What: On December 17, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a final rule banning all uses of trichloroethylene (TCE) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). TCE is a chemical used mainly in industrial and commercial cleaning processes, as well as some consumer uses. The final rule bans most uses of TCE within one year, with longer compliance timeframes for workplace uses such as cleaning parts used in aircraft and medical devices, the manufacture of refrigerants, and cleaning parts used in the transportation, security, and defense industries.
Why: Advocacy commented on the proposed rule, expressing concerns that the proposed rule would disproportionately impact small businesses. Specifically, Advocacy asked the agency to allow for better regulatory flexibilities for small businesses, including allowing the use of TCE when no reasonable alternative was available and extending the compliance timeframes. Advocacy also asked the agency to reconsider the proposed existing chemical exposure limit, which was set so low it would pose compliance difficulties for small businesses.
The final rule will be effective January 17, 2025.
Action: Read the Federal Register notice.
Advocacy contact: Emily Jones, Emily.Jones@sba.gov