2022-21595. Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Emission Control System Performance Warranty Regulations and Voluntary Aftermarket Part Certification Program (Renewal)

AGENCY:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), “Emission Control System Performance Warranty Regulations and Voluntary Aftermarket Part Certification Program (Renewal)” (EPA ICR No. 0116.1, OMB Control No. 2060-0060) 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 of the ICR, which is currently approved through June 30, 2023. 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.

DATES:

Comments must be submitted on or before December 5, 2022.

ADDRESSES:

Submit your comments, referencing Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0437, online using www.regulations.gov (our preferred method), by email to [e-mail], or by mail to: EPA Docket Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 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:

Lynn Sohacki, Compliance Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2000 Traverwood, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105; telephone number: 734-214-4851; fax number 734-214-4869; email address: [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

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 www.regulations.gov or in person at the EPA Docket Center, WJC West, 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 http://www.epa.gov/​dockets.

Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments and information to enable it to: (i) evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (ii) evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (iii) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (iv) minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for review and approval. At that time, EPA will issue another Federal Register notice to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB.

Abstract: Under Section 206(a) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7521), on-highway engine and vehicle manufacturers may not legally introduce their products into U.S. commerce unless EPA has certified that their production complies with applicable emission standards. Per section 207(a), original vehicle manufacturers must warrant that vehicles are free from defects in materials and workmanship that would cause the vehicles not to comply with emission regulations during their useful life. Section 207(a) directs EPA to provide certification to those manufacturers or builders of automotive aftermarket parts that demonstrate that the installation and use of their products will not cause failure of the engine or vehicle to comply with emission standards. An aftermarket part is any part offered for sale for installation in or on a motor vehicle after such vehicle has left the vehicle manufacturer's production line (40 CFR 85.2113(b)). Participation in the aftermarket certification program is voluntary. Due to the fact that EPA has received only two aftermarket part certification applications since 1989, the Agency does not expect to receive any applications in the next three years. The purpose of this ICR renewal is to preserve EPA's authority to receive such an application in the event that one is submitted. Consequently, for the purposes of this information collection request, EPA has assumed that one manufacturer will apply for aftermarket part certification during the three-year period covered by this collection.

Aftermarket part manufacturers or builders (manufacturers) electing to participate conduct emission and durability testing as described in 40 CFR part 85, subpart V, and submit data about their products and testing procedures. Any information submitted to the Agency for which a claim of confidentiality is made is safeguarded according to policies set forth in CFR title 40, chapter 1, part 2, subpart B— Confidentiality of Business Information (see 40 CFR part 2).

Form Numbers: None.

Respondents/affected entities: Manufacturers or builders of automotive aftermarket parts.

Respondent's obligation to respond: Required to obtain or retain a benefit.

Estimated number of respondents: 1 (total).

Frequency of response: On occasion.

Total estimated burden: 547 hours (per year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.03(b).

Total estimated cost: $37,208 (per year), includes $1,955 annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs.

Changes in estimates: There is no change in the total estimated respondent burden compared with the ICR currently approved by OMB.

Byron Bunker,

Director, Compliance Division.