[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 83 (Monday, April 29, 1996)] [Notices] [Pages 18728-18729] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-10538] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-5459-8] Common Sense Initiative Council (CISC) AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Life Cycle Management/Supplier Partnership Project Team, of the Automobile Manufacturing Sector Subcommittee of the Common Sense Initiative, recognizes that opportunities exist to reduce the overall environmental impacts of automobile manufacturing by engaging in life cycle management with its suppliers. The Project Team goals are to: develop principles and strategies for the application of life cycle management in the automobile manufacturing sector as a means of further reducing environmental impacts in an economically efficient manner; and demonstrate or pilot test the principles and strategies through manufacturer/supplier partnerships in a manner that produces positive results (i.e., cleaner, cheaper, smarter) and is applicable to and beneficial for the whole sector. To this end, an automotive supplier sector, instrument panels (excluding heating/air conditioning and the electronic components), was identified to bring into this project. The EPA and Project Team are soliciting the interest of instrument panel suppliers in this project. Further, EPA and the Project Team are asking instrument panel suppliers who wish to participate in this project to identify themselves. DATES: Please respond by no later than May 29, 1996. ADDRESSES: If desired, written submissions must be sent to: Ms. Julie Lynch (7409); Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics; Environmental Protection Agency; 401 M Street SW., Washington, DC 20460. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Julie Lynch; telephone number: 202-260-4000; Internet: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Introduction As a part of the Automobile Manufacturing Sector Subcommittee of the Common Sense Initiative (CSI), the Life Cycle Management/Supplier Partnership (LCM/SP) Project Team is: (1) Developing principles and strategies for the application of life cycle management in the automobile manufacturing sector as a means of further reducing environmental impacts in an economically efficient manner. (2) Demonstrating the principles and strategies of life cycle management in automotive manufacturing through manufacturer/supplier partnerships in a manner that produces positive results (i.e., cleaner, cheaper, smarter) and is applicable to and beneficial for the whole sector. The CSI is an EPA sponsored program to involve stakeholders in the identification of ``cleaner, cheaper, and smarter'' solutions to environmental challenges. The CSI encompasses six industrial sectors including automobile manufacturing. There are a number of projects being conducted within the CSI Automobile Manufacturing Sector involving alternative regulatory system development, community-based technical assistance and involvement, input on existing regulations, as well as the development and demonstration of principles and strategies for life cycle management through a pilot project utilizing a manufacturer/supplier partnership. The Project Team involved in the LCM/SP was initially established in January of 1995 with the creation of CSI and has representatives from auto manufacturers and trade associations, EPA, state environmental agencies, and environmental and community groups. II. The Life Cycle Management/Supplier Partnership Project The LCM/SP Project Team participants have come together to discuss and develop pre-competitive approaches to reduce costs and the environmental impacts along the supply chain of auto assembly plants. The Team worked to identify and select a particular automotive supply sector to bring into the project. Tier I instrument panels (referred to hereafter as instrument panels), excluding the electronic and heating/ air conditioning components, were selected. The EPA and the Project Team are soliciting the interest of instrument panel suppliers in this project. Further, EPA and the Project Team are asking instrument panel suppliers who may wish to participate in this project to identify themselves. [[Page 18729]] Project partners will work together to:Develop life cycle management principles and strategies concerning the supply of parts and materials to auto companies; Design a pilot project workplan to test the life cycle management principles and strategies for the supply chain of an automotive component; Implement the pilot project; and Document lessons learned through the revision of the life cycle management principles and strategies. The instrument panel supply sector was targeted based on a number of criteria including current use of life cycle management, opportunities for partnerships, opportunities to reduce environmental impacts at the assembly plant and along the supply chain, and the potential to improve environmental quality in minority and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. As a stakeholder (i.e., one with a stake in the development and outcome) in this area, interested instrument panel suppliers could realize a number of benefits. In order to remain competitive and reduce costs, auto manufacturers are developing new management systems to streamline the auto design and assembly process. These new systems will have a direct affect on the supplier's relationship with the auto manufacturer. Participation in this project offers suppliers a chance to cooperate with auto manufacturers in their environmental management programs. More specifically, the project will develop and demonstrate a model which: Seeks to identify cost avoidances and savings for both suppliers and manufacturers, offering participants the financial benefits of LCM; Suppliers can use the work with the auto manufacturers in developing environmental management approaches, such as those being proposed under the International Organization for Standardization's forum; Considers policies and practices and develops principles and strategies for a new relationship with auto manufacturers that incorporates supply considerations early in the product design and throughout the assembly of the car; and Identifies potential pollution prevention benefits such as reduced environmental and occupational liabilities, reduced waste treatments and disposal costs, and, etc. Participants in this project are expected to exhibit a willingness to come to the table to discuss, develop, and test life cycle management principles and strategies in a pre-competitive environment with the other Project Team members. Those who choose to participate will do so with the understanding that the work of the Project Team will be made publicly available. Generally, team meetings are held monthly. A one year time period is envisioned for this project. Dated: April 10, 1996. Carol Kemker, Designated Federal Officer, CSI Auto Manufacturing Sector. [FR Doc. 96-10538 Filed 4-26-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P