Air Quality: Revision to Definition of Volatile Organic Compounds-Exclusion of trans, 11119-11122 [2013-03063]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 32 / Friday, February 15, 2013 / Proposed Rules 14. Environment We have analyzed this proposed rule under Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 023–01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321–4370f), and have made a preliminary determination that this action is one of a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This proposed rule involves establishment of a temporary safety zone. This rule may be categorically excluded from further review under paragraph 34(g) of Figure 2–1 of the Commandant Instruction. A preliminary environmental analysis checklist supporting this determination is available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this proposed rule. List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165 Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and record keeping requirements, waterways. For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes to amend 33 CFR part 165 as follows: PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREA 1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 33 U.S.C 1231; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701, 3306, 3703; 50 U.S.C. 191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05–1, 6.04–1, 6.04–6, 160.5; Pub. L. 107–295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1. officer of the U.S. Coast Guard who has been designated by the Captain of the Port Sector New York (COTP), to act on his or her behalf. The designated representative may be on an official patrol vessel or may be on shore and will communicate with vessels via VHF–FM radio or loudhailer. In addition, members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary may be present to inform vessel operators of this regulation. (2) Official Patrol Vessels. Official patrol vessels may consist of any Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, state, or local law enforcement vessels assigned or approved by the COTP. (d) Regulations. (1) The general regulations contained in 33 CFR 165.23, as well as the following regulations, apply. (2) No vessels, except for fireworks barge and accompanying vessels, will be allowed to transit the safety zone without the permission of the COTP. (3) All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the COTP or the designated representative. Upon being hailed by a U.S. Coast Guard vessel by siren, radio, flashing light or other means, the operator of a vessel shall proceed as directed. (4) Vessel operators desiring to enter or operate within the regulated area shall contact the COTP or the designated representative via VHF channel 16 or 718–354–4353 (Sector New York command center) to obtain permission to do so. Dated: January 30, 2013. G.P. Hitchen, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Captain of the Port New York. [FR Doc. 2013–03551 Filed 2–14–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P 2. Add § 165.T01.0013 to read as follows: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY § 165.T01–0013 Safety Zone; Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club Fireworks, Mamaroneck Harbor, Long Island Sound, NY 40 CFR Part 51 TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS ■ (a) Regulated Area. The following area is a temporary safety zone: All navigable waters of Long Island Sound within a 240-yard radius of the fireworks barge located in approximate position 40°56′24.95″ N, 073°43′00.39″ W, in the vicinity of Orienta Point, NY. (b) Effective Period. This rule will be effective from approximately 8:00 p.m. until approximately 9:30 p.m. on May 11, 2013. (c) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this section: (1) Designated Representative. A ‘‘designated representative’’ is any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant or petty VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:52 Feb 14, 2013 Jkt 229001 [EPA–HQ–OAR–2012–0393; FRL–9779–4] RIN 2060–AQ38 Air Quality: Revision to Definition of Volatile Organic Compounds— Exclusion of trans 1-chloro-3,3,3trifluoroprop-1-ene [SolsticeTM 1233zd(E)] Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: The EPA is proposing to revise the definition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for purposes of preparing state implementation plans (SIPs) to attain the national ambient air SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 11119 quality standards for ozone under title I of the Clean Air Act (CAA). This proposed revision would add trans 1chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-ene (also known as SolsticeTM 1233zd(E)) to the list of compounds excluded from the definition of VOCs on the basis that this compound makes a negligible contribution to tropospheric ozone formation. In the ‘‘Rules and Regulations’’ section of this Federal Register, we are making these same amendments as a direct final rule without a prior proposed rule. If we receive no adverse comment, we will not take further action on this proposed rule. DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 1, 2013. Public Hearing: If anyone contacts the EPA requesting to present oral testimony at a public hearing concerning the proposed regulation by February 25, 2013, we will hold a public hearing on March 4, 2013. If a public hearing is held, it will be held at 10 a.m. at Building C on the EPA campus in Research Triangle Park, NC, or at an alternate site nearby. Please refer to SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for additional information on the comment period and the public hearing. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OAR–2012–0393, by one of the following methods: • www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • Email: a-and-rDocket@epamail.epa.gov, Attention Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2012– 0393. • Fax: 202–566–1541, Attention Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2012– 0393. • Mail: Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OAR–2012–0393, Environmental Protection Agency, Mailcode: 6102T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460. • Hand Delivery: EPA Docket Center, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW., Room: 3334, Mail Code: 6102T, Washington, DC 20460, Attention Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2012–0393. 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–2012– 0393. The EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available online at www.regulations.gov, including any E:\FR\FM\15FEP1.SGM 15FEP1 TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 11120 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 32 / Friday, February 15, 2013 / Proposed Rules personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through www.regulations.gov, or email. The www.regulations.gov Web site is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which means the EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an email comment directly to the EPA without going through www.regulations.gov, your email 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, the 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 the EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, the EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional information about the EPA’s public docket, visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at https://www.epa.gov/ epahome/dockets.htm. Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, i.e., 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 either electronically in www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2012– 0393, EPA/DC, EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC. The 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 Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744, and the telephone number for the Air and Radiation is (202) 566–1742. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Sanders, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Air Quality Policy Division, Mail Code C539–01, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; telephone: (919) 541–3356; fax number: 919–541–0824; email address: sanders.dave@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:46 Feb 14, 2013 Jkt 229001 I. General Information A. Why is the EPA using a direct final rule? This proposed action would revise the EPA’s definition of VOCs for purposes of preparing SIPs to attain the NAAQS for ozone under title I of the CAA, by adding trans 1-chloro-3,3,3trifluoroprop-1-ene (also known as SolsticeTM 1233zd(E)) to the list of compounds excluded from the definition of VOCs on the basis that this compound makes a negligible contribution to tropospheric ozone formation.1 We are publishing a direct final rule in the ‘‘Rules and Regulations’’ section of this Federal Register because we view this as a noncontroversial action and anticipate no adverse comment. We have explained our reasons for this action in the preamble to the direct final rule. The regulatory text for the proposal is identical to that for the direct final rule published in the ‘‘Rules and Regulations’’ section of this Federal Register. For further supplementary information, the detailed rationale for the proposal and the regulatory revisions, see the direct final rule published in a separate part of this Federal Register. If we receive no adverse comment, we will not take further action on this proposed rule. If we receive adverse comment, we will withdraw the direct final rule, and it will not take effect. We would address all public comments in any subsequent final rule base on this proposed rule. We do not intend to institute a second comment period on this action. Any parties interested in commenting must do so at this time. For further information, please see the information provided in the ADDRESSES section of this document. B. Where can I get a copy of this document and other related information? In addition to being available in the docket, an electronic copy of this proposal will also be available on the World Wide Web. Following signature by the EPA Administrator, a copy of this action will be posted on the EPA’s Web site www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/new.html. C. What should I consider as I prepare my comments for the EPA? Submitting CBI: Do not submit this information to the EPA through www.regulations.gov or email. Clearly 1 Trans 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-ene will also be marketed by Honeywell under the trade names SolsticeTM N12 Refrigerant, SolsticeTM Liquid Blowing Agent, SolsticeTM LBA, and SolsticeTM Performance Fluid. PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 the 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 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. Send or deliver information identified as CBI only to the following address: Roberto Morales, OAQPS Document Control Officer (C404–02), U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, Attention Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2012–0393. D. How can I find information about a possible public hearing? Public Hearing: If anyone contacts the EPA requesting to present oral testimony at a public hearing concerning the proposed regulation by February 25, 2013, we will hold a public hearing on March 4, 2013. If a public hearing is held, it will be held at 10 a.m. at Building C on the EPA campus in Research Triangle Park, NC, or at an alternate site nearby. Persons interested in presenting oral testimony must contact Pamela Long, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Air Quality Policy Division, Mail Code C504–01, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; telephone: (919) 541–0641; fax number: 919–541–5509; email address: long.pam@epa.gov, no later than February 25, 2013. Persons interested in attending the public hearing if one is held must also call Ms. Long to verify the time, date and location of the hearing. If no one contacts Ms. Long by February 25, 2013 with a request to present oral testimony at the hearing, we will cancel the hearing. III. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review This action is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under the terms of Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), and is therefore not subject to review under Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011). E:\FR\FM\15FEP1.SGM 15FEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 32 / Friday, February 15, 2013 / Proposed Rules B. Paperwork Reduction Act This action does not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.3(b). It does not contain any recordkeeping or reporting requirement. TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS C. Regulatory Flexibility Act The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) generally requires an agency to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis of any rule subject to notice and comment rulemaking requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act or any other statute unless the agency certifies that the proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Small entities include small businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions. For purposes of assessing the impacts of this notice on small entities, small entity is defined as: (1) A small business that is a small industrial entity as defined in the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards. (See 13 CFR 121.); (2) A governmental jurisdiction that is a government of a city, county, town, school district or special district with a population of less than 50,000; and (3) A small organization that is any not-for-profit enterprise which is independently owned and operated and is not dominant in its field. After considering the economic impacts of today’s proposed rule on small entities, I certify that this action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. In determining whether a rule has a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, the impact of concern is any significant adverse economic impact on small entities, since the primary purpose of the regulatory flexibility analyses is to identify and address regulatory alternatives ‘‘which minimize any significant economic impact of the rule on small entities.’’ 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604. Thus, an agency may certify that a rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities if the rule relieves regulatory burden, or otherwise has a positive economic effect on all of the small entities subject to the rule. This proposed rule would remove SolsticeTM 1233zd(E) from the definition of VOCs and thereby relieves users of the compound from requirements to control emissions of the compound. We have therefore concluded that today’s VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:46 Feb 14, 2013 Jkt 229001 proposed rule will relieve regulatory burden for all affected small entities. D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act This action contains no federal mandates under the provisions of Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), 2 U.S.C. 1531– 1538 for state, local or tribal governments or the private sector. The action imposes no enforceable duty on any state, local or tribal governments or the private sector. Therefore, this action is not subject to the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of the UMRA. This action is also not subject to the requirements of section 203 of UMRA because it contains no regulatory requirements that might significantly or uniquely affect small governments. This proposed rule would remove SolsticeTM 1233zd(E) from the definition of VOCs and thereby relieves users of the compound from requirements to control emissions of the compound. E. Executive Order 13132—Federalism This action does not have federalism implications. It will not have substantial direct effects on the 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. This proposed rule would remove SolsticeTM 1233zd(E) from the definition of VOCs and thereby relieves users from requirements to control emissions of the compound. Thus, Executive Order 13132 does not apply to this rule. In the spirit of Executive Order 13132, and consistent with EPA policy to promote communications between EPA and state and local governments, EPA specifically solicits comment on this proposed action from state and local officials. F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments This action does not have tribal implications, as specified in Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000). It would not have substantial direct effects on tribal governments, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian Tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the federal government and Indian Tribes, as specified in Executive Order 13175. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this rule. The EPA specifically solicits additional comment on this proposed action from tribal officials PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 11121 G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental Health and Safety Risks This action is not subject to EO 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997) because it is not economically significant as defined in EO 12866. This action’s health and risk assessments are contained in the direct final rule publishing in the ‘‘Rules and Regulations’’ section of this Federal Register and within the docket for this rulemaking. While this proposed rule is not subject to the Executive Order, the EPA has reason to believe that ozone has a disproportionate effect on active children who play outdoors (62 FR 38856; 38859, July 18, 1997). The EPA has not identified any specific studies on whether or to what extent SolsticeTM 1233zd(E) may affect children’s health. H. Executive Order 13211: Actions That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution or Use This action is not subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355 (May 22, 2001)), because it is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act 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) directs the EPA to use voluntary consensus standards in its regulatory activities unless to do so would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical standards (e.g., materials specifications, test methods, sampling procedures and business practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies. The NTTAA directs the EPA to provide Congress, through OMB, explanations when the agency decides not to use available and applicable voluntary consensus standards. This rulemaking does not involve technical standards. Therefore, the EPA has not considered the use of any voluntary consensus standards. J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations Executive Order (EO) 12898 (59 FR 7629, Feb. 16, 1994) establishes federal executive policy on environmental justice. Its main provision directs federal agencies, to the greatest extent practicable and permitted by law, to make environmental justice part of their mission by identifying and addressing, E:\FR\FM\15FEP1.SGM 15FEP1 11122 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 32 / Friday, February 15, 2013 / Proposed Rules as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of their programs, policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income populations in the United States. The EPA has determined that this proposed rule will not have disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority or low-income populations because it does not affect the level of protection provided to human health or the environment. List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 51 Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, Air pollution control, Ozone, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Volatile organic compounds. Dated: February 4, 2013. Lisa P. Jackson, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2013–03063 Filed 2–14–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R03–OAR–2012–0954; FRL–9781–8] Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Pennsylvania; Motor Vehicle Emissions Budgets for the Pennsylvania Counties in the Philadelphia-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE 1997 Fine Particulate Matter Nonattainment Area Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: EPA is proposing to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania). This proposed revision consists of an update to the SIPapproved Motor Vehicle Emissions Budgets (MVEBs) for the Pennsylvania counties in the PhiladelphiaWilmington, PA-NJ-DE 1997 fine particulate matter (PM2.5) Nonattainment Area (hereafter referred to as the Philadelphia Area) to reflect the use of the most recent version of the Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator model (MOVES). Those counties are: Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, Chester, and Bucks Counties. This rulemaking proposes to approve the MVEBs and thereby make them available for transportation conformity purposes. EPA determined on May 16, TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:46 Feb 14, 2013 Jkt 229001 2012 that the Philadelphia Area attained the 1997 PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) by the applicable attainment date. Approval of this SIP revision will not interfere with the Philadelphia Area’s ability to continue to attain the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS. This action is being taken under section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). DATES: Written comments must be received on or before March 18, 2013. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID Number EPA– R03–OAR–2012–0954 by one of the following methods: A. www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. B. Email: fernandez.cristina@epa.gov. C. Mail: EPA–R03–OAR–2012–0954, Cristina Fernandez, Associate Director, Office of Air Program Planning, Mailcode 3AP30, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103. D. Hand Delivery: At the previouslylisted EPA Region III address. 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–R03–OAR–2012– 0954. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change, and may be made available online at www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through www.regulations.gov or email. The www.regulations.gov Web site is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an email comment directly to EPA without going through www.regulations.gov, your email 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, PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 electronic docket are listed in the www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed on the Internet and will be publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically in www.regulations.gov or in hard copy during normal business hours at the Air Protection Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103. Copies of the State submittal are available at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Air Quality Control, P.O. Box 8468, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17105. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Asrah Khadr, (215) 814–2071, or by email at khadr.asrah@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA determined on May 16, 2012 (77 FR 28782) that the Philadelphia Area attained the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS by the applicable attainment date, April 5, 2010. On November 6, 2012, the Pennsylvania DEP submitted a draft SIP revision to update the SIP-approved MVEBs for the Philadelphia Area to reflect the use of the most recent version of the MOVES model. On January 29, 2013, Pennsylvania DEP submitted its formal, final SIP revision to update the SIP-approved MVEBs for the Philadelphia Area. I. Background The currently SIP-approved MVEBs for the Philadelphia Area were developed using the Highway Mobile Source Emission Factor Model (MOBILE6.2). On March 2, 2010 (75 FR 9411), EPA published a notice of availability for the MOVES2010 model for use in developing MVEBs for SIPs and for conducting transportation conformity analyses. EPA commenced a two year grace period after which time the MOVES2010 model would have to be used for transportation conformity purposes. The two year grace period was scheduled to end on March 2, 2012. On February 27, 2012 (77 FR 11394), EPA published a final rule extending the grace period for one more year to March 2, 2013 to ensure adequate time E:\FR\FM\15FEP1.SGM 15FEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 32 (Friday, February 15, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11119-11122]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-03063]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 51

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2012-0393; FRL-9779-4]
RIN 2060-AQ38


Air Quality: Revision to Definition of Volatile Organic 
Compounds--Exclusion of trans 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-ene 
[Solstice\TM\ 1233zd(E)]

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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

SUMMARY: The EPA is proposing to revise the definition of volatile 
organic compounds (VOCs) for purposes of preparing state implementation 
plans (SIPs) to attain the national ambient air quality standards for 
ozone under title I of the Clean Air Act (CAA). This proposed revision 
would add trans 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-ene (also known as 
SolsticeTM 1233zd(E)) to the list of compounds excluded from 
the definition of VOCs on the basis that this compound makes a 
negligible contribution to tropospheric ozone formation. In the ``Rules 
and Regulations'' section of this Federal Register, we are making these 
same amendments as a direct final rule without a prior proposed rule. 
If we receive no adverse comment, we will not take further action on 
this proposed rule.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 1, 2013.
    Public Hearing: If anyone contacts the EPA requesting to present 
oral testimony at a public hearing concerning the proposed regulation 
by February 25, 2013, we will hold a public hearing on March 4, 2013. 
If a public hearing is held, it will be held at 10 a.m. at Building C 
on the EPA campus in Research Triangle Park, NC, or at an alternate 
site nearby. Please refer to SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for additional 
information on the comment period and the public hearing.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OAR-2012-0393, by one of the following methods:
     www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for 
submitting comments.
     Email: a-and-r-Docket@epamail.epa.gov, Attention Docket ID 
No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2012-0393.
     Fax: 202-566-1541, Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2012-0393.
     Mail: Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2012-0393, Environmental 
Protection Agency, Mailcode: 6102T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., 
Washington, DC 20460.
     Hand Delivery: EPA Docket Center, U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW., Room: 3334, Mail Code: 
6102T, Washington, DC 20460, Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2012-
0393. 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-
2012-0393. The EPA's policy is that all comments received will be 
included in the public docket without change and may be made available 
online at www.regulations.gov, including any

[[Page 11120]]

personal information provided, unless the comment includes information 
claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit 
information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through 
www.regulations.gov, or email. The www.regulations.gov Web site is an 
``anonymous access'' system, which means the EPA will not know your 
identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of 
your comment. If you send an email comment directly to the EPA without 
going through www.regulations.gov, your email 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, the 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 the EPA cannot read your comment due 
to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, the 
EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should 
avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption and be free 
of any defects or viruses. For additional information about the EPA's 
public docket, visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at https://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.
    Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the 
www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some 
information is not publicly available, i.e., 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 either electronically 
in www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2012-0393, EPA/DC, EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., 
Washington, DC. The 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 Public Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone 
number for the Air and Radiation is (202) 566-1742.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Sanders, Office of Air Quality 
Planning and Standards, Air Quality Policy Division, Mail Code C539-01, 
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; telephone: (919) 541-3356; fax 
number: 919-541-0824; email address: sanders.dave@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Why is the EPA using a direct final rule?

    This proposed action would revise the EPA's definition of VOCs for 
purposes of preparing SIPs to attain the NAAQS for ozone under title I 
of the CAA, by adding trans 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-ene (also 
known as SolsticeTM 1233zd(E)) to the list of compounds 
excluded from the definition of VOCs on the basis that this compound 
makes a negligible contribution to tropospheric ozone formation.\1\ We 
are publishing a direct final rule in the ``Rules and Regulations'' 
section of this Federal Register because we view this as a 
noncontroversial action and anticipate no adverse comment. We have 
explained our reasons for this action in the preamble to the direct 
final rule. The regulatory text for the proposal is identical to that 
for the direct final rule published in the ``Rules and Regulations'' 
section of this Federal Register. For further supplementary 
information, the detailed rationale for the proposal and the regulatory 
revisions, see the direct final rule published in a separate part of 
this Federal Register.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Trans 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-ene will also be 
marketed by Honeywell under the trade names SolsticeTM 
N12 Refrigerant, SolsticeTM Liquid Blowing Agent, 
SolsticeTM LBA, and SolsticeTM Performance 
Fluid.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If we receive no adverse comment, we will not take further action 
on this proposed rule. If we receive adverse comment, we will withdraw 
the direct final rule, and it will not take effect. We would address 
all public comments in any subsequent final rule base on this proposed 
rule. We do not intend to institute a second comment period on this 
action. Any parties interested in commenting must do so at this time. 
For further information, please see the information provided in the 
ADDRESSES section of this document.

B. Where can I get a copy of this document and other related 
information?

    In addition to being available in the docket, an electronic copy of 
this proposal will also be available on the World Wide Web. Following 
signature by the EPA Administrator, a copy of this action will be 
posted on the EPA's Web site www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/new.html.

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

    Submitting CBI: Do not submit this information to the EPA through 
www.regulations.gov or email. 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 the 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 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. Send or deliver information 
identified as CBI only to the following address: Roberto Morales, OAQPS 
Document Control Officer (C404-02), U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, 
NC 27711, Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2012-0393.

D. How can I find information about a possible public hearing?

    Public Hearing: If anyone contacts the EPA requesting to present 
oral testimony at a public hearing concerning the proposed regulation 
by February 25, 2013, we will hold a public hearing on March 4, 2013. 
If a public hearing is held, it will be held at 10 a.m. at Building C 
on the EPA campus in Research Triangle Park, NC, or at an alternate 
site nearby. Persons interested in presenting oral testimony must 
contact Pamela Long, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Air 
Quality Policy Division, Mail Code C504-01, Research Triangle Park, NC 
27711; telephone: (919) 541-0641; fax number: 919-541-5509; email 
address: long.pam@epa.gov, no later than February 25, 2013. Persons 
interested in attending the public hearing if one is held must also 
call Ms. Long to verify the time, date and location of the hearing. If 
no one contacts Ms. Long by February 25, 2013 with a request to present 
oral testimony at the hearing, we will cancel the hearing.

III. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive 
Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review

    This action is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under the 
terms of Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), and is 
therefore not subject to review under Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 
(76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011).

[[Page 11121]]

B. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This action does not impose an information collection burden under 
the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. 
Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.3(b). It does not contain any 
recordkeeping or reporting requirement.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) generally requires an agency 
to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis of any rule subject to 
notice and comment rulemaking requirements under the Administrative 
Procedure Act or any other statute unless the agency certifies that the 
proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. Small entities include small 
businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions.
    For purposes of assessing the impacts of this notice on small 
entities, small entity is defined as: (1) A small business that is a 
small industrial entity as defined in the U.S. Small Business 
Administration (SBA) size standards. (See 13 CFR 121.); (2) A 
governmental jurisdiction that is a government of a city, county, town, 
school district or special district with a population of less than 
50,000; and (3) A small organization that is any not-for-profit 
enterprise which is independently owned and operated and is not 
dominant in its field.
    After considering the economic impacts of today's proposed rule on 
small entities, I certify that this action will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. In 
determining whether a rule has a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities, the impact of concern is any 
significant adverse economic impact on small entities, since the 
primary purpose of the regulatory flexibility analyses is to identify 
and address regulatory alternatives ``which minimize any significant 
economic impact of the rule on small entities.'' 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604. 
Thus, an agency may certify that a rule will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities if the rule 
relieves regulatory burden, or otherwise has a positive economic effect 
on all of the small entities subject to the rule. This proposed rule 
would remove SolsticeTM 1233zd(E) from the definition of 
VOCs and thereby relieves users of the compound from requirements to 
control emissions of the compound. We have therefore concluded that 
today's proposed rule will relieve regulatory burden for all affected 
small entities.

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This action contains no federal mandates under the provisions of 
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), 2 U.S.C. 
1531-1538 for state, local or tribal governments or the private sector. 
The action imposes no enforceable duty on any state, local or tribal 
governments or the private sector. Therefore, this action is not 
subject to the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of the UMRA.
    This action is also not subject to the requirements of section 203 
of UMRA because it contains no regulatory requirements that might 
significantly or uniquely affect small governments. This proposed rule 
would remove SolsticeTM 1233zd(E) from the definition of 
VOCs and thereby relieves users of the compound from requirements to 
control emissions of the compound.

E. Executive Order 13132--Federalism

    This action does not have federalism implications. It will not have 
substantial direct effects on the 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. This proposed rule would remove 
SolsticeTM 1233zd(E) from the definition of VOCs and thereby 
relieves users from requirements to control emissions of the compound. 
Thus, Executive Order 13132 does not apply to this rule. In the spirit 
of Executive Order 13132, and consistent with EPA policy to promote 
communications between EPA and state and local governments, EPA 
specifically solicits comment on this proposed action from state and 
local officials.

F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian 
Tribal Governments

    This action does not have tribal implications, as specified in 
Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000). It would not 
have substantial direct effects on tribal governments, on the 
relationship between the Federal Government and Indian Tribes, or on 
the distribution of power and responsibilities between the federal 
government and Indian Tribes, as specified in Executive Order 13175. 
Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this rule. The EPA 
specifically solicits additional comment on this proposed action from 
tribal officials

G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental 
Health and Safety Risks

    This action is not subject to EO 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 
1997) because it is not economically significant as defined in EO 
12866. This action's health and risk assessments are contained in the 
direct final rule publishing in the ``Rules and Regulations'' section 
of this Federal Register and within the docket for this rulemaking. 
While this proposed rule is not subject to the Executive Order, the EPA 
has reason to believe that ozone has a disproportionate effect on 
active children who play outdoors (62 FR 38856; 38859, July 18, 1997). 
The EPA has not identified any specific studies on whether or to what 
extent SolsticeTM 1233zd(E) may affect children's health.

H. Executive Order 13211: Actions That Significantly Affect Energy 
Supply, Distribution or Use

    This action is not subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355 
(May 22, 2001)), because it is not a significant regulatory action 
under Executive Order 12866.

I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act

    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) directs the EPA to use voluntary consensus standards in its 
regulatory activities unless to do so would be inconsistent with 
applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards 
are technical standards (e.g., materials specifications, test methods, 
sampling procedures and business practices) that are developed or 
adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies. The NTTAA directs the 
EPA to provide Congress, through OMB, explanations when the agency 
decides not to use available and applicable voluntary consensus 
standards. This rulemaking does not involve technical standards. 
Therefore, the EPA has not considered the use of any voluntary 
consensus standards.

J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental 
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations

    Executive Order (EO) 12898 (59 FR 7629, Feb. 16, 1994) establishes 
federal executive policy on environmental justice. Its main provision 
directs federal agencies, to the greatest extent practicable and 
permitted by law, to make environmental justice part of their mission 
by identifying and addressing,

[[Page 11122]]

as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health or 
environmental effects of their programs, policies, and activities on 
minority populations and low-income populations in the United States.
    The EPA has determined that this proposed rule will not have 
disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental 
effects on minority or low-income populations because it does not 
affect the level of protection provided to human health or the 
environment.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 51

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Air pollution control, Ozone, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Volatile organic compounds.

    Dated: February 4, 2013.
Lisa P. Jackson,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2013-03063 Filed 2-14-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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