EPA Opens Public Comment Period on Carbon Tetrachloride Risk Management Rule

On October 9, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) opened a 30-day public comment period on its 2024 final risk management rule for carbon tetrachloride (CTC) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This action represents the agency’s first step toward reconsidering and potentially revising the existing rule. 

Background 

The 2024 final rule introduced strict workplace controls and exposure limits for carbon tetrachloride, a volatile organic compound that has been used in the production of refrigerants, chlorinated solvents, and other industrial applications. 
It introduced an Existing Chemical Exposure Limit (ECEL) of 0.03 ppm (8-hour TWA) and required employers to implement engineering and administrative controls to reduce worker exposure. 

Following the publication of the final rule, several legal challenges were filed and consolidated in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. In response, EPA is now seeking additional input to determine whether refinements are needed. 

This review aligns with Executive Order 14219, “Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Deregulatory Initiative,” which instructs federal agencies to review existing regulations to ensure they are efficient and fair. 

Reason for Reconsideration 

EPA has determined that additional rulemaking and public input are necessary to:  

Key Areas for Comment 

EPA invites feedback on all aspects of the CTC rule, with emphasis on: 

How to Submit Comments 

Next Steps 

EPA will review the feedback received during this consultation period to inform its efforts to revise the CTC rule, ensuring both worker safety and regulatory efficiency.