ENVIRONMENT

EPA Seeks to Fine Chemical Firms: The Environmental Protection Agency is asking for nearly $25 million from some of the nation’s largest chemical manufacturers, accusing them of failing to submit information to the EPA on the manufacture of new chemicals or about chemicals already on the market. In suits filed Thursday, the agency seeks penalties against 23 companies, including $17 million from Chevron Chemicals of San Ramon, Calif. Chevron failed to notify the government about its production and importation of six chemicals over a period of years, the EPA said. Chevron Chemical countered, “The substances involved in this complaint are common detergents like those found in the lubricants of every car, truck, train and boat in the country.”