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Richard J. Fehir, Ph.D.
Senior Chemist/Regulatory Scientist
T: 202-557-3810
F: 202-557-3836
Overview
Richard J. Fehir, Ph.D. is Senior Chemist and Regulatory Scientist with The Acta Group (Acta®). Dr. Fehir joined Acta after a distinguished 17-year career at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), during which he provided science and regulatory leadership across three major regulatory frameworks: the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), and the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA). Dr. Fehir deploys his deep technical understanding of the science underpinning regulatory submissions and his seasoned mastery of the organizational and policy factors shaping regulatory outcomes to assist clients in achieving durable compliance for industrial chemicals, pesticides, antimicrobials, nanomaterials, and the many substances and products produced with these chemical components.
Dr. Fehir assists clients with TSCA compliance for new and existing chemicals, registration and review of antimicrobial and conventional pesticides under FIFRA, and registration of new active ingredients and uses and tolerances for conventional pesticides under PRIA, performs exposure and risk assessment reviews, and prepares scientific data for regulatory submissions.
Professional and Community Involvement
- Member, American Chemical Society, 2004 – present
- Partnership for Public Service, Excellence in Government, Program Fellow 2020 – 2021
- Member, American Chemical Society Committee on Environmental Improvement, 2016 – 2017
Articles and Writings
C. Kingston, R. Zepp, A. Andrady, D. Boverhof, R. Fehir, D. Hawkins, J. Roberts, P. Sayer, B. Shelton, Y. Sultan, V. Vejins, W. Wholleben, “Release characteristics of selected carbon nanotube polymer composites,” Carbon, 68, 33 – 57 (2014).
R. J. Fehir, J. K. McCusker, “Differential Polarization of Spin and Charge Density in Substituted Phenoxy Radicals,” J. Phys. Chem. A, 113, 9249-9260 (2009).
J. V. Seeley, A. W. Bull, R. J. Fehir, S. Cornwall, G.A. Knudsen, S.K. Seeley, “A Simple Method for Measuring Ozone in the Atmosphere,” J. Chem. Educ., 82, 282-285 (2005).
Education
- BS, Oakland University, Chemistry (Honors), 2003
- Ph.D., Michigan State University, Physical-Inorganic Chemistry, 2009
Rankings & Recognition
- U.S. EPA OCSPP George (Jeff) Herndon Collaboration Award (2023)
- U.S. EPA Collaboration Award (2013, 2016)
- U.S. EPA Bronze Medal for Commendable Service (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)
- Health Canada Regulatory Excellence Award (2014)
- U.S. EPA Silver Medal for Superior Service (2013)
- U.S. EPA Mission Award (2011)