Partial Exemption of Certain Chemical Substances From Reporting Additional Chemical Data, 66655-66658 [2014-26640]
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66655
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 217 / Monday, November 10, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255,
August 10, 1999). This rule merely
corrects inadvertent errors for the two
aforementioned rule titles contained in
the North Carolina regulations which
EPA approved on October 30, 2002, and
does not alter the relationship or the
distribution of power and
responsibilities established in the Clean
Air Act (CAA). This rule also is not
subject to Executive Order 13045
‘‘Protection of Children from
Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks’’ (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997),
because it is not economically
significant. In addition, this rule does
not involve technical standards, thus
the requirements of section 12(d) of the
National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C.
272 note) do not apply. This rule also
does not impose an information
collection burden under the provisions
of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
The Congressional Review Act, 5
U.S.C. section 801 et seq., as added by
the Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996,
generally provides that before a rule
may take effect, the agency
promulgating the rule must submit a
rule report, which includes a copy of
the rule, to each House of the Congress
and to the Comptroller General of the
United States. 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. A major rule
cannot take effect until 60 days after it
is published 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 52
Environmental protection, Air
pollution control, Carbon monoxide,
Incorporation by reference,
Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen
dioxide, Ozone, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Volatile
organic compounds.
Dated: October 23, 2014.
V. Anne Heard,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 4.
40 CFR part 52 is amended as follows:
PART 52—APPROVAL AND
PROMULGATION OF
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
1. The authority citation for part 52
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Subpart II—North Carolina
2. Section 52.1770(c) is amended in
Table 1, under ‘‘Subchapter 2D Air
Pollution Control Requirements’’,
‘‘Section .1000 Motor Vehicle Emissions
Control Standard’’ by revising the
entries for ‘‘Sect .1004’’ and ‘‘Sect
.1005’’ to read as follows:
■
§ 52.1770
*
Identification of plan.
*
*
(c) * * *
*
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TABLE 1—EPA-APPROVED NORTH CAROLINA REGULATIONS
State citation
State effective
date
Title/Subject
EPA Approval date
Explanation
Subchapter 2D Air Pollution Control Requirements
*
*
*
*
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Section .1000 Motor Vehicle Emissions Control Standard
*
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Sect .1004 ........................................
Sect .1005 ........................................
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Tailpipe Emission Standards for
CO and HC.
On-Board Diagnostic Standards .....
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BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 711
[EPA–HQ–OPPT–2014–0347; FRL–9918–23]
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES
RIN 2070–AK01
Partial Exemption of Certain Chemical
Substances From Reporting Additional
Chemical Data
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Direct final rule.
AGENCY:
14:43 Nov 07, 2014
*
EPA is amending the list of
chemical substances that are partially
exempt from reporting additional
information under the Chemical Data
Reporting (CDR) rule. EPA has
determined that, based on the totality of
information on the chemical substances
listed in this document, the Agency has
low current interest in their CDR
processing and use information. EPA
reached this conclusion after
considering a number of factors,
including: The risk of adverse human
health or environmental effects,
information needs for CDR processing
and use information, and the
availability of other sources of
comparable processing and use
information.
SUMMARY:
[FR Doc. 2014–26521 Filed 11–7–14; 8:45 am]
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This direct final rule is effective
January 9, 2015 without further notice,
unless EPA receives adverse comment
on or before December 10, 2014. If EPA
receives written adverse comments, EPA
will withdraw the applicable partial
exemption in this direct final rule before
its effective date. See also Unit II. of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
DATES:
Submit your comments,
identified by docket identification (ID)
number EPA–HQ–OPPT–2014–0347 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
Confidential Business Information (CBI)
ADDRESSES:
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 217 / Monday, November 10, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
or other information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute.
• Mail: Document Control Office
(7407M), Office of Pollution Prevention
and Toxics (OPPT), Environmental
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001.
• Hand Delivery: 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
technical information contact: Karen
Hoffman, Chemical Control Division
(7405M), Office of Pollution Prevention
and Toxics, Environmental Protection
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.,
Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone
number: (202) 564–8158; email address:
hoffman.karen@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:
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I. Executive Summary
A. What action is the Agency taking?
This partial exemption eliminates an
existing reporting requirement under 40
CFR 711.6(b)(2). With this direct final
rule, the following chemical substances
are being exempted from reporting of
the information described in 40 CFR
711.15(b)(4): D-Fructose (Chemical
Abstract Registry Number (CASRN) 57–
48–7); 1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid,
2-hydroxy-, sodium salt (1:3) (CASRN
68–04–2); 1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic
acid, 2-hydroxy- (CASRN 77–92–9);
1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, 2hydroxy-, potassium salt (1:3) (CASRN
866–84–2); corn, steep liquor (CASRN
66071–94–1); and soybean oil,
epoxidized (CASRN 8013–07–8).
However, by existing terms at 40 CFR
711.6, this partial exemption will
become inapplicable to a subject
chemical substance in the event that the
chemical substance later becomes the
subject of a rule proposed or
promulgated under section 4, 5(a)(2),
5(b)(4), or 6 of the Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA); an enforceable
consent agreement (ECA) developed
under the procedures of 40 CFR part
790; an order issued under TSCA
section 5(e) or 5(f); or relief that has
been granted under a civil action under
TSCA section 5 or 7.
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B. Why is the Agency taking this action?
This amendment is in response to
four petition requests covering six
chemical substances (Refs. 1, 2, 3, and
4) submitted under 40 CFR
711.6(b)(2)(iii)(A). EPA reviewed the
information put forward in the petitions
and additional information against the
considerations listed at 40 CFR
711.6(b)(2)(ii). EPA’s chemical
substance-specific analysis is detailed in
supplementary documents available in
the docket under docket ID number
EPA–HQ–OPPT–2014–0347 (Refs. 5, 6,
7, 8, 9, and 10). The Agency is adding
these six chemical substances to the
partially exempt chemical substances
list because it has concluded that, based
on the totality of information available,
the CDR processing and use information
for these chemical substances is of low
current interest.
C. What is the Agency’s authority for
taking this action?
This action is issued under the
authority of TSCA, 15 U.S.C. 2600 et
seq., to carry out the provisions of TSCA
section 8(a), 15 U.S.C. 2607(a). Section
8(a) of TSCA authorizes EPA to
promulgate rules under which
manufacturers of chemical substances
and mixtures must submit such
information as the Agency may
reasonably require. The partial
exemption list was established in 2003
(Ref. 11) and can be found in 40 CFR
711.6.
D. What are the impacts of this action?
There are no costs associated with
this action and the benefits provided are
related to avoiding potential costs. This
partial exemption eliminates an existing
reporting requirement without imposing
any new requirements. See also the
discussion in Unit V.
E. Does this action apply to me?
You may be potentially affected by
this action if you manufacture (defined
by statute at 15 U.S.C. 2602(7) to
include import) the chemical substances
contained in this direct final rule. The
North American Industrial
Classification System (NAICS) codes
provided here are not intended to be
exhaustive, but rather provide a guide to
help readers determine whether this
document applies to them. Potentially
affected entities may include chemical
manufacturers subject to CDR reporting
of one or more subject chemical
substances (NAICS codes 325 and
324110), e.g., chemical manufacturing
and petroleum refineries.
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F. What should I consider as I prepare
my comments for EPA?
1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit CBI
to EPA through 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 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.
2. Tips for preparing your comments.
When preparing and submitting your
comments, see the commenting tips at
https://www.epa.gov/dockets/
comments.html.
II. Direct Final Rule Procedures
EPA is issuing this partial exemption
as a direct final rule because it views
this as a non-controversial action and
anticipates no adverse comment. This
direct final rule allows for comments to
be submitted on or before December 10,
2014. In any comment submitted, please
specify whether the comment is adverse
and whether it applies to a certain
chemical substance or chemical
substances or all of the chemical
substances in the direct final rule.
If EPA receives timely adverse
comment, we will publish a withdrawal
in the Federal Register informing the
public that the amendments related to
the adverse comment will not take
effect. At that time, EPA may also issue
a notice of proposed rulemaking
respecting the addition of one or more
of these chemical substances to the list
of chemical substances that are exempt
from reporting the information
described in 40 CFR 711.15(b)(4).
If EPA does not receive any timely
adverse comment, this amendment will
become effective as indicated under
DATES without any further action by
EPA.
III. Petition Process and ‘‘Low Current
Interest’’ Partial Exemption
In 2003, EPA established a partial
exemption for certain chemical
substances for which EPA determined
the processing and use information
required in 40 CFR part 711 to be of
‘‘low current interest.’’ That provision
enables the public to petition EPA to
add or remove a chemical substance to
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or from the list of partially exempt
chemical substances. In determining
whether the partial exemption should
apply to a particular chemical
substance, EPA considers the totality of
information available for the chemical
substance in question, including but not
limited to information associated with
one or more of the considerations listed
at 40 CFR 711.6(b)(2)(ii).
The addition of a chemical substance
under this partial exemption will not
necessarily be based on its potential
risks. The addition is based on the
Agency’s current assessment of the need
for collecting CDR processing and use
information for that chemical substance,
based upon the totality of information
considered during the petition review
process. Additionally, interest in a
chemical substance or a chemical
substance’s processing and use
information may increase in the future,
at which time EPA will reconsider the
applicability of a partial exemption for
a chemical substance.
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IV. Rationale for These Partial
Exemptions
EPA is granting a partial exemption
for: D-fructose (CASRN 57–48–7); 1,2,3propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-,
sodium salt (1:3) (CASRN 68–4–2);
1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, 2hydroxy-(CASRN 77–92–9); 1,2,3propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-,
potassium salt (1:3) (CASRN 866–84–2);
corn, steep liquor (CASRN 66071–94–1);
and soybean oil, epoxidized (CASRN
8013–07–8) because the Agency has
concluded it has low current interest in
the processing and use information for
these chemical substances. EPA made
these determinations based on our
analysis of the totality of information on
the six chemical substances, including
information about the chemical
substances relevant to the
considerations defined at 40 CFR
711.6(b)(2)(ii). EPA’s chemical
substance-specific analysis is detailed in
supplementary documents available in
the docket under docket ID number
EPA–HQ–OPPT–2014&0347 (Refs. 5, 6,
7, 8, 9, and 10).
V. Economic Impacts
EPA has evaluated the economic
consequences associated with amending
the CDR partially exempt chemical
substances list. Since this direct final
rule creates a partial exemption from
CDR reporting, without creating any
new reporting or recordkeeping
requirements, this action does not
impose any new burden. Based on the
currently approved Information
Collection Request (ICR), the burden
estimates for reporting processing and
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use information are 65.63 hours per
submission. Based on 2012 CDR
reporting, EPA estimates that 91
submissions with manufacture volumes
of 25,000 pounds or greater will be
received for these 6 chemical substances
in 2016 and subsequent reporting years.
Eliminating the requirement to report
processing and use information for these
submissions results in a total burden
savings of approximately 5,972 hours
and $368,277 in future reporting cycles
(Ref. 12).
VI. References
The following is a listing of the
documents that are specifically
referenced in this document. The docket
includes these documents and other
information considered by EPA,
including documents that are referenced
within the documents that are included
in the docket, even if the referenced
document is not physically located in
the docket. For assistance in locating
these other documents, please consult
the technical person listed under FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
1. Letter from Herbert Estreicher, Esq., Keller
and Heckman LLP, to EPA, OPPT CDR
Submission Coordinator, April 9, 2014.
Docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPPT–
2014–0347, regarding request for
exemption of Epoxidized Soybean Oil
from TSCA Chemical Data Reporting
(CDR) processing and use information
reporting requirements in 2016.
2. Letter from Herbert Estreicher, Esq., Keller
and Heckman LLP, to OPPT CDR
Submission Coordinator, April 21, 2014.
Docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPPT–
2014–0347, regarding request for
exemption of Citric Acid, Trisodium
Citrate and Tripotassium Citrate from
TSCA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
processing and use information reporting
requirements in 2016.
3. Letter from Herbert Estreicher, Esq., Keller
and Heckman LLP, to OPPT CDR
Submission Coordinator, April 21, 2014.
Docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPPT–
2014–0347, regarding request for
exemption of Fructose from TSCA
Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
processing and use information reporting
requirements in 2016.
4. Letter from Herbert Estreicher, Esq., Keller
and Heckman LLP, to OPPT CDR
Submission Coordinator, April 21, 2014.
Docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPPT–
2014–0347, regarding request for
exemption of Corn Steep Liquor from
TSCA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
processing and use information reporting
requirements in 2016.
5. EPA, OPPT. 1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic
acid, 2-hydroxy-(CASRN 77–92–9)
Partial Exemption Analysis. October
2014.
6. EPA, OPPT. 1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic
acid, 2-hydroxy-, sodium salt (1:3)
CASRN 68–04–2) Partial Exemption
Analysis. October 2014.
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66657
7. EPA, OPPT. 1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic
acid, 2-hydroxy-, potassium salt (1:3)
(CASRN 866–84–2) Partial Exemption
Analysis. October 2014.
8. EPA, OPPT. D-Fructose (CASRN 57–48–7)
Partial Exemption Analysis. October
2014.
9. EPA, OPPT. Corn, steep liquor (CASRN
66071–94–1) Partial Exemption Analysis.
October 2014.
10. EPA, OPPT. Soybean oil, epoxidized
(CASRN 8013–07–8). Partial Exemption
Analysis. October 2014.
11. EPA. TSCA Inventory Update Rule
Amendments; Final Rule. Federal
Register (68 FR 848, January 7, 2003)
(FRL–6767–4).
12. EPA, OPPT. Cost Savings Estimate of
Adding Six Chemicals to the 40 CFR
711.6(b)(2)(iv) List of Chemical
Substances. July 22, 2014.
VII. 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 as defined by
Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735,
October 4, 1993). Accordingly, this
action was not submitted to the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) for
review under Executive Orders 12866
and 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21,
2011).
B. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
According to PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et
seq., an agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to a collection of information
that requires OMB approval under PRA,
unless it has been approved by OMB
and displays a currently valid OMB
control number. The OMB control
numbers for EPA regulations in title 40
of the CFR, after appearing in the
Federal Register, are listed in 40 CFR
part 9, and included on the related
collection instrument or form, as
applicable.
The information collection
requirements related to CDR have
already been approved by OMB
pursuant to PRA under OMB control
number 2070–0162 (EPA ICR No.
1884.06). Since this action creates a
partial exemption from that reporting,
without creating any new reporting or
recordkeeping requirements, this action
does not impose any new burdens that
require additional OMB approval.
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
I certify that this action will not have
a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities
under RFA, 5 U.S.C 601 et seq. In
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making this determination, the impact
of concern is any significant adverse
economic impact on small entities,
because the primary purpose of a final
regulatory flexibility analysis is to
identify and address regulatory
alternatives that ‘‘minimize the
significant economic impact on small
entities’’ 5 U.S.C. 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 has no net burden effect on the
small entities subject to the rule.
As indicated previously, EPA is
eliminating an existing reporting
requirement for the chemical substances
identified in this document. In granting
a partial exemption from existing
reporting, this action will not have a
significant economic impact on any
affected entities, regardless of their size.
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
(UMRA)
This action does not contain any
unfunded mandate as described in
UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1531–1538, and does
not significantly or uniquely affect small
governments. In granting a partial
exemption from existing reporting, this
action imposes no new enforceable duty
on any State, local, or Tribal
governments, or on the private sector. In
addition, based on EPA’s experience
with CDR under TSCA, State, local, and
Tribal governments are not engaged in
the activities that would require them to
report chemical data under 40 CFR part
711.
E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
This action would not have a
substantial direct effect on States, on the
relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government, as specified in
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255,
August 10, 1999).
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F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation
and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
This action does not have Tribal
implications because it is not expected
to have substantial direct effects on
Indian Tribes. This action does not
significantly or uniquely affect the
communities of Indian Tribal
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governments, nor involve or impose any
requirements that affect Indian Tribes.
Accordingly, the requirements of
Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249,
November 9, 2000) do not apply to this
action.
G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of
Children From Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks
This action is not subject to Executive
Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23,
1997), because this action does not
address environmental health or safety
risks disproportionately affecting
children.
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 this action is not
expected to affect energy supply,
distribution, or use.
I. National Technology Transfer
Advancement Act (NTTAA)
Since this action does not involve any
technical standards, NTTAA section
12(d), 15 U.S.C. 272 note, does not
apply to this action.
J. Executive Order 12898: Federal
Actions To Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and
Low-Income Populations
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 does
not affect the level of protection
provided to human health or the
environment. As such, this action does
not entail special considerations of
environmental justice related issues as
delineated by Executive Order 12898
(59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
VIII. Congressional Review Act (CRA)
Pursuant to the CRA, 5 U.S.C. 801 et
seq., EPA will submit a report
containing this action 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 action
in the Federal Register. This action is
not a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined by 5
U.S.C. 804(2).
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List of Subjects 40 CFR Part 711
Environmental protection, Chemicals,
Hazardous substances, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: November 3, 2014.
James Jones,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Chemical
Safety and Pollution Prevention.
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
PART 711—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 711
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2607(a).
2. In § 711.6, add in numerical order
by CASRN number the following entries
to Table 2 in paragraph (b)(2)(iv) to read
as follows:
■
§ 711.6 Chemical substances for which
information is not required.
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(b) * * *
(2) * * *
(iv) * * *
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TABLE 2—CASRN OF PARTIALLY
EXEMPT CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES
CASRN
Chemical
*
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57–48–7 .............
*
*
D-fructose
*
*
68–04–2 .............
*
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1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic
acid, 2-hydroxy-, sodium salt (1:3)
*
*
77–92–9 .............
*
*
*
1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic
acid, 2-hydroxy-
*
*
866-84-2 .............
*
*
*
1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic
acid, 2-hydroxy-, potassium salt (1:3)
*
*
8013–07–8 .........
*
*
*
Soybean oil, epoxidized
*
*
66071–94–1 .......
*
*
Corn, steep liquor
*
*
*
*
[FR Doc. 2014–26640 Filed 11–7–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 217 (Monday, November 10, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 66655-66658]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-26640]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 711
[EPA-HQ-OPPT-2014-0347; FRL-9918-23]
RIN 2070-AK01
Partial Exemption of Certain Chemical Substances From Reporting
Additional Chemical Data
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Direct final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: EPA is amending the list of chemical substances that are
partially exempt from reporting additional information under the
Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) rule. EPA has determined that, based on
the totality of information on the chemical substances listed in this
document, the Agency has low current interest in their CDR processing
and use information. EPA reached this conclusion after considering a
number of factors, including: The risk of adverse human health or
environmental effects, information needs for CDR processing and use
information, and the availability of other sources of comparable
processing and use information.
DATES: This direct final rule is effective January 9, 2015 without
further notice, unless EPA receives adverse comment on or before
December 10, 2014. If EPA receives written adverse comments, EPA will
withdraw the applicable partial exemption in this direct final rule
before its effective date. See also Unit II. of the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification
(ID) number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2014-0347 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 Confidential Business
Information (CBI)
[[Page 66656]]
or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Mail: Document Control Office (7407M), Office of Pollution
Prevention and Toxics (OPPT), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001.
Hand Delivery: 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical information contact:
Karen Hoffman, Chemical Control Division (7405M), Office of Pollution
Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number:
(202) 564-8158; email address: hoffman.karen@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:
I. Executive Summary
A. What action is the Agency taking?
This partial exemption eliminates an existing reporting requirement
under 40 CFR 711.6(b)(2). With this direct final rule, the following
chemical substances are being exempted from reporting of the
information described in 40 CFR 711.15(b)(4): D-Fructose (Chemical
Abstract Registry Number (CASRN) 57-48-7); 1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic
acid, 2-hydroxy-, sodium salt (1:3) (CASRN 68-04-2); 1,2,3-
propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy- (CASRN 77-92-9); 1,2,3-
propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-, potassium salt (1:3) (CASRN 866-
84-2); corn, steep liquor (CASRN 66071-94-1); and soybean oil,
epoxidized (CASRN 8013-07-8).
However, by existing terms at 40 CFR 711.6, this partial exemption
will become inapplicable to a subject chemical substance in the event
that the chemical substance later becomes the subject of a rule
proposed or promulgated under section 4, 5(a)(2), 5(b)(4), or 6 of the
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); an enforceable consent agreement
(ECA) developed under the procedures of 40 CFR part 790; an order
issued under TSCA section 5(e) or 5(f); or relief that has been granted
under a civil action under TSCA section 5 or 7.
B. Why is the Agency taking this action?
This amendment is in response to four petition requests covering
six chemical substances (Refs. 1, 2, 3, and 4) submitted under 40 CFR
711.6(b)(2)(iii)(A). EPA reviewed the information put forward in the
petitions and additional information against the considerations listed
at 40 CFR 711.6(b)(2)(ii). EPA's chemical substance-specific analysis
is detailed in supplementary documents available in the docket under
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2014-0347 (Refs. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10).
The Agency is adding these six chemical substances to the partially
exempt chemical substances list because it has concluded that, based on
the totality of information available, the CDR processing and use
information for these chemical substances is of low current interest.
C. What is the Agency's authority for taking this action?
This action is issued under the authority of TSCA, 15 U.S.C. 2600
et seq., to carry out the provisions of TSCA section 8(a), 15 U.S.C.
2607(a). Section 8(a) of TSCA authorizes EPA to promulgate rules under
which manufacturers of chemical substances and mixtures must submit
such information as the Agency may reasonably require. The partial
exemption list was established in 2003 (Ref. 11) and can be found in 40
CFR 711.6.
D. What are the impacts of this action?
There are no costs associated with this action and the benefits
provided are related to avoiding potential costs. This partial
exemption eliminates an existing reporting requirement without imposing
any new requirements. See also the discussion in Unit V.
E. Does this action apply to me?
You may be potentially affected by this action if you manufacture
(defined by statute at 15 U.S.C. 2602(7) to include import) the
chemical substances contained in this direct final rule. The North
American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes provided here
are not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provide a guide to help
readers determine whether this document applies to them. Potentially
affected entities may include chemical manufacturers subject to CDR
reporting of one or more subject chemical substances (NAICS codes 325
and 324110), e.g., chemical manufacturing and petroleum refineries.
F. What should I consider as I prepare my comments for EPA?
1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit CBI to EPA through 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 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.
2. Tips for preparing your comments. When preparing and submitting
your comments, see the commenting tips at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/comments.html.
II. Direct Final Rule Procedures
EPA is issuing this partial exemption as a direct final rule
because it views this as a non-controversial action and anticipates no
adverse comment. This direct final rule allows for comments to be
submitted on or before December 10, 2014. In any comment submitted,
please specify whether the comment is adverse and whether it applies to
a certain chemical substance or chemical substances or all of the
chemical substances in the direct final rule.
If EPA receives timely adverse comment, we will publish a
withdrawal in the Federal Register informing the public that the
amendments related to the adverse comment will not take effect. At that
time, EPA may also issue a notice of proposed rulemaking respecting the
addition of one or more of these chemical substances to the list of
chemical substances that are exempt from reporting the information
described in 40 CFR 711.15(b)(4).
If EPA does not receive any timely adverse comment, this amendment
will become effective as indicated under DATES without any further
action by EPA.
III. Petition Process and ``Low Current Interest'' Partial Exemption
In 2003, EPA established a partial exemption for certain chemical
substances for which EPA determined the processing and use information
required in 40 CFR part 711 to be of ``low current interest.'' That
provision enables the public to petition EPA to add or remove a
chemical substance to
[[Page 66657]]
or from the list of partially exempt chemical substances. In
determining whether the partial exemption should apply to a particular
chemical substance, EPA considers the totality of information available
for the chemical substance in question, including but not limited to
information associated with one or more of the considerations listed at
40 CFR 711.6(b)(2)(ii).
The addition of a chemical substance under this partial exemption
will not necessarily be based on its potential risks. The addition is
based on the Agency's current assessment of the need for collecting CDR
processing and use information for that chemical substance, based upon
the totality of information considered during the petition review
process. Additionally, interest in a chemical substance or a chemical
substance's processing and use information may increase in the future,
at which time EPA will reconsider the applicability of a partial
exemption for a chemical substance.
IV. Rationale for These Partial Exemptions
EPA is granting a partial exemption for: D-fructose (CASRN 57-48-
7); 1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-, sodium salt (1:3)
(CASRN 68-4-2); 1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-(CASRN 77-
92-9); 1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-, potassium salt
(1:3) (CASRN 866-84-2); corn, steep liquor (CASRN 66071-94-1); and
soybean oil, epoxidized (CASRN 8013-07-8) because the Agency has
concluded it has low current interest in the processing and use
information for these chemical substances. EPA made these
determinations based on our analysis of the totality of information on
the six chemical substances, including information about the chemical
substances relevant to the considerations defined at 40 CFR
711.6(b)(2)(ii). EPA's chemical substance-specific analysis is detailed
in supplementary documents available in the docket under docket ID
number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2014&0347 (Refs. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10).
V. Economic Impacts
EPA has evaluated the economic consequences associated with
amending the CDR partially exempt chemical substances list. Since this
direct final rule creates a partial exemption from CDR reporting,
without creating any new reporting or recordkeeping requirements, this
action does not impose any new burden. Based on the currently approved
Information Collection Request (ICR), the burden estimates for
reporting processing and use information are 65.63 hours per
submission. Based on 2012 CDR reporting, EPA estimates that 91
submissions with manufacture volumes of 25,000 pounds or greater will
be received for these 6 chemical substances in 2016 and subsequent
reporting years. Eliminating the requirement to report processing and
use information for these submissions results in a total burden savings
of approximately 5,972 hours and $368,277 in future reporting cycles
(Ref. 12).
VI. References
The following is a listing of the documents that are specifically
referenced in this document. The docket includes these documents and
other information considered by EPA, including documents that are
referenced within the documents that are included in the docket, even
if the referenced document is not physically located in the docket. For
assistance in locating these other documents, please consult the
technical person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
1. Letter from Herbert Estreicher, Esq., Keller and Heckman LLP, to
EPA, OPPT CDR Submission Coordinator, April 9, 2014. Docket ID
number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2014-0347, regarding request for exemption of
Epoxidized Soybean Oil from TSCA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
processing and use information reporting requirements in 2016.
2. Letter from Herbert Estreicher, Esq., Keller and Heckman LLP, to
OPPT CDR Submission Coordinator, April 21, 2014. Docket ID number
EPA-HQ-OPPT-2014-0347, regarding request for exemption of Citric
Acid, Trisodium Citrate and Tripotassium Citrate from TSCA Chemical
Data Reporting (CDR) processing and use information reporting
requirements in 2016.
3. Letter from Herbert Estreicher, Esq., Keller and Heckman LLP, to
OPPT CDR Submission Coordinator, April 21, 2014. Docket ID number
EPA-HQ-OPPT-2014-0347, regarding request for exemption of Fructose
from TSCA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) processing and use
information reporting requirements in 2016.
4. Letter from Herbert Estreicher, Esq., Keller and Heckman LLP, to
OPPT CDR Submission Coordinator, April 21, 2014. Docket ID number
EPA-HQ-OPPT-2014-0347, regarding request for exemption of Corn Steep
Liquor from TSCA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) processing and use
information reporting requirements in 2016.
5. EPA, OPPT. 1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-(CASRN 77-
92-9) Partial Exemption Analysis. October 2014.
6. EPA, OPPT. 1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-, sodium
salt (1:3) CASRN 68-04-2) Partial Exemption Analysis. October 2014.
7. EPA, OPPT. 1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-, potassium
salt (1:3) (CASRN 866-84-2) Partial Exemption Analysis. October
2014.
8. EPA, OPPT. D-Fructose (CASRN 57-48-7) Partial Exemption Analysis.
October 2014.
9. EPA, OPPT. Corn, steep liquor (CASRN 66071-94-1) Partial
Exemption Analysis. October 2014.
10. EPA, OPPT. Soybean oil, epoxidized (CASRN 8013-07-8). Partial
Exemption Analysis. October 2014.
11. EPA. TSCA Inventory Update Rule Amendments; Final Rule. Federal
Register (68 FR 848, January 7, 2003) (FRL-6767-4).
12. EPA, OPPT. Cost Savings Estimate of Adding Six Chemicals to the
40 CFR 711.6(b)(2)(iv) List of Chemical Substances. July 22, 2014.
VII. 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 as defined by
Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Accordingly, this
action was not submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
for review under Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 (76 FR 3821, January
21, 2011).
B. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
According to PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., an agency may not conduct
or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of
information that requires OMB approval under PRA, unless it has been
approved by OMB and displays a currently valid OMB control number. The
OMB control numbers for EPA regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after
appearing in the Federal Register, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, and
included on the related collection instrument or form, as applicable.
The information collection requirements related to CDR have already
been approved by OMB pursuant to PRA under OMB control number 2070-0162
(EPA ICR No. 1884.06). Since this action creates a partial exemption
from that reporting, without creating any new reporting or
recordkeeping requirements, this action does not impose any new burdens
that require additional OMB approval.
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
I certify that this action will not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small entities under RFA, 5 U.S.C 601
et seq. In
[[Page 66658]]
making this determination, the impact of concern is any significant
adverse economic impact on small entities, because the primary purpose
of a final regulatory flexibility analysis is to identify and address
regulatory alternatives that ``minimize the significant economic impact
on small entities'' 5 U.S.C. 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 has no net burden effect on the
small entities subject to the rule.
As indicated previously, EPA is eliminating an existing reporting
requirement for the chemical substances identified in this document. In
granting a partial exemption from existing reporting, this action will
not have a significant economic impact on any affected entities,
regardless of their size.
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
This action does not contain any unfunded mandate as described in
UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1531-1538, and does not significantly or uniquely affect
small governments. In granting a partial exemption from existing
reporting, this action imposes no new enforceable duty on any State,
local, or Tribal governments, or on the private sector. In addition,
based on EPA's experience with CDR under TSCA, State, local, and Tribal
governments are not engaged in the activities that would require them
to report chemical data under 40 CFR part 711.
E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
This action would not have a substantial direct effect on States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government, as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR
43255, August 10, 1999).
F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian
Tribal Governments
This action does not have Tribal implications because it is not
expected to have substantial direct effects on Indian Tribes. This
action does not significantly or uniquely affect the communities of
Indian Tribal governments, nor involve or impose any requirements that
affect Indian Tribes. Accordingly, the requirements of Executive Order
13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply to this action.
G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental
Health Risks and Safety Risks
This action is not subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885,
April 23, 1997), because this action does not address environmental
health or safety risks disproportionately affecting children.
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 this action is not expected to affect energy
supply, distribution, or use.
I. National Technology Transfer Advancement Act (NTTAA)
Since this action does not involve any technical standards, NTTAA
section 12(d), 15 U.S.C. 272 note, does not apply to this action.
J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations
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 does not
affect the level of protection provided to human health or the
environment. As such, this action does not entail special
considerations of environmental justice related issues as delineated by
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
VIII. Congressional Review Act (CRA)
Pursuant to the CRA, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., EPA will submit a report
containing this action 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 action in the Federal
Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C.
804(2).
List of Subjects 40 CFR Part 711
Environmental protection, Chemicals, Hazardous substances,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: November 3, 2014.
James Jones,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution
Prevention.
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:
PART 711--[AMENDED]
0
1. The authority citation for part 711 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2607(a).
0
2. In Sec. 711.6, add in numerical order by CASRN number the following
entries to Table 2 in paragraph (b)(2)(iv) to read as follows:
Sec. 711.6 Chemical substances for which information is not required.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(2) * * *
(iv) * * *
Table 2--CASRN of Partially Exempt Chemical Substances
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASRN Chemical
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
57-48-7............................... D-fructose
* * * * *
68-04-2............................... 1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid,
2-hydroxy-, sodium salt (1:3)
* * * * *
77-92-9............................... 1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid,
2-hydroxy-
* * * * *
866-84-2.............................. 1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid,
2-hydroxy-, potassium salt
(1:3)
* * * * *
8013-07-8............................. Soybean oil, epoxidized
* * * * *
66071-94-1............................ Corn, steep liquor
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[FR Doc. 2014-26640 Filed 11-7-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P