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
SEC Reporting - The SEC proposes to change reporting from quarterly to semi-annual. Comments are due July 6, 2026.
More Information: Proposed Rule
If you have questions about any of these items, please contact Grant MacIntyre, director, regulatory affairs and senior attorney, Auto Care Association, at grant.macintyre@autocare.org.
Your Association's government affairs staff works 24/7/365 on your behalf to fight policies and regulations that may be harmful to your business. Here you'll find the latest updates on their issue-related work including testimonies, hearings, meetings, comments and actions.
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2021 Auto Care Advocacy Report
March 24, 2022Advocacy is essential, and by adding your voice, our impact adds up. This report details our 2021 efforts across all three facets of advocacy: grassroots, lobbying and PAC. However, in order to be effective, we must have your support and engagement. The 2021 Advocacy Report details ways you can get involved - and we made it as easy as 1, 2, 3.
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