[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 133 (Tuesday, July 11, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42689-42690]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-17490]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-6733-1]


Agency Information Collection Activities: Continuing Collection; 
Comment Request; Registration of Fuels and Fuel Additives

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 
et seq.), this notice announces that EPA is planning to submit the 
following continuing Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB): Registration of Fuels and Fuel 
Additives (EPA ICR Number 309.10, OMB Control Number 2060-0150, 
expiration date: 6-30-00). Before submitting the ICR to OMB for review 
and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the 
proposed information collection as described below.

Dates:  Comments must be submitted on or before September 11, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Transportation and Regional Programs Division, Office of 
Transportation and Air Quality, Office of Air and Radiation, Mail Code 
6406J, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, 
NW, Washington, DC 20460. A paper or electronic copy of the draft ICR 
may be obtained without charge by contacting the person listed below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James W. Caldwell, (202) 564-9303, 
fax: (202) 565-2085, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are 
those who (1) manufacture or import gasoline or diesel fuel for use in 
motor vehicles, or (2) manufacture or import an additive for gasoline 
or diesel fuel for use in motor vehicles.
    Title: Registration of Fuels and Fuel Additives: Requirements for 
Manufacturers (40 CFR 79), EPA ICR Number 309.10, OMB Control Number 
2060-0150, expiration date: 6-30-00.
    Abstract: In accordance with the regulations at 40 CFR 79, Subparts 
A, B, C, and D, Registration of Fuels and Fuel Additives, manufacturers 
(including importers) of gasoline or diesel fuel for use in motor 
vehicles, and manufacturers (including importers) of additives for such 
gasoline or diesel fuel, are required to have these products registered 
by the EPA prior to their introduction into commerce. Registration 
involves providing a chemical description of the fuel or additive, 
certain technical and marketing information, and any health-effects 
information in possession of the manufacturer. The development of 
heath-effects data, as required by 40 CFR part 79, Subpart F, is 
covered by a separate information collection. Manufacturers are also 
required to submit periodic reports (annually for additives, quarterly 
and annually for fuels) on production volume and related information. 
The information is used to identify products whose evaporative or 
combustion emissions may pose an unreasonable risk to public health, 
thus meriting further investigation and potential regulation. The 
information is also used to ensure that gasoline additives comply with 
EPA requirements for protecting catalytic converters and other 
automotive emission controls. The data have been used to construct a 
comprehensive data base on fuel and additive composition. The Mine 
Safety and Health Administration of the Department of Labor restricts 
the use of diesel additives in underground coal mines to those 
registered by EPA. Most of the information is confidential.
    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. The OMB control numbers for EPA's 
regulations are listed at 40 CFR Part 9 and 48 CFR Chapter 15.
    The EPA would like to solicit comments 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.
    Burden Statement: There are approximately 120 fuel manufacturers, 
660 additive manufacturers, 600 registered fuels, and 5600 registered 
additives. For each additive that is not a relable of a registered 
additive, about 4000 additives, an annual report is required, at an 
estimated burden of one hour and cost of $58. For each fuel, quarterly 
and annual reports are required, at an estimated burden of three hours 
and $173 for each. EPA estimates that there will be 500 new additives 
registered each year, with a reporting burden of eight hours and $500 
each. EPA estimates that there will be 500 additive update letters each 
year, with a burden of one hour and $54 each. EPA estimates that there 
will be 50 new gasoline and diesel fuels registered each year, with a 
burden of eight hours and $500 each. EPA estimates that there will be 
600 fuel update letters each year, with a burden of one hour and $54 
each. There are no capital and start-up costs. There are no operation 
and maintenance costs beyond copying and postage. The total annual 
estimated burden for industry is 18,500 hours and $1 million. Burden 
means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by 
persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide 
information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed 
to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize 
technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and 
verifying

[[Page 42690]]

information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and 
providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any 
previously applicable instructions and requirements; train personnel to 
be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; 
complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or 
otherwise disclose the information.

    Dated: June 22, 2000.
Merrylin Zaw-Mon,
Director, Transportation and Regional Programs Division.
[FR Doc. 00-17490 Filed 7-10-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P