Virginia tweaks VOC rules: One chemical gets a free pass from pollution counts
Published Date: 4/23/2026
Rule
Summary
Virginia is updating its air pollution rules to match the EPA’s latest definition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This change means one specific chemical, HFO-1336mzz(E), won’t count as a VOC anymore, helping businesses and the environment. The new rule kicks in on May 26, 2026, with no extra costs expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Virginia excludes HFO-1336mzz(E)
If your business is regulated under Virginia's VOC rules, the chemical trans-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-2-ene (HFO-1336mzz(E), CAS 66711-86-2) is added to the list excluded from the regulatory definition of volatile organic compound in 9 VAC 5-10-20. This change is approved into the Virginia SIP and is federally enforceable under the Clean Air Act as of May 26, 2026.
EPA certifies no new costs to small entities
The EPA certified that this approval will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and will not result in expenditures of $100,000,000 or more. The Agency stated the action is not an unfunded mandate and does not trigger the Regulatory Flexibility Act requirements.
EPA found HFO-1336mzz(E) negligible for ozone
On February 8, 2023, the EPA determined that HFO-1336mzz(E) (CAS 66711-86-2) is of negligible reactivity, has low contributions to tropospheric ozone formation, and a low likelihood of risk to public health or the environment. That determination is the basis for excluding the compound from the regulatory VOC definition.
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