Earthjustice Sues EPA Over Approval of Toxic Semiconductor Manufacturing Chemicals

Lawsuit Filed Against EPA

The non-profit organization Earthjustice has filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the approval of two new chemicals for use in the U.S. Earthjustice alleges that the EPA failed to adequately assess the risks associated with these chemicals before granting approval.

Concerns Over Chemical Toxicity

The chemicals in question are photoacid generators used in semiconductor manufacturing. According to the lawsuit, these chemicals are highly toxic to humans, with potential exposure leading to "sudden death," cancer, eye corrosion, neurological damage, and reproductive harm. Earthjustice claims the EPA does not know the level at which these chemicals are acutely lethal or cause other serious health damage.

Alleged Fast-Tracking and Insufficient Restrictions

Earthjustice contends that the EPA approved the chemicals for import and use with minimal and non-protective restrictions, despite indications they may present an "unreasonable risk" to workers and the public. This action is seen by Earthjustice as a failure of the EPA's fundamental obligation under the Toxic Substances Control Act, which requires the agency to limit or prohibit substances posing unreasonable risks.

Context of Semiconductor Manufacturing

The approvals are alleged to be part of a broader pattern related to data centers and the current administration's push to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States. An executive order was issued last year to fast-track the approval of chemicals needed for data centers, though it is unclear if these specific chemicals are directly related to that order. The chemicals also appear to be PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.