Alternative Method for Calculating Off-cycle Credits Under the Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Applications From BMW Group, Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation, and Volkswagen Group of America, 60694-60697 [2016-21217]
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60694
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 171 / Friday, September 2, 2016 / Notices
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mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
Dated: August 26, 2016.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016–21171 Filed 9–1–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[FRL–9951–82–OAR]
Alternative Method for Calculating Offcycle Credits Under the Light-Duty
Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Program: Applications From BMW
Group, Ford Motor Company, General
Motors Corporation, and Volkswagen
Group of America
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is requesting comment on
applications from BMW of North
American (BMW), Ford Motor Company
(Ford), General Motors Corporation
(GM), and Volkswagen Group of
America (VW) 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 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 off-cycle 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. These four manufacturers have
submitted applications that describe
methodologies for determining off-cycle
credits. The off-cycle technologies vary
by manufacturer and include active
aerodynamics systems, active cabin
ventilation, active seat ventilation, solar
reflective glass/glazing, solar reflective
surface coating (paint), active engine
warmup, active transmission warmup,
engine idle stop-start systems, and high
efficiency lighting. Pursuant to
applicable regulations, EPA is making
descriptions of each manufacturer’s offcycle credit calculation methodologies
available for public comment.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before October 3, 2016.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OAR–2016–0503, to the Federal
eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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Once submitted, comments cannot be
edited or withdrawn. The EPA may
publish any comment received to its
public docket. Do not submit
electronically any information you
consider to be Confidential Business
Information (CBI) or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Multimedia submissions (audio, video,
etc.) must be accompanied by a written
comment. The written comment is
considered the official comment and
should include discussion of all points
you wish to make. The EPA will
generally not consider comments or
comment contents located outside of the
primary submission (i.e. on the web,
cloud, or other file sharing system). For
additional submission methods, the full
EPA public comment policy,
information about CBI or multimedia
submissions, and general guidance on
making effective comments, please visit
https://www2.epa.gov/dockets/
commenting-epa-dockets.
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 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, as long as the
technologies meet EPA regulatory
definitions. In cases where the off-cycle
technology is not on the menu but
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
1 See
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40 CFR 86.1869–12(b).
02SEN1
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 171 / Friday, September 2, 2016 / Notices
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 adequately
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 using the 5cycle 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. BMW of North America
Using the alternative methodology
approach discussed above, BMW of
North America (BMW) is applying for
credits for model years prior to 2014,
and thus prior to when the list of default
credits became available. BMW has
applied for off-cycle credits using the
alternative demonstration methodology
pathway for the following technologies:
high efficiency exterior lighting, solar
reflective glass/glazing, active seat
ventilation, active cabin ventilation, and
active engine warmup. With the
exception of active cabin ventilation,
EPA has already approved credits for
these technologies for model years prior
to 2014.5 BMW’s request is consistent
with previously approved
methodologies and credits. 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 BMW are 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 values:
Off-cycle
credit—cars
(grams/mile)
Technology
High efficiency lighting .....................................................................................................................................
Solar reflective glass/glazing ...........................................................................................................................
Active seat ventilation ......................................................................................................................................
Active cabin ventilation ....................................................................................................................................
Active engine warmup .....................................................................................................................................
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
B. Ford Motor Company
1.0
2.9
1.0
2.1
1.5
Off-cycle
credit—trucks
(grams/mile)
1.0
3.9
1.3
2.8
3.2
2 See
40 CFR 86.1869–12(c).
40 CFR 86.1869–12(d).
4 See 40 CFR 86.1869–12(d)(2).
3 See
warmup, and engine idle stop-start
systems. EPA has already approved
credits for these technologies for the
2012 and 2013 model years for Ford,
and for some of these technologies for
Fiat Chrysler for the 2009–2013 model
years.6 Ford’s request is consistent with
5 ‘‘EPA Decision Document: Off-cycle Credits for
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford Motor Company,
and General Motors Corporation.’’ Compliance
Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality,
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
became available. Ford has applied for
off-cycle credits using the alternative
demonstration methodology pathway
for the following technologies: high
efficiency exterior lighting, active seat
ventilation, active aerodynamics, active
transmission warmup, active engine
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. EPA–420–
R–15–014, September 2015.
6 ‘‘EPA Decision Document: Off-cycle Credits for
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford Motor Company,
Continued
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 171 / Friday, September 2, 2016 / Notices
previously approved methodologies and
credits. The application covers the
2009–2011 model year vehicles, model
years which were inadvertently omitted
from Ford’s previous request. All of
these technologies are described in the
predetermined list of credits available in
the 2014 and later model years. The
methodologies described by Ford are
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 values:
Off-cycle
credit—cars
(grams/mile)
Technology
high efficiency lighting .....................................................................................................................................
Active seat ventilation ......................................................................................................................................
Active aerodynamics ........................................................................................................................................
1.0
1.0
Using the alternative methodology
approach discussed above, General
Motors Corporation (GM) is applying for
credits for model years prior to 2014,
and thus prior to when the list of default
credits became available. GM 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 engine warmup,
and engine idle stop-start systems. EPA
has already approved credits for these
technologies for model years prior to
2014.7 GM’s request is consistent with
previously approved methodologies and
credits. The application covers the
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 GM are
1.5
1.5
2.5
3.2
3.2
4.4
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 values:
Off-cycle
credit—cars
(grams/mile)
Technology
High efficiency lighting .....................................................................................................................................
Solar reflective glass/glazing ...........................................................................................................................
Solar reflective paint ........................................................................................................................................
Active seat ventilation ......................................................................................................................................
Active aerodynamics ........................................................................................................................................
1.0
2.9
0.4
1.0
Off-cycle
credit—trucks
(grams/mile)
1.0
3.9
0.5
1.3
Based on measured reduction in the
coefficient of drag.
Active engine warm-up ....................................................................................................................................
Engine idle start-stop .......................................................................................................................................
1.5
2.5
3.2
4.4
Using the alternative methodology
approach discussed above, Volkswagen
of America (VW) is applying for credits
for model years prior to 2014, and thus
prior to when the list of default credits
became available. VW has applied for
off-cycle credits using the alternative
demonstration methodology pathway
for the following technologies: Active
aerodynamics systems, active seat
ventilation, solar reflective glass/
glazing, solar reflective surface coating
(paint), active engine warmup, active
transmission warmup, engine idle stopstart systems, and high efficiency
lighting. EPA has already approved
credits for these technologies for model
years prior to 2014.8 VW’s request is
consistent with previously approved
methodologies and credits. The
application covers the 2012–2013 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 VW are 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
and General Motors Corporation.’’ Compliance
Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. EPA–420–
R–15–014, September 2015.
7 ‘‘EPA Decision Document: Off-cycle Credits for
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford Motor Company,
and General Motors Corporation.’’ Compliance
Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. EPA–420–
R–15–014, September 2015.
8 ‘‘EPA Decision Document: Off-cycle Credits for
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford Motor Company,
and General Motors Corporation.’’ Compliance
Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. EPA–420–
R–15–014, September 2015.
D. Volkswagen of America
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
1.0
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
Off-cycle
credit—trucks
(grams/mile)
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 171 / Friday, September 2, 2016 / Notices
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 values:
Off-cycle
credit—cars
(grams/mile)
Technology
High efficiency lighting .....................................................................................................................................
Solar reflective glass/glazing ...........................................................................................................................
Solar reflective paint ........................................................................................................................................
Active seat ventilation ......................................................................................................................................
Active aerodynamics ........................................................................................................................................
1.0
2.9
0.4
1.0
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
Dated: August 26, 2016.
Byron J. Bunker,
Director, Compliance Division, Office of
Transportation and Air Quality, Office of Air
and Radiation.
[FR Doc. 2016–21217 Filed 9–1–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[ER–FRL–9028–8]
Environmental Impact Statements;
Notice of Availability
AGENCY:
Office of Federal Activities,
EPA.
ACTION:
Notice.
Weekly receipt of
Environmental Impact Statements
(EISs).
Filed 08/22/2016 Through 08/26/2016.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
General Information (202) 564–7146 or
https://www.epa.gov/nepa
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant
to 40 CFR 1506.9.
Section 309(a) of the Clean Air Act
requires that EPA make public its
comments on EISs issued by other
Federal agencies. EPA’s comment letters
on EISs are available at: https://
www.epa.gov/compliance/nepa/
eisdata.html.
EIS No. 20160193, Final, DOS, CA, Otay
Mesa Conveyance and Disinfection
System Project, Review Period Ends:
10/03/2016, Contact: Jill Reilly 202–
647–9798.
EIS No. 20160194, Final, FAA, AK,
Angoon Airport Project, Review
Period Ends: 10/03/2016, Contact:
Leslie Grey 907–271–5453.
EIS No. 20160195, Draft, FHWA, NC, I–
4400/I–4700—I–26 Widening,
Comment Period. Ends: 10/31/2016,
Contact: Clarence Coleman 919–747–
7014.
EIS No. 20160196, Final, NPS, PRO,
Revision of 9B Regulations Governing
Non-Federal Oil and Gas Activities,
Review Period Ends: 10/03/2016,
Contact: Michael B. Edwards 303–
969–2694.
EIS No. 20160197, Draft, NOAA, HI,
Heeia National Estuarine Research
SUMMARY:
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1.0
3.9
0.5
1.3
Based on measured reduction in the
coefficient of drag.
Active engine warm-up ....................................................................................................................................
Active transmission warm-up ...........................................................................................................................
Engine idle start-stop .......................................................................................................................................
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 BMW, Ford,
GM, and VW (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.
Off-cycle
credit—trucks
(grams/mile)
1.5
1.5
2.5
3.2
3.2
4.4
Reserve, Comment Period Ends: 10/
17/2016, Contact: Jean Tanimoto 808–
725–5253.
EIS No. 20160198, Final, NOAA,
USFWS, MI, Programmatic—
Restoration Resulting from the
Kalamazoo River Natural Resource
Damage Assessment, Review Period
Ends: 10/03/2016, Contact: Lisa
Williams 517–351–8324. The U.S.
Department of the Interior’s Fish and
Wildlife Service and the U.S.
Department of Commerce’s National
Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration are joint lead agencies
for the above project.
EIS No. 20160199, Final, BLM, UT,
Proposed Resource Management Plans
for the Beaver Dam Wash and Red
Cliffs National Conservation Areas;
Proposed Amendment to the St.
George Field Office Resource
Management Plan, Review Period
Ends: 10/03/2016, Contact: Keith
Rigtrup 435–865–3063.
EIS No. 20160200, Draft, USACE, NY,
Atlantic Coast of New York, East
Rockaway Inlet to Rockaway Inlet and
Jamaica Bay, Comment Period Ends:
11/02/2016, Contact: Robert J. Smith
917–790–8729.
Amended Notices
EIS No. 20160188, Final, NHTSA, NAT,
Phase 2 Fuel Efficiency Standards for
Medium- and Heavy-Duty Engines
and Vehicles, Contact: James Tamm
202–493–0515.
Revision to FR Notice Published 08/
26/2016; Change Review Period to No
Review Period.
Under 49 U.S.C. 304a(b), NHTSA has
issued a Final EIS and ROD. Therefore,
the 30-day wait/review period under
NEPA does not apply to this action.
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 171 (Friday, September 2, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60694-60697]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-21217]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[FRL-9951-82-OAR]
Alternative Method for Calculating Off-cycle Credits Under the
Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Applications From
BMW Group, Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation, and
Volkswagen Group of America
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting
comment on applications from BMW of North American (BMW), Ford Motor
Company (Ford), General Motors Corporation (GM), and Volkswagen Group
of America (VW) 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 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 off-cycle
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. These four manufacturers
have submitted applications that describe methodologies for determining
off-cycle credits. The off-cycle technologies vary by manufacturer and
include active aerodynamics systems, active cabin ventilation, active
seat ventilation, solar reflective glass/glazing, solar reflective
surface coating (paint), active engine warmup, active transmission
warmup, engine idle stop-start systems, and high efficiency lighting.
Pursuant to applicable regulations, EPA is making descriptions of each
manufacturer's off-cycle credit calculation methodologies available for
public comment.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 3, 2016.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OAR-2016-0503, to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting
comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or withdrawn. The
EPA may publish any comment received to its public docket. Do not
submit electronically any information you consider to be Confidential
Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Multimedia submissions (audio, video, etc.) must
be accompanied by a written comment. The written comment is considered
the official comment and should include discussion of all points you
wish to make. The EPA will generally not consider comments or comment
contents located outside of the primary submission (i.e. on the web,
cloud, or other file sharing system). For additional submission
methods, the full EPA public comment policy, information about CBI or
multimedia submissions, and general guidance on making effective
comments, please visit https://www2.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets.
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 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, as long as the technologies meet EPA regulatory
definitions. In cases where the off-cycle technology is not on the menu
but 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
[[Page 60695]]
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 adequately 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 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ See 40 CFR 86.1869-12(b).
\2\ See 40 CFR 86.1869-12(c).
\3\ See 40 CFR 86.1869-12(d).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ See 40 CFR 86.1869-12(d)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
II. Off-Cycle Credit Applications
A. BMW of North America
Using the alternative methodology approach discussed above, BMW of
North America (BMW) is applying for credits for model years prior to
2014, and thus prior to when the list of default credits became
available. BMW has applied for off-cycle credits using the alternative
demonstration methodology pathway for the following technologies: high
efficiency exterior lighting, solar reflective glass/glazing, active
seat ventilation, active cabin ventilation, and active engine warmup.
With the exception of active cabin ventilation, EPA has already
approved credits for these technologies for model years prior to
2014.\5\ BMW's request is consistent with previously approved
methodologies and credits. 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 BMW are 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 values:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ ``EPA Decision Document: Off-cycle Credits for Fiat Chrysler
Automobiles, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors Corporation.''
Compliance Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. EPA-420-R-15-014, September 2015.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
Active seat ventilation............. 1.0 1.3
Active cabin ventilation............ 2.1 2.8
Active engine warmup................ 1.5 3.2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 became
available. Ford has applied for off-cycle credits using the alternative
demonstration methodology pathway for the following technologies: high
efficiency exterior lighting, active seat ventilation, active
aerodynamics, active transmission warmup, active engine warmup, and
engine idle stop-start systems. EPA has already approved credits for
these technologies for the 2012 and 2013 model years for Ford, and for
some of these technologies for Fiat Chrysler for the 2009-2013 model
years.\6\ Ford's request is consistent with
[[Page 60696]]
previously approved methodologies and credits. The application covers
the 2009-2011 model year vehicles, model years which were inadvertently
omitted from Ford's previous request. All of these technologies are
described in the predetermined list of credits available in the 2014
and later model years. The methodologies described by Ford are
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 values:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ ``EPA Decision Document: Off-cycle Credits for Fiat Chrysler
Automobiles, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors Corporation.''
Compliance Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. EPA-420-R-15-014, September 2015.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Off-cycle Off-cycle
Technology credit--cars credit--trucks
(grams/mile) (grams/mile)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
high efficiency lighting............ 1.0 1.0
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, General
Motors Corporation (GM) is applying for credits for model years prior
to 2014, and thus prior to when the list of default credits became
available. GM 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
engine warmup, and engine idle stop-start systems. EPA has already
approved credits for these technologies for model years prior to
2014.\7\ GM's request is consistent with previously approved
methodologies and credits. The application covers the 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 GM are 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 values:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ ``EPA Decision Document: Off-cycle Credits for Fiat Chrysler
Automobiles, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors Corporation.''
Compliance Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. EPA-420-R-15-014, September 2015.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
Active seat ventilation............. 1.0 1.3
-----------------------------------
Active aerodynamics................. Based on measured reduction in the
coefficient of drag.
-----------------------------------
Active engine warm-up............... 1.5 3.2
Engine idle start-stop.............. 2.5 4.4
------------------------------------------------------------------------
D. Volkswagen of America
Using the alternative methodology approach discussed above,
Volkswagen of America (VW) is applying for credits for model years
prior to 2014, and thus prior to when the list of default credits
became available. VW has applied for off-cycle credits using the
alternative demonstration methodology pathway for the following
technologies: Active aerodynamics systems, active seat ventilation,
solar reflective glass/glazing, solar reflective surface coating
(paint), active engine warmup, active transmission warmup, engine idle
stop-start systems, and high efficiency lighting. EPA has already
approved credits for these technologies for model years prior to
2014.\8\ VW's request is consistent with previously approved
methodologies and credits. The application covers the 2012-2013 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 VW are 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
[[Page 60697]]
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 values:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ ``EPA Decision Document: Off-cycle Credits for Fiat Chrysler
Automobiles, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors Corporation.''
Compliance Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. EPA-420-R-15-014, September 2015.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
Active seat ventilation............. 1.0 1.3
-----------------------------------
Active aerodynamics................. Based on measured reduction in the
coefficient of drag.
-----------------------------------
Active engine warm-up............... 1.5 3.2
Active transmission warm-up......... 1.5 3.2
Engine idle start-stop.............. 2.5 4.4
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 BMW, Ford, GM, and VW (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: August 26, 2016.
Byron J. Bunker,
Director, Compliance Division, Office of Transportation and Air
Quality, Office of Air and Radiation.
[FR Doc. 2016-21217 Filed 9-1-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
