[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 209 (Monday, October 31, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-26911]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: October 31, 1994]


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


ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Parts 700, 720, 721, 723, and 725

[OPPTS-00049E; FRL-4919-1]
RIN 2070-AB61

 

Microbial Products of Biotechnology; Proposed Regulation Under 
the Toxic Substances Control Act; Extension of Comment Period

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Extension of comment period.

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

SUMMARY: EPA is extending the comment period for a proposed rule under 
section 5 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), to screen 
microorganisms before they are introduced into commerce. The proposed 
rule is designed to prevent unreasonable risk to human health and the 
environment without imposing unnecessary regulatory burdens on the 
biotechnology industry. The proposed regulation describes notification 
procedures and microorganisms that would be exempt from notification.

DATES: Written comments on the proposed rule should be submitted to EPA 
by December 31, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Comments on issues concerning the proposed rule should bear 
the docket control number OPPTS-00049C, and should be submitted to: 
TSCA Public Docket Office (7407), Office of Pollution Prevention and 
Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street SW., Washington, 
DC 20460.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
For general information including copies of this document and related 
materials: Susan B. Hazen, Director, Environmental Assistance Division 
(7408), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental 
Protection Agency, Rm. E-543B, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460, 
Telephone: (202-554-1404), TDD: (202-554-0551). For technical 
information on the proposed rule: Paul Campanella, Office of Pollution 
Prevention and Toxics (7405), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. E-
611, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460, Telephone: (202-260-3725).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the Federal Register of September 1, 1994 
(59 FR 45526), EPA issued a proposed rule under section 5 of TSCA, TSCA 
authorizes EPA to regulate any chemical substance, except for certain 
substances covered by other Federal agencies. The Act defines chemical 
substance broadly enough to cover microorganisms. TSCA section 5 
establishes a 90-day process for EPA to screen certain chemical 
substances before they are produced. Section 5(a) allows EPA to require 
submission of a notification for microorganisms that are considered 
``new'' chemical substances and those that will be made for a 
``significant new use.'' Section 5(h) provides for certain exemptions 
from the 90-day screening process. In the proposed rule, a 60-day 
comment period was provided. In response to requests by interested 
parties, EPA is extending the comment period on its proposed rule by 60 
days. Comments must now be received by December 31, 1994.
    As part of an interagency ``streamlining'' initiative, EPA is 
making this proposed rule and certain support documents available 
electronically. They may be accessed through the Internet at: 
gopher.epa.gov.
    EPA is very interested in learning whether persons have obtained 
these documents electronically and what their experiences were in doing 
so. Persons who comment on this proposed rule are encouraged to provide 
feedback on this electronic availability with their comments.
    To obtain further information or to provide feedback on the 
electronic availability of these documents, please contact Juanita Geer 
(Telephone: 202-260-1532; FAX: 202-260-1657; Internet: 
[email protected]). Please be advised that Ms. Geer will 
accept only feedback on the electronic availability of these documents; 
all comments on the substance of the proposed rule must be submitted to 
the docket above.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Parts 700, 720, 721, 723, and 725

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Biotechnology, Chemicals, Hazardous substances, Imports, Labeling, 
Microorganisms, Occupational safety and health, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: October 24, 1994.
Lynn R. Goldman,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic 
Substances.
[FR Doc. 94-26911 Filed 10-28-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-F