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Bill > S4126


NJ S4126

NJ S4126
Prohibits certain uses of perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene.


summary

Introduced
02/03/2025
In Committee
05/08/2025
Crossed Over
03/24/2025
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill would prohibit certain uses of the chemicals perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE). Specifically, the bill would (1) prohibit all uses in commerce of TCE and (2) prohibit all consumer and commercial uses of PCE, and require an owner or operator of a facility that utilizes PCE to take appropriate measures to protect the facility's worker from exposure to PCE. The bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to adopt rules and regulations to implement these requirements. The bill would additionally specify that the DEP codify, on the state level, the rules and regulations that were adopted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in December, 2024 concerning the use of PCE and TCE. PCE is a solvent that is used in brake cleaners and adhesives, in dry cleaning, and in many industrial applications. The EPA has found that PCE is associated with health risks such as damage to the kidney, liver, and immune system, neurotoxicity and reproductive toxicity, and cancer from inhalation or skin exposure. TCE is a volatile organic compound that is used in industrial cleaning and degreasing applications, lubricants, adhesives and sealants, paints and coatings, automotive care products, cleaning products, and furniture care products. The EPA has found that TCE is associated with health risks including liver cancer, kidney cancer, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

AI Summary

This bill aims to prohibit certain uses of two chemical solvents, perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), due to their significant health risks. Specifically, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is required to adopt rules within two years that completely ban all commercial uses of TCE and all consumer and commercial uses of PCE. The bill mandates that facility owners using PCE must take appropriate measures to protect workers from exposure. The DEP must model its regulations exactly on the rules published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in December 2024, including any delayed effective dates and exemptions. The bill provides definitions for key terms like Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number (CASRN) and clarifies that uses of PCE or TCE preempted under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act will be exempt from these restrictions. Both PCE and TCE have been identified by the EPA as posing serious health risks, including potential damage to organs, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and increased cancer risks. The bill will take effect immediately upon enactment.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Reported and Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee (on 05/08/2025)

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