EPA Continues Chemical Safety Paperwork Renewal
Published Date: 5/21/2026
Notice
Summary
The EPA is asking to extend its paperwork rules about methylene chloride, a chemical some businesses use. This means companies handling this chemical will keep sharing info with the EPA to keep everyone safe. You’ve got until June 22, 2026, to share your thoughts, and this process helps protect health without adding surprise costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory reporting and paperwork burden
Companies that make, distribute, or use methylene chloride must keep submitting paperwork to the EPA under a renewed information collection. The EPA estimates 6,515 respondents, a total burden of 72,699 hours per year, and total annual costs of $5,342,124 (including $4,583,912 in annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs).
Prohibition of consumer uses with narrow delay option
The ICR supports EPA's rule to prohibit the manufacture, processing, and distribution of methylene chloride for all consumer uses and for most industrial and commercial uses. The prohibition can be delayed only under two conditions: when there is a required workplace chemical protection program (WCPP) and related workplace methylene chloride monitoring.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10086 — Extending the Compliance Deadline for the PFOA and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Levels
The EPA is giving water systems more time to meet safety rules for two harmful chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, by extending the deadline from April 2029 to April 2031 if they ask for it. This helps water providers get ready without rushing, keeping our drinking water safe. The EPA wants your thoughts and will hold a public hearing in July 2026 to hear from everyone.
2026-10085 — Rescission of Regulatory Determinations and Removal of Related Provisions for Four PFAS Substances (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and the Mixture of These Three PFAS Plus PFBS)
The EPA is proposing to undo its rules for four PFAS chemicals (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and a mix including PFBS) in drinking water because the original process wasn’t done right. This means public water systems won’t have to monitor or treat these chemicals for now. People and water providers should weigh in by July 20, 2026, and a virtual hearing happens July 7.
2026-09895 — Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category-Unmanaged Combustion Residual Leachate
The EPA is updating rules for steam electric power plants to better control dirty water leaking from leftover coal waste. This change affects existing power plants and is expected to save up to $1 billion a year while protecting water quality. Comments on the proposal are open until June 17, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-09524 — Begin Actual Construction in the New Source Review (NSR) Preconstruction Permitting Program
The EPA is updating rules about when companies can start building big projects that might affect air quality. Now, they can begin building parts that don’t release pollution before getting a full air permit, making things clearer and easier. This change mainly affects businesses planning major construction and could speed up projects without extra costs, but comments are due by June 29, 2026.
2026-09179 — Definition of Hazardous Waste Applicable to Corrective Action for Releases From Solid Waste Management Units; Withdrawal
The EPA has decided to cancel its plan to change the rules about what counts as hazardous waste for cleaning up pollution at certain waste sites. This means businesses and cleanup crews won’t have to deal with the confusing new rules that were proposed. The withdrawal takes effect immediately, so no extra costs or changes will happen right now.
2026-08750 — Extension of Postponement of Effectiveness for Certain Provisions of Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10196 — Information Collection Request to Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0095
The U.S. Coast Guard wants to keep collecting info about oil and hazardous material safety records without changing the rules. This affects businesses and people who handle these materials, and they’re asking for your thoughts by July 20, 2026. No new costs or changes are planned—just a smooth extension to keep things running safely and smoothly.
Next: 2026-10198 — Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0074
The U.S. Coast Guard is asking to keep collecting info about fees for inspecting commercial ships, both U.S. and foreign, without making any changes. If you’re involved with these inspections, this means the current rules and fees stay the same. You’ve got until June 22, 2026, to share your thoughts, and there’s no new cost or paperwork increase coming your way.