Alternative Methods for Calculating Off-Cycle Credits Under the Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Applications From Ford Motor Company, 42933-42935 [2023-14166]

Download as PDF ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 127 / Wednesday, July 5, 2023 / Notices 385.214). Anyone filing a motion to intervene or protest must serve a copy of that document on the Applicant. Notice is hereby given that the deadline for filing protests with regard to the applicant’s request for blanket authorization, under 18 CFR part 34, of future issuances of securities and assumptions of liability, is July 18, 2023. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper, using the FERC Online links at https:// www.ferc.gov. To facilitate electronic service, persons with internet access who will eFile a document and/or be listed as a contact for an intervenor must create and validate an eRegistration account using the eRegistration link. Select the eFiling link to log on and submit the intervention or protests. 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. The Commission’s Office of Public Participation (OPP) supports meaningful public engagement and participation in Commission proceedings. OPP can help members of the public, including landowners, environmental justice communities, Tribal members and others, access publicly available information and navigate Commission processes. For public inquiries and assistance with making filings such as interventions, comments, or requests for rehearing, the public is encouraged to VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:11 Jul 03, 2023 Jkt 259001 contact OPP at (202)502–6595 or OPP@ ferc.gov. Dated: June 28, 2023. Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2023–14170 Filed 7–3–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OLEM–2022–0967; FRL–10938– 01–OLEM] Variances From the Classification of Solid Waste for HVF Precious Metals, LLC (Tucson, AZ) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of final decision. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is granting a petition for variances from the classification as solid waste for two materials produced by HVF Precious Metals, LLC (HVF) at its facility in Tucson, Arizona. DATES: Date of publication is July 5, 2023. SUMMARY: For further information regarding the Federal Register notice, contact Phoebe O’Connor, Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery, Office of Land and Emergency Management, (5304T), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 566–1451; email address: Oconnor.phoebe@epa.gov. For further information regarding the incoming petition, Statement of Basis, and any technical questions, contact Sharon Lin, RCRA Branch; Land, Chemicals, and Redevelopment Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 9, 75 Hawthorne Street, (Mail code LND–4–2), San Francisco, CA 94105; telephone number: (415) 972–3446; email address: Lin.Sharon@ epa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Section 260.30(c) allows the EPA Administrator to determine on a caseby-case basis that materials that have been reclaimed but must be further reclaimed before the materials are fully recovered are not solid wastes. The effect of a variance from the classification of solid waste is to exempt the material from RCRA hazardous waste regulations. The EPA, after providing for notice and comment (see 88 FR 9277), is finalizing its response to PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 42933 a petition submitted by HVF on July 26, 2022 (HVF’s Petition). HVF’s Petition concerns two partially-reclaimed materials (‘‘Solution Sweeps’’ and ‘‘Filter Sweeps’’) produced at its Tucson, Arizona facility from precious metal-bearing waste from cyanide-based electroplating operations. As explained in the ‘‘Statement of Basis’’ available in the docket [Docket ID EPA–HQ–OLEM– 2022–0967–0008], EPA’s determination is that the two materials produced by HVF are ‘‘commodity-like’’ under the criteria listed in § 260.31(c) and are legitimately recycled, thus qualifying for variances from classification as solid waste under § 260.30(c). The EPA published a proposed response to the petition on February 13, 2023 (88 FR 9277). The comment period for the proposed action closed on March 30, 2023. The EPA did not receive any comments on the proposed action during the public comment period and is therefore finalizing the variance as proposed. For information on the EPA’s rationale for granting the petition, see the ‘‘Statement of Basis’’ available in the docket [Docket ID EPA–HQ–OLEM– 2022–0967–0008]. EPA had previously provided a proposed ‘‘Statement of Basis’’ in the docket for the proposed variance determination [Docket ID EPA– HQ–OLEM–2022–0967–0002], and now, with this final variance determination, published in the July 5, 2023 Federal Register, EPA is also providing a final ‘‘Statement of Basis’’ in the docket for the final variance determination. Michael S. Regan, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2023–14191 Filed 7–3–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OAR–2023–0303; FR–11052–01– OAR] Alternative Methods for Calculating Off-Cycle Credits Under the Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Applications From Ford Motor Company Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting comment on applications from Ford Motor Company (‘‘Ford’’) for off-cycle carbon dioxide (CO2) credits under EPA’s light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards. ‘‘Off-cycle’’ emission SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\05JYN1.SGM 05JYN1 42934 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 127 / Wednesday, July 5, 2023 / Notices ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 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. Ford has submitted applications that describe methodologies for determining off-cycle credits from technologies described in their applications. Pursuant to applicable regulations, EPA is making these off-cycle credit calculation methodologies available for public comment. DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 5, 2023. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments referencing Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OAR–2023–0303 online using www.regulations.gov (our preferred method), by email to a-and-r-Docket@ epa.gov or by mail to: EPA Docket Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Mailcode 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes profanity, threats, information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Linc Wehrly, Director, Light Duty Vehicle Center, Compliance Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Telephone: (734) 214–4286. Fax: (734) 214–4053. 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:11 Jul 03, 2023 Jkt 259001 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 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 PO 00000 1 See 40 CFR 86.1869–12(b). 40 CFR 86.1869–12(c). 3 See 40 CFR 86.1869–12(d). 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. Enhanced Window Anti-Fogging Strategy Ford is applying for off-cycle GHG credits for the use of an Enhanced Window Anti-Fogging Strategy (EWAFS). The EWAFS system uses an on-glass humidity sensor to calculate the fogging probability in mild ambient conditions. This technology improves the efficiency by allowing more accurate fogging prediction and less widespread A/C usage. The requested credit amount was confirmed by Ford through a series of AC17 tests with ambient temperatures from 5 to 25 degrees Celsius. Testing was done with and without the EWAFS system and an 2 See Frm 00026 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 4 See E:\FR\FM\05JYN1.SGM 40 CFR 86.1869–12(d)(2). 05JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 127 / Wednesday, July 5, 2023 / Notices average difference in CO2 was calculated. Ford also collected realworld customer usage data for 2020 MY vehicles equipped with EWAFS and 2019 MY vehicles without EWAFS to determine the percentage of time that the A/C compressor operated at each temperature. Ford is applying for a credit of 1.2 grams/mile for 2020 and later model years for light duty vehicles sold in the U.S. and equipped with the EWAFS system. EPA considers this antifogging technology to be a technology that, if approved, will be subject to the maximum limits for an A/C system of 5.0 g/mi for passenger automobiles and 7.2 g/mi for light trucks specified in the regulations.5 Details of the testing and analysis can be found in the manufacturer’s application. B. Brushless Engine Cooling Fan Technology Ford is applying for off-cycle GHG credits for the use of a Brushless Engine Cooling Fan Technology (BMECF). The brushless motor’s increased efficiency reduces electrical load. Brushless motors improve efficiency by removing a source of friction at the brushes. While brushed motor cooling fans are typically 1 or 2 speed, brushless motors are inherently variable speed. This allows for a more efficient fan speed for a given set of vehicle conditions. Ford evaluated on-road fan usage collected through onvehicle data loggers. Electrical power consumption was measured for 2-speed brushed, pulse-width modulated brushed, and brushless cooling fan types. Data was collected using several 2019 and 2020 vehicles and across various ambient temperatures. The electrical load reduction was converted to a CO2 value using a load factor of 3.2 g/mi per 100 W. Ford is applying for a GHG credit of 0.5 g/mi for cars, and 1.3 g/mi for light duty trucks equipped with the brushless engine cooling fan technology. Details of the testing and analysis can be found in the manufacturer’s application. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 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 manufacturers (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/vecertification/compliance-information5 See 40 CFR 86.1868–12(b)(2). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:11 Jul 03, 2023 Jkt 259001 light-duty-greenhouse-gas-ghgstandards. EPA is providing a 30-day comment period on the applications for off-cycle credits described in this document, 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. 42935 or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Additional instructions on commenting and visiting the docket, along with more information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anne Overstreet, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division (BPPD) (7511M), main telephone number: 202– 566–2425, email address: BPPDFRNotices@epa.gov; or Charles Smith, Registration Division (RD) (7505T), main telephone number: (202) 566–2427, email address: RDFRNotices@epa.gov. The mailing address for each contact person is Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460–0001. As part of the mailing address, include the contact person’s name, division, and mail code. The division to contact is listed at the end of each application summary. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information AGENCY: A. Does this action apply to me? You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer. The following list of North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide to help readers determine whether this document applies to them. Potentially affected entities may include: • Crop production (NAICS code 111). • Animal production (NAICS code 112). • Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311). • Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532). This document announces the Agency’s receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 4, 2023. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA–HQ–OPP–2023–0069, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at 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) 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 in 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 Byron Bunker, Director, Compliance Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality. [FR Doc. 2023–14166 Filed 7–3–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OPP–2023–0069; FRL–10579–05– OCSPP] Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (May 2023) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of filing of petition and request for comment. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\05JYN1.SGM 05JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 127 (Wednesday, July 5, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42933-42935]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-14166]


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

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2023-0303; FR-11052-01-OAR]


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

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting 
comment on applications from Ford Motor Company (``Ford'') for off-
cycle carbon dioxide (CO2) credits under EPA's light-duty 
vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards. ``Off-cycle'' emission

[[Page 42934]]

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. Ford has 
submitted applications that describe methodologies for determining off-
cycle credits from technologies described in their applications. 
Pursuant to applicable regulations, EPA is making these off-cycle 
credit calculation methodologies available for public comment.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 5, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments referencing Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2023-0303 online using www.regulations.gov (our preferred method), by 
email to [email protected] or by mail to: EPA Docket Center, 
Environmental Protection Agency, Mailcode 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania 
Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460.
    EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in the 
public docket without change including any personal information 
provided, unless the comment includes profanity, threats, information 
claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Linc Wehrly, Director, Light Duty 
Vehicle Center, Compliance Division, Office of Transportation and Air 
Quality, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2000 Traverwood Drive, 
Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Telephone: (734) 214-4286. Fax: (734) 214-4053. 
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 to 
demonstrate reductions that exceed those available via use of the 
predetermined list.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See 40 CFR 86.1869-12(b).
    \2\ See 40 CFR 86.1869-12(c).
    \3\ See 40 CFR 86.1869-12(d).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under the regulations, a manufacturer seeking to demonstrate off-
cycle credits with an alternative methodology (i.e., under the third 
pathway described above) must describe a methodology that meets the 
following criteria:
     Use modeling, on-road testing, on-road data collection, or 
other approved analytical or engineering methods;
     Be robust, verifiable, and capable of demonstrating the 
real-world emissions benefit with strong statistical significance;
     Result in a demonstration of baseline and controlled 
emissions over a wide range of driving conditions and number of 
vehicles such that issues of data uncertainty are minimized;
     Result in data on a model type basis unless the 
manufacturer demonstrates that another basis is appropriate and 
adequate.
    Further, the regulations specify the following requirements 
regarding an application for off-cycle CO2 credits:
     A manufacturer requesting off-cycle credits must develop a 
methodology for demonstrating and determining the benefit of the off-
cycle technology and carry out any necessary testing and analysis 
required to support that methodology.
     A manufacturer requesting off-cycle credits must conduct 
testing and/or prepare engineering analyses that demonstrate the in-use 
durability of the technology for the full useful life of the vehicle.
     The application must contain a detailed description of the 
off-cycle technology and how it functions to reduce CO2 
emissions under conditions not represented on the compliance tests.
     The application must contain a list of the vehicle 
model(s) which will be equipped with the technology.
     The application must contain a detailed description of the 
test vehicles selected and an engineering analysis that supports the 
selection of those vehicles for testing.
     The application must contain all testing and/or simulation 
data required under the regulations, plus any other data the 
manufacturer has considered in the analysis.
    Finally, the alternative methodology must be approved by EPA prior 
to the manufacturer using it to generate credits. As part of the review 
process defined by regulation, the alternative methodology submitted to 
EPA for consideration must be made available for public comment.\4\ EPA 
will consider public comments as part of its final decision to approve 
or deny the request for off-cycle credits.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ See 40 CFR 86.1869-12(d)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. Off-Cycle Credit Applications

A. Enhanced Window Anti-Fogging Strategy

    Ford is applying for off-cycle GHG credits for the use of an 
Enhanced Window Anti-Fogging Strategy (EWAFS). The EWAFS system uses an 
on-glass humidity sensor to calculate the fogging probability in mild 
ambient conditions. This technology improves the efficiency by allowing 
more accurate fogging prediction and less widespread A/C usage. The 
requested credit amount was confirmed by Ford through a series of AC17 
tests with ambient temperatures from 5 to 25 degrees Celsius. Testing 
was done with and without the EWAFS system and an

[[Page 42935]]

average difference in CO2 was calculated. Ford also 
collected real-world customer usage data for 2020 MY vehicles equipped 
with EWAFS and 2019 MY vehicles without EWAFS to determine the 
percentage of time that the A/C compressor operated at each 
temperature. Ford is applying for a credit of 1.2 grams/mile for 2020 
and later model years for light duty vehicles sold in the U.S. and 
equipped with the EWAFS system. EPA considers this anti-fogging 
technology to be a technology that, if approved, will be subject to the 
maximum limits for an A/C system of 5.0 g/mi for passenger automobiles 
and 7.2 g/mi for light trucks specified in the regulations.\5\ Details 
of the testing and analysis can be found in the manufacturer's 
application.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ See 40 CFR 86.1868-12(b)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Brushless Engine Cooling Fan Technology

    Ford is applying for off-cycle GHG credits for the use of a 
Brushless Engine Cooling Fan Technology (BMECF). The brushless motor's 
increased efficiency reduces electrical load. Brushless motors improve 
efficiency by removing a source of friction at the brushes. While 
brushed motor cooling fans are typically 1 or 2 speed, brushless motors 
are inherently variable speed. This allows for a more efficient fan 
speed for a given set of vehicle conditions. Ford evaluated on-road fan 
usage collected through on-vehicle data loggers. Electrical power 
consumption was measured for 2-speed brushed, pulse-width modulated 
brushed, and brushless cooling fan types. Data was collected using 
several 2019 and 2020 vehicles and across various ambient temperatures. 
The electrical load reduction was converted to a CO2 value 
using a load factor of 3.2 g/mi per 100 W. Ford is applying for a GHG 
credit of 0.5 g/mi for cars, and 1.3 g/mi for light duty trucks 
equipped with the brushless engine cooling fan technology. Details of 
the testing and analysis can be found in the manufacturer'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 manufacturers (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/ve-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 document, 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.

Byron Bunker,
Director, Compliance Division, Office of Transportation and Air 
Quality.
[FR Doc. 2023-14166 Filed 7-3-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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