EPA extends phase-out timelines for 2 flame retardants - E&E News by POLITICO

EPA extended the phase-out deadlines for two highly toxic but widely used flame-resistant chemicals, bending to the concerns from multiple industry sectors.

The final rule, signed and published online late last week, revises Trump-era regulations on decaBDE and PIP (3:1) by adding increased workplace protection requirements, establishing allowable concentrations for the two chemicals in products and further reining in water releases.

The rule “addresses broader implementation issues affecting the supply chains of various industry sectors including the nuclear energy, transportation, construction, agriculture, forestry, mining, life sciences, and semiconductor production sectors by revising compliance dates for certain uses of the chemicals,” an EPA spokesperson said in a statement also published on its website.

The final rule extends phase-out timelines as long as 30 years.