,On 24 March 2026, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposal under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to extend certain compliance deadlines in the final risk management rules for perchloroethylene (PCE) and carbon tetrachloride (CTC), while the agency continues revising the regulations to ensure they are practical, enforceable, and protective of human health and the environment. The EPA confirmed that the underlying determination that both chemicals present an unreasonable risk remains unchanged, and the proposal does not weaken existing worker or environmental protections. Instead, it focuses on adjusting implementation timelines, particularly for Workplace Chemical Protection Program requirements applicable to non-federal entities using PCE and CTC. The revised deadlines aim to align compliance schedules between federal agencies and private-sector entities, ensuring consistent regulatory expectations across all stakeholders. Perchloroethylene (PCE) is primarily used as a solvent in metal degreasing and certain manufacturing processes, while carbon tetrachloride (CTC) is used as an industrial feedstock in the production of refrigerants and other chlorinated chemicals. EPA stated that some original deadlines were considered “unworkable” by stakeholders, as they could lead to rushed or incomplete compliance, and that revised timelines will support proper implementation of safety controls.
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