To direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a study of the potentially injurious effects to the environment and human health from imported electrolytic manganese metal that contains selenium.

July 21, 2003

Mr. WHITFIELD introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

To direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a study of the potentially injurious effects to the environment and human health from imported electrolytic manganese metal that contains selenium.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Manganese Metal Safety Control Act of 2003'.

SEC. 2. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY STUDY ON THE ADDITION OF SELENIUM TO THE PROCESSING OF MANGANESE.

(a) FINDINGS- Congress finds the following:

(1) Manganese, in various forms, is critical to iron and steel production, is a key component in aluminum alloys and dry cell batteries, and is an essential nutritional element for plants, animals, and humans.

(2) Consequently, manganese is present in dietary supplements, fertilizers, and animal feed, and in aluminum cans, building materials, and a wide array of other products used in daily life.

(3) The United States is the largest consumer of manganese in the world, consuming over 500,000 tons annually.

(4) Though manganese metal can be obtained from oxide ores by reduction with carbon, aluminum, magnesium, or sodium, the majority is obtained by way of electrolysis. The electrolytic manganese manufacturing process requires substantial consumption of electricity.

(5) While the United States was once a significant producer of manganese metal, it is now dependent on foreign sources for this important industrial material.

(6) To improve the electrical current efficiency, some producers incorporate selenium in the production of manganese metal. While this gains them certain economic advantages, it may come at a price to the environment and human health.

(7) Selenium and various selenium compounds are listed substances under the Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory. Selenium is a persistent bioaccumulative toxin.

(8) Selenium is also listed in table 1 of section 261.24 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, as a substance causing a waste that exhibits the characteristic of toxicity, and hence be a hazardous waste.

(b) STUDY REQUIRED- The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall conduct a comprehensive study to determine whether electrolytic manganese metal imported into the United States that contains selenium poses any harmful effects to humans or the environment.

SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency $100,000 for fiscal year 2004 to carry out this Act.

END