Alternative Methods for Calculating Off-Cycle Credits Under the Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Application From American Honda Motor Company, 51428-51430 [2020-18207]

Download as PDF jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES 51428 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 162 / Thursday, August 20, 2020 / Notices Air Act Section 112(q)(1). Included in the final revisions was a requirement that owners and operators of uranium recovery facilities maintain specific records pertaining to the design, construction and operation of the uranium tailings impoundments, both conventional and non-conventional, and heap leach piles. These records are to be retained at the facility and contain information regarding the approved design of the impoundments and/or heap leach pile, including but not limited to, all tests performed that prove the liner is compatible with the material(s) being placed on the liner. For non-conventional impoundments this requirement also includes written and digital photographic records showing compliance with the requirement to maintain liquid in the impoundment such that any solid materials in the impoundment are not visible above the liquid level. Apart from the required design documents (per 40 CFR part 61, subpart A), records regarding the inspections to determine the liquid retention requirement for non-conventional ponds were new requirements for collection of information that is not covered under an already existing ICR for radionuclide NESHAPS, EPA Number 1100.16, OMB Number 2060–0191. Information collected is used by the Agency to ensure that public health continues to be protected from the hazards of airborne radionuclides by compliance with these standards. Compliance is demonstrated through inspection. All facilities are required to maintain their records for the operational lifetime of the facility. In some cases, they report results to the EPA. Form Numbers: None. Respondents/affected entities: The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes of facilities associated with the activity of the respondents are: Uranium-RadiumVanadium Ore Mining—212291. Respondent’s obligation to respond: Mandatory (CAA, Sec. 112; 40 CFR part 61). Estimated number of respondents: 9 (total). Frequency of response: Reporting (submission of digital photographs) at least monthly; more frequent or onetime collection of records, depending on activity. Total estimated burden: 1,806 hours (per year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.03(b) Total estimated cost: $137,856 (per year), includes $2,400 annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:01 Aug 19, 2020 Jkt 250001 Changes in Estimates: There is a decrease of 5,347 hours in the total estimated respondent burden compared with the ICR currently approved by OMB. This decrease is attributable to a reduction in the number of estimated respondents. The initial ICR identified a larger universe of respondents that could potentially be subject to the newly defined requirements, many of which were (and remain) in the process of licensing and development. It is estimated that no additional facilities will become subject to these requirements in the next few years. Dated: August 14, 2020. Richard White, Associate Director, Radiation Protection Division. [FR Doc. 2020–18206 Filed 8–19–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OAR–2020–0404; FRL 10013–80– OAR] Alternative Methods for Calculating Off-Cycle Credits Under the Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Application From American Honda Motor Company Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting comment on an application from Honda Motor Company (‘‘Honda’’) 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’’ 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. Honda has submitted an application that describes a methodology for determining off-cycle credits from technologies described in their application. Pursuant to applicable SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 regulations, EPA is making this off-cycle credit calculation methodology available for public comment. DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 21, 2020. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OAR–2020–0404, 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: Linc Wehrly, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Compliance Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Telephone: (734) 214–4286. Fax: (734) 214–4869. Email address: wehrly.linc@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 1 See E:\FR\FM\20AUN1.SGM 40 CFR 86.1869–12(b). 20AUN1 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 162 / Thursday, August 20, 2020 / Notices 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 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. 2 See 3 See 40 CFR 86.1869–12(c). 40 CFR 86.1869–12(d). VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:01 Aug 19, 2020 • 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 Application: GHG Credit for Cold Storage Evaporator Using the alternative methodology approach discussed in their application, Honda is applying for credits for all 2017 model year and later Honda and Acura vehicles for a cold storage evaporator system that results in idle start-stop credits beyond those provided in the regulations. Honda’s cold storage evaporators utilize a paraffin wax material in the evaporator tank to sustain the evaporator’s ability to absorb heat from the cabin air when the engine is shut off, consequently maintaining cooler air temperature and cabin comfort for a longer period of time during engine shutoff as compared to the shorter comfort period provided by a non-cold storage evaporator. The concept behind this strategy is similar to the use of alternative passenger warming technologies that maintain driver comfort longer during engine off events at cold ambient temperatures in order to delay engine startups for cabin heating. In particular, at ambient temperatures where air conditioning is used for cooling the cabin, Honda’s cold storage evaporator implementation aims to reduce A/C compressor and engine 4 See Jkt 250001 PO 00000 40 CFR 86.1869–12(d)(2). Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 51429 use during both extended engine off vehicle stops and multiple short stops while also increasing the ambient temperature threshold above which the idle start-stop system is disabled in order to maintain cabin comfort. Honda has provided a methodology for and test data from two different types of operational test conditions— extended stops and multiple stops—as well as an alternative calculation method that yields higher credit values than the primary method. Using the lower values from the primary evaluation and calculations, Honda is requesting EPA approval of an off-cycle GHG credit of 1.0 grams CO2 per mile for the Cold Storage Evaporator equipped in MY 18–19 Honda Odyssey, 1.2 g/mile for the MY 17–19 Honda Pilot and Acura MDX & MY 19 Honda Passport AWD, 1.0 g/mi for the MY 19 Acura RDX AWD, 0.7 g/mi for MY 19 Honda Passport FWD and 0.6 g/mi for MY 17–19 Acura TLX & MY 19 Acura RDX FWD. EPA has previously approved credits determined by alternative GHG credit calculation methods for idle start-stop systems for both Mercedes and HyundaKia. Details of the methodology, testing and analysis can be found in Honda’s application. III. EPA Decision Process EPA has reviewed the application for completeness and is now making the application available for public review and comment as required by the regulations. The off-cycle credit application submitted by Honda (with confidential business information redacted) has been placed in the public docket (see ADDRESSES section above) and on EPA’s website at https:// www.epa.gov/vehicle-and-enginecertification/compliance-informationlight-duty-greenhouse-gas-ghgstandards. EPA is providing a 30-day comment period on the application for off-cycle credits described in this notice, as specified by the regulations. The manufacturer 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 request. EPA will make its decision available to the public by placing a decision document in the docket and on EPA’s website at the same manufacturerspecific page shown above. While the broad methodologies used by Honda could potentially be used for other vehicles and by other manufacturers, E:\FR\FM\20AUN1.SGM 20AUN1 51430 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 162 / Thursday, August 20, 2020 / Notices 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 14, 2020. Mary Manners, Acting Director, Compliance Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Office of Air and Radiation. [FR Doc. 2020–18207 Filed 8–19–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–ORD–2020–0183; FRL–10013–75– ORD] Availability of the IRIS Assessment Plan for Oral Exposure to Vanadium and Compounds; Extension of Public Comment Period Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of public comment period; extension. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the public comment period for the document titled, ‘‘Availability of the IRIS Assessment Plan for Oral Exposure to Vanadium and Compounds.’’ The original Federal Register document announcing the public comment period was published on July 24, 2020. The public science webinar will still convene on August 19, 2020. DATES: The public comment period for the notice published on July 24, 2020 (85 FR 44887), is being extended. The EPA must receive comments on or before September 23, 2020. ADDRESSES: The ‘‘Availability of the IRIS Assessment Plan for Oral Exposure to Vanadium and Compounds’’ is available via the internet on IRIS’ website at https://www.epa.gov/iris and in the public docket at https:// www.regulations.gov, Docket ID: EPA– HQ–ORD–2020–0183. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information on the public comment period, contact the ORD Docket at the EPA Headquarters Docket Center; telephone: 202–566–1752; facsimile: 202–566–9744; or email: Docket_ORD@ epa.gov. For technical information on the draft IRIS Assessment Plan for Oral Exposure to Vanadium and Compounds, contact Dr. James Avery, CPHEA; telephone: 202–564–1494; or email: avery.james@ epa.gov. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:01 Aug 19, 2020 Jkt 250001 How to Submit Technical Comments to the Docket at https://www.regulations.gov. Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–ORD–2020– 0183 for the vanadium and compounds (oral) IRIS assessment, by one of the following methods: • www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • Email: Docket_ORD@epa.gov. • Fax: 202–566–9744. Due to COVID– 19, there may be a delay in processing comments submitted by fax. • Mail: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center (ORD Docket), Mail Code: 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460. The phone number is 202– 566–1752. Due to COVID–19, there may be a delay in processing comments submitted by mail. For information on visiting the EPA Docket Center Public Reading Room, visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets. Due to public health concerns related to COVID–19, the EPA Docket Center and Reading Room may be closed to the public with limited exceptions. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is 202–566–1744. The public can submit comments via www.Regulations.gov or email. Instructions: Direct your comments to docket number EPA–HQ–ORD–2020– 0183 for vanadium and compounds (oral). Please ensure that your comments are submitted within the specified comment period. Comments received after the closing date will be marked ‘‘late,’’ and may only be considered if time permits. It is EPA’s policy to include all comments it receives in the public docket without change and to make the comments available online at www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, unless a comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information for which disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information through www.regulations.gov or email that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected. The www.regulations.gov website is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an email comment directly to EPA without going through www.regulations.gov, your email address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD–ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA’s public docket visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm. Docket: Documents in the docket are listed in the www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other materials, such as copyrighted material, are publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically in www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the ORD Docket in the EPA Headquarters Docket Center. Wayne Cascio, Director, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment. [FR Doc. 2020–18128 Filed 8–19–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records Farm Credit Administration. Notice of a Modified System of Records. AGENCY: ACTION: Pursuant to the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, notice is hereby given that the Farm Credit Administration (FCA or Agency) is amending an existing system of records, FCA–8—FCA internet Access System— FCA. The FCA internet Access System— FCA system is used to monitor FCA and Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation (FCSIC) employees’ and contractors’ access to the internet. The Agency is updating the notice to broaden the overall purpose of the system, including maintaining account and usage information required for approving, monitoring, facilitating, and disabling access to FCA information technology and is updating the categories of records and individuals maintained in the system to reflect that modified purpose. Additionally, the FCA is making administrative updates as well as nonsubstantive changes to conform to the SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\20AUN1.SGM 20AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 162 (Thursday, August 20, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51428-51430]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-18207]


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

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2020-0404; FRL 10013-80-OAR]


Alternative Methods for Calculating Off-Cycle Credits Under the 
Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Application From 
American Honda Motor Company

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting 
comment on an application from Honda Motor Company (``Honda'') 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. Honda has 
submitted an application that describes a methodology for determining 
off-cycle credits from technologies described in their application. 
Pursuant to applicable regulations, EPA is making this off-cycle credit 
calculation methodology available for public comment.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 21, 2020.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ- 
OAR-2020-0404, 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: Linc Wehrly, Office of Transportation 
and Air Quality, Compliance Division, U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Telephone: (734) 
214-4286. 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

[[Page 51429]]

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 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 Application: GHG Credit for Cold Storage 
Evaporator

    Using the alternative methodology approach discussed in their 
application, Honda is applying for credits for all 2017 model year and 
later Honda and Acura vehicles for a cold storage evaporator system 
that results in idle start-stop credits beyond those provided in the 
regulations. Honda's cold storage evaporators utilize a paraffin wax 
material in the evaporator tank to sustain the evaporator's ability to 
absorb heat from the cabin air when the engine is shut off, 
consequently maintaining cooler air temperature and cabin comfort for a 
longer period of time during engine shutoff as compared to the shorter 
comfort period provided by a non-cold storage evaporator. The concept 
behind this strategy is similar to the use of alternative passenger 
warming technologies that maintain driver comfort longer during engine 
off events at cold ambient temperatures in order to delay engine 
startups for cabin heating. In particular, at ambient temperatures 
where air conditioning is used for cooling the cabin, Honda's cold 
storage evaporator implementation aims to reduce A/C compressor and 
engine use during both extended engine off vehicle stops and multiple 
short stops while also increasing the ambient temperature threshold 
above which the idle start-stop system is disabled in order to maintain 
cabin comfort.
    Honda has provided a methodology for and test data from two 
different types of operational test conditions--extended stops and 
multiple stops--as well as an alternative calculation method that 
yields higher credit values than the primary method. Using the lower 
values from the primary evaluation and calculations, Honda is 
requesting EPA approval of an off-cycle GHG credit of 1.0 grams 
CO2 per mile for the Cold Storage Evaporator equipped in MY 
18-19 Honda Odyssey, 1.2 g/mile for the MY 17-19 Honda Pilot and Acura 
MDX & MY 19 Honda Passport AWD, 1.0 g/mi for the MY 19 Acura RDX AWD, 
0.7 g/mi for MY 19 Honda Passport FWD and 0.6 g/mi for MY 17-19 Acura 
TLX & MY 19 Acura RDX FWD.
    EPA has previously approved credits determined by alternative GHG 
credit calculation methods for idle start-stop systems for both 
Mercedes and Hyunda-Kia. Details of the methodology, testing and 
analysis can be found in Honda's application.

III. EPA Decision Process

    EPA has reviewed the application for completeness and is now making 
the application available for public review and comment as required by 
the regulations. The off-cycle credit application submitted by Honda 
(with confidential business information redacted) has 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 application for 
off-cycle credits described in this notice, as specified by the 
regulations. The manufacturer 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 request. EPA will make its decision available to 
the public by placing a decision document in the docket and on EPA's 
website at the same manufacturer-specific page shown above. While the 
broad methodologies used by Honda could potentially be used for other 
vehicles and by other manufacturers,

[[Page 51430]]

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 14, 2020.
Mary Manners,
Acting Director, Compliance Division, Office of Transportation and Air 
Quality, Office of Air and Radiation.
[FR Doc. 2020-18207 Filed 8-19-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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