[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 109 (Wednesday, June 8, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 33414-33415]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-11276]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Parts 152 and 158

[OPP-2004-0387; FRL-7716-4]
RIN 2070-AC12


Pesticides: Data Requirements for Conventional Chemicals; 
Extension of Comment Period

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period.

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SUMMARY: EPA issued a proposed rule in the Federal Register on March 
11, 2005, titled ``Pesticides; Data Requirements for Conventional 
Chemicals.'' This notice extends the closing date of the comment period 
announced in that notice by 90 days, from June 9, 2005, to September 7, 
2005.

DATES: Comments, identified by the docket identification number OPP-
2004-0387, must be received on or before September 7, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Follow the detailed instructions as provided under ADDRESSES 
in the Federal Register document of March 11, 2005.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vera Au, Field and External Affairs 
Division (FEAD), (7506C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-
0001; telephone number: (703) 308-9069; fax number: (703) 305-5884; e-
mail address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this Action Apply to Me?

    The Agency included in the proposed rule a list of those who may be 
potentially affected by this action. If you have questions regarding 
the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the 
person listed under the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

B. How Can I Access Electronic Copies of this Document and Other 
Related Information?

    In addition to using EDOCKET (http://www.epa.gov/edocket/), you may 
access this Federal Register document electronically through the EPA 
Internet under the ``Federal Register'' listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. A frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR parts 152 
and 158 is available at E-CFR Beta Site Two at http://
www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/.

II. What Action is EPA taking?

    In the Federal Register of March 11, 2005 (40 FR 12275), EPA issued 
a proposed rule to update its pesticide data requirements for 
conventional pesticide chemicals. This document extends the public 
comment period for that proposed rule. EPA received requests to extend 
the comment period by 90 days from four industry organizations: 
CropLife America (CLA), the Biocides Panel of the American Chemistry 
Council (ACC), the Consumer Specialty Products Association (CPSA), and 
the Chemical Producers and Distributors Association (CPDA). All four 
groups requested that EPA extend the comment period because of the 
length of the proposed rule and the complex legal, scientific, and 
policy issues in the rule.
    The requesters also cited a desire for more outreach by EPA on the 
contents of the proposal. EPA has already provided numerous 
opportunities for the public to inform itself about the provisions of 
the proposed rule. Of particular note, EPA conducted a two-day public 
workshop on the proposed rule on May 3 - 4, 2005. EPA also met 
individually with CLA members on two occasions and provided an overview 
of the proposed rule at a workshop sponsored by CPDA on May 4, 2005. 
Thus, EPA believes that the extensive outreach activities with 
stakeholders to date are sufficient for the purpose and scope of this 
particular rulemaking.
    To allow stakeholders additional time to assess the impact of the 
proposed revisions on their particular situations and prepare their 
comments, EPA is extending the comment period by an additional 90 days. 
The comment period, which was set to end on June 9, 2005, will now end 
on September 7, 2005.

III. Do Any Statutory and Executive Order Reviews Apply to this Action?

    No. This action is not a rulemaking, it merely extends the date by 
which public comments on a proposed rule must be submitted to EPA on a 
proposed rule that previously published in the Federal Register of 
March 11, 2005 (70 FR 12275).

[[Page 33415]]

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Parts 152 and 158

    Administrative practice and procedure, Agricultural commodities, 
Environmental protection, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: June 1, 2005.
Susan B. Hazen,
Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and 
Toxic Subtances.
[FR Doc. 05-11276 Filed 6-7-05; 8:45 am]
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