EPA Refreshes 2026 Reg Agenda: Green Rules Brewing
Published Date: 8/14/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishes the Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions online at https:// www.reginfo.gov to periodically update the public. This document contains information about: <bullet> Regulations in the Agenda that are under development, completed, or canceled since the last agenda; and <bullet> Reviews of regulations with small business impacts under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 6 mixed.
1‑BP TSCA Rule: Consumer & Worker Limits
EPA is finalizing a Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) rule for 1‑bromopropane (1‑BP). The agency proposed the rule on August 8, 2024 and is developing a final rule with an expected final action in August 2026; the proposal would prevent consumer access to 1‑BP, restrict industrial and commercial uses during a transition period, and add protections for workers on the job.
NMP TSCA Action: Addressing Reproductive Risks
EPA is developing a TSCA final rule to address unreasonable health risks from n‑methylpyrrolidone (NMP). EPA proposed the rule on June 14, 2024; the proposal targets industrial, commercial, and consumer uses because EPA found NMP poses risks including developmental fetal loss and reduced fertility, and the final rule will apply requirements to address those risks.
Stricter New Rules for Residential Wood Heaters
EPA is updating performance standards for new residential wood heaters and set consent‑decree deadlines: for subpart AAA EPA agreed to a proposal date of December 15, 2026 and a promulgation date of December 15, 2027; for subpart QQQQ the proposal date is December 15, 2027 with promulgation December 15, 2028. The agenda says manufacturers will be required to redesign heaters to be cleaner and that the design changes also make heaters perform better and more efficiently.
Review of Formaldehyde Rules for Composite Wood
EPA is initiating a section 610 review of the 2016 Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products. The agenda lists a review start in July 2026 and an end in December 2026, and it asks for comments within 60 days of this notice (Docket ID EPA-HQ-OPPT-2025-2433). The rule covers testing, labeling, third‑party certification, import certification, and product sell‑through rules.
Section 610 Review: Oil & Natural Gas Standards
EPA is reviewing the 2016 final rule for the Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources under a section 610 review. The agency will solicit comments on factors such as continued need, complexity, overlap with other rules, and changed conditions; comments must be received within 60 days (Docket ID EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-3160). Timetable entries reference the original final rule date of June 3, 2016 and review actions in mid‑2026.
Review of Risk Management Program (RMP) Rule
EPA is initiating a section 610 review of the 2017 Risk Management Program (RMP) final rule (the review begins in July 2026 and is projected to end in January 2027). The agenda notes the RMP has had subsequent related rulemakings in 2019 and 2024 and that this 610 review is separate from a new RMP rulemaking listed under a different RIN.
Brick & Clay Manufacturing NESHAP Review Completed
EPA completed a section 610 review of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Brick and Structural Clay Products Manufacturing and Clay Ceramics Manufacturing; the review began March 31, 2025 and is projected to end in August 2026. The underlying 2015 final rule set MACT, health‑based standards, and work practice standards that could affect small entities in these sectors.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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