Forms Modification Rule

    Toxics Release Inventory Form A Eligibility Revisions
    Implementing the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act

    Petition(s)

    Any person may petition EPA to add a chemical to or remove a chemical from the TRI list. Additionally, under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), federal agencies must give interested persons the right to petition for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a rule, which allows interested persons to solicit changes to the reporting requirements for TRI. 5 U.S.C. § 553(e).

    Current petitions being considered by the TRI Program:

    Information Collection Requests (ICRs)

    An ICR is a set of documents that describe reporting, record keeping, survey or other information collection requirements imposed on the public by EPA. The ICR provides an overview of the collection and estimates the cost and time for the public to respond. The public may view an ICR and submit comments on it at any time. TRI ICRs are resubmitted for approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) every 2-3 years.

    2014 TRI ICR Renewals

    2011 TRI ICR Renewals