Public Comment on the Revised Technical Guidance for Assessing Environmental Justice in Regulatory Analysis, 78358-78359 [2023-25126]

Download as PDF 78358 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 15, 2023 / Notices Structured content is information or content that is organized in a predictable way, and digital labels are typically classified with metadata. Currently, the pesticide labels are reviewed and approved during the registration process, which can involve time consuming manual reviews, approval of labeling language focused on each product, without considering consistency across products, and a nondigital label that can increase the transaction cost to both registrants and regulators. The increasing complexity of pesticide labels, inconsistent label language across products, and inconsistent placement of information on the labels, often creates significant challenges for pesticide users and the public seeking information about how to use the products. Structured content and digital labels could streamline and standardize the submission, review, and access to label content, providing benefits across the spectrum of stakeholders. In addition to developing a framework for structured content and digital labels, EPA intends to also identify the key information needed for the structured digital label during the registration process. EPA is requesting public comment on all aspects of the Structured Label Content, including but not limited to the anticipated benefits, risks, challenges, key fields, and proposed phases of adoption. In addition, the Agency is seeking specific feedback on several topics discussed in Unit II. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 D. Why is the Agency taking this action? Historically, the pesticide registration process often leads to time consuming reviews, potential approval of inconsistent label language, and high cost to both registrants and regulators. The increasing complexity of pesticide labels and inconsistency across label language and placement of information on labeling are challenges for pesticide users and the public seeking information about how to use the products. Structured content digital labels would streamline and standardize the submission, review, and access to label content, providing benefits across the spectrum of stakeholders. E. Does this document contain binding requirements? This document describes EPA’s proposed framework for developing structured labels and structured digital labels. The requirements in the statutes are binding on EPA and registrants, respectively, but this document does not impose any binding requirements on EPA or outside parties. The strategies outlined in this document further the VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:49 Nov 14, 2023 Jkt 262001 general goals of the program, and EPA may depart from the strategies where circumstances warrant and without prior notice. In general, however, EPA will continue to offer notice and comment on proposed decisions that implement these strategies. F. What should I consider as I prepare my comments for EPA? 1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit CBI to EPA through https:// www.regulations.gov or email. If you wish to include CBI in your comment, please follow the applicable instructions at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/ commenting-epa-dockets#rules and clearly mark the part or all of the information that you claim to be CBI. In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. 2. Tips for preparing your comments. hen preparing and submitting your comments, see the commenting tips and instructions at https://www.epa.gov/ dockets/commenting-epa-dockets. II. Request for Comments EPA is seeking comment on all aspects of the White Paper and is particularly interested in public comment on the following questions related to previous digitalization efforts referenced in the White Paper. 1. Are there additional benefits to the adoption of structured labeling or structured digital labeling that have not been captured? If so, please describe. 2. Are there additional challenges associated with the adoption of structured labeling or structured digital labeling that have not been captured? If so, please describe. 3. Please provide feedback on the anticipated phases the Office of Pesticide Program’s work towards structured labeling and structured digital labeling. • Can any of anticipated phases be done concurrently? • Is there a different order to the phases? • Are any activities necessary in the development of structured labels and structured digital labels not accounted for in the anticipated phases? If so, please describe. 4. Are there additional efforts underway around development of structured labels or structured digital labels that EPA should be aware of? If PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 so, please provide information for EPA’s consideration. 5. Are there elements of the current ‘‘narrative’’ labels that could not be translated into structured labeling or structured digital labeling? If so, what are the elements and what are the barriers to their adoption? 6. Please comment on the key fields listed in Appendix 1 in this document. III. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) The strategies outlined in the White Paper describe information collection activities that do not create any new paperwork burdens that require additional approval by OMB under the PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. The information collection activities associated with pesticide registration are already approved by OMB under OMB Control No. 2070–0226, entitled ‘‘Consolidated Pesticide Registration Submission Portal’’ (EPA ICR No. 2624.01). Authority: 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq. Dated: November 8, 2023. Michal Freedhoff, Assistant Administrator, Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. [FR Doc. 2023–25140 Filed 11–14–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OA–2013–0320; FRL–11531–01– OA] Public Comment on the Revised Technical Guidance for Assessing Environmental Justice in Regulatory Analysis Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of public comment period. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a 60-day public comment period on the draft revision of the Technical Guidance for Assessing Environmental Justice in Regulatory Analysis (EJ Technical Guidance). The EJ Technical Guidance was first published in 2016. The EPA is updating it to reflect the state of the science; new peer-reviewed agency guidance; and new terminology, priorities, and direction, including Executive Order 14096. The purpose of this guidance is to outline analytic expectations and discuss technical approaches and methods that can be used by agency analysts to evaluate EJ concerns for regulatory actions. This technical guidance builds on the EPA’s experience in evaluating environmental SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\15NON1.SGM 15NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 15, 2023 / Notices justice concerns within the rulemaking analytic process and underscores the EPA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 15, 2024. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OA–2013–0320, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov/ (our preferred method). Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center, Office of Policy, Docket, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460. • Hand Delivery or Courier: EPA Docket Center, WJC West Building, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004. The Docket Center’s hours of operations are 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday (except Federal Holidays). Instructions: All submissions received must include the Docket ID No. for this rulemaking. Comments received may be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov/, including any personal information provided. For detailed instructions on sending comments and additional information on the rulemaking process, see the ‘‘Public Participation’’ heading of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Ann Wolverton, National Center for Environmental Economics, Office of Policy (Mail Code 1809A), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 202–566– 2278; email address: Wolverton.ann@ epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 I. Public Participation. A. Informational Webinars The EPA will host two informational webinars on the draft revised technical guidance. • Wednesday, December 6, 2:30–4:00 p.m. EST: To join the live event, see the weblink at: https://www.epa.gov/ environmental-economics/epa-draftrevision-technical-guidance-assessingenvironmental-justice. To join by phone: +1 202–991–0477, Conference ID: 197 258 337#. • Tuesday, December 12, 3:00–4:30 p.m. EST: To join the live event, see the VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:49 Nov 14, 2023 Jkt 262001 weblink at: https://www.epa.gov/ environmental-economics/epa-draftrevision-technical-guidance-assessingenvironmental-justice. To join by phone: +1 202–991–0477, Conference ID: 398 827 52#. B. Written Comments Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OA–2013– 0320, at https://www.regulations.gov (our preferred method), or the other methods identified in the ADDRESSES section. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or removed from the docket. The EPA may publish any comment received to its public docket. Do not submit to EPA’s docket at https://www.regulations.gov any information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI), Proprietary Business Information (PBI), 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). Please visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets/ commenting-epa-dockets for additional submission methods; the full EPA public comment policy; information about CBI, PBI, or multimedia submissions; and general guidance on making effective comments. II. General Information A. Where can I find the document? The draft revision of the Technical Guidance for Assessing Environmental Justice in Regulatory Analysis is available at https://www.epa.gov/ environmental-economics/epa-draftrevision-technical-guidance-assessingenvironmental-justice. B. What is the purpose of the document? The Technical Guidance for Assessing Environmental Justice in Regulatory Analysis (Guidance) addresses the issue of how to analytically consider environmental justice in regulatory analyses. It directs EPA analysts to assess whether environmental justice concerns exist prior to the rulemaking and whether such concerns are likely to be exacerbated or mitigated for each regulatory option under consideration. The technical guidance makes recommendations designed to ensure greater consistency across EPA assessments of EJ concerns for PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 78359 regulatory actions. The recommendations encourage analysts to conduct the highest quality analysis feasible, recognizing that data limitations, time and resource constraints, and analytic challenges will vary by media and circumstance. They are not designed to be prescriptive and do not mandate the use of a specific approach. Updates to the technical guidance reflect advancements in the state of the science; other new peerreviewed Agency guidance documents; and new priorities and direction related to the conduct of environmental justice analysis, including Executive Order 14096. The technical guidance builds on the EPA’s experience in evaluating environmental justice as part of the rulemaking analytic process and underscores the EPA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. The technical guidance will enable the EPA to conduct better analysis of regulations which will ultimately enable the EPA to make better decisions. C. How will my comments be used? Public comment received on the draft revision of the Technical Guidance for Assessing Environmental Justice in Regulatory Analysis will be reviewed and considered for incorporation into or modification of text in the final revised draft of the Guidance. The final draft Guidance will then undergo internal EPA review and revision, and then be finalized for publication following peer review by the EPA’s Science Advisory Board. An EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB) review of this document will be announced in December 2023. Information on the SAB review can be found here: https://sab.epa.gov/ords/ sab/r/sab_apex/sab/home. Victoria Arroyo, Associate Administrator, Office of Policy. [FR Doc. 2023–25126 Filed 11–14–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION [OMB No. 3064–0085; –0149; –0194] Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection Renewal; Comment Request Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). ACTION: Notice and request for comment. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\15NON1.SGM 15NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 219 (Wednesday, November 15, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78358-78359]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-25126]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OA-2013-0320; FRL-11531-01-OA]


Public Comment on the Revised Technical Guidance for Assessing 
Environmental Justice in Regulatory Analysis

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of public comment period.

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

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a 60-
day public comment period on the draft revision of the Technical 
Guidance for Assessing Environmental Justice in Regulatory Analysis (EJ 
Technical Guidance). The EJ Technical Guidance was first published in 
2016. The EPA is updating it to reflect the state of the science; new 
peer-reviewed agency guidance; and new terminology, priorities, and 
direction, including Executive Order 14096. The purpose of this 
guidance is to outline analytic expectations and discuss technical 
approaches and methods that can be used by agency analysts to evaluate 
EJ concerns for regulatory actions. This technical guidance builds on 
the EPA's experience in evaluating environmental

[[Page 78359]]

justice concerns within the rulemaking analytic process and underscores 
the EPA's ongoing commitment to ensuring the just treatment and 
meaningful involvement of all people with respect to the development, 
implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and 
policies.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 15, 2024.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OA-2013-0320, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov/ 
(our preferred method). Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
     Mail: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket 
Center, Office of Policy, Docket, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: EPA Docket Center, WJC West 
Building, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004. 
The Docket Center's hours of operations are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 
Monday-Friday (except Federal Holidays).
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the Docket ID 
No. for this rulemaking. Comments received may be posted without change 
to https://www.regulations.gov/, including any personal information 
provided. For detailed instructions on sending comments and additional 
information on the rulemaking process, see the ``Public Participation'' 
heading of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Ann Wolverton, National Center for 
Environmental Economics, Office of Policy (Mail Code 1809A), 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 202-566-2278; email address: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Public Participation.

A. Informational Webinars

    The EPA will host two informational webinars on the draft revised 
technical guidance.
     Wednesday, December 6, 2:30-4:00 p.m. EST: To join the 
live event, see the weblink at: https://www.epa.gov/environmental-economics/epa-draft-revision-technical-guidance-assessing-environmental-justice.
    To join by phone: +1 202-991-0477, Conference ID: 197 258 337#.
     Tuesday, December 12, 3:00-4:30 p.m. EST: To join the live 
event, see the weblink at: https://www.epa.gov/environmental-economics/epa-draft-revision-technical-guidance-assessing-environmental-justice.
    To join by phone: +1 202-991-0477, Conference ID: 398 827 52#.

B. Written Comments

    Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OA-2013- 
0320, at https://www.regulations.gov (our preferred method), or the 
other methods identified in the ADDRESSES section. Once submitted, 
comments cannot be edited or removed from the docket. The EPA may 
publish any comment received to its public docket. Do not submit to 
EPA's docket at https://www.regulations.gov any information you 
consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI), Proprietary 
Business Information (PBI), 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). Please visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets for additional submission methods; the 
full EPA public comment policy; information about CBI, PBI, or 
multimedia submissions; and general guidance on making effective 
comments.

II. General Information

A. Where can I find the document?

    The draft revision of the Technical Guidance for Assessing 
Environmental Justice in Regulatory Analysis is available at https://www.epa.gov/environmental-economics/epa-draft-revision-technical-guidance-assessing-environmental-justice.

B. What is the purpose of the document?

    The Technical Guidance for Assessing Environmental Justice in 
Regulatory Analysis (Guidance) addresses the issue of how to 
analytically consider environmental justice in regulatory analyses. It 
directs EPA analysts to assess whether environmental justice concerns 
exist prior to the rulemaking and whether such concerns are likely to 
be exacerbated or mitigated for each regulatory option under 
consideration. The technical guidance makes recommendations designed to 
ensure greater consistency across EPA assessments of EJ concerns for 
regulatory actions. The recommendations encourage analysts to conduct 
the highest quality analysis feasible, recognizing that data 
limitations, time and resource constraints, and analytic challenges 
will vary by media and circumstance. They are not designed to be 
prescriptive and do not mandate the use of a specific approach. Updates 
to the technical guidance reflect advancements in the state of the 
science; other new peer-reviewed Agency guidance documents; and new 
priorities and direction related to the conduct of environmental 
justice analysis, including Executive Order 14096. The technical 
guidance builds on the EPA's experience in evaluating environmental 
justice as part of the rulemaking analytic process and underscores the 
EPA's ongoing commitment to ensuring the just treatment and meaningful 
involvement of all people with respect to the development, 
implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and 
policies. The technical guidance will enable the EPA to conduct better 
analysis of regulations which will ultimately enable the EPA to make 
better decisions.

C. How will my comments be used?

    Public comment received on the draft revision of the Technical 
Guidance for Assessing Environmental Justice in Regulatory Analysis 
will be reviewed and considered for incorporation into or modification 
of text in the final revised draft of the Guidance. The final draft 
Guidance will then undergo internal EPA review and revision, and then 
be finalized for publication following peer review by the EPA's Science 
Advisory Board. An EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB) review of this 
document will be announced in December 2023. Information on the SAB 
review can be found here: https://sab.epa.gov/ords/sab/r/sab_apex/sab/home.

Victoria Arroyo,
Associate Administrator, Office of Policy.
[FR Doc. 2023-25126 Filed 11-14-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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