Through this action EPA is amending the Clean Air Act section 608 refrigerant recycling regulations to extend the effectiveness of the refrigerant purity requirements at Sec. 82.154(g) and (h), which are currently scheduled to expire on May 15, 1995, only until March 18, 1996 or until EPA can complete rulemaking to adopt new refrigerant purity requirements based on industry guidelines, whichever comes first. EPA is extending the requirements in response to requests from the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry in order to avoid widespread contamination of the stock of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants, which could result from the lapse of the purity standard. Such contamination would cause extensive damage to air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, release of refrigerants, and refrigerant shortages with consequent price increases. In the proposed rules section of today's Federal Register, EPA is proposing to extend the effectiveness of the refrigerant purity requirements at Sec. 82.154(g) and (h) and soliciting public comment on this extension. If adverse comments are received on this direct final rule, EPA will withdraw the direct final rule and address the comments received in a subsequent final rule on the related proposed rule. No additional opportunity for public comment on the extension will be provided.