EPA Tweaks Chemical Rules to Sync with OSHA Standards
Published Date: 11/17/2025
Rule
Summary
The EPA is updating hazardous chemical reporting rules to match OSHA’s new 2024 safety standards. This helps businesses report chemicals more clearly and keeps first responders and communities safer. These changes start January 16, 2026, and affect anyone filing chemical reports for 2026, with no extra costs expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More detailed hazard categories for communities
EPA replaces the shorter set of EPCRA hazard categories with the full set of OSHA 2024 hazard classes and their categories (expanding from the prior set to 112 OSHA hazard categories) so emergency planners, first responders, and communities get more specific hazard information. EPA says this will improve first responder and community safety and let facilities copy hazard categories directly from Section 2 of Safety Data Sheets.
Facilities must use OSHA 2024 hazard terms
If you own or operate a facility that must prepare a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), you must use the updated OSHA Hazard Communication Standard classifications and SDS terminology for EPCRA sections 311 and 312 reports. This rule is effective January 16, 2026, compliance is tied to the 2026 reporting year (compliance date December 1, 2026), and reports for calendar year 2026 are due by March 1, 2027.
MSDS replaced by SDS and clarity edits
EPA removes the term Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and uses Safety Data Sheet (SDS) throughout the EPCRA reporting rules, moves definitions into 40 CFR 370.3, and makes plain-language and formatting edits to improve readability. EPA states these clarifying edits are intended to reduce confusion and interpretation burdens without increasing regulatory costs.
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: 2025-19918, National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan; Extension of Transition Period for New Product Schedule Listing
The EPA is giving extra time for certain oil spill cleanup products to stay on the approved list, extending the deadline from December 12, 2025, to June 10, 2026. This helps companies using these products keep them available while new testing rules are still being worked out. The change kicks in right away, and the EPA wants your thoughts by December 17, 2025.
Next: 2025-19923, North Dakota: Approval of State Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program
The EPA just gave a big thumbs-up to North Dakota’s new state program for managing coal ash waste, meaning the state will handle permits instead of the federal government starting December 17, 2025. This change affects power plants and companies dealing with coal ash, aiming to keep the environment safe while streamlining rules. It’s a win for local control with no extra costs for businesses or taxpayers.