Proposed Significant New Use Rule for Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes, 5546-5551 [2010-2256]

Agencies

• ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 22 (Wednesday, February 3, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5546-5551]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-2256]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 721

[EPA-HQ-OPPT-2009-0686; FRL-8796-7]
RIN 2070-AB27


Proposed Significant New Use Rule for Multi-walled Carbon 
Nanotubes

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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

SUMMARY: EPA is proposing a significant new use rule (SNUR) under 
section 5(a)(2) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for the 
chemical substance identified generically as multi-walled

[[Page 5547]]

carbon nanotubes (P-08-199). This action would require persons who 
intend to manufacture, import, or process the substance for an activity 
that is designated as a significant new use by this proposed rule to 
notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity. The 
required notification would provide EPA with the opportunity to 
evaluate the intended use and, if necessary, to prohibit or limit that 
activity before it occurs.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 5, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification 
(ID) number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2009-0686, by one of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Document Control Office (7407M), Office of Pollution 
Prevention and Toxics (OPPT), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001.
     Hand Delivery: OPPT Document Control Office (DCO), EPA 
East Bldg., Rm. 6428, 1201 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. 
Attention: Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2009-0686. The DCO is open from 
8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The 
telephone number for the DCO is (202) 564-8930. Such deliveries are 
only accepted during the DCO's normal hours of operation, and special 
arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPPT-
2009-0686. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included 
in the docket without change and may be made available on-line 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 regulations.gov or e-
mail. The regulations.gov website 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 regulations.gov, 
your e-mail address will be automatically captured and included as part 
of the comment that is placed in the 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.
    Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the docket index 
available at https://www.regulations.gov. Although listed in the index, 
some information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other 
material, such as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only 
in hard copy. Publicly available docket materials are available 
electronically at https://www.regulations.gov, or, if only available in 
hard copy, at the OPPT Docket. The OPPT Docket is located in the EPA 
Docket Center (EPA/DC) at Rm. 3334, EPA West Bldg., 1301 Constitution 
Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA/DC Public Reading Room hours of 
operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding 
legal holidays. The telephone number of the EPA/DC Public Reading Room 
is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the OPPT Docket is 
(202) 566-0280. Docket visitors are required to show photographic 
identification, pass through a metal detector, and sign the EPA visitor 
log. All visitor bags are processed through an X-ray machine and 
subject to search. Visitors will be provided an EPA/DC badge that must 
be visible at all times in the building and returned upon departure.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information contact: Colby 
Lintner, Regulatory Coordinator, Environmental Assistance Division 
(7408M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-
0001; telephone number: (202) 554-1404; e-mail address: TSCA-Hotline@epa.gov.
    For technical information contact: Jim Alwood, Chemical Control 
Division (7405M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (202) 564-8974; e-mail 
address: alwood.jim@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this Action Apply to Me?

    You may be potentially affected by this action if you manufacture, 
import, process, or use the chemical substance contained in this 
proposed rule. Potentially affected entities may include, but are not 
limited to:
     Manufacturers, importers, or processors of the subject 
chemical substance (NAICS codes 325 and 324110), e.g., chemical 
manufacturing and petroleum refineries.
    This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides 
a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this 
action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be 
affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) 
codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining 
whether this action might apply to certain entities. To determine 
whether you or your business may be affected by this action, you should 
carefully examine the applicability provisions in Sec.  721.5. If you 
have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a 
particular entity, consult the technical person listed under FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
    This action may also affect certain entities through pre-existing 
import certification and export notification rules under TSCA. Chemical 
importers are subject to the TSCA section 13 (15 U.S.C. 2612) import 
certification requirements promulgated at 19 CFR 12.118 through 12.127 
and 19 CFR 127.28 (the corresponding EPA policy appears at 40 CFR part 
707, subpart B). Chemical importers must certify that the shipment of 
the chemical substance complies with all applicable rules and orders 
under TSCA. Importers of chemicals subject to a final SNUR must certify 
their compliance with the SNUR requirements. In addition, any persons 
who export or intend to export a chemical substance that is the subject 
of this proposed rule on or after March 5, 2010 are subject to the 
export notification provisions of TSCA section 12(b) (15 U.S.C. 
2611(b)) (see Sec.  721.20), and must comply with the export 
notification requirements in 40 CFR part 707, subpart D.

B. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA?

    1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this information to EPA through 
regulations.gov or e-mail. Clearly mark the part or all of the 
information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or 
CD-ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD-ROM 
that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD-ROM as CBI and 
then identify electronically within the disk or CD-ROM the specific 
information that is claimed as CBI. In

[[Page 5548]]

addition to one complete version of the comment that includes 
information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain 
the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the 
public docket. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in 
accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2.
    2. Tips for preparing your comments. When submitting comments, 
remember to:
    i. Identify the document by docket ID number and other identifying 
information (subject heading, Federal Register date and page number).
    ii. Follow directions. The Agency may ask you to respond to 
specific questions or organize comments by referencing a Code of 
Federal Regulations (CFR) part or section number.
    iii. Explain why you agree or disagree; suggest alternatives and 
substitute language for your requested changes.
    iv. Describe any assumptions and provide any technical information 
and/or data that you used.
    v. If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how you 
arrived at your estimate in sufficient detail to allow for it to be 
reproduced.
    vi. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns and 
suggest alternatives.
    vii. Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the use of 
profanity or personal threats.
    viii. Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period 
deadline identified.

II. Background

A. What Action is the Agency Taking?

    EPA is proposing this SNUR using notice and comment procedures. 
This SNUR will require persons to notify EPA at least 90 days before 
commencing the manufacture, import, or processing of the specific 
multi-walled carbon nanotubes identified by the notice for any activity 
designated by this SNUR as a significant new use. Receipt of such 
notices allows EPA to assess risks that may be presented by the 
intended uses and, if appropriate, to regulate the proposed use before 
it occurs.

B. What is the Agency's Authority for Taking this Action?

    Section 5(a)(2) of TSCA (15 U.S.C. 2604(a)(2)) authorizes EPA to 
determine that a use of a chemical substance is a ``significant new 
use.'' EPA must make this determination by rule after considering all 
relevant factors, including those listed in TSCA section 5(a)(2). Once 
EPA determines that a use of a chemical substance is a significant new 
use, TSCA section 5(a)(1)(B) requires persons to submit a significant 
new use notice (SNUN) to EPA at least 90 days before they manufacture, 
import, or process the chemical substance for that use. The mechanism 
for reporting under this requirement is established under Sec.  721.5.

C. Applicability of General Provisions

    General provisions for SNURs appear in 40 CFR part 721, subpart A. 
These provisions describe persons subject to the rule, recordkeeping 
requirements, exemptions to reporting requirements, and applicability 
of the rule to uses occurring before the effective date of the final 
rule. Provisions relating to user fees appear at 40 CFR part 700. 
According to Sec.  721.1(c), persons subject to this SNUR must comply 
with the same notice requirements and EPA regulatory procedures as 
submitters of PMNs under TSCA section 5(a)(1)(A). In particular, these 
requirements include the information submission requirements of TSCA 
section 5(b) and 5(d)(1), the exemptions authorized by TSCA section 
5(h)(1), (h)(2), (h)(3), and (h)(5), and the regulations at 40 CFR part 
720. Once EPA receives a SNUN, EPA may take regulatory action under 
TSCA section 5(e), 5(f), 6, or 7 to control the activities for which it 
has received the SNUN. If EPA does not take action, EPA is required 
under TSCA section 5(g) to explain in the Federal Register its reasons 
for not taking action.
    Chemical importers are subject to the TSCA section 13 (15 U.S.C. 
1612) import certification requirements promulgated at 19 CFR 12.118 
through 12.127, and 19 CFR 127.28 (the corresponding EPA policy appears 
at 40 CFR part 707, subpart B). Chemical importers must certify that 
the shipment of the chemical substance complies with all applicable 
rules and orders under TSCA. Importers of chemical substances subject 
to a final SNUR must certify their compliance with the SNUR 
requirements. In addition, any persons who export or intend to export a 
chemical substance identified in a final SNUR are subject to the export 
notification provisions of TSCA section 12(b) (15 U.S.C. 2612 (b)) (see 
Sec.  721.20), and must comply with the export notification 
requirements in 40 CFR part 707, subpart D.

III. Significant New Use Determination

    Section 5(a)(2) of TSCA states that EPA's determination that a use 
of a chemical substance is a significant new use must be made after 
consideration of all relevant factors, including:
     The projected volume of manufacturing and processing of a 
chemical substance.
     The extent to which a use changes the type or form of 
exposure of human beings or the environment to a chemical substance.
     The extent to which a use increases the magnitude and 
duration of exposure of human beings or the environment to a chemical 
substance.
     The reasonably anticipated manner and methods of 
manufacturing, processing, distribution in commerce, and disposal of a 
chemical substance.
    In addition to these factors enumerated in TSCA section 5(a)(2), 
the statute authorized EPA to consider any other relevant factors.
    To determine what would constitute a significant new use for the 
chemical substance that is the subject of this proposed SNUR, EPA 
considered relevant information about the toxicity of the chemical 
substance, likely human exposures and environmental releases associated 
with possible uses, and the four bulleted factors listed in TSCA 
section 5(a)(2) in this Unit.
    For the multi-walled carbon nanotubes described in P-08-199, EPA 
believes that certain changes from the use scenario described in the 
PMN could result in increased exposures, thereby constituting a 
``significant new use.'' EPA has determined that activities proposed as 
a ``significant new use'' satisfy the two requirements stipulated in 
Sec.  721.170(c)(2), i.e., these significant new use activities, ``(i) 
are different from those described in the premanufacture notice for the 
substance, including any amendments, deletions, and additions of 
activities to the premanufacture notice, and (ii) may be accompanied by 
changes in exposure or release levels that are significant in relation 
to the health or environmental concerns identified'' for the PMN 
substance.

IV. Substance Subject to this Proposed Rule

    EPA is proposing to establish significant new use and recordkeeping 
requirements for a chemical substance in 40 CFR part 721, subpart E. 
This SNUR applies only to the multi-walled carbon nanotubes described 
in P-08-199. In the past, some stakeholders have asked whether these 
types of SNURs apply to all variants of carbon nanotubes. This is not 
the case.
PMN Number P-08-199
Chemical name: Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (generic).
CAS number: Not available.
Basis for action: The PMN states that the substance will be used as an 
additive/filler for polymer composites and

[[Page 5549]]

support media for industrial catalysts. Based on test data on analogous 
respirable, poorly soluble particulates and on other carbon nanotubes 
(CNTs), EPA identified concerns for lung effects, immunotoxicity, and 
mutagenicity from exposure to the PMN substance. For the uses described 
in the PMN, worker inhalation and dermal exposures are minimal due to 
the use of adequate personal protective equipment. Therefore, EPA has 
not determined that the proposed manufacturing, processing, or use of 
the substance may present an unreasonable risk. EPA has determined, 
however, that use of the substance without the use of gloves and 
protective clothing, where there is a potential for dermal exposure; 
use of the substance without a National Institute for Occupational 
Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved full-face respirator with an N100 
cartridge, where there is a potential for inhalation exposure; or use 
other than as described in the PMN, may cause serious health effects. 
Based on this information, the PMN substance meets the concern criteria 
at Sec.  721.170(b)(3)(ii).
Recommended testing: EPA has determined that the results of the 
following tests would help characterize the human health effects of the 
PMN substance: A bacterial reverse mutation test (OPPTS Harmonized Test 
Guideline 870.5100) in vitro; a mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus test 
(OPPTS Harmonized Test Guideline 870.5395 or Organisation for Economic 
Co-operation and Development (OECD) 474 test guideline) in vivo, in 
bone marrow, by the intraperitoneal route; an immunotoxicity test 
(OPPTS Harmonized Test Guideline 870.7800); and a 90-day inhalation 
toxicity test (OPPTS Harmonized Test Guideline 870.3465), including a 
post-exposure observation period of up to 3 months. Evaluation should 
include markers of damage, oxidant stress, cell proliferation, the 
degree/intensity and duration of pulmonary inflammation, and cytotoxic 
effects and histopathology of pulmonary issues, in addition to the 
standard requirements in the OPPTS Harmonized Test Guideline 870.3465.
CFR citation: 40 CFR 721.10183.

V. Rationale and Objectives of the Proposed Rule

A. Rationale

    During review of the chemical substance P-08-199, EPA determined 
that one or more of the criteria of concern established at Sec.  
721.170 were met, as discussed in Unit IV.

B. Objectives

    EPA is proposing this SNUR for a chemical substance that has 
undergone premanufacture review because the Agency wants to achieve the 
following objectives with regard to the significant new uses designated 
in this proposed rule:
     EPA would receive notice of any person's intent to 
manufacture, import, or process a listed chemical substance for the 
described significant new use before that activity begins.
     EPA would have an opportunity to review and evaluate data 
submitted in a SNUN before the notice submitter begins manufacturing, 
importing, or processing a listed chemical substance for the described 
significant new use.
     EPA would be able to regulate prospective manufacturers, 
importers, or processors of a listed chemical substance before the 
described significant new use of that chemical substance occurs, 
provided that regulation is warranted pursuant to TSCA sections 5(e), 
5(f), 6, or 7.
    Issuance of a SNUR for a chemical substance does not signify that 
the chemical substance is listed on the TSCA Inventory. Guidance on how 
to determine if a chemical substance is on the TSCA Inventory is 
available on the Internet at https://www.epa.gov/opptintr/newchems/pubs/invntory.htm.

VI. Notice and Comment Procedures

    EPA is issuing this SNUR by notice and comment procedure, as 
described in Sec.  721.170(d)(4). In accordance with Sec.  
721.170(d)(4)(ii)(A), persons are being given the opportunity to submit 
comments on or before March 5, 2010 on whether EPA should establish 
notification requirements.

VII. Applicability of the Proposed Rule to Uses Occurring Before 
Effective Date of the Final Rule

    To establish a significant ``new'' use, EPA must determine that the 
use is not ongoing. EPA solicits comments on whether any of the uses 
proposed as significant new uses are ongoing.
    As discussed in the Federal Register of April 24, 1990 (55 FR 
17376), EPA has decided that the intent of TSCA section 5(a)(1)(B) is 
best served by designating a use as a significant new use as of the 
date of publication of the proposed rule rather than as of the 
effective date of the final rule. If uses begun after publication of 
the proposed rule were considered ongoing rather than new, it would be 
difficult for EPA to establish SNUR notice requirements because a 
person could defeat the SNUR by initiating the significant new use 
before the rule became final, and then argue that the use was ongoing 
before the effective date of the final rule. Thus, persons who begin 
commercial manufacture, import, or processing activities with the 
chemical substances that would be regulated as a ``significant new 
use'' through this proposed rule, must cease any such activity before 
the effective date of the rule if and when finalized. To resume their 
activities, these persons would have to comply with all applicable SNUR 
notice requirements and wait until the notice review period, including 
all extensions, expires.
    EPA has promulgated provisions to allow persons to comply with this 
proposed SNUR before the effective date. If a person were to meet the 
conditions of advance compliance under Sec.  721.45(h), the person 
would be considered exempt from the requirements of the SNUR.

VIII. Test Data and Other Information

    EPA recognizes that TSCA section 5 does not require developing any 
particular test data before submission of a SNUN, except where the 
chemical substance subject to the SNUR is also subject to a test rule 
under TSCA section 4 (see TSCA section 5(b)). Persons are required only 
to submit test data in their possession or control and to describe any 
other data known to or reasonably ascertainable by them (see Sec.  
720.50). However, upon review of PMNs and SNUNs, the Agency has the 
authority to require appropriate testing. EPA recommended certain 
testing in Unit IV. Descriptions of tests are provided for 
informational purposes. EPA strongly encourages persons, before 
performing any testing, to consult with the Agency pertaining to 
protocol selection. To access the OPPTS harmonized test guidelines 
referenced in this document electronically, please go to https://www.epa.gov/oppts and select ``Test Methods and Guidelines.'' The 
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) test 
guidelines are available from the OECD Bookshop at https://www.oecdbookshop.org or SourceOECD at https://www.sourceoecd.org.
    The recommended tests may not be the only means of addressing the 
potential risks of the chemical substance. However, SNUNs submitted for 
significant new uses without any test data may increase the likelihood 
that EPA will take action under TSCA section 5(e), particularly if 
satisfactory test results have not been obtained from a prior PMN or 
SNUN submitter. EPA recommends that potential SNUN submitters contact 
EPA early enough so

[[Page 5550]]

that they will be able to conduct the appropriate tests.
    SNUN submitters should be aware that EPA will be better able to 
evaluate SNUNs which provide detailed information on the following:
     Human exposure and environmental release that may result 
from the significant new use of the chemical substance.
     Potential benefits of the chemical substance.
     Information on risks posed by the chemical substance 
compared to risks posed by potential substitutes.

IX. SNUN Submissions

    As stated in Unit II.C., according to Sec.  721.1(c), persons 
submitting a SNUN must comply with the same notice requirements and EPA 
regulatory procedures as persons submitting a PMN, including submission 
of test data on health and environmental effects as described in Sec.  
720.50. SNUNs must be mailed to the Environmental Protection Agency, 
OPPT Document Control Office (7407M), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20460-0001. Information must be submitted in the form 
and manner set forth in EPA Form No. 7710-25. This form is available 
from the Environmental Assistance Division (7408M), 1200 Pennsylvania 
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001 (see Sec.  Sec.  721.25 and 
720.40). Forms and information are also available electronically at 
https://www.epa.gov/opptintr/newchems/pubs/pmnforms.htm.

X. Economic Analysis

    EPA has evaluated the potential costs of establishing SNUN 
requirements for potential manufacturers, importers, and processors of 
the chemical substance subject to this proposed rule. EPA's complete 
economic analysis is available in the public docket.

XI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

A. Executive Order 12866

    This proposed rule would establish a SNUR for a chemical substance 
that was the subject of a PMN. The Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) has exempted these types of actions from review under Executive 
Order 12866, entitled Regulatory Planning and Review (58 FR 51735, 
October 4, 1993).

B. Paperwork Reduction Act

    According to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et 
seq., an Agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to a collection of information that requires OMB 
approval under the PRA, unless it has been approved by OMB and 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, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, and included on the related 
collection instrument or form, if applicable. EPA would amend the table 
in 40 CFR part 9 to list the OMB approval number for the information 
collection requirements contained in this proposed rule. This listing 
of the OMB control numbers and their subsequent codification in the CFR 
satisfies the display requirements of PRA and OMB's implementing 
regulations at 5 CFR part 1320. This Information Collection Request 
(ICR) was previously subject to public notice and comment prior to OMB 
approval, and given the technical nature of the table, EPA finds that 
further notice and comment to amend it is unnecessary. As a result, EPA 
finds that there is ``good cause'' under section 553(b)(3)(B) of the 
Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B), to amend this 
table without further notice and comment.
    The information collection requirements related to this action have 
already been approved by OMB pursuant to PRA under OMB control number 
2070-0012 (EPA ICR No. 574). This action would not impose any burden 
requiring additional OMB approval. If an entity were to submit a SNUN 
to the Agency, the annual burden is estimated to average between 30 and 
170 hours per response. This burden estimate includes the time needed 
to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and 
maintain the data needed, and complete, review, and submit the required 
SNUN.
    Send any comments about the accuracy of the burden estimate, and 
any suggested methods for minimizing respondent burden, including 
through the use of automated collection techniques, to the Director, 
Collection Strategies Division, Office of Environmental Information 
(2822T), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20460-0001. Please remember to include the OMB control 
number in any correspondence, but do not submit any completed forms to 
this address.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Pursuant to section 605(b) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) 
(5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the Agency hereby certifies that promulgation 
of this SNUR would not have a significant adverse economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. The rationale supporting this 
conclusion is discussed in this unit. The requirement to submit a SNUN 
applies to any person (including small or large entities) who intends 
to engage in any activity described in the rule as a ``significant new 
use.'' Because these uses are ``new,'' based on all information 
currently available to EPA, it appears that no small or large entities 
presently engage in such activities. A SNUR requires that any person 
who intends to engage in such activity in the future must first notify 
EPA by submitting a SNUN. Although some small entities may decide to 
pursue a significant new use in the future, EPA cannot presently 
determine how many, if any, there may be. However, EPA's experience to 
date is that, in response to the promulgation of over 1,000 SNURs, the 
Agency receives on average only 5 notices per year. Of those SNUNs 
submitted from 2006-2008, only one appears to be from a small entity. 
In addition, the estimated reporting cost for submission of a SNUN (see 
Unit IX.) is minimal regardless of the size of the firm. Therefore, the 
potential economic impacts of complying with this SNUR are not expected 
to be significant or adversely impact a substantial number of small 
entities. In a SNUR that published in the Federal Register of June 2, 
1997 (62 FR 29684) (FRL-5597-1), the Agency presented its general 
determination that final SNURs are not expected to have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, which was 
provided to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration.

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Based on EPA's experience with proposing and finalizing SNURs, 
State, local, and Tribal governments have not been impacted by these 
rulemakings, and EPA does not have any reason to believe that any 
State, local, or Tribal government would be impacted by this proposed 
rule. As such, EPA has determined that this proposed rule would not 
impose any enforceable duty, contain any unfunded mandate, or otherwise 
have any affect on small governments subject to the requirements of 
sections 202, 203, 204, or 205 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 
1995 (UMRA) (Public Law 104-4).

E. Executive Order 13132

    This action would not have a substantial direct effect on States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government, as specified in Executive Order 13132, entitled

[[Page 5551]]

Federalism (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999).

F. Executive Order 13175

    This proposed rule would not have Tribal implications because it is 
not expected to have substantial direct effects on Indian Tribes. This 
proposed rule would not significantly or uniquely affect the 
communities of Indian Tribal governments, nor would it involve or 
impose any requirements that affect Indian Tribes. Accordingly, the 
requirements of Executive Order 13175, entitled Consultation and 
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (65 FR 67249, November 9, 
2000), do not apply to this proposed rule.

G. Executive Order 13045

    This action is not subject to Executive Order 13045, entitled 
Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks 
(62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997), because this is not an economically 
significant regulatory action as defined by Executive Order 12866, and 
this action does not address environmental health or safety risks 
disproportionately affecting children.

H. Executive Order 13211

    This proposed rule is not subject to Executive Order 13211, 
entitled Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect 
Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001), 
because this action is not expected to affect energy supply, 
distribution, or use and because this action is not a significant 
regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.

I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act

    In addition, since this action does not involve any technical 
standards, section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and 
Advancement Act of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15 
U.S.C. 272 note), does not apply to this action.

J. Executive Order 12898

    This action does not entail special considerations of environmental 
justice related issues as delineated by Executive Order 12898, entitled 
Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority 
Populations and Low-Income Populations (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 721

    Environmental protection, Chemicals, Hazardous substances, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.


    Dated: January 27, 2010.
Wendy C. Hamnett,
Acting Director, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics.

    Therefore, it is proposed that 40 CFR part 721 be amended as 
follows:

PART 721--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 721 would continue to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  15 U.S.C. 2604, 2607, and 2625(c).
    2. Add Sec.  721.10183 to subpart E to read as follows:


Sec.  721.10183  Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (generic).

    (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to 
reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as multi-
walled carbon nanotubes (PMN P-08-199) is subject to reporting under 
this section for the significant new uses described in paragraph (a)(2) 
of this section.
    (2) The significant new uses are:
    (i) Protection in the workplace. Requirements as specified in Sec.  
721.63 (a)(1), (a)(2)(i), (a)(2)(ii), (a)(4), (a)(5) (National 
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved full-face 
respirators with N100 cartridges), (a)(6)(i), and (c).
    (ii) Industrial, commercial, and consumer activities. Requirements 
as specified in Sec.  721.80(j) (additive/filler for polymer composites 
and support media for industrial catalysts).
    (b) Specific requirements. The provisions of subpart A of this part 
apply to this section except as modified by this paragraph.
    (1) Recordkeeping. Recordkeeping requirements as specified in Sec.  
721.125 (a), (b), (c), (d), and (i) are applicable to manufacturers, 
importers, and processors of this substance.
    (2) Limitations or revocation of certain notification requirements. 
The provisions of Sec.  721.185 apply to this section.

[FR Doc. 2010-2256 Filed 2-2-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S