The Phylmar Group Inc. Newsletter
October 2016, Issue #81 
Hello,

California has enacted sweeping changes in how all Proposition 65 warnings will be developed and displayed.  Although the new warnings will not be required until August 30, 2018, companies should not wait around to look at the implications of these changes on the current warning schemes for their properties, worksites, and products.  An overview of the regulation and links to additional information is provided. 
 
We then turn to the EPA and a pair of rules adopted to reduce the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a class of chemicals commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning.  The rules will impact regulated entities including those that use refrigeration for industrial or commercial purposes and that own and operate air conditioning equipment. 

Please let us know if there are any topics of interest that you would like to see featured. 

Enjoy,
  
Mark Katchen, CIH
Managing Principal 
The Phylmar Group, Inc.

California Adopts New Proposition 65 Clear and Reasonable Warning Requirements
On August 30, 2016, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's (OEHHA) amended Article 6, Clear and Reasonable Warnings under Proposition 65, approved by the Office of Administrative Law.  The regulation will be operative on August 30, 2018.  In the interim, to allow for a reasonable transition period, businesses may comply with the provisions of the old or new regulation.

The new regulations provide, among other things, methods of transmission and content of warnings deemed to be compliant with the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly known as Prop 65.  Prop 65 warnings inform Californians about their exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. 

For more info and resources about the new Prop 65 chemical and occupational exposure warnings, click here. 
EPA Finalizes Two Rules to Reduce Use and Emissions of Potent Greenhouse Gases HFCs in Refrigerants and Air Conditioning
On September 26, 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized two rules that will reduce the projected growth and emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a class of chemicals commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning.  HFCs are potent greenhouse gases that can be hundreds to thousands of times more powerful than carbon dioxide.  

The U.S. and other participating countries in the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer will be convening from October 10-14, in Kigali, Rwanda, for the final 2016 negotiating session for an international HFC phasedown agreement.  HFCs are commonly used as replacements for ozone-depleting substances.
 
The Phylmar Group Signs MOU with Earth and Water Group

With a mutual interest in expanding each firm's capabilities and offerings to its clients, Phylmar Group and Earth and Water (E&W) Group have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to provide added services to their respective clients.
 
The MOU allows Phylmar clients to enjoy a broader array of services including environmental consulting and law firm support as well as having a presence in Washington D.C. 

Upcoming Environmental, Health, Safety, and Sustainability Events
AIHA Fall Conference , San Antonio, TX, October 24-25, 2016


Net Impact Conference , Philadelphia, PA, November 3-5, 2016

Sustainable Brands' New Metrics , Boston, MA, November 14-16, 2016


Society for Risk Analysis Annual Meeting , San Diego, CA, December 11-15, 2016
Did You Know?
Did you know as a PRR, AFIRM or BioPharma EHS Forum member that your benefits included access to Phylmar's global consulting network that provides concierge level service? The Phylmar Academy provides continuing EHS education and employee training. You can save up to 20% on these services through your membership. Contact Mark Katchen ( mkatchen@phylmar.com ) for more information.
About The Phylmar Group, Inc.
The Phylmar Group® is an organization that partners with best-in-class companies on their most challenging environmental, health and safety, and social responsibility issues by anticipating clients' needs from strategy to implementation. Our expert client advisors deliver innovative, responsible, efficient solutions addressing client needs and creating added value. For more information, visit  www.phylmar.com or call +1 310.474.3937.

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