EPA Gives Nuclear Fuel Makers More Time to Ditch Toxic Trichloroethylene
Published Date: 9/17/2025
Rule
Summary
The EPA is giving more time for companies using Trichloroethylene (TCE) in making nuclear fuel and handling its disposal to meet new safety rules. The deadline to stop using TCE in nuclear fuel processing is now September 15, 2028, and the disposal ban starts December 18, 2026. These changes help businesses avoid rushing and costly mistakes while keeping everyone safe.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Nuclear-fuel TCE ban delayed to 2028
If your facility uses trichloroethylene (TCE) as a processing aid to make nuclear fuel, the EPA set the prohibition compliance date to September 15, 2028. This changes the deadline firms that manufacture, process, or distribute TCE to support that use must meet.
TCE wastewater disposal ban starts Dec 18, 2026
The EPA set the prohibition compliance date for disposal of TCE to wastewater by processors and by industrial and commercial users using TCE as a processing aid to begin on December 18, 2026. Processors and industrial/commercial users will need to stop disposing TCE to wastewater by that date.
90 days to update SDS and notifications
Manufacturers, processors, and distributors in commerce of TCE have 90 days after publication of the final rule to update downstream notifications and the required Safety Data Sheet text to reflect the new prohibition compliance deadline. The rule amends those compliance deadlines to match the new dates.
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
2026-13667, 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!
2026-12927, U.S. Ecology Nevada, Inc. High Mercury Subcategory Wastes Land Disposal Restrictions Variance
The EPA is giving U.S. Ecology Nevada a special green light to handle and dispose of high-mercury waste a bit differently than usual. This means mercury waste treated in Pennsylvania can now be safely sent to U.S. Ecology’s Nevada site for disposal under new rules starting July 27, 2026. This change helps protect people and the environment while keeping mercury waste management efficient and cost-effective.
2026-11047, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants From Hazardous Waste Combustors: Residual Risk and Technology Review
The EPA just updated rules for places that burn hazardous waste, like incinerators and boilers, to keep the air safe and clean. They confirmed current standards work well but added new limits on harmful gases like hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen cyanide. These changes start June 3, 2026, and include easier electronic reporting and some new rules for startup and shutdown times—helping protect health without big costs.
2026-10641, Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Federal CCR Permit Program; Reopening of Comment Period
The EPA is reopening the comment period until June 29, 2026, for its proposed rule to create a federal permit program for safely disposing of coal ash from power plants. This affects electric utilities that handle coal waste and aims to improve environmental safety while possibly impacting their costs. Now’s the time for everyone to share their thoughts and help shape the rules!
2026-10387, Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Reconsideration of Certain Regulatory Requirements Promulgated Under the Technology Transitions Provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
The EPA is updating rules to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals used in cooling systems like refrigerators and air conditioners. These changes affect businesses in refrigeration, supermarkets, semiconductor manufacturing, and more, allowing some older equipment made before 2025 to keep running. The new rules kick in on July 27, 2026, helping industries transition smoothly while cutting harmful emissions.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-17946, Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the Southeast Coast Guard District
On September 28, 2025, the Coast Guard will set up special rules around the Ironman Triathlon in Augusta, GA, to keep everyone safe on the water. Boats can’t enter or hang out in the race area unless they get permission. This means boaters should plan ahead to avoid delays or fines during the event.
Next: 2025-17974, Fisheries of the South Atlantic; Re-Opening of Commercial Harvest for Blueline Tilefish in the South Atlantic
Good news for South Atlantic commercial fishers! The government is reopening the blueline tilefish harvest for 6 days because the 2025 catch limit hasn’t been hit yet. This short window helps fishers catch more while keeping the fish population safe and sound.