The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on October 5, 2022, a new effort under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to implement a streamlined and more efficient process under the New Chemicals Program to assess risk and apply mitigation measures, as appropriate, for new chemicals with applications in batteries, electric vehicles, semiconductors, and renewable energy generation. The new process is for mixed metal oxides (MMO), including new and modified cathode active materials (CAM). EPA states that MMOs are innovative chemistries and have numerous electrical applications in batteries, as well as use as catalysts, adsorbents, and in ceramics. According to EPA, MMOs, including CAMs, are notably a key component in lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, “a growing and important industry.” New MMOs can also be used for semi-conductors, and renewable energy generation and storage, such as solar cells and wind power turbines. They typically consist of lithium, nickel, cobalt, and other metals, and they are the key material used in the production of the cathode in battery cells, which are subsequently assembled into a battery. For more information and our commentary, please read the full memorandum.   

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