On Tuesday, November 14, the EPA issued a proposed rule which would increase fees charged under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to manufacturers and handlers of chemical substances. The proposed rule would more than double the annual revenue the Agency receives from chemical manufacturers. In addition, it will increase the pool of companies subject to the fees to include processors, who mix, repackage, and otherwise work with chemicals without manufacturing them. Chemical manufacturers are required to pay these fees under TSCA to help defray a portion of the EPA’s cost to review both brand new chemicals and new uses for existing chemicals. Based on the new cost estimates, the EPA anticipates collecting $45.5M each year which is almost double current fees imposed under the Act.