Alternative Methods for Calculating Off-Cycle Credits Under the Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Applications From Nissan North America, Inc., 61053-61055 [2019-24572]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 218 / Tuesday, November 12, 2019 / Notices Applicants: NSTAR Electric Company. Description: Supplement to April 24, 2019 Application under Section 204 of the Federal Power Act for Authorization to Issue Securities of NSTAR Electric Company. Filed Date: 11/1/19. Accession Number: 20191101–5316. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 11/22/19. The filings are accessible in the Commission’s eLibrary system by clicking on the links or querying the docket number. Any person desiring to intervene or protest in any of the above proceedings must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission’s Regulations (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214) on or before 5 p.m. Eastern time on the specified comment date. Protests may be considered, but intervention is necessary to become a party to the proceeding. eFiling is encouraged. More detailed information relating to filing requirements, interventions, protests, service, and qualifying facilities filings can be found at: https://www.ferc.gov/ docs-filing/efiling/filing-req.pdf. For other information, call (866) 208–3676 (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502–8659. Dated: November 5, 2019. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2019–24566 Filed 11–8–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OAR–2019–0588; FRL–10001–99– OAR] Alternative Methods for Calculating Off-Cycle Credits Under the Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Applications From Nissan North America, Inc. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: EPA is requesting comment on applications from Nissan North America, Inc. (‘‘Nissan’’) 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 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:47 Nov 08, 2019 Jkt 250001 program acknowledges these benefits by giving automobile manufacturers several options for generating ‘‘off-cycle’’ 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. Nissan has submitted applications that describe methodologies for determining off-cycle credits from technologies described in their application. Pursuant to applicable regulations, EPA is making Nissan’s offcycle credit calculation methodologies available for public comment. DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 12, 2019. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OAR–2019–0588, 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 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 61053 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, if 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 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; 1 See 40 CFR 86.1869–12(b). 40 CFR 86.1869–12(c). 3 See 40 CFR 86.1869–12(d). 2 See E:\FR\FM\12NON1.SGM 12NON1 61054 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 218 / Tuesday, November 12, 2019 / Notices • 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. Variable Crankcase Suction Valve Technology in Denso AC Compressors Using the alternative methodology approach discussed above, Nissan is applying for credits for an air conditioning compressor manufactured by Denso that results in air conditioning efficiency credits beyond those provided in the regulations. This request is for the 2017 and subsequent 4 See 40 CFR 86.1869–12(d)(2). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:47 Nov 08, 2019 Jkt 250001 model years. This compressor, known as 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 addition of a variable crankcase suction valve allows a larger mass flow under maximum capacity and compressor start-up conditions (when high flow is ideal), and then it can reduce to smaller openings with reduced mass flow in mid- or lowcapacity conditions. The refrigerant exiting the crankcase is thus optimized across the range of operating conditions, reducing the overall energy consumption of the air conditioning system. EPA first approved credits for General Motors (GM) for the use of the Denso SAS compressor in 2015,5 and has subsequently approved such credits for BMW, Ford, and Hyundai.6 The credits calculated for the Denso SAS compressor would be in addition to the credits of 1.7 grams/mile for variable-displacement A/C compressors already allowed under EPA regulations.7 However, it is important to note that EPA regulations place a limit on the cumulative credits that can be claimed for improving the efficiency of A/C systems. The rationale for this limit is that the additional fuel consumption of A/C systems can never be reduced to zero, and the limits established by regulation reflect the maximum possible reduction in fuel consumption projected by EPA. These limits, or caps, on credits for A/C efficiency, must also be applied to A/C efficiency credits granted under the off-cycle credit approval process. In other words, cumulative A/C efficiency credits for an A/C system—from the A/ C efficiency regulations and those granted via the off-cycle regulations— must comply with the stated limits. Nissan is requesting an off-cycle GHG credit of 1.1 grams CO2 per mile for the Denso SAS compressor. Nissan cited the bench test modeling analysis referenced in the original GM application, which demonstrated a benefit of 1.1 grams/ mile. Like other manufacturers, Nissan also ran vehicle tests using the AC17 test to confirm the credit amount. Seven 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. 6 EPA Decision Document: Off-cycle Credits for BMW Group, Ford Motor Company, and Hyundai Motor Company.’’ Compliance Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. EPA–420–R–17–010, December 2017. 7 See 40 CFR 86.1868–12. PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 tests were conducted, resulting in a calculated benefit of 4.4 grams/mile, thus substantiating the bench test results. Based on these results, Nissan is requesting a credit of 1.1 grams/mile for all Nissan vehicles equipped with the Denso SAS compressor with variable crankcase suction valve technology, starting with 2017 model year vehicles. Details of the testing and analysis can be found in the manufacturer’s application. B. Off-Cycle GHG Credits for Calsonic Kansei A/C Compressor Incorporating Flowpath Resistance Reduction Technology Using the alternative methodology approach discussed above, Nissan is applying for credits for an air conditioning compressor manufactured by Calsonic Kansei that results in air conditioning efficiency credits beyond those provided in the regulations. This request is for the 2018 and subsequent model years. This compressor (the ‘‘Calsonic Kansei CR-Phase 4 compressor’’), improves the efficiency of the compressor by changing the contours of the refrigerant flow path, reducing the pressure loss and improving the efficiency relative to previous versions of the system. The credits calculated for the Calsonic Kansei compressor would be in addition to the credits of 1.7 grams/mile for variable-displacement A/C compressors already allowed under EPA regulations.8 However, it is important to note that EPA regulations place a limit on the cumulative credits that can be claimed for improving the efficiency of A/C systems. The rationale for this limit is that the additional fuel consumption of A/C systems can never be reduced to zero, and the limits established by regulation reflect the maximum possible reduction in fuel consumption projected by EPA. These limits, or caps, on credits for A/C efficiency, must also be applied to A/C efficiency credits granted under the off-cycle credit approval process. In other words, cumulative A/C efficiency credits for an A/C system—from the A/ C efficiency regulations and those granted via the off-cycle regulations— must comply with the stated limits. Nissan is requesting an off-cycle GHG credit of 1.1 grams CO2 per mile for the Calsonic Kansei compressor. Nissan cited the bench test modeling analysis conducted by Calsonic Kansei, using the procedures contained in SAE standard J2765, which characterize a system’s coefficient of performance. Nissan also ran six vehicle tests comparing compressors on the AC17 test protocol; these tests demonstrated a 1.7 gram/ 8 See E:\FR\FM\12NON1.SGM 40 CFR 86.1868–12. 12NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 218 / Tuesday, November 12, 2019 / Notices mile benefit. Finally, Calsonic Kansei used the LCCP model to estimate the benefits of the technology, and this modeling also supported a credit value of 1.1 grams/mile. Details of the bench testing, vehicle testing, and modeling are available in Nissan’s application. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY III. EPA Decision Process AGENCY: 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 the manufacturer (with confidential business information redacted) have been placed in the public docket (see ADDRESSES section above) and on EPA’s website at https://www.epa.gov/vehicleand-engine-certification/complianceinformation-light-duty-greenhouse-gasghg-standards. 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 website at the same manufacturerspecific pages shown above. 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: November 1, 2019. Byron J. Bunker, Director, Compliance Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Office of Air and Radiation. [FR Doc. 2019–24572 Filed 11–8–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:47 Nov 08, 2019 Jkt 250001 [EPA–HQ–OPP–2017–0750; FRL–10001–71] Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Interim Decisions for Several Pyrethroids; Notice of Availability Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. This notice announces the availability of EPA’s proposed interim registration review decisions and opens a 60-day public comment period on the proposed interim decisions for the following pesticides: cyphenothrin, flumethrin, imiprothrin, momfluorothrin, and tetramethrin. The Agency is also announcing the availability of the Pyrethroids and Pyrethrins Ecological Risk Mitigation Proposal for 23 Chemicals, which summarizes proposed labeling intended to address ecological risks for all the pyrethroids. SUMMARY: Comments must be received on or before January 13, 2020. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by the docket identification (ID) number for the specific pesticide of interest provided in the Table in Unit IV., 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) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. • Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/ DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460–0001. • Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the instructions at https:// www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html. Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along with more information about dockets generally, is available at https:// www.epa.gov/dockets. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For pesticide specific information, contact: The Chemical Review Manager for the pesticide of interest identified in the Table in Unit IV. For general information on the registration review program, contact: Melanie Biscoe, Pesticide Re-Evaluation Division (7508P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 61055 number: (703) 305–7106; email address: biscoe.melanie@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A. Does this action apply to me? This action is directed to the public in general, and may be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders including environmental, human health, farm worker, and agricultural advocates; the chemical industry; pesticide users; and members of the public interested in the sale, distribution, or use of pesticides. Since others also may be interested, the Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be affected by this action. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the Chemical Review Manager for the pesticide of interest identified in the Table in Unit IV. B. What should I consider as I prepare my comments for EPA? 1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this information 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 on 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. Background Registration review is EPA’s periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration, that is, the pesticide can perform its intended function without unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. As part of the registration review process, the Agency has completed proposed interim decisions for all pesticides listed in the Table in Unit IV. Through this program, EPA is ensuring that each pesticide’s registration is based on current scientific and other knowledge, E:\FR\FM\12NON1.SGM 12NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 218 (Tuesday, November 12, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 61053-61055]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-24572]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2019-0588; FRL-10001-99-OAR]


Alternative Methods for Calculating Off-Cycle Credits Under the 
Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Applications From 
Nissan North America, Inc.

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: EPA is requesting comment on applications from Nissan North 
America, Inc. (``Nissan'') 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'' 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. Nissan has submitted 
applications that describe methodologies for determining off-cycle 
credits from technologies described in their application. Pursuant to 
applicable regulations, EPA is making Nissan's off-cycle credit 
calculation methodologies available for public comment.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 12, 2019.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OAR-2019-0588, 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: [email protected].

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, if 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 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;

[[Page 61054]]

     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. Variable Crankcase Suction Valve Technology in Denso AC Compressors

    Using the alternative methodology approach discussed above, Nissan 
is applying for credits for an air conditioning compressor manufactured 
by Denso that results in air conditioning efficiency credits beyond 
those provided in the regulations. This request is for the 2017 and 
subsequent model years. This compressor, known as 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 addition of a variable crankcase suction valve allows a larger mass 
flow under maximum capacity and compressor start-up conditions (when 
high flow is ideal), and then it can reduce to smaller openings with 
reduced mass flow in mid- or low-capacity conditions. The refrigerant 
exiting the crankcase is thus optimized across the range of operating 
conditions, reducing the overall energy consumption of the air 
conditioning system. EPA first approved credits for General Motors (GM) 
for the use of the Denso SAS compressor in 2015,\5\ and has 
subsequently approved such credits for BMW, Ford, and Hyundai.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \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.
    \6\ EPA Decision Document: Off-cycle Credits for BMW Group, Ford 
Motor Company, and Hyundai Motor Company.'' Compliance Division, 
Office of Transportation and Air Quality, U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency. EPA-420-R-17-010, December 2017.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The credits calculated for the Denso SAS compressor would be in 
addition to the credits of 1.7 grams/mile for variable-displacement A/C 
compressors already allowed under EPA regulations.\7\ However, it is 
important to note that EPA regulations place a limit on the cumulative 
credits that can be claimed for improving the efficiency of A/C 
systems. The rationale for this limit is that the additional fuel 
consumption of A/C systems can never be reduced to zero, and the limits 
established by regulation reflect the maximum possible reduction in 
fuel consumption projected by EPA. These limits, or caps, on credits 
for A/C efficiency, must also be applied to A/C efficiency credits 
granted under the off-cycle credit approval process. In other words, 
cumulative A/C efficiency credits for an A/C system--from the A/C 
efficiency regulations and those granted via the off-cycle 
regulations--must comply with the stated limits.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ See 40 CFR 86.1868-12.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Nissan is requesting an off-cycle GHG credit of 1.1 grams 
CO2 per mile for the Denso SAS compressor. Nissan cited the 
bench test modeling analysis referenced in the original GM application, 
which demonstrated a benefit of 1.1 grams/mile. Like other 
manufacturers, Nissan also ran vehicle tests using the AC17 test to 
confirm the credit amount. Seven tests were conducted, resulting in a 
calculated benefit of 4.4 grams/mile, thus substantiating the bench 
test results. Based on these results, Nissan is requesting a credit of 
1.1 grams/mile for all Nissan vehicles equipped with the Denso SAS 
compressor with variable crankcase suction valve technology, starting 
with 2017 model year vehicles. Details of the testing and analysis can 
be found in the manufacturer's application.

B. Off-Cycle GHG Credits for Calsonic Kansei A/C Compressor 
Incorporating Flowpath Resistance Reduction Technology

    Using the alternative methodology approach discussed above, Nissan 
is applying for credits for an air conditioning compressor manufactured 
by Calsonic Kansei that results in air conditioning efficiency credits 
beyond those provided in the regulations. This request is for the 2018 
and subsequent model years. This compressor (the ``Calsonic Kansei CR-
Phase 4 compressor''), improves the efficiency of the compressor by 
changing the contours of the refrigerant flow path, reducing the 
pressure loss and improving the efficiency relative to previous 
versions of the system.
    The credits calculated for the Calsonic Kansei compressor would be 
in addition to the credits of 1.7 grams/mile for variable-displacement 
A/C compressors already allowed under EPA regulations.\8\ However, it 
is important to note that EPA regulations place a limit on the 
cumulative credits that can be claimed for improving the efficiency of 
A/C systems. The rationale for this limit is that the additional fuel 
consumption of A/C systems can never be reduced to zero, and the limits 
established by regulation reflect the maximum possible reduction in 
fuel consumption projected by EPA. These limits, or caps, on credits 
for A/C efficiency, must also be applied to A/C efficiency credits 
granted under the off-cycle credit approval process. In other words, 
cumulative A/C efficiency credits for an A/C system--from the A/C 
efficiency regulations and those granted via the off-cycle 
regulations--must comply with the stated limits.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ See 40 CFR 86.1868-12.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Nissan is requesting an off-cycle GHG credit of 1.1 grams 
CO2 per mile for the Calsonic Kansei compressor. Nissan 
cited the bench test modeling analysis conducted by Calsonic Kansei, 
using the procedures contained in SAE standard J2765, which 
characterize a system's coefficient of performance. Nissan also ran six 
vehicle tests comparing compressors on the AC17 test protocol; these 
tests demonstrated a 1.7 gram/

[[Page 61055]]

mile benefit. Finally, Calsonic Kansei used the LCCP model to estimate 
the benefits of the technology, and this modeling also supported a 
credit value of 1.1 grams/mile. Details of the bench testing, vehicle 
testing, and modeling are available in Nissan's application.

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 the manufacturer (with confidential business information 
redacted) have been placed in the public docket (see ADDRESSES section 
above) and on EPA's website at https://www.epa.gov/vehicle-and-engine-certification/compliance-information-light-duty-greenhouse-gas-ghg-standards.
    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 website at the same 
manufacturer-specific pages shown above. 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: November 1, 2019.
Byron J. Bunker,
Director, Compliance Division, Office of Transportation and Air 
Quality, Office of Air and Radiation.
[FR Doc. 2019-24572 Filed 11-8-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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