Alternative Method for Calculating Off-Cycle Credits Under the Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Application From General Motors Corporation LLC (GM), 17832-17833 [2021-07019]

Download as PDF 17832 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 64 / Tuesday, April 6, 2021 / Notices Procedure (18 CFR 385.211, 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. The Respondents’ answer and all interventions, or protests must be filed on or before the comment date. The Respondents’ answer, motions to intervene, and protests must be served on the Complainants. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings of comments, protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the ‘‘eFiling’’ link at https:// www.ferc.gov. Persons unable to file electronically may mail similar pleadings to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20426. Hand delivered submissions in docketed proceedings should be delivered to Health and Human Services, 12225 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20852. In addition to publishing the full text of this document in the Federal Register, the Commission provides all interested persons an opportunity to view and/or print the contents of this document via the internet through the Commission’s Home Page (https:// www.ferc.gov) using the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. At this time, the Commission has suspended access to the Commission’s Public Reference Room, due to the proclamation declaring a National Emergency concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID–19), issued by the President on March 13, 2020. For assistance, contact the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, or call toll-free, (886) 208–3676 or TYY, (202) 502–8659. Comment Date: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on April 19, 2021. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Dated: March 31, 2021. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–07070 Filed 4–5–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:34 Apr 05, 2021 Jkt 253001 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OAR–2021–0234; FRL–10022–12– OAR] Alternative Method for Calculating OffCycle Credits Under the Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Application From General Motors Corporation LLC (GM) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting comment on an application from General Motors Corporation LLC (GM) for off-cycle carbon dioxide (CO2) credits under EPA’s light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards. ‘‘Off-cycle’’ emission reductions can be achieved by employing technologies that result in real-world benefits, but where that benefit is not adequately 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. GM 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 May 6, 2021. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OAR–2021–0234, 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 SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 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 1 See 2 See E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 40 CFR 86.1869–12(b). 40 CFR 86.1869–12(c). 06APN1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 64 / Tuesday, April 6, 2021 / Notices 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. In addition, 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 FTP and HFET 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. 3 See 40 CFR 86.1869–12(d). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:34 Apr 05, 2021 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, an application for credits using an alternative methodology submitted to EPA for consideration must be made available for public comment, unless EPA has previously approved the alternative methodology for determining credits and has chosen to waive the notice and comment period for an application that meets the regulatory requirements for such a waiver. Further, EPA retains the option to require a notice and opportunity for public comment in cases where a new application deviates in significant respects from a previously approved methodology or raises novel substantive issues.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 Pulse Width Modulated HVAC Brushless Motor Power Controller Technology Using the alternative methodology approach discussed above, GM is requesting off-cycle greenhouse gas (‘‘GHG’’) credits for the use of the pulse width modulated (PWM) HVAC brushless motor (BLM) power controller technology. The company’s analysis in their application yields a GHG credit equal to 0.4 grams CO2 per mile for passenger cars and trucks on vehicles equipped with this technology. The PWM BLM technology provides GHG reductions by improving the efficiency of the blower motor used in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. GM’s request is for approval of a similar methodology and for the same amount of credits per vehicle granted in the Toyota request to EPA for off-cycle credit dated February 26, 2019 and subsequently granted in EPA decision document EPA–420–R–19–015. Details of Toyota’s analysis and the approved request by Toyota can be found in the corresponding the manufacturer’s applications. 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 the manufacturer (with confidential business information redacted) has been 4 See Jkt 253001 PO 00000 40 CFR 86.1869–12(d)(2). Frm 00067 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 17833 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 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 the manufacturer, EPA will make a final decision regarding the credit request. EPA will make its decision available to the public by placing a decision document on EPA’s website at the same manufacturer-specific page described above. Byron Bunker, Director, Compliance Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Office of Air and Radiation. [FR Doc. 2021–07019 Filed 4–5–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OAR–2006–0947; FRL—10022– 24–OAR] Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Information Collection Request Renewal for the NOX SIP Call Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ‘‘Information Collection Request Renewal for the NOX SIP Call’’ (EPA ICR No. 1857.09, OMB Control No. 2060– 0445) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Before doing so, EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through December 31, 2021. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before June 7, 2021. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 06APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 6, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17832-17833]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-07019]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2021-0234; FRL-10022-12-OAR]


Alternative Method for Calculating Off-Cycle Credits Under the 
Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Application From 
General Motors Corporation LLC (GM)

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting 
comment on an application from General Motors Corporation LLC (GM) for 
off-cycle carbon dioxide (CO2) credits under EPA's light-
duty vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards. ``Off-cycle'' emission 
reductions can be achieved by employing technologies that result in 
real-world benefits, but where that benefit is not adequately 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. GM 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 May 6, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ- 
OAR-2021-0234, 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 
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

[[Page 17833]]

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.
    In addition, 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 FTP and HFET 
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, an application for credits using an 
alternative methodology submitted to EPA for consideration must be made 
available for public comment, unless EPA has previously approved the 
alternative methodology for determining credits and has chosen to waive 
the notice and comment period for an application that meets the 
regulatory requirements for such a waiver. Further, EPA retains the 
option to require a notice and opportunity for public comment in cases 
where a new application deviates in significant respects from a 
previously approved methodology or raises novel substantive issues.\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

Pulse Width Modulated HVAC Brushless Motor Power Controller Technology

    Using the alternative methodology approach discussed above, GM is 
requesting off-cycle greenhouse gas (``GHG'') credits for the use of 
the pulse width modulated (PWM) HVAC brushless motor (BLM) power 
controller technology. The company's analysis in their application 
yields a GHG credit equal to 0.4 grams CO2 per mile for passenger cars 
and trucks on vehicles equipped with this technology. The PWM BLM 
technology provides GHG reductions by improving the efficiency of the 
blower motor used in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning 
(HVAC) system.
    GM's request is for approval of a similar methodology and for the 
same amount of credits per vehicle granted in the Toyota request to EPA 
for off-cycle credit dated February 26, 2019 and subsequently granted 
in EPA decision document EPA-420-R-19-015. Details of Toyota's analysis 
and the approved request by Toyota can be found in the corresponding 
the manufacturer's applications.

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 the 
manufacturer (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 the manufacturer, EPA will make a final decision 
regarding the credit request. EPA will make its decision available to 
the public by placing a decision document on EPA's website at the same 
manufacturer-specific page described above.

Byron Bunker,
Director, Compliance Division, Office of Transportation and Air 
Quality, Office of Air and Radiation.
[FR Doc. 2021-07019 Filed 4-5-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.