NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. – A rule proposing exclusion of tertiary butyl acetate (TBAc™) from the definition of a volatile organic compound (VOC) has been published in the Federal Register by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The reference number is 64 FR 52731, September 30, 1999. Publication of the proposed rule began a 60-day public-comment period. A final ruling is expected after review and consideration of all comments. TBAc, a non-HAP organic solvent produced by Lyondell Chemical, is expected to find widespread use in adhesives, coatings, inks, industrial cleaners and other formulated products as a result of the exemption and its versatile properties. It offers broad solvency, an intermediate evaporation rate, low density and a flash point well within accepted industry parameters. The solvent’s negligible photochemical reactivity prompted Lyondell to petition the EPA for the VOC exemption. Lyondell is the first large-scale U.S. manufacturer and marketer of TBAc. Current production capacity exceeds 50 MM lb/yr, with significant low-cost capacity additions available as market demand increases.