Community and Environmental Advocates Launch TSCA Section 21 Petition to Eliminate Hydrogen Fluoride from U.S. Oil Refining

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) announced on February 11, 2025, that community and environmental groups have asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban hydrogen fluoride in oil refining. This chemical poses significant health and environmental risks. The petition, supported by NRDC, the Clean Air Council (CAC), and Communities for a Better Environment (CBE), calls for action under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

The petition highlights that the use of hydrogen fluoride, especially in processes like alkylation at U.S. refineries, and its transportation via rail and truck, creates unreasonable dangers. It points out that hydrogen fluoride can combine with water to form hydrofluoric acid, which is extremely hazardous.

In 2019, the EPA rejected a similar petition to ban hydrofluoric acid in oil refining. They stated the petition didn’t provide enough evidence or analysis needed for a proper evaluation. Without specific details about risk levels and exposure, the EPA claimed it couldn’t make informed decisions about the petition.

According to TSCA regulations, the EPA has 90 days to respond to this new petition. If granted, they will start the process to restrict the chemical. If denied, the EPA must explain their reasons in the Federal Register.

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