On Monday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled an action plan for addressing bisphenol-A (BPA), a common chemical found in a variety of hard plastics and the lining of food can containers.

Among other things, the agency said it would add BPA to its list of “chemicals of concern,” look more closely at BPA’s presence in the environment, and require manufacturers submit information on health impacts.

Studies have linked BPA exposure to heart disease, developmental disorders, and other health problems. Environmental and consumer advocates have for years been pushing regulators to set standards for BPA’s use and exposure but, so far, none exist.

EPA looks to be pacing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which in January announced that it had “some concern” about BPA but would not regulate the substance. Like FDA, EPA’s plan takes positive rhetorical steps, but pledges little in the way of action.

Still, EPA’s willingness to put BPA on its agenda, and its multi-pronged approach to assessing exposure pathways and health effects, is a good sign. Here is a bit of the release from the Environmental Working Group, an active advocate for BPA awareness and regulation:

“BPA is now under investigation at both the FDA and the EPA,” said Environmental Working Group’s Richard Wiles, EWG’s co-founder and Senior VP for Policy and Communications. “It’s a clear indication that this notorious and ubiquitous toxic chemical, found in virtually everyone’s body, has top officials in the Obama administration concerned.”