EPA Wants to Delist 'Hazardous' Chemical as Actually Safe
Published Date: 12/22/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA wants to remove 2-Butoxyethyl Benzoate (2-BEB) from the list of hazardous air pollutants because new data shows it’s safer than once thought. This change affects companies using 2-BEB, easing some rules and possibly saving money. You can share your thoughts by February 20, 2026, and there might be a virtual hearing if requested by December 27, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
2-BEB Removed from HAP List
The EPA is proposing to remove 2-Butoxyethyl benzoate (2-BEB) from the Clean Air Act list of hazardous air pollutants. If finalized, 2-BEB would no longer be subject to the regulatory provisions of CAA section 112 and related statutory provisions governing hazardous air pollutants, which could ease regulatory requirements and possibly save money for companies that use or manufacture 2-BEB; the statute requires the Administrator to grant or deny a delisting petition within 18 months.
Current Domestic Production Is Export-Focused
The petitioner stated that as of September 30, 2019, all 2-BEB produced domestically was for export and use outside the United States, and that 2-BEB is not currently used or sold in the United States. The petition also reports no available domestic emissions or monitoring data pertinent to domestic manufacture, use, or release of 2-BEB.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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