Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Compliance Date Extensions
Key claim: EPA is proposing to give certain chemical processors and HFC-134a refrigerant makers until December 31, 2027 to stop processing trichloroethylene (TCE), using it as a processing aid, disposing of related wastewater, and using it as feedstock.
Abstract
(Proposed Rule · Environmental Protection Agency) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is proposing to extend certain compliance dates applicable to certain entities subject to the regulation of trichloroethylene (TCE) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) until December 31, 2027, including for certain chemical processors in meeting the prohibition compliance deadline for the processing of TCE, industrial and commercial use of TCE as a processing aid, and associated wastewater disposal; and for refrigerant manufacturers in meeting the compliance deadline for phasing down TCE feedstock in the production of HFC-134a. This proposed compliance extension would allow for necessary and reasonable transition periods for regulated entities under TSCA section 6(d).
Why this matters
EPA’s 2024 TSCA rule set tight phase-out deadlines for TCE, a known carcinogen used in degreasing and as a chemical feedstock. The proposed extension to December 31, 2027 reflects industry claims that substitutes and process changes — particularly in HFC-134a refrigerant manufacturing — aren’t yet available, trading continued worker and community exposure for supply-chain continuity in the refrigerant transition.