Notification of a Public Meeting of the Chartered Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC), 4656-4657 [2020-01222]

Download as PDF khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 4656 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 17 / Monday, January 27, 2020 / Notices section 109 of the Act, EPA is then to establish NAAQS for each pollutant for which EPA has issued criteria. Section 109(d) of the Act subsequently requires review every five years and, if appropriate, revision of existing air quality criteria to reflect advances in scientific knowledge on the effects of the pollutant on public health or welfare. EPA is also required to review and, if appropriate, revise the NAAQS, based on the revised air quality criteria (for more information on the NAAQS review process, see https://www.epa.gov/ ttn/naaqs/review.html). Particulate matter is one of six criteria pollutants for which EPA has established NAAQS. Periodically, EPA reviews the scientific basis for these standards by preparing an ISA (formerly called an Air Quality Criteria Document). The ISA provides the scientific basis for EPA’s decisions, in conjunction with additional technical and policy assessments, on the adequacy of the current NAAQS and the appropriateness of possible alternative standards. The Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC), an independent science advisory committee whose review and advisory functions are mandated by Section 109(d)(2) of the Clean Air Act, is charged (among other things) with independent scientific review of the EPA’s air quality criteria. On December 3, 2014 (79 FR 71764), EPA formally initiated its current review of the air quality criteria for the health and welfare effects of particulate matter and the primary (health-based) and secondary (welfare-based) NAAQS, requesting the submission of recent scientific information on specified topics. EPA conducted a workshop from February 9 to 11, 2015 to gather input from invited scientific experts, both internal and external to EPA, as well as from the public, regarding key science and policy issues relevant to the review of the primary and secondary NAAQS (79 FR 71764). These science and policy issues were incorporated into EPA’s ‘‘Draft Integrated Review Plan for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter,’’ which was available for public comment (81 FR 22977) and discussion by the CASAC via publicly accessible teleconference consultation (81 FR 13362). The ‘‘Final Integrated Review Plan for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter’’ was released December 6, 2016 (81 FR 87933). Subsequent webinar workshops were held on June 9, 13, 20, and 22, 2016, to discuss initial draft materials prepared in the development of the particulate matter ISA with invited EPA and VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:54 Jan 24, 2020 Jkt 250001 external scientific experts (81 FR 29262). The input received during these webinar workshops aided in the development of the materials presented in the ‘‘Integrated Science Assessment for Particulate Matter (External Review Draft), which was released on October 23, 2018’’ (83 FR 53471), and is available at: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/ isa/recordisplay.cfm?deid=341593. The CASAC met at a public meeting on December 12–13, 2018 (83 FR 55529), to review the draft PM ISA. A public teleconference was then held on March 28, 2019 for CASAC to review their draft letter to the Administrator on the draft ISA. This meeting was announced in the Federal Register on March 8, 2019 (84 FR 8523). Subsequently, on April 11, 2019, the CASAC provided a letter of their review to the Administrator of the EPA, available at: https:// yosemite.epa.gov/sab/sabproduct.nsf/ 264cb1227d55e02c85257402007446a4/ 6CBCBBC3025E13B4852583D9 0047B352/$File/EPA-CASAC-19002+.pdf. The letter from the CASAC, as well as public comments received on the draft PM ISA, can be found in Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–ORD–2014– 0859. The Administrator responded to the CASAC’s letter on the External Review Draft of the PM ISA on July 25, 2019, and is available at: https:// yosemite.epa.gov/sab/sabproduct.nsf/ 264cb1227d55e02c85257402007446a4/ 6CBCBBC3025E13B48525 83D90047B352/$File/EPA-CASAC-19002_Response.pdf. Administrator Wheeler’s letter to the CASAC indicated the Agency will ‘‘incorporate the CASAC’s comments and recommendations, to the extent possible, and create a final PM ISA so that it may be available to inform a proposed decision on any necessary revisions of the NAAQS in early 2020.’’ The U.S. EPA focused on addressing comments presented in the main body of the CASAC letter (i.e., the cover letter and consensus responses to charge questions), and to the extent possible, in the statutorily provided timeframe, addressed individual CASAC member comments as well as public comments on the draft PM ISA. The consensus CASAC comments on the draft PM Policy Assessment (December 16, 2019) stated ‘‘. . . the Draft PM ISA, does not provide a comprehensive, systematic review of relevant scientific literature; inadequate evidence and rationale for altered causal determinations; and a need for clearer discussion of causality and causal biological mechanisms and pathways.’’ To address these comments in the Final PM ISA, the EPA: (1) Added PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 text to the Preface and developed a new Appendix to more clearly articulate the process of ISA development; (2) revised the causality determination for longterm ultrafine particle (UFP) exposure and nervous system effects to suggestive of, but not sufficient to infer, a causal relationship; and (3) added additional text to the Preface of the PM ISA as well as text in the health effects chapters to clarify the discussion of biological plausibility and its role in forming causality determinations. Additionally, the U.S. EPA focused on addressing those comments that contributed to improving clarity, could be addressed in the near-term, and identified errors in the draft PM ISA. Lastly, Administrator Wheeler noted, ‘‘for those comments and recommendations that are more significant or cross-cutting and which were not fully addressed, the Agency will develop a plan to incorporate these changes into future PM ISAs as well as ISAs for other criteria pollutant reviews.’’ Dated: December 31, 2019. Wayne E. Cascio, Director, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment. [FR Doc. 2020–01223 Filed 1–24–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL–10004–48–OA] Notification of a Public Meeting of the Chartered Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB) Staff Office announces a public meeting of the Chartered Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) to discuss their Draft Report on EPA’s Integrated Science Assessment for Ozone and Related Photochemical Oxidants (External Review Draft— September 2019) and their Draft Report on EPA’s Policy Assessment for the Review of the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (External Review Draft). DATES: The public meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) and Wednesday, February 12, 2020, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). SUMMARY: The public meeting will be conducted by telephone only. ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 17 / Monday, January 27, 2020 / Notices Any member of the public wishing to obtain information concerning these public meetings may contact Mr. Aaron Yeow, Designated Federal Officer (DFO), at (202) 564–2050 or at yeow.aaron@ epa.gov. General information about the CASAC, as well as any updates concerning the meetings announced in this notice, may be found on the CASAC website at https://www.epa.gov/casac. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background: The Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) was established under section 109(d)(2) of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) (42 U.S.C. 7409) as an independent scientific advisory committee. The CASAC provides advice, information and recommendations on the scientific and technical aspects of air quality criteria and the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The CASAC shall also: Advise the EPA Administrator of areas in which additional knowledge is required to appraise the adequacy and basis of existing, new, or revised NAAQS; describe the research efforts necessary to provide the required information; advise the EPA Administrator on the relative contribution to air pollution concentrations of natural as well as anthropogenic activity; and advise the EPA Administrator of any adverse public health, welfare, social, economic, or energy effects which may result from various strategies for attainment and maintenance of such NAAQS. The CAA requires that the Agency, at five-year intervals, review and revise, as appropriate, the air quality criteria and the NAAQS for the six ‘‘criteria’’ air pollutants, including ozone. EPA is currently reviewing the NAAQS for ozone. The CASAC is a Federal Advisory Committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C., App. 2. The Chartered CASAC will comply with the provisions of FACA and all appropriate SAB Staff Office procedural policies. Pursuant to FACA and EPA policy, notice is hereby given that the Chartered CASAC will hold a public meeting to discuss their Draft Report on EPA’s Integrated Science Assessment for Ozone and Related Photochemical Oxidants (External Review Draft—September 2019) and their Draft Report on EPA’s Policy Assessment for the Review of the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (External Review Draft). Technical Contacts: Any technical questions concerning EPA’s Integrated Science Assessment for Ozone and Related Photochemical Oxidants khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:54 Jan 24, 2020 Jkt 250001 (External Review Draft—September 2019) should be directed to Dr. Tom Luben (luben.tom@epa.gov) and Dr. Meredith Lassiter (lassiter.meredith@ epa.gov). Any technical questions concerning EPA’s Policy Assessment for the Review of the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (External Review Draft) should be directed to Dr. Deirdre Murphy (murphy.deirde@epa.gov). Availability of Meeting Materials: Prior to the meeting, the review documents, agenda and other materials will be accessible through the calendar link on the blue navigation bar at https:// www.epa.gov/casac/. Procedures for Providing Public Input: Public comment for consideration by EPA’s federal advisory committees and panels has a different purpose from public comment provided to EPA program offices. Therefore, the process for submitting comments to a federal advisory committee is different from the process used to submit comments to an EPA program office. Federal advisory committees and panels, including scientific advisory committees, provide independent advice to EPA. Members of the public can submit relevant comments on the topic of this advisory activity, including the charge to the CASAC and the EPA review documents, and/or the group conducting the activity, for the CASAC to consider as it develops advice for EPA. Input from the public to the CASAC will have the most impact if it provides specific scientific or technical information or analysis for CASAC to consider or if it relates to the clarity or accuracy of the technical information. Members of the public wishing to provide comment should follow the instructions below to submit comments. Oral Statements: Individuals or groups requesting an oral presentation during the public meeting will be limited to three minutes. Each person making an oral statement should consider providing written comments as well as their oral statement so that the points presented orally can be expanded upon in writing. Interested parties should contact Mr. Aaron Yeow, DFO, in writing (preferably via email) at the contact information noted above by February 4, 2020, to be placed on the list of public speakers. Written Statements: Written statements will be accepted throughout the advisory process; however, for timely consideration by CASAC members, statements should be supplied to the DFO (preferably via email) at the contact information noted above by February 4, 2020. It is the SAB Staff Office general policy to post PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 4657 written comments on the web page for the advisory meeting or teleconference. Submitters are requested to provide an unsigned version of each document because the SAB Staff Office does not publish documents with signatures on its websites. Members of the public should be aware that their personal contact information, if included in any written comments, may be posted to the CASAC website. Copyrighted material will not be posted without explicit permission of the copyright holder. Accessibility: For information on access or services for individuals with disabilities, please contact Mr. Aaron Yeow at (202) 564–2050 or yeow.aaron@ epa.gov. To request accommodation of a disability, please contact Mr. Yeow preferably at least ten days prior to each meeting to give EPA as much time as possible to process your request. Dated: January 10, 2020. Khanna Johnston, Deputy Director, EPA Science Advisory Staff Office. [FR Doc. 2020–01222 Filed 1–24–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OECA–2013–0301; FRL–10004– 53–OMS] Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NESHAP for Beryllium (Renewal) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), NESHAP for Beryllium (EPA ICR Number 0193.13, OMB Control Number 2060–0092), to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through March 31, 2020. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on May 6, 2019, during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. An agency may neither conduct nor sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 17 (Monday, January 27, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4656-4657]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-01222]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-10004-48-OA]


Notification of a Public Meeting of the Chartered Clean Air 
Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC)

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB) Staff Office announces a 
public meeting of the Chartered Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee 
(CASAC) to discuss their Draft Report on EPA's Integrated Science 
Assessment for Ozone and Related Photochemical Oxidants (External 
Review Draft--September 2019) and their Draft Report on EPA's Policy 
Assessment for the Review of the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality 
Standards (External Review Draft).

DATES: The public meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, 
from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) and Wednesday, February 12, 
2020, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).

ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be conducted by telephone only.

[[Page 4657]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Any member of the public wishing to 
obtain information concerning these public meetings may contact Mr. 
Aaron Yeow, Designated Federal Officer (DFO), at (202) 564-2050 or at 
[email protected]. General information about the CASAC, as well as any 
updates concerning the meetings announced in this notice, may be found 
on the CASAC website at https://www.epa.gov/casac.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Background: The Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) was 
established under section 109(d)(2) of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) 
(42 U.S.C. 7409) as an independent scientific advisory committee. The 
CASAC provides advice, information and recommendations on the 
scientific and technical aspects of air quality criteria and the 
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The CASAC shall also: 
Advise the EPA Administrator of areas in which additional knowledge is 
required to appraise the adequacy and basis of existing, new, or 
revised NAAQS; describe the research efforts necessary to provide the 
required information; advise the EPA Administrator on the relative 
contribution to air pollution concentrations of natural as well as 
anthropogenic activity; and advise the EPA Administrator of any adverse 
public health, welfare, social, economic, or energy effects which may 
result from various strategies for attainment and maintenance of such 
NAAQS. The CAA requires that the Agency, at five-year intervals, review 
and revise, as appropriate, the air quality criteria and the NAAQS for 
the six ``criteria'' air pollutants, including ozone. EPA is currently 
reviewing the NAAQS for ozone.
    The CASAC is a Federal Advisory Committee chartered under the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C., App. 2. The Chartered 
CASAC will comply with the provisions of FACA and all appropriate SAB 
Staff Office procedural policies. Pursuant to FACA and EPA policy, 
notice is hereby given that the Chartered CASAC will hold a public 
meeting to discuss their Draft Report on EPA's Integrated Science 
Assessment for Ozone and Related Photochemical Oxidants (External 
Review Draft--September 2019) and their Draft Report on EPA's Policy 
Assessment for the Review of the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality 
Standards (External Review Draft).
    Technical Contacts: Any technical questions concerning EPA's 
Integrated Science Assessment for Ozone and Related Photochemical 
Oxidants (External Review Draft--September 2019) should be directed to 
Dr. Tom Luben ([email protected]) and Dr. Meredith Lassiter 
([email protected]). Any technical questions concerning EPA's 
Policy Assessment for the Review of the Ozone National Ambient Air 
Quality Standards (External Review Draft) should be directed to Dr. 
Deirdre Murphy ([email protected]).
    Availability of Meeting Materials: Prior to the meeting, the review 
documents, agenda and other materials will be accessible through the 
calendar link on the blue navigation bar at https://www.epa.gov/casac/.
    Procedures for Providing Public Input: Public comment for 
consideration by EPA's federal advisory committees and panels has a 
different purpose from public comment provided to EPA program offices. 
Therefore, the process for submitting comments to a federal advisory 
committee is different from the process used to submit comments to an 
EPA program office. Federal advisory committees and panels, including 
scientific advisory committees, provide independent advice to EPA. 
Members of the public can submit relevant comments on the topic of this 
advisory activity, including the charge to the CASAC and the EPA review 
documents, and/or the group conducting the activity, for the CASAC to 
consider as it develops advice for EPA. Input from the public to the 
CASAC will have the most impact if it provides specific scientific or 
technical information or analysis for CASAC to consider or if it 
relates to the clarity or accuracy of the technical information. 
Members of the public wishing to provide comment should follow the 
instructions below to submit comments.
    Oral Statements: Individuals or groups requesting an oral 
presentation during the public meeting will be limited to three 
minutes. Each person making an oral statement should consider providing 
written comments as well as their oral statement so that the points 
presented orally can be expanded upon in writing. Interested parties 
should contact Mr. Aaron Yeow, DFO, in writing (preferably via email) 
at the contact information noted above by February 4, 2020, to be 
placed on the list of public speakers.
    Written Statements: Written statements will be accepted throughout 
the advisory process; however, for timely consideration by CASAC 
members, statements should be supplied to the DFO (preferably via 
email) at the contact information noted above by February 4, 2020. It 
is the SAB Staff Office general policy to post written comments on the 
web page for the advisory meeting or teleconference. Submitters are 
requested to provide an unsigned version of each document because the 
SAB Staff Office does not publish documents with signatures on its 
websites. Members of the public should be aware that their personal 
contact information, if included in any written comments, may be posted 
to the CASAC website. Copyrighted material will not be posted without 
explicit permission of the copyright holder.
    Accessibility: For information on access or services for 
individuals with disabilities, please contact Mr. Aaron Yeow at (202) 
564-2050 or [email protected]. To request accommodation of a 
disability, please contact Mr. Yeow preferably at least ten days prior 
to each meeting to give EPA as much time as possible to process your 
request.

    Dated: January 10, 2020.
 Khanna Johnston,
 Deputy Director, EPA Science Advisory Staff Office.
[FR Doc. 2020-01222 Filed 1-24-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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