Revisions to the General Conformity Regulations, 11375-11376 [E8-4031]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 42 / Monday, March 3, 2008 / Proposed Rules providing business guidance with respect to ‘‘refillable’’ claims about packaging? Please provide any evidence that supports your answer. (2) Has there been a change in consumer perception of these claims since the Guides were revised? (a) If so, please describe this change and provide any evidence that supports your answer. (b) Should the Guides be revised to address any such change? If so, how? (3) Are there ‘‘refillable’’ claims in the marketplace concerning packaging that are misleading? If so, please describe these claims and provide any evidence that supports your answer. (4) To the extent not addressed in your previous answers, please explain whether and how the Guides should be revised to prevent consumer deception, provide business guidance, and/or reduce costs the Guides impose on businesses, particularly small businesses, with respect to ‘‘refillable’’ claims about packaging. Please provide any evidence that supports your answer. rmajette on PROD1PC64 with PROPOSALS F. Ozone Safe and Ozone Friendly (1) How effective have the Guides been in preventing consumer deception and providing business guidance with respect to ‘‘ozone safe’’ or ‘‘ozone friendly’’ claims about packaging? Please provide any evidence that supports your answer. (2) Has there been a change in consumer perception of these claims since the Guides were revised? (a) If so, please describe this change and provide any evidence that supports your answer. (b) Should the Guides be revised to address any such change? If so, how? (3) Are there ‘‘ozone safe’’ or ‘‘ozone friendly’’ claims in the marketplace concerning packaging that are misleading? If so, please describe these claims and provide any evidence that supports your answer. (4) To the extent not addressed in your previous answers, please explain whether and how the Guides should be revised to prevent consumer deception, provide business guidance, and/or reduce costs the Guides impose on businesses, particularly small businesses, with respect to ‘‘ozone safe’’ or ‘‘ozone friendly’’ claims about packaging. Please provide any evidence that supports your answer. G. Claims Currently Not Addressed by the Green Guides (1) Should the Guides be revised to include guidance regarding ‘‘bio-based’’ packaging claims? If so, why, and what guidance should be provided? If not, why not? VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:20 Feb 29, 2008 Jkt 214001 (a) What evidence supports making your proposed revision(s)? Please provide this evidence. (b) What evidence is available concerning consumer understanding of the term ‘‘bio-based’’? Please provide this evidence. (c) What evidence constitutes a reasonable basis to support a ‘‘biobased’’ claim? Please provide this evidence. (2) Should the Guides be revised to include guidance regarding life cycle or ‘‘cradle-to-cradle’’ packaging claims? (a) If so, why, and what guidance should be provided? If not, why not? Please provide any evidence that supports your answer. (b) What evidence is available concerning consumer understanding of life cycle analyses or the term ‘‘cradle-to-cradle’’? Please provide this evidence. (c) Is there an appropriate scientific methodology to evaluate life cycle or ‘‘cradle-to-cradle’’ packaging claims? If so, please provide any evidence that supports your answer. (3) Are there other environmental claims concerning packaging not currently addressed by the Guides, and if so what are they? Please provide any evidence that supports your answer. (a) Should the Guides be revised to include guidance regarding these claims? If so, why, and what guidance should be provided? If not, why not? (b) What evidence is available concerning consumer understanding of these claim(s)? Please provide this evidence. (c) What evidence constitutes a reasonable basis to support these claim(s)? Please provide this evidence. H. Third-Party Certifications and Seals (1) What evidence is available concerning consumer understanding of third-party certifications and seals, labels, or symbols on packaging? Please provide this evidence. (2) Why are marketers using these thirdparty certifications and seals, labels, or symbols on packaging? Please provide any evidence that supports your answer. (3) What criteria are third-party certifiers using to substantiate claims made with third-party certification, seals, labels, or symbols on packaging? Are those criteria appropriate? Please provide any evidence that supports your answers. (4) Should the Guides be revised to include additional guidance regarding these claims? If so, how? PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 11375 By direction of the Commission. Donald S. Clark Secretary [FR Doc. E8–3972 Filed 2–29–08: 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6750–01–S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Parts 51 and 93 [EPA–HQ–OAR–2006–0669; FRL–8536–1] RIN–2060–AH93 Revisions to the General Conformity Regulations Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of public hearing and corrected docket number. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The EPA is announcing a public hearing to be held on March 14, 2008 for the proposed rule on ‘‘Revision to the General Conformity Regulations.’’ This rulemaking action was published in the Federal Register on January 8, 2008 and proposes to revise EPA’s regulations relating to the Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements that Federal Actions conform to the appropriate State, Tribal or Federal implementation plan for attaining clean air (‘‘general conformity’’). The public hearing will provide interested parties the opportunity to present data, views, or arguments concerning these proposed changes. EPA is also correcting the docket number published in the January 8, 2008 proposed rulemaking. In the January 8, 2008 Revisions to the General Conformity Regulations: Proposed Rule, there was an error made in citing the docket number. The appropriate docket number for the January 8, 2008 proposed rulemaking is EPA–HQ–OAR– 2006–0669. Please submit all comments to docket number EPA–HQ–OAR–2006– 0669 when commenting on the January 8, 2008 proposed rule. DATES: The public hearing will convene at 9 a.m. on March 14, 2008, and continue until 1 hour after the last registered speaker has spoken. People wishing to present oral testimony must pre-register by 5 p.m. on March 11, 2008. For updates and additional information on the public hearing, please check EPA’s Web site for this rulemaking at https://www.epa.gov.oar/ gencomform/. ADDRESSES: The public hearing will be held at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, East Building, Room 1153, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, DC 20004. Because this hearing is being E:\FR\FM\03MRP1.SGM 03MRP1 rmajette on PROD1PC64 with PROPOSALS 11376 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 42 / Monday, March 3, 2008 / Proposed Rules held at U.S. government facilities, everyone planning to attend the hearing should be prepared to show valid picture identification to the security staff in order to gain access to the meeting room. In addition, you will need to obtain a property pass for any personal belongings you bring with you. Upon leaving the building, you will be required to return this property pass to the security desk. No large signs will be allowed in the building, cameras may only be used inside the classroom and outside of the building and demonstrations will not be allowed on Federal property for security reasons. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you would like to speak at the public hearing or have questions concerning the public hearing, please contact Ms. Pamela Long, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, OAQPS, Air Quality Planning Division (C504–03), Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, telephone (919) 541–0641, fax number (919) 541– 5509, e-mail address long.pam@epa.gov. Questions concerning the January 8, 2008, proposed rule should be addressed to Mr. Tom Coda, U.S. EPA, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Air Quality Policy Division, (C504–03), Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, telephone number (919) 541– 3307, e-mail at coda.tom@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The January 8, 2008, proposed rule proposes to revise its regulations relating to the Clean Air Act (CAA) requirement that Federal actions conform to the appropriate State, Tribal or Federal implementation plan for attaining clean air (‘‘general conformity’’). EPA has only revised the General Conformity Regulations once since they were promulgated in 1993 to include de minimis emission levels for fine particulate matter and its precursors (July 17, 2006). Over this period, States, EPA and other Federal agencies have gained experience with the implementation of the existing regulations and have identified several issues with their implementation. In addition, in 2004, EPA issued regulations to implement the revised ozone standard and in 2007, issued regulations to implement the new fine particulate matter standard. These regulations affect the timing and process for general conformity determinations. State and other air quality agencies are in the process of developing revised plans to attain the new standards and the proposed revisions to the General Conformity Regulations will be helpful to the State, Tribe, and local agencies as well as the Federal agencies in developing and commenting on the VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:20 Feb 29, 2008 Jkt 214001 proposed SIP revisions. This proposed rule revision provides for a streamline process for Federal agencies and States and Tribes to collaborate and ensure Federal activities are incorporated in these State implementation plans. Where that is not possible, it provides an efficient and effective process for Federal agencies to ensure their actions do not cause or contribute to a violation of the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) or interfere with the purpose of a State, Tribal or Federal implementation plan to attain or maintain the NAAQS. Public hearing: The proposal for which EPA is holding the public hearing was published in the Federal Register on January 8, 2008, (73 FR 1402) and is available at: https:// www.epa.gov/oar/genconform/regs.htm. The public hearing will provide interested parties the opportunity to present data, views, or arguments concerning the supplemental rule proposal. The EPA may ask clarifying questions during the oral presentations, but will not respond to the presentations at that time. Written statements and supporting information submitted during the comment period will be considered with the same weight as any oral comments and supporting information presented at the public hearing. Written comments on the proposed rule were requested to be postmarked by March 10, 2008, which is the closing date for the comment period, as specified in the proposal for the rule. However, the record will remain open until April 14, 2008, to allow 30 days after the public hearing for submittal of additional information. Commenters should notify Ms. Long if they will need specific equipment, or if there are other special needs related to providing comments at the hearing. The EPA will provide equipment for commenters to show overhead slides or make computerized slide presentations if we receive special requests in advance. Oral testimony will be limited to 5 minutes for each commenter. The EPA encourages commenters to provide EPA with a copy of their oral testimony electronically (via e-mail or CD) or in hard copy form. The hearing schedule, including lists of speakers, will be posted on EPA’s Web site https://www.epa.gov/oar/ genconform/regs.htm. Verbatim transcripts of the hearing and written statements will be included in the docket for the rulemaking. PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 How Can I Get Copies of This Document and Other Related Information? The EPA has established the official public docket for the supplemental proposed rule entitled ‘‘Revisions to the General Conformity’’ under Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2006–0669. In the January 8, 2008, 73 FR 1402, Revisions to the General Conformity Regulations: Proposed Rule, there was an error made in citing the docket number. The appropriate docket number for the January 8, 2008 proposed rulemaking is EPA–HQ–OAR–2006–0669. Please submit all comments to docket number EPA–HQ–OAR–2006–0669 when commenting on the January 8, 2008 proposed rule. As stated previously, the proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on January 8, 2008 (73 FR 1402) and is available at https:// www.epa.gov/oar/genconform/regs.htm. Dated: February 22, 2008. Jenny N. Edmonds, Acting Director, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards. [FR Doc. E8–4031 Filed 2–29–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 648 [Docket No. 071017599–7600–01] RIN 0648–AW16 Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; 2008 Georges Bank Cod Hook Sector Operations Plan and Agreement and Allocation of Georges Bank Cod Total Allowable Catch National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Georges Bank (GB) Cod Hook Sector (Hook Sector) has submitted an Operations Plan and Sector Contract entitled, ‘‘Georges Bank Cod Hook Sector Fishing Year 2008– 2009 Operations Plan and Agreement’’ (together referred to as the Sector Agreement), and an Environmental Assessment (EA), and has requested an allocation of GB cod, consistent with the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery E:\FR\FM\03MRP1.SGM 03MRP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 42 (Monday, March 3, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11375-11376]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-4031]


=======================================================================
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Parts 51 and 93

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2006-0669; FRL-8536-1]
RIN-2060-AH93


Revisions to the General Conformity Regulations

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of public hearing and corrected docket number.

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

SUMMARY: The EPA is announcing a public hearing to be held on March 14, 
2008 for the proposed rule on ``Revision to the General Conformity 
Regulations.'' This rulemaking action was published in the Federal 
Register on January 8, 2008 and proposes to revise EPA's regulations 
relating to the Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements that Federal Actions 
conform to the appropriate State, Tribal or Federal implementation plan 
for attaining clean air (``general conformity''). The public hearing 
will provide interested parties the opportunity to present data, views, 
or arguments concerning these proposed changes. EPA is also correcting 
the docket number published in the January 8, 2008 proposed rulemaking. 
In the January 8, 2008 Revisions to the General Conformity Regulations: 
Proposed Rule, there was an error made in citing the docket number. The 
appropriate docket number for the January 8, 2008 proposed rulemaking 
is EPA-HQ-OAR-2006-0669. Please submit all comments to docket number 
EPA-HQ-OAR-2006-0669 when commenting on the January 8, 2008 proposed 
rule.

DATES: The public hearing will convene at 9 a.m. on March 14, 2008, and 
continue until 1 hour after the last registered speaker has spoken. 
People wishing to present oral testimony must pre-register by 5 p.m. on 
March 11, 2008. For updates and additional information on the public 
hearing, please check EPA's Web site for this rulemaking at https://
www.epa.gov.oar/gencomform/.

ADDRESSES: The public hearing will be held at U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency, East Building, Room 1153, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., 
Washington, DC 20004. Because this hearing is being

[[Page 11376]]

held at U.S. government facilities, everyone planning to attend the 
hearing should be prepared to show valid picture identification to the 
security staff in order to gain access to the meeting room. In 
addition, you will need to obtain a property pass for any personal 
belongings you bring with you. Upon leaving the building, you will be 
required to return this property pass to the security desk. No large 
signs will be allowed in the building, cameras may only be used inside 
the classroom and outside of the building and demonstrations will not 
be allowed on Federal property for security reasons.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you would like to speak at the 
public hearing or have questions concerning the public hearing, please 
contact Ms. Pamela Long, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, OAQPS, 
Air Quality Planning Division (C504-03), Research Triangle Park, NC 
27711, telephone (919) 541-0641, fax number (919) 541-5509, e-mail 
address long.pam@epa.gov.
    Questions concerning the January 8, 2008, proposed rule should be 
addressed to Mr. Tom Coda, U.S. EPA, Office of Air Quality Planning and 
Standards, Air Quality Policy Division, (C504-03), Research Triangle 
Park, NC 27711, telephone number (919) 541-3307, e-mail at 
coda.tom@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The January 8, 2008, proposed rule proposes 
to revise its regulations relating to the Clean Air Act (CAA) 
requirement that Federal actions conform to the appropriate State, 
Tribal or Federal implementation plan for attaining clean air 
(``general conformity''). EPA has only revised the General Conformity 
Regulations once since they were promulgated in 1993 to include de 
minimis emission levels for fine particulate matter and its precursors 
(July 17, 2006). Over this period, States, EPA and other Federal 
agencies have gained experience with the implementation of the existing 
regulations and have identified several issues with their 
implementation. In addition, in 2004, EPA issued regulations to 
implement the revised ozone standard and in 2007, issued regulations to 
implement the new fine particulate matter standard. These regulations 
affect the timing and process for general conformity determinations. 
State and other air quality agencies are in the process of developing 
revised plans to attain the new standards and the proposed revisions to 
the General Conformity Regulations will be helpful to the State, Tribe, 
and local agencies as well as the Federal agencies in developing and 
commenting on the proposed SIP revisions. This proposed rule revision 
provides for a streamline process for Federal agencies and States and 
Tribes to collaborate and ensure Federal activities are incorporated in 
these State implementation plans. Where that is not possible, it 
provides an efficient and effective process for Federal agencies to 
ensure their actions do not cause or contribute to a violation of the 
national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) or interfere with the 
purpose of a State, Tribal or Federal implementation plan to attain or 
maintain the NAAQS.
    Public hearing: The proposal for which EPA is holding the public 
hearing was published in the Federal Register on January 8, 2008, (73 
FR 1402) and is available at: https://www.epa.gov/oar/genconform/
regs.htm. The public hearing will provide interested parties the 
opportunity to present data, views, or arguments concerning the 
supplemental rule proposal. The EPA may ask clarifying questions during 
the oral presentations, but will not respond to the presentations at 
that time. Written statements and supporting information submitted 
during the comment period will be considered with the same weight as 
any oral comments and supporting information presented at the public 
hearing. Written comments on the proposed rule were requested to be 
postmarked by March 10, 2008, which is the closing date for the comment 
period, as specified in the proposal for the rule. However, the record 
will remain open until April 14, 2008, to allow 30 days after the 
public hearing for submittal of additional information.
    Commenters should notify Ms. Long if they will need specific 
equipment, or if there are other special needs related to providing 
comments at the hearing. The EPA will provide equipment for commenters 
to show overhead slides or make computerized slide presentations if we 
receive special requests in advance. Oral testimony will be limited to 
5 minutes for each commenter. The EPA encourages commenters to provide 
EPA with a copy of their oral testimony electronically (via e-mail or 
CD) or in hard copy form.
    The hearing schedule, including lists of speakers, will be posted 
on EPA's Web site https://www.epa.gov/oar/genconform/regs.htm. Verbatim 
transcripts of the hearing and written statements will be included in 
the docket for the rulemaking.

How Can I Get Copies of This Document and Other Related Information?

    The EPA has established the official public docket for the 
supplemental proposed rule entitled ``Revisions to the General 
Conformity'' under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2006-0669. In the January 
8, 2008, 73 FR 1402, Revisions to the General Conformity Regulations: 
Proposed Rule, there was an error made in citing the docket number. The 
appropriate docket number for the January 8, 2008 proposed rulemaking 
is EPA-HQ-OAR-2006-0669. Please submit all comments to docket number 
EPA-HQ-OAR-2006-0669 when commenting on the January 8, 2008 proposed 
rule.
    As stated previously, the proposed rule was published in the 
Federal Register on January 8, 2008 (73 FR 1402) and is available at 
https://www.epa.gov/oar/genconform/regs.htm.

    Dated: February 22, 2008.
Jenny N. Edmonds,
Acting Director, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards.
[FR Doc. E8-4031 Filed 2-29-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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