Alternative Methods for Calculating Off-Cycle Credits Under the Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Application From Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, 103824-103826 [2024-30081]

Download as PDF 103824 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 244 / Thursday, December 19, 2024 / Notices ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OAR–2023–0113; FRL–12489–01– OMS] Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27711; telephone number: (919) 541– 0833; email address: ali.muntasir@ epa.gov. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through December 31, 2024. An Agency may neither conduct nor sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on May 18, 2023 during a 60-day comment period (88 FR 31748). This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. Supporting documents, which explain in detail the information that the EPA will be collecting, are available in the public docket for this ICR. The docket can be viewed online at https://www.regulations.gov, or in person, at the EPA Docket Center, WJC West Building, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC. The telephone number for the Docket Center is 202–566–1744. For additional information about EPA’s public docket, visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets. Abstract: The New Source Performance Standards for Portland Cement Plants (40 CFR part 60, subpart F) were promulgated on December 23, 1971; and amended on both February 12, 2013, and July 27, 2015. These regulations apply to existing and new kilns, clinker coolers, raw mill systems, raw mill dryers, raw material storage, clinker storage, finished product storage, conveyor transfer points, bagging and bulk loading and unloading systems at portland cement plants. New facilities include those that commenced construction, modification, or reconstruction after the date of proposal. This information is being collected to assure compliance with 40 CFR part 60, subpart F. In general, all NSPS standards require initial notifications, performance tests, and periodic reports by the owners/ operators of the affected facilities. They are also required to maintain records of the occurrence and duration of any startup, shutdown, or malfunction in the operation of an affected facility or any period during which the monitoring system is inoperative. These notifications, reports, and records are essential in determining compliance, and are required of all affected facilities subject to NSPS. Form Numbers: None. Respondents/affected entities: Portland cement plants. Respondent’s obligation to respond: Mandatory (40 CFR part 60, subpart F). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for Portland Cement Plants (Renewal) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), NSPS for Portland Cement Plants (EPA ICR Number 1051.16, OMB Control Number 2060–0025), to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through December 31, 2024. Public comments were previously requested, via the Federal Register on May 18, 2023, during a 60day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. SUMMARY: Comments may be submitted on or before January 21, 2025. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing Docket ID Number EPA– HQ–OAR–2023–0113, to EPA online using www.regulations.gov/ (our preferred method), or by email to a-andr-docket@epa.gov, or by mail to: EPA Docket Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460. The 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. Submit comments and recommendations to OMB for the proposed information collection within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRA Main. Find this specific information collection by selecting ‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments’’ or by using the search function. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Muntasir Ali, Sector Policies and Program Division (D243–05), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 DATES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:08 Dec 18, 2024 Jkt 265001 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Estimated number of respondents: 92 (total). Frequency of response: Initially, semiannually. Total estimated burden: 14,100 hours (per year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.3(b). Total estimated cost: $2,810,000 (per year), which includes $1,040,000 in annualized capital/startup and/or operation & maintenance costs. Changes in the Estimates: There is no change in burden from the mostrecently approved ICR as currently identified in the OMB Inventory of Approved Burdens. This is due to two considerations: (1) the regulations have not changed over the past three years and are not anticipated to change over the next three years; and (2) the growth rate for this industry is very low or nonexistent, so there is no significant change in the overall burden. There is an increase in capital and operation & maintenance costs due to an adjustment to increase from 2011 to 2022 $ using the CEPCI Equipment Cost Index. Courtney Kerwin, Director, Regulatory Support Division. [FR Doc. 2024–30266 Filed 12–18–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ– EPA–HQ–OAR–2024–0597; FRL– 12502–01–OAR] Alternative Methods for Calculating Off-Cycle Credits Under the Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Application From Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting comment on an application from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (‘‘MMC’’) 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 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\19DEN1.SGM 19DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 244 / Thursday, December 19, 2024 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 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. MMC submitted their application describing a methodology for determining off-cycle credits from the technology 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 January 21, 2025. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments referencing Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OAR–2024–0597 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: David Wright, Environmental Protection Specialist, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Implementation, Analysis and Compliance Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Telephone: (734) 214–4467. Email address: wright.davida@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 manufacturers to seek EPA approval to use an alternative methodology for determining the off-cycle CO2 credits.3 This option is only available if the benefit of the technology cannot be adequately demonstrated using the 5cycle methodology. Manufacturers may also use this option to demonstrate reductions that exceed those available via use of the predetermined list. Under the regulations, a manufacturer seeking to demonstrate off-cycle credits with an alternative methodology (i.e., under the third pathway described above) must describe a methodology that meets the following criteria: • Use modeling, on-road testing, onroad data collection, or other approved analytical or engineering methods; • Be robust, verifiable, and capable of demonstrating the real-world emissions benefit with strong statistical significance; • Result in a demonstration of baseline and controlled emissions over a wide range of driving conditions and number of vehicles such that issues of data uncertainty are minimized; • Result in data on a model type basis unless the manufacturer demonstrates that another basis is appropriate and adequate. Further, the regulations specify the following requirements regarding an application for off-cycle CO2 credits: • A manufacturer requesting off-cycle credits must develop a methodology for demonstrating and determining the benefit of the off-cycle technology and carry out any necessary testing and analysis required to support that methodology. • A manufacturer requesting off-cycle credits must conduct testing and/or 2 See 1 See 40 CFR 86.1869–12(b). VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:08 Dec 18, 2024 3 See Jkt 265001 PO 00000 40 CFR 86.1869–12(c). 40 CFR 86.1869–12(d). Frm 00062 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 103825 prepare engineering analyses that demonstrate the in-use durability of the technology for the full useful life of the vehicle. • The application must contain a detailed description of the off-cycle technology and how it functions to reduce CO2 emissions under conditions not represented on the compliance tests. • The application must contain a list of the vehicle model(s) which will be equipped with the technology. • The application must contain a detailed description of the test vehicles selected and an engineering analysis that supports the selection of those vehicles for testing. • The application must contain all testing and/or simulation data required under the regulations, plus any other data the manufacturer has considered in the analysis. Finally, the alternative methodology must be approved by EPA prior to the manufacturer using it to generate credits. As part of the review process defined by regulation, the alternative methodology submitted to EPA for consideration must be made available for public comment.4 EPA will consider public comments as part of its final decision to approve or deny the request for off-cycle credits. II. Off-Cycle Credit Application A. High Efficiency Air Conditioning Scroll Compressor Using the alternative methodology approach described above, MMC is applying for off-cycle GHG credits for the use of a high efficiency air conditioning (A/C) scroll compressor. The MMC high efficiency A/C scroll compressor results in air conditioning efficiency credits beyond those provided in the regulations. Scroll A/C compressors are some of the most efficient compressors used for mobile air conditioning applications. This technology has been used in most of the electrical A/C compressors in use today. MMC has adopted this technology which provides improved efficiency relative to fixed displacement and electronically variable displacement piston A/C compressors. Scroll A/C compressors operate using a scroll that orbits around a fixed scroll. Fluid is compressed as it moves through the compressor and the volume between the scrolls is reduced. Utilizing the orbiting scroll for compression provides high volumetric efficiency due to reduced pressure losses compared to other compressor technologies. MMC is applying for credits for the 2020 and later model years for vehicles 4 See E:\FR\FM\19DEN1.SGM 40 CFR 86.1869–12(d)(2). 19DEN1 103826 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 244 / Thursday, December 19, 2024 / Notices sold in the U.S. and equipped with the high efficiency A/C scroll compressor. MMC is requesting a credit value of 1.1 grams/mile. As MMC notes in their application, technologies improving the efficiency of A/C systems are subject to credit caps as noted in 40 CFR 86.1868– 12. The rationale for the credit cap is the additional fuel consumption of A/C systems can never be reduced to zero, and the limits established by regulation reflect the maximum possible reduction in fuel consumption projected by EPA. To ensure manufacturers do not generate A/C efficiency credits which would exceed the maximum possible reductions projected by EPA, EPA has applied the A/C menu credit caps to A/ C efficiency credits manufacturers have received using the alternative method process. Therefore, the appropriate A/C efficiency menu caps will also apply to MMC for their high efficiency A/C scroll compressor credit value. Details of the testing and analysis can be found in the manufacturer’s application. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD 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-informationlight-duty-greenhouse-gas-ghgstandards. EPA is providing a 30-day comment period on this application for off-cycle credits described in this notice, as specified by the regulations. The manufacturer may submit a written rebuttal of comments for EPA’s consideration or may revise an application in response to comments. After reviewing any public comments and any rebuttal of comments submitted by manufacturers, EPA will make a final decision regarding the credit request. EPA will make its decision available to the public by placing a decision document (or multiple decision documents) in the docket and on EPA’s website at the same manufacturerspecific pages shown above. Byron Bunker, Director, Implementation, Analysis and Compliance Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality. [FR Doc. 2024–30081 Filed 12–18–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:08 Dec 18, 2024 Jkt 265001 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [OMB 3060–1184; FR ID 268626] Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collections. Comments are requested concerning: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission’s burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB control number. DATES: Written PRA comments should be submitted on or before February 18, 2025. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, you should advise the contact listed below as soon as possible. ADDRESSES: Direct all PRA comments to Cathy Williams, FCC, via email PRA@ fcc.gov and to Cathy.Williams@fcc.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information about the information collection, contact Cathy Williams at (202) 418–2918. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OMB Control Number: 3060–1184. Title: Sections 1.946(d), 1.949, 27.10(d), 27.12, 27.13, 27.14 and 27.17, Service Rules for the Advanced Wireless SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Services H Block—Implementing Section 6401 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 Related to the 1915–1920 MHz and 1995–2000 MHz Bands—R&O, FCC 13– 88. Form Number: N/A. Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection. Respondents: Business or other forprofit entities. Number of Respondents and Responses: 1 respondent; 176 responses. Estimated Time per Response: 1 hour. Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement and at the end of the license term for incumbent licensees. Obligation to Respond: Statutory authority for this collection are contained in sections 15 U.S.C. 79 et seq.; 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 154(j), 155, 157, 225, 227, 303(r), 309, 310, 1404, and 145. Total Annual Burden: 176 hours. Total Annual Cost: No cost. Needs and Uses: On June 27, 2013, the FCC adopted: Service Rules for the Advanced Wireless Services H Block— Implementing section 6401 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 Related to the 1915–1920 MHz and 1995–2000 MHz Bands, WT Docket 12–357, Report and Order, 28 FCC Rcd 9483 (2013) (H Block R&O). The H Block R&O adopted service rules for the H Block and makes available 10 MHz of paired spectrum for flexible use in accordance with the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. The H Block R&O contained new information collection requirements. Sections 1.949 and 27.13 are being added to this collection to clarify that the filing of the construction notifications and renewal applications involves the interaction of two regulations. For the purpose of this collection, a winning bidder of H Block spectrum must comply with each of the following rule sections: (a) Sections 1.946(d) and 27.14 require H Block licensees to file a construction notification and certify that they have met the applicable performance benchmarks. (b) Sections 1.949 and 27.13 require H Block licensees to file renewal applications and certify that they continue to provide at least the level of service required by its final performance requirement through the end of any subsequent license term or include a detailed description of: (1) the level and quality of service provided by the applicant; (2) the date service commenced; (3) whether service was ever interrupted; (4) the duration of any E:\FR\FM\19DEN1.SGM 19DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 244 (Thursday, December 19, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 103824-103826]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-30081]


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

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ- EPA-HQ-OAR-2024-0597; FRL-12502-01-OAR]


Alternative Methods for Calculating Off-Cycle Credits Under the 
Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Application From 
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting 
comment on an application from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (``MMC'') 
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

[[Page 103825]]

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. MMC submitted their 
application describing a methodology for determining off-cycle credits 
from the technology 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 January 21, 2025.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments referencing Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2024-0597 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: David Wright, Environmental Protection 
Specialist, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Implementation, 
Analysis and Compliance Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 
2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Telephone: (734) 214-4467. 
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 Application

A. High Efficiency Air Conditioning Scroll Compressor

    Using the alternative methodology approach described above, MMC is 
applying for off-cycle GHG credits for the use of a high efficiency air 
conditioning (A/C) scroll compressor. The MMC high efficiency A/C 
scroll compressor results in air conditioning efficiency credits beyond 
those provided in the regulations.
    Scroll A/C compressors are some of the most efficient compressors 
used for mobile air conditioning applications. This technology has been 
used in most of the electrical A/C compressors in use today. MMC has 
adopted this technology which provides improved efficiency relative to 
fixed displacement and electronically variable displacement piston A/C 
compressors.
    Scroll A/C compressors operate using a scroll that orbits around a 
fixed scroll. Fluid is compressed as it moves through the compressor 
and the volume between the scrolls is reduced. Utilizing the orbiting 
scroll for compression provides high volumetric efficiency due to 
reduced pressure losses compared to other compressor technologies.
    MMC is applying for credits for the 2020 and later model years for 
vehicles

[[Page 103826]]

sold in the U.S. and equipped with the high efficiency A/C scroll 
compressor. MMC is requesting a credit value of 1.1 grams/mile. As MMC 
notes in their application, technologies improving the efficiency of A/
C systems are subject to credit caps as noted in 40 CFR 86.1868-12. The 
rationale for the credit cap is the additional fuel consumption of A/C 
systems can never be reduced to zero, and the limits established by 
regulation reflect the maximum possible reduction in fuel consumption 
projected by EPA. To ensure manufacturers do not generate A/C 
efficiency credits which would exceed the maximum possible reductions 
projected by EPA, EPA has applied the A/C menu credit caps to A/C 
efficiency credits manufacturers have received using the alternative 
method process. Therefore, the appropriate A/C efficiency menu caps 
will also apply to MMC for their high efficiency A/C scroll compressor 
credit value. 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 this application for 
off-cycle credits described in this notice, as specified by the 
regulations. The manufacturer may submit a written rebuttal of comments 
for EPA's consideration or may revise an application in response to 
comments. After reviewing any public comments and any rebuttal of 
comments submitted by manufacturers, EPA will make a final decision 
regarding the credit request. EPA will make its decision available to 
the public by placing a decision document (or multiple decision 
documents) in the docket and on EPA's website at the same manufacturer-
specific pages shown above.

Byron Bunker,
Director, Implementation, Analysis and Compliance Division, Office of 
Transportation and Air Quality.
[FR Doc. 2024-30081 Filed 12-18-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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