Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Servicing of Motor Vehicle Air Conditioners, EPA ICR Number 1617.05, OMB Control Number 2060-0247, 32570-32572 [E8-12853]

Download as PDF 32570 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 111 / Monday, June 9, 2008 / Notices EVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OAR–2008–0312; FRL–8577–2] Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Servicing of Motor Vehicle Air Conditioners, EPA ICR Number 1617.05, OMB Control Number 2060–0247 Environmental Protection Agency. ACTION: Notice. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that EPA is planning to submit a request to renew an existing approved Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This ICR is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2008. Before submitting the ICR to OMB for review and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before August 8, 2008. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OAR–2008–0312 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: EPA Docket Center, Mailcode: 6102T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. • Hand Delivery: Public Reading Room, Room B102, EPA West Building, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC, Attention Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2008–0312. 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–2008– 0312. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available online at https:// 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 https:// www.regulations.gov or e-mail. The VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:05 Jun 06, 2008 Jkt 214001 https://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 https:// 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Thundiyil, Stratospheric Protection Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs, (MC 6205J), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 343–9464; fax number: (202) 343–2163; e-mail address: thundiyil.karen@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: How Can I Access the Docket and/or Submit Comments? EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID No. EPA– HQ–OAR–2008–0312, which is available for online viewing at https:// www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Air Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA/DC Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is 202–566–1744, and the telephone number for the Air Docket is 202–566– 1742. Use https://www.regulations.gov to obtain a copy of the draft collection of information, submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, select ‘‘search,’’ then key in the docket ID number identified in this document. PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 What Information Is EPA Particularly Interested in? Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA specifically solicits comments and information to enable it to: (i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (ii) Evaluate the accuracy of the Agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (iii) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (iv) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. In particular, EPA is requesting comments from very small businesses (those that employ less than 25 people) on examples of specific additional efforts that EPA could make to reduce the paperwork burden for very small businesses affected by this collection. What Should I Consider When 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 and provide specific examples. 2. Describe any assumptions that you used. 3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you used that support your views. 4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you arrived at the estimate that you provide. 5. Offer alternative ways to improve the collection activity. 6. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline identified under DATES. 7. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket ID number assigned to this action in the subject line on the first page of your response. You may also provide the name, date, and Federal Register citation. What Information Collection Activity or ICR Does This Apply to? Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are new and used motor vehicle dealers, gasoline service E:\FR\FM\09JNN1.SGM 09JNN1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 111 / Monday, June 9, 2008 / Notices stations, general automotive repair shops, and automotive repair shops not elsewhere classified. ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 1617.05, OMB Control No. 2060–0247. ICR status: This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on December 31, 2008. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA’s regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the Federal Register when approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, are displayed either by publication in the Federal Register or by other appropriate means, such as on the related collection instrument or form, if applicable. The display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9. Abstract: Section 609 of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (Act) provides general guidelines for motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) refrigerant handling and MVAC servicing. It states that ‘‘no person repairing or servicing motor vehicles for consideration may perform any service on a motor vehicle air conditioner involving the refrigerant for such air conditioner without properly using approved refrigerant recovery and/or recovery and recycling equipment (hereafter referred to as ‘‘refrigerant handling equipment’’) and no such person may perform such service unless such person has been properly trained and certified.’’ In 1992, EPA developed regulations under section 609 that were published in 57 FR 31242, and codified at 40 CFR Subpart B (§ 82.30 et seq.). The information required to be collected under the Section 609 regulations is currently approved for use through December 31, 2008. This supporting statement is submitted to justify an extension of the approval of use of this information. Pursuant to new requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act, a notice was published in the Federal Register on October 4, 2005, announcing the intent to extend the renewal of this Information Collection Request and requesting comment on the renewal. Descriptions of the recordkeeping and reporting requirements mandated by section 609 and delineated in 40 CFR 82 subpart B are summarized below in this section. Approved Refrigerant Handling Equipment: In accordance with Section 609(b)(2)(A), 40 CFR 82.36 requires that refrigerant handling equipment be certified by EPA or independent standards testing organizations. Certification standards are particular to VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:05 Jun 06, 2008 Jkt 214001 the type of equipment and the refrigerant to be recovered, and must be consistent with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards for MVAC equipment. Approved independent standards testing organizations: Section 609(b)(2)(A) of the Act requires independent laboratory testing of refrigerant handling equipment to be certified by EPA. The Stratospheric Protection Division (SPD) requires independent laboratories to submit an application that documents: The organization’s capacity to accurately test equipment compliance with applicable standards consistent with the SAE standards for handling refrigerant, an absence of conflict of interest or financial benefit based on test outcomes, and an agreement to allow EPA access to verify application information. Once an independent laboratory has been approved by EPA, the application is kept on file in the SPD. Two laboratories—Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and ETL Testing Laboratories—are currently approved to test refrigerant handling equipment. EPA does not anticipate that any organizations will apply to EPA in the future to become approved independent standards testing organizations. Therefore, annual hours and costs related to information submitted by these organizations have been eliminated. Technician training and certification: According to Section 609(b)(4) of the Act, automotive technicians are required to be trained and certified in the proper use of approved refrigerant handling equipment. Programs that perform technician training and certification activities must apply to the SPD for approval by submitting verification that its program meets EPA standards. The information requested is used by the SPD to guarantee a degree of uniformity in the testing programs for motor vehicle service technicians. Due to rapid developments in technology, the Agency requires that each approved technician certification program conducts periodic reviews and updates of test material, submitting a written summary of the review and program changes to EPA every two years. After the test has been approved by EPA, a hard copy remains on file with SPD. Currently, 24 testing programs are approved by EPA to train technicians in the proper use of refrigerant handling equipment. Six of these programs are designed specifically for individual company’s own employees. Certification, reporting and recordkeeping: To facilitate enforcement under Section 609, EPA has developed PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 32571 several recordkeeping requirements. All required records must be retained onsite for a minimum of three years, unless otherwise indicated. Section 609(c) of the Act states that by January 1, 1992, no person may service any motor vehicle air conditioner without being properly trained and certified, nor without using properly approved refrigerant handling equipment. To this end, 40 CFR 82.42(a) states that by January 1, 1993, each service provider must have submitted to EPA on a one-time basis a statement signed by the owner of the equipment or another responsible officer that provides the name of the equipment purchaser, the address of the service establishment where the equipment will be located, the manufacturer name, equipment model number, date of manufacture, and equipment serial number. The statement must also indicate that the equipment will be properly used in servicing motor vehicle air conditioners and that each individual authorized by the purchaser to perform service is property trained and certified. The information is used by the SPD to verify compliance with Section 609 of the Act. Any person who owns approved refrigerant handling equipment must maintain records of the name and address of any facility to which refrigerant is sent. Additionally, any person who owns approved refrigerant handling equipment must retain records demonstrating that all persons authorized to operate the equipment are currently certified technicians. Finally, any person who sells or distributes a class I or class II refrigerant that is in a container of less than 20 pounds must verify that the purchaser is a properly trained and certified technician, unless the purchase of small containers is for resale only. In that case, the seller must obtain a written statement from the purchaser that the containers are for resale only, and must indicate the purchaser’s name and business address. When a certified technician purchases small containers of refrigerant for servicing motor vehicles, the seller must have a reasonable basis for believing the accuracy of the information presented by the purchaser. In all cases, the seller must display a sign where sales occur that states the certification requirements for purchasers. Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.13 hours per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, E:\FR\FM\09JNN1.SGM 09JNN1 32572 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 111 / Monday, June 9, 2008 / Notices mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements which have subsequently changed; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information. The ICR provides a detailed explanation of the Agency’s estimate, which is only briefly summarized here: Estimated total number of potential respondents: 66,394. Frequency of response: On occasion. Estimated total average number of responses for each respondent: 1. Estimated total annual burden hours: 6,700 hours. Estimated total annual costs: $262,980.47. This includes an estimated burden cost of $262,980.47 and an estimated cost of $0 for capital investment or maintenance and operational costs. Are There Changes in the Estimates From the Last Approval? There is a decrease of 182 hours in the total estimated respondent burden compared with that identified in the ICR currently approved by OMB. There are two reasons for this decrease in burden hours. In 2002, it was estimated that there would be 4,000 purchases of small containers of class I and class II refrigerant for resale only by uncertified purchasers. It is estimated that at the time (in 2002), there were an estimated 32 million R–12 MVACs on the road. Today, it is estimated that there are only 11 million R–12 MVACs on the road, or roughly 65% less than there were in 2002. Therefore, to account for the decreased market for small containers of CFC–12 refrigerant, this ICR estimates that the number of purchases for resale only by uncertified purchasers of small cans will be 65% less than in 2002, or 1,370 purchases. The second reason the burden hours have decreased is that the substantially identical equipment approval process is no longer applicable. This portion of Section 609(b)(2)(B) of the Act and 40 CFR 82.36(b) allowed for equipment that was purchased before the proposal of the regulations to be approved by EPA if it was substantially identical to equipment that had been certified by the VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:05 Jun 06, 2008 Jkt 214001 EPA or approved independent laboratory. The substantially identical equipment regulation only relates to CFC–12 recovery and recycling equipment initially purchased before September 4, 1991; CFC–12 recoveryonly equipment initially purchased before April 22, 1992; HFC–134a recovery and recycling, or recovery-only equipment initially purchased before March 6, 1996; equipment that recovers but does not recycle any single, specific refrigerant other than CFC–12 or HFC– 134a that was initially purchased before March 6, 1996; or equipment that recovers and recycles HFC–134a and CFC–12 refrigerant using common circuitry that was initially purchased before March 6, 1996. Because the average lifetime of such equipment is roughly 7 years, all such equipment is obsolete today. Therefore, documentation requirements related to this section have been removed from this ICR. In the previous ICR, 12 establishment burden hours and $1,200 annual costs were allocated to this activity. What Is the Next Step in the Process for This ICR? EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for review and approval pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.12. At that time, EPA will issue another Federal Register notice pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.5(a)(1)(iv) to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB. If you have any questions about this ICR or the approval process, please contact the technical person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Dated: June 2, 2008. Brian J. McLean, Director, Office of Atmospheric Programs. [FR Doc. E8–12853 Filed 6–6–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL–8575–9] Coastal Elevations and Sea Level Rise Advisory Committee Charter Renewal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of charter renewal. AGENCY: The Charter for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Coastal Elevations and Sea Level Rise Advisory Committee (CESLAC) will be renewed for an PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 additional two-year period, as a necessary committee which is in the public interest, in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. App. 2 section 9(c). The purpose of the CESLAC is to provide advice on the conduct of a study titled Coastal Elevations and Sensitivity to Sea Level Rise to be conducted as part of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP). It is determined that CESLAC is in the public interest in connection with the performance of duties imposed on the Agency by law. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jack Fitzgerald (6207J), Climate Change Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 343–9336; e-mail address: Fitzgerald.jack@epa.gov. Dated: March 23, 2008. Robert J. Meyers, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation. [FR Doc. E8–12599 Filed 6–6–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–M ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [Docket# EPA–RO4–SFUND–2008–0464, FRL–8577–3] BCX Tank Superfund Site Jacksonville, Duval County, FL; Notice of De Minimis Settlement Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of De Minimis Settlement. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Under Section 122(g) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), the United States Environmental Protection Agency has entered into a De Minimis settlement for reimbursement of past response costs concerning the BCX Tank Superfund Site located in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida for publication. DATES: The Agency will consider public comments on the settlement until July 9, 2008. The Agency will consider all comments received and may modify or withdraw its consent to the settlement if comments received disclose facts or considerations which indicate that the settlement is inappropriate, improper, or inadequate. ADDRESSES: Copies of the settlement are available from Ms. Paula V. Painter. Submit your comments, identified by E:\FR\FM\09JNN1.SGM 09JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 111 (Monday, June 9, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32570-32572]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-12853]



[[Page 32570]]

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EVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0312; FRL-8577-2]


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request; Servicing of Motor Vehicle Air Conditioners, EPA ICR 
Number 1617.05, OMB Control Number 2060-0247

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that EPA is planning to 
submit a request to renew an existing approved Information Collection 
Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This ICR is 
scheduled to expire on December 31, 2008. Before submitting the ICR to 
OMB for review and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on specific 
aspects of the proposed information collection as described below.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before August 8, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OAR-2008-0312 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: EPA Docket Center, Mailcode: 6102T, 1200 
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460.
     Hand Delivery: Public Reading Room, Room B102, EPA West 
Building, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC, Attention 
Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0312. 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-
2008-0312. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included 
in the public docket without change and may be made available online at 
https://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 https://
www.regulations.gov or e-mail. The https://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 https://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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Thundiyil, Stratospheric 
Protection Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs, (MC 6205J), 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 343-9464; fax number: 
(202) 343-2163; e-mail address: thundiyil.karen@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

How Can I Access the Docket and/or Submit Comments?

    EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID 
No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0312, which is available for online viewing at 
https://www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Air Docket in 
the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution 
Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA/DC Public Reading Room is open from 
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal 
holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is 202-566-1744, 
and the telephone number for the Air Docket is 202-566-1742.
    Use https://www.regulations.gov to obtain a copy of the draft 
collection of information, submit or view public comments, access the 
index listing of the contents of the docket, and to access those 
documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Once 
in the system, select ``search,'' then key in the docket ID number 
identified in this document.

What Information Is EPA Particularly Interested in?

    Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA specifically 
solicits comments and information to enable it to:
    (i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (ii) Evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden 
of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of 
the methodology and assumptions used;
    (iii) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
to be collected; and
    (iv) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic 
submission of responses. In particular, EPA is requesting comments from 
very small businesses (those that employ less than 25 people) on 
examples of specific additional efforts that EPA could make to reduce 
the paperwork burden for very small businesses affected by this 
collection.

What Should I Consider When 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 and provide specific 
examples.
    2. Describe any assumptions that you used.
    3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you used 
that support your views.
    4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you 
arrived at the estimate that you provide.
    5. Offer alternative ways to improve the collection activity.
    6. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline identified 
under DATES.
    7. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket 
ID number assigned to this action in the subject line on the first page 
of your response. You may also provide the name, date, and Federal 
Register citation.

What Information Collection Activity or ICR Does This Apply to?

    Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are 
new and used motor vehicle dealers, gasoline service

[[Page 32571]]

stations, general automotive repair shops, and automotive repair shops 
not elsewhere classified.
    ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 1617.05, OMB Control No. 2060-0247.
    ICR status: This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on December 
31, 2008. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, a collection of information, unless it displays 
a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's 
regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the Federal 
Register when approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, are displayed 
either by publication in the Federal Register or by other appropriate 
means, such as on the related collection instrument or form, if 
applicable. The display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA 
regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9.
    Abstract: Section 609 of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (Act) 
provides general guidelines for motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) 
refrigerant handling and MVAC servicing. It states that ``no person 
repairing or servicing motor vehicles for consideration may perform any 
service on a motor vehicle air conditioner involving the refrigerant 
for such air conditioner without properly using approved refrigerant 
recovery and/or recovery and recycling equipment (hereafter referred to 
as ``refrigerant handling equipment'') and no such person may perform 
such service unless such person has been properly trained and 
certified.''
    In 1992, EPA developed regulations under section 609 that were 
published in 57 FR 31242, and codified at 40 CFR Subpart B (Sec.  82.30 
et seq.). The information required to be collected under the Section 
609 regulations is currently approved for use through December 31, 
2008. This supporting statement is submitted to justify an extension of 
the approval of use of this information. Pursuant to new requirements 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act, a notice was published in the 
Federal Register on October 4, 2005, announcing the intent to extend 
the renewal of this Information Collection Request and requesting 
comment on the renewal. Descriptions of the recordkeeping and reporting 
requirements mandated by section 609 and delineated in 40 CFR 82 
subpart B are summarized below in this section.
    Approved Refrigerant Handling Equipment: In accordance with Section 
609(b)(2)(A), 40 CFR 82.36 requires that refrigerant handling equipment 
be certified by EPA or independent standards testing organizations. 
Certification standards are particular to the type of equipment and the 
refrigerant to be recovered, and must be consistent with the Society of 
Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards for MVAC equipment.
    Approved independent standards testing organizations: Section 
609(b)(2)(A) of the Act requires independent laboratory testing of 
refrigerant handling equipment to be certified by EPA. The 
Stratospheric Protection Division (SPD) requires independent 
laboratories to submit an application that documents: The 
organization's capacity to accurately test equipment compliance with 
applicable standards consistent with the SAE standards for handling 
refrigerant, an absence of conflict of interest or financial benefit 
based on test outcomes, and an agreement to allow EPA access to verify 
application information. Once an independent laboratory has been 
approved by EPA, the application is kept on file in the SPD. Two 
laboratories--Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and ETL Testing 
Laboratories--are currently approved to test refrigerant handling 
equipment. EPA does not anticipate that any organizations will apply to 
EPA in the future to become approved independent standards testing 
organizations. Therefore, annual hours and costs related to information 
submitted by these organizations have been eliminated.
    Technician training and certification: According to Section 
609(b)(4) of the Act, automotive technicians are required to be trained 
and certified in the proper use of approved refrigerant handling 
equipment. Programs that perform technician training and certification 
activities must apply to the SPD for approval by submitting 
verification that its program meets EPA standards. The information 
requested is used by the SPD to guarantee a degree of uniformity in the 
testing programs for motor vehicle service technicians.
    Due to rapid developments in technology, the Agency requires that 
each approved technician certification program conducts periodic 
reviews and updates of test material, submitting a written summary of 
the review and program changes to EPA every two years. After the test 
has been approved by EPA, a hard copy remains on file with SPD. 
Currently, 24 testing programs are approved by EPA to train technicians 
in the proper use of refrigerant handling equipment. Six of these 
programs are designed specifically for individual company's own 
employees.
    Certification, reporting and recordkeeping: To facilitate 
enforcement under Section 609, EPA has developed several recordkeeping 
requirements. All required records must be retained on-site for a 
minimum of three years, unless otherwise indicated.
    Section 609(c) of the Act states that by January 1, 1992, no person 
may service any motor vehicle air conditioner without being properly 
trained and certified, nor without using properly approved refrigerant 
handling equipment. To this end, 40 CFR 82.42(a) states that by January 
1, 1993, each service provider must have submitted to EPA on a one-time 
basis a statement signed by the owner of the equipment or another 
responsible officer that provides the name of the equipment purchaser, 
the address of the service establishment where the equipment will be 
located, the manufacturer name, equipment model number, date of 
manufacture, and equipment serial number. The statement must also 
indicate that the equipment will be properly used in servicing motor 
vehicle air conditioners and that each individual authorized by the 
purchaser to perform service is property trained and certified. The 
information is used by the SPD to verify compliance with Section 609 of 
the Act.
    Any person who owns approved refrigerant handling equipment must 
maintain records of the name and address of any facility to which 
refrigerant is sent. Additionally, any person who owns approved 
refrigerant handling equipment must retain records demonstrating that 
all persons authorized to operate the equipment are currently certified 
technicians.
    Finally, any person who sells or distributes a class I or class II 
refrigerant that is in a container of less than 20 pounds must verify 
that the purchaser is a properly trained and certified technician, 
unless the purchase of small containers is for resale only. In that 
case, the seller must obtain a written statement from the purchaser 
that the containers are for resale only, and must indicate the 
purchaser's name and business address. When a certified technician 
purchases small containers of refrigerant for servicing motor vehicles, 
the seller must have a reasonable basis for believing the accuracy of 
the information presented by the purchaser. In all cases, the seller 
must display a sign where sales occur that states the certification 
requirements for purchasers.
    Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping 
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.13 
hours per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial 
resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain,

[[Page 32572]]

or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This 
includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, 
install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of 
collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and 
maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; 
adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable 
instructions and requirements which have subsequently changed; train 
personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search 
data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and 
transmit or otherwise disclose the information.
    The ICR provides a detailed explanation of the Agency's estimate, 
which is only briefly summarized here:
    Estimated total number of potential respondents: 66,394.
    Frequency of response: On occasion.
    Estimated total average number of responses for each respondent: 1.
    Estimated total annual burden hours: 6,700 hours.
    Estimated total annual costs: $262,980.47. This includes an 
estimated burden cost of $262,980.47 and an estimated cost of $0 for 
capital investment or maintenance and operational costs.

Are There Changes in the Estimates From the Last Approval?

    There is a decrease of 182 hours in the total estimated respondent 
burden compared with that identified in the ICR currently approved by 
OMB. There are two reasons for this decrease in burden hours. In 2002, 
it was estimated that there would be 4,000 purchases of small 
containers of class I and class II refrigerant for resale only by 
uncertified purchasers. It is estimated that at the time (in 2002), 
there were an estimated 32 million R-12 MVACs on the road. Today, it is 
estimated that there are only 11 million R-12 MVACs on the road, or 
roughly 65% less than there were in 2002. Therefore, to account for the 
decreased market for small containers of CFC-12 refrigerant, this ICR 
estimates that the number of purchases for resale only by uncertified 
purchasers of small cans will be 65% less than in 2002, or 1,370 
purchases.
    The second reason the burden hours have decreased is that the 
substantially identical equipment approval process is no longer 
applicable. This portion of Section 609(b)(2)(B) of the Act and 40 CFR 
82.36(b) allowed for equipment that was purchased before the proposal 
of the regulations to be approved by EPA if it was substantially 
identical to equipment that had been certified by the EPA or approved 
independent laboratory. The substantially identical equipment 
regulation only relates to CFC-12 recovery and recycling equipment 
initially purchased before September 4, 1991; CFC-12 recovery-only 
equipment initially purchased before April 22, 1992; HFC-134a recovery 
and recycling, or recovery-only equipment initially purchased before 
March 6, 1996; equipment that recovers but does not recycle any single, 
specific refrigerant other than CFC-12 or HFC-134a that was initially 
purchased before March 6, 1996; or equipment that recovers and recycles 
HFC-134a and CFC-12 refrigerant using common circuitry that was 
initially purchased before March 6, 1996. Because the average lifetime 
of such equipment is roughly 7 years, all such equipment is obsolete 
today. Therefore, documentation requirements related to this section 
have been removed from this ICR. In the previous ICR, 12 establishment 
burden hours and $1,200 annual costs were allocated to this activity.

What Is the Next Step in the Process for This ICR?

    EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as 
appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for 
review and approval pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.12. At that time, EPA will 
issue another Federal Register notice pursuant to 5 CFR 
1320.5(a)(1)(iv) to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the 
opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB. If you have any 
questions about this ICR or the approval process, please contact the 
technical person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

    Dated: June 2, 2008.
Brian J. McLean,
Director, Office of Atmospheric Programs.
[FR Doc. E8-12853 Filed 6-6-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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