Lautenberg Act (2016)

The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act (2016) amended TSCA and created Section 6(h) for expedited PBT regulation. It replaced the old least burdensome standard with reduce exposure to the extent practicable for PBT chemicals.

Public Law 114-182 (June 22, 2016); TSCA § 6(h).

The Lautenberg Act is the statutory foundation for TSCA PBT rules. Its practicable standard is more action-oriented than the old TSCA framework, enabling faster regulation without proving least-cost compliance.

When EPA regulated PIP (3:1), it cited the Lautenberg Act practicable standard—restrictions represent what is achievable and reasonable, not least-cost.