TCE Timeout Extended: EPA Pauses Chemical Restrictions Again
Published Date: 5/5/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA is hitting the pause button again on some rules about a chemical called TCE, which is used in workplaces. This means certain limited uses of TCE won’t have to follow new restrictions just yet, while courts review the rules. If you work with TCE, this delay gives you more time before changes kick in, starting May 18, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
TCE Restrictions Delayed for Exempt Uses
As of May 18, 2026, the EPA is postponing the conditions attached to every TSCA section 6(g) exemption for trichloroethylene (TCE) until the conclusion of judicial review. This delay keeps the current rules in place for those exempted uses (for example, TCE used as a processing aid for specialty polymeric microporous sheet material manufacturing) while courts decide the challenges to the December 17, 2024 final rule.
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