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Chlorine Panel of the American Chemistry Council Responds to EPA’s Final Risk Management Rule on Perchloroethylene (PCE)

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Erich Shea
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WASHINGTON (Dec. 10, 2024) - The Chlorine Panel of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) acknowledges the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) efforts to regulate perchloroethylene (PCE) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to mitigate unreasonable risk to human health and the environment. While the Panel recognizes EPA made certain changes in the final rule, it also raises significant concerns about the potential impacts on industries that depend on PCE for critical applications, along with compliance challenges with the new Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP).

Robert Simon, Vice President of Chemical Products & Technology | ACC
While we support EPA’s inclusion of certain critical-use exemptions, the final rule still presents significant technical and operational challenges for businesses. These challenges could lead to economic disruptions and warrant further review to assess their feasibility and compliance burden.

The Chlorine Panel, which represents manufacturers and users of chlorinated organics, highlights several revised provisions in the final rule:

  • Exemptions for critical uses such as refrigerant chemical production, petrochemical manufacturing, cold cleaning of tanker vessels, and energized electrical cleaning.
  • Extended implementation timelines for the WCPP are now 30 months instead of 12 months as initially proposed.
  • Provisions allowing safe recycling, disposal, and processing of PCE under appropriate safeguards.

Despite these adjustments, the Chlorine Panel continues to emphasize the need for EPA to address unresolved issues related to the rule’s implementation, including the technical feasibility of the Existing Chemical Exposure Limit included in the WCPP.

“Additional steps are necessary to promote fair, practical, and scientifically sound risk management measures for the PCE rule,” Simon added.

The Chlorine Panel remains committed to advocating effective regulations that protect public health while preserving the ability of industries to innovate. For more information, please visit: https://www.americanchemistry.com/industry-groups/chlorinated-solvents/perchloroethylene.

American Chemistry Council

The American Chemistry Council’s mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. To achieve this, we: Champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government; Drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and communities through Responsible Care®; Foster the development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member companies; and Communicate authentically with communities about challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier and more sustainable way of life. Our vision is a world made better by chemistry, where people live happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives, safely and sustainably—for generations to come.