Skip to main content
Environmental Management Assistance Program
877-ask-emap

Tag: dry cleaner

2026 Dry Cleaner Compliance Calendar Now Available

Written by Jeremy on . Posted in Breaking News, Regulatory Updates. No Comments on 2026 Dry Cleaner Compliance Calendar Now Available

The 2026 Dry Cleaner Compliance Calendar is now available for Pennsylvania dry cleaners. You can access a digital copy here or by visiting EMAP’s Dry Cleaner Resources page.

These environmental compliance calendars are designed to assist Pennsylvania dry cleaners in meeting state and federal environmental regulations. Each calendar includes important record-keeping elements that, when properly completed, serve as an annual record of compliance. Dry cleaners should retain completed calendars for a period of five (5) years.

Important Update on Hard Copies

Due to the ongoing Pennsylvania state budget impasse, hard copy versions of the 2026 calendar are not yet available. If and when possible, EMAP can provide printed copies once the budget situation is resolved and printing resources are restored. We appreciate your patience and encourage dry cleaners to use the digital version in the meantime.

If you have questions or need assistance with using the calendar, please contact EMAP directly by calling our toll-free hotline at (877) ASK-EMAP or emailing questions@askemap.org.

EPA

EPA Finalizes Rules to Phase Out Hazardous Solvents TCE and PCE

Written by Jeremy on . Posted in Breaking News, Regulatory Updates. No Comments on EPA Finalizes Rules to Phase Out Hazardous Solvents TCE and PCE

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized rules to phase out the use of two hazardous solvents: trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE). These actions aim to protect public health and the environment by significantly reducing exposure to these chemicals.

The TCE ban prohibits most uses within a year, including those in consumer products. Limited workplace exceptions will be phased out over a longer period, with stringent worker safety requirements in place, including a revised inhalation exposure limit to reduce workplace exposure by 97%. The rule also allows for essential laboratory use and proper disposal of TCE wastewater for 50 years to support cleanup activities.

For PCE, the rule includes a 10-year phase-out for dry cleaning to protect workers and customers. Manufacturing, processing, and distribution of PCE for most consumer and industrial uses will be significantly reduced within three years. Stringent workplace controls will be mandated for continuing uses, while support for small businesses, such as dry cleaners, will be provided through compliance guidance and potential funding opportunities.

Small businesses interested in this new development can learn more about EPA’s actions on perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE).

EPA will host a public webinar on January 15, 2025, to explain the PCE final rule and its implementation.

2024 Dry Cleaner Compliance Calendar Now Available

Written by Jeremy on . Posted in Breaking News, Regulatory Updates. No Comments on 2024 Dry Cleaner Compliance Calendar Now Available

The 2024 Dry Cleaner Compliance Calendar is now available for Pennsylvania dry cleaners. You can access a digital copy here or by visiting EMAP’s page for dry cleaners.

Hard copy versions are now available – simply contact EMAP for a print version of the calendar.

These environmental compliance calendars contain important record-keeping elements designed to assist Pennsylvania dry cleaners comply with state and federal regulations. It is important for dry cleaners to understand that the calendar, once properly filled out and completed, is an annual record of compliance and should be kept for a period of five (5) years.

In June 2023, EPA proposed to ban most uses of perc. Included in this ban, EPA plans to establish a 10-year phaseout for the use of perc in dry cleaning.  EMAP previously covered this proposed ban and the implications for small businesses.

Jeremy Hancher

Jeremy Hancher is the EMAP Program Manager located at the Widener University SBDC.  He holds over 15 years of experience in environmental compliance, environmental policy, and program management.  He is proud to be the team lead of the award-winning EMAP program which provides free and confidential environmental assistance to the Pennsylvania small business community in fulfillment of the requirements of the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act and Section 507 of the federal Clean Air Act.
In 2015, Jeremy was part of the team effort when EMAP was recognized by US EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy for Outstanding Accomplishments by a State Small Business Environmental Assistance Provider in Providing Technical Environmental Assistance to the Small Business Community. Jeremy holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a certificate from the Wharton School.