Auto Care Association Regulatory Update – Monday, May 18, 2026

There are several new actions of interest this week:

New Rules and Actions

Ethylene Oxide reporting - OSHA is asking for comments on renewing the information collection requirements in the Ethylene Oxide standard. Comments are due July 7, 2026.

More Information: Proposed Rule

Battery Collection - EPA published a battery collection best practices report it submitted to Congress. EPA is working on guidelines for a voluntary EPR program for batteries that is expected to be released this summer.

More Information: EPA Battery Collection Best Practices Report to Congress

Ongoing Tracked Rules

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