EPA Names Lek Kadeli Acting Head of Office of Research and Development (ORD)

In an internal memo, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson announced that Lek Kadeli will take over as Acting Assistant Administrator of EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD).  Kadeli replaces Paul Anastas, who tendered his resignation last month to return to Yale.  Kadeli had been principal deputy assistant administrator for management at ORD and has held several other senior executive positions within EPA and ORD since he came to the Agency in 1990.

Jackson also announced that Ramona Trovato would serve as Kadeli's prinicipal deputy.  There had been speculation that Trovato might get the acting AA position. Trovato also has a long history at EPA "as a scientist in a regional lab" and as "a leader on important science and policy issues ranging from radioactive waste management to children's health to groundwater protection."

In her message Jackson noted that:

I am confident that both Lek and Ramona will contribute significantly to the EPA’s commitment to setting the standard for environmental science at home and around the world. Indeed, as I have made clear since day one, science will remain at the forefront of all of the EPA’s efforts as we continue to work toward a cleaner, healthier environment for every American.

ECHA Identifies 2300 Chemical Substances for REACH Registration by 2013

A survey of potential registrants by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has resulted in a list of 2,300 chemical substances that are intended to be registered by the 2013 deadline under REACH.  Substances that are manufactured or imported into Europe at levels above 100 tonnes per year must be registered by May 31, 2013.  This is in addition to the previous deadline of November 30, 2010 for registration of chemicals at volumes greater than 1000 tonnes per year or were substances of very high concern (SVHC).

ECHA will update the list monthly and invites those potential registrants who have not informed ECHA of their intent to do so as soon as possible.

Registrants must prepare an IUCLID dossier containing data requirements as specified in the REACH regulation.  The dossier is filed electronically through ECHA's REACH-IT system and must be done prior to the deadline in order to continue to manufacture or import those substances.  New substances not on the preregistered phase-in list must submit completed dossiers prior to manufacture or import.

More information can be found in the ECHA press release.