Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Updates to HCFC Trade Language As Applied to Article 5 Countries; Ratification Status of Parties to the Montreal Protocol; and Harmonized Tariff Schedule Commodity Codes, 16749-16752 [2014-05817]

Download as PDF emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 58 / Wednesday, March 26, 2014 / Proposed Rules (‘‘Eight-Hour Ozone Maintenance Plan’’) as a revision to the Arizona state implementation plan (SIP). In connection with the Eight-Hour Ozone Maintenance Plan, EPA finds that the maintenance demonstration showing how the area will continue to attain the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS for 10 years beyond redesignation and the contingency provisions describing the actions that the relevant State, regional, and local agencies will take in the event of a future monitored violation meet all applicable requirements for maintenance plans and related contingency provisions in CAA section 175A. EPA is also proposing to approve the motor vehicle emissions budgets in the Eight-Hour Ozone Maintenance Plan because we find they meet the applicable transportation conformity requirements under 40 CFR 93.118(e). The motor vehicle emissions budgets, 43.8 mtpd of VOC and 101.8 mtpd of NOX, include a 10% safety margin and correspond to the peak episode day (Thursday) during the June 2025 ozone episode that was used to model maintenance of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS in the Phoenix-Mesa area in the Eight-Hour Ozone Maintenance Plan. Second, under CAA section 107(d)(3)(D), we are proposing to approve ADEQ’s request, which accompanied the submitted of the maintenance plan, to redesignate the Phoenix-Mesa 8-hour ozone nonattainment area to attainment for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS. We are doing so based on our conclusion that the area has met the five criteria for redesignation under CAA section 107(d)(3)(E). Our conclusion in this regard is in turn based on our proposed determination that the area has attained the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS, that relevant portions of the Arizona SIP are fully approved, that the improvement in air quality is due to permanent and enforceable reductions in emissions, that Arizona has met all requirements applicable to the Phoenix-Mesa 8-hour ozone nonattainment area with respect to section 110 and part D of the CAA, and based on our proposed approval as part of this action of the Eight-Hour Ozone Maintenance Plan. EPA is soliciting public comments on the issues discussed in this document or on other relevant matters. We will accept comments from the public on this proposal for the next 30 days. We will consider these comments before taking final action. VII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews Under the CAA, redesignation of an area to attainment and the VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:14 Mar 25, 2014 Jkt 232001 accompanying approval of a maintenance plan under section 107(d)(3)(E) are actions that affect the status of a geographical area and do not impose any additional regulatory requirements on sources beyond those imposed by State law. Redesignation to attainment does not in and of itself create any new requirements, but rather results in the applicability of requirements contained in the CAA for areas that have been redesignated to attainment. Moreover, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and applicable Federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, EPA’s role is to approve State choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the Clean Air Act. Accordingly, these actions merely propose to approve a State plan and redesignation request as meeting Federal requirements and do not impose additional requirements beyond those by State law. For these reasons, these proposed actions: • Are not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993); • Do not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.); • Are certified as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); • Do not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4); • Do not have Federalism implications as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999); • Are not an economically significant regulatory action based on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997); • Are not a significant regulatory action subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001); • Are not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent with the CAA; and • Do not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to address disproportionate human health or environmental effects with practical, appropriate, and legally permissible PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 16749 methods under Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). In addition, this proposed rule does not have Tribal implications as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), because the SIP is not approved to apply in Indian country located in the State, and EPA notes that it will not impose substantial direct costs on Tribal governments or preempt Tribal law. Nonetheless, EPA has discussed the proposed action with the three Tribes, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, the Salt River-Pima Maricopa Indian Community, and the Tohono O’odham Nation located within the Phoenix-Mesa 8-hour ozone nonattainment area. List of Subjects 40 CFR Part 52 Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Volatile organic compounds. 40 CFR Part 81 Environmental protection, Air pollution control, National parks, Wilderness areas. Dated: March 14, 2014. Jared Blumenfeld, Regional Administrator, Region IX. [FR Doc. 2014–06661 Filed 3–25–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 82 [EPA–HQ–OAR–2013–0600; FRL–9906–74– OAR] RIN 2060–AR89 Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Updates to HCFC Trade Language As Applied to Article 5 Countries; Ratification Status of Parties to the Montreal Protocol; and Harmonized Tariff Schedule Commodity Codes Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to update: regulations governing trade of HCFCs to reflect that HCFC control measures have now taken effect for Parties operating under Article 5 of the Montreal Protocol; references to Party ratification status; tariff codes for ozone depleting substances to address changes made in 2012 by the U.S. International Trade SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\26MRP1.SGM 26MRP1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 16750 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 58 / Wednesday, March 26, 2014 / Proposed Rules Commission; and other minor provisions. In the ‘‘Rules and Regulations’’ section of this Federal Register, we are making these conforming edits 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 by April 25, 2014. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OAR–2013–0600, by one of the following methods: • www.regulations.gov: Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Email: a-and-r-docket@epa.gov • Mail: Docket # EPA–HQ–OAR– 2013–0600, Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Mail code: 6102T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20460. • Hand Delivery: Docket # EPA–HQ– OAR–2013–0600 Air and Radiation Docket at EPA West, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW., Room B108, Mail Code 6102T, Washington, DC 20004. 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–2013– 0600. 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. If you want to submit confidential comments, please send them to the individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:14 Mar 25, 2014 Jkt 232001 the body of you comment and with any disk or CD–ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA’s public docket, visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeremy Arling by telephone at (202) 343–9055 or by email at arling.jeremy@ epa.gov, or by mail at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Stratospheric Protection Division, Stratospheric Program Implementation Branch (6205J), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington DC 20460. You may also visit the Ozone Protection Web site of EPA’s Stratospheric Protection Division at www.epa.gov/ozone/ strathome.html for further information about EPA’s Stratospheric Ozone Protection regulations, the science of ozone layer depletion and related topics. Manufacturing entities (NAICS code 325120), including fluorinated hydrocarbon gas manufacturers and importers; Other Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS code 424690), including chemical gases and compressed gases merchant importers. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide for readers regarding the types of entities that could potentially be regulated by this action. Other types of entities not listed in this table could also be affected. To determine whether your facility, company, business organization, or other entity is regulated by this action, you should carefully examine these regulations. If you have questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. For further information, please see the information provided in the direct final action that is located in the ‘‘Rules and Regulations’’ section of this Federal Register publication. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: III. What are the procedures for notice and comment on this rulemaking? I. Why is EPA issuing this proposed rule? This document proposes to take action on ‘‘Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Updates to HCFC Trade Language as Applied to Article 5 Countries; Ratification Status of Parties to the Montreal Protocol; and Harmonized Tariff Schedule Commodity Codes.’’ We have published 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. 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 based 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. The direct final rule that’s publishing in the ‘‘Rules and Regulations’’ section of this Federal Register will be effective on June 24, 2014 without further notice unless we receive adverse comment by April 25, 2014. If EPA receives adverse comment, we will publish a timely withdrawal in the Federal Register informing the public that all or part of the direct final rule will not take effect. EPA will address all public comments in a subsequent final rule based on this proposed rule. We will not institute a second public comment period on this action. Any parties interested in commenting must do so at this time. You may claim that information in your comments is confidential business information, as allowed by 40 CFR part 2. If you submit comments and include information that you claim as confidential business information, we request that you submit them directly to Jeremy Arling in two versions: one clearly marked ‘‘Public’’ to be filed in the public docket, and the other marked ‘‘Confidential’’ to be reviewed by authorized government personnel only. For further information, please see the ADDRESSES section of this document. II. Does this action apply to me? This rulemaking will affect the following categories: Industrial Gas PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\26MRP1.SGM 26MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 58 / Wednesday, March 26, 2014 / Proposed Rules IV. 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). emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS B. Paperwork Reduction Act This action does not impose any new information collection burden. EPA already requires recordkeeping and reporting for ozone-depleting substances and this action does not amend those provisions. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has previously approved the information collection requirements contained in the existing regulations at 40 CFR part 82, subpart A under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. and has assigned OMB control number 2060–0498. The OMB control numbers for EPA’s regulations in 40 CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9. 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 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. We have considered the economic impacts of this rule on small entities. For purposes of assessing the impacts of this rule on small entities, a small entity is defined as: (1) A small business that is primarily engaged in industrial gas manufacturing as defined by NAICS codes 325120 with fewer than 1000 employees or engaged in wholesale of those gases as defined by NAICS codes 424620 with fewer than 100 employees; (2) a small 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:14 Mar 25, 2014 Jkt 232001 will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The only provision of this proposed rule that has the potential to affect small entities is the update to the HCFC trade ban prohibiting the import or export of HCFCs to four countries. Based on data reported to EPA, there are fewer than half a dozen companies that have exported to these countries in the last few years and none are small businesses. Although this proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, EPA nonetheless has tried to reduce the impact of this rule on small entities. In 2013 and 2014, EPA sent a letter to all importers and exporters notifying them of the trade ban provisions in the Montreal Protocol. We continue to be interested in the potential impacts of the proposed rule on small entities and welcome comments on issues related to such impacts. 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. UMRA does not apply to rules that are necessary for the national security or the ratification or implementation of international treaty obligations. This rule updates the regulations to reflect the provisions of the Montreal Protocol related to trade with non-Parties. Other changes in this rule are to improve the accuracy and consistency of the regulations and have no to little impact on the regulated community. Therefore, this action is not subject to the requirements of sections 202 or 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. Potentially affected entities are not government entities but rather producers, importers, and exporters of HCFCs. E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism This action does not have federalism implications. It does 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. Potentially affected entities are not government entities but rather producers, importers, PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 16751 and exporters of HCFCs. Thus, Executive Order 13132 does not apply to this action. 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). This action does not significantly or uniquely affect the communities of Indian tribal governments. It does not impose any enforceable duties on communities of Indian tribal governments. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this action. G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental Health and Safety Risks EPA interprets EO 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997) as applying only to those regulatory actions that concern health or safety risks, such that the analysis required under section 5–501 of the EO has the potential to influence the regulation. This action is not subject to EO 13045 because it implements specific trade provisions already agreed upon and in effect under an international treaty. 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, 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note) directs 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 EPA to provide Congress, through OMB, explanations when the Agency decides not to use available and applicable voluntary consensus standards. This proposed rulemaking does not involve technical standards. Therefore, EPA is not considering the use of any voluntary consensus standards. E:\FR\FM\26MRP1.SGM 26MRP1 16752 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 58 / Wednesday, March 26, 2014 / Proposed Rules 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, 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 U.S. EPA has determined that this action will not have disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority or low-income populations because it increases the level of environmental protection for all affected populations without having any disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on any population, including any minority or low-income population. This action updates regulatory provisions related to the HCFC trade ban: The effect is to prohibit export of HCFCs to a small list of countries that are not Party to the Beijing Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 82 Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, Air pollution control, Chemicals, Exports, Hydrochlorofluorocarbons, Imports. Dated: March 7, 2014. Gina McCarthy, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2014–05817 Filed 3–25–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 721 [EPA–HQ–OPPT–2012–0740; FRL–9907–54] emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS RIN 2070–AB27 Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances; Withdrawal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal. AGENCY: EPA is withdrawing a significant new use rule (SNUR) proposed under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for chemical SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:14 Mar 25, 2014 Jkt 232001 substances generically identified as vinylidene esters, which were the subject of premanufacture notices (PMNs) P–12–298 and P–12–299. The Agency is taking this action in response to public comments received on the proposed rule. DATES: Proposed § 721.10623, published in the Federal Register of April 18, 2013 (78 FR 23184) is withdrawn as of March 26, 2014. ADDRESSES: The docket for this action, identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA–HQ–OPPT–2012–0740, is available at https://www.regulations.gov or at the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics Docket (OPPT Docket), Environmental Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West Bldg., Rm. 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 OPPT Docket is (202) 566–0280. Please review the visitor instructions and additional information about the docket available at https:// www.epa.gov/dockets. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical information contact: Kenneth Moss, Chemical Control Division (7405M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone number: (202) 564–9232; email address: moss.kenneth@epa.gov. For general information contact: The TSCA-Hotline, ABVI-Goodwill, 422 South Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY 14620; telephone number: (202) 554– 1404; email address: TSCA-Hotline@ epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the Federal Register of November 2, 2012 (77 FR 66149) (FRL–9366–7), EPA issued a direct final SNUR on the chemical substances generically identified as vinylidene ester, which were the subject of premanufacture notices (PMNs) P–12–298 and P–12– 299, in accordance with the procedures at § 721.160(c)(3)(i). EPA received notices of intent to submit adverse comments on this SNUR. Therefore, as required by § 721.160(c)(3)(ii), EPA removed the direct final SNUR in a separate final rule published in the Federal Register of December 21, 2012 (77 FR 75566) (FRL 9373–8), and in the Federal Register of April 18, 2013 (78 FR 23184), EPA issued a proposed SNUR for these chemical substances. EPA is now withdrawing the April 18, 2013 proposed rule, issued for two PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 chemical substances which were the subject of PMN P–12–298 and P–12– 299. This action is being taken based upon experimental data provided by the PMN submitter, and relevant environmental fate and toxicity data associated with cyanoacrylates submitted to the Agency during the public comment period for the proposed SNUR. The Agency determined that this information demonstrated that cyanoacrylates, rather than esters identified in the proposed rule, are more appropriate structural analogues for assessment of potential toxicity of the PMN substances to aquatic organisms, which was the basis for the notification requirements in the proposed SNUR. Based on review of experimental data provided by the PMN submitter, and relevant environmental fate and toxicity data associated with cyanoacrylates, the Agency no longer supports the original concerns for toxicity to aquatic organisms. The Agency’s previous concerns for ecotoxicity are mitigated due to the fact that, like cyanoacrylates, the PMN substances react quickly in the presence of water or moisture and the hydrolysis products are not expected to produce toxic effects to aquatic organisms at saturation. The record for the direct final and proposed SNURs on these chemical substances was established as docket EPA–HQ–OPPT–2012–0740. That record includes information considered by the Agency in developing these rules and this withdrawal, and the public comments received. List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 721 Environmental protection, Chemicals, Hazardous substances, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: March 13, 2014. Maria J. Doa, Director, Chemical Control Division, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics. [FR Doc. 2014–06573 Filed 3–25–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 648 RIN 0648–BC77 Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Spiny Dogfish Fishery; Amendment 3 to the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\26MRP1.SGM 26MRP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 58 (Wednesday, March 26, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16749-16752]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-05817]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 82

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0600; FRL-9906-74-OAR]
RIN 2060-AR89


Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Updates to HCFC Trade Language 
As Applied to Article 5 Countries; Ratification Status of Parties to 
the Montreal Protocol; and Harmonized Tariff Schedule Commodity Codes

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to 
update: regulations governing trade of HCFCs to reflect that HCFC 
control measures have now taken effect for Parties operating under 
Article 5 of the Montreal Protocol; references to Party ratification 
status; tariff codes for ozone depleting substances to address changes 
made in 2012 by the U.S. International Trade

[[Page 16750]]

Commission; and other minor provisions. In the ``Rules and 
Regulations'' section of this Federal Register, we are making these 
conforming edits 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 by April 25, 2014.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OAR-2013-0600, by one of the following methods:
     www.regulations.gov: Follow the online instructions for 
submitting comments.
     Email: a-and-r-docket@epa.gov
     Mail: Docket  EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0600, Air and 
Radiation Docket and Information Center, U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency, Mail code: 6102T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 
20460.
     Hand Delivery: Docket  EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0600 Air 
and Radiation Docket at EPA West, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 
B108, Mail Code 6102T, Washington, DC 20004. 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-
2013-0600. 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. If 
you want to submit confidential comments, please send them to the 
individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. 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 you 
comment and with any disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your 
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for 
clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic 
files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of 
encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional 
information about EPA's public docket, visit the EPA Docket Center 
homepage at www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeremy Arling by telephone at (202) 
343-9055 or by email at arling.jeremy@epa.gov, or by mail at U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, Stratospheric Protection Division, 
Stratospheric Program Implementation Branch (6205J), 1200 Pennsylvania 
Ave. NW., Washington DC 20460. You may also visit the Ozone Protection 
Web site of EPA's Stratospheric Protection Division at www.epa.gov/ozone/strathome.html for further information about EPA's Stratospheric 
Ozone Protection regulations, the science of ozone layer depletion and 
related topics.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Why is EPA issuing this proposed rule?

    This document proposes to take action on ``Protection of 
Stratospheric Ozone: Updates to HCFC Trade Language as Applied to 
Article 5 Countries; Ratification Status of Parties to the Montreal 
Protocol; and Harmonized Tariff Schedule Commodity Codes.'' We have 
published 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.
    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 based 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.

II. Does this action apply to me?

    This rulemaking will affect the following categories: Industrial 
Gas Manufacturing entities (NAICS code 325120), including fluorinated 
hydrocarbon gas manufacturers and importers; Other Chemical and Allied 
Products Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS code 424690), including chemical 
gases and compressed gases merchant importers.
    This list is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a 
guide for readers regarding the types of entities that could 
potentially be regulated by this action. Other types of entities not 
listed in this table could also be affected. To determine whether your 
facility, company, business organization, or other entity is regulated 
by this action, you should carefully examine these regulations. If you 
have questions regarding the applicability of this action to a 
particular entity, consult the person listed in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section.
    For further information, please see the information provided in the 
direct final action that is located in the ``Rules and Regulations'' 
section of this Federal Register publication.

III. What are the procedures for notice and comment on this rulemaking?

    The direct final rule that's publishing in the ``Rules and 
Regulations'' section of this Federal Register will be effective on 
June 24, 2014 without further notice unless we receive adverse comment 
by April 25, 2014. If EPA receives adverse comment, we will publish a 
timely withdrawal in the Federal Register informing the public that all 
or part of the direct final rule will not take effect. EPA will address 
all public comments in a subsequent final rule based on this proposed 
rule. We will not institute a second public comment period on this 
action. Any parties interested in commenting must do so at this time.
    You may claim that information in your comments is confidential 
business information, as allowed by 40 CFR part 2. If you submit 
comments and include information that you claim as confidential 
business information, we request that you submit them directly to 
Jeremy Arling in two versions: one clearly marked ``Public'' to be 
filed in the public docket, and the other marked ``Confidential'' to be 
reviewed by authorized government personnel only. For further 
information, please see the ADDRESSES section of this document.

[[Page 16751]]

IV. 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).

B. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This action does not impose any new information collection burden. 
EPA already requires recordkeeping and reporting for ozone-depleting 
substances and this action does not amend those provisions. The Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB) has previously approved the information 
collection requirements contained in the existing regulations at 40 CFR 
part 82, subpart A under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 
44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. and has assigned OMB control number 2060-0498. 
The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations in 40 CFR are listed in 
40 CFR part 9.

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 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.
    We have considered the economic impacts of this rule on small 
entities. For purposes of assessing the impacts of this rule on small 
entities, a small entity is defined as: (1) A small business that is 
primarily engaged in industrial gas manufacturing as defined by NAICS 
codes 325120 with fewer than 1000 employees or engaged in wholesale of 
those gases as defined by NAICS codes 424620 with fewer than 100 
employees; (2) a small 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. The only 
provision of this proposed rule that has the potential to affect small 
entities is the update to the HCFC trade ban prohibiting the import or 
export of HCFCs to four countries. Based on data reported to EPA, there 
are fewer than half a dozen companies that have exported to these 
countries in the last few years and none are small businesses.
    Although this proposed rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities, EPA nonetheless has 
tried to reduce the impact of this rule on small entities. In 2013 and 
2014, EPA sent a letter to all importers and exporters notifying them 
of the trade ban provisions in the Montreal Protocol. We continue to be 
interested in the potential impacts of the proposed rule on small 
entities and welcome comments on issues related to such impacts.

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. UMRA does not apply to rules that are necessary for the 
national security or the ratification or implementation of 
international treaty obligations. This rule updates the regulations to 
reflect the provisions of the Montreal Protocol related to trade with 
non-Parties. Other changes in this rule are to improve the accuracy and 
consistency of the regulations and have no to little impact on the 
regulated community. Therefore, this action is not subject to the 
requirements of sections 202 or 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. Potentially 
affected entities are not government entities but rather producers, 
importers, and exporters of HCFCs.

E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism

    This action does not have federalism implications. It does 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. Potentially affected entities are 
not government entities but rather producers, importers, and exporters 
of HCFCs. Thus, Executive Order 13132 does not apply to this action.

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). This action does 
not significantly or uniquely affect the communities of Indian tribal 
governments. It does not impose any enforceable duties on communities 
of Indian tribal governments. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not 
apply to this action.

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

    EPA interprets EO 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997) as applying 
only to those regulatory actions that concern health or safety risks, 
such that the analysis required under section 5-501 of the EO has the 
potential to influence the regulation. This action is not subject to EO 
13045 because it implements specific trade provisions already agreed 
upon and in effect under an international treaty.

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, 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note) 
directs 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 EPA to provide 
Congress, through OMB, explanations when the Agency decides not to use 
available and applicable voluntary consensus standards. This proposed 
rulemaking does not involve technical standards. Therefore, EPA is not 
considering the use of any voluntary consensus standards.

[[Page 16752]]

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, 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 U.S.
    EPA has determined that this action will not have 
disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental 
effects on minority or low-income populations because it increases the 
level of environmental protection for all affected populations without 
having any disproportionately high and adverse human health or 
environmental effects on any population, including any minority or low-
income population. This action updates regulatory provisions related to 
the HCFC trade ban: The effect is to prohibit export of HCFCs to a 
small list of countries that are not Party to the Beijing Amendment to 
the Montreal Protocol.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 82

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Air pollution control, Chemicals, Exports, Hydrochlorofluorocarbons, 
Imports.

    Dated: March 7, 2014.
Gina McCarthy,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2014-05817 Filed 3-25-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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