Through this action EPA is amending the Clean Air Act Section 608 refrigerant recycling regulations to extend the effectiveness of the refrigerant purity requirements of Sec. 82.154(g) and (h), which are currently scheduled to expire on December 31, 1996, until EPA adopts revised purity requirements. EPA initially extended these requirements in response to requests from the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry to avoid widespread contamination of the stock of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants that 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. EPA proposed a more flexible approach to ensuring the purity of refrigerants on February 29, 1996, and solicited public comment. EPA received significant comments regarding a potential delegation of authority and an unintentional creation of a monopoly. EPA believes prior to adopting a more flexible approach EPA must further consider these comments. EPA intends to issue a supplemental action that would revise several aspects of the February 29, 1996 proposal. To prevent any lapse in the purity standards, on November 1, 1996, EPA proposed to extend the current reclamation requirements indefinitely until EPA adopts revised requirements. Today EPA is extending the current reclamation requirements. This continuation will not result in any additional burden on the regulated community. Moreover, the retention of the reclamation requirement will protect the environment, public health, and consumers by ensuring that contaminated refrigerants are not vented or charged into equipment.