How did EPA select the substances to be included in their RMP rule?
The chemical accident prevention provisions promulgated pursuant to Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) are designed to focus on chemicals that pose a significant hazard to the community in the event of an accidental release and to prevent and minimize the consequences of such releases (59 FR 4479; January 31, 1994). EPA was required by CAA Section 112(r)(3) to promulgate an initial list of at least 100 regulated substances that are known to cause or may reasonably be anticipated to cause death, injury, or serious adverse effects to human health or the environment if accidentally released.
Congress required the inclusion of sixteen specific toxic substances on the initial list: