98-30401. Use of Alternative Analytical Test Methods in the Reformulated Gasoline Program and Revision of the Specification for the Mixing Chamber Associated With Animal Toxicity Testing of Fuels and Fuel Additives  

  • [Federal Register Volume 63, Number 221 (Tuesday, November 17, 1998)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 63789-63793]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 98-30401]
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    
    40 CFR Parts 79 and 80
    
    [FRL-6187-6]
    
    
    Use of Alternative Analytical Test Methods in the Reformulated 
    Gasoline Program and Revision of the Specification for the Mixing 
    Chamber Associated With Animal Toxicity Testing of Fuels and Fuel 
    Additives
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Direct final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This direct final rule extends the time period during which 
    certain alternative analytical test methods may be used in the Federal 
    reformulated gasoline (RFG) program to September 1, 2000. The time 
    period for use of these alternative methods originally expired on 
    January 1, 1997 and was previously extended to September 1, 1998. The 
    purpose of today's extension is to grant temporary flexibility until a 
    final performance-based analytical test method approach rulemaking is 
    promulgated. EPA expects to finalize the performance-based analytical 
    test methods approach rulemaking before September 1, 2000. This direct 
    final rule also makes certain revisions to the procedures applicable to 
    health effects testing of fuels and fuel additives.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: This direct final rule is effective January 19, 1999, 
    unless EPA receives adverse comment or a request for a public hearing 
    by December 17, 1998. In the `` Proposed Rules'' section of today's 
    Federal Register, EPA is publishing a proposed rule that matches the 
    substance of this direct final rule. If the Agency receives adverse 
    comment or a request for a public hearing by December 17, 1998, EPA 
    will withdraw this direct final rule by publishing timely withdrawal in 
    the Federal Register.
    
    ADDRESSES: Any person wishing to submit comments should send them (in 
    duplicate, if possible) to the docket address listed and to Joseph R. 
    Sopata, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Fuels and Energy 
    Division, 401 M Street, SW (6406J), Washington, D.C. 20460. Materials 
    relevant to this direct final rule have been placed in docket A-98-21 
    located at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Air Docket Section, 
    Room M-1500, 401 M Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20460. The docket is 
    open for public inspection from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Monday 
    through Friday, except on Federal holidays. A reasonable fee may be 
    charged for photocopying services.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information about this 
    rule, contact Joseph R. Sopata, Chemist, Fuels & Energy Division, at 
    (202) 564-9034. To notify EPA of an intent to submit an adverse comment 
    or public hearing request, contact Joseph R. Sopata, (202) 564-9034, or 
    Anne-Marie C. Pastorkovich, Attorney/Advisor, Fuels & Energy Division, 
    (202) 564-8987.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    I. Regulated Entities
    
        Entities potentially regulated by this action are those that use 
    analytical test methods to comply with the RFG program and 
    manufacturers of fuels and fuel additives. Regulated categories and 
    entities include:
    
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                Category                                                          Examples of regulated entities                                            
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    Industry.......................  Oil refiners, gasoline importers, oxygenate blenders, analytical testing laboratories.                                 
                                     Manufacturers of gasoline and diesel fuel.                                                                             
                                     Manufacturers of additives for gasoline and diesel fuel.                                                               
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        This table is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a 
    guide for readers regarding entities likely to be regulated by this 
    action. This table lists all types of entities that EPA is now aware 
    could potentially be regulated by this action. Other types of entities 
    not listed in this table could also be regulated. To determine whether 
    your business is regulated by this action, you should carefully examine 
    the applicability criteria in parts 79 and 80 of title 40 of the Code 
    of Federal Regulations. If you have any questions regarding the 
    applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person 
    listed in the preceding section of this document.
    
    II. RFG Standards & Test Methods Utilized at Sec. 80.46
    
        Section 211(k) of the Clean Air Act (the Act) requires that EPA 
    establish standards for RFG to be used in specified ozone nonattainment 
    areas (covered areas), as well as anti-dumping standards for non-
    reformulated, or conventional gasoline, used in the rest of the 
    country, beginning in January 1995. The Act requires that RFG reduce 
    VOC and toxics emissions from motor vehicles, not increase NOx 
    emissions, and meet certain content standards for oxygen, benzene, and 
    heavy metals. EPA published the final RFG regulations in the Federal 
    Register on February 16, 1994.1
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        \1\ The RFG and anti-dumping regulations are located at 40 CFR 
    part 80, subparts D, E, and F. The final rule establishing the RFG 
    and anti-dumping standards was published in the February 16, 1994 
    Federal Register at 59 FR 7716. Amendments were published at 59 FR 
    36944 (June 20, 1994), 59 FR 39258 (August 2, 1994), 59 FR 60715 
    (November 28, 1994), 60 FR 2699 (January 11, 1995), 60 FR 6030 
    (February 1, 1995), 60 FR 35488 (July 10, 1995), 60 FR 40006 (August 
    1, 1995), 60 FR 65571 (December 20, 1995), 61 FR 12030 (March 25, 
    1996), 61 FR 20736 (May 8, 1996), 61 FR 35673 (July 8, 1996), 61 FR 
    58304 (November 13, 1996), 62 FR 9872 (March 4, 1997), 62 FR 12572 
    (March 17, 1997), and 62 FR 30260 (June 3, 1997). EPA proposed 
    several additional modifications to the RFG and anti-dumping 
    regulations at 62 FR 37338 (July 11, 1997). Some of these proposed 
    modifications were included in a final rule published at 62 FR 68196 
    (December 31, 1997), while others will be the subject of a future 
    final rule. Please refer to the December 31, 1997 final rule for 
    more information.
    
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    [[Page 63790]]
    
        Refiners, importers, and oxygenate blenders are required, among 
    other things, to test RFG and conventional gasoline for various 
    gasoline parameters or qualities, such as sulfur levels, aromatics, 
    benzene, and so on. Based upon comments received from the regulated 
    industry during the RFG and anti-dumping rulemaking, EPA concluded that 
    it would be appropriate to temporarily allow the use of alternative 
    analytical test methods for measuring the parameters of aromatics and 
    oxygenates. Language was adopted in Secs. 80.46(f)(3) and (g)(9)(i), 
    which permitted the use of alternative analytical test methods for 
    aromatics and oxygenates, respectively, until January 1, 1997. These 
    sections were later amended by a November 13, 1996 final rule published 
    in the Federal Register to permit the use of alternative analytical 
    test methods for these two parameters until September 1, 
    1998.2
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        \2\ See 61 FR 58304 (November 13, 1996). The final rule did not 
    become effective until May 1, 1998, due to an inadvertent 
    administrative error. See the correction notice announcing the new 
    effective data 63 FR 24117 (May 1, 1998).
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        As explained in the February 16, 1994 final rule, the Agency will 
    undertake a rulemaking to consider establishing a performance-based 
    analytical test method approach for the measurement of the reformulated 
    gasoline (RFG) parameters at Sec. 80.46. The Agency envisions that a 
    performance-based approach could provide additional flexibility to the 
    regulated industry in its choice of analytical test methods to be 
    utilized for compliance under the RFG and conventional gasoline 
    programs for analytical test methods that differ from the designated 
    analytical test method. The Agency further believes that the 
    establishment of a performance-based test method approach may help 
    advance the purposes of the ``National Technology Transfer and 
    Advancement Act of 1995,'' section 12(d) of Public Law 104-113 and 
    Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circular A-119.3 In 
    general, the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 
    and OMB Circular A-119 are designed to encourage the adoption of 
    standards developed by ``voluntary consensus bodies'' and to reduce 
    reliance on government-unique standards ``where an existing voluntary 
    standard would suffice.'' 4 Today's direct final rule 
    provides an extension of deadline for use of certain alternative test 
    methods until such time as a notice-and-comment rulemaking to establish 
    performance-based standards is completed. Issues related to the 
    National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 and OMB 
    Circular A-119 will be appropriately explored in detail in connection 
    with that rulemaking.
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        \3\ See ``OMB Circular A-119; Federal Participation in the 
    Development and Use of Voluntary Consensus Standards and in 
    Conformity Assessment Activities,'' 63 FR 8546 (February 19, 1998).
        \4\ Id.
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        EPA originally expected to finalize action on such a rulemaking by 
    September 1, 1998; however, the Agency now realizes that it will not 
    complete rulemaking until after that date. Refiners and importers will 
    need several months to determine whether these alternative methods 
    qualify under the envisioned performance based analytical test method 
    approach. Therefore the Agency is extending the deadline for the use of 
    alternative test methods at Secs. 80.46(f)(3) and 80.46(g)(9) until 
    September 1, 2000. This extension of the deadline would allow parties 
    to make long-term purchasing decisions based on all the testing options 
    that could be made available at the conclusion of the performance-based 
    rulemaking. EPA reasonably expects to complete rulemaking before 
    September 1, 2000.
    
    III. Revision of the Specification for the Mixing Chamber 
    Associated With Animal Toxicity Testing of Fuels and Fuel Additives 
    at Sec. 79.57(e)(2)(iii)(C)
    
        The fuels and fuel additives registration program is authorized by 
    section 211 of the Clean Air Act and codified in 40 CFR part 79. In 
    accordance with sections 211(a) and (b)(1) of the Act, basic 
    registration requirements applicable to gasoline and diesel fuel have 
    been in existence since 1975. On June 27, 1994, EPA published a Federal 
    Register document announcing final additional regulations for 
    registration of designated fuels and fuel additives as authorized by 
    sections 211(b)(2) and 211(e) of the Clean Air Act as amended in 
    1990.5 The additional regulations require manufacturers, as 
    part of the registration program, to conduct tests and submit 
    information related to the health effects of their fuel and fuel 
    additive products. The health effects testing requirements are 
    organized in three tiers. Tier 1 requires analysis of combustion and 
    evaporative emissions of fuels and fuel additives and a survey of 
    existing scientific information on the public health and welfare 
    effects of these emissions. Tier 2 requires manufacturers to conduct 
    specified health effects tests to screen for adverse health effects of 
    fuel and fuel additive emissions. Additional testing may be required 
    under Tier 3 at EPA's discretion.
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        \5\ The fuels and fuel additives registration regulations are 
    located in 40 CFR part 79. Testing requirements for fuels and fuel 
    additives are in subpart F. The final rule establishing these 
    regulations was published in the June 27, 1994 Federal Register at 
    59 FR 33042. Amendments were published at 61 FR 36506 (July 11, 
    1996), 61 FR 58744 (November 18, 1996), 62 FR 12564 (March 17, 1997) 
    and 62 FR 12572 (March 17, 1997).
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        A provision of the health effects testing regulations requires that 
    the emission moderation apparatus must function such that the average 
    concentration of hydrocarbons leaving the apparatus shall be within 10 
    percent of the average concentration of hydrocarbons entering the 
    mixing chamber. The Agency now believes that this specification for the 
    mixing chamber (or any alternative emission moderation apparatus) at 
    Secs. 79.57(e)(2)(iii)(C) and 79.57(e)(2)(v)(B) is likely unachievable 
    in a typical laboratory setting. Additionally, the regulations require 
    that the mean exposure concentration in the inhalation test chamber 
    shall be within 10 percent of the target concentration for the single 
    species being controlled on 90 percent or more of the exposure days and 
    that daily monitoring of CO, CO2, oxides of nitrogen, oxides 
    of sulfur and total hydrocarbons in the exposure chamber shall be 
    required. 40 CFR 79.57(e)(2)(iv)(B). EPA now believes that the required 
    mean exposure concentration in the inhalation test chamber is 
    unachievable for total hydrocarbons and particulate. The Agency 
    believes that the reason that these specifications are unachievable for 
    hydrocarbons and particulate is because of the cohesive qualities that 
    such compounds share. These shared cohesive tendencies result in a 
    tendency to fall out of the exposure atmosphere as it passes through 
    the apparatus.
        EPA believes that a more appropriate specification for particulate 
    and hydrocarbon compounds would be 15%. The Agency believes the 
    modified emission dilution requirements at Secs. 79.57(e)(2)(iv)(B) and 
    79.57(e)(2)(vi)(B), will provide for sufficient quality control 
    assurances and thereby negate the need for Secs. 79.57(e)(2)(iii)(C) 
    and
    
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    79.57(e)(2)(v)(B).6 Accordingly, the Agency is deleting 
    Secs. 79.57(e)(2)(iii)(C) and 79.57(e)(2)(v)(B), and modifying 
    Secs. 79.57(e)(2)(iv)(B) and 79.57(e)(2)(vi)(B).
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        \6\ Sections 79.57(e)(2)(iv)(B) and 79.57(e)(2)(vi)(B) did not 
    previously contain reference to hydrocarbons, but have been modified 
    by this direct final rule to include specific requirements for both 
    hydrocarbons and particulate. Sections 79.57(e)(2)(iii)(C) and 
    79.57(e)(2)(v)(B), which are deleted by this action, specifically 
    addressed hydrocarbons only, and are no longer necessary.
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    IV. Additional changes related to animal toxicity testing of fuels 
    and fuel additives
    
    A. Vascular Perfusion Technique
    
        Section 79.66(e)(5)(iii)(B) states that for the vascular perfusion 
    technique, the animals shall be perfused in situ by a generally 
    recognized technique.7 Section 79.62(d)(7)(v) states that 
    the lungs and trachea of the whole-body perfusion-fixed test animals 
    are examined for inhaled particle distribution.
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        \7\ Standard techniques for vascular perfusion in the following 
    references are cited: Zeman, W., and Innes, J.R.M., Craigie's 
    Neuroanatomy of the Rat (New York: Academic, 1963); Hayat, M.A., 
    ``Vol. 1. Biological applications,'' Principles and Techniques of 
    Electron Microscopy (New York: Van Nostrand, Reinhold, 1970); and 
    Spencer, P.S., and Schaumbur, H.H., (eds.). Experimental and 
    Clinical Neurotoxicology (Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1980).
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        The methods for vascular perfusion cited in the regulation perfuse 
    only the systemic vascular system with fixative. Using the methods 
    cited, the lungs are neither fixed nor inflated. This is because no 
    pressure (either air or fixative) is applied to the airways to 
    counteract the pressure being applied through the blood vessels, so 
    that the airspaces of the lungs collapse under the pressure from the 
    vascular fixation. The collapsed, unfixed lungs are not useful for 
    histopathological examination, or for examination of inhaled particle 
    distribution.
        EPA is modifying the systemic vascular perfusion fixation procedure 
    by including intratracheal instillation of the lungs with fixative via 
    the trachea during the fixation process. This would preserve the lungs 
    for examination and achieve the whole-body fixation needed for 
    neurotoxicity endpoints.
    
    B. Correction of Animal Numbers
    
        Section 79.62(d)(1)(ii)(B) states, in part, ``Forty rodents, 25 
    females and 10 males * * *'' EPA is amending this section to reflect a 
    correct total of 35 rodents.
    
    V. Environmental and Economic Impacts
    
        This rule is expected to have no negative environmental impact. The 
    change in the deadline for the use of certain alternative test methods 
    preserves the status quo of the RFG program and will result in no 
    reduction in the emission benefits of the program. The changes to the 
    fuels and fuel additives registration regulations are not expected to 
    have any negative environmental impact on the public health and 
    environmental benefits associated with the fuels and fuel additives 
    testing program. In fact, today's changes with regard to health testing 
    requirements add certainty and correct errors and, as a result, may 
    enhance the benefits of the program.
        Today's direct final rule would have a positive impact on the great 
    majority of entities regulated by the RFG regulation, because it 
    permits continued flexibility with respect to the use of alternative 
    test methods. This flexibility will continue through September 1, 2000 
    or until such time as EPA issues final regulations for performance-
    based analytical test methods. The proposed changes to the health 
    effects testing requirements are minor and are not expected to result 
    in any additional compliance costs for regulated parties.
    
    VI. Regulatory Flexibility
    
        EPA has determined that it is not necessary to prepare a regulatory 
    flexibility analysis in connection with this proposed rule. EPA has 
    also determined that this direct final rule will not have a significant 
    impact on a substantial number of small entities. Small entities 
    include small businesses, small not-for-profit enterprises, and small 
    governmental jurisdictions. Today's regulation would have a positive 
    economic impact on the great majority of entities regulated by the RFG 
    regulation, including small businesses. Specifically, it grants the 
    regulated industry flexibility in the use of alternative test methods 
    until September 1, 2000 (or until such time as EPA completes final 
    rulemaking) and corrects certain errors in existing registration 
    requirements for fuels and fuel additives. It is not expected to result 
    in any additional compliance costs for regulated parties, including 
    small entities. A regulatory flexibility analysis has therefore not 
    been prepared.
    
    VII. Executive Order 12866
    
        Under Executive Order 12866,8 the Agency must determine 
    whether a regulation is ``significant'' and therefore subject to OMB 
    review and the requirements of the Executive Order. The Order defines 
    ``significant regulatory action'' as one that is likely to result in a 
    rule that may:
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        \8\ 58 FR 51736 (October 4, 1993).
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        (1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, 
    or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the 
    economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
    health or safety, or State, local or tribal governments of communities;
        (2) Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an 
    action taken or planned by another agency;
        (3) Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, 
    user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients 
    thereof, or
        (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal 
    mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in 
    this Executive Order.9
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        \9\ Id. at section 3(f)(1)-(4).
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        EPA has determined that this rule is not a ``significant regulatory 
    action'' under the terms of Executive Order 12866 and is therefore not 
    subject to OMB review.
    
    VIII. Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        Today's direct final rule does not impose any new information 
    collection burden. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
    previously approved the applicable information collection requirements 
    (ICRs) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 
    3501 et seq., and has assigned the following OMB control numbers: 2060-
    0297 (``Registration of Fuels and Fuel Additives; Health-Effects 
    Research Requirements for Manufacturers--40 CFR part 79, subpart F''), 
    2060-0150 (``Registration of Fuels and Fuel Additives: Requirements for 
    Manufacturers''), and 2060-0277 (``Standards for Reformulated 
    Gasoline''). Copies of these ICRs may be obtained from Sandy Farmer, OP 
    Regulatory Information Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
    (2137), 401 M Street, SW, Washington, DC 20460, or by calling (202) 
    260-2740. Include the ICR title and/or OMB number in any 
    correspondence. Nothing in today's direct final rule will result in any 
    additional reporting, recordkeeping, testing, or other informational 
    burdens.
    
    IX. Unfunded Mandates
    
        Under section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 
    (``UMRA''), Public Law 104-4, EPA must prepare a budgetary impact 
    statement to accompany any general
    
    [[Page 63792]]
    
    notice of proposed rulemaking or final rule that includes a Federal 
    mandate which may result in estimated costs to State, local, or tribal 
    governments in the aggregate, or to the private sector, of $100 million 
    or more. Under section 205, for any rule subject to section 202 EPA 
    generally must select the least costly, most cost-effective, or least 
    burdensome alternative that achieves the objectives of the rule and is 
    consistent with statutory requirements. Under section 203, before 
    establishing any regulatory requirements that may significantly or 
    uniquely affect small governments, EPA must take steps to inform and 
    advise small governments of the requirements and enable them to provide 
    input.
        EPA has determined that this rule does not include a Federal 
    mandate as defined in UMRA. The rule does not include a Federal mandate 
    that may result in estimated annual costs to State, local or tribal 
    governments in the aggregate, or to the private sector, of $100 million 
    or more, and it does not establish regulatory requirements that may 
    significantly or uniquely affect small governments.
    
    X. Effects on Tribal, State, and Local Government Entities
    
        This direct final rule does not establish any regulatory 
    requirements which would significantly or uniquely affect tribal 
    governments within the meaning of E.O. 13084, ``Consultation and 
    Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments.''
    
    XI. Executive Order 12875: Enhancing Intergovernmental Partnerships
    
        Under Executive Order 12875, EPA may not issue a regulation that is 
    not required by statute and that creates a mandate upon a state, local 
    or tribal government, unless the Federal government provides the funds 
    necessary to pay the direct compliance costs incurred by those 
    governments. If the mandate is unfunded, EPA must provide to the Office 
    of Management and Budget a description of the extent of EPA's prior 
    consultation with representatives of affected state, local and tribal 
    governments, the nature of their concerns, copies of any written 
    communications from the governments, and a statement supporting the 
    need to issue the regulation. In addition, Executive Order 12875 
    requires EPA to develop an effective process permitting elected 
    officials and other representatives of state, local and tribal 
    governments ``to provide meaningful and timely input in the development 
    of regulatory proposals containing significant unfunded mandates.''
        Today's direct final rule does not create a mandate on state, local 
    or tribal governments. The direct final rule does not impose any 
    enforceable duties on these entities. Accordingly, the requirements of 
    section 1(a) of Executive Order 12875 do not apply to this direct final 
    rule.
    
    XII. Applicability of E.O. 13045: Children's Health Protection
    
        This direct final rule is not subject to E.O. 13045, entitled 
    ``Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety 
    Risks'' (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997), because it does not involve 
    decisions on environmental health risks or safety risks that may 
    disproportionately affect children.
        Today's direct final rule extends the time period during which 
    certain alternative analytical test methods may be used. This would 
    preserve the status quo under the existing RFG program until such time 
    as a performance-based test method rule is issued. The extension will 
    result in no reduction in the RFG program's environmental or health 
    benefits and presents no health or safety risks that will adversely 
    affect children.
        Today's changes and corrections to the health effects testing 
    regulations for fuels and fuel additives will add certainty and 
    facilitate compliance by regulated parties. As a result, any impact on 
    children's health resulting from these changes and corrections would 
    reasonably be expected to be positive.
    
    XIII. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
    
        The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA), 
    section 12(d) of Public Law 104-113, is designed to encourage the 
    adoption of standards developed by ``voluntary consensus bodies'' and 
    to reduce reliance on government-unique standards where existing 
    voluntary standards would suffice.
        Today's direct final rule provides an extension of deadline for use 
    of certain analytical test methods for the RFG program until such time 
    as a notice-and-comment rulemaking to establish performance-based 
    analytical test methods is completed. Today's action does not establish 
    new technical standards or analytical test methods. The Agency plans to 
    address the NTTAA in detail in an upcoming rulemaking to establish 
    performance-based analytical test methods.
        For a more detailed discussion, please refer to SUPPLEMENTARY 
    INFORMATION, section II, ``RFG Standards and Test Methods Utilized at 
    Sec. 80.46,'' above.
    
    XIV. Submission to Congress and the General Accounting Office
    
        The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the 
    Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Act of 1996, generally provides 
    that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating the rule 
    must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, to each 
    House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United 
    States. EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other 
    required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of 
    Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior 
    to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. A major rule cannot 
    take effect until 60 days after it is published in the Federal 
    Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 
    804(2). This rule will be effective January 19, 1999.
    
    List of Subjects
    
    40 CFR Part 79
    
        Environmental protection, Fuel additives, Gasoline, Motor vehicle 
    pollution, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
    
    40 CFR Part 80
    
        Environmental protection, Fuel additives, Gasoline, Imports, 
    Labeling.
    
        Dated: November 3, 1998.
    Carol M. Browner,
    Administrator.
        For the reasons described in the preamble, parts 79 and 80 of Title 
    40 of the Code of Federal Regulations are amended as follows:
    
    PART 79 [AMENDED]
    
        1. The authority citation for part 79 continues to read as follows:
    
        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7414, 7524, 7545, and 7601.
    
    * * * * *
        2. Section 79.57 is amended by removing and reserving paragraphs 
    (e)(2)(iii)(C) and (e)(2)(v)(B) and by revising paragraphs 
    (e)(2)(iv)(B) and (e)(2)(vi)(B), to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 79.57  Emission generation.
    
    * * * * *
        (e) * * *
        (2) * * *
        (iii) * * *
        (C) [Reserved]
    * * * * *
        (iv) * * *
        (B) These procedures include requirements that the mean exposure 
    concentration in the inhalation test chamber on 90 percent or more of 
    the
    
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    exposure days shall be controlled as follows:
        (1) If the species being controlled is hydrocarbon or particulate, 
    the mean exposure concentration must be within 15 percent of the target 
    concentration for the single species being controlled.
        (2) For other species, the mean exposure concentration must be 
    within 10 percent of the target concentration for the single species 
    being controlled.
        (3) For all species, daily monitoring of CO, CO2, 
    NOX, SOX, and total hydrocarbons in the exposure 
    chamber shall be required. Analysis of the particle size distribution 
    shall also be performed to establish the stability and consistency of 
    particle size distribution in the test exposure.
    * * * * *
        (v) * * *
        (B) [Reserved]
    * * * * *
        (vi) * * *
        (B) These procedures include requirements that the mean exposure 
    concentration in the inhalation test chamber on 90 percent or more of 
    the exposure days shall be controlled as follows:
        (1) If the species being controlled is hydrocarbon or particulate, 
    the mean exposure concentration must be within 15 percent of the target 
    concentration for the single species being controlled.
        (2) For other species, the mean exposure concentration must be 
    within 10 percent of the target concentration for the single species 
    being controlled.
        (3) For all species, daily monitoring of CO, CO2, 
    NOX, SOX, and total hydrocarbons in the exposure 
    chamber shall be required. Analysis of the particle size distribution 
    shall also be performed to establish the stability and consistency of 
    particle size distribution in the test exposure.
    * * * * *
        3. Section 79.62 is amended by revising paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(B), to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 79.62  Subchronic toxicity study with specific health effects 
    assessment.
    
    * * * * *
        (d) * * *
        (1) * * *
        (ii) * * *
        (B) Thirty-five rodents, 25 females and ten males, shall be added 
    for each test concentration or control group when combining a 90-day 
    toxicity study with a fertility assessment.
    * * * * *
        4. Section 79.66 is amended by adding a sentence to the end of 
    paragraph (e)(5)(iii)(B), to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 79.66  Neuropathology assessment.
    
    * * * * *
        (e) * * *
        (5) * * *
        (iii) * * *
        (B) Perfusion technique. * * * In addition, the lungs shall be 
    instilled with fixative via the trachea during the fixation process in 
    order to preserve the lungs and achieve whole-body fixation.
    * * * * *
    
    PART 80--[AMENDED]
    
        5. The authority citation for part 80 continues to read as follows:
    
        Authority: Sections 114, 211 and 301(a) of the Clean Air Act as 
    amended (42 U.S.C. 7414, 7545, and 7601(a)).
    * * * * *
        6. Section 80.46 is amended by revising paragraphs (f)(3) and 
    (g)(9) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 80.46  Measurement of reformulated gasoline fuel parameters.
    
    * * * * *
        (f) * * *
        (3) Alternative test method. (i) Prior to September 1, 2000, any 
    refiner or importer may determine aromatics content using ASTM standard 
    method D-1319-93, entitled ``Standard Test Method for Hydrocarbon Types 
    in Liquid Petroleum Products by Flourescent Indicator Adsorption,'' for 
    purposes of meeting any testing requirement involving aromatics 
    content; provided that
        (ii) The refiner or importer test result is correlated with the 
    method specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this section.
        (g) * * *
        (9)(i) Prior to September 1, 2000, and when the oxygenates present 
    are limited to MTBE, ETBE, TAME, DIPE, tertiary-amyl alcohol, and C1 to 
    C4 alcohols, any refiner, importer, or oxygenate blender may determine 
    oxygen and oxygenate content using ASTM standard method D-4815-93, 
    entitled ``Standard Test Method for Determination of MTBE, ETBE, TAME, 
    DIPE, tertiary-Amyl Alcohol and C1 to C4 Alcohols in Gasoline by Gas 
    Chromatography,'' for purposes of meeting any testing requirement; 
    provided that
        (ii) The refiner or importer test result is correlated with the 
    method set forth in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(8) of this section.
    * * * * *
    [FR Doc. 98-30401 Filed 11-16-98; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
1/19/1999
Published:
11/17/1998
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Direct final rule.
Document Number:
98-30401
Dates:
This direct final rule is effective January 19, 1999, unless EPA receives adverse comment or a request for a public hearing by December 17, 1998. In the `` Proposed Rules'' section of today's Federal Register, EPA is publishing a proposed rule that matches the substance of this direct final rule. If the Agency receives adverse comment or a request for a public hearing by December 17, 1998, EPA will withdraw this direct final rule by publishing timely withdrawal in the Federal Register.
Pages:
63789-63793 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
FRL-6187-6
PDF File:
98-30401.pdf
Supporting Documents:
» Use of Alternative Analytical Test Methods in the Reformulated Gasoline Program and Revision of the Specification for the Mixing Chamber Associated With Animal Toxicity Testing of Fuels and Fuel Additives
» Use of Alternative Analytical Test Methods In the Reformulated Gasoline Program and Revision of the Specification for the Mixing Chamber Associated with Animal Toxicity Testing of Fuels and Fuel Additives
CFR: (5)
40 CFR 80.46,''
40 CFR 79.57
40 CFR 79.62
40 CFR 79.66
40 CFR 80.46