Pesticides; White Paper Describing Benefits of Structured and Digital Content Labels for Pesticide Products; Notice of Availability and Request for Comment, 78357-78358 [2023-25140]
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 15, 2023 / Notices
streamline the LQSR by conforming and
referencing the updated ISO 17025:
2017 (E) and ASTM E1583–17. OPPT
has reviewed the updated laboratory
standards and identified any gaps or
areas where additional clarification or
criteria are needed between ISO 17025:
2017 and ASTM E1583–17 and the
proposed LQSR 4.0. These additional
clarifications or criteria are included
throughout the proposed draft.
EPA is also proposing updates in
LQSR 4.0 which are needed to support
EPA’s implementation of EPA’s leadbased paint program, specifically the
activities under 40 CFR part 745 which
are being reconsidered in a separate
action titled, ‘‘Reconsideration of the
Dust-Lead Hazard Standards and DustLead Post-Abatement Clearance Levels’’
(88 FR 50444, August 1, 2023) (FRL–
8524–01–OCSPP). For example, EPA is
proposing in this action to clarify that
the laboratory must demonstrate that the
test and/or sampling methods used can
achieve a quantitation limit equal to or
less than 50% of the lowest action level
for dust wipe samples for the relevant
surface area (e.g., windowsills, floors).
EPA is requesting comment on the
impact of the proposed revision as it
relates to laboratory capabilities to meet
the proposed lower regulatory limits.
Learn more about EPA’s efforts to lower
the dust-lead hazard standards and postabatement dust-lead clearance levels
under TSCA sections 402 and 403:
https://www.epa.gov/lead/hazardstandards-and-clearance-levels-leadpaint-dust-and-soil-tsca-sections-402and-403.
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.
Dated: November 8, 2023.
Denise Keehner,
Director, Office of Pollution Prevention and
Toxics.
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2023–0562; FRL–11546–01–
OCSPP]
Pesticides; White Paper Describing
Benefits of Structured and Digital
Content Labels for Pesticide Products;
Notice of Availability and Request for
Comment
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is announcing the
availability of and soliciting public
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:49 Nov 14, 2023
Jkt 262001
Submit your comments on or
before March 14, 2024.
DATES:
Submit your comments,
identified by docket identification (ID)
number EPA–HQ–OPP–2023–0562,
through 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) 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.
ADDRESSES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
[FR Doc. 2023–25141 Filed 11–14–23; 8:45 am]
SUMMARY:
comment on a white paper describing
the benefits of the creation, submission,
review, approval, and distribution of
structured content and digital pesticide
labels. Structured labels are information
or content that is organized in a
predictable way, and digital content is
those categorized fields with metadata.
The current process for submitting,
reviewing, and approving labels is timeconsuming for 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 identify
the key information needed for the
structured digital label.
Christian Bongard, Information
Technology and Resources Management
Division (7602M), Office of Program
Support, Environmental Protection
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone
number: (706) 566–2238; email address:
bongard.christian@epa.gov.
78357
document applies to them. Potentially
affected entities may include:
• Chemical Producers (NAICS 32532),
e.g., pesticide manufacturers or
formulators of pesticide products,
pesticide importers or any person or
company who seeks to register a
pesticide.
• Agricultural Establishments (Crop
Production) (NAICS code 111).
• Nursery and Tree Production
(NAICS code 111421).
• Agricultural Pest Control and
Pesticide Handling on Farms (NAICS
code 115112).
• Crop Advisors (NAICS codes
115112, 541690, 541712).
• Agricultural (Animal) Pest Control
(Livestock Spraying) (NAICS code
115210).
• Forestry Pest Control (NAICS code
115310).
• Wood Preservation Pest Control
(NAICS code 321114).
• Pesticide Registrants (NAICS code
325320).
• Pesticide Dealers (NAICS codes
424690, 424910, 444220).
• Research & Demonstration Pest
Control, Crop Advisor (NAICS code
541710).
• Industrial, Institutional, Structural
& Health Related Pest Control (NAICS
code 561710).
• Ornamental & Turf, Rights-of-Way
Pest Control (NAICS code 561730).
• Environmental Protection Program
Administrators (NAICS code 924110).
• Governmental Pest Control
Programs (NAICS code 926140),
Since other entities may also be
interested, the Agency has not
attempted to describe all the specific
entities that may be interested in this
action. If you have any questions
regarding the applicability of this action
to a particular entity, consult the person
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT.
B. What is the Agency’s authority for
taking this action?
This action is being taken under the
authority of the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
(7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
C. What action is the Agency taking?
I. Executive Summary
EPA is announcing the availability of
and soliciting public comment on the
document entitled ‘‘White Paper:
Benefits of the Adoption of Structured
Content and Digital Pesticide Labels’’
(also referred to as the White Paper), a
copy of which is available in the docket.
The White Paper describes a framework
for the creation, submission, review,
approval, and distribution of structured
content and digital pesticide labels.
A. Does this action apply to me?
You may be potentially affected by
this action if you are a producer,
registrant, or user of pesticide products.
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
PO 00000
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
E:\FR\FM\15NON1.SGM
15NON1
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
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 219 (Wednesday, November 15, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78357-78358]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-25140]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0562; FRL-11546-01-OCSPP]
Pesticides; White Paper Describing Benefits of Structured and
Digital Content Labels for Pesticide Products; Notice of Availability
and Request for Comment
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the
availability of and soliciting public comment on a white paper
describing the benefits of the creation, submission, review, approval,
and distribution of structured content and digital pesticide labels.
Structured labels are information or content that is organized in a
predictable way, and digital content is those categorized fields with
metadata. The current process for submitting, reviewing, and approving
labels is time-consuming for 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
identify the key information needed for the structured digital label.
DATES: Submit your comments on or before March 14, 2024.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification
(ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0562, through 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) 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: Christian Bongard, Information
Technology and Resources Management Division (7602M), Office of Program
Support, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (706) 566-2238; email
address: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Executive Summary
A. Does this action apply to me?
You may be potentially affected by this action if you are a
producer, registrant, or user of pesticide products. 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:
Chemical Producers (NAICS 32532), e.g., pesticide
manufacturers or formulators of pesticide products, pesticide importers
or any person or company who seeks to register a pesticide.
Agricultural Establishments (Crop Production) (NAICS code
111).
Nursery and Tree Production (NAICS code 111421).
Agricultural Pest Control and Pesticide Handling on Farms
(NAICS code 115112).
Crop Advisors (NAICS codes 115112, 541690, 541712).
Agricultural (Animal) Pest Control (Livestock Spraying)
(NAICS code 115210).
Forestry Pest Control (NAICS code 115310).
Wood Preservation Pest Control (NAICS code 321114).
Pesticide Registrants (NAICS code 325320).
Pesticide Dealers (NAICS codes 424690, 424910, 444220).
Research & Demonstration Pest Control, Crop Advisor (NAICS
code 541710).
Industrial, Institutional, Structural & Health Related
Pest Control (NAICS code 561710).
Ornamental & Turf, Rights-of-Way Pest Control (NAICS code
561730).
Environmental Protection Program Administrators (NAICS
code 924110).
Governmental Pest Control Programs (NAICS code 926140),
Since other entities may also be interested, the Agency has not
attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be interested
in this action. If you have any questions regarding the applicability
of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed under
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
B. What is the Agency's authority for taking this action?
This action is being taken under the authority of the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (7 U.S.C. 136 et
seq.).
C. What action is the Agency taking?
EPA is announcing the availability of and soliciting public comment
on the document entitled ``White Paper: Benefits of the Adoption of
Structured Content and Digital Pesticide Labels'' (also referred to as
the White Paper), a copy of which is available in the docket. The White
Paper describes a framework for the creation, submission, review,
approval, and distribution of structured content and digital pesticide
labels.
[[Page 78358]]
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 non-digital
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.
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 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 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
