EPA Demands Chemical Makers' Heads-Up on New Uses
Published Date: 6/23/2025
Rule
Summary
The EPA is setting new rules for certain chemicals, making sure anyone who wants to make or use them in new ways tells the EPA 90 days ahead. This gives the EPA time to check if the new use is safe before it starts. If you work with these chemicals, get ready to follow these rules to avoid surprises and keep things safe!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
90‑Day Pre‑Notice Before New Chemical Uses
If you plan to make, import, or process any of these listed chemicals for a new use, you must notify the EPA at least 90 days before you start. The 90‑day notice begins EPA's review of that planned use and starts the clock on whether you can proceed.
Cannot Start New Uses Until EPA Decides
You may not begin the manufacture (including import) or processing for the significant new use until EPA has reviewed your notice, made a determination, and taken any actions required by that determination. That review can delay or prevent your planned activity from starting.
Rule Applies to PMN‑Subject Chemicals With TSCA Orders
These significant new use rules apply to chemical substances that were the subject of premanufacture notices (PMNs) and are subject to an EPA Order under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). If you work with chemicals covered by a PMN and TSCA Order, these SNUR requirements apply.
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: 2025-11471, Method of Correcting Errors Involving Retired Lifecycle Funds
If you have money in a Lifecycle Fund that was retired before June 1, 2022, the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board is changing how they fix mistakes with those funds. They’re going back to using a special share price to figure out any lost or gained value. This update helps make sure your retirement money is corrected fairly and accurately.
Next: 2025-11492, Safety Zone; Ohio River MM 31-32, Industry, PA
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Ohio River near Industry, PA, from mile 31 to 32, to keep everyone safe during lock and dam demolition. Boats and people won’t be allowed in this area from July 1 to December 31, 2025. This helps protect workers, vessels, and the environment without costing anyone extra money.