EPA Pauses Trichloroethylene Bans for 90 Days in Legal Limbo
Published Date: 4/2/2025
Rule
Summary
The EPA is hitting the pause button for 90 days on some rules about Trichloroethylene (TCE), a chemical used in certain products. This delay affects businesses that use TCE under special exemptions, giving them more time before new restrictions kick in. No extra costs yet—just a little breathing room while the courts take a closer look.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
90-Day Pause on TCE Exemption Rules
If your business uses trichloroethylene (TCE) under a TSCA exemption, the Environmental Protection Agency is delaying certain new rule conditions for 90 days while a court reviews the rule. The postponement specifically applies to the conditions imposed on uses that have TSCA exemptions and is effective for a 90-day period pending judicial review.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19072, Rescission of the Greenhouse Gas Findings for Fossil Fuel-Fired Power Plants and Repeal of Regulations for Power Plant Greenhouse Gas Emissions Under Clean Air Act Section 111
The EPA is proposing to cancel all greenhouse gas rules for fossil fuel power plants, saying the law doesn’t let them regulate these emissions for climate reasons. This change affects power plants across the U.S. and could impact future pollution limits and costs. Comments on this proposal are open until November 2, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-19071, Partial Repeal of the Carbon Pollution Standards for Fossil Fuel-Fired Electric Generating Units
The EPA is rolling back most of the 2024 rules that limited carbon pollution from fossil fuel power plants. This change affects coal and gas plants by easing some strict limits on emissions and carbon capture technology. The new rules kick in on November 16, 2026, potentially saving money for power plants but raising questions about pollution control.
2026-18317, Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The purpose of this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking is for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army ("the agencies") to supplement and seek additional comment on certain aspects of an earlier proposal, published on November 20, 2025, to revise the regulations defining the scope of waters federally covered under the Clean Water Act in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. As stated in the agencies' November 20, 2025 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the agencies intend for this rulemaking to provide greater regulatory certainty and increase Clean Water Act program predictability and consistency by clarifying the definition of "waters of the United States." After consideration of the public comments received on the NPRM, the agencies are issuing this notice to supplement the NPRM with additional regulatory options on certain aspects of the proposed rule.
2026-14112, Amendments and Nonconformance Penalties for Model Year 2027 and Later Heavy-Duty Highway Engines and Amendments to Inducement Provisions for SCR-Equipped Diesel Engines
Starting with model year 2027, the EPA is updating rules for big truck engines to make sure they last longer and pollute less. They’re also letting engine makers pay penalties if their engines don’t meet standards, and tightening rules for special pollution-control systems on diesel engines. These changes affect truck and engine makers and kick in soon, with public feedback due by August 29, 2026.
2026-13667, Minor New Source Review Program Air Permitting Public Participation Requirements for State Implementation Plans
The EPA wants to give states more freedom to decide how much public input is needed when approving small air pollution sources or changes. This means local air agencies can tailor public participation to fit their community’s needs while still protecting air quality. If you’re involved in air permits, watch for comment deadlines and possible virtual hearings this summer!
2026-13263, Revisions To Establish the Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) for Public Water Systems
The EPA is rolling out the sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) to check for new, sneaky chemicals in public drinking water. Big water systems serving 3,300+ people and some smaller ones will test for 30 different contaminants, including certain PFAS and pesticides, to keep our water safe. Comments and feedback are open until late August 2026, and the EPA will host fun online meetings to chat about the plan!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-05592, Rescission of Policy Statement on Export Commencement Deadlines in Authorizations To Export Natural Gas to Non-Free Trade Agreement Countries
The Department of Energy is ditching its April 2023 rule that set strict deadlines for starting natural gas exports to countries without free trade deals. Now, companies can ask for more time to begin exports if they have a good reason, and DOE will decide on a case-by-case basis. This change gives exporters more flexibility without rushing, helping them avoid losing their export rights or money.
Next: 2025-05689, Migratory Bird Subsistence Harvest in Alaska
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is updating the rules for hunting migratory birds in Alaska to support traditional ways of life. These changes, made with Alaska Native groups and local agencies, clarify when and where people can hunt certain birds. The updates help keep this important practice safe and fair for everyone involved.