[Federal Register: May 9, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 89)]
[Notices]
[Page 26942-26943]
[DOCID:fr09my06-63]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. RP06-326-000]

Gas Transmission Northwest Corporation; Notice of Proposed
Changes in FERC Gas Tariff

May 2, 2006.
    Take notice that on April 26, 2006, Gas Transmission Northwest
Corporation (GTN) tendered for filing as part of its FERC Gas Tariff,
Third Revised Volume No. 1-A, the following tariff sheet, to become
effective May 27, 2006:

First Revised Sheet No. 272.
First Revised Sheet No. 281.
First Revised Sheet No. 291.

    GTN further states that a copy of this filing has been served on
GTN's jurisdictional customers and interested state regulatory
agencies.
    Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must
file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of
Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214). Protests will be
considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to
be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the
proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of
intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices,
motions, or protests must be filed in accordance with the provisions of
Sec.  154.210 of the Commission's regulations (18 CFR 154.210). Anyone
filing an intervention or protest must serve a copy of that document on
the Applicant. Anyone filing an intervention or protest on or before
the intervention or protest date need not serve motions to intervene or
protests on persons other than the Applicant.
    The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and
interventions in lieu of paper using the ``eFiling'' link at http://www.ferc.gov.
 Persons unable to file electronically should submit an

original and 14 copies

of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426.
    This filing is accessible online at http://www.ferc.gov, using the

``eLibrary'' link and is available for review in the Commission's
Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an ``eSubscription''
link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail
notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For
assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or call<PHONE_NUMBER> (toll free). For

TTY, call<PHONE_NUMBER>.

Magalie R. Salas,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E6-6971 Filed 5-8-06; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6717-01-P


[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 226 (Wednesday, November 23, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72308-72309]
[FR Doc No: 2011-30288]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-1039]

Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Upper Mississippi River,
Dubuque, IA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, has issued a
temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the
Illinois Central Railroad Drawbridge across the Upper Mississippi
River, mile 579.9, at Dubuque, Iowa. The deviation is necessary to
allow the bridge owner time to perform preventive maintenance that is
essential to the continued safe operation of the drawbridge.
Maintenance is scheduled in the winter when there is less impact on
navigation; instead of scheduling work in the summer, when river
traffic increases. This deviation allows the bridge to open on signal
if at least 24-hours advance notice is given.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m., December 19, 2011
to 7 a.m., February 27, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-1039 and are available online
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-1039 in the
``Keyword'' box and then clicking ``Search''. They are also available
for inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility (M-30),
U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule,
call or email Eric A. Washburn, Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers,
Coast Guard; telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>, email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>If
you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program
Manager, Docket Operations, telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Chicago, Central & Pacific Railroad
requested a temporary deviation for the Illinois Central Railroad
Drawbridge, across the Upper Mississippi River, mile 579.9, at Dubuque,
Iowa to open on signal if at least 24-hours advance notice is given for
70 days from 12:01 a.m., December 19, 2011 to 7 a.m., February 27, 2012
to allow the bridge owner time for preventive maintenance. The Rock
Illinois Central Railroad Drawbridge currently operates in accordance
with 33 CFR 117.5, which states the general requirement that the
drawbridge shall open promptly and fully for the passage of vessels
when a request to open is given in accordance with the subpart.
    There are no alternate routes for vessels transiting this section
of the Upper Mississippi River.
    Winter conditions on the Upper Mississippi River coupled with the
closure of Army Corps of Engineer's Lock No 16 (Mile 457.2 UMR), Lock
No. 17 (Mile 437.1 UMR) and Lock No. 18 (Mile 410.5 UMR) until 7:30
p.m., February 28, 2012 will preclude any significant navigation
demands for a drawspan opening.
    The Illinois Central Railroad Drawbridge, in the closed-to-
navigation position, provides a vertical clearance of 19.9 feet above
normal pool. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of
commercial tows and recreational watercraft. The drawbridge will open
if

at least 24-hours advance notice is given. This temporary deviation has
been coordinated with waterway users. No objections were received.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to
its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the designated
time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: November 4, 2011.
Eric A. Washburn,
Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers.
[FR Doc. 2011-30288 Filed 11-22-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


[Federal Register: June 16, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 115)]
[Notices]
[Page 34205-34206]
[DOCID:fr16jn10-125]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

Petition for Waiver of Compliance

    In accordance with part 211 of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR), notice is hereby given that the Federal Railroad Administration
(FRA) received a request for a waiver of compliance with certain
requirements of its safety standards. The individual petition is
described below, including the party seeking relief, the regulatory
provisions involved, the nature of the relief being requested, and the
petitioner's arguments in favor of relief.

City of Seattle, Washington

[Waiver Petition Docket Number FRA-2010-0097]

    The City of Seattle, Washington (City), and the BNSF Railway
Company (BNSF) jointly seek a temporary waiver of compliance from
certain provisions of the Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway-Rail Grade
Crossings, 49 CFR part 222. The City intends to establish a Pre-Rule
Quiet Zone that it had previously continued under the provisions of 49
CFR 222.41(c)(1). The City is seeking a waiver for the requirement to
construct and complete a Pre-Rule Quiet Zone by June 24, 2010, as
required by 49 CFR 222.41(c)(2), and for an extension of such date to
September 24, 2010.
    The City states that it has engaged in numerous meetings with BNSF
to negotiate a Construction and Maintenance Agreement (CMA) for the
necessary improvements to establish a Pre-Rule Quiet Zone. There are 4
crossings in the existing Pre-Rule Quiet Zone. Three of these crossings
will be treated with Supplementary Safety Measures (SSM) and
Alternative Safety Measures (ASM) as follows: 2 crossings with four-
quadrant gates (SSM), and 1 crossing with three-quadrant gates and a
median on the approach that has only one gate (ASM). The 4th crossing
will be upgraded from a pedestrian-only crossing to a crossing for both
vehicles and pedestrians which will be equipped with standard flashing
lights and gates.
    The City and BNSF finalized the CMA on June 29, 2009. Since that
date, the City has funded almost $1 million in improvements,
specifically to improve

crossings in the Pre-Rule Quiet Zone. However, the City and BNSF have
concluded that all of the planned improvements will not be completed by
June 24, 2010. The City requests that the existing Pre-Rule Quiet Zone
be allowed to continue until September 24, 2010, by which time all of
the improvements will have been completed.
    The City states that construction so far has focused on the
installation of the vehicle detection system and upgraded signal
electronics. Rail has also been removed from a non-operating streetcar
system as part of the project. Since the construction of the
improvements has been made in good faith by both parties and is nearing
completion, both the City and BNSF are requesting that the June 24,
2010, deadline be extended so that the Pre-Rule Quiet Zone can remain
consistently active.
    Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings
by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate
scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since
the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party
desires an opportunity for oral comment, they should notify FRA, in
writing, before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for
their request.
    All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the
appropriate docket number (e.g., Waiver Petition Docket Number FRA-
2010-0097) and may be submitted by any of the following methods:
     Web site: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
     Mail: Docket Operations Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., W12-140, Washington, DC
20590.
     Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room W12-140,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal Holidays.
    Communications received within 15 days of the date of this notice
will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments
received after that date will be considered as far as practicable. All
written communications concerning these proceedings are available for
examination during regular business hours (9 a.m.--5 p.m.) at the above
facility. All documents in the public docket are also available for
inspection and copying on the Internet at the docket facility's Web
site at http://www.regulations.gov.
    Anyone is able to search the electronic form of any written
communications and comments received into any of our dockets by the
name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment,
if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).
You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal
Register published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages
19477-78).

    Issued in Washington, DC, on June 10, 2010.
Robert C. Lauby,
Deputy Associate Administrator for Regulatory and Legislative
Operations.
[FR Doc. 2010-14470 Filed 6-15-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P


[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 94 (Monday, May 16, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 30224-30229]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11507]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 58

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0486, FRL-9946-34-OAR]
RIN 2060-AS71

Revision to the Near-Road NO2 Minimum Monitoring Requirements

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to
revise the minimum monitoring requirements for near-road nitrogen
dioxide (NO2) monitoring by removing the existing
requirements for near-road NO2 monitoring stations in Core
Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs) having populations between 500,000 and
1,000,000 persons, that are due by January 1, 2017. Current near-road
NO2 monitoring data indicate air quality levels in the near-
road environment are well below the National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS) for the oxides of nitrogen. In light of this
information, and due to the relationship between population, traffic,
and expected NO2 concentrations in the near-road
environment, it is anticipated that measured near-road NO2
concentrations in relatively smaller CBSAs (e.g., CBSAs with
populations less than 1,000,000 persons) would exhibit similar, and
more likely, lower concentrations, than what is being measured in
larger urban areas.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 30, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OAR-2015-0486, at http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot
be edited or removed from Regulations.gov. The EPA may publish any
comment received to its public docket. Do not submit electronically any
information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI)
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 made outside
of the primary submission (i.e., on the Web, Cloud, or other file
sharing system). For additional submission methods, the full EPA public
comment policy, information about CBI or multimedia submissions, and
general guidance on making effective comments, please visit http://www2.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2015-0486. The EPA's policy is that all comments received will be
included in the public docket without change and may be made available
online at http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal
information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed
to be CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by
statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or
otherwise protected through http://www.regulations.gov or email. The
www.regulations.gov Web site is an ``anonymous access'' system, which
means the EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless
you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an email
comment directly to the EPA without going through http://www.regulations.gov, your email address will be automatically captured
and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket
and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic
comment, the EPA recommends that you include your name and other
contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or
CD-ROM you submit. If the EPA cannot read your comment due to technical
difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, the EPA may not
be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use
of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any
defects or viruses. For additional information about the EPA's public
docket, visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at http://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.
    Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the http://www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some
information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such
as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy.
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically
at www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Air and Radiation Docket
and Information Center, EPA/DC, EPA William J. Clinton (WJC) West
Building, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC. The
Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public
Reading Room is<PHONE_NUMBER> and the telephone number for the Air and
Radiation Docket and Information Center is<PHONE_NUMBER>.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Nealson Watkins, Air Quality
Assessment Division, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Mail code C304-06, Research Triangle
Park, NC 27711; telephone:<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>; email:
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Does this action apply to me?

    This action applies to state, territorial, and local air quality
management programs that are responsible for ambient air quality
monitoring under 40 CFR part 58. Categories and entities potentially
regulated by this action include:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Category                          NAICS \a\ code
------------------------------------------------------------------------
State/territorial/local/tribal government...............          924110
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\a\ North American Industry Classification System.

B. What should I consider as I prepare my comments for the EPA?

    1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this information to the EPA
through http://www.regulations.gov or email. Clearly mark any of the
information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or
CD ROM that you mail to the EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM
as CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the
specific information that is claimed as CBI. In addition to one
complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as
CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information
claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket.
Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with
procedures set forth in 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 2.
    2. Tips for Preparing Your Comments. When submitting comments,
remember to:

     Follow directions--The agency may ask you to respond to
specific questions or organize comments by referencing a CFR part or
section number.
     Explain why you agree or disagree, suggest alternatives,
and substitute language for your requested changes.
     Describe any assumptions and provide any technical
information and/or data that you used.
     If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how
you arrived at your estimate in sufficient detail to allow for it to be
reproduced.
     Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns, and
suggest alternatives.
     Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the
use of profanity or personal threats.
     Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period
deadline identified.

C. Where can I get a copy of this document?

    In addition to being available in the docket, an electronic copy of
this proposed rule will also be available on the Worldwide Web (WWW)
through the Technology Transfer Network (TTN). Following signature, a
copy of this proposed rule will be posted on the TTN's policy and
guidance page for newly proposed or promulgated rules at the following
address: https://www3.epa.gov/ttnamti1/monregs.html. The TTN provides
information and technology exchange in various areas of air pollution
control. A redline/strikeout document comparing the proposed revisions
to the appropriate sections of the current rules will be provided in
the docket.

Table of Contents

    The following topics are discussed in this preamble:

I. Background
II. Proposed Revisions to the Near-Road NO2 Minimum
Monitoring Requirements
III. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
    A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and
Executive Order 13563: Improving Regulations and Regulatory Review
    B. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
    C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
    D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
    E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
    F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With
Indian Tribal Governments
    G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From
Environmental Health and Safety Risks
    H. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use
    I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA)
    J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address
Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations

I. Background

    On February 9, 2010, the EPA promulgated minimum monitoring
requirements for the ambient NO2 monitoring network in
support of the revised NO2 NAAQS (75 FR 6474; February 9,
2010). The 2010 NO2 NAAQS revision included a 1-hour
standard with a 98th percentile form averaged over 3 years and a level
of 100 parts per billion (ppb), reflecting the maximum allowable
NO2 concentration anywhere in an area, while retaining the
annual standard of 53 ppb.
    As part of the 2010 NO2 NAAQS rulemaking, the EPA
promulgated revisions to requirements for minimum numbers of ambient
NO2 monitors which included new monitoring near major roads
in larger urban areas, requirements to characterize NO2
concentrations representative of wider spatial scales in larger urban
areas (area-wide monitors), and monitors intended to characterize
NO2 exposures of susceptible and vulnerable populations.
Specifically, the requirements for these minimum monitoring
requirements that were promulgated in 2010 were as follows:
    (a) The first tier of the ambient NO2 monitoring network
required near-road monitoring.\1\ The requirements included the
placement of one near-road NO2 monitoring station in each
CBSA with a population of 500,000 or more persons to monitor a location
of expected maximum hourly concentrations sited near a major road. An
additional near-road NO2 monitoring station was required at
a second location of expected maximum hourly concentrations for any
CBSA with a population of 2,500,000 or more persons, or in any CBSA
with a population of 500,000 or more persons that has one or more
roadway segments with 250,000 or greater Annual Average Daily Traffic
(AADT) counts. Based upon 2010 census data and data maintained by the
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration on the
most heavily trafficked roads in the U.S. (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/tables/02.cfm), approximately 126 near-road
NO2 sites were required within 103 CBSAs nationwide at the
time of rule promulgation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See 40 CFR part 58, appendix D, section 4.3.2.
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    (b) The second tier of the NO2 network required area-
wide NO2 monitoring,\2\ where area-wide means that the
monitor is representative of a spatial scale of representativeness of
neighborhood scale (0.5 to 4 km in dimension) or larger, as defined in
40 CFR part 58, appendix D, section 1.2. Requirements included the
placement of one monitoring station in each CBSA with a population of
1,000,000 or more persons to monitor a location of expected highest
NO2 concentrations representing the neighborhood or larger
spatial scales. Based on 2010 census data, approximately 52 area-wide
NO2 sites were required within 52 CBSAs at the time of rule
promulgation.
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    \2\ See 40 CFR part 58, appendix D, section 4.3.3.
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    (c) The third tier of the NO2 minimum monitoring
requirements was for the characterization of NO2 exposure
for susceptible and vulnerable populations.\3\ The EPA Regional
Administrators, in collaboration with states, required a minimum of 40
additional NO2 monitoring stations nationwide in any area,
inside or outside of CBSAs, in addition to the minimum monitoring
requirements for near-road and area-wide monitors with a primary focus
on siting these monitors in locations with susceptible and vulnerable
populations. Monitoring sites intended to satisfy these NO2
minimum monitoring requirements were required to be submitted to the
EPA for approval. Per 40 CFR 58.10 and 58.13, states were required to
submit a plan to the EPA for establishing required area-wide
NO2 monitoring sites and those NO2 monitoring
sites intended to represent areas with susceptible and vulnerable
populations by July 1, 2012, and ensure that the monitoring stations
were operational by January 1, 2013. State and local air monitoring
agencies fulfilled the requirements for area-wide monitors and those
sites representing areas with susceptible and vulnerable populations on
schedule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ See 40 CFR part 58, appendix D, section 4.3.4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The near-road component of the ambient NO2 monitoring
network was also originally required to be completely operational by
January 1, 2013. However, in 2012, the EPA proposed (77 FR 64244;
October 19, 2012) and then finalized in 2013 (78 FR 16184; March 14,
2013), through a public notice and comment rulemaking, to require that
the near-road NO2 monitoring stations be installed in three
phases. The revised installation schedule allowed more time for states
to establish the near-road NO2 network on a schedule
consistent with available resources. The revised installation schedule
for the near-road

NO2 monitoring network was modified to reflect the
following:
    Phase 1: In CBSAs with a population of 1,000,000 or more persons,
one near-road NO2 monitor shall be reflected in the state
Annual Monitoring Network Plan submitted July 1, 2013, and that monitor
shall be operational by January 1, 2014.
    Phase 2: In CBSAs where two near-road NO2 monitors are
required (either because the CBSA has a population of 2,500,000 or more
persons, or has a population of 500,000 or more persons plus one or
more roadway segments having AADT counts of 250,000 or more), the
second near-road NO2 monitor shall be reflected in the state
Annual Monitoring Network Plan submitted July 1, 2014, and that monitor
shall be operational by January 1, 2015.
    Phase 3: In CBSAs with a population of at least 500,000 persons,
but less than 1,000,000 persons, one near-road NO2 monitor
shall be reflected in the state Annual Monitoring Network Plan
submitted July 1, 2016, and the monitor shall be operational by January
1, 2017.
    As of April 2016, the EPA estimates that 65 near-road
NO2 monitors are in operation. Tracking of near-road site
meta-data indicate that state and local air monitoring agencies have
successfully installed these new monitors in the appropriate locations,
collectively placing monitors adjacent to highly trafficked roads in
their respective CBSAs. The latest available near-road NO2
monitoring site meta-data can be found at http://www3.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/nearroad.html.

II. Proposed Revisions to Near-Road NO2 Minimum Monitoring Requirements

    The EPA is proposing to revise the minimum monitoring requirements
for near-road NO2 monitoring by removing the existing
requirement for near-road NO2 monitoring stations in CBSAs
having populations between 500,000 and 1,000,000 persons, also known as
Phase 3 of the near-road NO2 network. This revision is based
on the following key technical points:
     The Phase 1 and Phase 2 near-road sites that have been
installed to date are located at maximum concentration locations
consistent with the guidance in the Near-road NO2 Monitoring
Technical Assistance Document (http://www3.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/files/nearroad/NearRoadTAD.pdf) as demonstrated by a detailed examination of
site meta-data.
     The higher populated CBSAs that contain these near-road
NO2 sites have higher mobile source emissions and associated
indicators, such as Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMTs).
     Ambient concentrations collected at all existing near-road
monitoring sites are well below both the annual and 1-hour daily
maximum NAAQS levels of 53 ppb and 100 ppb, respectively.
    Further information on each of the key points is provided below.
    The ``Near-road NO2 Network and Data Analysis'' docket
memo (docket memo) provides a review and analysis of the
characteristics of the existing near-road NO2 monitoring
network and the relationships between NO2 emissions,
population, traffic, and NO2 concentration data.\4\ First,
as noted above, the existing near-road NO2 monitoring sites
appropriately characterize the peak NO2 concentrations that
exist in the near-road environment within their respective CBSAs based
on a detailed analysis of site metadata. This is an important
assertion, as having the whole of the near-road NO2 network
be representative of expected peak, near-road NO2
concentration in a given CBSA allows for an equitable comparison of
near-road data across CBSAs that have near-road monitors. Monitoring
agencies have provided a detailed accounting of total traffic volume
and fleet mix while also accounting for the available information on
congestion patterns, roadway design, terrain, and meteorology that went
into their site selection. For example, it is estimated that 55 percent
of the near-road sites are adjacent to one of the top five highest
trafficked road segments in their respective CBSA, 71 percent are
adjacent to one of the top 10 most highly trafficked roads, and 91
percent are adjacent to one of the top 25 most highly trafficked roads.
Further, while all sites are within the required distance of 50 meters
from their respective target road, state and local air agencies were
successful in placing the sites in close proximity to roadway travel
lanes. The EPA estimates that 59 percent of the sites are within 20
meters from their respective target road (which was a recommended
target distance in the ``Near-road NO2 Monitoring Technical
Assistance Document''), 87 percent are within 30 meters, and 96 percent
are within 40 meters. Accordingly, the near-road monitoring network is
situated to provide measurements that are a good representation of peak
near-road NO2 concentrations that exist in a given CBSA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ Memo to docket located in Docket #EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0486,
document 1, under ``Supporting Documents.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Second, higher populated CBSAs have correspondingly more vehicles
and vehicle miles traveled, which in turn increases the availability of
mobile source emissions that lead to increased opportunity for higher
NO2 concentrations, particularly in the near-road
environment. This is evident upon evaluation of national VMT data
available from the U.S. Department of Transportation in the State
Transportation Statistics 2015 document.\5\ A more specific evaluation
of VMT by CBSA shows a clear, positive relationship between CBSA
population size and VMT. Further, more densely populated CBSAs
typically have more individual roads with relatively high traffic
volumes than less densely populated CBSA counterparts. Based on this
relationship, the EPA notes that higher populated areas correspondingly
have more vehicles, which increase the mobile source derived emissions
that lead to increased opportunity for higher NO2
concentrations particularly in the near-road environment.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ http://www.rita.dot.gov/bts/sites/rita.dot.gov.bts/files/publications/state_transportation_statistics/state_transportation_statistics_2015/index.html.
    \6\ Although the particular relationship between CBSA population
size and any measured or expected near-road NO2
concentrations is quite strong, the deviations from that expected
relationship or trend are explainable. Near-road NO2
measured concentrations are influenced by a number of known factors
such as differences in traffic volumes, fleet mixes, congestion
patterns, roadway design, terrain, and meteorology, along with some
influence based upon the distance of the monitor to the road and
with background NO2 concentration differences. The
influence of these factors is inherently part of the near-road
NO2 network (as referenced in 40 CFR part 58, section
4.3.2), and the measured concentrations at every near-road
NO2 site will always be influenced by any number of these
factors to varying degrees in time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Third, the analysis of the available near-road NO2 data
from sites having largely complete data in 2013 and 2014, and the 1st,
2nd, and 3rd quarters of 2015, indicate that while the larger CBSAs
tend to have higher measured near-road NO2 concentrations
than lesser populated CBSAs, all readings are well below the applicable
NO2 NAAQS levels. This is true for both the annual and 1-
hour NO2 NAAQS, although this correspondence is stronger in
the longer term averages of the data (such as the annual mean) compared
to the peak 1-hour values for a given time frame.
    Due to the phased implementation of the near-road NO2
network, the initiation of valid data collection varies significantly
by location. Accordingly, it is more straight-forward to analyze the
data by the years when monitoring commenced, recognizing that the
number of operating sites and the resulting data completeness will
generally increase with time.
    In 2013, four sites with sufficiently complete datasets (75 percent
or greater

annual completeness) were operational (Boise, ID; Des Moines, IA;
Detroit, MI; and St. Louis, MO). Among these sites, the highest 98th
percentile 1-hour daily max value was 50 ppb measured in the St. Louis
CBSA. The highest annual mean value was 18 ppb measured in the Detroit
CBSA.
    In 2014, there were 21 CBSAs with near-road data meeting 75 percent
completeness criteria. The highest 98th percentile 1-hour daily max
value was 70 ppb measured in the Denver CBSA. The highest annual mean
value was 27 ppb measured in the Los Angeles CBSA.
    At the time of development of this proposal, 4th quarter 2015 data
were not yet due to be submitted to the EPA. Using the 75 percent
completeness criteria applied to the first three calendar quarters of
submitted 2015 near-road NO2 data, there were 42 CBSAs with
data suitable for analysis. Of these data, the highest 98th percentile
1-hour daily max value was 72 ppb measured in the New York City CBSA.
The highest annual mean value was 26 ppb measured in the Denver CBSA.
    All of these data indicate that, to date, no near-road
NO2 site has collected data that are above or are
threatening the annual NO2 NAAQS of 53 ppb or the 100 ppb
level of the 98th percentile 1-hour daily maximum value. As noted
above, this is true for the larger CBSAs where the highest emissions
and VMT exist.
    In light of the information presented here and in the docket memo,
the EPA is reconsidering the necessity of the third phase of the near-
road NO2 network. In particular, we have revisited the issue
of whether the additional burden on state and local air monitoring
agencies to operate Phase 3 of the near-road network is needed to
provide evidence of compliance with the NO2 NAAQS in the
smaller CBSAs.
    Given that measured near-road NO2 concentrations to date
are not approaching the NAAQS levels, even in the most heavily
populated CBSAs with monitoring stations adjacent to the most heavily
traveled road segments, we have concluded that the likelihood of
measuring elevated NO2 concentrations approaching or
exceeding the NAAQS in smaller CBSAs is very small and, therefore, the
Phase 3 requirement for near-road monitoring is no longer needed.
    The EPA notes that even with the proposed deletion of the Phase 3
near-road requirements, the authority remains for the EPA Regional
Administrator to work with states to install additional near-road
NO2 monitors above the minimum requirements (40 CFR part 58,
section 4.3.4) in areas that may have concentrations approaching or
exceeding the NAAQS. This authority provides a means for additional
near-road NO2 monitors to be installed in any area, such as
a CBSA with a population below 1,000,000 persons, where data or other
information suggest that near-road NO2 monitoring might be
warranted. Such an action could be based on research or non-regulatory
data in an area, situations where an area has high background or area-
wide NO2 concentrations, a desired or needed understanding
of near-road NO2 concentrations and exposures, or in
situations where an unusual or unique roadway related exposure to high
ambient NO2 concentrations exists such as an unusually
highly trafficked road segment (i.e., a road segment having greater
than 250,000 AADT counts) in a relatively smaller CBSA. The EPA views
this existing Regional Administrator authority as a means to ensure
that near-road NO2 monitoring will continue to occur where
needed, even after the proposed changes to minimum monitoring
requirements.
    In summary, given the relationships between population, traffic,
and expected NO2 concentrations in the near-road
environment, the EPA anticipates that measured near-road NO2
concentrations in relatively smaller CBSAs (e.g., CBSAs with
populations less than 1,000,000 persons) would typically exhibit
similar, if not lower, concentrations than what is being measured in
larger urban areas. It has also been demonstrated that the available
near-road NO2 data indicate the air quality in the near-road
environment is generally well below the NO2 NAAQS across the
network. Accordingly, the EPA is proposing to remove the requirement to
install near-road NO2 monitors in CBSAs having populations
between 500,000 and 1,000,000 persons, also known as Phase 3 of the
near-road NO2 network, due by January 1, 2017. This proposed
action would also relieve states from being required to document the
need for Phase 3 requirements in their Annual Monitoring Network Plans
that are due July 1, 2016.
    The EPA also proposes to modify the requirement for a second near-
road NO2 monitor in any CBSA having 500,000 or more persons
that also had one or more road segments with 250,000 or greater AADT
counts to only apply to CBSAs having 1,000,000 or more persons. This is
necessary to align all near-road NO2 monitoring requirements
language to only apply to those CBSAs having 1,000,000 persons or more.
If there is a case of a relatively smaller CBSA having one or more road
segments with 250,000 AADT counts or greater (of which the EPA is not
aware), then the Regional Administrator's authority to require
additional monitoring might be appropriate to consider and there could
be an evaluation of whether monitoring is warranted.
    This proposed revision is estimated to relieve requirements for
approximately 53 near-road NO2 monitors, based on 2014
Census Bureau population estimates (http://www.census.gov/population/metro/). This action would not modify the requirements for near-road
NO2 monitors in CBSAs having 1,000,000 or more persons and
for a second near-road monitor in CBSAs having 2,500,000 or more
persons, which collectively comprise what are also known as Phase 1 and
Phase 2 of the near-road NO2 network, respectively. This
action also does not modify the existing requirements for area-wide
NO2 monitors or monitoring of NO2 in areas with
susceptible and vulnerable populations. The EPA requests comment on
these proposed changes to the minimum monitoring requirements of near-
road NO2 monitors.

III. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive
Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review

    This action is not a significant regulatory action and was,
therefore, not submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
for review.

B. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)

    This action does not impose an information collection burden under
the PRA. The proposed revisions do not add any information collection
requirements beyond those imposed by the existing NO2
monitoring requirements.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)

    I certify that this action will not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small entities under the RFA. In
making this determination, the impact of concern is any significant
adverse economic impact on small entities. An agency may certify that a
rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities if the rule relieves regulatory burden, has no
net burden or otherwise has a positive economic effect on the small
entities subject to the rule. This action proposes to remove a sub-set
of the

current air monitoring requirements and, therefore, remove the
requirement for the state and local air monitoring agencies to provide
evidence of compliance with the NO2 NAAQS in the near-road
environment in CBSAs with less than 1,000,000 persons. We have,
therefore, concluded that this action will relieve regulatory burden
for all directly regulated small entities.

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)

    This action does not contain an unfunded mandate of $100 million or
more as described in UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1531-1538, and does not
significantly or uniquely affect small governments. This action imposes
no enforceable duty on any state, local or tribal governments or the
private sector. This action proposes to reduce the number of required
near-road NO2 monitors to be operated by state and local air
monitoring agencies.

E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism

    This action does not have federalism implications. It will not have
substantial direct effects on the states, on the relationship between
the national government and the states, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government. In the
spirit of Executive Order 13132, and consistent with the EPA policy to
promote communications between the EPA and state and local governments,
the EPA specifically solicits comment on this proposed rule from state
and local officials.

F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian
Tribal Governments

    This action does not have tribal implications, as specified in
Executive Order 13175. This proposed rule imposes no requirements on
tribal governments. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this
action. In the spirit of Executive order 13175, the EPA specifically
solicits additional comment on this proposed action from tribal
officials.

G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental
Health and Safety Risks

    The EPA interprets EO 13045 as applying only to those regulatory
actions that concern environmental health or safety risks that the EPA
has reason to believe may disproportionately affect children, per the
definition of ``covered regulatory action'' in section 2-202 of the
Executive Order. This action is not subject to Executive Order 13045
because it does not concern an environmental health risk or safety
risk.

H. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution or Use

    This action is not subject to Executive Order 13211, because it is
not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.

I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA)

    This action does not involve technical standards.

J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions to Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations

    The EPA believes the human health or environmental risk addressed
by this action will not have potential disproportionately high and
adverse human health or environmental effects on minority, low-income
or indigenous populations. The results of the network and data
evaluation are contained in the Near-road NO2 Network and
Data Analysis docket memo, which provides a review and analysis of the
characteristics of the existing near-road NO2 monitoring
network and the relationships between NO2 emissions,
population, traffic, and NO2 concentration data. Further,
this rule does not modify the existing requirements for near-road
monitors required in CBSAs having 1,000,000 or more persons, area-wide
NO2 monitors, or monitoring of NO2 in areas with
susceptible and vulnerable populations.

List of Subjects

40 CFR Part 58

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Air pollution control, Intergovernmental relations.

    Dated: May 5, 2016.
Gina McCarthy,
Administrator.
    For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Environmental
Protection Agency proposes to amend 40 CFR part 58 as follows:

PART 58--AMBIENT AIR QUALITY SURVEILLANCE

0
1. The authority citation for part 58 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  42 U.S.C. 7403, 7405, 7410, 7414, 7601, 7611, 7614,
and 7619.

0
2. Amend Sec.  58.10 by revising paragraph (a)(5)(iv) and removing
paragraph (a)(5)(v) to read as follows:

Sec.  58.10  Annual monitoring network plan and periodic network
assessment.

    (a) * * *
    (5) * * *
    (iv) A plan for establishing a second near-road NO2
monitor in any CBSA with a population of 2,500,000 persons or more, or
in any CBSA with a population of 1,000,000 or more persons that has one
or more roadway segments with 250,000 or greater AADT counts, in
accordance with the requirements of Appendix D, section 4.3.2 to this
part, shall be submitted as part of the Annual Monitoring Network Plan
to the EPA Regional Administrator by July 1, 2014. The plan shall
provide for these required monitors to be operational by January 1,
2015.
* * * * *
0
3. Amend Sec.  58.13 by revising paragraph (c)(4) and removing
paragraph (c)(5) to read as follows:

Sec.  58.13  Monitoring network completion.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (4) January 1, 2015, for a second near-road NO2 monitor
in CBSAs that have a population of 2,500,000 or more persons or a
second monitor in any CBSA with a population of 1,000,000 or more
persons that has one or more roadway segments with 250,000 or greater
AADT counts that is required in Appendix D, section 4.3.2 to this part.
* * * * *
    4. Appendix D to Part 58 is amended by revising section 4.3.2 to
read as follows:

Appendix D to Part 58--Network Design Criteria for Ambient Air Quality
Monitoring

* * * * *
4.3.2 Requirement for Near-Road NO2 Monitors
    (a) Within the NO2 network, there must be one
microscale near-road NO2 monitoring station in each CBSA
with a population of 1,000,000 or more persons to monitor a location
of expected maximum hourly concentrations sited near a major road
with high AADT counts as specified in paragraph 4.3.2(a)(1) of this
appendix. An additional near-road NO2 monitoring station
is required for any CBSA with a population of 2,500,000 persons or
more, or in any CBSA with a population of 1,000,000 or more persons
that has one or more roadway segments with 250,000 or greater AADT
counts to monitor a second location of expected maximum hourly
concentrations. CBSA populations shall be based on the latest
available census figures.
    (1) The near-road NO2 monitoring sites shall be
selected by ranking all road segments within a CBSA by AADT and then
identifying a location or locations adjacent to those highest ranked
road segments, considering fleet mix, roadway design,

congestion patterns, terrain, and meteorology, where maximum hourly
NO2 concentrations are expected to occur and siting
criteria can be met in accordance with appendix E of this part.
Where a state or local air monitoring agency identifies multiple
acceptable candidate sites where maximum hourly NO2
concentrations are expected to occur, the monitoring agency shall
consider the potential for population exposure in the criteria
utilized to select the final site location. Where one CBSA is
required to have two near-road NO2 monitoring stations,
the sites shall be differentiated from each other by one or more of
the following factors: Fleet mix; congestion patterns; terrain;
geographic area within the CBSA; or different route, interstate, or
freeway designation.
    (b) Measurements at required near-road NO2 monitor
sites utilizing chemiluminescence FRMs must include at a minimum:
NO, NO2, and NOX.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2016-11507 Filed 5-13-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 148 (Wednesday, August 3, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47494-47495]
[FR Doc No: 2022-16565]

=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1001]

Request for Comments in Minimum Seat Dimensions Necessary for
Safety of Air Passengers (Emergency Evacuation)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: In 2018, Congress directed the FAA to, after notice and
comment, issue such rules for minimum dimensions for passenger seats
that are necessary for passenger safety. The FAA conducted simulated
emergency evacuations, the results of which are in a publicly-available
report. The FAA seeks public comment on the minimum seat dimensions
that are necessary for passenger safety.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before November 1, 2022.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2022-1001
using any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov and
follow the online instructions for sending your comments
electronically.
     Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30; U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room
W12-140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket
Operations in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Facsimile: Fax comments to Docket Operations at (202) 493-
2251.
    Privacy: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments
from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts
these comments, without edit, including any personal information the
commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system
of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at
www.dot.gov/privacy.
    Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at
www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions for
accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of
the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions concerning this action,
contact Mary Schooley, Aviation Safety, Federal Aviation
Administration, 2200 S. 216th St, Des Moines, WA 98198, telephone: 206-
231-3499, email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Section 577 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-
254, ``the Act'') directed the FAA to issue, after notice and comment,
such rules as necessary for the safety of passengers with regard to the
minimum dimensions, including seat pitch, width, and length, of
passenger seats on aircraft operated by air carriers in interstate air
transportation or intrastate air transportation. Section 577 recognizes
the FAA's statutory mission of safety in air commerce. 49 U.S.C. 44701.
To gather data in furtherance of the agency's implementation of Section
577 of the Act, the FAA conducted simulated emergency evacuations at
the FAA's Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) and produced a
report.
    Additionally, Section 337 of the Act directed the FAA to review,
with stakeholders, the evacuation certification of transport-category
aircraft used in air transportation, and report the results of the
review to Congress. In support of the agency's compliance with Section
337 of the Act, the FAA chartered the Emergency Evacuation Standards
Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) to gather the stakeholders needed
to perform the required review of evacuation issues. The ARC submitted
a report to the FAA.\1\ The FAA, in a report to Congress, submitted the
ARC report along with the CAMI report on March 31, 2022.\2\ These
reports are available in the docket.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/committees/documents/media/Emergency%20Evac%20Standards%20ARC%20final%20report%20final%20(5-26-
2020).pdf.
    \2\ www.faa.gov/data_research/research/med_humanfacs/oamtechreports/2020s/media/Effects_of_Airplane_Cabin_Interiors_on_Egress_I.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. Request for Comments

    In furtherance of the agency's implementation of Section 577 of the
Act, the FAA invites public comments to assist the agency in
determining what minimum dimensions (including pitch, width, and
length) of passenger seats may be necessary for safety, including in
particular airplane evacuation. The FAA has assessed what safety issues
could be associated with seat dimensions and concluded that additional
data regarding evacuations could be valuable.
    The FAA invites comments on minimum seat dimensions necessary for
passenger safety, especially during airplane evacuation, as the FAA
examines whether new regulatory standards are necessary, in order to
ensure such safety and comply with Section 577 of the Act. The FAA
encourages commenters to review the CAMI report, and other materials in
the docket, prior to commenting.
    Comments should address whether, considering the existing
regulatory requirements,\3\ one or more of the following seat
dimensions \4\ have or demonstrably could adversely affect the safety
of air passengers by delaying the group egress time \5\ of an emergency
evacuation:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Under the relevant general performance standard provided by
14 CFR 25.803(a), transport category airplanes must have means to
allow rapid evacuation under various conditions, including in the
event of a fire. In Sec.  25.803(c), the FAA mandates that the
maximum seating capacity of the airplane can be evacuated to the
ground under simulated emergency conditions within 90 seconds.
However, the FAA established the 90-second requirement as a uniform,
repeatable standard under specific conditions, not a standard that
the FAA expects to be met in every actual emergency evacuation. In
addition, 14 CFR 25.561(d) and 25.562(c)(8) require that seats
having experienced static and dynamic emergency landing loads do not
deform to the extent that they would impede rapid evacuation.
    \4\ For purposes of this request for comments, seat pitch is the
distance between a fixed point on an airplane seat to the same fixed
point on the seat directly in front of or behind that seat. Seat
width is the distance between the armrests' inner faces directly
above the bottom seat cushion. Seat length is the distance between
the top aft edge of the bottom seat cushion to the top front edge.
Also, CAMI discusses the terms it used for its study on pp. 21-22 of
its report.
    \5\ For purposes of this request for comments, the group egress
time is the time from when the aircraft comes to a rest after a
crash or incident, to when the last passenger exits the aircraft.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    a. Seat width;
    b. Seat pitch;
    c. Seat length; and
    d. Other seat dimensions.
    Further, commenters are asked to provide information regarding the
minimum seat dimensions necessary to ensure safety during airplane
evacuation of a broad range of passengers, including those who were not
included in the CAMI study including children, people over 60, and
individuals with disabilities.
    The FAA emphasizes that comments that include technical data and
information will be the most helpful. The FAA is not requesting
comments regarding matters unrelated to the agency's determination
under section 577, such as how the dimensions of passenger seats might
relate to passenger comfort or convenience.

    Issued under authority provided by Public Law 115-254, 49 U.S.C.
106(f), 44701(a), and 44703 in Washington, DC, on July 20, 2022.

Jodi L. Baker,
Deputy Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety.
[FR Doc. 2022-16565 Filed 8-2-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


[Federal Register: May 21, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 99)]
[Notices]
[Page 29501-29502]
[DOCID:fr21my08-48]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-1019; FRL-8364-3]

Nicotine Reregistration Eligibility Decision; Notice of
Availability

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of EPA's Reregistration
Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide nicotine. The Agency's
risk assessments and other related documents are available in the
nicotine Docket. The sole remaining nicotine registration, a restricted
use insecticide registered for use only on greenhouse ornamentals and
effective against adult whiteflies, aphids, and thrips, is being
voluntarily cancelled by the registrant. EPA has reviewed nicotine
through the reregistration eligibility decision-making process, which
is used by the Agency to ensure that all pesticides meet current health
and safety standards.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jill Bloom, Special Review and
Reregistration Division (7508P), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.,
Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number:<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax
number:<PHONE_NUMBER>; e-mail address<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

Does this Action Apply to Me?

    This action is directed to the public in general, and may be of
interest to a wide range of stakeholders including environmental, human
health, and agricultural advocates; the chemical industry; pesticide
users; and members of the public interested in the sale, distribution,
or use of pesticides. Since others also may be interested, the Agency
has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be
affected by 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.

II. Background

A. What Action is the Agency Taking?

    Under section 4 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is reevaluating existing pesticides to
ensure that they meet current scientific and regulatory standards. EPA
has completed a RED for the pesticide nicotine under section 4(g)(2)(A)
of FIFRA. The sole remaining nicotine registration is a restricted use
insecticide registered for use only on greenhouse ornamentals and
effective against adult whiteflies, aphids, and thrips. It is not
registered for use on food.
    EPA has determined that the data base to support nicotine is
incomplete. The Agency has relied primarily on information available
from the open literature to assess the risks associated with the use of
nicotine. Although there is considerable information, particularly
toxicity information, available in the literature, very little of it is
appropriate for the routes of exposure relevant to the pesticidal use
of nicotine, and much of it relates to derivatives of nicotine not
present in the pesticide. Data on worker and residential exposures are
also very limited. The data gaps create a substantial amount of
uncertainty in the Agency's risk assessment, and risk estimates derived
from the available data exceed the Agency's level of concern in certain
areas. The RED identifies data that would be needed to refine the risk
assessment for nicotine. Rather than develop the data needed to refine
the assessment, the registrant has requested the cancellation of its
nicotine registration, effective December 31, 2013.
    The Agency has made its risk management decision for nicotine, and
has determined that the phase-out as requested by the registrant is
warranted due to the extremely low volume of nicotine use and the
benefits associated with its use in production of greenhouse
ornamentals. In light of the risk estimates derived from the available
data, the Agency is requiring implementation of label amendments
designed to reduce the potential for

exposure and reduce risk during the phase-out period, including
prohibiting the use of nicotine on plants grown for cut flowers,
prohibiting use in non-commercial greenhouses, and restricting
consumers' access to treated greenhouses for 24 hours following the
last application of the nicotine product and until ventilation criteria
have been met.

What is the Agency's Authority for Taking this Action?

    Section 4(g)(2) of FIFRA, as amended, directs that, after
submission of all data concerning a pesticide active ingredient, the
Administrator shall determine whether pesticides containing such active
ingredient are eligible for reregistration, before calling in product
specific data on individual end-use products and either reregistering
products or taking other ``appropriate regulatory action.''

List of Subjects

    Environmental protection, Pesticides and pests.

    Dated: May 8, 2008.
Peter Caulkins,
Acting Director, Special Review and Reregistration Division, Office of
Pesticide Programs.
[FR Doc. E8-11395 Filed 5-20-08; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6560-50-S