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 March 18, 1996, until December 31, 1996, or until EPA completes rulemaking to adopt revised 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 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 anticipates, before the close of the comment period for this direct final, publishing a proposal to adopt a more flexible approach to ensuring the purity of refrigerants and soliciting public comment on this approach. EPA requests that readers of this notice review that proposal, and consider providing comments. This temporary extension 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.