WASHINGTON -- The EPA has issued a notice of its intent to publish in the Federal Register a further delay of the effective date of five EPA regulations, including the formaldehyde regulation, to May. The Composite Panel Association has released this information to the wood industry. 

The new effective date for the EPA formaldehyde regulation will be extended from March 21 to May 22, 2017. The notice does not provide any indication at this time if the EPA will also adjust the formaldehyde regulation’s December 12, 2017 compliance date.  

The rationale provided in the notice is that the newly arrived political appointees within EPA need additional time to learn more about these regulations and determine whether or not to conduct a substantive review.

What should you know about new formaldehyde rules? The subject will be discussed at the Cabinets & Closets Conference & Expo April 11-13. See http://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/cabinets-closets-conference-expo/cabinets-closets-conference-expo-news/what-you-should-know-new-epa

Should EPA decide to conduct a substantive review, this could lead to further implementation delays and the possibility of EPA opening up the regulation for amendment. CPA reported that it will continue to work with EPA, and through other means, to ensure our members’ interests are considered during this period.  See Federal Register, or www.CompositePanel.org.