"Chemicals: In Reversal, EPA Limits Information On Safety Reviews"

"U.S. EPA appears to no longer be releasing preliminary assessments of potentially hazardous new chemicals or new uses of existing chemicals, according to documents reviewed by E&E News.

The development means the public has no way to know whether the agency has initial concerns or has granted companies preliminary authorization to begin manufacturing new chemicals or using them in novel ways.

During the Obama administration, EPA would note whether new chemicals or new chemical uses were "not likely to present an unreasonable risk" to human health or the environment.

That meant companies "may commence manufacture upon notification by EPA's Chemical Control Division by letter, notwithstanding any remaining portion of the applicable review period," an archived page on the agency's website says."

Corbin Hiar reports for Greenwire January 10, 2018.