All regulatory updates
1479 results found
Maine Defines Cookware Scope for PFAS Sales Prohibition
Maine DEP has defined cookware products subject to the January 1, 2026 PFAS sales prohibition as household products intended to be in direct contact with food or beverage. Cookware does not include items intended for commercial, industrial, or institutional settings, nor polymer-coated durable items. Examples include pots, pans, skillets, grills, baking sheets, molds, trays, bowls, cooking utensils, and electric versions such as waffle makers, electric skillets, and air fryers. Products without intentionally added PFAS in food-contact surfaces are not subject to the 2026 prohibition but are subject to the 2032 requirement.
Maine PFAS Sales Prohibition for Artificial Turf and Outdoor Apparel Effective January 2029
Sales prohibition for artificial turf and outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions takes effect January 1, 2029. Outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions may still be sold if accompanied by disclosure stating 'Made with PFAS chemicals.' This is part of Maine's phased ban on products containing intentionally added PFAS under 38 M.R.S. §1614.
Maine Chapter 90 PFAS Rule Amendment Establishes CUU Framework
Maine's amended Chapter 90 rule became effective October 7, 2025, establishing the Currently Unavoidable Use (CUU) criteria framework and implementing sales prohibitions for products containing intentionally added PFAS under 38 M.R.S. §1614. The rule details notification requirements, exemptions, and compliance timelines for manufacturers.
Maine Approves Two CUU Determinations for January 2026 Products
Maine DEP's Board of Environmental Protection approved two Currently Unavoidable Use (CUU) determinations from proposals submitted by the June 1, 2025 deadline. Products that applied for CUU designation but did not receive approval are subject to sales prohibition beginning January 1, 2026. CUU designation allows continued sale of PFAS-containing products when the use is deemed essential for health, safety, or the functioning of society and alternatives are not reasonably available.
Maine requires PFAS Notification Form for CUU-designated products by January 1, 2026
Manufacturers with products covered under approved Currently Unavoidable Use (CUU) determinations are required to submit a PFAS Notification Form and pay the associated fee to continue selling, offering for sale, or distributing products in Maine that will be affected by the sales prohibition taking effect January 1, 2026. This reporting requirement creates a mandatory compliance pathway for CUU-designated products that would otherwise be prohibited under Maine's phased PFAS product restrictions. The requirement applies to products in categories including cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, juvenile products, menstruation products, textile articles, ski wax, and upholstered furniture.
Maine Establishes $1,500 CUU Notification Fee Structure
Maine DEP has established a notification fee of $1,500 per notification for Currently Unavoidable Use (CUU) designated products. This fee structure, revised from an earlier $5,000 proposal, applies to manufacturers required to submit PFAS Notification Forms for products covered under approved CUU determinations. The fee rate encourages manufacturers to group products using the same type of PFAS together in one notification submission.
Maine Chapter 90 Establishes Reporting Program for CUU-Designated Products
Maine's amended Chapter 90 rule establishes a new reporting program for product categories that receive Currently Unavoidable Use (CUU) determination from the Department. Manufacturers with CUU-designated products must comply with notification requirements to continue selling PFAS-containing products in Maine. The amended rule became effective October 7, 2025.
Maine Sets May 1, 2026 CUU Proposal Deadline for Next Rulemaking Cycle
Maine DEP announced that Currently Unavoidable Use (CUU) proposals received before May 1, 2026 may be included in the next rulemaking cycle. Proposals received after May 1 may be considered for a subsequent rulemaking anticipated to be scheduled in 2027. This deadline applies to manufacturers seeking CUU determinations for products containing intentionally added PFAS that would otherwise be subject to sales prohibitions beginning January 1, 2026.
Maine Sales Prohibition for Multiple Product Categories Effective January 1, 2026
Maine's statutory sales prohibition for products containing intentionally added PFAS takes effect January 1, 2026 for nine product categories: cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, juvenile products, menstruation products, textile articles (with exceptions), ski wax, and upholstered furniture. Products without intentionally added PFAS but sold in fluorinated containers are also covered. Products with a Currently Unavoidable Use (CUU) determination from Maine DEP are exempt from the prohibition.
EU bans PFAS in firefighting foams under REACH Annex XVII Entry 82
Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/1988 adds Entry 82 to Annex XVII, restricting PFAS in firefighting foams. PFAS is defined as any substance containing at least one fully fluorinated methyl (CF3) or methylene (CF2) carbon atom. The restriction prohibits PFAS at concentrations ≥1 mg/L. Operational and labeling obligations begin October 23, 2026 - PFAS foams may only be used for Class B fires, with emissions reduction requirements and separate collection of unused stock. Full prohibition takes effect October 23, 2030. PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS covered under the POPs Regulation and certain PFHxA-related substances are exempted from this restriction.
Maine BEP Approves First CUU Determinations for PFAS Products
The Maine Board of Environmental Protection approved two Currently Unavoidable Use (CUU) determinations: (1) cleaning product container internal cartridge valves and (2) cleaning product container vented cap liners. Both determinations are valid until January 1, 2031, allowing continued sale of products containing intentionally added PFAS for these specific applications. Nine other CUU proposals were denied, including cookware/bakeware with PTFE coatings, small kitchen appliances, upholstered furniture, and cosmetic product containers.
EU restricts PFAS in firefighting foams under REACH Annex XVII
Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/1988 of 2 October 2025 restricts per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams under REACH Annex XVII. The regulation sets a concentration limit of 1 mg/L for the sum of all PFAS as recommended by ECHA's RAC and SEAC committees. This restriction implements the Council's 2019 call to eliminate all non-essential uses of PFAS and the 2020 Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.
EU restricts PFAS in firefighting foams under REACH Annex XVII via Regulation 2025/1988
Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/1988 adds a new entry to Annex XVII of REACH restricting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams. The regulation was adopted on 2 October 2025 and enters into force on that date. This restriction addresses environmental and health concerns from PFAS contamination from firefighting foam applications. Companies manufacturing, placing on the market, or using firefighting foams in the EU must comply with the new restriction requirements.
ARENA publishes LCA Guidelines for Bioenergy Projects aligned to ISO 14040
ARENA has published comprehensive LCA Guidelines for Bioenergy Projects providing methodology and best practices for conducting life cycle assessments of bioenergy projects. The guidelines are aligned to ISO 14040 and cover life cycle inventory (LCI) compilation, multifunctionality and co-products handling, and environmental impact evaluation for bioenergy systems throughout their life cycle.
DOI publishes updated BABA FAQs guidance document
The Department of the Interior published an updated Build America Buy America Act FAQs document providing guidance on BABA domestic sourcing requirements for infrastructure projects receiving federal financial assistance. The FAQs address common questions about applicability, product coverage, and compliance obligations for DOI-administered programs.
CARB settles with ZIM Integrated Shipping for $12.5M
CARB reached a $12,500,000 settlement with ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. for violations of CARB's Airborne Toxic Control Measure for vessel fuel requirements. The settlement, processed through ZIM's agent ZIM American Integrated Shipping Services Co. LLC, represents a significant enforcement action for marine vessel fuel compliance in California waters.
USGBC Publishes LEED v5 Recertification Guidance
USGBC has published comprehensive LEED v5 Recertification Guidance for buildings renewing their existing LEED certification. Key changes include: reduced performance reporting requirements with a minimum of 12 months of performance data for energy and water use, prerequisite-level performance requirements limited to energy efficiency only, and all previously certified projects automatically achieving 5 points under the LEED Recertification Project Priorities credit. The guidance aligns recertification with LEED v5's focus on decarbonization, resilience, human well-being, and transparency through performance-based metrics.
NTIA Publishes Updated BABA Compliance and Documentation Requirements
NTIA published updated BABA Compliance and Documentation Requirements guidance for recipients of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD), Middle Mile, and Tribal Broadband Connectivity Programs. The guidance details documentation requirements, procedures for demonstrating compliance with Buy America Preference, and responsibilities for determining whether products are subject to BABA requirements under 2 CFR Part 184.
EPA releases primacy extension templates and draft PFAS abbreviated data reporting instructions for PFAS NPDWR implementation
EPA posted new implementation tools for the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR), including (1) primacy extension request templates for primacy agencies seeking additional time to revise drinking water programs and (2) draft PFAS Abbreviated Data Reporting Instructions. These materials are intended to support state primacy agencies and public water systems in implementing program revisions and data reporting associated with the PFAS NPDWR.
EPA publishes primacy extension request templates to support PFAS NPDWR state implementation
EPA published implementation resources for the PFAS NPDWR, including templates intended to help primacy agencies request extensions for primacy revision actions. State primacy agencies and regulated water systems should use these materials to plan state adoption/primacy timelines and coordinate implementation planning.