Auto Care Association Regulatory Update – Monday, August 3, 2026
There are several new actions of interest this week:
New Rules
PCE and CTC Compliance Extensions - EPA extended PCE and CTC compliance dates. The compliance date for initial monitoring for inhalation exposure to PCE and CTC is extended to June 21, 2027. The compliance date to meet the existing chemical exposure limit (ECEL), establish a regulated area, institute a workplace information and training program, provide any required respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE), and establish a respiratory PPE program is extended to Sept. 20, 2027. The compliance date to establish and implement an exposure control plan for PCE is extended to Dec. 20, 2027.
More Information: Final Rule
OSHA Benzene Standard - OSHA reopened the comment period for their proposed Benzene standard. Comments are due Aug. 27, 2026.
More Information: Proposed Rule
1,1,2-trichloroethane Risk Assessment - EPA is collecting comments on the draft risk assessment for 1,1,2-trichloroethane. Comments are due Sept. 28, 2026.
More Information: Draft Assessment
Zoox Driverless Vehicle Safety Exemptions - NHTSA granted temporary exemptions from several FMVSS for Zoox driverless vehicles. The exemptions cover FMVSS No. 103, Windshield defrosting and defogging systems; FMVSS No. 104, Windshield wiping and washing systems; FMVSS No. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment; FMVSS No. 111, Rear visibility; FMVSS No. 135, Light vehicle brake systems; FMVSS No. 201, Occupant protection in interior impact; FMVSS No. 205, Glazing materials; and FMVSS No. 208, Occupant crash protection.
More Information: Final Rule
Automated Vehicle Commercial Deployment Guidance - NHTSA seeks comment on interim guidance for commercial deployment exemptions for automated vehicles. Comments are due Aug. 31, 2026.
More Information: Proposed Guidance
ADS System Guidance - NHTSA announced the opening of a public docket where they will publish several guidance documents relating to safe operation of ADS systems. Documents will be added over the course of the year in different topic areas. Comments are accepted through at least July 31, 2027.
More Information: Guidance Notice
Ongoing Tracked Rules
Workforce Resource Modernization - The Department of Labor is seeking input on modernizing two workforce development resources: CareerOneStop.org and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) Program. Comments are welcome on any aspect of the resources, with a specific focus on modernizing the programs. Comments are due Aug. 10, 2026.
More Information: Request for Comments
American Automobile Labeling Act - NHTSA is renewing an information collection request that asks for auto manufacturer information regarding compliance with the American Automobile Labeling Act, which requires labels with information on foreign parts content. Comments are due Aug. 10, 2026.
More Information: Request for Comments
Anti-Theft Devices - NHTSA is renewing an information collection request that asks for manufacturer information regarding installation of anti-theft devices on new vehicles. Comments are due Aug. 10, 2026.
More Information: Request for Comments
NAICS Revisions - OMB proposes to change several NAICS codes, including changing Motor Vehicle Gasoline Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing to ‘‘Motor Vehicle Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing.’’ and Motor Vehicle Gasoline Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing to ‘‘Motor Vehicle Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing.’’ Comments are Due Aug. 12, 2026
More Information: Proposed Rule
California EPR - Circular Action Alliance issued a draft PRO plan for implementing EPR in California. Comments are due Aug. 14, 2026.
More Information: Plan and Comment Information
TBBPA Risk Assessment - EPA issued a draft risk assessment for TBBPA. The draft assessment proposes that TBBPA presents a risk to workers in manufacturing and to the environment for some processing. Comments are due Aug. 17, 2026.
More Information: Notice of Draft Assessment
Airbag Switch Retrofit - NHTSA is revising information collection standards for retrofitting airbags with switches. Comments are due Aug. 20, 2026.
More Information: Proposed Information Collection
OSHA Chemical Standards - After consultation with an advisory committee, OSHA has re-opened comment periods for several safety standards including 1, 3-Butadiene, 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane,13 Carcinogens (4-Nitrobiphenyl, etc.), Acrylonitrile, Asbestos, Cadmium, Ethylene Oxide, Formaldehyde, Inorganic Arsenic, Lead, Methylene Chloride, Methylenedianiline, and Vinyl Chloride. Comments on all are due Aug. 21, 2026.
More Information: Proposals (start on page 42 of the PDF)
Heavy-Duty Engines and Diesel Exhaust Fluid - EPA is proposing several changes to standards for MY27 and later heavy-duty engines including reducing DEF deratements. Comments are due Aug. 29, 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.
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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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