Opinion ID: 744479
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: nmp

Text: 80 The EPA listed NMP, a general purpose solvent, under subheading (B) based on evidence of developmental and reproductive toxicity. NPG argues that the agency improperly relied on criteria less stringent than those imposed by EPCRA. In listing the chemical, the EPA relied on a document called the Lifecycle Analysis which was completed in 1993 as part of the EPA's review of the chemical under the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 2601-92. Rather than starting from scratch with a separate EPCRA assessment, the EPA piggy-backed the EPCRA listing on the TSCA analysis, which took over nine years, considered numerous studies on the hazards of NMP, and concluded that NMP presents a significant risk of reproductive and developmental harm in humans. The EPA then reviewed the Lifecycle Analysis and, for purposes of EPCRA, made the finding that there was sufficient evidence of the requisite hazard. We hold that the EPA's reliance on the Lifecycle Analysis was not improper. For purposes of the present rule, the EPA reviewed the Lifecycle Analysis and concluded that there was sufficient evidence of toxicity to meet the listing criteria. In particular, the EPA noted reductions in the male fertility index and in the female fecundity index, increased incidence of dams with decreased corpora lutea, reduced litter size, reduced postnatal survival, and reduced pup weight. 59 Fed.Reg. 1788, 1823. This independent analysis of the available evidence satisfied the agency's requirements under EPCRA.