EPA Lets Fancy Hairsprays Break Pollution Rules
Published Date: 5/27/2026
Notice
Summary
The EPA has decided on two special requests from Henkel and PLZ to let their hairsprays have more VOCs than usually allowed, because their products still keep pollution low. This means these companies can sell their innovative hairsprays without breaking the rules starting May 27, 2026. If you make or sell similar products, keep an eye on these changes—they could affect your business and the environment!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Hairspray VOC Exemptions Denied
If you make, import, or sell hairspray, the EPA denied Henkel's April 4, 2025 and PLZ's April 22, 2025 requests to exceed the 80 percent VOC (weight‑percent) content limit. The EPA concluded the companies did not meet the Consumer Products Rule criteria and denied both requests on May 22, 2026, so those products may not exceed the 80% VOC limit.
Deadline to Seek Judicial Review
If you are challenging the EPA's denials, these final agency actions can only be reviewed by petitioning the U.S. Court of Appeals by July 27, 2026. The decisions are final actions under Clean Air Act section 307(b)(1).
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14112, Amendments and Nonconformance Penalties for Model Year 2027 and Later Heavy-Duty Highway Engines and Amendments to Inducement Provisions for SCR-Equipped Diesel Engines
Starting with model year 2027, the EPA is updating rules for big truck engines to make sure they last longer and pollute less. They’re also letting engine makers pay penalties if their engines don’t meet standards, and tightening rules for special pollution-control systems on diesel engines. These changes affect truck and engine makers and kick in soon, with public feedback due by August 29, 2026.
2026-13667, Minor New Source Review Program Air Permitting Public Participation Requirements for State Implementation Plans
The EPA wants to give states more freedom to decide how much public input is needed when approving small air pollution sources or changes. This means local air agencies can tailor public participation to fit their community’s needs while still protecting air quality. If you’re involved in air permits, watch for comment deadlines and possible virtual hearings this summer!
2026-13263, Revisions To Establish the Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) for Public Water Systems
The EPA is rolling out the sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) to check for new, sneaky chemicals in public drinking water. Big water systems serving 3,300+ people and some smaller ones will test for 30 different contaminants, including certain PFAS and pesticides, to keep our water safe. Comments and feedback are open until late August 2026, and the EPA will host fun online meetings to chat about the plan!
2026-12927, U.S. Ecology Nevada, Inc. High Mercury Subcategory Wastes Land Disposal Restrictions Variance
The EPA is giving U.S. Ecology Nevada a special green light to handle and dispose of high-mercury waste a bit differently than usual. This means mercury waste treated in Pennsylvania can now be safely sent to U.S. Ecology’s Nevada site for disposal under new rules starting July 27, 2026. This change helps protect people and the environment while keeping mercury waste management efficient and cost-effective.
2026-11047, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants From Hazardous Waste Combustors: Residual Risk and Technology Review
The EPA just updated rules for places that burn hazardous waste, like incinerators and boilers, to keep the air safe and clean. They confirmed current standards work well but added new limits on harmful gases like hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen cyanide. These changes start June 3, 2026, and include easier electronic reporting and some new rules for startup and shutdown times—helping protect health without big costs.
2026-10641, Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Federal CCR Permit Program; Reopening of Comment Period
The EPA is reopening the comment period until June 29, 2026, for its proposed rule to create a federal permit program for safely disposing of coal ash from power plants. This affects electric utilities that handle coal waste and aims to improve environmental safety while possibly impacting their costs. Now’s the time for everyone to share their thoughts and help shape the rules!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10534, Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Allocation of 2026 Production and Consumption Allowances Set Aside for Metered Dose Inhalers
The EPA set aside special hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) allowances for inhalers in 2026 but got no requests by the April 30 deadline. So, they shared those unused allowances back with regular HFC producers and users. This means companies making or using HFCs can expect a small boost in their 2026 allowances, helping keep things fair and smooth during the HFC phaseout.
Next: 2026-10539, Notice of Declaration Under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act for Medical Countermeasures Against Andes Virus
The government is protecting doctors, nurses, and companies who make or use medicines to fight Andes virus, a rare but serious lung disease spread mainly in South America. This protection means they won’t be sued for most problems related to these medicines, starting right now. This helps speed up efforts to keep people safe without worrying about legal troubles.