EPA proposes extending some TCE worker-protection deadlines to end-2027
Regulation · US EPA
On 14 October 2026 the US Environmental Protection Agency proposed moving compliance dates for some uses of the toxic solvent trichloroethylene (TCE), including processing as a reactant or processing aid and related disposal, from 18 December 2026 to 31 December 2027, citing difficulties with the 2024 final rule.
On 14 October 2026 the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed delaying some compliance dates for the toxic solvent trichloroethylene (TCE).
Which deadlines would move?
The following would move from 18 December 2026 to 31 December 2027:
- processing TCE as a reactant or intermediate
- processing and industrial or commercial use of TCE as a processing aid
- disposal of TCE from those uses to industrial or public treatment works
According to J.J. Keller, the first TCE phasedown for HFC-134a refrigerant makers would also move from 7 June 2027 to 31 December 2027.
Background
In December 2024 EPA published a final rule banning most uses of TCE. The US Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit has stayed it while litigation continues, and EPA says it intends to reconsider the rule. EPA cites "ongoing difficulties associated with compliance dates for the 2024 TCE final rule".
TCE is a carcinogenic solvent: employers still using it should keep engineering controls, local exhaust ventilation and suitable respiratory protection in place regardless of the extension.
Further material and files
Based on: US Environmental Protection Agency