EPA Chemical Review Delays Hindered Manufacturers
Federal review times exceeded one year for many new chemicals as of September 1.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Chemistry
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Should the EPA prioritize faster review processes for new chemicals to keep manufacturing in the U.S.?
As of September 1, 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency held 421 pending new chemical notices. The median review wait time for these submissions reached 469 days during the first quarter of 2026, significantly surpassing the 90-day statutory deadline.
Why it matters
Manufacturers report that prolonged delays in the federal review process prevent the commercialization and scaling of new chemicals. These backlogs have forced some companies to shift production to international locations to remain competitive.
The EPA completed 151 notice reviews between the start of fiscal year 2026 and September 1, clearing only 19 new chemicals for sale. Meanwhile, approximately 25% of the agency's chemicals office staff left their positions in the year preceding March 2026.
The players
Environmental Protection Agency
This federal agency is responsible for protecting human health and the environment through the regulation of chemicals and pollutants.
American Chemistry Council
This trade association represents the interests of companies engaged in the business of chemistry in the United States.
President Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States who signed legislation extending the EPA authority to collect fees.
The details
Companies must notify the EPA before manufacturing substances not on the federal inventory, but the agency currently struggles to meet its 90-day review timeline. Industry data indicates that 93% of manufacturers would prefer a faster process to keep production domestic, yet many report canceling projects due to the extended wait.
Timeline
March 4, 2026: Senate committee held a hearing on chemical review legislation.
September 1, 2026: The EPA held 421 pending new chemical notices.
December 11, 2026: Expiration of EPA authority to collect manufacturer fees.
Deeper Dive
The current EPA review backlog highlights a massive divergence from the Toxic Substances Control Act statutory 90-day review mandate. This failure to meet established legal timelines marks a departure from the intended regulatory framework for domestic chemical innovation.
Extended review times may eventually impact the availability of high-tech components like advanced batteries and consumer materials. Continued delays could force domestic manufacturers to increase prices or rely on foreign-produced chemicals for their supply chains.
The takeaway
The sustained backlog at the EPA highlights a critical bottleneck in the American industrial supply chain. Policymakers and industry leaders must address the administrative turnover to restore domestic competitiveness in chemical manufacturing.
What happens next
The EPA is expected to respond to outstanding inquiries by September 21, and the public comment period for August chemical notices closes on September 28.
Further reading
For more information on how federal oversight impacts domestic development, visit the Chemistry section.
Live Poll
Should the EPA prioritize faster review processes for new chemicals to keep manufacturing in the U.S.?
