In today's action, EPA is issuing an order temporarily extending the effectiveness of the refrigerant purity requirements of Sec. 82.154 (g) and (h), which are currently scheduled to expire on March 18, 1996. On February 29, 1996 EPA published a direct final rule (61 FR 7724) and a proposal (61 FR 7762) to extend 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. This direct final would become effective on April 15, 1996, at the earliest. Such contamination could cause extensive damage to air- conditioning and refrigeration equipment, release of refrigerants, and refrigerant shortages with consequent price increases. On that same date, EPA also published a proposal to adopt a more flexible approach to ensuring the purity ofrefrigerants and soliciting public comment on this approach (61 FR 7858). Today's 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. This extension will be effective until: the direct final action becomes effective; EPA takes final action on the proposal to extend the effectiveness of the reclamation requirements; or May 30, 1996, whichever date is earliest.