Key takeaway
What This Development Means
ACC is calling on Congress to use the 10th anniversary of the Lautenberg Amendments to pursue targeted TSCA reforms. The group argues that EPA new chemical review backlogs, funding uncertainty and unpredictable decision timelines are affecting innovation, investment and US manufacturing competitiveness.
What is ACC asking Congress to change in TSCA?
ACC is calling for targeted reforms focused on EPA implementation of TSCA, particularly new chemical review timelines, programme funding and regulatory predictability. The group says reforms should strengthen efficiency without fundamentally rewriting the 2016 Lautenberg Amendments.
Why is ACC concerned about EPA chemical review delays?
ACC argues that long review timelines create uncertainty for manufacturers developing new chemicals and technologies. According to the organisation, delays can affect investment, innovation, product launches and the competitiveness of US manufacturing supply chains.
Source basis: American Chemistry Council, The Foundation Is Set: Congress Has A Once-In-A-Decade Chance To Get TSCA Right
The American Chemistry Council is calling on Congress to use the upcoming 10th anniversary of the Lautenberg Amendments as a pivotal moment for TSCA reform, arguing that the US chemicals regulatory system is facing review backlogs, regulatory uncertainty and rising pressure on domestic manufacturing competitiveness.
In a 2026 policy statement, ACC said lawmakers have a once-in-a-decade chance to improve implementation of the Toxic Substances Control Act while preserving the framework established by the 2016 reforms.
ACC Warns TSCA Delays Are Affecting Innovation
ACC's position centres on the EPA's handling of Section 5 new chemical reviews. The industry group argues that delays and unpredictability in the review process are slowing innovation and discouraging investment in new chemistries.
According to ACC's new chemicals tracker, around 446 new chemical submissions are under review, with most exceeding the statutory 90-day review deadline and more than 300 pending for over a year.
ACC said these delays are creating uncertainty for manufacturers seeking to commercialise new substances and technologies, particularly where innovation timelines depend on predictable regulatory decisions.
The group framed the issue as both a regulatory and economic concern, warning that prolonged reviews could weaken US manufacturing competitiveness and slow deployment of advanced materials, sustainability technologies and next-generation industrial products.
Congressional Momentum Builds Around TSCA Reform
ACC pointed to growing congressional engagement on TSCA implementation, noting that lawmakers have held multiple hearings during 2025 and 2026 examining EPA performance and potential legislative changes.
The organisation highlighted three proposals under discussion: a House TSCA discussion draft, the TSCA Fee Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 2026, and the Sound Science Act of 2026.
ACC supports reauthorisation of EPA's TSCA user-fee authority, which is due to expire on 30 September 2026. According to the group, the fees currently fund roughly one-quarter of the TSCA programme.
The organisation argues that stable programme funding and clearer statutory direction are essential for improving review timelines and restoring confidence in the system.
Science-Based Regulation And Competitiveness
Beyond review speed, ACC is advocating for what it describes as science-based and risk-based implementation of TSCA. The group argues that EPA should focus resources on chemicals presenting meaningful risk while improving consistency, transparency and efficiency in regulatory decision-making.
ACC also suggested Congress should avoid reopening the core structure of the Lautenberg Amendments and instead focus on targeted implementation reforms.
For manufacturers, importers and downstream users, the debate could shape future product approvals, investment decisions and supply chain planning across the US chemicals sector. It also ties TSCA implementation to wider questions of chemicals competitiveness and regulatory predictability.
Summary
ACC is positioning TSCA reform as a competitiveness issue as much as a regulatory one. With EPA review backlogs and fee authority approaching expiration, the industry group is urging Congress to pursue targeted reforms that improve predictability, accelerate chemical reviews and strengthen confidence in the US chemicals regulatory framework.
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