Auto Care Association Regulatory Update – Monday, May 11, 2026

There are several new actions of interest this week:

New Rules and Actions

PFAS Reporting, Labeling, and Product Ban in New Mexico - New Mexico issued final rules on intentionally added Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in products. Reporting and labeling requirements begin Jan. 1, 2027. Ban on cleaning products begins Jan. 1, 2028. Ban on all products begins Jan. 1, 2032. There are limited exemptions, some opportunities for extensions on reporting, and ways to have a product exempted as a currently unavoidable use.

More Information: Final Rules

1,2-Dichloroethane Risk Evaluation - EPA determined that workers exposed to 1,2-dichloroethane face an unreasonable risk of harm to their health. This means that EPA is required by law to propose a rule addressing those risks within one year and finalize a rule within two years (subject to extension in some circumstances).

More Information: Final Action; EPA Information

TCE Lead Acid Battery Compliance Extension - EPA extended the postponement of the effective date for a TCE ban applicable to lead acid battery separators until conclusion of judicial review on the underlying rule.

More Information: Extension Notice

SEC Reporting - The SEC proposes to change reporting from quarterly to semi-annual. Comments are due July 6, 2026.

More Information: Proposed Rule

Ongoing Tracked Rules

Automated Vehicles - Aurora is seeking a temporary exemption from safety standards to allow for cab-mounted warning beacons on Automated Driving System (ADS) vehicles instead of warning triangles or fuses . Comments are due May 15, 2026.

More Information: Proposed Action

Scaling Critical Suppliers - The Small Business Administration is asking for comments on  identifying opportunities to rapidly scale existing domestic supplier capacity in areas characterized by supply chain constraints or choke points, especially relating to small businesses. Comments are due May 18, 2026

More Information: Information Request

Supply Chain Gaps - The Small Business Administration is asking for comments on supply chain gaps in critical industries and how entrepreneur technical assistance could be aligned to increase business growth and technology development in needed industries. Comments are due May 18, 2026.

More Information: Information Request

Workforce Pell Accountability Metrics - The Department of Education proposes to change the metric to evaluate Pell education providers from debt to earning ratio to an earnings premium measure. Comments are due May 20, 2026.

More Information: Proposed Rule

Scrap Tire Management – EPA proposed to classify scrap tires as non-waste when burned in cement kilns. Comments are due May 22, 2026.

More Information: Rulemaking Docket

Significant New Use Rule for Cobalt lithium manganese nickel oxide, metals-doped (generic) - EPA proposes to limit new uses of cobalt lithium. Batteries may continue to use the substance. Comments are due May 26, 2026.

More Information: Proposed Rule

Brake System Exemption - NHTSA requests comment on an application for temporary exemption from safety rules for a brake system that pulses the required rear clearance, identification, and brake lamps from a lower-level lighting intensity to a higher-level intensity 4 times in 2 seconds when the brakes are applied, and then returns the lights to a steady- burning state while the brakes remain engaged. Comments are due May 28, 2026.

More Information: Proposed Action

Rearview Mirror System Exemption - NHTSA requests comment on an application for temporary exemption from safety rules for a camera-based rear-view mirror system on CMVs. Comments are due June 1, 2026.

More Information: Proposed Action

Drinking Water Contamination List (potential inclusion of PFAS and microplastics) - EPA proposes to add microplastics, some Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), disinfection byproducts, and pharmaceuticals to drinking water contaminant consideration list, which is a precursor to potential further regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Comments are due June 5, 2026.

More Information: Rulemaking Docket

Labeling and Information Requests from new vehicle manufacturers - in four separate actions, NHTSA proposes to (1) adjust label information collection for new vehicle labels relating to brake fluid warning, glazing labeling, air bag warning labels, seat belt labeling, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle fuel label, CNG fuel container labels, hydrogen fueled vehicle fueling label, and hydrogen fuel container labels; (2) adjust label information collection for platform lift systems; (3) reinstate information collection for interchangeability and performance specifications of replaceable headlamp light sources; and (4) reinstate with modifications information collection from tire manufacturers and brand owners of grades for passenger car tire lines for treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance. Comments are due June 8, 2026.

More Information: Label proposal; Platform Lift proposal; Headlamp light source proposal; Tire grade proposal

MSDS Reporting Information - EPA proposes to extend information request for reporting Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) data. Comments are due June 8, 2026.

More Information: Proposed Rule

Consumer Product Recall Fraud - The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is gathering comments regarding the impact of recall fraud on businesses. Comments are due June 15, 2026.

More Information: Proposed Rule