Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Notice of Data Availability-Changes in HCFC Consumption and Emissions From the U.S. Proposed Adjustments for Accelerating the HCFC Phaseout, 35230-35232 [E7-12446]

Download as PDF jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES 35230 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 123 / Wednesday, June 27, 2007 / Notices Number 2040–0009, expiration date 09/ 30/2007. Affected Entities: Various industrial categories, publicly owned treatment works (POTWs), Local and State governments Abstract: This ICR calculates the burden and costs associated with managing and implementing the National Pretreatment Program as mandated under CWA sections 402(a) and (b) and 307(b). This ICR includes all existing tasks under the National Pretreatment Program, as amended by the EPA’s recent Streamlining Rule. It integrates key elements from two existing ICRs whose approvals are due to expire shortly: (1) Information Collection Request for the National Pretreatment Program, OMB Control No.: 2040–0009, EPA ICR No.: 0002.11, June 7, 2005, and (2) Revision of the Information Collection Request for the National Pretreatment Program (Pretreatment Streamlining ICR) (Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Part 403), OMB Control No. 2040– 0009, EPA ICR No. 0002.12, September 22, 2005. EPA’s Office of Wastewater Management (OWM) in the Office of Water (OW) is responsible for the management of the pretreatment program. The CWA requires EPA to develop national pretreatment standards to control discharges from Industrial Users (IUs) into POTWs. These standards limit the level of certain pollutants allowed in non-domestic wastewater that is discharged to a POTW. EPA administers the pretreatment program through the NPDES permit program. Under the NPDES permit program, EPA may approve State or individual POTW implementation of the pretreatment standards at their respective levels. Data collected from IUs during implementation of the pretreatment program include the mass, frequency, and content of IU discharges and IU schedules for installing pretreatment equipment. Data also include actual or anticipated IU discharges of wastes that violate pretreatment standards, have the potential to cause problems at the POTW, or are considered hazardous under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). OWM uses the data collected under the pretreatment program to monitor and enforce compliance with the pretreatment regulations, as well as to authorize program administration at the State or Local (POTW) level. States and POTWs applying for approval of their pretreatment programs submit data concerning their legal, procedural, and administrative bases for establishing VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:50 Jun 26, 2007 Jkt 211001 such programs. This information may include surveys of IUs, local limits for pollutant concentrations, and schedules for completion of major project requirements. IUs and POTWs submit written reports to the approved State or EPA. These data may then be entered into the NPDES databases by the approved State or by EPA. Four additional effluent limitations guidelines development ICRs are set to expire within the next three years, before the next renewal of this Pretreatment Program ICR. The burden for indirect dischargers associated with those four ICRs has been incorporated into this Pretreatment Program ICR as part of this renewal process. The four ICRs are the following: 1. Pollution Prevention Compliance Alternative; Transportation Equipment Cleaning Point Source Category (40 CFR part 442), EPA ICR No. 2018.02, OMB Control No. 2040–0235. 2. Voluntary Certification in Lieu of Chloroform Minimum Monitoring Requirements for Direct and Indirect Discharging Mills in the Bleached Papergrade Kraft and Soda Subcategory of the Pulp, Paper and Paperboard Manufacturing Category (40 CFR part 430), EPA ICR No. 2015.01, OMB Control No. 2040–0242. 3. Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Bleached Papergrade Kraft and Soda Subcategory and the Papergrade Kraft Sulfite Subcategory of the Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Point Source Category (40 CFR part 430), EPA ICR No. 1829.02, OMB Control No. 2040–0207. 4. Minimum Monitoring Requirements for Direct and Indirect Discharging Mills in the Bleached Papergrade Kraft and Soda Subcategory and the Papergrade Sulfite Subcategory of the Pulp, Paper and Paperboard Manufacturing Category (40 CFR part 430), EPA ICR No. 1878.01, OMB Control No. 2040–0243. Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 67.8 hours per respondent per year, or 68 hours per response. Estimated total number of potential respondents: 24,740 (35 States, 1,512 POTWs and 23,193 industrial users). Frequency of response: On occasion, semi-annually, annually, and as needed. Estimated total average number of responses for each respondent: 4.1. Estimated total annual burden hours: 1,806,020 hours. Estimated total annual costs: $80,688,312. This includes an estimated burden cost of $80,698,312 and an estimated cost of $10,000 for capital PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 investment or maintenance and operational costs. Change in Burden: There is a decrease of 142,439 (7.3%) hours in the total estimated respondent burden compared with that identified in the ICR currently approved by OMB. There are burden increases reflected in this ICR due to increases in the estimates of state respondents, number of approved programs, and incorporation of burden from other ICRs. However, the main change in burden is reflected in a decrease in the number of SIUs. EPA revised the estimated number of SIUs and pretreatment programs after extensive consultation with the EPA regions and a thorough examination of PCS data. This resulted in an overall decrease in the burden of this ICR. Dated: June 22, 2007. James A. Hanlon, Director, Office of Wastewater Management. [FR Doc. E7–12445 Filed 6–26–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL–8331–6] Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Notice of Data Availability—Changes in HCFC Consumption and Emissions From the U.S. Proposed Adjustments for Accelerating the HCFC Phaseout Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of data availability and request for comment. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making available to the public information concerning the potential changes in hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) consumption and emissions from the proposed adjustments to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol) submitted by the United States for consideration at the 19th Meeting of the Parties (MOP–19) to be held in Montreal beginning on September 17, 2007. HCFCs are already subject to controls under the Protocol, and the proposed adjustments would accelerate the application of those controls. While HCFCs are less damaging to stratospheric ozone than the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) they replaced, they still deplete the ozone layer. EPA is making available the report Changes in HCFC Consumption and Emissions from the U.S. Proposed Adjustments for Accelerating the HCFC Phaseout, prepared by ICF Consulting. E:\FR\FM\27JNN1.SGM 27JNN1 jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 123 / Wednesday, June 27, 2007 / Notices The information gathered and presented in the report concerns the United States’ proposal to adjust the HCFC phaseout schedule under the Montreal Protocol. Because EPA plans to use this information in preparation for MOP–19, EPA wants to provide the public with an opportunity to review the information and submit comments. Readers should note that EPA will only consider comments about the information presented in Changes in HCFC Consumption and Emissions from the U.S. Proposed Adjustments for Accelerating the HCFC Phaseout and is not soliciting comments on any other topic. In particular, EPA is not soliciting comments on the HCFC phaseout established in EPA’s December 10, 1993, rulemaking (58 FR 65018). DATES: EPA will accept comments on the data through July 27, 2007. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OAR–2007–0530, by one of the following methods: • https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • E-mail: a-and-r-Docket@epa.gov. • Fax: 202–566–1741. • Mail: Docket #, Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Mail code: 6102T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. • Hand Delivery: Docket #EPA–HQ– OAR–2003–0163, Air and Radiation Docket at EPA West, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW., Room B108, Mail Code 6102T, Washington, DC 20460. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Docket’s normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2007– 0530. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available online at www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through www.regulations.gov or e-mail. The www.regulations.gov Web site is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through www.regulations.gov VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:50 Jun 26, 2007 Jkt 211001 your e-mail address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA’s public docket visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at https:// www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cindy Axinn Newberg, by regular mail: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (6205J), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; by courier service or overnight express: 1310 L Street, NW., Room 1047A, Washington, DC 20005; by telephone: (202) 343– 9729; by fax: (202) 343–2338; or by email: newberg.cindy@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Outline 1. What is this Action? 2. What information is EPA making available for review and comment? 3. Where can I get the information? 4. How is this action related to the U.S. phaseout of ozone-depleting substances? 5. What should I consider as I prepare my comments for EPA? 6. What is EPA not taking comment on? 7. What supporting documentation do I need to include in my comments? 8. Will there be other opportunities to provide comment on the information? 1. What is this Action? While the Parties to the Montreal Protocol have already made tremendous strides in phasing out ozone-depleting substances, there are opportunities to speed recovery of the ozone layer by accelerating the phaseout of HCFCs. Under the Montreal Protocol, industrialized countries and developing countries have different schedules for phasing out production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, including HCFCs. In this context, ‘‘consumption’’ is defined as production plus imports minus exports. The Parties have previously agreed to a phaseout schedule culminating in a complete phaseout for non-Article 5 Parties in 2030 and Article 5 Parties in 2040. Developing countries operating under Article 5, paragraph 1of the Montreal Protocol are referred to as Article 5 Parties. The United States PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 35231 believes steps can be taken to reduce HCFC consumption further and achieve a total phaseout more quickly. This Notice of Data Availability (NODA) describes, and provides for public review and comment, an analysis that supports accelerating the HCFC phaseout. EPA believes that accelerating the HCFC phaseout will further protect the ozone layer. For example, adoption of all four elements of the U.S. proposal would result in a 54 percent reduction in HCFC emissions compared to the current phaseout schedule. EPA’s analysis discusses the HCFC phaseout in a broader context, however, and also considers the transition to likely HCFC alternatives and improvements in energy efficiency that will result from the installation of new equipment. Such an approach is necessary to ensure that potential benefits are considered in the appropriate context. The data made available through this Notice is specific to the United States’ proposal but may have general applicability to the other five proposals submitted by various Parties to the Protocol. Those interested in the suite of proposed adjustments are encouraged to review Proposed Adjustments to the Montreal Protocol (UNEP/OzL.Pro.WG.1/27/8/Rev.2), on the Web at: https://ozone.unep.org/ Meeting_Documents/oewg/27oewg/ OEWG-27-8-Rv2Cr1E.pdf. EPA is making available information concerning analysis of the proposed adjustments submitted by the United States for consideration at MOP–19. Comments submitted in response to this Notice of Data Availability (NODA) may be used as EPA and other agencies prepare for MOP–19. 2. What information is EPA making available for review and comment? EPA is making available for review and comment a draft report prepared by ICF Consulting under contract to EPA, Changes in HCFC Consumption and Emissions from the U.S. Proposed Adjustments for Accelerating the HCFC Phaseout. Those interested in this NODA may wish to review the Protocol and the recent proceedings from the 27th OpenEnded Working Group (OEWG) Meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya June 4–7, 2007 (https://ozone.unep.org/ Meeting_Documents/oewg/27oewg/ index.shtml), as well as the specific six sets of proposed adjustments submitted by nine Parties presented in Proposed Adjustments to the Montreal Protocol (UNEP/OzL.Pro.WG.1/27/8/Rev.2). E:\FR\FM\27JNN1.SGM 27JNN1 35232 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 123 / Wednesday, June 27, 2007 / Notices 3. Where can I get the information? All of the information can be obtained through the Air Docket (see ADDRESSES section above for docket contact info). A link to the report Changes in HCFC Consumption and Emissions from the U.S. Proposed Adjustments for Accelerating the HCFC Phaseout will be on the EPA Web site: https:// www.epa.gov/ozone/strathome.html. 4. How is this action related to the U.S. phaseout of ozone-depleting substances? consumption of HCFCs in accordance with the current terms of the Protocol for Non-Article 5 Parties. The following table shows the U.S. schedule for phasing out its HCFC PHASEOUT SCHEDULE Comparison of the current Montreal Protocol schedule for Non-Article 5 Parties and United States phaseout schedules Montreal Protocol Year to be implemented Percent reduction in consumption, using the cap as a baseline United States Year to be implemented Implementation of HCFC phaseout through Clean Air Act regulations No production and no importing of HCFC–141b. No production and no importing of HCFC–142b and HCFC–22, except for use in equipment manufactured before 1/1/2010. No production and no importing of any HCFCs, except for use as refrigerants in equipment manufactured before 1/1/2020. No production and no importing of HCFC–142b and HCFC–22. No production and no importing of any HCFCs. 2004 ........................ 2010 ........................ 35.0 65.0 2003 ........................ 2010 ........................ 2020 ........................ 2030 ........................ 99.5 100.0 2020 ........................ 2030 ........................ 1. Explain your views as clearly as possible. 2. Describe any assumptions that you used. 3. Provide any technical information CURRENT MONTREAL PROTOCOL OBLIGATIONS FOR ARTICLE 5(I) PARTIES or data you used that support your views. FOR HCFC CONSUMPTION 4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you arrived at your Year to be Obligation implemented estimate. 5. Provide specific examples to 2015 ............ Establish HCFC base conillustrate your concerns. sumption level. 6. Offer alternatives. 2016 ............ Maintain HCFC base con7. Make sure to submit your sumption level. comments by the comment period 2040 ............ 100% reduction in base condeadline identified. sumption level. 8. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, identify the appropriate docket The proposed adjustments would identification number in the subject line accelerate the phaseout schedule for on the first page of your response. It both Article 5 and non-Article 5 Parties would also be helpful if you provided by 10 years; would move forward the the name, date, and Federal Register year for which non-Article 5 Parties citation related to your comments. establish a baseline and freeze 6. What is EPA not taking comment on? consumption; would add stepwise reductions to the Article 5 Parties’ EPA is only accepting comments on schedule rather than maintaining a accuracy and completeness of the freeze for 25 years followed by a information outlined in this Federal complete phaseout, and would follow a Register Notice and contained in the phaseout schedule based on the ozonereport Changes in HCFC Consumption depleting potential of the various and Emissions from the U.S. Proposed HCFCs similar to our domestic Adjustments for Accelerating the HCFC approach—called ‘worst-first’ or ‘worst- Phaseout. EPA is not accepting faster’. comment on the following: • HCFC phaseout established in 5. What should I consider as I prepare EPA’s December 10, 1993 rulemaking my comments for EPA? (58 FR 65018), You may find the following • The allowance system for suggestions helpful for preparing your controlling HCFC production import comments: and export, or jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES The following table shows the current obligations for Article 5 Parties for phasing out HCFCs. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:50 Jun 26, 2007 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 • The commitments of the U.S. as a Party to the Montreal Protocol. 7. What supporting documentation do I need to include in my comments? Please provide any published studies or raw data supporting your position. 8. Will there be other opportunities to provide comment on the information? EPA or other U.S. government agencies may decide to schedule a public meeting for stakeholders concerning the proposed adjustments or other issues that may be discussed at MOP–19 after July 27, 2007 to continue a dialogue. At this time, EPA has not scheduled such a meeting. Dated: June 21, 2007. Edward Callahan, Acting Director, Office of Atmospheric Programs, Office of Air and Radiation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. [FR Doc. E7–12446 Filed 6–26–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL–8331–7] Notice of Meeting of the EPA’s Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee (CHPAC) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of meeting. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\27JNN1.SGM 27JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 123 (Wednesday, June 27, 2007)]
[NO]
[Pages 35230-35232]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-12446]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-8331-6]


Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Notice of Data Availability--
Changes in HCFC Consumption and Emissions From the U.S. Proposed 
Adjustments for Accelerating the HCFC Phaseout

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of data availability and request for comment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making available 
to the public information concerning the potential changes in 
hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) consumption and emissions from the 
proposed adjustments to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that 
Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol) submitted by the United 
States for consideration at the 19th Meeting of the Parties (MOP-19) to 
be held in Montreal beginning on September 17, 2007. HCFCs are already 
subject to controls under the Protocol, and the proposed adjustments 
would accelerate the application of those controls. While HCFCs are 
less damaging to stratospheric ozone than the chlorofluorocarbons 
(CFCs) they replaced, they still deplete the ozone layer. EPA is making 
available the report Changes in HCFC Consumption and Emissions from the 
U.S. Proposed Adjustments for Accelerating the HCFC Phaseout, prepared 
by ICF Consulting.

[[Page 35231]]

The information gathered and presented in the report concerns the 
United States' proposal to adjust the HCFC phaseout schedule under the 
Montreal Protocol. Because EPA plans to use this information in 
preparation for MOP-19, EPA wants to provide the public with an 
opportunity to review the information and submit comments. Readers 
should note that EPA will only consider comments about the information 
presented in Changes in HCFC Consumption and Emissions from the U.S. 
Proposed Adjustments for Accelerating the HCFC Phaseout and is not 
soliciting comments on any other topic. In particular, EPA is not 
soliciting comments on the HCFC phaseout established in EPA's December 
10, 1993, rulemaking (58 FR 65018).

DATES: EPA will accept comments on the data through July 27, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OAR-2007-0530, by one of the following methods:
     https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line 
instructions for submitting comments.
     E-mail: a-and-r-Docket@epa.gov.
     Fax: 202-566-1741.
     Mail: Docket , Air and Radiation Docket and 
Information Center, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Mail code: 
6102T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460.
     Hand Delivery: Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0163, Air 
and Radiation Docket at EPA West, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 
B108, Mail Code 6102T, Washington, DC 20460. Such deliveries are only 
accepted during the Docket's normal hours of operation, and special 
arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2007-0530. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included 
in the public docket without change and may be made available online at 
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, 
unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential 
Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is 
restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to 
be CBI or otherwise protected through www.regulations.gov or e-mail. 
The www.regulations.gov Web site is an ``anonymous access'' system, 
which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information 
unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-
mail comment directly to EPA without going through www.regulations.gov 
your e-mail address will be automatically captured and included as part 
of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available 
on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends 
that you include your name and other contact information in the body of 
your comment and with any disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read 
your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for 
clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic 
files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of 
encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional 
information about EPA's public docket visit the EPA Docket Center 
homepage at https://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cindy Axinn Newberg, by regular mail: 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (6205J), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., 
NW., Washington, DC 20460; by courier service or overnight express: 
1310 L Street, NW., Room 1047A, Washington, DC 20005; by telephone: 
(202) 343-9729; by fax: (202) 343-2338; or by e-mail: 
newberg.cindy@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Outline

1. What is this Action?
2. What information is EPA making available for review and comment?
3. Where can I get the information?
4. How is this action related to the U.S. phaseout of ozone-
depleting substances?
5. What should I consider as I prepare my comments for EPA?
6. What is EPA not taking comment on?
7. What supporting documentation do I need to include in my 
comments?
8. Will there be other opportunities to provide comment on the 
information?

1. What is this Action?

    While the Parties to the Montreal Protocol have already made 
tremendous strides in phasing out ozone-depleting substances, there are 
opportunities to speed recovery of the ozone layer by accelerating the 
phaseout of HCFCs. Under the Montreal Protocol, industrialized 
countries and developing countries have different schedules for phasing 
out production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, including 
HCFCs. In this context, ``consumption'' is defined as production plus 
imports minus exports. The Parties have previously agreed to a phaseout 
schedule culminating in a complete phaseout for non-Article 5 Parties 
in 2030 and Article 5 Parties in 2040. Developing countries operating 
under Article 5, paragraph 1of the Montreal Protocol are referred to as 
Article 5 Parties. The United States believes steps can be taken to 
reduce HCFC consumption further and achieve a total phaseout more 
quickly. This Notice of Data Availability (NODA) describes, and 
provides for public review and comment, an analysis that supports 
accelerating the HCFC phaseout.
    EPA believes that accelerating the HCFC phaseout will further 
protect the ozone layer. For example, adoption of all four elements of 
the U.S. proposal would result in a 54 percent reduction in HCFC 
emissions compared to the current phaseout schedule. EPA's analysis 
discusses the HCFC phaseout in a broader context, however, and also 
considers the transition to likely HCFC alternatives and improvements 
in energy efficiency that will result from the installation of new 
equipment. Such an approach is necessary to ensure that potential 
benefits are considered in the appropriate context. The data made 
available through this Notice is specific to the United States' 
proposal but may have general applicability to the other five proposals 
submitted by various Parties to the Protocol. Those interested in the 
suite of proposed adjustments are encouraged to review Proposed 
Adjustments to the Montreal Protocol (UNEP/OzL.Pro.WG.1/27/8/Rev.2), on 
the Web at: https://ozone.unep.org/Meeting_Documents/oewg/27oewg/OEWG-
27-8-Rv2Cr1E.pdf.
    EPA is making available information concerning analysis of the 
proposed adjustments submitted by the United States for consideration 
at MOP-19. Comments submitted in response to this Notice of Data 
Availability (NODA) may be used as EPA and other agencies prepare for 
MOP-19.

2. What information is EPA making available for review and comment?

    EPA is making available for review and comment a draft report 
prepared by ICF Consulting under contract to EPA, Changes in HCFC 
Consumption and Emissions from the U.S. Proposed Adjustments for 
Accelerating the HCFC Phaseout.
    Those interested in this NODA may wish to review the Protocol and 
the recent proceedings from the 27th Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) 
Meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya June 4-7, 2007 (https://ozone.unep.org/
Meeting_Documents/oewg/27oewg/index.shtml), as well as the specific 
six sets of proposed adjustments submitted by nine Parties presented in 
Proposed Adjustments to the Montreal Protocol (UNEP/OzL.Pro.WG.1/27/8/
Rev.2).

[[Page 35232]]

3. Where can I get the information?

    All of the information can be obtained through the Air Docket (see 
ADDRESSES section above for docket contact info). A link to the report 
Changes in HCFC Consumption and Emissions from the U.S. Proposed 
Adjustments for Accelerating the HCFC Phaseout will be on the EPA Web 
site: https://www.epa.gov/ozone/strathome.html.

4. How is this action related to the U.S. phaseout of ozone-depleting 
substances?

    The following table shows the U.S. schedule for phasing out its 
consumption of HCFCs in accordance with the current terms of the 
Protocol for Non-Article 5 Parties.

                                             HCFC Phaseout Schedule
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Comparison of the current Montreal Protocol schedule for Non-Article 5 Parties and United States phaseout
                                                    schedules
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Montreal Protocol                                          United States
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Percent
                                         reduction in
                                         consumption,                                 Implementation of HCFC
         Year to be implemented            using the     Year to be implemented   phaseout through Clean Air Act
                                           cap as a                                         regulations
                                           baseline
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2004...................................          35.0  2003.....................  No production and no importing
                                                                                   of HCFC-141b.
2010...................................          65.0  2010.....................  No production and no importing
                                                                                   of HCFC-142b and HCFC-22,
                                                                                   except for use in equipment
                                                                                   manufactured before 1/1/2010.
                                                                                  No production and no importing
                                                                                   of any HCFCs, except for use
                                                                                   as refrigerants in equipment
                                                                                   manufactured before 1/1/2020.
2020...................................          99.5  2020.....................  No production and no importing
                                                                                   of HCFC-142b and HCFC-22.
2030...................................         100.0  2030.....................  No production and no importing
                                                                                   of any HCFCs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The following table shows the current obligations for Article 5 
Parties for phasing out HCFCs.

 Current Montreal Protocol obligations for article 5(I) parties for HCFC
                               consumption
------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Year to be implemented                     Obligation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2015................................  Establish HCFC base consumption
                                       level.
2016................................  Maintain HCFC base consumption
                                       level.
2040................................  100% reduction in base consumption
                                       level.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed adjustments would accelerate the phaseout schedule for 
both Article 5 and non-Article 5 Parties by 10 years; would move 
forward the year for which non-Article 5 Parties establish a baseline 
and freeze consumption; would add stepwise reductions to the Article 5 
Parties' schedule rather than maintaining a freeze for 25 years 
followed by a complete phaseout, and would follow a phaseout schedule 
based on the ozone-depleting potential of the various HCFCs similar to 
our domestic approach--called `worst-first' or `worst-faster'.

5. What should I consider as I prepare my comments for EPA?

    You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your 
comments:
    1. Explain your views as clearly as possible.
    2. Describe any assumptions that you used.
    3. Provide any technical information or data you used that support 
your views.
    4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you 
arrived at your estimate.
    5. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns.
    6. Offer alternatives.
    7. Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period deadline 
identified.
    8. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, identify the appropriate docket 
identification number in the subject line on the first page of your 
response. It would also be helpful if you provided the name, date, and 
Federal Register citation related to your comments.

6. What is EPA not taking comment on?

    EPA is only accepting comments on accuracy and completeness of the 
information outlined in this Federal Register Notice and contained in 
the report Changes in HCFC Consumption and Emissions from the U.S. 
Proposed Adjustments for Accelerating the HCFC Phaseout. EPA is not 
accepting comment on the following:
     HCFC phaseout established in EPA's December 10, 1993 
rulemaking (58 FR 65018),
     The allowance system for controlling HCFC production 
import and export, or
     The commitments of the U.S. as a Party to the Montreal 
Protocol.

7. What supporting documentation do I need to include in my comments?

    Please provide any published studies or raw data supporting your 
position.

8. Will there be other opportunities to provide comment on the 
information?

    EPA or other U.S. government agencies may decide to schedule a 
public meeting for stakeholders concerning the proposed adjustments or 
other issues that may be discussed at MOP-19 after July 27, 2007 to 
continue a dialogue. At this time, EPA has not scheduled such a 
meeting.

    Dated: June 21, 2007.
Edward Callahan,
Acting Director, Office of Atmospheric Programs, Office of Air and 
Radiation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
 [FR Doc. E7-12446 Filed 6-26-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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