Pseudomonas Fluorescens Strain D7; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance, 60748-60750 [2014-24028]

Download as PDF 60748 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 8, 2014 / Rules and Regulations Coast Guard commissioned, warrant or petty officer who has been designated by the COTP to act on the COTP’s behalf. The on-scene representative may be on a Coast Guard vessel; Maine State Police, Maine Marine Patrol or other designated craft; or may be on shore and communicating with vessels via VHF– FM radio or loudhailer. Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary may be present to inform vessel operators of this regulation. (6) All other relevant regulations, including but not limited to the Rules of the Road (33 CFR chapter I, subchapter E) remain in effect within the regulated area and must be strictly followed at all times. (c) Effective and enforcement period. This regulation is effective and enforceable 24 hours a day from 12:01 a.m. on September 19, 2014, until 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2017. (1) Prior to commencing or suspending enforcement of this regulation, the COTP will give notice by appropriate means to inform the affected segments of the public, to include dates and times. Such means of notification will include, but are not limited to, Broadcast Notice to Mariners, Local Notice to Mariners, and other means described in 33 CFR 165.7. (2) Violations of this RNA may be reported to the COTP at (207) 767–0303 or on VHF-Channel 16. Dated: September 19, 2014. V.B. Gifford, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Commander, First Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 2014–24080 Filed 10–7–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY I. General Information 40 CFR Part 180 [EPA–HQ–OPP–2013–0569; FRL–9916–13] Pseudomonas Fluorescens Strain D7; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with FRONTMATTER AGENCY: This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Pseudomonas fluorescens strain D7 in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. Ag-Chem Consulting, agent for Northwest Agricultural Products submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Oct 07, 2014 Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Pseudomonas fluorescens strain D7 under FFDCA. DATES: This regulation is effective October 8, 2014. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before December 8, 2014, and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION). ADDRESSES: The docket for this action, identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA–HQ–OPP–2013–0569, is available at https://www.regulations.gov or at the Office of Pesticide Programs Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket) in the Environmental Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001. 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 OPP Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review the visitor instructions and additional information about the docket available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert McNally, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division (7511P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001; main telephone number: (703) 305–7090; email address: BPPDFRNotices@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Jkt 232001 A. Does this action apply to me? You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer. The following list of North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide to help readers determine whether this document applies to them. Potentially affected entities may include: • Crop production (NAICS code 111). • Animal production (NAICS code 112). • Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311). • Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532). PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 B. How can I get electronic access to other related information? You may access a frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR part 180 through the Government Printing Office’s e-CFR site at https:// www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/ 40tab_02.tpl. C. How can I file an objection or hearing request? Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a(g), any person may file an objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a hearing on those objections. You must file your objection or request a hearing on this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify docket ID number EPA–HQ– OPP–2013–0569 in the subject line on the first page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must be in writing, and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before December 8, 2014. Addresses for mail and hand delivery of objections and hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR 178.25(b). In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please submit a copy of the filing (excluding any Confidential Business Information (CBI)) for inclusion in the public docket. Information not marked confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA without prior notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your objection or hearing request, identified by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP– 2013–0569, by one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. • Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/ DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001. • Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the instructions at https:// www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html. Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along with more information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets. E:\FR\FM\08OCR1.SGM 08OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 8, 2014 / Rules and Regulations II. Background and Statutory Findings In the Federal Register of September 12, 2013 (78 FR 56185) (FRL–9399–7), EPA issued a notice pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide tolerance petition (PP 2F8103) by Northwest Agricultural Products, 821 South Chestnut Ave., Pasco, WA 99301. The petition requested that 40 CFR part 180 be amended by establishing an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Pseudomonas fluorescens strain D7 in or on growing crops and rangeland. That notice referenced a summary of the petition prepared by the petitioner Ag-Chem Consulting as agent for Northwest Agricultural Products, which is available in the docket via https:// www.regulations.gov. No relevant comments were received in response to the notice of filing. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with FRONTMATTER III. Final Rule A. The EPA’s Safety Determination Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that the exemption is ‘‘safe.’’ Section 408(c)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable information.’’ This includes exposure through drinking water and in residential settings, but does not include occupational exposure. Pursuant to FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), in establishing or maintaining in effect an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance, EPA must take into account the factors set forth in FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C), which require EPA to give special consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide chemical residue in establishing a tolerance or tolerance exemption and to ‘‘ensure that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. . . .’’ Additionally, FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D) requires that the Agency consider ‘‘available information concerning the cumulative effects of [a particular pesticide’s] . . . residues and other substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity.’’ The EPA evaluated the available toxicity and exposure data on Pseudomonas fluorescens strain D7 and considered its validity, completeness, VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Oct 07, 2014 Jkt 232001 and reliability, as well as the relationship of this information to human risk. A full explanation of the data upon which the EPA relied and its risk assessment based on that data can be found within the August 22, 2014 document entitled, ‘‘Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) Considerations for Pseudomonas fluorescens strain D7.’’ This document, as well as other relevant information, is available in the docket for this action as described under ADDRESSES. Based upon that evaluation, the EPA concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the U.S. population, including infants and children, from aggregate exposure to residues of Pseudomonas fluorescens strain D7. Therefore, an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established for residues of Pseudomonas fluorescens strain D7 in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. EPA notes that although the petitioner requested an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Pseudomonas fluorescens strain D7 in or on ‘‘growing crops and rangeland,’’ neither of those terms is a recognized food commodity term used by the Agency in the establishment of tolerances. Nevertheless, the Agency considers the term ‘‘growing crops’’ to be quite broad, without limitations to the types of food commodities that it might cover and thus, is establishing a tolerance using the commodity terminology of ‘‘all food commodities’’ instead. B. Analytical Enforcement Methodology An analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes for the reasons contained in the document entitled, ‘‘Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) Considerations for Pseudomonas fluorescens strain D7,’’ and because the EPA is establishing an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance without any numerical limitation. C. International Residue Limits In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S. tolerances with international standards whenever possible, consistent with U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA considers the international maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as required by FFDCA section 408(b)(4). The Codex Alimentarius is a joint United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 60749 Organization food standards program, and it is recognized as an international food safety standards-setting organization in trade agreements to which the United States is a party. EPA may establish a tolerance that is different from a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain the reasons for departing from the Codex level. The Codex has not established a MRL for Pseudomonas fluorescens strain D7. IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews This final rule establishes a tolerance exemption under FFDCA section 408(d) in response to a petition submitted to the Agency. 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). Because this final rule has been exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this final 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) or Executive Order 13045, entitled ‘‘Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). This final rule does not contain any information collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., nor does it require any special considerations under Executive Order 12898, entitled ‘‘Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations’’ (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis of a petition under FFDCA section 408(d), such as the tolerance exemption in this final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), do not apply. This final rule directly regulates growers, food processors, food handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this action alter the relationships or distribution of power and responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions of FFDCA section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency has determined that this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or tribal governments, on the relationship between the national government and the States or tribal governments, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the E:\FR\FM\08OCR1.SGM 08OCR1 60750 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 8, 2014 / Rules and Regulations various levels of government or between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined that Executive Order 13132, entitled ‘‘Federalism’’ (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999) and Executive Order 13175, entitled ‘‘Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply to this final rule. In addition, this final rule does not impose any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.). This action does not involve any technical standards that would require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note). V. Congressional Review Act Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. This action is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180 Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: August 29, 2014. Marty Monell, Acting Director, Office of Pesticide Programs. Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows: PART 180—[AMENDED] 1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371. 2. Add § 180.1326 to subpart D to read as follows: asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with FRONTMATTER ■ § 180.1326 Pseudomonas fluorescens strain D7; exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established for residues of Pseudomonas fluorescens strain D7 in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. [FR Doc. 2014–24028 Filed 10–7–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Oct 07, 2014 Jkt 232001 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 194 [EPA–HQ–OAR–2013–0684; FRL–9917–57– OAR] RIN 2060–AR60 Criteria for the Certification and Recertification of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant’s Compliance With the Disposal Regulations; Panel Closure Redesign Environmental Protection Agency. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: With this document, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, or the Agency) approves the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE, or the Department) planned change request to implement the Run-of-Mine Panel Closure System (ROMPCS) at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and amends the WIPP Compliance Criteria to allow an EPA-approved panel closure other than the currently-required Option D design. Technical analyses demonstrate that, with the modified panel closure design, WIPP remains in compliance with the 10,000 year release limits set by the ‘‘Environmental Standards for the Management and Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel, High-Level and Transuranic (TRU) Radioactive Waste.’’ The changes do not lessen the requirements for complying with the Compliance Criteria, nor do these changes impact the technical approach that the EPA will employ when considering any future planned changes to the panel closure system. Compliance with environmental or public health regulations other than the EPA’s longterm radioactive waste disposal regulations and WIPP Compliance Criteria is not addressed by today’s action. DATES: Effective October 8, 2014. ADDRESSES: 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, 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. The EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID No. [EPA–HQ–OAR–2013–0684; FRL–9917– 57–OAR]. Publicly available docket materials related to this action (e.g., the Technical Support document [TSD]) are available either electronically through www.regulations.gov, on the Agency’s SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 WIPP Web site (https://www.epa.gov/ radiation/wipp) or in hard copy at the Air and Radiation Docket in the EPA Docket Center, (EPA/DC) EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20004. The EPA Docket Center 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 Docket is (202) 566–1742. In accordance with the EPA’s regulations at 40 CFR part 2 and in accordance with normal EPA docket procedures, if copies of any docket materials are requested, a reasonable fee may be charged for photocopying. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ray Lee or Jonathan Walsh, Radiation Protection Division, Mail Code 6608J, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC, 20460; telephone number: 202–343–9463 or 202–343– 9238; fax number: 202–343–2305; email address: lee.raymond@epa.gov or walsh.jonathan@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Preamble Acronyms and Abbreviations Several acronyms and terms used to describe components of the WIPP disposal system and performance assessment computer models are included in this preamble. To ease the reading of this preamble and for reference purposes, the following terms are defined here: BRAGFLO Computer model used to simulate brine and gas flow CBFO Carlsbad Field Office CCA Compliance Certification Application CCDF Complementary Cumulative Distribution Function CFR Code of Federal Regulations DBR Direct Brine Release DOE U.S. Department of Energy DRZ Disturbed Rock Zone EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency FEPs Features, Events and Processes LWA Land Withdrawal Act MSHA Mine Safety and Health Administration NMED New Mexico Environment Department OPC Ordinary Portland Cement PA Performance Assessment PABC Performance Assessment Baseline Calculation PAVT Performance Assessment Verification Test PCS Panel Closure System PCS–2012 Panel Closure System 2012 Performance Assessment PCR Planned Change Request PC3R Panel Closure Redesign and Repository Reconfiguration Performance Assessment PMR Permit Modification Request E:\FR\FM\08OCR1.SGM 08OCR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 195 (Wednesday, October 8, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60748-60750]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-24028]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0569; FRL-9916-13]


Pseudomonas Fluorescens Strain D7; Exemption From the Requirement 
of a Tolerance

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement 
of a tolerance for residues of Pseudomonas fluorescens strain D7 in or 
on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions 
and good agricultural practices. Ag-Chem Consulting, agent for 
Northwest Agricultural Products submitted a petition to EPA under the 
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption 
from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the 
need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of 
Pseudomonas fluorescens strain D7 under FFDCA.

DATES: This regulation is effective October 8, 2014. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before December 8, 2014, 
and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 
CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).

ADDRESSES: The docket for this action, identified by docket 
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0569, is available at https://www.regulations.gov or at the Office of Pesticide Programs Regulatory 
Public Docket (OPP Docket) in the Environmental Protection Agency 
Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 
1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001. 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 OPP 
Docket is (703) 305-5805. Please review the visitor instructions and 
additional information about the docket available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert McNally, Biopesticides and 
Pollution Prevention Division (7511P), Office of Pesticide Programs, 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., 
Washington, DC 20460-0001; main telephone number: (703) 305-7090; email 
address: BPPDFRNotices@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

    You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an 
agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer. 
The following list of North American Industrial Classification System 
(NAICS) codes is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a 
guide to help readers determine whether this document applies to them. 
Potentially affected entities may include:
     Crop production (NAICS code 111).
     Animal production (NAICS code 112).
     Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
     Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532).

B. How can I get electronic access to other related information?

    You may access a frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR 
part 180 through the Government Printing Office's e-CFR site at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40tab_02.tpl.

C. How can I file an objection or hearing request?

    Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a(g), any person may file 
an objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a 
hearing on those objections. You must file your objection or request a 
hearing on this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided 
in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify 
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0569 in the subject line on the first 
page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must 
be in writing, and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before 
December 8, 2014. Addresses for mail and hand delivery of objections 
and hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR 178.25(b).
    In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the 
Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please submit a copy of 
the filing (excluding any Confidential Business Information (CBI)) for 
inclusion in the public docket. Information not marked confidential 
pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA without 
prior notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your objection or hearing 
request, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0569, by one of 
the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit 
electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
     Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket 
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 
20460-0001.
     Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand 
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the 
instructions at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
    Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along 
with more information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.

[[Page 60749]]

II. Background and Statutory Findings

    In the Federal Register of September 12, 2013 (78 FR 56185) (FRL-
9399-7), EPA issued a notice pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide tolerance 
petition (PP 2F8103) by Northwest Agricultural Products, 821 South 
Chestnut Ave., Pasco, WA 99301. The petition requested that 40 CFR part 
180 be amended by establishing an exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance for residues of Pseudomonas fluorescens strain D7 in or on 
growing crops and rangeland. That notice referenced a summary of the 
petition prepared by the petitioner Ag-Chem Consulting as agent for 
Northwest Agricultural Products, which is available in the docket via 
https://www.regulations.gov. No relevant comments were received in 
response to the notice of filing.

III. Final Rule

A. The EPA's Safety Determination

    Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an 
exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a 
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that 
the exemption is ``safe.'' Section 408(c)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines 
``safe'' to mean that ``there is a reasonable certainty that no harm 
will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue, 
including all anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for 
which there is reliable information.'' This includes exposure through 
drinking water and in residential settings, but does not include 
occupational exposure. Pursuant to FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), in 
establishing or maintaining in effect an exemption from the requirement 
of a tolerance, EPA must take into account the factors set forth in 
FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C), which require EPA to give special 
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide 
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance or tolerance exemption and 
to ``ensure that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will 
result to infants and children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide 
chemical residue. . . .'' Additionally, FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D) 
requires that the Agency consider ``available information concerning 
the cumulative effects of [a particular pesticide's] . . . residues and 
other substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity.''
    The EPA evaluated the available toxicity and exposure data on 
Pseudomonas fluorescens strain D7 and considered its validity, 
completeness, and reliability, as well as the relationship of this 
information to human risk. A full explanation of the data upon which 
the EPA relied and its risk assessment based on that data can be found 
within the August 22, 2014 document entitled, ``Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) Considerations for Pseudomonas fluorescens strain 
D7.'' This document, as well as other relevant information, is 
available in the docket for this action as described under ADDRESSES.
    Based upon that evaluation, the EPA concludes that there is a 
reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the U.S. population, 
including infants and children, from aggregate exposure to residues of 
Pseudomonas fluorescens strain D7. Therefore, an exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance is established for residues of Pseudomonas 
fluorescens strain D7 in or on all food commodities when used in 
accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices.
    EPA notes that although the petitioner requested an exemption from 
the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Pseudomonas fluorescens 
strain D7 in or on ``growing crops and rangeland,'' neither of those 
terms is a recognized food commodity term used by the Agency in the 
establishment of tolerances. Nevertheless, the Agency considers the 
term ``growing crops'' to be quite broad, without limitations to the 
types of food commodities that it might cover and thus, is establishing 
a tolerance using the commodity terminology of ``all food commodities'' 
instead.

B. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    An analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes for 
the reasons contained in the document entitled, ``Federal Food, Drug, 
and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) Considerations for Pseudomonas fluorescens 
strain D7,'' and because the EPA is establishing an exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance without any numerical limitation.

C. International Residue Limits

    In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S. 
tolerances with international standards whenever possible, consistent 
with U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA 
considers the international maximum residue limits (MRLs) established 
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as required by FFDCA 
section 408(b)(4). The Codex Alimentarius is a joint United Nations 
Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization food 
standards program, and it is recognized as an international food safety 
standards-setting organization in trade agreements to which the United 
States is a party. EPA may establish a tolerance that is different from 
a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain 
the reasons for departing from the Codex level.
    The Codex has not established a MRL for Pseudomonas fluorescens 
strain D7.

IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This final rule establishes a tolerance exemption under FFDCA 
section 408(d) in response to a petition submitted to the Agency. 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). Because this 
final rule has been exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, 
this final 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) or Executive 
Order 13045, entitled ``Protection of Children from Environmental 
Health Risks and Safety Risks'' (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). This 
final rule does not contain any information collections subject to OMB 
approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et 
seq., nor does it require any special considerations under Executive 
Order 12898, entitled ``Federal Actions to Address Environmental 
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations'' (59 FR 
7629, February 16, 1994).
    Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis 
of a petition under FFDCA section 408(d), such as the tolerance 
exemption in this final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed 
rule, the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 
U.S.C. 601 et seq.), do not apply.
    This final rule directly regulates growers, food processors, food 
handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this 
action alter the relationships or distribution of power and 
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions 
of FFDCA section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency has determined that 
this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or 
tribal governments, on the relationship between the national government 
and the States or tribal governments, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the

[[Page 60750]]

various levels of government or between the Federal Government and 
Indian tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined that Executive Order 
13132, entitled ``Federalism'' (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999) and 
Executive Order 13175, entitled ``Consultation and Coordination with 
Indian Tribal Governments'' (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000) do not 
apply to this final rule. In addition, this final rule does not impose 
any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded mandate as described under 
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 
1501 et seq.).
    This action does not involve any technical standards that would 
require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant 
to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement 
Act of 1995 (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).

V. Congressional Review Act

    Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 
EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other required 
information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and 
the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of 
the rule in the Federal Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' 
as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: August 29, 2014.
Marty Monell,
Acting Director, Office of Pesticide Programs.
    Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:

PART 180--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.


0
2. Add Sec.  180.1326 to subpart D to read as follows:


Sec.  180.1326  Pseudomonas fluorescens strain D7; exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance.

    An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established for 
residues of Pseudomonas fluorescens strain D7 in or on all food 
commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good 
agricultural practices.

[FR Doc. 2014-24028 Filed 10-7-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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