EPA Pushes Back TCE Chemical Bans by 90 Days
Published Date: 2/18/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA is giving businesses and workers a 90-day break by delaying some new rules about the chemical TCE until May 18, 2026. This extension affects certain uses of TCE that were supposed to face new restrictions starting February 17, 2026. It helps companies keep using TCE a bit longer while the EPA sorts out the details, so no sudden costs or changes hit just yet.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
90-Day Delay of TCE Workplace Rules
EPA is postponing the conditions attached to TSCA section 6(g) exemptions for trichloroethylene (TCE) for 90 days. The postponement is effective as of February 17, 2026 and extends those conditions until May 18, 2026, delaying restrictions that were scheduled to take effect February 17, 2026.
Delay for Microporous Sheet Manufacturers
EPA's extension specifically covers the conditions on the TSCA section 6(g) exemption for using TCE as a processing aid in specialty polymeric microporous sheet material manufacturing. Those exemption conditions are postponed from February 17, 2026 until May 18, 2026, allowing manufacturers to continue current practices during that period.
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