Alternative Method for Calculating Off-Cycle Credits Under the Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Applications From Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors Corporation, 31598-31601 [2015-13503]
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31598
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 106 / Wednesday, June 3, 2015 / Notices
TABLE 2—REGISTRANTS OF CANCELLED PRODUCTS—Continued
EPA company No.
71995 ..................................
73801 ..................................
89118 ..................................
CA–090010, HI–840004 .....
MA–090002, PA–080004 ....
Company name and address
Monsanto Company, 1300 I Street NW., Suite 450 East, Washington, DC 20005.
Tagos Chemicals India, LTD., Agent: Biologic, Inc., 115 Obtuse Hill Road, Brookfield, CT 06804.
Vive CorpProtection, Inc., Agent: OMC Ag Consulting, 828 Tanglewood Ln., East Lansing, MI 48823.
Bayer CropScience, LP, 2 T.W. Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12014, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.
PeroxyChem, LLC, 2005 Market Street, Suite 3200, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
This cancellation order follows a
notice of receipt of voluntary
cancellation requests received from the
registrants that issued in the Federal
Register of March 12, 2015 (80 FR
12996) (FRL–9923–27). In the March
2015 document, EPA indicated that it
would issue an order implementing the
cancellations, unless the Agency
received substantive comments within
the 30-day comment period that would
merit its further review of these
requests, or unless the registrants
withdrew their requests.
IV. Summary of Public Comments
Received and Agency Response to
Comments
The comment period closed on April
13, 2015. EPA received three comments.
The comments agreed with the product
cancellations. For this reason, the
Agency does not believe that the
comments submitted during the
comment period merit further review or
a denial of the requests for voluntary
cancellation.
Further, the registrants did not
withdraw their requests.
V. Cancellation Order
Pursuant to FIFRA section 6(f) (7
U.S.C. 136d(f)), EPA hereby approves
the requested cancellations of the
registrations identified in Table 1 of
Unit III. Accordingly, the Agency hereby
orders that the product registrations
identified in Table 1 of Unit III. are
canceled. The effective date of the
cancellations that are the subject of this
order is June 3, 2015. Any distribution,
sale, or use of existing stocks of the
products identified in Table 1 of Unit
III. in a manner inconsistent with any of
the provisions for disposition of existing
stocks set forth in Unit VI. will be a
violation of FIFRA.
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VI. Provisions for Disposition of
Existing Stocks
Existing stocks are those stocks of
registered pesticide products which are
currently in the United States and
which were packaged, labeled, and
released for shipment prior to the
effective date of the cancellation action.
The existing stocks provisions for the
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products subject to this order are as
follows.
A. For Products (069361–00030,
073801–00003, and 089118–00001)
The registrants have indicated to the
Agency via written response that there
are no existing stocks because no
production has ever occurred.
Therefore, no existing stocks date is
necessary. Registrants are prohibited
from selling or distributing the existing
stocks of products listed in Table 1 of
Unit III., except for export consistent
with FIFRA section 17 (7 U.S.C. 136o)
or for proper disposal. In addition,
because no production has ever
occurred, persons other than the
registrants are prohibited from selling,
distributing, or using the existing stocks.
B. For the Product (010163–00174)
The registrant has indicated to the
Agency via written response that they
will not sell or distribute any existing
stocks after December 31, 2014, and as
of that date will no longer have any
current stock. Therefore, no existing
stocks date for the registrant is
necessary. The registrant is prohibited
from selling or distributing existing
stocks of the product listed in Table 1
of Unit III., except for export consistent
with FIFRA section 17 (7 U.S.C. 136o)
or for proper disposal. Persons other
than the registrant may sell, distribute,
or use the existing stocks until such
stocks are exhausted, provided that such
sale, distribution, or use is consistent
with the terms of the previously
approved labeling on, or that
accompanied, the canceled product.
C. For Products (059639–00028,
059639–00086, and 059639–00089)
Since the notice in the Federal
Register of March 12, 2015 (80 FR
12996) (FRL–9923–27), EPA received
clarification from the registrant which
indicates that the manufacture and
distribution for these products ended
about 6 to 7 years ago. Therefore, no
existing stocks date is necessary for the
registrant. The registrant is prohibited
from selling or distributing the existing
stocks of products listed in Table 1 of
Unit III., except for export consistent
with FIFRA section 17 (7 U.S.C. 136o)
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or for proper disposal. In addition,
because 6 to 7 years has passed, the
Agency believes that existing stocks
have been exhausted and no existing
stocks date is necessary for persons
other than the registrant. Persons other
than the registrant are prohibited from
selling, distributing, or using the
existing stocks.
D. For All Other Products Identified in
Table 1 of Unit III
The registrants may continue to sell
and distribute existing stocks of
products listed in Table 1 of Unit III.
until June 2, 2016, which is 1 year after
the publication of this Cancellation
Order in the Federal Register.
Thereafter, the registrants are prohibited
from selling or distributing products
listed in Table 1 of Unit III. except for
export in accordance with FIFRA
section 17 (7 U.S.C. 136o), or proper
disposal. Persons other than the
registrants may sell, distribute, or use
existing stocks of products listed in
Table 1 of Unit III. until existing stocks
are exhausted, provided that such sale,
distribution, or use is consistent with
the terms of the previously approved
labeling on, or that accompanied, the
canceled products.
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.
Dated: May 14, 2015.
Richard P. Keigwin, Jr.,
Director, Pesticide Re-Evaluation Division,
Office of Pesticide Programs.
[FR Doc. 2015–13513 Filed 6–2–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[FRL—9928–70–OAR]
Alternative Method for Calculating OffCycle Credits Under the Light-Duty
Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Program: Applications From Fiat
Chrysler Automobiles, Ford Motor
Company, and General Motors
Corporation
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 106 / Wednesday, June 3, 2015 / Notices
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is requesting comment on
applications from Fiat Chrysler
Automobiles LLC (‘‘FCA’’), Ford Motor
Company (Ford) and General Motors
Corporation (GM) for off-cycle carbon
dioxide (CO2) credits under EPA’s lightduty vehicle greenhouse gas emissions
standards. ‘‘Off-cycle’’ emission
reductions can be achieved by
employing technologies that result in
real-world benefits, but where that
benefit is not adequately or entirely
captured on the test procedures used by
manufacturers to demonstrate
compliance with emission standards.
EPA’s light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas
program acknowledges these benefits by
giving automobile manufacturers several
options for generating ‘‘off-cycle’’
carbon dioxide (CO2) credits. Under the
regulations, a manufacturer may apply
for CO2 credits for technologies that
result in off-cycle benefits. In these
cases, a manufacturer must provide EPA
with a proposed methodology for
determining the real-world off-cycle
benefit. FCA and Ford have submitted
applications that describe
methodologies for determining off-cycle
credits from high efficiency exterior
lighting, solar reflective glass/glazing,
solar reflective paint, and active seat
ventilation. Ford’s application also
proposes methodologies for determining
the off-cycle benefits from active
aerodynamic improvements (grill
shutters), active transmission warm-up,
active engine warm-up technologies,
and engine idle stop-start. GM’s
application proposes a methodology to
determine the real-world benefits of an
air conditioning compressor with
variable crankcase suction valve
technology. Pursuant to applicable
regulations, EPA is making descriptions
of the manufacturers’ off-cycle credit
calculation methodologies available for
public comment.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before July 6, 2015.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OAR–2015–0282, by one of the
following methods:
• https://www.regulations.gov: Follow
the On-Line Instructions for Submitting
Comments.
• Email: a-and-r-docket@epa.gov.
• Fax: (202) 566–1741.
• Mail: Air and Radiation Docket,
Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OAR–2015–
0282, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Mailcode: 22821T, 1200
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington,
DC 20460.
• Hand Delivery: EPA Docket Center,
Public Reading Room, EPA West
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SUMMARY:
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Building, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20460.
Attention Air and Radiation Docket ID
No. EPA–HQ– OAR–2015–0282. Such
deliveries are only accepted during the
Docket’s normal hours of operation, and
special arrangements should be made
for deliveries of boxed information.
Online Instructions for Submitting
Comments: Direct your comments to
Docket ID No. Attention Air and
Radiation Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OAR–2015–0282. EPA’s policy is that
all comments received will be included
in the public docket without change and
may be made available online at
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided, unless
the comment includes information
claimed to be Confidential Business
Information (CBI) or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Do not submit information that you
consider to be CBI or otherwise
protected through www.regulations.gov
or email. The www.regulations.gov Web
site is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system,
which means EPA will not know your
identity or contact information unless
you provide it in the body of your
comment. If you send an email
comment directly to EPA without going
through www.regulations.gov, your
email address will be automatically
captured and included as part of the
comment that is placed in the public
docket and made available on the
Internet. If you submit an electronic
comment, EPA recommends that you
include your name and other contact
information in the body of your
comment and with any disk or CD–ROM
you submit. If EPA cannot read your
comment due to technical difficulties
and cannot contact you for clarification,
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 https://
www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.
Docket: All documents in the docket
are listed in the www.regulations.gov
index. Although listed in the index,
some information is not publicly
available, e.g., CBI or other information
for which disclosure is restricted by
statute. Certain other material, such as
copyrighted material, will be publicly
available only in hard copy. Publicly
available docket materials are available
either electronically in
www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at
the Air and Radiation Docket, EPA/DC,
EPA WJC West, Room 3334, 1301
Constitution Ave. NW., Washington,
DC. The Public Reading Room is open
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31599
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Roberts French, Environmental
Protection Specialist, Office of
Transportation and Air Quality,
Compliance Division, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, 2000
Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI
48105. Telephone: (734) 214–4380. Fax:
(734) 214–4869. Email address:
french.roberts@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
EPA’s light-duty vehicle greenhouse
gas (GHG) program provides three
pathways by which a manufacturer may
accrue off-cycle carbon dioxide (CO2)
credits for those technologies that
achieve CO2 reductions in the real
world but where those reductions are
not adequately or entirely captured on
the test used to determine compliance
with the CO2 standards, and which are
not otherwise reflected in the standards’
stringency. The first pathway is a
predetermined list of credit values for
specific off-cycle technologies that may
be used beginning in model year 2014.1
This pathway allows manufacturers to
use conservative credit values
established by EPA for a wide range of
technologies, with minimal data
submittal or testing requirements. In
cases where additional laboratory
testing can demonstrate emission
benefits, a second pathway allows
manufacturers to use a broader array of
emission tests (known as ‘‘5-cycle’’
testing because the methodology uses
five different testing procedures) to
demonstrate and justify off-cycle CO2
credits.2 The additional emission tests
allow emission benefits to be
demonstrated over some elements of
real-world driving not captured by the
GHG compliance tests, including high
speeds, hard accelerations, and cold
temperatures. These first two
methodologies were completely defined
through notice and comment
rulemaking and therefore no additional
process is necessary for manufacturers
to use these methods. The third and last
pathway allows manufacturers to seek
EPA approval to use an alternative
methodology for determining the offcycle CO2 credits.3 This option is only
available if the benefit of the technology
cannot be adequately demonstrated
1 See
40 CFR 86.1869–12(b).
40 CFR 86.1869–12(c).
3 See 40 CFR 86.1869–12(d).
2 See
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 106 / Wednesday, June 3, 2015 / Notices
using the 5-cycle methodology.
Manufacturers may also use this option
for model years prior to 2014 to
demonstrate off-cycle CO2 reductions
for technologies that are on the
predetermined list, or to demonstrate
reductions that exceed those available
via use of the predetermined list.
Under the regulations, a manufacturer
seeking to demonstrate off-cycle credits
with an alternative methodology (i.e.,
under the third pathway described
above) must describe a methodology
that meets the following criteria:
• Use modeling, on-road testing, onroad data collection, or other approved
analytical or engineering methods;
• Be robust, verifiable, and capable of
demonstrating the real-world emissions
benefit with strong statistical
significance;
• Result in a demonstration of
baseline and controlled emissions over
a wide range of driving conditions and
number of vehicles such that issues of
data uncertainty are minimized;
• Result in data on a model type basis
unless the manufacturer demonstrates
that another basis is appropriate and
adequate.
Further, the regulations specify the
following requirements regarding an
application for off-cycle CO2 credits:
• A manufacturer requesting off-cycle
credits must develop a methodology for
demonstrating and determining the
benefit of the off-cycle technology, and
carry out any necessary testing and
analysis required to support that
methodology.
• A manufacturer requesting off-cycle
credits must conduct testing and/or
prepare engineering analyses that
demonstrate the in-use durability of the
technology for the full useful life of the
vehicle.
• The application must contain a
detailed description of the off-cycle
technology and how it functions to
reduce CO2 emissions under conditions
not represented on the compliance tests.
• The application must contain a list
of the vehicle model(s) which will be
equipped with the technology.
• The application must contain a
detailed description of the test vehicles
selected and an engineering analysis
that supports the selection of those
vehicles for testing.
• The application must contain all
testing and/or simulation data required
under the regulations, plus any other
data the manufacturer has considered in
the analysis.
Finally, the alternative methodology
must be approved by EPA prior to the
manufacturer using it to generate
credits. As part of the review process
defined by regulation, the alternative
methodology submitted to EPA for
consideration must be made available
for public comment.4 EPA will consider
public comments as part of its final
decision to approve or deny the request
for off-cycle credits.
II. Off-Cycle Credit Applications
A. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Using the alternative methodology
approach discussed above, Fiat Chrysler
Automobiles (FCA) is applying for
credits for model years prior to 2014,
and thus prior to when the list of default
credits becomes available. FCA has
applied for off-cycle credits using the
alternative demonstration methodology
pathway for the following technologies:
High efficiency exterior lighting, solar
reflective glass/glazing, solar reflective
paint, and active seat ventilation. The
application covers 2009–2013 model
year vehicles. All of these technologies
are described in the predetermined list
of credits available in the 2014 and later
model years. The methodologies
described by FCA are generally
consistent with those used by EPA to
establish the predetermined list of
credits in the regulations, and would
result in the same credit values as
described in the regulations. The
magnitude of these credits is
determined by specification or
calculations in the regulations based on
vehicle-specific measurements (e.g., the
area of glass or the lighting locations
using the specified technologies), but
would be no higher than the following
established regulatory caps:
Off-Cycle Credit—
Cars
(grams/mile)
Technology
Off-Cycle Credit—
Trucks
(grams/mile)
1.0
2.9
0.4
1.0
1.0
3.9
0.5
1.3
High efficiency lighting .................................................................................................................................
Solar reflective glass/glazing .......................................................................................................................
Solar reflective paint ....................................................................................................................................
Active seat ventilation ..................................................................................................................................
B. Ford Motor Company
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Using the alternative methodology
approach discussed above, Ford Motor
Company (Ford) is applying for credits
for model years prior to 2014, and thus
prior to when the list of default credits
becomes available. Ford has applied for
off-cycle credits using the alternative
demonstration methodology pathway
for the following technologies: High
efficiency exterior lighting, solar
reflective glass/glazing, solar reflective
paint, active seat ventilation, active
aerodynamics, active transmission
warm-up, active engine warm-up, and
engine idle start-stop. All of these
technologies are described in the
predetermined list of credits available in
the 2014 and later model years. The
application covers 2012 and 2013 model
year vehicles. The methodologies
described by Ford are generally
equivalent to those used by EPA to
establish the predetermined list of
credits in the regulations, and would
result in the same credit values as
described in the regulations. The
magnitude of these credits is
determined by specification or
calculations in the regulations based on
vehicle-specific measurements (e.g., the
area of glass or the lighting locations
using the specified technologies), but
would be no higher than the following
established regulatory caps:
Off-cycle
credit—cars
(grams/mile)
Technology
High efficiency lighting .................................................................................................................................
Solar reflective glass/glazing .......................................................................................................................
Solar reflective paint ....................................................................................................................................
4 See
1.0
2.9
0.4
40 CFR 86.1869–12(d)(2).
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Off-cycle
credit—trucks
(grams/mile)
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1.0
3.9
0.5
31601
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 106 / Wednesday, June 3, 2015 / Notices
Off-cycle
credit—cars
(grams/mile)
Technology
Active seat ventilation ..................................................................................................................................
1.0
Active aerodynamics ....................................................................................................................................
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high temperature, solar load, and
humidity) and would not represent the
real world benefits of the technology.
Therefore, GM has chosen to determine
the appropriate off-cycle credits through
use of an alternative methodology.
GM worked with Denso to perform
bench testing of EDVC with and without
the variable CS valve and quantified the
difference. Based on this analysis, GM
determined an off-cycle credit of 1.1
grams of CO2 per mile were appropriate.
GM substantiated these results by also
performing vehicle tests using the AC17
test procedure.
1.3
Based on measured reduction in the
coefficient of drag
Active transmission warm-up .......................................................................................................................
Active engine warm-up ................................................................................................................................
Engine idle start-stop ...................................................................................................................................
C. General Motors Corporation
Using the alternative methodology
approach discussed above, GM is
applying for credits for model years
2013 through 2015. These credits are for
a component of the air conditioning
system that results in air conditioning
efficiency credits beyond those
provided in the regulations. GM has
applied for off-cycle credits for the
Denso SAS air conditioner compressor
with variable crankcase suction valve
technology. GM is requesting an offcycle GHG credit of 1.1 grams CO2 per
mile for this technology. EPA currently
provides Mobile Air Conditioner (MAC)
GHG credits for reduced reheat using an
externally-controlled variable
displacement compressor (EVDC),
which provides significant efficiency
improvements compared to the baseline
fixed displacement compressors that
were the norm at the time EPA created
the GHG program. Under the 2012–2016
light-duty GHG program, the credit for
using an EVDC is 1.7 grams of CO2 per
mile. GM has a new EVDC design from
Denso that further improves the
efficiency of the MAC compressor
through the addition of a variable
crankcase suction valve (variable CS
valve). The Denso SAS compressor
improves the internal valve system
within the compressor to reduce the
internal refrigerant flow necessary
throughout the range of displacements
that the compressor may use during its
operating cycle. The variable CS valve
can provide a larger mass flow under
maximum capacity and compressor
start-up conditions, when high flow is
ideal, then reduce to smaller openings
with reduced mass flow in mid or low
capacity conditions. The refrigerant
exiting the crankcase is optimized
across the range of operating conditions,
creating benefits for the energy
consumption of the MAC system.
The ‘‘5-cycle’’ methodology would
not adequately measure the real world
GHG reduction benefits of either the
EVDC or the variable CS valve. Only one
of the five tests is conducted with the
air conditioner on and that test cycle
represents worse case conditions (e.g.,
Off-cycle
credit—trucks
(grams/mile)
1.5
1.5
2.5
3.2
3.2
4.4
including an opportunity for public
comment.
Dated: May 27, 2015.
Byron Bunker,
Director, Compliance Division, Office of
Transportation and Air Quality, Office of Air
and Radiation.
[FR Doc. 2015–13503 Filed 6–2–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
III. EPA Decision Process
[Docket No. FDA–2014–N–0168]
EPA has reviewed the applications for
completeness and is now making the
applications available for public review
and comment as required by the
regulations. The off-cycle credit
applications submitted by FCA, Ford,
and GM (with confidential business
information redacted) have been placed
in the public docket (see ADDRESSES
section above) and on EPA’s Web site at
https://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/ld-hwy/
greenhouse/ld-ghg.htm. EPA is
providing a 30-day comment period on
the applications for off-cycle credits
described in this notice, as specified by
the regulations. The manufacturers may
submit a written rebuttal of comments
for EPA’s consideration, or may revise
an application in response to comments.
After reviewing any public comments
and any rebuttal of comments submitted
by manufacturers, EPA will make a final
decision regarding the credit requests.
EPA will make its decision available to
the public by placing a decision
document (or multiple decision
documents) in the docket and on EPA’s
Web site at https://www.epa.gov/otaq/
regs/ld-hwy/greenhouse/ld-ghg.htm.
While the broad methodologies used by
these manufacturers could potentially
be used for other vehicles and by other
manufacturers, the vehicle specific data
needed to demonstrate the off-cycle
emissions reductions would likely be
different. In such cases, a new
application would be required,
Agency Information Collection
Activities; Announcement of Office of
Management and Budget Approval;
Disclosure Regarding Additional Risks
in Direct-to-Consumer Prescription
Drug Television Advertisements
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AGENCY:
Food and Drug Administration,
HHS.
ACTION:
Notice.
The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) is announcing
that a collection of information entitled,
‘‘Disclosure Regarding Additional Risks
in Direct-to-Consumer Prescription Drug
Television Advertisements’’ has been
approved by the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FDA
PRA Staff, Office of Operations, Food
and Drug Administration, 8455
Colesville Rd., COLE–14526, Silver
Spring, MD 20993–0002, PRAStaff@
fda.hhs.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On
January 15, 2015, the Agency submitted
a proposed collection of information
entitled, ‘‘Disclosure Regarding
Additional Risks in Direct-to-Consumer
Prescription Drug Television
Advertisements’’ to OMB for review and
clearance under 44 U.S.C. 3507. An
Agency may not conduct or sponsor,
and a person is not required to respond
to, a collection of information unless it
displays a currently valid OMB control
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 3, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31598-31601]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-13503]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[FRL--9928-70-OAR]
Alternative Method for Calculating Off-Cycle Credits Under the
Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Applications From
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors
Corporation
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 31599]]
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting
comment on applications from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles LLC (``FCA''),
Ford Motor Company (Ford) and General Motors Corporation (GM) for off-
cycle carbon dioxide (CO2) credits under EPA's light-duty
vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards. ``Off-cycle'' emission
reductions can be achieved by employing technologies that result in
real-world benefits, but where that benefit is not adequately or
entirely captured on the test procedures used by manufacturers to
demonstrate compliance with emission standards. EPA's light-duty
vehicle greenhouse gas program acknowledges these benefits by giving
automobile manufacturers several options for generating ``off-cycle''
carbon dioxide (CO2) credits. Under the regulations, a
manufacturer may apply for CO2 credits for technologies that
result in off-cycle benefits. In these cases, a manufacturer must
provide EPA with a proposed methodology for determining the real-world
off-cycle benefit. FCA and Ford have submitted applications that
describe methodologies for determining off-cycle credits from high
efficiency exterior lighting, solar reflective glass/glazing, solar
reflective paint, and active seat ventilation. Ford's application also
proposes methodologies for determining the off-cycle benefits from
active aerodynamic improvements (grill shutters), active transmission
warm-up, active engine warm-up technologies, and engine idle stop-
start. GM's application proposes a methodology to determine the real-
world benefits of an air conditioning compressor with variable
crankcase suction valve technology. Pursuant to applicable regulations,
EPA is making descriptions of the manufacturers' off-cycle credit
calculation methodologies available for public comment.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 6, 2015.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OAR-2015-0282, by one of the following methods:
https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the On-Line
Instructions for Submitting Comments.
Email: a-and-r-docket@epa.gov.
Fax: (202) 566-1741.
Mail: Air and Radiation Docket, Docket ID No. EPA-HQ- OAR-
2015-0282, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Mailcode: 22821T, 1200
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boxed information.
Online Instructions for Submitting Comments: Direct your comments
to Docket ID No. Attention Air and Radiation Docket ID No. EPA-HQ- OAR-
2015-0282. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included
in the public docket without change and may be made available online at
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roberts French, Environmental
Protection Specialist, Office of Transportation and Air Quality,
Compliance Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2000
Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Telephone: (734) 214-4380. Fax:
(734) 214-4869. Email address: french.roberts@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
EPA's light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) program provides
three pathways by which a manufacturer may accrue off-cycle carbon
dioxide (CO2) credits for those technologies that achieve
CO2 reductions in the real world but where those reductions
are not adequately or entirely captured on the test used to determine
compliance with the CO2 standards, and which are not
otherwise reflected in the standards' stringency. The first pathway is
a predetermined list of credit values for specific off-cycle
technologies that may be used beginning in model year 2014.\1\ This
pathway allows manufacturers to use conservative credit values
established by EPA for a wide range of technologies, with minimal data
submittal or testing requirements. In cases where additional laboratory
testing can demonstrate emission benefits, a second pathway allows
manufacturers to use a broader array of emission tests (known as ``5-
cycle'' testing because the methodology uses five different testing
procedures) to demonstrate and justify off-cycle CO2
credits.\2\ The additional emission tests allow emission benefits to be
demonstrated over some elements of real-world driving not captured by
the GHG compliance tests, including high speeds, hard accelerations,
and cold temperatures. These first two methodologies were completely
defined through notice and comment rulemaking and therefore no
additional process is necessary for manufacturers to use these methods.
The third and last pathway allows manufacturers to seek EPA approval to
use an alternative methodology for determining the off-cycle
CO2 credits.\3\ This option is only available if the benefit
of the technology cannot be adequately demonstrated
[[Page 31600]]
using the 5-cycle methodology. Manufacturers may also use this option
for model years prior to 2014 to demonstrate off-cycle CO2
reductions for technologies that are on the predetermined list, or to
demonstrate reductions that exceed those available via use of the
predetermined list.
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\1\ See 40 CFR 86.1869-12(b).
\2\ See 40 CFR 86.1869-12(c).
\3\ See 40 CFR 86.1869-12(d).
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Under the regulations, a manufacturer seeking to demonstrate off-
cycle credits with an alternative methodology (i.e., under the third
pathway described above) must describe a methodology that meets the
following criteria:
Use modeling, on-road testing, on-road data collection, or
other approved analytical or engineering methods;
Be robust, verifiable, and capable of demonstrating the
real-world emissions benefit with strong statistical significance;
Result in a demonstration of baseline and controlled
emissions over a wide range of driving conditions and number of
vehicles such that issues of data uncertainty are minimized;
Result in data on a model type basis unless the
manufacturer demonstrates that another basis is appropriate and
adequate.
Further, the regulations specify the following requirements
regarding an application for off-cycle CO2 credits:
A manufacturer requesting off-cycle credits must develop a
methodology for demonstrating and determining the benefit of the off-
cycle technology, and carry out any necessary testing and analysis
required to support that methodology.
A manufacturer requesting off-cycle credits must conduct
testing and/or prepare engineering analyses that demonstrate the in-use
durability of the technology for the full useful life of the vehicle.
The application must contain a detailed description of the
off-cycle technology and how it functions to reduce CO2
emissions under conditions not represented on the compliance tests.
The application must contain a list of the vehicle
model(s) which will be equipped with the technology.
The application must contain a detailed description of the
test vehicles selected and an engineering analysis that supports the
selection of those vehicles for testing.
The application must contain all testing and/or simulation
data required under the regulations, plus any other data the
manufacturer has considered in the analysis.
Finally, the alternative methodology must be approved by EPA prior
to the manufacturer using it to generate credits. As part of the review
process defined by regulation, the alternative methodology submitted to
EPA for consideration must be made available for public comment.\4\ EPA
will consider public comments as part of its final decision to approve
or deny the request for off-cycle credits.
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\4\ See 40 CFR 86.1869-12(d)(2).
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II. Off-Cycle Credit Applications
A. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Using the alternative methodology approach discussed above, Fiat
Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is applying for credits for model years
prior to 2014, and thus prior to when the list of default credits
becomes available. FCA has applied for off-cycle credits using the
alternative demonstration methodology pathway for the following
technologies: High efficiency exterior lighting, solar reflective
glass/glazing, solar reflective paint, and active seat ventilation. The
application covers 2009-2013 model year vehicles. All of these
technologies are described in the predetermined list of credits
available in the 2014 and later model years. The methodologies
described by FCA are generally consistent with those used by EPA to
establish the predetermined list of credits in the regulations, and
would result in the same credit values as described in the regulations.
The magnitude of these credits is determined by specification or
calculations in the regulations based on vehicle-specific measurements
(e.g., the area of glass or the lighting locations using the specified
technologies), but would be no higher than the following established
regulatory caps:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Off-Cycle Credit-- Off-Cycle Credit--
Technology Cars (grams/ Trucks (grams/
mile) mile)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
High efficiency lighting.......... 1.0 1.0
Solar reflective glass/glazing.... 2.9 3.9
Solar reflective paint............ 0.4 0.5
Active seat ventilation........... 1.0 1.3
------------------------------------------------------------------------
B. Ford Motor Company
Using the alternative methodology approach discussed above, Ford
Motor Company (Ford) is applying for credits for model years prior to
2014, and thus prior to when the list of default credits becomes
available. Ford has applied for off-cycle credits using the alternative
demonstration methodology pathway for the following technologies: High
efficiency exterior lighting, solar reflective glass/glazing, solar
reflective paint, active seat ventilation, active aerodynamics, active
transmission warm-up, active engine warm-up, and engine idle start-
stop. All of these technologies are described in the predetermined list
of credits available in the 2014 and later model years. The application
covers 2012 and 2013 model year vehicles. The methodologies described
by Ford are generally equivalent to those used by EPA to establish the
predetermined list of credits in the regulations, and would result in
the same credit values as described in the regulations. The magnitude
of these credits is determined by specification or calculations in the
regulations based on vehicle-specific measurements (e.g., the area of
glass or the lighting locations using the specified technologies), but
would be no higher than the following established regulatory caps:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Off-cycle Off-cycle
Technology credit--cars credit--trucks
(grams/mile) (grams/mile)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
High efficiency lighting.......... 1.0 1.0
Solar reflective glass/glazing.... 2.9 3.9
Solar reflective paint............ 0.4 0.5
[[Page 31601]]
Active seat ventilation........... 1.0 1.3
-------------------------------------
Active aerodynamics............... Based on measured reduction in the
coefficient of drag
-------------------------------------
Active transmission warm-up....... 1.5 3.2
Active engine warm-up............. 1.5 3.2
Engine idle start-stop............ 2.5 4.4
------------------------------------------------------------------------
C. General Motors Corporation
Using the alternative methodology approach discussed above, GM is
applying for credits for model years 2013 through 2015. These credits
are for a component of the air conditioning system that results in air
conditioning efficiency credits beyond those provided in the
regulations. GM has applied for off-cycle credits for the Denso SAS air
conditioner compressor with variable crankcase suction valve
technology. GM is requesting an off-cycle GHG credit of 1.1 grams
CO2 per mile for this technology. EPA currently provides
Mobile Air Conditioner (MAC) GHG credits for reduced reheat using an
externally-controlled variable displacement compressor (EVDC), which
provides significant efficiency improvements compared to the baseline
fixed displacement compressors that were the norm at the time EPA
created the GHG program. Under the 2012-2016 light-duty GHG program,
the credit for using an EVDC is 1.7 grams of CO2 per mile.
GM has a new EVDC design from Denso that further improves the
efficiency of the MAC compressor through the addition of a variable
crankcase suction valve (variable CS valve). The Denso SAS compressor
improves the internal valve system within the compressor to reduce the
internal refrigerant flow necessary throughout the range of
displacements that the compressor may use during its operating cycle.
The variable CS valve can provide a larger mass flow under maximum
capacity and compressor start-up conditions, when high flow is ideal,
then reduce to smaller openings with reduced mass flow in mid or low
capacity conditions. The refrigerant exiting the crankcase is optimized
across the range of operating conditions, creating benefits for the
energy consumption of the MAC system.
The ``5-cycle'' methodology would not adequately measure the real
world GHG reduction benefits of either the EVDC or the variable CS
valve. Only one of the five tests is conducted with the air conditioner
on and that test cycle represents worse case conditions (e.g., high
temperature, solar load, and humidity) and would not represent the real
world benefits of the technology. Therefore, GM has chosen to determine
the appropriate off-cycle credits through use of an alternative
methodology.
GM worked with Denso to perform bench testing of EDVC with and
without the variable CS valve and quantified the difference. Based on
this analysis, GM determined an off-cycle credit of 1.1 grams of
CO2 per mile were appropriate. GM substantiated these
results by also performing vehicle tests using the AC17 test procedure.
III. EPA Decision Process
EPA has reviewed the applications for completeness and is now
making the applications available for public review and comment as
required by the regulations. The off-cycle credit applications
submitted by FCA, Ford, and GM (with confidential business information
redacted) have been placed in the public docket (see ADDRESSES section
above) and on EPA's Web site at https://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/ld-hwy/greenhouse/ld-ghg.htm. EPA is providing a 30-day comment period on the
applications for off-cycle credits described in this notice, as
specified by the regulations. The manufacturers may submit a written
rebuttal of comments for EPA's consideration, or may revise an
application in response to comments. After reviewing any public
comments and any rebuttal of comments submitted by manufacturers, EPA
will make a final decision regarding the credit requests. EPA will make
its decision available to the public by placing a decision document (or
multiple decision documents) in the docket and on EPA's Web site at
https://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/ld-hwy/greenhouse/ld-ghg.htm. While the
broad methodologies used by these manufacturers could potentially be
used for other vehicles and by other manufacturers, the vehicle
specific data needed to demonstrate the off-cycle emissions reductions
would likely be different. In such cases, a new application would be
required, including an opportunity for public comment.
Dated: May 27, 2015.
Byron Bunker,
Director, Compliance Division, Office of Transportation and Air
Quality, Office of Air and Radiation.
[FR Doc. 2015-13503 Filed 6-2-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
