Reactivity Program - VOC Exemptions

The ARB defines "VOC exempt" compounds as those not expected to meaningfully contribute to ozone formation due to their low reactivity in the atmosphere. Obtaining a “VOC exemption” means that the ARB will add the compound to the list of exempt compounds in the VOC definition for the applicable regulation.

May 2008 - Methyl Formate: Environmental Assessment

ARB's response to VOC exemption petitions was sent to California's Air Pollution Control Officers in May 2008.

March 2008 - Environmental Impact Assessment of Selected Halogenated Chemicals

An ARB staff report, was finalized.
Announcement of 2007 Draft Report
Report Appendices
Public Comments
Response to Public Comments

June 2005 - TBAC Report Released

Public Notice: Report release announcment

Staff Report: Environmental Impact Assessment of tertiary-Butyl Acetate

Appendix A1: Responses to Public Comments

Appendix A2: Public Comments

Additional infomation:

Definitions of VOC and ROG at U.S. EPA and ARB

Exempt VOCs in California Consumer Products Regulation

Exempt VOCs in Suggested Control Measure in Architectural Coatings

On Nov. 18, 2004, tert-butyl acetate was exempted by the U.S. EPA

On Nov. 18, 2004, 4 compounds were exempted by the U.S. EPA

To stay up to date on new postings to these web pages and for current information on Reactivity Events, please subscribe to the ARB's Reactivity Mailing List Server. For questions concerning ARB's Reactivity Program, please contact Ralph Propper at (916) 323-1535. For questions concerning VOC exemptions, please contact Judy Yee at (916) 322-9148.