TSCA TCE Rules Postponed, PCE Rule To Be Reconsidered

EPA continued working to evaluate the risks of chemicals on the TSCA inventory this summer, with the most recent developments affecting finalized regulations for trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE).

In August, EPA also released Draft Risk Evaluations for two phthalates, BBP and DIBP, finding that both substances pose an unreasonable risk to human health and the environment. Check out the TSCA Activity Tracker for more updates and details about ongoing evaluation of potentially hazardous chemicals at EPA.

Workplace Rules for TCE Postponed 

EPA has further postponed the deadline for workplaces that use trichloroethylene (TCE) to comply with new requirements for monitoring and controlling exposure under TSCA §6(a). The postponed requirements apply to uses of TCE that are exempt from the December 2024 Final Rule prohibiting and/or phasing-out all activity involving the chemical. 

Following EPA’s earlier postponement, the rule was set to take effect on August 19. The scheduled effective date is now November 17, 2025. 

EPA to Reconsider 2024 PCE Final Rule 

On July 30, 2025, EPA requested input concerning its reconsideration of a 2024 Final Rule to prohibit and/or phase-out uses of the chemical perchloroethylene (PCE).
 

“This request for public comment follows the filing of several legal challenges to the rule in 2025, and EPA’s subsequent determination that the PCE regulation under TSCA should be reconsidered through further rulemaking.” 

The December 2024 PCE Final Rule: 

• Prohibits most industrial and commercial uses, as well as manufacturing, processing, or distributing PCE for those uses
• Prohibits manufacturing, processing, and distribution in commerce of PCE for all consumer use
• Provides a 10-year phaseout period for manufacturing, processing, distribution in commerce, and commercial use in dry cleaning and spot cleaning. 

The Rule also mandates a Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP) and/or requires worker protections for many non-prohibited occupational uses. It also establishes recordkeeping and downstream notification requirements for PCE. The comment period ended on August 29, 2025. 

Draft Risk Evaluations Available for BBP, DIBP 

On August 6, EPA announced that Draft Risk Evaluations are available for two phthalates, butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP). EPA’s preliminary conclusion is that both chemicals pose an unreasonable risk to human health and the environment.

When a risk evaluation performed under TSCA determines that a chemical poses an unreasonable risk, EPA is bound by law—the “Lautenberg Law”—to address that risk with regulations to protect employees who work with these chemicals. The draft risk evaluation is open to public comment until October 6, 2025. 

Stay On Top of Changing EPA Regulations

Develop a solid understanding about how US EPA air, water, and chemical programs affect your facility and your activities, including air permitting, NESHAPS, NPDES, SPCC Plans, chemical inventory and emergency preparedness regulations under EPCRA (Right-to-Know) and CERCLA/Superfund, and much more. 

Don't miss the final Complete Environmental Regulations Webinar of 2025 on December 18-19!