Environmental Protection Agency – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting nominations for membership on the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC). The purpose of the FRRCC is to provide policy advice, information, and recommendations to the EPA Administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to update the incorporation by reference of several voluntary consensus standards in the Agency's formaldehyde standards for composite wood products regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) that have since been updated, superseded, or withdrawn by the issuing organizations. In addition, EPA is proposing to address remote inspections for third-party certifiers (TPCs) required to conduct on- site inspections in the event of unsafe conditions such as the on-going COVID-19 pandemic or other unsafe conditions such as natural disasters, outbreaks, political unrest, and epidemics. Finally, EPA is proposing certain technical corrections and conforming changes including updating standards within the definitions section, clarifying language as it relates to production, and creating greater flexibilities for the third-party certification process.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a rule that would reduce air pollution from highway heavy-duty vehicles and engines, including ozone, particulate matter, and greenhouse gases. This proposal would change the heavy-duty emission control program including the standards, test procedures, useful life, warranty, and other requirementsto further reduce the air quality impacts of heavy- duty engines across a range of operating conditions and over a longer period of the operational life of heavy-duty engines. Heavy-duty vehicles and engines are important contributors to concentrations of ozone and particulate matter and their resulting threat to public health, which includes premature death, respiratory illness (including childhood asthma), cardiovascular problems, and other adverse health impacts. This proposal would reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and other pollutants. In addition, this proposal would make targeted updates to the existing Heavy-Duty Greenhouse Gas Emissions Phase 2 program, proposing that further GHG reductions in the MY 2027 timeframe are appropriate considering lead time, costs, and other factors, including market shifts to zero-emission technologies in certain segments of the heavy-duty vehicle sector. We also propose limited amendments to the regulations that implement our air pollutant emission standards for other sectors (e.g., light-duty vehicles, marine diesel engines, locomotives, various types of nonroad engines, vehicles, and equipment).

The Safer Choice program in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting submissions for its 2022 Safer Choice Partner of the Year Awards. EPA developed the Partner of the Year Awards to recognize the leadership contributions of Safer Choice partners and stakeholders who, over the past year, have shown achievement in the design, manufacture, selection and use of products with safer chemicals, that further outstanding or innovative source reduction. EPA especially encourages submission of award applications that show how the applicant's work in the design, manufacture, selection and use of those products promotes environmental justice, bolsters resilience to the impacts of climate change, results in cleaner air or water, or improves drinking water quality. All Safer Choice stakeholders and program participants in good standing are eligible for recognition. Interested parties who would like to be considered for this award should submit to EPA information about their accomplishments and contributions during 2021. There is no form associated with this year's application. EPA will recognize award winners at a Safer Choice Partner of the Year Awards ceremony in the fall of 2022.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing approval of revisions to the Missouri State Implementation Plan (SIP) received on February 11, 2020. In the submission, Missouri requests to revise a regulation that controls emissions from reactor processes and distillation operations in the St. Louis 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment area. The revisions to this rule include amending the rule applicability section for sources subject to the rule, removing unnecessary words, updating incorporations by reference, amending definitions specific to the rule, updating test and reference methods, and other minor edits. These revisions do not impact the stringency of the SIP or air quality. Approval of these revisions will ensure consistency between State and federally approved rules.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing approval of State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of Connecticut for purposes of implementing the 2008 and 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The SIP revisions consist of a demonstration that Connecticut meets the requirements of reasonably available control technology (RACT) for the two precursors for ground-level ozone, oxides of nitrogen (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), set forth by the Clean Air Act (CAA, or the Act) with respect to the 2008 and 2015 ozone standards. We are also proposing approval of a Consent Order that establishes NOX RACT requirements for facilities operated by NRG Connecticut. Additionally, we are proposing approval of Connecticut's certification that it meets the nonattainment new source review (NNSR) requirements of the CAA for purposes of the 2008 and 2015 ozone standards. This action is being taken in accordance with the CAA.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), Part 70 State Operating Permit Program (EPA ICR Number 1587.15, OMB Control Number 2060-0243) 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 April 30, 2022. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on August 31, 2021 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of butoxypolypropylene glycol (BPG; [alpha]- butyl-[omega]-hydroxy-poly-oxy(methyl-1,2-ethanediyl) (CAS Reg. No. 9003-13-8)), oxirane, 2-methyl-, polymer with oxirane, mono-2-propen-1- yl ether (CAS Reg. No. 9041-33-2; polyether 1), poly(oxy-1,2- ethanediyl), [alpha]-acetyl-[omega]-(2-propen-1-yloxy)- (CAS Reg. No. 27252-87-5; polyether 2) and poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), [alpha]-methyl- [omega]-(2-propen-1-yloxy)- (CAS Reg. No. 27252-80-8; polyether 3) when used as an inert ingredient in/on growing crops and raw agricultural commodities pre- and post-harvest and applied to animals. Spring Trading Company, on behalf of Evonik Corporation, submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of BPG and polyethers 1, 2, and 3 when used in accordance with these exemptions.

On August 28, 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule titled ``Revisions to the California State Implementation Plan, Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District.'' That publication inadvertently omitted regulatory text rescinding four previously approved rules for the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District portion of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). On September 20, 2016, the EPA issued a final rule titled ``Approval of California Air Plan Revisions, Department of Pesticide Regulations.'' That publication listed the wrong EPA approval dates and Federal Register citations for certain rules. The EPA is proposing action to correct these errors.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), NESHAP for Metal Furniture Surface Coating (EPA ICR No. 1952.10, OMB Control No. 2060-0518), 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 April 30, 2022. Public comments were previously requested, via the Federal Register, on April 13, 2021 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. 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.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), RCRA Expanded Public Participation (EPA ICR Number 1688.10, OMB Control Number 2050-0149) 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 May 31, 2022. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on October 12, 2021 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule on September 23, 2021, entitled ``Air Plan Approval; West Virginia; 2020 Amendments to West Virginia's Ambient Air Quality Standards.'' This current action corrects an inadvertent error in the DATES section of the final rule by setting an effective date for the state implementation plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of West Virginia. West Virginia's revision updated the incorporation by reference of EPA's national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) and the associated monitoring reference and equivalent methods. This correction does not change West Virginia's previously approved incorporation by reference, only the DATES section in the preamble removing the request for comments and replacing it with the effective date assigned to it.

Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hereby provides notice that the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) will meet on the date and time described below. The meeting is open to the public. Members of the public are encouraged to provide comments relevant to EPA investments for addressing Environmental Justice and related topics being considered by the NEJAC. For additional information about registering to attend the meeting or to provide public comment, please see ``REGISTRATION'' under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. Pre-registration is required.

The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Brownfields Program Accomplishment Reporting (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 2104.09, OMB Control No. 2050-0192 to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. Before doing so, EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. This is a proposed extension and update of the ICR, which is currently approved through December 31, 2024. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), Landfill Methane Outreach Program (EPA ICR Number 1849.10, OMB Control Number 2060-0446) 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 April 30, 2022. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on July 26, 2021 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit the information collection request (ICR Safe Management of Recalled Airbags Rule (EPA ICR No. 2589.05, OMB Control No. 2050-0221) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). Before doing so, the EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described in Supplementary Information. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through November 30, 2022. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve state implementation plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of Colorado on May 13, 2020. The revisions contain amendments to the State's New Source Review (NSR) permitting program and Air Pollution Emission Notices (APENs). The EPA is taking this action pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA).

EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications.

Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides notice of a public meeting for the Great Lakes Advisory Board. Pre-registration is required.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces the deletion of one site, Beckman Instruments, from the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL, created under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, as amended, is an appendix of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). The EPA and the state, through their designated state agency, have determined that all appropriate response actions under CERCLA have been completed. However, this deletion does not preclude future actions under Superfund.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), Application for Reimbursement to Local Governments for Emergency Response to Hazardous Substance Releases Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) Section 123 (EPA ICR Number 1425.12, OMB Control Number 2050-0077) 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 May 31, 2022. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on November 5, 2021, during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gives notice of a public meeting of the National Advisory Committee (NAC) and the Government Advisory Committee (GAC). The NAC and GAC provide advice the EPA Administrator a broad range of environmental policy, technology, and management issues. NAC/ GAC members represent academia, business/industry, non-governmental organizations, and state, local and tribal governments. The purpose of this meeting is to provide advice to the EPA Administrator, regarding a new draft project description for the CEC Operational Plan and discuss how to integrate climate change and environmental justice in the work of the CEC. A copy of the meeting agenda will be posted at https:// www.epa.gov/faca/nac-gac.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science Advisory Board (SAB) Staff Office requests public nominations of scientific experts to form a Panel to review the draft EPA document titled Cancer Risk Coefficients for Environmental Exposure to Radionuclides (Federal Guidance Report No. 16). This draft document is an update to Federal Guidance Report No. 13, and provides new radionuclide-specific cancer risk coefficients for incidence and mortality associated with internal radionuclide exposure from ingestion and inhalation, and external exposure to radionuclides distributed in air, water, and soil.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), Final Authorization for Hazardous Waste Management Programs (EPA ICR Number 0969.12, OMB Control Number 2050-0041) 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 May 31, 2022. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on September 28, 2021 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.