[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 190 (Tuesday, October 5, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55116-55222]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-21030]



[[Page 55115]]

Vol. 86

Tuesday,

No. 190

October 5, 2021

Part II





 Environmental Protection Agency





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40 CFR Parts 9 and 84





Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Establishing the Allowance Allocation 
and Trading Program Under the American Innovation and Manufacturing 
Act; Final Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 190 / Tuesday, October 5, 2021 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 55116]]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Parts 9 and 84

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2021-0044; FRL-8458-02-OAR]
RIN 2060-AV17


Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Establishing the Allowance 
Allocation and Trading Program Under the American Innovation and 
Manufacturing Act

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency is issuing regulations to 
implement certain provisions of the American Innovation and 
Manufacturing Act, as enacted on December 27, 2020. This Act mandates 
the phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons, which are highly potent greenhouse 
gases, by 85 percent over a period ending in 2036. The Act directs the 
Environmental Protection Agency to implement the phasedown by issuing a 
fixed quantity of transferrable production and consumption allowances, 
which producers and importers of hydrofluorocarbons must hold in 
quantities equal to the amount of hydrofluorocarbons they produce or 
import. To establish the allowance allocation program, this rulemaking 
determines the hydrofluorocarbon production and consumption baselines, 
from which allowed production and consumption will decrease consistent 
with the statutory phasedown schedule; provides an initial approach to 
allocating calendar-year allowances and allowing for the transfer of 
those allowances; establishes provisions for the international transfer 
of allowances; and establishes recordkeeping and reporting 
requirements. Additionally, it establishes provisions to support 
implementation, compliance with, and enforcement of, statutory and 
regulatory requirements under the Act's phasedown provisions. Over the 
time period from 2022-2050, this rulemaking will avoid cumulative 
emissions of 4,560 million metric tons of exchange value equivalent of 
HFCs in the United States with a present value of cumulative net 
benefits of $272.7 billion.

DATES: 
    Effective dates: This rule is effective on November 4, 2021, except 
for amendatory instruction 3 adding 40 CFR part 84, which is effective 
on October 5, 2021.
    Operational dates: For operational purposes under the American 
Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 (AIM Act or the Act), the 
regulatory text established in amendatory instruction 3, is operational 
as of September 23, 2021, and effective as of October 5, 2021. The 
remainder of this rule, and its associated regulatory text outlined in 
amendatory instructions 1, 2, and 4 through 10, is effective November 
4, 2021.

ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID 
No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2021-0044. All documents in the docket are listed on the 
http://www.regulations.gov website. Although listed in the index, some 
information is not publicly available, e.g., Confidential Business 
Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted 
by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, is 
not placed on the internet and will be publicly available only in hard-
copy form. Publicly available docket materials are available 
electronically through http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andy Chang, U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency, Stratospheric Protection Division, telephone number: 
202-564-6658; email address: chang.andy@epa.gov. You may also visit 
EPA's website at https://www.epa.gov/climate-hfcs-reduction for further 
information.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Effective dates: Portions of this rule are 
effective less than 30 days from publication in the Federal Register. 
Section 553(d) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), 5 U.S.C. 
chapter 5, generally provides that rules may not take effect earlier 
than 30 days after they are published in the Federal Register. As 
further discussed in Section II.B, this rule is covered by the 
rulemaking procedures in section 307(d) of the Clean Air Act (CAA). See 
CAA section 307(d)(1)(I); AIM Act subsection (k) (providing that 
section 307 of the CAA ``shall apply to . . . any rule, rulemaking, or 
regulation promulgated . . . pursuant to the [AIM Act] as though [the 
AIM Act] were expressly included in title VI'' of the CAA). Section 
307(d)(1) of the CAA states that: ``The provisions of section 553 
through 557 . . . of Title 5 shall not, except as expressly provided in 
this section, apply to actions to which this subsection applies.'' 
Thus, section 553(d) of the APA does not apply to this rule. EPA is 
nevertheless acting consistently with the policies underlying APA 
section 553(d) in making a portion of the revisions finalized in this 
rule effective immediately, while the remainder of the rule will be 
effective 30 days after publication. The purpose of the general rule in 
section 553(d) of the APA that 30 days must be provided between 
publication and the effective date is to ``give affected parties a 
reasonable time to adjust their behavior before the final rule takes 
effect.'' Omnipoint Corp. v. Fed. Commc'n Comm'n, 78 F.3d 620, 630 
(D.C. Cir. 1996); see also United States v. Gavrilovic, 551 F.2d 1099, 
1104 (8th Cir. 1977) (quoting legislative history). Accordingly, in 
determining if there is ``good cause'' to forgo the 30-day delayed 
effective date per the exception at section 553(d)(3), an agency should 
``balance the necessity for immediate implementation against principles 
of fundamental fairness which require that all affected persons be 
afforded a reasonable amount of time to prepare for the effective date 
of its ruling.'' Gavrilovic, 551 F.2d at 1105. Here, EPA has determined 
that the portions of this rule that are effective less than 30 days 
from publication in the Federal Register are not binding on any third 
parties, and therefore the above-stated purpose of the 30-day effective 
date delay is not relevant to the consideration here. The provisions of 
the rule taking immediate effect are only binding on the Agency in how 
it will determine allowance allocations, and the AIM Act establishes a 
deadline for these determinations, namely that by October 1 of each 
calendar year EPA must calculate and determine the quantity of 
production and consumption allowances for the following year. In 
addition, having these provisions become operational immediately upon 
signature will allow EPA to make determinations regarding allowance 
allocations earlier than if the effective date were delayed, which in 
turn will facilitate earlier notification to regulated entities about 
what their allowance allocation will be and provide them more time to 
plan accordingly. Thus, EPA's action is consistent with the APA's 
provision for an effective date of less than 30 days where an agency 
demonstrates good cause to do so.
    Accordingly, it is in keeping with the policy underlying the APA 
for regulatory text in 40 CFR 84.3, 84.7, 84.9, 84.11, 84.13, 84.15, 
and 84.31(h)(2) and (3), to take effect immediately. Finally, this rule 
undertaken in accordance with section 307(d) of the CAA is promulgated 
upon signature and widespread dissemination. For operational purposes 
under the AIM

[[Page 55117]]

Act, EPA is making the regulatory text established in 40 CFR 84.3, 
84.7, 84.9, 84.11, 84.13, 84.15, and 84.31 (h)(2) and (3) operational 
as of September 23, 2021, which is the date of signature.
    Acronyms and Abbreviations. Throughout this document, whenever 
``we,'' ``us,'' ``the Agency,'' or ``our'' is used, we mean EPA. 
Acronyms that are used in this rulemaking that may be helpful include:

AD/CVD--Anti-Dumping/Countervailing Duties
AIM Act--American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
ANPRM--Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
APA--Administrative Procedure Act
CAA--Clean Air Act
CBI--Confidential Business Information
CBP--Customs and Border Protection
CFC--Chlorofluorocarbon
CO2--Carbon Dioxide
CVD--Chemical Vapor Deposition
DRE--Destruction and Removal Efficiency
ECHO--Enforcement and Compliance History Online
e-GGRT--Electronic Greenhouse Gas Reporting Tool
EFCTC--European FluoroCarbons Technical Committee
EPA--Environmental Protection Agency
EVe--Exchange Value Equivalent
GHG--Greenhouse Gas
GHGRP--Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program
GWP--Global Warming Potential
HCFC--Hydrochlorofluorocarbon
HFC--Hydrofluorocarbon
HFO--Hydrofluoroolefin
IPCC--Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
IWG--Interagency Working Group
MDI--Metered Dose Inhaler
MMTCO2 eq--Million Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide 
Equivalent
MMTEVe--Million Metric Tons of Exchange Value Equivalent
MT--Metric tons
MTCO2 eq--Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent
MVAC--Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning
NAICS--North American Industry Classification System
NATA--National Air Toxics Assessment
NODA--Notice of Data Availability
NPRM--Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
NRC--National Research Council
ODP--Ozone Depletion Potential
ODS--Ozone-Depleting Substances
RACA--Request for Additional Consumption Allowance
RIA--Regulatory Impact Analysis
RSEI-GM--Risk-Screening Environmental Indicators Geographic 
Microdata
SC-GHG--Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases
SC-HFCs--Social Costs of Hydrofluorocarbons
TRI--Toxics Release Inventory
TSCS--Toxic Substances Control Act
UNFCCC--United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
USGCRP--United States Global Change Research Program
WMO--World Meteorological Organization

    This supplementary information section is arranged as follows:

I. Executive Summary
    A. Purpose of the Regulatory Action
    B. Summary of the Major Provisions of the Regulatory Action
    C. Costs and Benefits
II. General Information
    A. Does this action apply to me?
    B. What is the Agency's authority for taking this action?
III. Background
    A. What are HFCs?
    B. How do HFCs affect public health and welfare?
IV. How is EPA considering environmental justice?
V. What definitions is EPA establishing to implement the AIM Act?
VI. How is EPA establishing the HFC production and consumption 
baselines?
    A. What are the components of the production and consumption 
baselines?
    1. How is EPA determining the HFC component of the production 
and consumption baselines?
    2. What is the HFC component of the production and consumption 
baselines?
    3. What are the HCFC and CFC components of the production and 
consumption baselines?
    B. What are the final HFC production and consumption baselines?
VII. How is EPA establishing allowances?
    A. What is an allowance?
    B. How is EPA determining allowance allocations?
    1. Which years is EPA issuing allowances for?
    2. Which companies is EPA issuing allowances to?
    3. What is EPA's framework for determining how many allowances 
each company receives?
    4. What is EPA's framework for issuing allowances?
    5. What process is EPA using to respond to requests for 
additional consumption allowances?
    C. What is the process for issuing application-specific 
allowances?
    1. Who is EPA issuing application-specific allowances to?
    2. How is EPA addressing transfers of application-specific 
allowances?
    3. What criteria is EPA using to evaluate application-specific 
allowance requests?
    4. How is EPA issuing application-specific allowances for 
mission-critical military end uses?
    D. What are the provisions for transferring allowances?
    E. How is EPA establishing the set-aside pool of allowances?
    1. Who is eligible for allowances in the set-aside pool?
    a. Application-Specific End Users
    b. Previously Unidentified Importers
    c. New Market Entrants
    d. Suggested Additional Entities Eligible for Set-Aside 
Allowances
    2. How large is the set-aside pool, and what are the applicable 
limits for applicants?
    3. How will transfers and unused allowances be treated in the 
set-aside pool?
    4. What is the deadline to apply for allowances from the set-
aside pool, and what information is required?
VIII. What other elements of the AIM Act is EPA addressing in this 
rulemaking?
    A. How is EPA addressing international trades or transfers of 
HFC allowances?
    B. What HFC destruction technologies is EPA approving?
    C. What is EPA requiring for HFC-23 emission controls?
IX. What enforcement and compliance provisions is EPA finalizing?
    A. What potential administrative consequences are available to 
EPA with respect to allowances?
    1. What are the administrative consequences?
    2. What action could merit an administrative consequence?
    3. How would EPA apply the administrative consequences?
    4. What is the process for notifying and responding to proposed 
administrative consequences?
    B. How is EPA transitioning to refillable cylinders?
    1. Background
    2. What is EPA's authority for prohibiting disposable cylinders?
    3. How is EPA implementing the transition to refillable 
cylinders?
    4. What are the costs of prohibiting disposable cylinders?
    5. What are the additional benefits of transitioning to only 
refillable cylinders?
    6. How is EPA responding to public comments?
    7. Treatment of Small Cans With Self-Sealing Valves
    8. Compliance Dates
    C. What are the labeling requirements?
    D. What is EPA requiring for auditing?
    E. Petitions To Import HFCs as a Feedstock or for Destruction
    F. What other limitations are there on imports of HFCs?
    1. Ban on Importing Feedstock HFCs in Cylinders
    2. Imports of Heels
    3. Transhipments
    G. How is EPA tracking the movement of HFCs?
    H. What reporting is required to support real-time review of 
imports?
X. What are the recordkeeping and reporting requirements?
    A. What are the generally applicable recordkeeping and reporting 
provisions?
    B. How is EPA responding to comments on the proposed 
recordkeeping and reporting provisions?
    C. How will EPA treat HFC data collected under the AIM Act?
    1. Which specific data elements are not entitled to confidential 
treatment?
    2. Which data elements has EPA determined are entitled to 
confidential treatment?
    3. How will EPA aggregate data for release?
XI. What are the costs and benefits of this action?
XII. Statutory and Executive Order Review

[[Page 55118]]

I. Executive Summary

A. Purpose of the Regulatory Action

    EPA is issuing regulations to implement certain provisions of the 
American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, as enacted on December 
27, 2020. The Act mandates the phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), 
which are highly potent greenhouse gases (GHGs), by 85 percent over a 
period ending in 2036. The Act directs EPA to implement the phasedown 
by issuing a fixed quantity of transferrable production and consumption 
allowances, which producers and importers of HFCs must hold in 
quantities equal to the amount of HFCs they produce or import. To 
establish the allowance allocation program, this rulemaking establishes 
HFC production and consumption baselines, codifies the statutory 
phasedown schedule of allowed production and consumption relative to 
the baseline level, provides an initial approach to allocating 
calendar-year allowances and allowing for the transfer of those 
allowances, establishes provisions for the international transfer of 
allowances, and establishes recordkeeping and reporting requirements. 
Additionally, it establishes provisions to support implementation, 
compliance with, and enforcement of, statutory and regulatory 
requirements under the AIM Act's phasedown provisions.
    The AIM Act directs EPA to issue a final rule accomplishing these 
Congressionally directed tasks by September 23, 2021. Additionally, 
under the AIM Act, by October 1 of each calendar year EPA must 
calculate and determine the quantity of production and consumption 
allowances for the following year. EPA intends to issue allowances for 
the 2022 calendar year no later than October 1, 2021, using the 
procedure established through this rulemaking, and intends to issue 
individual allowances for the 2023 calendar year no later than October 
1, 2022, using the procedure established through this rulemaking.
    The AIM Act further directs EPA to issue a final rule by September 
23, 2021, governing the transfer of production and consumption 
allowances. The AIM Act also directs EPA to issue regulations by 
December 27, 2021, related to the international transfer of production 
allowances. This final rule addresses these statutory directives as 
well.

B. Summary of the Major Provisions of the Regulatory Action

    Baselines: This rule establishes the HFC production and consumption 
baselines from which the phasedown steps are measured. Using the 
equation provided in the AIM Act, and based on the data available to 
the Agency through the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) and 
outreach conducted for this rulemaking, EPA determines that the 
production baseline is 382.6 Million Metric Tons of Exchange Value 
Equivalent (MMTEVe) and the consumption baseline is 303.9 MMTEVe.
    Allocation: The total annual allocations for 2022 and 2023 are 
344.3 MMTEVe of production allowances and 273.5 MMTEVe of consumption 
allowances. EPA intends to issue allowances for 2022 by October 1, 
2021, according to the framework and procedure established through this 
rulemaking. Company production and consumption allowance allocations 
are based on the three highest years (not necessarily consecutive) of 
production or consumption between 2011 and 2019. EPA is issuing 
allowances to active HFC producers and importers operating in 2020 and 
is giving individualized consideration to circumstances of historical 
importers that were not active in 2020. EPA is establishing the 
allowance allocation framework for two years and intends to undertake a 
subsequent rulemaking to govern allocations for calendar years 2024 and 
beyond.
    Application-specific Allowances: EPA is issuing ``application-
specific allowances'' to end users in six applications established by 
the AIM Act: Propellants in metered dose inhalers (MDIs), defense 
sprays, structural composite preformed polyurethane foam for marine use 
and trailer use, etching of semiconductor material or wafers and the 
cleaning of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chambers within the 
semiconductor manufacturing sector, mission-critical military end uses, 
and onboard aerospace fire suppression. The rule details the framework 
for how many allowances are issued for each end use. End users within a 
specific application may transfer their allowances only with another 
end user in that same application. Allowances may also be conferred, as 
frequently as needed, to effectuate the production or import of HFCs 
for that specific use.
    Set-Aside Allowances: EPA is establishing a set-aside pool of 7.5 
MMTEVe (less than 3 percent of allowances to be allocated for 2022) 
that is available to three groups of companies: (1) End users in 
application-specific sectors that EPA has not yet identified or 
verified by the date of the final rule, (2) importers that otherwise 
would have qualified for consumption allowances but are not yet 
identified or verified by the date of the final rule, and (3) importers 
that are new market entrants. Companies seeking to receive allowances 
via the set-aside should submit applications by November 30, 2021.
    HFC-23 Controls: By the established compliance date, entities that 
create HFC-23 must capture the HFC-23 and either (1) expend production 
and consumption allowances for the amounts sold for consumptive uses 
and/or (2) timely destroy the captured HFC-23 using a technology 
approved by the Administrator. As compared with the amount of chemical 
intentionally produced on a facility line, no more than 0.1 percent of 
HFC-23 created on the line may be emitted after the compliance date.
    Enforcement and Compliance: EPA is finalizing a multifaceted 
approach to deter, identify, and penalize illegal activity. These tools 
include administrative consequences for allowance holders, requiring 
use of refillable cylinders, increased oversight of imports including 
transhipments and HFCs imported for transformation, comprehensive 
tracking of containers of HFCs as they are imported, sold and 
distributed, and third-party auditing. EPA has also determined that 
much of the quarterly production and consumption data provided to the 
Agency will not be provided confidential treatment and will be 
affirmatively released without further process. This data transparency 
will incentivize compliance and allow the public and competing 
companies to identify and report noncompliance to EPA.

C. Costs and Benefits

    EPA has estimated the costs and benefits of this action to provide 
the public with information and to comply with executive orders. EPA 
estimates that in 2022 the annual net benefits of this rule are $1.7 
billion, reflecting compliance costs associated with recordkeeping and 
reporting and refillable cylinders and cost savings due to lower 
refrigerant replacement costs and reduced energy consumption of $300 
million and social benefits of $1.4 billion. In 2036, when the final 
phasedown step is reached at 15 percent of the statutorily defined HFC 
baseline, the estimated annual net benefits of this rule are $16.4 
billion. The present value of cumulative net benefits evaluated from 
2022 through 2050 is $272.7 billion at a three percent discount rate or 
$260.9 billion at a seven percent discount rate. Over the same time

[[Page 55119]]

period the equivalent annualized value (EAV) of benefits is $13.6 
billion when using a 3 percent discount rate; the EAV of costs is 
negative $0.6 billion when using a 3 percent discount rate and negative 
$0.5 billion when using a 7 percent discount rate; and the EAV of 
cumulative net benefits over the period 2022-2050 is $14.2 billion when 
using a 3 percent discount rate and $14.1 billion when using a 7 
percent discount rate.\1\ The present value of net benefits is 
calculated over the 29-year period from 2022-2050 to account for 
additional years that emissions will be reduced following the 
consumption reductions from 2022-2036.
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    \1\ All values for costs and benefits in this section are given 
in 2020 dollars and are calculated by discounting future costs and 
benefits to 2022 using a three percent discount rate. Calculations 
using other discount rates and discussion of the impact of the 
discount rate are found in the Regulatory Impact Analysis.

 Table 1--Summary of Annual Values, Present Values, and Equivalent Annualized Values for the 2022-2050 Timeframe
                  for Estimated Abatement Costs, Benefits, and Net Benefits for the Final Rule
                                   [Billions of 2020$, discounted to 2022] a b
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                                      Climate                Costs \c\                     Net benefits
              Year                 benefits (3%) ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                        c d             3%              7%              3%              7%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Present Value...................          $260.9          -$11.8           -$6.4          $272.7          $267.4
Equivalent Annualized Value.....            13.6            -0.6            -0.5            14.2            14.1
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\a\ Rows may not appear to add correctly due to rounding.
\b\ The annualized present value of costs and benefits are calculated over a 29-year period from 2022 to 2050.
\c\ The costs presented in this table are consistent with the costs presented in RIA Chapter 3, Table 3-6.
\d\ Climate benefits are based on changes (reductions) in HFC emissions and are calculated using four different
  estimates of the SC-HFCs (model average at 2.5 percent, 3 percent, and 5 percent discount rates; and 95th
  percentile at 3 percent discount rate). The IWG emphasized, and EPA agrees, on the importance and value of
  considering the benefits calculated using all four estimates. As discussed in the Technical Support Document:
  Social Cost of Carbon, Methane, and Nitrous Oxide Interim Estimates under Executive Order 13990 (IWG 2021), a
  consideration of climate benefits calculated using discount rates below 3 percent, including 2 percent and
  lower, are also warranted when discounting intergenerational impacts.

    Over the 15-year period of the phasedown of HFCs, at a three 
percent discount rate, the present value of cumulative compliance costs 
is negative $5.4 billion, or $5.4 billion in savings; the present value 
of cumulative social benefits is $94.8 billion; and the present value 
of cumulative net benefits is $100.2 billion. Evaluated at a seven 
percent discount rate, the present value of cumulative compliance costs 
is negative $3.7 billion, or $3.7 billion in savings, and the present 
value of cumulative net benefits is $98.5 billion. Over the time period 
of 2022-2036 the EAV of benefits is $7.9 billion when using a 3 percent 
discount rate; the EAV of costs is negative $0.5 billion when using a 3 
percent discount rate and negative $0.4 billion when using a 7 percent 
discount rate; and the EAV of cumulative net benefits is $8.4 billion 
when using a 3 percent discount rate and $8.3 billion when using a 7 
percent discount rate.
    EPA estimates that for the years 2022-2036 this action will avoid 
cumulative consumption of 3,152 MMTEVe of HFCs in the United States. 
The annual consumption avoided is estimated at 42 MMTEVe in the year 
2022 and 282 MMTEVe in 2036. In order to calculate the climate benefits 
associated with consumption abatement, the consumption changes were 
expressed in terms of emissions reductions. EPA estimates that for the 
years 2022-2050 this action will avoid emissions of 4,560 MMTEVe of 
HFCs in the United States. The annual avoided emissions are estimated 
at 22 MMTEVe in the year 2022 and 171 MMTEVe in 2036.
    Climate benefits are based on changes (reductions) in HFC emissions 
and are calculated using four different estimates of the social costs 
of HFCs (SC-HFCs) (model average at 2.5 percent, 3 percent, and 5 
percent discount rates; and 95th percentile at 3 percent discount 
rate). The SC-HFCs estimates used in this analysis were developed using 
methodologies consistent with the methodology underlying the 
Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases' (IWG) 
interim estimates of the social cost of other greenhouse gases (social 
cost of carbon SC-CO2, social cost of methane SC-
CH4, and social cost of nitrous oxide SC-N2O) 
that were developed over many years, using a transparent process, peer-
reviewed methodologies, the best science available at the time of that 
process, and with input from the public. The benefits presented in this 
paragraph are the benefits associated with the average SC-HFCs at a 3 
percent discount rate, but the Agency does not have a single central 
SC-HFCs point estimate. The IWG emphasized the importance and value of 
considering the benefits calculated using all four estimates.
    As summarized further in Section XI of the preamble and described 
more fully in the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA), EPA's analysis 
indicates the principal costs (or savings) result from industry 
transitioning to substitute chemicals and technology. The principal 
benefits result from a decrease in emissions of HFCs into the 
atmosphere and the corresponding effects on global warming. The 
benefits are monetized by using the SC-HFCs. SC-HFCs is estimated using 
a method consistent with the method used to estimate the Social Cost of 
Greenhouse Gases (SC-GHGs). An alternative method was also considered 
that estimates SC-HFCs by using the global warming potential (GWP) (or 
exchange value) of HFCs and scaling to the known social cost of another 
GHG, e.g., CO2, CH4, or N2O.

II. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

    You may be potentially affected by this action if you produce, 
import, export, destroy, use as a feedstock, reclaim, package, or 
otherwise distribute HFCs. You may also be potentially affected by this 
rule if you use HFCs to manufacture products, such as refrigeration and 
air conditioning systems, foams, aerosols, and fire suppression 
systems, or use HFCs in one of the six applications eligible for an 
allocation under section (e)(4)(B)(iv) of the AIM Act. Potentially 
affected categories, by North American Industry Classification System 
(NAICS) code, are included in Table 2.

[[Page 55120]]



     Table 2--NAICS Classification of Potentially Affected Entities
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          NAICS code                   NAICS industry description
------------------------------------------------------------------------
211120.......................  Crude Petroleum Extraction.
221210.......................  Natural Gas Distribution.
236118.......................  Residential Remodelers.
236220.......................  Commercial and Institutional Building
                                Construction.
238220.......................  Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning
                                Contractors.
238990.......................  All Other Specialty Trade Contractors.
311351.......................  Chocolate and Confectionery Manufacturing
                                from Cacao Beans.
322299.......................  All Other Converted Paper Product
                                Manufacturing.
325120.......................  Industrial Gas Manufacturing.
325180.......................  Other Basic Inorganic Chemical
                                Manufacturing.
325199.......................  All Other Basic Organic Chemical
                                Manufacturing.
325211.......................  Plastics Material and Resin
                                Manufacturing.
325320.......................  Pesticide and Other Agricultural Chemical
                                Manufacturing.
325412 *.....................  Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing.
325414 *.....................  Biological Product (except Diagnostic)
                                Manufacturing.
325992.......................  Photographic Film, Paper, Plate and
                                Chemical Manufacturing.
325998.......................  All Other Miscellaneous Chemical Product
                                and Preparation Manufacturing.
326150 *.....................  Urethane and Other Foam Product.
331420.......................  Copper Rolling, Drawing, Extruding, and
                                Alloying.
332312.......................  Fabricated Structural Metal
                                Manufacturing.
332313.......................  Plate Work Manufacturing.
333132.......................  Oil and Gas Field Machinery and Equipment
                                Manufacturing.
333314.......................  Optical Instrument and Lens
                                Manufacturing.
333316.......................  Photographic and Photocopying Equipment
                                Manufacturing.
333413.......................  Industrial and Commercial Fan and Blower
                                and Air Purification Equipment
                                Manufacturing.
333415.......................  Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating
                                Equipment and Commercial and Industrial
                                Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing.
333611.......................  Turbine and Turbine Generator Set Unit
                                Manufacturing.
333996.......................  Fluid Power Pump and Motor Manufacturing.
334413 *.....................  Semiconductor and Related Device
                                Manufacturing.
334419 *.....................  Other Electronic Component Manufacturing.
334515.......................  Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring
                                and Testing Electricity and Electrical
                                Signals.
334516.......................  Analytical Laboratory Instrument
                                Manufacturing.
334613.......................  Blank Magnetic and Optical Recording
                                Media Manufacturing.
336212 *.....................  Truck Trailer Manufacturing.
336214 *.....................  Travel Trailer and Camper Manufacturing.
336411 *.....................  Aircraft Manufacturing.
336510.......................  Railroad Rolling Stock Manufacturing.
336611 *.....................  Ship Building and Repairing.
336612 *.....................  Boat Building.
336992 *.....................  Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank
                                Component Manufacturing.
339999 *.....................  All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing.
SIC 373102 *.................  Military Ships, Building, and Repairing.
423120.......................  Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts
                                Merchant Wholesalers.
423450.......................  Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment
                                and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers.
423460.......................  Ophthalmic Goods Merchant Wholesalers.
423730.......................  Warm Air Heating and Air-Conditioning
                                Equipment and Supplies Merchant
                                Wholesalers.
423740.......................  Refrigeration Equipment and Supplies
                                Merchant Wholesalers.
423830.......................  Industrial Machinery and Equipment
                                Merchant Wholesalers.
423860 *.....................  Transportation Equipment and Supplies
                                (except Motor Vehicle) Merchant
                                Wholesalers.
423990 *.....................  Other Miscellaneous Durable Goods
                                Merchant Wholesalers.
424210.......................  Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant
                                Wholesalers.
424410.......................  General Line Grocery Merchant
                                Wholesalers.
424610.......................  Plastics Materials and Basic Forms and
                                Shapes Merchant Wholesalers.
424690.......................  Other Chemical and Allied Products
                                Merchant Wholesalers.
424910.......................  Farm Supplies Merchant Wholesalers.
441310.......................  Automotive Parts and Accessories Stores.
443141.......................  Household Appliance Stores.
443142.......................  Electronics Stores.
444130.......................  Hardware Stores.
446191.......................  Food (Health) Supplement Stores.
452311.......................  Warehouse Clubs and Supercenters.
453998.......................  All Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers
                                (except Tobacco Stores).
454110.......................  Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order
                                Houses.
481111.......................  Scheduled Passenger Air Transportation.
482111.......................  Line-Haul Railroads.
488510.......................  Freight Transportation Arrangement.
493110.......................  General Warehousing and Storage.
522293.......................  International Trade Financing.
523130.......................  Commodity Contracts Dealing.
531110.......................  Lessors of Residential Buildings and
                                Dwellings.
531120.......................  Lessors of Nonresidential Buildings
                                (except Miniwarehouses).

[[Page 55121]]

 
532420.......................  Office Machinery and Equipment Rental and
                                Leasing.
541330.......................  Engineering Services.
541519.......................  Other Computer Related Services.
541715.......................  Research and Development in the Physical,
                                Engineering, and Life Sciences (except
                                Nanotechnology and Biotechnology).
561210.......................  Facilities Support Services.
561910.......................  Packaging and Labeling Services.
561990.......................  All Other Support Services.
562920.......................  Recovery and Reclamation.
722511.......................  Full-Service Restaurants.
811219.......................  Other Electronic and Precision Equipment
                                Repair and Maintenance.
811412.......................  Appliance Repair and Maintenance.
922160 *.....................  Fire Protection.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Codes marked with an asterisk may apply to sectors that receive
  application-specific allowances under the AIM Act.

    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 the types of entities that EPA is now aware 
could potentially be regulated by this action. Other types of entities 
not listed in the table could also be regulated. To determine whether 
your entity is regulated by this action, you should carefully examine 
the regulatory text at the end of this notice. If you have questions 
regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, 
consult the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section.

B. What is the agency's authority for taking this action?

    On December 27, 2020, the AIM Act was enacted as section 103 in 
Division S, Innovation for the Environment, of the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2021 (Pub. L. 116-260).\2\ The AIM Act directs EPA 
to address HFCs by providing new authorities in three main areas: 
Phasing down the production and consumption of listed HFCs; managing 
these HFCs and their substitutes; and facilitating the transition to 
next-generation technologies by restricting use of these HFCs in the 
sector or subsectors in which they are used. This rulemaking focuses on 
the first area: The phasedown of the production and consumption of 
HFCs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ EPA interprets the phrase ``under this section'' in the AIM 
Act to refer to section 103 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 
2021, and thus to mean ``under the AIM Act.'' This approach would be 
consistent with the language included in the Act, such as subsection 
(a) which states that ``[t]his section may be cited as American 
Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Subsection (e) of the AIM Act gives EPA authority to phase down the 
production and consumption of listed HFCs through an allowance 
allocation and trading program. The Act uses the term ``produce'' to 
mean ``the manufacture \3\ of a regulated substance from a raw material 
or feedstock chemical,'' but excludes from that definition the 
destruction of HFCs using approved technologies; reclamation, reuse, or 
recycling of HFCs; and HFCs for transformation.\4\ The Act uses the 
term ``consumption'' to refer to the amount of HFCs produced in and 
imported to the United States, subtracting the amount exported.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ While the AIM Act and the definition in this rule use the 
term ``manufacture'' in defining the term ``produce,'' in 
implementing EPA's CAA title VI programs, the Agency has 
historically used the term ``production'' when referring to the 
manufacture of chemicals and ``manufacture'' when referring to the 
manufacture of equipment. EPA intends to continue using this framing 
when describing production of chemicals and manufacture of equipment 
under the AIM Act to help distinguish between the two activities.
    \4\ The AIM Act uses the phrase ``a regulated substance that is 
used and entirely consumed (except for trace quantities) in the 
manufacture of another chemical'' instead of ``transformation'' in 
this definition. The quoted phrase mirrors the definition used in 40 
CFR part 82, subpart A for the term ``transform.'' The AIM Act 
subsequently uses the terms ``transformation'' and ``use as a 
feedstock'' interchangeably. EPA interprets the use of these two 
terms in the statute as being intended to have the same meaning and 
accordingly EPA will use them interchangeably.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Act lists 18 saturated HFCs, and by reference any of their 
isomers not so listed, that are covered by the statute's provisions, 
referred to as ``regulated substances'' under the Act. Congress also 
assigned an ``exchange value'' 5 6 to each regulated 
substance (along with other chemicals that are used to calculate the 
baseline). The table in subsection (c)(1), reproduced here in Table 3, 
lists the 18 regulated substances and their exchange values.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ EPA has determined that the exchange values included in 
subsection (c) of the AIM Act are identical to the GWPs included in 
IPCC (2007). EPA uses the terms ``global warming potential'' and 
``exchange value'' interchangeably. One MMTEVe is therefore 
equivalent to one MMTCO2e.
    \6\ IPCC (2007): Solomon, S., D. Qin, M. Manning, R.B. Alley, T. 
Berntsen, N.L. Bindoff, Z. Chen, A. Chidthaisong, J.M. Gregory, G.C. 
Hegerl, M. Heimann, B. Hewitson, B.J. Hoskins, F. Joos, J. Jouzel, 
V. Kattsov, U. Lohmann, T. Matsuno, M. Molina, N. Nicholls, J. 
Overpeck, G. Raga, V. Ramaswamy, J. Ren, M. Rusticucci, R. 
Somerville, T.F. Stocker, P. Whetton, R.A. Wood and D. Wratt, 2007: 
Technical Summary. In: Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science 
Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment 
Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Solomon, 
S., D. Qin, M. Manning, Z. Chen, M. Marquis, K.B. Averyt, M. Tignor 
and H.L. Miller (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 
United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA. Available at https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar4/wg1.

     Table 3--List of Regulated Substances and Their Exchange Values
------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Chemical name                 Common name        Exchange value
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHF2CHF2.......................  HFC-134................           1,100
CH2FCF3........................  HFC-134a...............           1,430
CH2FCHF2.......................  HFC-143................             353
CHF2CH2CF3.....................  HFC-245fa..............           1,030
CF3CH2CF2CH3...................  HFC-365mfc.............             794
CF3CHFCF3......................  HFC-227ea..............           3,220
CH2FCF2CF3.....................  HFC-236cb..............           1,340

[[Page 55122]]

 
CHF2CHFCF3.....................  HFC-236ea..............           1,370
CF3CH2CF3......................  HFC-236fa..............           9,810
CH2FCF2CHF2....................  HFC-245ca..............             693
CF3CHFCHFCF2CF3................  HFC-43-10mee...........           1,640
CH2F2..........................  HFC-32.................             675
CHF2CF3........................  HFC-125................           3,500
CH3CF3.........................  HFC-143a...............           4,470
CH3F...........................  HFC-41.................              92
CH2FCH2F.......................  HFC-152................              53
CH3CHF2........................  HFC-152a...............             124
CHF3...........................  HFC-23.................          14,800
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The AIM Act requires EPA to phase down the consumption and 
production of the statutorily listed HFCs on an exchange value-weighted 
basis according to the schedule stated in (e)(2)(C) as shown in Table 
4. The phasedown schedule begins on January 1 of each year.

                       Table 4--Phasedown Schedule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Percentage of
                                           Percentage of    consumption
                  Date                      production       baseline
                                             baseline        (percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2020-2023...............................              90              90
2024-2028...............................              60              60
2029-2033...............................              30              30
2034-2035...............................              20              20
2036 and thereafter.....................              15              15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The AIM Act requires that the EPA Administrator ensure the annual 
quantity of all regulated substances produced or consumed \7\ in the 
United States does not exceed the applicable percentage listed for the 
production or consumption baseline.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ In the context of allocating and expending allowances, EPA 
interprets the word ``consume'' as the verb form of the defined term 
``consumption.'' For example, subsection (e)(2)(A) states the 
phasedown consumption prohibition as ``no person shall . . . consume 
a quantity of a regulated substance without a corresponding quantity 
of consumption allowances.'' While a common usage of the word 
``consume'' means ``use,'' EPA does not believe that Congress 
intended for every possible use of an HFC to require the expenditure 
of allowances. For example, we do not believe that Congress intended 
everyone who charges an appliance or fills an aerosol can with an 
HFC to expend allowances for that use.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In order to execute this statutory directive, EPA must determine 
both a production and consumption baseline from which the yearly 
targets are calculated. The AIM Act provides formulas for how to set a 
baseline. The equations are composed of an HFC component, a 
hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) component, and a chlorofluorocarbon 
(CFC) component. Specifically, EPA is directed to calculate the 
production baseline by adding: (i) The average annual quantity of all 
regulated substances produced in the United States from January 1, 
2011, through December 31, 2013, and (ii) 15 percent of the production 
level of HCFCs in calendar year 1989, and (iii) 0.42 percent of the 
production level of CFCs in calendar year 1989.
    EPA is directed to calculate the consumption baseline by adding: 
(i) The average annual quantity of all regulated substances consumed in 
the United States from January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2013, and 
(ii) 15 percent of the consumption level of HCFCs in calendar year 
1989, and (iii) 0.42 percent of the consumption level of CFCs in 
calendar year 1989. To implement the directive that the production and 
consumption of regulated substances in the United States does not 
exceed the statutory targets, the AIM Act in subsection (e)(3) requires 
EPA to issue regulations within 270 days of the Act's enactment 
establishing an allowance allocation and trading program to phase down 
the production and consumption of the listed HFCs. These allowances are 
limited authorizations for the production or consumption of regulated 
substances. Subsection (e)(2)(D) directs EPA to ``determine the 
quantity of allowances for the production and consumption of regulated 
substances that may be used for the following calendar year'' by 
October 1 each year. Subsection (e)(2) of the Act has a general 
prohibition that no person \8\ shall produce or consume a quantity of 
regulated substances in the United States without a corresponding 
quantity of allowances. Also, within 270 days, EPA is directed in 
subsection (g) to establish regulations governing the transfer of 
production and consumption allowances. Subsection (e)(2)(A) provides 
that no person shall hold, use, or transfer an allocated production or 
consumption allowance except in accordance with the transfer 
regulations. Under subsection (g), the transfer regulations are to use 
the applicable exchange values and ``ensure that the transfers . . . 
will result in greater total reductions'' in production and consumption 
``than would occur during the year in the absence of the transfers.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ Under the Act's term, this general prohibition applies to 
any ``person.'' Because EPA anticipates that the parties that 
produce or consume HFCs--and that would thus be subject to the Act's 
production and consumption controls--are companies or other 
entities, we frequently use those terms to refer to regulated 
parties. Using this shorthand, however, does not alter the 
applicability of the Act's requirements and prohibitions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Subsection (e)(4)(B)(iv) of the Act requires EPA to allocate 
allowances sufficient to meet the full quantity needed for production 
and consumption for six specific applications for five

[[Page 55123]]

years following enactment. EPA is to determine the necessary allowance 
amount for these applications ``based on projected, current, and 
historical trends.'' The six statutorily listed applications are: 
Propellants in metered dose inhalers; defense sprays (e.g., bear 
spray); structural composite preformed polyurethane foam for marine use 
and trailer use; etching of semiconductor material or wafers and the 
cleaning of CVD chambers within the semiconductor manufacturing sector; 
mission-critical military end uses; and onboard aerospace fire 
suppression. The allowances EPA allocates for these applications are 
for the ``exclusive use'' in one of the six applications.
    Subsection (j) of the AIM Act speaks to international cooperation. 
Of particular relevance to this rulemaking, subsection (j)(4) requires 
EPA to promulgate a rule by December 27, 2021, to carry out the 
subsection. The AIM Act contains several restrictions and requirements 
governing international transfers of production allowances in 
subsections (j)(1) and (j)(2) and also provides some discretionary 
authority to EPA in (j)(3) regarding the effect of such transfers on 
production limits.
    In subsection (k)(1)(A), the AIM Act provides EPA with the 
authority to promulgate necessary regulations to carry out EPA's 
functions under the Act, including its obligations to ensure that the 
Act's requirements are satisfied. Subsection (k) of the AIM Act 
explicitly makes certain sections of the CAA applicable to the AIM Act 
and regulations promulgated under its authority, stating ``Sections 
113, 114, 304, and 307 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7413, 7414, 
7604, 7607) shall apply to this section and any rule, rulemaking, or 
regulation promulgated by the Administrator pursuant to this section as 
though this section were expressly included in title VI of that Act (42 
U.S.C. 7671 et seq.).'' Accordingly, this rulemaking is subject to CAA 
section 307(d) (42 U.S.C. 7607(d)(1)(I)), which provides that CAA 
section 307(d) applies to ``promulgation or revision of regulations 
under subchapter VI of this chapter (relating to stratosphere and ozone 
protection)'' (i.e., title VI of the CAA)). Violation of the 
requirements established in this rulemaking is subject to federal 
enforcement and the penalties laid out in CAA section 113 including, 
but not limited to, the penalties in section 113(b) for civil judicial 
enforcement and section 113(c) criminal penalties. In addition, 
although there is limited legislative history available on the AIM Act, 
Congress is generally presumed to legislate with an awareness of the 
existing law that is pertinent to enacted legislation. Given the 
similarities in the text, structure, and function of the production and 
consumption phasedown provisions of the AIM Act and EPA's program 
phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS) under title VI of the 
CAA,\9\ EPA finds it reasonable to build on its experience phasing out 
ODS when developing the AIM Act's HFC allowance allocation and trading 
program, while also recognizing that there are areas where the AIM 
Act's requirements diverge from the text and framework of title VI of 
the CAA. There are many instances where the definitions and structure 
are either identical or have only slight differences. For example, the 
definitions of ``import'' in the AIM Act and CAA section 601 are 
materially similar though they have slightly different phrasing. In at 
least some instances, Congress adopted language in the AIM Act that 
matches EPA's implementation approach for ODS production and 
consumption controls under CAA title VI as reflected in 40 CFR part 82, 
subpart A. For example, the definition for ``produce'' in the AIM Act 
mirrors the parallel definition in CAA section 601 in many respects, 
but in contrast to the CAA definition, the AIM Act explicitly excludes 
the destruction of regulated substances using technologies approved by 
the Administrator from being counted in production. While the CAA 
definition does not explicitly exclude destruction from production, 
EPA's regulatory definition for ``production'' in 40 CFR 82.3 does 
exclude destruction from being counted as production. Throughout this 
rulemaking, EPA explains how the Agency is relying on and building from 
its experience implementing the ODS phaseout provisions in the CAA and 
its implementing regulations where such considerations are relevant to 
creating the framework structure for the AIM Act's required HFC 
allowance allocation and trading program. Given EPA's extensive 
experience phasing out ODS under similar CAA authority for a regulated 
community that bears marked resemblance to entities that could be 
impacted by this rulemaking, reliance on EPA's expertise will help 
achieve the goals required by Congress in implementing the AIM Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ EPA's well-established regulatory program at 40 CFR part 82, 
subpart A, provides for the allocation of ODS production and 
consumption allowances, implementing the ODS production and 
consumption controls of title VI of the CAA and facilitating an 
orderly phaseout.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Background

A. What are HFCs?

    HFCs are anthropogenic \10\ fluorinated chemicals that have no 
known natural sources. HFCs are used in the same applications that ODS 
have historically been used in, such as refrigeration and air 
conditioning, foam blowing agents, solvents, aerosols, and fire 
suppression. HFCs are potent GHGs with 100-year GWPs (a measure of the 
relative climatic impact of a GHG) that can be hundreds to thousands of 
times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ While the overwhelming majority of HFC production is 
intentional, HFC-23 can be a byproduct associated with the 
production of other chemicals, including but not limited to HCFC-22.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Although HFCs represent a small fraction (~1.5 percent) of the 
current total GWP-weighted amount of GHG emissions,\11\ their use is 
growing worldwide due to the global phaseout of ODS under the Montreal 
Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal 
Protocol), and the increasing use of refrigeration and air conditioning 
equipment globally. HFC emissions had previously been projected to 
increase substantially over the next several decades, but global 
adherence to the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol (Kigali 
Amendment) would substantially reduce future emissions, leading to a 
peaking of HFC emissions before 2040.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Scientific 
Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2018, World Meteorological 
Organization, Global Ozone Research and Monitoring Project--Report 
No. 58, 588 pp., Geneva, Switzerland, 2018. Available at https://ozone.unep.org/sites/default/files/2019-05/SAP-2018-Assessment-report.pdf.
    \12\ Ibid.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Atmospheric observations of most currently measured HFCs confirm 
their amounts are increasing in the global atmosphere at accelerating 
rates. Total emissions of HFCs increased by 23 percent from 2012 to 
2016 and the four most abundant HFCs in the atmosphere, in GWP-weighted 
terms, are HFC-134a, HFC-125, HFC-23, and HFC-143a.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ Ibid.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In 2016, HFCs accounted for a radiative forcing of 0.025 W/m\2\, 
not including additional forcing from HFC-23 of 0.005 W/m\2\: This is a 
36 percent increase in total HFC forcing relative to 2012. This 
radiative forcing was projected to increase by an order of magnitude to 
0.25 W/m\2\ by 2050, not including additional forcing from HFC-23. In 
2016, in Kigali, Rwanda, countries agreed to adopt an amendment to the 
Montreal Protocol, known as the Kigali Amendment, which provides for a 
global phasedown of the

[[Page 55124]]

production and consumption of HFCs. If the Kigali Amendment were to be 
fully implemented, it would be expected to reduce the future radiative 
forcing due to HFCs (excluding HFC-23) to 0.13 W/m\2\ in 2050: A 
reduction of about 50 percent compared to the radiative forcing 
projected in the business-as-usual scenario of uncontrolled HFCs.\14\ A 
global HFC phasedown consistent with the Kigali Amendment to the 
Montreal Protocol is expected to avoid up to 0.5 [deg]C of warming by 
2100.\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ Ibid.
    \15\ Ibid.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    There are hundreds of possible HFC compounds. The 18 HFCs listed as 
regulated substances by the AIM Act are some of the most commonly used 
HFCs and have high impacts as measured by the quantity emitted 
multiplied by their respective GWPs. These 18 HFCs are all saturated, 
meaning they have only single bonds between their atoms and therefore 
have longer atmospheric lifetimes.
    In the United States, HFCs are used primarily in refrigeration and 
air conditioning equipment in homes, commercial buildings, and 
industrial operations (~75 percent of total HFC use in 2019) and in air 
conditioning in vehicles and refrigerated transport (~8 percent). 
Smaller amounts are used in foam products (~11 percent), aerosols (~4 
percent), fire protection systems (~1 percent), and solvents (~1 
percent).\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ Calculations are based on EPA's Vintaging Model, which 
estimates the annual chemical emissions from industry sectors that 
historically used ODS, including refrigeration and air-conditioning, 
foam blowing, solvents, aerosols, and fire suppression. The model 
uses information on the market size and growth for each end use, as 
well as a history and projections of the market transition from ODS 
to alternatives. The model tracks emissions of annual ``vintages'' 
of new equipment that enter into operation by incorporating 
information on estimates of the quantity of equipment or products 
sold, serviced, retired, or converted each year, and the quantity of 
the compound required to manufacture, charge, and/or maintain the 
equipment. Information on these estimates is available in U.S. EPA, 
April 2016, EPA Report EPA-430-R-16-002. Inventory of U.S. 
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2014. Available at https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/inventory-us-greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-sinks-1990-2014.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA considered the emissions reductions from an HFC consumption 
phasedown in the United States and presented the results in the 2016 
Biennial Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate 
Change (UNFCCC).\17\ At that time, EPA provided a reductions estimate 
of 113 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent 
(MMTCO2e) of reduced HFC emissions in the United States 
associated with the implementation of an amendment proposal submitted 
in 2015 by the United States, Canada, and Mexico that was under 
consideration by the parties to the Montreal Protocol and was very 
similar to the Kigali Amendment. While the Kigali Amendment ultimately 
adopted under the Montreal Protocol has certain marked differences from 
the AIM Act, given that the two documents have a nearly identical list 
of HFCs to be phased down following the same schedule, the 2016 
Biennial Report provides useful information. The Biennial Report 
included estimates for HFC actions under CAA section 612 modeled in the 
2016 Current Measures scenario. HFC emissions reductions through 
additional measures in 2020 and 2025 relative to the 2016 Current 
Measures scenario were presented under the Additional Measures scenario 
and included both options for continued action under the CAA and the 
implementation of an HFC phasedown in the United States, which is 
similar to the requirements of the AIM Act with an earlier start 
date.\18\ The emissions reductions for the Additional Measures scenario 
were estimated to be 63 MMTCO2e in 2020 and 113 
MMTCO2e in 2025.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ U.S. Department of State. Second Biennial Report of the 
United States of America Under the United Nations Framework 
Convention on Climate Change. Washington, DC, 2016. Available at 
http://unfccc.int/national_reports/biennial_reports_and_iar/submitted_biennial_reports/items/7550.php.
    \18\ The Current Measures scenario in the Biennial Report 
included HFC reductions estimated under a rule EPA issued on July 
20, 2015, under section 612 of the CAA, which, among other things, 
changed listings under the Significant New Alternatives Policy 
program for certain HFCs and blends from acceptable to unacceptable 
in various end uses in the aerosols, refrigeration and air 
conditioning, and foam blowing sectors. The Additional Measures 
scenario in the Biennial Report included additional actions that EPA 
anticipated under a proposed amendment to the Montreal Protocol to 
phase down HFC production and consumption, some of which were 
included in a rule EPA issued on December 1, 2016, under section 612 
of the CAA. Since the 2016 Biennial Report, after a challenge to the 
2015 rule, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (``the 
court'') issued a partial vacatur of the 2015 rule ``to the extent 
[it] requires manufacturers to replace HFCs with a substitute 
substance,'' and remanded the rule to EPA for further proceedings. 
Later, the court issued a similar decision on portions of the rule 
issued December 1, 2016. See Mexichem Fluor, Inc. v. EPA, 760 F. 
App'x 6 (D.C. Cir. 2019) (per curiam).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. How do HFCs affect public health and welfare?

    As EPA has previously recognized, elevated concentrations of GHGs 
including HFCs have been warming the planet, leading to changes in the 
Earth's climate including changes in the frequency and intensity of 
heat waves, precipitation, and extreme weather events; rising seas; 
and, retreating snow and ice. Similarly, EPA has previously recognized 
that the changes taking place in the atmosphere are a result of the 
well-documented buildup of GHGs due to human activities and are 
changing the climate at a pace and in a way that threatens human 
health, society, and the natural environment. While EPA is not 
statutorily required to make any particular scientific or factual 
findings in order to regulate HFCs under the AIM Act's phasedown 
provisions, in this section EPA is providing some scientific background 
on climate change to offer additional context for this rulemaking and 
to help the public understand the environmental impacts of GHGs such as 
HFCs.
    Extensive additional information on climate change is available in 
the scientific assessments and the EPA documents that are briefly 
described in this section, as well as in the technical and scientific 
information supporting them. One of those documents is EPA's 2009 
Endangerment and Cause or Contribute Findings for Greenhouse Gases 
Under Section 202(a) of the CAA (74 FR 66496, December 15, 2009).\19\ 
In the 2009 Endangerment Finding, the Administrator found under section 
202(a) of the CAA that elevated atmospheric concentrations of six key 
well-mixed GHGs--CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, 
perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)--
'')--``may reasonably be anticipated to endanger the public health and 
welfare of current and future generations'' (74 FR 66523, December 15, 
2009). The 2009 Endangerment Finding, together with the extensive 
scientific and technical evidence in the supporting record, documented 
that climate change caused by human emissions of GHGs (including HFCs) 
threatens the public health of the population of the United States. It 
explained that by raising average temperatures, climate change 
increases the likelihood of heat waves, which are associated with 
increased deaths and illnesses (74 FR 66497, December 15, 2009). It 
noted that while climate change also increases the likelihood of 
reductions in cold-related mortality, evidence indicates that the 
increases in heat mortality will be larger than the decreases in cold 
mortality in the United States (74 FR 66525, December 15, 2009). The 
2009 Endangerment Finding further explained that compared with a future 
without climate change, climate change is expected to increase 
tropospheric ozone pollution over broad areas of the United States,

[[Page 55125]]

including in the largest metropolitan areas with the worst tropospheric 
ozone problems, and thereby increase the risk of adverse effects on 
public health (74 FR 66525, December 15, 2009). Climate change is also 
expected to cause more intense hurricanes and more frequent and intense 
storms of other types and heavy precipitation, with impacts on other 
areas of public health, such as the potential for increased deaths, 
injuries, infectious and waterborne diseases, and stress-related 
disorders (74 FR 66525 December 15, 2009). Children, the elderly, and 
the poor are among the most vulnerable to these climate-related health 
effects (74 FR 66498 December 15, 2009).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ As noted in the NRPM for this action, in describing the 
2009 Findings in this rulemaking, EPA is neither reopening nor 
revisiting them (see 86 FR 27516, May 19, 2021).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The 2009 Endangerment Finding also documented, together with the 
extensive scientific and technical evidence in the supporting record, 
that climate change touches nearly every aspect of public welfare \20\ 
in the United States with resulting economic costs, including: changes 
in water supply and quality due to changes in drought and extreme 
rainfall events; increased risk of storm surge and flooding in coastal 
areas and land loss due to inundation; increases in peak electricity 
demand and risks to electricity infrastructure; and the potential for 
significant agricultural disruptions and crop failures (though offset 
to some extent by carbon fertilization). These impacts are also global 
and may exacerbate problems outside the United States that raise 
humanitarian, trade, and national security issues for the United States 
(74 FR 66530, December 15, 2009).
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    \20\ The CAA states in section 302(h) that ``[a]ll language 
referring to effects on welfare includes, but is not limited to, 
effects on soils, water, crops, vegetation, manmade materials, 
animals, wildlife, weather, visibility, and climate, damage to and 
deterioration of property, and hazards to transportation, as well as 
effects on economic values and on personal comfort and well-being, 
whether caused by transformation, conversion, or combination with 
other air pollutants.'' 42 U.S.C. 7602(h).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In 2016, the Administrator similarly issued Endangerment and Cause 
or Contribute Findings for greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft under 
section 231(a)(2)(A) of the CAA (81 FR 54422, August 15, 2016).\21\ In 
the 2016 Endangerment Finding, the Administrator found that the body of 
scientific evidence amassed in the record for the 2009 Endangerment 
Finding compellingly supported a similar endangerment finding under CAA 
section 231(a)(2)(A), and also found that the science assessments 
released between the 2009 and the 2016 Findings ``strengthen and 
further support the judgment that GHGs in the atmosphere may reasonably 
be anticipated to endanger the public health and welfare of current and 
future generations'' (81 FR 54424, August 15, 2016).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ As noted in the NRPM for this action, in describing the 
2016 Findings in this rulemaking, EPA is neither reopening nor 
revisiting them (see 86 FR 27516, May 19, 2021).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Since the 2016 Endangerment Finding, the climate has continued to 
change, with new records being set for several climate indicators such 
as global average surface temperatures, greenhouse gas concentrations, 
and sea level rise. Additionally, major scientific assessments continue 
to be released that further improve our understanding of the climate 
system and the impacts that GHGs have on public health and welfare both 
for current and future generations. According to the IPCC's Sixth 
Assessment Report, ``it is unequivocal that human influence has warmed 
the atmosphere, ocean and land. Widespread and rapid changes in the 
atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere and biosphere have occurred.'' These 
updated observations and projections document the rapid rate of current 
and future climate change both globally and in the United 
States.22 23 24 25
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    \22\ USGCRP, 2018: Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United 
States: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II [Reidmiller, 
D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. 
Maycock, and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research 
Program, Washington, DC, USA, 1515 pp. doi: 10.7930/NCA4.2018. 
Available at https://nca2018.globalchange.gov.
    \23\ IPCC, 2021: Summary for Policymakers. In: Climate Change 
2021: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to 
the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on 
Climate Change [Masson-Delmotte, V., P. Zhai, A. Pirani, S.L. 
Connors, C. P[eacute]an, S. Berger, N. Caud, Y. Chen, L. Goldfarb, 
M.I. Gomis, M. Huang, K. Leitzell, E. Lonnoy, J.B.R. Matthews, T.K. 
Maycock, T. Waterfield, O. Yelek[ccedil]i, R. Yu and B. Zhou 
(eds.)]. Cambridge University Press. In Press.
    \24\ National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 
2019. Climate Change and Ecosystems. Washington, DC: The National 
Academies Press. Available at https://doi.org/10.17226/25504.
    \25\ NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, State 
of the Climate: Global Climate Report for Annual 2020, published 
online January 2021. Available at https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/global/202013.
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IV. How is EPA considering environmental justice?

    Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994) and Executive 
Order 14008 (86 FR 7619, January 27, 2021) establish federal executive 
policy on environmental justice. Executive Order 12898's main provision 
directs federal agencies, to the greatest extent practicable and 
permitted by law, to make environmental justice part of their mission 
by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high 
and adverse human health or environmental effects of their programs, 
policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income 
populations in the United States. EPA defines environmental justice as 
the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless 
of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the 
development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, 
regulations, and policies.\26\ Meaningful involvement means that: (1) 
Potentially affected populations have an appropriate opportunity to 
participate in decisions about a proposed activity that will affect 
their environment and/or health; (2) the public's contribution can 
influence the regulatory agency's decision; (3) the concerns of all 
participants involved will be considered in the decision-making 
process; and (4) the rule-writers and decision-makers seek out and 
facilitate the involvement of those potentially affected.\27\ The term 
``disproportionate impacts'' refers to differences in impacts or risks 
that are extensive enough that they may merit Agency action. In 
general, the determination of whether there is a disproportionate 
impact that may merit Agency action is ultimately a policy judgment 
which, while informed by analysis, is the responsibility of the 
decision-maker. The terms ``difference'' or ``differential'' indicate 
an analytically discernible distinction in impacts or risks across 
population groups. It is the role of the analyst to assess and present 
differences in anticipated impacts across population groups of concern 
for both the baseline and proposed regulatory options, using the best 
available information (both quantitative and qualitative) to inform the 
decision-maker and the public.\28\
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    \26\ See, e.g., Environmental Protection Agency. ``Environmental 
Justice.'' Available at https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice.
    \27\ The criteria for meaningful involvement are contained in 
EPA's May 2015 document ``Guidance on Considering Environmental 
Justice During the Development of an Action.'' Environmental 
Protection Agency, 17 Feb. 2017. Available at https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/guidance-considering-environmental-justice-during-development-action.
    \28\ The definitions and criteria for ``disproportionate 
impacts,'' ``difference,'' and ``differential'' are contained in 
EPA's June 2016 document ``Technical Guidance for Assessing 
Environmental Justice in Regulatory Analysis.'' Available at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-06/documents/ejtg_5_6_16_v5.1.pdf.
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    A regulatory action may involve potential environmental justice 
concerns if it could: (1) Create new disproportionate impacts on 
minority populations, low-income populations, and/or indigenous 
peoples; (2) exacerbate existing disproportionate

[[Page 55126]]

impacts on minority populations, low-income populations, and/or 
indigenous peoples; or (3) present opportunities to address existing 
disproportionate impacts on minority populations, low-income 
populations, and/or indigenous peoples through the action under 
development.
    Executive Order 14008 calls on agencies to make achieving 
environmental justice part of their missions ``by developing programs, 
policies, and activities to address the disproportionately high and 
adverse human health, environmental, climate-related, and other 
cumulative impacts on disadvantaged communities, as well as the 
accompanying economic challenges of such impacts.'' Executive Order 
14008 further declares a policy ``to secure environmental justice and 
spur economic opportunity for disadvantaged communities that have been 
historically marginalized and overburdened by pollution and under-
investment in housing, transportation, water and wastewater 
infrastructure, and health care.''
    Further, under Executive Order 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 18, 
2011), federal agencies may consider equity, human dignity, fairness, 
and distributional considerations, where appropriate and permitted by 
law. Likewise, the Presidential Memorandum on Modernizing Regulatory 
Review calls for procedures to ``take into account the distributional 
consequences of regulations, including as part of any quantitative or 
qualitative analysis of the costs and benefits of regulations, to 
ensure that regulatory initiatives appropriately benefit and do not 
inappropriately burden disadvantaged, vulnerable, or marginalized 
communities.'' \29\ EPA also released its June 2016 ``Technical 
Guidance for Assessing Environmental Justice in Regulatory Analysis'' 
(2016 Technical Guidance) to provide recommendations that encourage 
analysts to conduct the highest quality analysis feasible, recognizing 
that data limitations, time and resource constraints, and analytic 
challenges will vary by media and circumstance.\30\
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    \29\ See https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/modernizing-regulatory-review.
    \30\ See https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-06/documents/ejtg_5_6_16_v5.1.pdf.
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    As described elsewhere in this preamble, this rule establishes the 
framework for the United States' phasedown of HFCs, which will achieve 
significant benefits by reducing production and consumption of certain 
chemicals with high GWPs. Section III.B of this rule briefly summarizes 
the public health and welfare effects of GHG emissions (including HFCs) 
as documented in EPA's 2009 and 2016 Endangerment Findings. As part of 
these Endangerment Findings, the Administrator considered climate 
change risks to minority populations and low-income populations, 
finding that certain parts of the population may be especially 
vulnerable based on their characteristics or circumstances, including 
the poor, the elderly, the very young, those already in poor health, 
the disabled, those living alone, and/or indigenous populations 
dependent on one or limited resources due to factors including but not 
limited to geography, access, and mobility.
    More recent assessment reports by the United States Global Change 
Research Program (USGCRP), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate 
Change (IPCC), and the National Research Council (NRC) of the National 
Academies demonstrate that the potential impacts of climate change 
raise environmental justice issues.\31\ These reports concluded that 
low-income communities can be especially vulnerable to climate change 
impacts because they tend to have more limited capacity to bear the 
costs of adaptation and are more dependent on climate-sensitive 
resources such as local water and food supplies. In corollary, some 
communities of color, specifically populations defined jointly by both 
ethnic/racial characteristics and geographic location, may be uniquely 
vulnerable to climate change health impacts in the United States. 
Native American tribal communities also possess unique vulnerabilities 
to climate change, particularly those impacted by degradation of 
natural and cultural resources within established reservation 
boundaries and threats to traditional subsistence lifestyles. The 
Technical Support Document for the 2009 Endangerment Finding also 
specifically noted that Southwest native cultures are especially 
vulnerable to water quality and availability impacts, and Native 
Alaskan communities are already experiencing disruptive impacts, 
including coastal erosion and shifts in the range or abundance of wild 
species crucial to their livelihoods and well-being.
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    \31\ Supra footnotes 22, 23, and 24. See also EPA. 2021. Climate 
Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on Six 
Impacts. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA 430-R-21-003.
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    This rulemaking, as part of the phasedown of HFCs in the United 
States, achieves significant benefits associated with reducing 
emissions of potent GHGs. However, as described in the RIA and 
summarized below, there is significant uncertainty about how the 
phasedown of HFC production and the issuance of allowances by 
themselves, as well as the interactions with market trends independent 
of this rulemaking, could affect production of HFCs and HFC 
substitutes--and associated emissions--at individual facilities, 
particularly in communities that are disproportionately burdened by air 
pollution. In its proposed rulemaking, EPA solicited comment, data, and 
other information that could be helpful to EPA in future rulemaking 
actions in analyzing and, as appropriate, reducing the potential for 
inadvertent or unexpected distributional effects from this program, 
including the potential for environmental justice concerns due to the 
release of toxic chemicals that are feedstocks, catalysts, or 
byproducts in the production of HFCs or HFC substitutes. Information 
provided in response to this solicitation is available in the docket 
for this rulemaking, and EPA intends to take it into account, as 
appropriate, as the Agency moves forward in implementing the AIM Act.
    A reasonable starting point for assessing the need for a more 
detailed environmental justice analysis is to review the available 
evidence from the published literature and from community input on what 
factors may make population groups of concern more vulnerable to 
adverse effects (e.g., cumulative exposure from multiple stressors), 
including but not limited to the 2009 and 2016 Endangerment Findings 
and the reports from USGCRP, IPCC, and NRC. It is also important to 
evaluate the data and methods available for conducting an environmental 
justice analysis.
    EPA's 2016 Technical Guidance does not prescribe or recommend a 
specific approach or methodology for conducting an environmental 
justice analysis, though a key consideration is consistency with the 
assumptions underlying other parts of the regulatory analysis when 
evaluating the baseline and regulatory options.
    The environmental justice analysis performed to support this 
rulemaking is described in the associated RIA and is based on public 
data from the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), GHGRP, EJSCREEN (an 
environmental justice mapping and screening tool developed by EPA), 
Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO), and Census data. In 
addition, this analysis integrates suggestions received during the 
public comment period to the extent possible. Where applicable and 
practicable, the Agency examined certain metrics for an

[[Page 55127]]

environmental justice analysis comprising more than just climate change 
effects, including: The proximity of companies receiving allowances to 
populations disaggregated by race and ethnicity, low-income 
populations, and/or indigenous peoples; the number of companies 
receiving allowances that may be adversely affecting population groups 
of concern; the nature, amounts, and location of regulated HFC 
production that may adversely affect population groups of concern; and 
potential exposure pathways associated with the production of the 
regulated HFCs or with chemicals used as feedstocks, catalysts, or 
byproducts of HFC production unique to particular populations (e.g., 
workers). The environmental justice analysis also contains information 
on non-production releases (as defined by TRI), water releases, and 
offsite disposal for chemicals used in HFC production. The analysis of 
potential environmental justice concerns focused mainly on 
characterizing baseline emissions of air toxics that are also 
associated with chemical feedstock use for HFC production. As noted in 
the RIA, there is uncertainty around the role that HFC production plays 
in emissions of these air toxics. In addition, EPA conducted a 
proximity analysis to examine community characteristics within one and 
three miles of these facilities. The Agency also explored larger radii 
(five and 10 miles) in response to public comments that releases from 
these facilities may travel longer distances. The relatively small 
number of facilities directly affected by this rule enabled EPA to 
assemble a uniquely granular assessment of the characteristics of these 
facilities and the communities where they are located.
    Overall, this rule reduces GHG emissions, which will benefit 
populations that may be especially vulnerable to damages associated 
with climate change. However, the manner in which producers transition 
from high-GWP HFCs could drive changes in future risk for communities 
living near facilities that produce HFCs and HFC substitutes, to the 
extent the use of toxic feedstocks, byproducts, or catalysts changes 
and those chemicals are released into the environment with adverse 
local effects. The environmental justice analysis, which examined 
racial and economic demographic and health risk information, found 
heterogeneity in community characteristics around individual 
facilities. The analysis showed that the total baseline cancer risk and 
total respiratory risk from air toxics (not all of which stem from HFC 
production) varies, but is generally higher, and in some cases much 
higher, within one to ten miles of an HFC production facility. The 
analysis also found that higher percentages of low-income and Black or 
African-American individuals live near several HFC production 
facilities compared with the appropriate national and state level 
average. EPA noted in the proposed rulemaking, and reiterates here, 
that it is not clear the extent to which these baseline risks are 
directly related to HFC production, but some feedstocks, catalysts, and 
byproducts are toxic, particularly with respect to potential 
carcinogenicity (e.g., carbon tetrachloride, tetrachloroethylene, and 
trichloroethylene). All HFC production facilities are near other 
industrial facilities that could contribute to the cumulative National 
Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) cancer and respiratory risk; the number of 
neighboring TRI facilities within one mile of an HFC production 
facility ranges from two to 14, within three miles there are two to 19 
neighboring TRI facilities, within five miles there are two to 34 
neighboring TRI facilities, and within 10 miles there are six to 66 
neighboring TRI facilities. At this time, it is not clear how emissions 
related to HFC production compare to other chemical production at the 
same or nearby facilities. Additionally, some HFC alternatives, such as 
hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), use the same chemicals as feedstocks in 
their production or release the same chemicals as byproducts, 
potentially raising concerns about local exposure. Emissions from 
production facilities manufacturing non-fluorinated substitutes (e.g., 
hydrocarbons, ammonia) could also be affected by the phasedown of HFCs. 
However, given limited information regarding where substitutes will be 
produced and what other factors might affect production and emissions 
at those locations, it is unclear to what extent this rule may affect 
baseline risks from hazardous air toxics for communities living near 
HFC production facilities. Further, the HFC phasedown schedule 
prescribed by Congress--with a 10 percent reduction by 2022, a 40 
percent reduction by 2024, a 70 percent reduction by 2029, an 80 
percent reduction by 2034 and an 85 percent reduction by 2036--may also 
reduce the potential for a facility to increase emissions above current 
levels for a prolonged period.
    EPA requested commenters provide data or other information to help 
better characterize these changes and their implications for nearby 
communities. Several commenters asserted that the RIA for the proposed 
rulemaking overestimated the environmental justice benefits, in part 
because emissions at HFC production facilities have likely declined 
since the 2014 NATA that EPA relied upon in its analysis. EPA responds 
that the Agency relied on the 2014 NATA data as a proxy for cumulative 
exposure to air toxics near HFC production facilities, which is the 
most recent year of data available. EPA plans to use more recent NATA 
data in future analyses of potential environmental justice concerns as 
it becomes available. EPA has not quantitatively assessed the potential 
benefits in terms of reductions in risk or exposure to environmental 
justice communities from changes in HFC production resulting from the 
rule. The absence of this assessment is due to data constraints and 
uncertainty about where HFCs and HFC alternatives will be produced in 
the future and where some HFC alternatives are produced now (e.g., for 
non-HFC technologies). EPA also lacks information on which 
alternative(s) or type(s) of alternative (fluorinated, non-fluorinated, 
etc.) will take the dominant market share for the current uses of HFCs.
    One commenter provided extensive suggestions for how EPA could 
augment and strengthen its environmental justice analysis for the final 
rulemaking. Suggested factors and metrics included increasing the area 
of analysis and integrating the Risk-Screening Environmental Indicators 
Geographic Microdata (RSEI-GM), which incorporates data from the TRI 
together with factors such as each chemical's fate and transport 
through the environment, each chemical's relative toxicity, and 
potential human exposure. One other commenter suggested that EPA use 
existing data available in EJSCREEN to identify whether certain 
communities should be prioritized by EPA in mitigating any adverse 
impacts, and also to serve as a benchmark for measuring the effects of 
this rule over time. EPA will explore opportunities to prioritize areas 
with environmental justice concerns, particularly those related to 
multiple or cumulative exposures to environmental hazards, and to 
improve environmental justice analysis in future rulemakings. Updates 
to the environmental justice analysis can be found in the RIA for this 
final rulemaking, and notably, EPA explored larger radii (five and 10 
miles) from identified facilities. Results at these larger radii are 
similar to the average aggregate community characteristics near HFC 
production facilities at one-

[[Page 55128]]

and three-mile distances contained in the proposed rulemaking RIA. To 
examine the potential exposure of nearby communities to all reported 
TRI air emissions from each HFC production facility, EPA extracted 
concentrations weighted by toxicity for chemicals emitted by each 
facility over a 50-kilometer radius from the RSEI-GM model. The one-, 
three-, five- and 10 mile-buffers are shown on these maps and indicate 
that the highest concentrations are immediately adjacent to the 
facilities (i.e., within a mile). Toxicity-weighted concentrations 
decline further from the facility as these releases disperse. The area 
with moderate concentrations is mostly within the 10-mile buffer. 
However, because of prevailing wind directions, toxicity-weighted 
concentrations are not uniformly distributed around the facilities and, 
in some cases, communities outside of the 10-mile buffer are still 
exposed to elevated concentrations. Linking these toxicity-weighted 
concentrations with specific communities of concern is an area of 
investigation to improve environmental justice analyses. EPA will 
further consider use of RSEI-GM for future regulatory analyses. EPA 
also added information from EJSCREEN on wastewater discharges, 
proximity to hazardous waste, ground-level ozone concentrations, and 
particulate matter concentrations near HFC production facilities. The 
Agency reiterates, consistent with our view in the proposed rulemaking, 
that there is uncertainty around the role that HFC production plays in 
emissions of these air toxics, as well as the impact that this program 
will have on the location and amount of production of HFCs and their 
substitutes and any associated air pollution emissions. The 
environmental justice analysis is intended as a tool to inform 
potential concerns. While EPA finds evidence of environmental justice 
concerns near HFC production facilities from cumulative exposure to 
existing environmental hazards in these communities, at this early 
stage in the development of the HFC allowance allocation program, EPA 
cannot, on the basis of this analysis, determine the extent to which 
this rule will contribute to or reduce existing environmental justice 
concerns for communities of color, low-income people, and/or indigenous 
peoples. This is primarily due to uncertainty with regard to where and 
in what quantities substitutes for high-exchange-value HFCs will be 
produced.
    In the proposed rulemaking, EPA specifically sought comment on 
whether changes in emissions, particularly in communities that are 
already disproportionately affected by air pollution, could occur as 
the result of the HFC allowance allocation program, the associated 
ability to transfer allowances, or other unrelated changes in the 
market. EPA also sought comment on whether there are remedies that 
could be applied as part of the design of the program in the event the 
Agency determines such unintended distributional impacts exist. In 
addition, EPA solicited comment on whether other regulatory authorities 
would be more appropriate to address any inadvertent or unexpected 
distributional effects that are identified, for example, if a producer 
obtained allowances in sufficient quantities to increase HFC 
production, which could potentially increase air emissions at that 
location.
    EPA received comments in response to the question of what the 
Agency should consider for future rulemakings with respect to 
environmental justice. Several commenters noted that the AIM Act does 
not require EPA to consider environmental justice. Some commenters also 
noted that enforcing existing controls or limits promulgated under 
various other CAA authorities (e.g., criteria pollutants and air 
toxics) or state and local regulations (e.g., permitted air toxics 
limits) that would be applicable to HFCs and alternatives are 
sufficient to address any potential environmental justice concerns, and 
are also the most direct strategy for addressing such concerns.
    In response, EPA reiterates that Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629; 
February 16, 1994) and Executive Order 14008 (86 FR 7619, January 27, 
2021) establish federal executive policy on environmental justice. As 
outlined at the beginning of this section, the main provision of 
Executive Order 12898 directs federal agencies, to the greatest extent 
practicable and permitted by law, to make environmental justice part of 
their mission by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, 
disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental 
effects of their programs, policies, and activities on minority 
populations and low-income populations in the United States. 
Additionally, Executive Order 14008 calls on agencies to make achieving 
environmental justice part of their missions ``by developing programs, 
policies, and activities to address the disproportionately high and 
adverse human health, environmental, climate-related and other 
cumulative impacts on disadvantaged communities, as well as the 
accompanying economic challenges of such impacts.'' Executive Order 
14008 further declares a policy ``to secure environmental justice and 
spur economic opportunity for disadvantaged communities that have been 
historically marginalized and overburdened by pollution and under-
investment in housing, transportation, water and wastewater 
infrastructure, and health care.'' Further, under Executive Order 13563 
(76 FR 3821, January 18, 2011), federal agencies may consider equity, 
human dignity, fairness, and distributional considerations, where 
appropriate and permitted by law. In addition, the Presidential 
Memorandum on Modernizing Regulatory Review calls for procedures to 
``take into account the distributional consequences of regulations, 
including as part of a quantitative or qualitative analysis of the 
costs and benefits of regulations, to ensure that regulatory 
initiatives appropriately benefit, and do not inappropriately burden 
disadvantaged, vulnerable, or marginalized communities.'' EPA has 
promulgated other regulations or limits under different authorities 
that may affect the facilities identified in the RIA and the 
surrounding communities, but EPA is also committed to taking a holistic 
view of facilities affected by these rulemakings pursuant to the two 
above-cited executive orders that direct EPA to make environmental 
justice part of its mission for any and all rulemaking processes. In 
such instances where other authorities may be a more appropriate 
avenue, EPA expects that effects on surrounding communities and 
associated mitigating solutions would be addressed through those 
regulatory processes and under commensurate timelines.
    Additionally, one commenter disagreed with assumptions underlying 
EPA's environmental justice analysis. First, the commenter asserted 
that Congress has previously recognized that feedstock emissions are 
too insignificant to be a concern and has already provided other 
authority to protect communities near industrial facilities (i.e., 
standards for hazardous air pollutants contained in sections 112(d) and 
(f) of the CAA and codified in 40 CFR 63, specifically subparts F, G, 
H, and I). Second, the commenter asserted that the Toxic Substances 
Control Act (TSCA) risk evaluations are deficient and should not be 
used as a basis for environmental justice regulations. Lastly, the 
commenter asserted that more information is needed on background 
concentrations and sources. EPA continues to rely on the latest 
information available from the TSCA risk evaluation process to inform 
the

[[Page 55129]]

potential for worker exposure from HFC feedstocks. These risk 
evaluations did not assess air, water, or disposal exposures to the 
general population when these exposure pathways are or can be regulated 
under other EPA-administered statutes. However, EPA recently announced 
plans to conduct additional analysis for the risk evaluations for seven 
of the first 10 chemicals evaluated under the amended TSCA to ensure 
that the risk evaluations did not overlook risk to fenceline 
communities (i.e., communities near industrial facilities). EPA is also 
revisiting the assumptions from the risk evaluations regarding the 
assumed use of personal protective equipment for purposes of risk 
determination. Following these additional analyses, EPA will issue 
revised risk determinations on the whole chemical substance, rather 
than on each condition of use. This has the potential to change the 
unreasonable risk determinations under TSCA for some of the first 10 
chemicals, including the four chemicals with risk evaluations completed 
in 2020 (i.e., carbon tetrachloride, tetrachloroethylene, 
trichloroethylene, and methylene chloride).
    EPA is finalizing requirements for other provisions in this rule 
that are relevant for environmental justice. For example, as further 
explained in Section X.C.1, some commenters stated that providing 
facility-level chemical-specific production data would be beneficial to 
communities located adjacent to chemical manufacturing facilities. EPA 
is determining in this final rulemaking that facility-level production 
data is not entitled to confidential treatment, and EPA intends to 
release this information to the public. This additional transparency 
will allow neighboring communities to see how emissions from a 
particular facility compare to changes in HFC production levels.
    Finally, EPA received suggestions for additional ways that EPA 
could consider environmental justice in future rulemakings, including 
but not limited to: Considering indirect pollution effects, e.g., 
increased motor vehicle emissions; considering a comprehensive 
emissions and release evaluation approach for all facilities including 
all media and all applicable limits; integrating existing and newly 
deployed fenceline monitoring data; evaluating the effects of producing 
certain HFC substitutes on air and water quality; and evaluating how 
exports of products and equipment containing HFCs could affect other 
countries' environmental justice concerns. EPA acknowledges receipt of 
these various comments, and will consider them, as appropriate, as we 
develop future rulemakings.
    As noted in the proposed rule and reiterated here, EPA intends to 
develop another rule before allowances are allocated for calendar year 
2024 that may alter the framework and procedure for issuing allowance 
allocations established in this rule. EPA will continue to monitor the 
impacts of this program on HFC and substitute production, and emissions 
in neighboring communities, as we move forward to implement this rule. 
EPA may consider taking appropriate action in the future--including 
action--under CAA authorities, in future HFC allocation rules, or under 
other relevant authorities, if we develop further information 
indicating there is a risk of disproportionate impacts.
    EPA notes that this rule affects a small number of entities through 
a unique phasedown and allocation program, and that these entities 
manufacture a wide variety of products and are subject to a number of 
distinct market and regulatory forces independent of this HFC program. 
As such, the issues and possible remedies identified here may not be 
broadly applicable or practicable in other rulemakings.

V. What definitions is EPA establishing to implement the AIM Act?

    EPA is establishing definitions to implement the framework for the 
AIM Act generally and the allowance allocation and trading program 
specifically. EPA proposed to define new terms that arise from the text 
of the AIM Act. EPA also proposed to adopt existing definitions as 
written in 40 CFR part 82, subpart A, with modifications as needed to 
conform to differences in the AIM Act. EPA proposed this approach 
because these definitions are commonly understood by those familiar 
with the ODS phaseout experience.
    Many proposed definitions did not garner specific comment. EPA is 
finalizing them as proposed and further discussion of those terms can 
be found in the proposed rule. These terms are: Central Data Exchange, 
Consumption allowances, Destruction, Exporter, Facility, Foreign 
country, Importer, Individual shipment, Non-objection notice, Person, 
Production allowances, Production line, Transform, and Used regulated 
substances.
    The remainder of this section discusses comments received on the 
remaining proposed definitions.
    Allowance. The AIM Act defines allowance as a limited authorization 
for the production or consumption of a regulated substance established 
under subsection (e). EPA is adopting that definition and adding that 
an allowance allocated under this subsection does not constitute a 
property right as stated in subsection (e)(2)(D)(ii)(aa). The framework 
for issuing allowances is subject to change through notice and comment 
rulemaking.
    One commenter stated that the discretion to retire, revoke, or 
withhold allowances should not be within the definitions of allowance 
or application-specific allowance. EPA is removing this text from the 
regulatory definitions of allowance and application-specific allowance 
in this final rulemaking. While the Agency has the authority to adjust 
allowances and is finalizing regulatory text outlining the 
circumstances in which such adjustments may occur and a process for 
levying administrative consequences, reiterating a statement of that 
authority in the definitions is unnecessary.
    Bulk. EPA is defining this term as ``a regulated substance of any 
amount that is in a container for the transportation or storage of that 
substance such as cylinders, drums, ISO tanks, and small cans. A 
regulated substance that must first be transferred from a container to 
another container, vessel, or piece of equipment in order to realize 
its intended use is a bulk substance. A regulated substance contained 
in a manufactured product such as an appliance, an aerosol can, or a 
foam is not a bulk substance.'' The examples provided in the definition 
are not exclusive. This definition serves to distinguish between a 
regulated substance that is in a container from a regulated substance 
that is in a product or other type of use system. Imported equipment 
and products that contain HFCs are outside the scope of the allowance-
based phasedown component of the AIM Act.
    One commenter requested that EPA clarify that the reference to 
small cans in the proposed definition does not include consumer 
products such as air conditioning recharge kits, drain cleaners, and 
other products that contain HFCs. The commenter expressed concern that 
requiring tracking of such products would impose significant regulatory 
burdens and costs. EPA responds that small cans of HFCs qualify as 
containers of bulk HFCs under this rule and the HFC allowance 
allocation program it establishes if the HFC must first be transferred 
from the small can to a piece of equipment in order to realize its 
intended use. Air conditioning recharge kits are small cans of 
refrigerant used to recharge motor vehicle air conditioners and would 
therefore qualify as a container of bulk HFC. Their size and intended

[[Page 55130]]

customer do not change the fact that they are containers and not 
products for purposes of this program, notwithstanding the commenter's 
concern, which EPA acknowledges, that tracking such products could be 
burdensome. The fact that some HFCs are housed in small containers does 
not remove them from the total inventory of HFCs for which EPA must 
account in implementing the phasedown mandate prescribed in the AIM 
Act. Thus, under the structure being finalized in this rule, allowances 
will be needed to import these air conditioning recharge kits. 
Similarly, those that have provided data on historical imports of small 
cans of refrigerant are eligible to receive an allowance allocation 
from the Agency under the framework finalized here. Entities that have 
not reported previously have options to receive allowances under the 
set-aside discussed in section VII.E. Without more information on drain 
cleaners, EPA cannot confirm whether this would be a container of bulk 
HFCs. If it can realize its intended use (e.g., cleaning drains) 
without the need to transfer HFCs from a container to a piece of 
equipment, it would likely not be a bulk container.
    One commenter argued that cylinders containing HFCs that are used 
in total flooding fire suppression systems are not bulk containers and 
so import of these cylinders would be considered as a ``product 
containing'' HFCs under the proposed rule. EPA disagrees. System 
cylinders are pressurized cylinders that contain a chemical (in this 
case an HFC), and therefore resemble other bulk chemicals. Regardless 
of its intended use, it is an HFC in a container that needs to be 
transferred to a piece of equipment to realize its intended purpose 
(i.e., the extinguishant is incorporated into the total flooding system 
from these containers). Consistent with regulations under CAA title VI, 
EPA has treated pressurized system cylinders used in total flooding 
fire suppression systems differently than handheld, wheeled, and other 
fire suppression systems. The latter are self-contained, ready-to-use 
systems that can realize their intended use without transfer of the 
HFCs to another product or container. Fire suppression system cylinders 
must be connected to the rest of the fire suppression system to realize 
their intended use. EPA has previously considered whether system 
cylinders in total flooding applications were covered by the 
Nonessential Products Ban under section 610 of the CAA. The Agency 
stated: ``EPA recognizes that total flooding agents contained in total 
fire suppression systems used to extinguish fires are different from a 
portable device used to extinguish fires.'' The Agency went on to 
explain: ``These total flooding systems differ from an aerosol product 
or pressurized dispenser in that total flooding systems are `systems' 
that are completely installed and can be triggered to be automatically 
activated during an emergency situation. The extinguishant is 
incorporated into the system from bulk containers. Accordingly, ``such 
systems thus do not constitute a pressurized dispenser or aerosol 
product within the meaning of section 610. Portable fire extinguishers, 
on the other hand, do constitute a pressurized dispenser, as they 
provide the product and dispensing apparatus in a self-contained 
portable unit.'' (58 FR 69647, December 30, 1993)
    Additionally, under the class I ODS phaseout regulations in 40 CFR 
part 82, subpart A, fire suppression system cylinders are treated as a 
bulk substance. Companies that import used halons must petition the 
Agency prior to import under 40 CFR 82.13, with the exception of halon 
aircraft bottles, and report these imports to EPA. Given fire 
suppression system cylinders using HFCs have the same function as those 
for ODS, EPA concludes that it is reasonable to treat system cylinders 
of HFCs as bulk substances under this rule and the HFC allowance 
allocation program it establishes. The fact that some HFCs are housed 
in fire suppression system cylinders does not remove them from the 
total inventory of HFCs for which EPA must account in implementing the 
phasedown mandate prescribed in the AIM Act.
    Chemical vapor deposition chamber cleaning. EPA proposed to define 
this term as ``in the context of semiconductor manufacturing, a process 
type in which chambers used for depositing thin films are cleaned 
periodically using plasma-generated fluorine atoms and other reactive 
fluorine-containing fragments.'' This definition is based closely on 
the source category definition for electronics manufacturing in the 
GHGRP (40 CFR 98.90(a)(2)).
    Some commenters suggested that EPA use the GHGRP term and 
definition for ``chamber cleaning'' from 40 CFR 98.98 for consistency 
with reporting under that program. EPA is defining ``chemical vapor 
deposition chamber cleaning'' in this rule because Congress provided 
that EPA allocate allowances necessary for ``the etching of 
semiconductor material or wafers and the cleaning of chemical vapor 
deposition chambers within the semiconductor manufacturing sector'' 
(emphasis added) in subsection (e)(4)(B)(iv). This is narrower than the 
term defined under GHGRP, which is ``chamber cleaning.'' The term 
``chamber cleaning'' under the GHGRP is broader and contains more 
process types than chemical vapor deposition. EPA is not aligning the 
term with the term defined under GHGRP given the specific language of 
the AIM Act. EPA is, however, broadening the description of the process 
type to explicitly include chamber cleaning by thermally dissociated 
fluorine fragments.
    Confer. EPA is defining this term as ``to shift unexpended 
application-specific allowances obtained in accordance with subsection 
(e)(4)(B)(iv) of the AIM Act from the end user allocated such 
allowances to one or more entities in the supply chain for the 
production or import of a regulated substance for use by the end 
user.'' This term is intended to distinguish conferring an allowance 
from an allowance transfer. A company receiving conferred allowances 
may produce or import HFCs with those application-specific allowances 
on behalf of the conferrer rather than expending calendar year 
production or consumption allowances. There is no offset for the 
conferring of allowances.
    A few commenters stated that there may be more than one entity in 
the supply chain between the producer/importer and the application-
specific end user, such as a purifier. In that instance, a commenter 
wanted EPA to allow for the re-conferral of application-specific 
allowances without the transaction being considered a transfer. EPA 
understands that the supply chains may be unique to each particular end 
use and is clarifying that application-specific allowances may be re-
conferred as needed. EPA has amended the definition of ``confer'' 
finalized in this rulemaking to state that application-specific 
allowances may be conferred one or multiple times to entities in the 
supply chain. EPA is also amending the recordkeeping and reporting 
provisions to ensure that all entities in the conferral chain are 
identified.
    Consumption. With respect to the definition of ``consumption,'' 
commenters stated that the statutory definition of consumption in the 
AIM Act includes ``all imports'' and does not distinguish between 
imports of chemicals in large quantities for later use in a product 
manufactured in the United States and imports of the same chemical 
already contained in such a product manufactured abroad. The commenters 
disagreed with EPA excluding HFCs contained in imported products from 
the calculation of consumption, thereby excluding

[[Page 55131]]

imported products containing HFCs from the calculation of the baseline 
and from the requirement to obtain and expend allowances.
    EPA responds that the Agency is finalizing its proposed reading of 
the definition of consumption, and in this context, the adopted 
reference of the term ``import,'' as being limited to bulk substances. 
In doing so, EPA is drawing a distinction between the import of bulk 
regulated substances and the import of regulated substances contained 
in products, and concludes, as explained below, that the definition of 
``consumption'' is appropriately read to be limited to import of bulk 
substances.\32\ The effect of this decision is that consumption 
allowances are required for the import of bulk HFCs and not for the 
import of products containing HFCs. As explained here and in section 
VI.A, the definition of ``consumption'' in the AIM Act is ambiguous and 
does not speak directly to whether imported products containing HFCs be 
included in the consumption baseline or subject to the allowance 
obligation. EPA further concludes that the AIM Act's definition of 
``consumption'' is reasonably interpreted not to encompass imports of 
products containing HFCs, because doing so: (1) Is consistent with 
EPA's longstanding practice under the closely related provisions of 
title VI of the CAA; and (2) would create severe implementation 
difficulties, requiring EPA to obtain decades-old baseline data that 
almost certainly no longer exist, vastly expanding the number of 
regulated entities, and sweeping in a range of businesses (such as 
retailers) that likely did not anticipate being subject to these 
regulations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \32\ As discussed earlier in this definitions section, EPA is 
defining a bulk substance as ``a regulated substance of any amount 
that is in a container for the transportation or storage of that 
substance such as cylinders, drums, ISO tanks, and small cans. A 
regulated substance that must first be transferred from a container 
to another container, vessel, or piece of equipment in order to 
realize its intended use is a bulk substance. A regulated substance 
contained in a manufactured product such as an appliance, an aerosol 
can, or a foam is not a bulk substance.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA's resolution of this interpretive issue begins with the text of 
the statute. The AIM Act does not directly address whether products 
containing HFCs that are imported to the country should be included in 
the Agency's consideration of ``consumption.'' In subsection (b)(3), 
Congress defined ``consumption'' to include ``the quantity of regulated 
substance imported into the United States,'' but did not direct EPA as 
to how to determine such ``quantity.'' Congress particularly did not 
direct EPA as to whether this includes the import of products that 
contain regulated substances versus the import of regulated substances 
themselves. Because the statute does not address this, the Agency is 
left to interpret the statute in a reasonable manner. Because this 
instance ``involves an administrative agency's construction of a 
statute that it administers, [the] analysis is governed by Chevron.'' 
Food & Drug Admin. v. Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp., 529 U.S. 120, 
132 (2000). Under the Chevron framework, the initial inquiry is 
``whether Congress has directly spoken to the precise question at 
issue.'' Chevron U.S.A. Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, 
Inc., 467 U.S. 837, 842 (1984). ``In determining whether Congress has 
specifically addressed the question at issue, [the analysis] should not 
[be confined] to examining a particular statutory provision in 
isolation. The meaning--or ambiguity--of certain words or phrases may 
only become evident when placed in context.'' FDA, 529 U.S. at 133. 
Here, there is no statutory text in the AIM Act--and the commenter was 
not able to provide any citation to such text--that unambiguously 
requires EPA to consider imports of products containing regulated 
substances in the calculation of ``consumption,'' in addition to 
considering the imports of bulk regulated substances.
    While EPA understands that the phrase ``quantity of the regulated 
substances into the United States'' could be read to include regulated 
substances contained in products imported into the United States, that 
is not the only permissible reading. Rather, this language can also 
reasonably be read to include only imported bulk substances. To inform 
the Agency's analysis of whether Congress has directly spoken to the 
precise question at issue, the Agency has looked to the definition of 
``consumption'' under title VI of the CAA. The title VI statutory 
definition of ``consumption'' is analogous to the parallel definition 
in the AIM Act, and thus EPA looked to the title VI definition on the 
question of whether the AIM Act statutory language is unambiguous. The 
AIM Act language is substantially similar to the definition of 
``consumption'' provided by Congress for the phaseout of ODS in section 
601(1) of the CAA, which defines the term ``consumption'' to include 
``the amount'' of ODS ``imported,'' but additionally states that 
``[s]uch term shall be construed in a manner consistent with the 
Montreal Protocol.'' This demonstrates that Congress understood, in the 
context of the CAA, that the term ``consumption,'' including the 
embedded phrase ``the amount imported,'' could reasonably be read in 
different ways. Under the Montreal Protocol, calculation of a country's 
consumption is limited to bulk substances and does not include imports 
of products containing ODS. Consistent with that practice, EPA has 
applied the ODS production and consumption controls under title VI of 
the CAA to bulk ODS, but not to products containing ODS. The term ``the 
amount'' in the CAA is substantially similar to ``the quantity'' in the 
parallel definition of the AIM Act, which demonstrates that the AIM Act 
provision can be interpreted in multiple ways, so Congress did not 
speak directly to the question of whether ``consumption'' under the AIM 
Act should include imports of products containing regulated substances. 
As further explained elsewhere in this preamble, EPA is reasonably 
interpreting the AIM Act to have a similar scope and meaning as title 
VI. Lawson v. FMR LLC, 571 U.S. 429, 459 (2014) (``[P]arallel text and 
purposes counsel in favor of interpreting . . . two provisions 
consistently.'').
    In addition, looking to the larger statutory context, in defining 
``consumption'' in subsection (a)(3) of the AIM Act, Congress used the 
phrase ``the quantity of'' the regulated substance not only to refer to 
the quantity of the regulated substance imported into the United 
States, but also to refer to the quantity of the regulated substance 
produced in the United States, as well as the quantity exported from 
the United States. The ``quantity of'' the regulated substance produced 
in the United States is readily understood to include bulk substances, 
particularly in light of the statutory definition of ``produce,'' but 
it would be difficult to interpret this phrase to extend to products 
containing HFCs. Such products could include either domestic or 
imported HFCs. Interpreting the phrase ``the quantity of'' a regulated 
substance to include only bulk substances reasonably applies the same 
understanding of this term across all the instances where it is used in 
the definition of consumption. These points further support EPA's views 
that ``the quantity'' as used in the AIM Act is open to more than one 
possible construction and that it can reasonably be read to be limited 
to bulk substances. Since the definition of ``consumption'' in the AIM 
Act can be read in different ways, this issue is not decided under the 
first step of the Chevron analysis.

[[Page 55132]]

    Since the AIM Act does not provide unambiguous direction as to 
whether imported products containing HFCs should be considered part of 
``consumption,'' EPA is given discretion to interpret the statute, as 
long as such construction is reasonable, under the second step of the 
Chevron analysis. Where Congress has not directly spoken to an issue or 
has left ambiguity in the statute, that silence or ambiguity creates an 
assumption that ``Congress implicitly delegated to the agency the power 
to make policy choices that represent a reasonable accommodation of 
conflicting policies that are committed to the agency's care by the 
statute.'' National Ass'n of Mfrs. v. United States DOI, 134 F.3d 1095, 
1106 (D.C. Cir. 1998). The ``power of an administrative agency to 
administer a congressionally created . . . program necessarily requires 
the formulation of policy and the making of rules to fill any gap left, 
implicitly or explicitly, by Congress.'' Chevron, 467 U.S. at 843-44. 
The Supreme Court has explained ``[w]e accord deference to agencies 
under Chevron . . . because of a presumption that Congress, when it 
left ambiguity in a statute meant for implementation by an agency, 
understood that the ambiguity would be resolved, first and foremost, by 
the agency, and desired the agency (rather than the courts) to possess 
whatever degree of discretion the ambiguity allows.'' Smiley v. 
Citibank (S.D.), N.A., 517 U.S. 735, 740-41 (1996). Accordingly, 
Congress's silence with regard to whether imports of products 
containing HFCs should be considered in the determination of 
``consumption'' leaves a gap for the Agency to fill, which EPA is doing 
in this rulemaking.
    Excluding imports of products containing HFCs from the definition 
of ``consumption'' is consistent with EPA's longstanding practice in 
implementing nearly identical statutory language governing a nearly 
identical industry under title VI of the CAA. As further explained in 
Section II.B, there are significant similarities in the text, 
structure, function, and purpose of the provisions for production and 
consumption in the AIM Act and those in title VI of the CAA. 
Accordingly, EPA is utilizing its experience interpreting similar 
statutory terms under the CAA to phase out ODS when developing the AIM 
Act's HFC allowance allocation and trading program.\33\ Moreover, the 
close similarities in text, structure, function, and purpose between 
title VI and the AIM Act make it reasonable to infer that Congress was 
aware of EPA's approach of applying the ODS production and consumption 
controls under title VI to bulk substances but not products, including 
imported products, and did not intend to require EPA to depart from 
that approach under the AIM Act. See FPC v. Sierra Pacific Power, 350 
U.S. 348 (1956) (determining that an interpretation of the Natural Gas 
Act was ``equally applicable'' to the Federal Power Act given that 
``the provisions of the Federal Power Act relevant to [the] question 
are in all material respects substantially identical to the equivalent 
provisions in the Natural Gas Act.''). See also Arkansas Louisiana Gas 
Co. v. Hall, 435 U.S. 571 (1981) (citing to FPC v. Sierra Pacific Power 
for a similar premise); NTEU v. Chertoff, 452 F.3d 839, 857 (D.C. Cir. 
2006) (``There is a presumption that Congress uses the same term 
consistently in different statutes.''); Smith v. City of Jackson, 
Miss., 544 U.S. 228, 233 (2005) (emphasizing the ``premise that when 
Congress uses the same language in two statutes having similar 
purposes, . . . it is appropriate to presume that Congress intended 
that text to have the same meaning in both statutes'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \33\ For purposes of implementing the ODS phaseout regulations 
(40 CFR part 82, subpart A), EPA defined a controlled substance, in 
part, as any listed ODS, whether existing alone or in a mixture, but 
excluding any such substance or mixture that is in a manufactured 
product other than a container used for the transportation or 
storage of the substance or mixture. Any amount of a listed 
substance that is not part of a use system containing the substance 
is a controlled substance. If a listed substance or mixture must 
first be transferred from a bulk container to another container, 
vessel, or piece of equipment in order to realize its intended use, 
the listed substance or mixture is a ``controlled substance.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition to these considerations, including imports of products 
containing HFCs in the calculation of consumption, and thereby 
including them in the regulatory allocation and phasedown program, 
would significantly increase the universe of regulated entities and 
reporters subject to this program. New categories of affected 
industries would include large-scale retailers that directly import 
products such as air conditioning units, refrigerators, fire 
extinguishers, and consumer aerosol products. These entities have never 
been subject to allowance obligations under title VI, and EPA finds it 
reasonable to infer that Congress did not expect or intend to place 
allowance obligations on this vast array of entities under the closely 
related provisions of the AIM Act. Courts have previously supported 
statutory interpretations that enable sensible regulations as opposed 
to readings that ``would radically transform those programs and render 
them unworkable as written.'' Utility Air Regulatory Group v. EPA, 134 
S. Ct. 2427, 2442 (2014) (holding that EPA was not compelled to 
interpret the Clean Air Act's reference to ``any air pollutant'' as 
requiring the Agency to consider greenhouse gases in determining 
whether a source was major for purposes of new source review and CAA 
Title V permitting).
    Further, it would be administratively impossible for EPA to gather 
data necessary to incorporate imports of products containing HFCs into 
the statutorily defined calculation of the baseline to a degree that 
matches the surety and caliber of data otherwise included in that 
calculation. Congress directed EPA to add figures for consumption of 
HCFCs and CFCs in 1989 in calculating baselines. If EPA were to read 
such a reference to ``consumption'' as encompassing imports of products 
containing chemicals, the Agency would need data on imports of products 
containing HCFCs and CFCs back in 1989. We are not aware of any source 
of this information, and it seems impossible that a comprehensive set 
of businesses would have actual data from that time period that EPA 
could obtain. One commenter noted that EPA could rely on estimates or 
modeled data from that time period and provided trade data for certain 
types of products that were imported in 1989, but such imprecise 
calculations would not match the certainty of data on which EPA is 
currently relying to calculate the baseline. In light of these 
challenges, the ambiguity of the statutory text, and the close 
similarities in the term ``consumption'' as used in title VI and the 
AIM Act, EPA concludes that it is reasonable to interpret the statutory 
term ``consumption,'' and the adopted reference of the term ``import,'' 
as including only bulk substances.
    Defense spray. EPA is defining this term as ``an aerosol-based 
spray used for self-defense, including pepper spray and animal sprays, 
and containing the irritant capsaicin and related capsaicinoids 
(derived from oleoresin capsicum), an emulsifier, and an aerosol 
propellant.'' Two commenters stated their support of the proposed 
definition for defense spray. EPA is finalizing the definition as 
proposed.
    Etching. EPA proposed to define etching as, ``in the context of 
semiconductor manufacturing, a process type that uses plasma-generated 
fluorine atoms and other reactive fluorine-containing fragments that 
chemically react with exposed thin-films (e.g., dielectric, metals) or 
substrate (e.g.,

[[Page 55133]]

silicon) to selectively remove portions of material. This includes 
production processes using fluorinated GHG reagents to clean wafers.'' 
This definition is closely based on the definition of the electronics 
manufacturing source category in the GHGRP (40 CFR 98.90(a)(1)) and on 
the GHGRP definition of ``wafer cleaning'' (40 CFR 98.98).
    Some commenters suggested that EPA expand the definition of 
``etching'' to include ``wafer cleaning.'' EPA agrees that it is 
appropriate to include ``wafer cleaning'' in the definition of 
``etching'' and is doing so in the final rule. Wafer cleaning involves 
using fluorinated GHG reagents to remove residual material from wafers, 
and other etching processes involve using fluorinated GHG reagents to 
remove materials from a substrate, which includes wafers. Under the 
GHGRP, the same emission factors are used for wafer cleaning as for 
other etching processes. Commenters also recommended that EPA use the 
GHGRP definition of ``etching'' at 40 CFR 98.98 for consistency with 
the GHGRP. In the final rule, we are retaining the language from the 
description of etching in the GHGRP source category definition for 
electronics at 40 CFR 98.90. This language is briefer and more 
comprehensive than the definition of ``etching'' at 98.98, which 
includes potentially limiting language. Another commenter said that EPA 
should clarify that ``etching'' includes the use of HFCs as heat 
transfer fluids in chillers used ``to control the temperature during 
the etching process.'' EPA responds that the Agency interprets the AIM 
Act's language on the ``exclusive use of the regulated substance solely 
for . . . the etching of semiconductor material or wafers . . .'' to 
not include processes adjacent to or in support of the application 
itself. Therefore, EPA is not accepting this proposed addition to the 
term.
    Exchange value. The AIM Act defines ``exchange value'' as the value 
assigned to a regulated substance in accordance with subsections (c) 
and (e), as applicable. Subsection (c) includes a list of regulated 
substances with listed exchange values. Subsection (e) includes a list 
of ODS with listed exchange values. EPA is adopting the definition 
contained in the AIM Act, including the tables, which EPA is 
replicating in Appendix A of 40 CFR part 84.
    Exchange value equivalent. EPA uses the term ``exchange value 
equivalent'' or ``EVe'' to provide a common unit of measure between 
HFCs. EVe is determined by multiplying the mass of a regulated 
substance by the exchange value of that substance. For example, 50 
kilograms of HFC-134a would be 71,500 kgEVe (50 x 1,430). This can also 
be written as 71.5 metric tons exchange value equivalent (MTEVe). As 
explained further in Section VII.A on allowances, EPA is issuing 
allowances in units of 0.1 MTEVe. EPA is also using the term ``EV-
weighted'' to describe a number presented in exchange value 
equivalents. For example, the size of an allowance is one EV-weighted 
ton.
    EVe allows for the comparison between different regulated 
substances. For example, a blend containing multiple regulated 
substances would have an EVe that could be used to determine the 
quantity of allowances needed to produce or consume the regulated HFCs 
that are components of the blend. However, the EVe would only reflect 
the components of the blend that are regulated substances under the AIM 
Act. In situations where the blend contains components that are not 
regulated substances (e.g., HFOs), the EVe would not match the GWP of 
the blend and would be slightly lower. This would be the case for 
blends R-448A,\34\ R-449A, and R-450A, which contain a mix of HFCs and 
HFOs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \34\ Many blends contain HFCs and non-regulated substances such 
as HFOs. For example, R-448A is made of five components, three of 
which are HFCs regulated under the AIM Act and two of which are 
HFOs. The percentage of the blend and the exchange value of the 
constituents are: 26 percent HFC-32 (675), 26 percent HFC-125 
(3,500), 21 percent HFC-134a (1,430), 20 percent HFO-1234yf (0), and 
7 percent HFO-1234ze (0). The contribution of each HFC to the total 
EVe of the blend is calculated by multiplying the percentage of the 
blend made up of that HFC times its EVe, and the sum of the 
contributions of all the blend constituents is the blend EVe. Thus, 
the EVe of R-448A is (0.26 x 675) + (0.26 x 3,500) + (0.21 x 1,430) 
+ (0.20 x 0) + (0.07 x 0) = 1,385.8.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    One commenter agreed with EPA's proposed definition of ``exchange 
value equivalent'' and the calculation of EVe for blends. The commenter 
stated that the term correctly incentivizes the use of low-GWP 
components.
    Export. EPA is finalizing its proposed definition for export and is 
clarifying that under this definition, HFCs admitted into a foreign-
trade zone or other duty deferral program under CBP regulations are not 
exported for purposes of Part 84 regulations.
    Final customer. EPA proposed to define this term as ``the last 
person to purchase a bulk regulated substance before its intended 
use.'' For each use of HFCs, the final customer can be different. For 
example, an air conditioning contractor would generally be the final 
customer in the residential air conditioning market. For foams, the 
foam systems house would be the final customer, as they are making a 
product (i.e., a foam system). Likewise, aerosol fillers, semiconductor 
manufacturers, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment 
manufacturers that ship equipment pre-charged, and fire extinguisher 
manufacturers would be final customers. EPA requested comment on 
whether a list of examples like this should be incorporated into the 
definition and the Agency received comments in support of doing so. EPA 
is finalizing the definition with a list of example final customers to 
provide clarity. The examples provided in the definition are not 
exhaustive.
    Commenters also requested additional detail on who the final 
customer would be in particular circumstances. Commenters were 
primarily concerned with the burden associated with the certification 
ID tracking system and sought to reduce uncertainty about who would be 
subject to those requirements. EPA responds to this comment in Section 
IX.G of this preamble.
    Import. EPA is adopting the definition of the term ``import'' 
contained in subsection (b) of the AIM Act, which is nearly identical 
to the definition of ``import'' in 40 CFR part 82, and adding one of 
the three exemptions from the part 82 definition as proposed. EPA is 
also clarifying that under this definition, whether HFCs are admitted 
into or exiting a foreign-trade zone or other duty deferral program 
under CBP regulations does not affect whether the HFCs are being 
imported for purposes of Part 84. The AIM Act defines import as to land 
on, bring into, or introduce into, or attempt to land on, bring into, 
or introduce into, any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United 
States, regardless of whether that landing, bringing, or introduction 
constitutes an importation within the meaning of the customs laws of 
the United States.
    EPA is including an exemption for the offloading of used regulated 
substances from a ship during servicing in a U.S. port. The Agency does 
not consider material recovered from equipment onboard a vessel to be 
an import as it is analogous to material that has been recovered from 
air conditioning and refrigeration equipment during servicing, 
maintenance, repair, and disposal on that vessel. The exemption is 
limited to HFCs that are in an appliance or other piece of equipment 
(e.g., for fire suppression) as it moves across international borders. 
This exemption recognizes that sometimes onboard equipment needs to be 
serviced and used refrigerant offloaded. As noted in the proposal, 
treating this as an import would create a perverse incentive to 
improperly manage

[[Page 55134]]

regulated substances. EPA has taken a similar approach under CAA title 
VI. Given such material is used, further sales or offer for sale of 
this offloaded material for any purpose other than reclamation, 
recycling for reuse onboard the vessel, recycling of fire suppression 
agents, or destruction is prohibited. This limited exemption only 
applies to used HFCs that were recovered during servicing from 
equipment in use on the vessel. It does not apply to containers of 
virgin HFCs. This situation is different from an import of used 
regulated substances that is transported over the border, because it 
would not otherwise be traveling across the border without the intent 
to import into the United States. To ensure the integrity of the 
allowance allocation and trading program, the marine vessel, aircraft, 
or other aerospace vehicle must maintain records documenting the 
company name, location of the appliance, date of recovery, person doing 
the recovery, and the amount of HFC recovered and type of refrigerant 
recovered for each servicing event.
    One commenter recommended that EPA broaden the exemption for the 
offloading of used material to aircraft and space vehicles since the 
global nature of maritime vessels is similar to aerospace vehicles. EPA 
agrees that servicing of aircraft and other aerospace vehicles that 
arrive in the United States from another country is similar to the 
servicing of marine vessels. Therefore, EPA is clarifying in the 
definition that offloading used regulated substances recovered from 
equipment onboard a marine vessel, aircraft, or other aerospace vehicle 
during servicing in the United States is not considered an import.
    EPA notes that overseas U.S. government locations, including on 
vessels, in military units, and at fixed facilities (e.g., military 
bases, embassies, or consulates) often require a supply of HFCs in 
support of equipment, for example in air-conditioning, refrigeration, 
and fire suppression. Some of these HFCs are routinely returned to the 
United States and these returns by federal entities are not classified 
as ``imports'' under current customs laws and regulations. EPA had not 
considered the return of federally owned ODS to the United States to be 
an import under CAA title VI and is maintaining that interpretation for 
purposes of the HFC allowance allocation and trading program. Examples 
of situations that would not qualify as imports include:
     U.S. naval vessels routinely carry spare HFC refrigerant 
and fire suppressant cylinders for potential servicing and 
replenishment requirements while deployed. If the HFCs in these 
cylinders are not used while the vessel is underway, the vessel may 
return to the United States and off-load the cylinders.
     U.S. Armed Forces units deploying to overseas locations 
often transport HFCs in cylinders to service their military equipment 
and upon return from deployment will bring any remaining HFCs back to 
the United States with them.
     U.S. Government fixed facilities overseas have 
refrigerants removed and recovered during equipment servicing or when 
the equipment is replaced or retired from service. Since this 
refrigerant may be excess or may need to be reclaimed prior to reuse in 
other equipment, the recovered refrigerants may be shipped back to the 
United States for reclamation or disposal if the host nation does not 
have refrigerant reclamation or disposal capabilities.
    Metered dose inhaler. EPA is defining an MDI as ``a handheld 
pressurized inhalation system that delivers small, precisely measured 
therapeutic doses of medication directly to the airways of a patient. 
MDIs treat health conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive 
pulmonary disease and are approved for such use by the United States 
Food and Drug Administration (FDA).'' This definition is substantially 
similar to the definition of ``essential metered dose inhaler'' in 40 
CFR part 82.
    Commenters generally agreed with this definition. One commenter 
recommended that the definition should be expanded beyond the treatment 
of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to include 
other conditions. EPA responds that the definition as proposed 
encompasses other uses of MDIs so long as they are approved by the FDA. 
While asthma and COPD may be the two most common conditions treated by 
MDIs, the list is not exclusive, as indicated by the words ``such as.'' 
EPA is therefore finalizing the definition as proposed. We have updated 
the market characterization to include other conditions treated by 
MDIs.
    Mission-critical military end uses. EPA proposed to define this 
term as ``those uses of regulated substances by an agency of the 
Federal Government responsible for national defense which have a direct 
impact on mission capability, as determined by the U.S. Department of 
Defense (DOD), including, but not limited to uses necessary for 
development, testing, production, training, operation, and maintenance 
of Armed Forces vessels, aircraft, space systems, ground vehicles, 
amphibious vehicles, deployable/expeditionary support equipment, 
munitions, and command and control systems.''
    Commenters suggested that the definition is too narrow or ambiguous 
and excludes uses of regulated substances by non-DOD federal entities 
that are involved in national defense or security, and local, state, 
and foreign governments. Commenters also requested that EPA ensure the 
definition covers use of HFCs in equipment approved by the United 
States Government for either Foreign Military Sales or Direct 
Commercial Sales. Commenters asked for clarification that uses by 
federal defense contractors, including those used within the 
manufacture of mission-critical products, are covered.
    EPA is not expanding the definition of ``mission-critical military 
end uses'' (emphasis added) to cover non-military applications. 
Expanding the definition to cover non-military applications, even if 
related to national defense or security, would not be consistent with 
the statute. The definition directs the DOD to determine what end uses 
are mission-critical; it is not appropriate to provide that authority 
to state, local, or foreign governments. EPA is also not amending its 
proposed definition to include Foreign Military Sales and Direct 
Commercial Sales. Under Foreign Military Sales, the United States 
Government manages new sales of defense equipment to foreign allies and 
partners. Under Direct Commercial Sales, the U.S. Department of State 
provides regulatory approvals for sales negotiated privately between 
foreign end users and American companies. DOD is involved in reviewing 
both types of sales. Such sales could already be covered under the 
proposed definition as they are included in the ``production . . . of 
Armed Forces vessels . . .'' DOD must determine such sales to be 
mission-critical.
    Onboard aerospace fire suppression. EPA is finalizing a definition 
of this term as ``use of a regulated substance in fire suppression 
equipment used onboard commercial and general aviation aircraft, 
including commercial-derivative aircraft for military use; rotorcraft; 
and space vehicles,'' which differs in some respects from the proposed 
definition based on EPA's consideration of public comments. EPA is also 
finalizing a separate definition for space vehicles consistent with the 
definition in 40 CFR 82.3. EPA requested comment on whether the 
definition of onboard aerospace fire suppression should include general 
aviation, which consists of private and/

[[Page 55135]]

or business aircraft, which may not have the same requirements as 
commercial aircraft for onboard aerospace fire suppression systems. The 
proposed definition excluded military aircraft because they are covered 
under the definition of mission-critical military end uses.
    Commenters from the onboard aerospace fire suppression sector 
requested that EPA provide flexibility in the use of application-
specific allowances within the aerospace and defense sectors or revise 
the definition for onboard aerospace fire suppression to allow the use 
of HFCs for military onboard aerospace fire suppression so that fire 
suppression systems are not limited to commercial aircraft 
applications, as opposed to aircraft used for military, recreational, 
or test purposes. Specifically, one commenter stated that there is not 
a clear distinction between commercial use and military use of HFCs for 
onboard aerospace fire suppression equipment. The commenter explained 
that in some cases, aircraft intended for sale to military customers 
are built using commercial aircraft designs that are modified for 
military use, and in other cases, the aircraft is built to commercial 
specifications and then modified for military use (``commercial 
derivatives''). Another commenter recommended that EPA allow for the 
use of HFCs for military onboard aerospace fire suppression under this 
application due to uncertainties involved in the mission-critical 
military end use application. EPA is modifying the definition to 
include commercial derivatives for military use and rotorcraft.
    As noted in the proposal, EPA has previously defined ``space 
vehicle'' under title VI regulations at 40 CFR 82.3 as a man-made 
device, either manned or unmanned, designed for operation beyond 
Earth's atmosphere. This definition includes integral equipment such as 
models, mock-ups, prototypes, molds, jigs, tooling, hardware jackets, 
and test coupons. Also included is auxiliary equipment associated with 
test, transport, and storage, which through contamination can 
compromise the space vehicle performance. EPA requested comment on 
whether ``space vehicle,'' as defined in 82.3, is inclusive of 
applications that would be considered as onboard aerospace fire 
suppression.
    A comment regarding the definition of ``space vehicle'' asked that 
it explicitly cross-reference the part 82 definition and extended to 
include aircraft in addition to space vehicles. EPA has included a 
definition of ``space vehicle'' that is consistent with the definition 
in 40 CFR 82.3 for clarity. It appears that in asking the definition to 
be extended to include aircraft, the commenter is requesting that HFCs 
used for fire suppression systems in models, mock-ups, prototypes, etc. 
for any onboard aerospace application, including aircraft, also be 
included within the definition of onboard aerospace fire suppression. 
EPA is not finalizing this suggestion. The Agency understands that 
there are a limited number of space vehicles and that the conditions 
they operate in are unique and include exposure to extreme heat and 
cold cycling, ultra-vacuum, atomic oxygen, and high-energy radiation. 
Given this set of factors does not apply to aircraft, it is appropriate 
to use a narrower definition for space vehicles that is consistent with 
the approach taken under the CAA.
    Some commenters asked for the definition for onboard aerospace fire 
suppression to include aerospace applications of HFCs necessary to 
suppress the development of in-flight fires, and not solely fire 
extinguishing ``equipment'' and ``systems.'' A commenter provided an 
example of HFC solvents to clean or flush oxygen systems. The Agency 
does not view this as fire suppression but as a solvent use. The Agency 
will only consider HFC use in systems or equipment that are discharged 
to extinguish live fires, or in specialized applications for explosion 
suppression and inerting against explosions and fires. These are the 
technical definitions of what these systems and equipment are made to 
do.\35\ An overly broad interpretation of ``onboard aerospace fire 
suppression'' would undercut the intent of the AIM Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \35\ Robert T. Wickham. ``Status of Industry Efforts to Replace 
Halon Fire Extinguishing Agents,'' March 2002. Available at https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-07/documents/status.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Process agent. The AIM Act uses the term ``process agent'' without 
defining it. EPA is defining the term as ``the use of a regulated 
substance to form the environment for facilitating a chemical reaction 
or inhibiting an unintended chemical reaction (e.g., use as a solvent, 
catalyst, or stabilizer) where the regulated substance is not consumed 
in the reaction, but is removed or recycled back into the process and 
where no more than trace quantities remain in the final product. A 
feedstock, in contrast, is consumed during the reaction.'' \36\ This 
definition matches the definition used by the Montreal Protocol's 
Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) and is well-established 
and understood in the ODS context.\37\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \36\ The term ``consume'' in the AIM Act has two separate 
meanings. In the context of describing transformation/feedstock uses 
of HFCs, the word ``consume'' is used to mean the decomposition of 
the substance. For example, subsection (b)(7)(B) excludes from the 
definition of ``produce'' ``the manufacture of a regulated substance 
that is used and entirely consumed (except for trace quantities) in 
the manufacture of another chemical.'' (emphasis added).
    \37\ Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone 
Layer, Medical and Chemical Technical Options Committee 2018 
Assessment Report. United Nations Environment Programme, 2018. 
Available at https://ozone.unep.org/sites/default/files/2019-04/MCTOC-Assessment-Report-2018.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA received comments that the proposed definition of process agent 
is too narrow in that it is limited to processes involving chemical 
reactions. Commenters suggested that the definition be expanded to 
include physical processes. Commenters did not provide additional 
information to explain what the differences are between a chemical 
reaction and a physical process, nor did they explain what specific 
actions may be excluded by using the proposed definition. EPA has been 
unable to find physical processes discussed in TEAP documents related 
to process agents; however, the Agency has found discussion of process 
agents inhibiting an unintended chemical reaction. This fits within the 
proposed definition that process agents are used to ``form the 
environment'' where the process occurs. EPA is finalizing the 
definition with the additional description of inhibiting unintended 
chemical reactions but is not including reference to physical 
processes, as the Agency does not have sufficient information 
supporting a change.
    Production/Produce. EPA is adopting the definition of the term 
``produce'' that is found in subsection (b) of the AIM Act. While 
substantially similar to the definition of the term ``production'' at 
40 CFR 82.3, there are a few differences. First, the AIM Act definition 
does not use the word ``transformed'' but rather textually incorporates 
most of the definition of the defined term ``transform'' from Sec.  
82.3. Second, the definition specifically excludes the reclamation of a 
regulated substance from the term production. This exclusion was not 
found in Sec.  82.3 but matches EPA's long-held interpretation in CAA 
title VI programs that reclamation does not constitute production and 
that reclaimed material is inherently reused/recycled.
    EPA proposed that the definition of production specifically exclude 
``the inadvertent or coincidental creation of insignificant quantities 
of a regulated

[[Page 55136]]

substance during a chemical manufacturing process, resulting from 
unreacted feedstock, from the listed substance's use as a process agent 
present as a trace quantity in the chemical substance being 
manufactured, or as an unintended byproduct of research and development 
applications.'' This phrase appears in the 40 CFR 82.3 definition of 
``controlled substance.'' The exclusion of these four types of 
insignificant quantities is more properly considered in defining what 
qualifies as production, given they describe acts of ``creation'' or 
``resulting from'' or ``byproduct of.'' Such insignificant quantities 
created in the above-listed circumstances are considered regulated 
substances, but are not considered production. Combining all of the 
exclusions under one term increases clarity when interpreting the terms 
``produce'' and ``regulated substance'' together.
    Based on public comments received, EPA is finalizing an addition to 
the listed circumstances addressed by the exclusion, specifically 
clarifying that it covers the inadvertent or coincidental creation of 
insignificant quantities of a regulated substance ``during 
semiconductor manufacturing processes.'' EPA estimates that 6 to 9 
metric tons of HFC-23 were generated as a byproduct per year from 2017 
to 2019 across all semiconductor manufacturing facilities that reported 
to the GHGRP. Semiconductor manufacturers reporting to the GHGRP are 
estimated to have accounted for 98 percent of HFC-23 generating 
activity (i.e., layer-weighted area of semiconductors produced) by 
semiconductor manufacturers in the United States in 2017.\38\ Total 
byproduct generation of HFC-23 from 2017 to 2019 was calculated by 
first estimating consumption of HFC-23 based on reported emissions of 
HFC-23 to the GHGRP, reported emissions of other fluorinated greenhouse 
gases, the emission factors used, and the reported fab-wide destruction 
or removal efficiencies. Byproduct generation was then estimated by 
using the ratio of byproduct emissions to total calculated uncontrolled 
emissions of HFC-23. The resulting estimates showed a decline between 
2017 and 2019. Byproduct generation of HFC-23 from individual 
fabrication plants was estimated to average approximately 140 kg per 
plant, with no fabrication plant generating more than 1.1 metric tons. 
Such a small amount falls under EPA's intended definition of 
``insignificant quantities,'' and therefore EPA finds it reasonable to 
finalize a definition that includes text clarifying that such 
insignificant quantities are excluded from the definition of 
production.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \38\ World Fab Forecast (2017). Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas 
Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2019. U.S. EPA 2021. Available at https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/inventory-us-greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-sinks-1990-2017.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, EPA is finalizing a change to this regulatory text to 
clarify that each of the listed circumstances is an independent 
circumstance and if insignificant quantities are inadvertently or 
coincidentally created in any of these five circumstances, they are 
exempt from the definition of production. Specifically, EPA is 
finalizing the following text in the regulations: ``Insignificant 
quantities of a regulated substance inadvertently or coincidentally 
generated from any of the following, independent circumstances:'' 
before listing the five circumstances.
    Reclaim. EPA is defining reclaim as ``the reprocessing of regulated 
substances to all of the specifications in Appendix A of 40 CFR part 
82, subpart F [based on AHRI Standard 700-2016] that are applicable to 
that regulated substance and to verify that the regulated substance 
meets these specifications using the analytical methodology prescribed 
in section 5 of Appendix A of 40 CFR part 82, subpart F.'' The final 
definition is unchanged from the proposal.
    Some commenters recommended that EPA establish in the definition of 
``reclaim'' a limit on the amount of virgin refrigerant that could be 
included. Put another way, if a recovered refrigerant is blended with 
more than a certain threshold of virgin refrigerant to bring it to AHRI 
700 standards, the resulting refrigerant would not meet the regulatory 
definition of reclaimed material. Commenters noted California's 
proposed requirement that reclaimed HFCs contain no greater than 15 
percent new refrigerant by weight, and recommended that EPA adopt a 
similar benchmark in its definition of reclaim. EPA may consider 
establishing standards regarding the amount of virgin product permitted 
to be used in ``reclaimed'' material in the future, but this regulatory 
definition is not the appropriate place to address this issue. Given 
the early stage of AIM Act implementation and stakeholder engagement, 
EPA also does not have sufficient information at this time to make a 
reasoned decision on what benchmark to set, if any.
    Regulated substance. The AIM Act uses the term ``regulated 
substance'' to refer to HFCs statutorily listed in the AIM Act and any 
such substance added to the list in the future consistent with 
subsection (c)(3)(A). EPA is defining the term as ``a hydrofluorocarbon 
listed in the table contained in subsection (c)(1) of the AIM Act and a 
substance included as a regulated substance by the Administrator under 
the authority granted in subsection (c)(3). A current list of regulated 
substances can be found in Appendix A of this part.'' The final 
definition is unchanged from the proposal.
    One commenter suggested EPA clarify that only saturated HFCs can be 
added to the list of regulated substances through the procedure in 
subsection (c)(3). EPA declines to make this addition to the 
definition. Subsection (c)(3) contains multiple limitations on what can 
be designated as a regulated substance, including that the chemical is 
a saturated HFC and has a minimum exchange value. For purposes of 
clarity, EPA is keeping the definition of regulated substances distinct 
from the process and limitations for designating additional regulated 
substances.
    Structural composite preformed polyurethane foam. EPA is defining 
this term as ``a foam blown from polyurethane that is reinforced with 
fibers and with polymer resin during the blowing process, and is 
preformed into the required shape (e.g., specific boat or trailer 
design) to increase structural strength, while reducing the weight of 
such structures.'' The final definition is unchanged from the proposal.
    One commenter suggested a modified definition, which would describe 
``structural composite preformed polyurethane foam'' as ``a foam blown 
from polyurethane that is extruded or injected into reinforcing fiber 
fabric material to impart the fabric with dimensional shape to create 
preformed elements that are later assembled together, impregnated with 
resin and/or otherwise cured to form a composite structure (e.g., 
specific boat or trailer design).'' The commenter explained that the 
modified definition more accurately and succinctly describes the 
structural composite preform technology for marine and trailer use. EPA 
is finalizing the definition as proposed to avoid creating an 
inadvertently restrictive definition and to keep the ideas of increased 
structural strength and weight reduction in the definition.
    Transhipment. EPA proposed to define transhipment consistent with 
the definition in 40 CFR 82.3 for ODS. However, based on interagency 
consultation, EPA is revising its definition slightly by replacing the 
phrase ``interstate commerce'' with ``U.S. commerce.'' This minor 
alteration in terminology will align this

[[Page 55137]]

requirement more closely with trade regulations administered by CBP and 
is a more accurate expression of EPA's intended meaning. The term 
``transhipment'' is defined as the continuous shipment of a regulated 
substance, from a foreign country of origin through the United States 
or its territories, to a second foreign country of final destination, 
as long as the shipment does not enter U.S. commerce. A transhipment, 
as it moves through the United States or its territories, cannot be 
repackaged, sorted, or otherwise changed in condition.
    EPA's use of this term is similar but not identical to an ``entry 
for transportation and exportation'' under 19 U.S.C. 1553 and 19 CFR 
18.20 through 18.24, and a ``transportation entry'' under 19 CFR 18.1. 
CBP regulations expressly allow in-bond merchandise to be transferred 
from one conveyance to another--what the shipping industry typically 
calls ``transloading'' or a ``transshipment'' (see 19 CFR 18.3). CBP 
regulations also allow in-bond merchandise to be shipped in a 
conveyance that contains other merchandise that is not being shipped 
in-bond, so long as the in-bond merchandise is clearly identified (see 
19 CFR 18.4(b)). However, EPA is not fully aligning with those 
practices for transhipments of HFCs. Under the definition finalized in 
this rule, a transhipment, as it moves through the United States or its 
territories, cannot be repackaged, sorted, or otherwise changed in 
condition. The full text of all definitions finalized in this rule can 
be found in 40 CFR 84.3.

VI. How is EPA establishing the HFC production and consumption 
baselines?

    The first step in phasing down HFCs through an allowance allocation 
and trading program is to establish the U.S. production and consumption 
baselines. It is from these baselines that EPA determines the total 
amount of allowances. By applying the AIM Act's percentage-based 
phasedown, which EPA implements via the total annual production and 
consumption allocations, the Agency derives in a stepwise manner the 
amount of allowances available compared to the baseline over the period 
of time encompassed in the statutory phasedown schedule.

A. What are the components of the production and consumption baselines?

    Subsection (e)(1) of the AIM Act directs EPA to establish a 
production baseline and a consumption baseline and provides the 
equations for doing so. The equations comprise an HFC component, an 
HCFC component, and a CFC component. Specifically, the production 
baseline is equal to the sum of: (i) The average annual quantity of all 
regulated substances produced in the United States from January 1, 
2011, through December 31, 2013, and (ii) 15 percent of the production 
level of HCFCs in calendar year 1989, and (iii) 0.42 percent of the 
production level of CFCs in calendar year 1989. For the purposes of 
establishing the baselines, EPA must use the exchange values assigned 
by Congress to develop an exchange value-weighted amount for both 
production and consumption. The equation representing the production 
baseline calculation is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05OC21.000

    Similarly, the AIM Act defines the consumption baseline as equal to 
the sum of (i) the average annual quantity of the consumption \39\ of 
regulated substances in the United States from January 1, 2011, through 
December 31, 2013, and (ii) 15 percent of the consumption of HCFCs in 
calendar year 1989, and (iii) 0.42 percent of the consumption of CFCs 
in calendar year 1989. The equation representing the consumption 
baseline calculation is below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \39\ Consumption is equal to production plus imports minus 
exports.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05OC21.001

    EPA's proposal that the HFC consumption baseline consist of bulk 
HFCs and not include imports of HFCs contained in products garnered 
multiple comments, both opposed and in favor. Similarly, some 
commenters raised the

[[Page 55138]]

related issue of whether consumption allowances should be required to 
import HFCs contained in products. Some commenters pointed to the AIM 
Act's description of the consumption baseline in subsection (e)(1)(C), 
which states that it includes ``all regulated substances consumed in 
the United States'' (emphasis added) to include imports of HFCs 
contained in products in the baseline period. Commenters stated that 
the AIM Act does not distinguish between ``bulk'' HFCs and those 
contained in products but, rather, plainly states that all regulated 
substances are to be included.
    As explained further in the definitions portion of this final 
notice, the AIM Act definition of ``consumption'' does not directly or 
unambiguously address whether that term should include imports of 
products containing HFCs or be limited to imports of bulk HFCs. Because 
the statute is ambiguous, EPA has discretion to develop a reasonable 
definition of the term in order to implement the statutorily required 
HFC phasedown. For the reasons provided in Section V on definitions, 
EPA is defining ``consumption'' to be limited to bulk substances. 
Therefore, the statutory language commenters cite in AIM Act subsection 
(e)(1)(C), which addresses the calculation of the consumption baseline 
and which refers to ``all regulated substances consumed in the United 
States,'' is better understood to refer to all consumption, which 
necessarily limits this directive to bulk substances in light of EPA's 
previously described interpretation of that term. Accordingly, EPA is 
finalizing the consumption baseline calculation with only bulk HFCs as 
proposed.
    While EPA recognizes that the AIM Act is a distinct authority from 
title VI of the CAA, it is also true that many of the AIM Act's 
statutory provisions addressing the HFC phasedown are written and 
structured similarly to statutory or regulatory provisions under title 
VI addressing the ODS phaseout. Under the phaseout requirements for ODS 
(40 CFR part 82, subpart A), only imports and exports of bulk 
controlled substances are counted as part of the consumption cap.\40\ 
As explained in more detail in Section V of this final notice, it is 
reasonable to interpret and implement those terms in a similar manner 
when there is no indication to suggest disparate treatment. Further, 
during Congressional testimony on the AIM Leadership Act (a prior 
version of the AIM Act, but similar to the allowance allocation and 
trading text in the final AIM Act) before the House Energy and Commerce 
Committee, EPA was asked how the legislation compared to CAA title VI, 
and EPA responded that ``most of the main components, particularly the 
phasedown, [are] very similar.'' \41\ If members of the Committee had 
intended the terms ``consume'' and ``consumption''--which are identical 
to the terms used under CAA title VI--to include products containing 
HFCs, it is reasonable to anticipate that they would have made their 
intention clear in the statutory text given that such an interpretation 
would be a significant divergence from EPA's implementation of the ODS 
phaseout under title VI of the CAA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \40\ This approach is also consistent with the approach taken 
under the Montreal Protocol. Decision I/12A, taken at the first 
Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, defines 
``controlled substances'' as bulk chemical. As such, the production 
and consumption schedules under the Montreal Protocol only apply to 
bulk chemical.
    \41\ See https://www.congress.gov/116/meeting/house/110388/documents/HHRG-116-IF18-Transcript-20200114.pdf on pages 22 and 23.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    There would be severe implementation difficulties resulting from 
including imports of products containing HFCs in the consumption 
baseline and requiring allowances for imports of such products. If the 
HFC allocation framework under the AIM Act were expanded beyond bulk 
substances to include imports of products containing HFCs, the 
regulated importer community would be at least double in number. Many 
if not all of these entities have never been subject to regulation of 
this kind and would therefore likely be caught unawares and be 
unfamiliar with EPA's general approach to the allocation program. Some 
commenters were not persuaded by this concern, which EPA also described 
in the proposed rule. A few commenters stated that this is also true of 
establishing the program of application-specific allowances while 
others stated that these concerns do not override the clear language of 
the statute. EPA disagrees that the statutory language is clear on this 
point. As noted in the definitions portion of this final rule, the 
language in the AIM Act is ambiguous as to whether ``consumption'' 
should include imports of products containing HFCs, and thus is also 
ambiguous as to whether the baseline calculation and allowance system 
should include imported products containing HFCs. Given the statutory 
ambiguity, EPA is taking many considerations into account to determine 
that the definition of ``consumption'' is most appropriately read to be 
limited to import of bulk substances. Including imported products in 
the consumption baseline calculation would by necessity require the 
Agency to issue consumption allowances to all importers of products 
containing HFCs. Put another way, all such products would be prohibited 
from being imported effective January 1, 2022, absent participation in 
an allowance allocation system.
    Commenters did not dispute EPA's estimate that the regulated 
universe would at least double--or more--if HFCs contained in imported 
products were included in the allowance system. EPA's experience with 
the ODS phaseout taught the Agency that regulated substances can be in 
products ranging from silly string to niche medical devices. These 
products were often manufactured or imported by small businesses that 
only learned of the phaseout when informed by their suppliers. While it 
is true that the application-specific allowance system will require 
allocations to end users, which is different than under title VI, 
Congress limited the universe to a discrete number of applications, 
which are expressly listed in (e)(4)(B)(iv).
    Commenters in favor of including imports of HFCs contained in 
products expressed concern that domestic manufacturers of such products 
would be at a competitive disadvantage to imported products. They argue 
that because product manufacturers abroad can acquire HFCs that are not 
subject to the AIM Act's phasedown restrictions, domestic manufacturers 
would be disadvantaged by needing to acquire HFCs within the United 
States which they believe would be more expensive. Other commenters 
argued that undercounting the baseline results in a more stringent 
phasedown schedule than Congress intended. Some commenters expressed 
concern that the volume of HFCs in products is currently equal to 10 
percent of bulk HFC consumption and is growing. Without controls, 
commenters said failure to include imports of HFCs in products will 
continue to allow HFCs into the country, further damaging the Earth's 
climate system.
    EPA plans to achieve the objectives in the AIM Act to phase down 
HFCs and at the same time avoid the relocation of HFC production. Among 
the authorities provided in the AIM Act, EPA's assessment is that other 
subsections of the Act present opportunities for addressing use of HFCs 
in products separate from the production and consumption controls being 
finalized in this rule. In particular, subsection (i) of the AIM Act is 
a powerful tool in and of itself, providing both interested parties and 
EPA with significant

[[Page 55139]]

potential to address the use of HFCs in products. This view appears to 
be consistent with other stakeholders as well, given the Agency has 
received more than a dozen petitions from companies, industry 
associations, environmental groups, and states under AIM Act subsection 
(i). The submitted petitions request restrictions on HFCs in a wide 
range of applications, including use of HFCs in the types of products 
mentioned in comment.\42\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \42\ The petitions received to date are publicly available at 
https://www.epa.gov/climate-hfcs-reduction/petitions-under-aim-act 
and at https://www.regulations.gov, under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2021-0289.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA disagrees with commenters that not including imports of 
products containing HFCs in the definition of consumption puts domestic 
manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage or will not achieve 
necessary environmental benefits. More than 120 countries have joined 
the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, including most if not 
all of the countries with significant trade in products containing HFCs 
with the United States, such as Mexico, Japan, Germany, and China. 
Joining the Kigali Amendment entails a phasedown of HFC production and 
consumption, so the supply of HFCs in those countries will be limited 
in ways that are similar to the AIM Act restrictions implemented in the 
United States. Major United States trading parties, including Japan and 
Germany, have baseline figures based on the same historical data points 
as directed by the AIM Act and used to establish the baseline in this 
rule, and the Kigali Amendment phasedown schedule for those countries 
matches the phasedown schedule established in the AIM Act.
    For some countries, including Mexico and China, baselines for the 
phasedown of HFCs consistent with the Kigali Amendment will be set 
based on 2020-2022 production and consumption. In those countries, a 
cap on production and consumption becomes effective as of January 1, 
2024. Any HFC production or consumption that is used to manufacture and 
export products containing HFCs would count as production and 
consumption in the country exporting the products, not the country 
receiving the products via import. Commenters are concerned that 
companies in countries with a later phasedown schedule could increase 
their production and consumption in the years used to determine the 
baseline for those countries, resulting in increased access to HFCs for 
the duration of the phasedown. In the near term, it is very unlikely 
companies operating in those countries would find it worthwhile or even 
be able to expand their production or consumption to service a 
hypothetical expanded products market for the United States. The time 
remaining to execute tactics aimed at expanding the baseline is 
exceedingly brief given that it is already late in 2021 and it is 
difficult to dramatically ramp up production and manufacturing in a 
short timeframe. It is also unlikely there would be significant 
incentive to do so prior to the cap on production that begins in 2024 
since the reduction in allowed U.S. consumption in 2022 and 2023 is 
limited to 10 percent and would not create much ``room'' or demand for 
an increase in imports of products containing HFCs in the near term. 
Further, companies would also need to make investments to offshore or 
ramp up production in other countries while the U.S. regulatory 
landscape is actively unfolding and could run the risk of stranding 
assets depending on decisions EPA makes in near term rules. Combined, 
these are additional reasons to expect that importation of products 
containing HFCs will not affect the environmental benefits of the 
program established in this rule or the competitiveness of U.S. 
domestic manufacturers.
    EPA's experience in implementing title VI of the CAA supports these 
expectations. Under the Agency's experience in phasing out ODS under 
title VI of the CAA, where other countries committed to similar 
phaseouts under the Montreal Protocol, the Agency did not see 
unaddressed documented harm to domestic product manufacturers or lack 
of environmental benefits. Where EPA did see the potential for harm, 
the Agency established requirements to address products containing ODS 
through other authorities under title VI, which ameliorated competitive 
impacts on domestic manufacturers in sectors that might have otherwise 
experienced such impacts. In addition, there is reason to believe that 
manufacturers of products that currently contain HFCs will respond to 
the HFC phasedown by transitioning away from HFCs themselves. EPA is 
aware that some categories of products containing HFCs, including 
appliances where the refrigerant is factory-charged, such as household 
refrigerators, are already transitioning from HFC-134a to hydrocarbons 
and a full transition is anticipated no later than 2025. Therefore, EPA 
does not agree with comments that suggest significant growth for all 
products containing HFCs. However, if there are unanticipated 
documented challenges for domestic product manufacturers or lagging 
environmental benefits counter to EPA's expectations, EPA retains the 
discretion to revisit its approach to products containing HFCs in the 
future.
    Lastly, we note that this rulemaking only addresses the framework 
for allocating production and consumption allowances under subsection 
(e) of the AIM Act. EPA intends to consider opportunities for 
addressing products containing HFCs under other subsections of the AIM 
Act in future actions. One authority currently under consideration by 
EPA is subsection (i) of the AIM Act, which authorizes EPA to 
``restrict, fully, partially, or on a graduated schedule, the use of a 
regulated substance in the sector or subsector in which the regulated 
substance is used.'' Subsection (i) also provides opportunity for 
outside parties to file a petition with EPA for a rule establishing 
such a restriction and establishes a time frame for EPA to act on those 
petitions. As noted previously, EPA has received more than a dozen 
petitions under subsection (i) requesting restrictions on the use of 
HFCs in products including aerosols, foams, refrigeration units, air 
conditioners (e.g., residential, commercial, and motor vehicle), and 
dehumidifiers. The statutory deadline under subsection (i) for granting 
or denying the first five of the pending petitions received by the 
agency is October 10, 2021, and EPA intends to meet that deadline. If 
EPA were to finalize rulemaking consistent with the requests in these 
petitions, it would result in restrictions on the use of HFCs in 
domestically manufactured and imported products under subsection (i). 
As with any rulemaking, EPA anticipates that a rulemaking under 
subsection (i) would include an opportunity for public participation on 
these issues.
    In response to comments that EPA is undercounting the baseline by 
not including products, and thereby accelerating the HFC phasedown, EPA 
disagrees. The commenter's suggestion seems premised on a misconception 
that imports of products containing HFCs could be included in the 
baseline, but not in the allowance system. The key question is whether 
imports of products containing HFCs are included in the terms 
``consume'' and ``consumption.'' If imports of products containing HFCs 
are part of consumption, they would be calculated into the consumption 
baseline, but also consumption allowances would be required for future 
import of products containing HFCs. As explained previously, the 
statute does not speak directly to this question, so

[[Page 55140]]

EPA is using its discretion to interpret the terms ``consume'' and 
``consumption'' to not include imports of products containing HFCs. 
Under this interpretation, HFCs contained in imported products are not 
covered by the allocation system, and they cannot be included in the 
baseline. Consumption allowances will not be required to import 
products containing HFCs, and as described in the prior paragraph, EPA 
intends to consider ways to address HFC use in products under other 
subsections of the AIM Act. For this rule, we are using a consistent 
accounting system for both the baseline and the allowance system that 
does not incorporate products containing HFCs.
    Further, without adequate data to establish a baseline that 
accurately reflects products, EPA would run a significant risk of 
creating a baseline that is too small to account for the full scope of 
imported products used today. While Subpart QQ of the GHGRP contains 
data about imports of foams and appliances containing HFCs, it does not 
capture all regulated substances contained in items including fire 
suppression equipment or consumer aerosol products. If the Agency were 
to include HFCs contained in products in the baseline figures, it also 
would need to include data reflecting HCFCs and CFCs contained in 
products in 1989 to complete the baseline formula. The Agency does not 
have these data and it would be administratively impossible to 
comprehensively collect such decades-old data now (as opposed to bulk 
CFC and bulk HCFC data which the Agency already collected many years 
ago and has used under title VI of the CAA as a basis for establishing 
and implementing the phaseout schedule and allowances for both CFCs and 
HCFCs for 30 years).
    Some commenters disagreed that it would be administratively 
impossible to collect data on HCFCs and CFCs contained in products in 
1989 to complete the baseline formula. Commenters noted that volumes 
would be small given most appliances were domestically produced at that 
time. One commenter provided data on imports of window units to that 
effect. When multiplied by the percentages in the baseline formula, 
commenters stated, the effect would be minimal compared to the HFC 
element of the calculation. EPA does not dispute commenters' points, 
but the commenters also do not dispute EPA's fundamental point that it 
is administratively impossible to collect a comprehensive set of data 
on HCFCs and CFCs imported into the United States inside of products in 
1989 of a similar quality to the data EPA holds on bulk HCFCs and CFCs. 
Commenters, at most, allege that EPA could make an informed guess at a 
number to add to the baseline calculation. But such a guess would not 
match the surety and caliber of data otherwise included in the baseline 
calculation--which is based on actual data--and is not sufficient to 
determine the baseline calculation with a level of certainty that is 
necessary to meet the directive Congress provided to EPA in the AIM 
Act. Further, it is reasonable to presume that Congress knew that we 
would lack such 1989 data given EPA's implementation of the ODS 
phaseout was limited to bulk substances, and this provides further 
support that EPA's interpretation of ``consumption'' as limited to bulk 
is reasonable. Furthermore, even if commenters' statement that we could 
develop a figure to estimate 1989 imports for products imported that 
contained CFCs and HCFCs were correct, this does not undermine all the 
other reasons EPA has provided for its reasonable interpretation that 
``consumption'' is limited to bulk substances.
    EPA is also finalizing its approach of not including transhipment 
amounts within the baseline. In addition to the prior discussion on why 
imports of HFCs contained in products are not included in the baseline 
calculation, transhipment imports are not included in the definition of 
``consumption.'' A transhipment is the continuous shipment of a 
regulated substance, from a foreign country of origin through the 
United States, to a second foreign country of final destination. 
Transhipments do not enter U.S. commerce. The sum effect of this 
activity is zero since the regulated substance is both imported (which 
would be added to the consumption baseline) and exported (which would 
be subtracted from the consumption baseline) in identical quantities.
1. How is EPA determining the HFC component of the production and 
consumption baselines?
    In order to calculate the production and consumption baselines, EPA 
has determined the annual production and consumption of the statutorily 
listed HFCs in the years 2011, 2012, and 2013. EPA has used multiple 
sources of data to calculate HFC consumption and production figures for 
2011 through 2013: (1) Data reported to EPA's GHGRP; (2) data received 
in response to the notice of data availability (NODA) published 
February 11, 2021; (3) data from Customs in the Automated Customs 
Environment (ACE) and confirmed through letters sent out under CAA 
section 114 (EPA ICR 2685.01); and (4) data received in response to the 
notice of proposed rulemaking by the comment due date. EPA received new 
or revised production, import, export, and destruction data, all of 
which affect the final baseline values.
    The GHGRP requires various facilities and suppliers to annually 
report data related to GHGs to EPA (see 40 CFR part 98). Subpart OO, 
``Suppliers of Industrial Greenhouse Gases,'' is the section relevant 
to reporting on HFC production and consumption. Because the HFCs listed 
as regulated substances under the AIM Act are industrial GHGs, EPA has 
collected a significant amount of data relevant to HFC production and 
consumption as defined under the AIM Act. EPA used these data as a 
starting point for estimating the historical HFC production and 
consumption figures necessary to calculate baselines under the AIM Act. 
Further discussion of the GHGRP can be found in the notice for the 
proposed rule.
    The data available through GHGRP significantly contribute to EPA's 
ability to calculate the amount of HFCs produced and consumed in the 
United States in 2011-2013 for purposes of determining the AIM Act 
baselines. However, there are known gaps in the GHGRP data, and EPA has 
made best efforts to fill these gaps. EPA published a NODA on February 
11, 2021, outlining available information and perceived data gaps (86 
FR 9059). Further discussion of the NODA and data collection efforts 
taken prior to proposal can be found in the proposed rule.
    EPA invited additional public input through the proposed rulemaking 
and has separately sent letters under the authority of subsection 
(k)(1)(C) of the AIM Act and section 114 of the CAA to companies that 
may have relevant data.\43\ Specifically, EPA attempted to contact 
companies that may not have been reporting to GHGRP, either because 
they had failed to report and were out of compliance or because they 
were below the GHGRP reporting threshold. These companies were asked to 
submit any data on HFC production, import, export, transformation, and 
destruction between 2011 and 2019 that they had not already submitted 
to GHGRP Subpart OO. To find these companies, EPA obtained a list from 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of all companies that appeared 
to import HFCs between 2011 and 2019. This list contained roughly 400 
companies. EPA first sent letters to

[[Page 55141]]

these companies, requesting they submit any relevant data. EPA then 
attempted to find email addresses for these companies and sent a copy 
of the request letter by email as well.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \43\ View Information Collection Request (ICR) Package at 
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAViewICR?ref_nbr=202103-2060-005.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Roughly 130 companies responded to the letter or the follow-up 
email. A small fraction of these companies actually had relevant data 
to submit. EPA reviewed any new or updated data for accuracy. EPA used 
this more complete dataset to calculate the AIM baseline and each 
company's historical annual HFC production and consumption.
2. What is the HFC component of the production and consumption 
baselines?
    The equations in the AIM Act for the production and consumption 
baselines include the average annual production and consumption of HFCs 
between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2013. Based on the 
information reported to the GHGRP and gathered through recent data 
collection efforts, average HFC consumption in 2011 through 2013 was 
260.7MMTEVe and average HFC production in 2011 through 2013 was 338.3 
MMTEVe for those three years. A memo to the docket (``HFC Production 
and Consumption Data--Final Rule'') provides the aggregated data for 
each of the three years similar to that provided in the NODA and the 
proposed rule. As envisioned in the proposed rule, these values have 
changed by about 2 percent based on the data collected since the rule 
was proposed.
3. What are the HCFC and CFC components of the production and 
consumption baselines?
    The equations in the AIM Act for the production and consumption 
baselines include HCFC and CFC components from 1989. That year was 
designated under the Montreal Protocol as the baseline year used for 
several class I substances (Groups III, IV, and V in the Montreal 
Protocol) as well as for class II substances (HCFCs). See, e.g., 74 FR 
66412 (December 15, 2009). As a result, EPA has previously developed a 
complete accounting of ODS production, import, and export during that 
year.\44\ These values are unchanged from the proposed rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \44\ For more information on historical U.S. ODS production and 
consumption data, please visit the United Nations Environment 
Programme's website at https://ozone.unep.org/countries/profile/usa.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Specifically, the 1989 production and consumption levels for HCFCs 
are 216.9 MMTEVe and 210.3 MMTEVe respectively, and the 1989 production 
and consumption baselines for CFCs are 2,799.8 MMTEVe and 2,784.5 
MMTEVe respectively. Fifteen percent of the 1989 HCFC production and 
consumption baselines is 32.5 MMTEVe and 31.5 MMTEVe respectively, 
while 0.42 percent of the 1989 CFC production and consumption baselines 
is 11.8 MMTEVe and 11.7 MMTEVe respectively.

B. What are the final HFC production and consumption baselines?

    Using the equation provided in the AIM Act, and based on the data 
available to the Agency, EPA is establishing in this final rule the 
production baseline of 382.6 MMTEVe and the consumption baseline of 
303.9 MMTEVe. 40 CFR 84.7(b) includes the baseline values in MTEVe.

                     Table 5--Inputs for Calculation of Production and Consumption Baselines
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Percentage in    Modified value
                            Input                              Value (MMTEVe)   baseline (%)        (MMTEVe)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2011-2013 average HFC production.............................           338.3             100              338.3
1989 HCFC production.........................................           216.9              15               32.5
1989 CFC production..........................................         2,799.8            0.42               11.8
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
    Production baseline......................................  ..............  ..............              382.6
2011-2013 average HFC consumption............................           260.7             100              260.7
1989 HCFC consumption........................................           210.3              15               31.5
1989 CFC consumption.........................................         2,784.5            0.42               11.7
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
    Consumption baseline.....................................  ..............  ..............              303.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA received a comment that providing draft baselines that are 
subject to change in the final rule deprives commenters of the ability 
to comment on the actual baseline. EPA disagrees. EPA provided the best 
data available to the Agency at the time of proposal. After further 
analysis EPA finds that these values have increased by approximately 8 
MMTEVe and 5 MMTEVe, respectively. This is a 2.3 percent and 2.0 
percent increase and is substantively similar to the proposed value for 
commenters to consider. While EPA acknowledges that the exact baseline 
figures were not identified at the proposal stage, EPA did provide 
sufficient information regarding the methodology to be used to reach a 
final baseline figure, and commenters were able to provide comment on 
this methodology. EPA provided notice of the steps the Agency would 
take to collect data to further inform the baseline calculation, 
including highlighting known data gaps in the numbers provided at 
proposal. Commenters were also given notice of the calculation 
methodology EPA would use to determine the production and consumption 
baselines given that the formulas are provided for in the statute.
    Another commenter stated that the GHGRP data are heavily flawed and 
result in a ``possibly significant'' undercount of imports because they 
exempt from reporting companies that import below a 25,000 
MTCO2e threshold. EPA acknowledges this difference between 
data available through GHGRP and data needed to inform the baseline 
calculations under AIM. The Agency noted this difference in the NODA 
and in the proposed rule. EPA has made best efforts to identify non-
reporters to the GHGRP. EPA analyzed import data from Customs reported 
through the Automated Commercial Environment/International Trade Data 
System (ACE/ITDS), which has no minimum threshold for reporting, to 
identify potential HFC importers and then contacted them by email and 
certified letter. As a result, additional companies reported production 
and consumption data for the first time and EPA has included all 
verified data from these efforts into the baseline calculation. The 
commenter did not identify an alternate dataset or

[[Page 55142]]

suggest another means of establishing the baselines.

VII. How is EPA establishing allowances?

    This section provides an overview of the system for providing HFC 
production and consumption allowances and EPA's methodology for issuing 
allowances. The AIM Act in subsection (e)(3) requires EPA to phase down 
production and consumption of regulated substances in the United States 
through an allowance allocation and trading program. In contrast to the 
significant detail provided in the AIM Act on how to establish 
production and consumption baselines and the required set percentage 
reductions in specific years from that baseline, the AIM Act provides 
EPA considerable discretion in determining how to establish the 
allowance program and how to allocate allowances in that program.

A. What is an allowance?

    Subsection (e)(2)(D)(ii) of the AIM Act specifies that an allowance 
allocated by EPA under the AIM Act is a limited authorization for the 
production or consumption of a regulated substance and does not 
constitute a property right. As proposed, the Agency will issue 
allowances that are valid between January 1 and December 31 of a given 
year, also known as a ``calendar-year allowance.'' A calendar-year 
allowance represents the privilege granted to a company to produce or 
import regulated substances in that year. Unused calendar-year 
allowances cannot be used in a subsequent year.
    EPA is establishing three types of allowances: Production 
allowances, consumption allowances, and ``application-specific 
allowances'' for six uses specified in the Act. Producing HFCs will 
require expending both production allowances and consumption 
allowances, since production is a component of the AIM Act definition 
of what comprises consumption. This design helps EPA ensure that both 
the production and consumption caps from the AIM Act will be met 
through the allowances allocated. Importing HFCs will require expending 
only consumption allowances. This framework matches EPA's practice from 
the ODS phaseout and accordingly is familiar to many producers and 
importers of HFCs. As discussed later, ``application-specific 
allowances'' are a third category of allowances that can be expended to 
either produce or import HFCs.
    EPA is finalizing the proposal that allowances issued under the AIM 
Act be exchange value-weighted. This will help EPA align the baseline 
(which Congress directed be calculated in exchange value terms) with 
the allowances available for allocation under the statutory phasedown 
schedule. It also maintains flexibility for a producer or importer to 
select the appropriate regulated substance for their business since 
allowances will be allocated in and transferred on an exchange value-
weighted basis, as opposed to being specific to a chemical. This allows 
entities to efficiently distribute allowances as the market needs and 
may encourage transitions into regulated substances with lower exchange 
values earlier than would happen under the statutory schedule, which 
could lead to greater environmental and health benefits. Multiple 
commenters expressed support for allowances being EVe-weighted and 
agreed with EPA's basis for noting that this provides flexibility and 
aligns with the EVe-weighted baseline. One commenter asked that EPA 
consider using the 20-year GWP value for HFCs in addition to the 100-
year value to better address the near-term harm caused by HFCs. The AIM 
Act directs the Agency to use the exchange values provided in the Act 
to calculate the baseline from which the statutory phasedown is 
calculated. In order to ensure that allowances are allocated in an 
amount permissible under the statutory phasedown schedule, EPA has 
determined it is reasonable and necessary to rely on the exchange 
values provided in the AIM Act.
    EPA is finalizing its proposal that one allowance is equal to one 
MTEVe. To determine the total number of allowances needed, producers 
and importers must multiply the quantity of the HFC they seek to 
produce or import by its exchange value. For example, an importer would 
need to expend 143 consumption allowances to import 100 kilograms of 
HFC-134a. Given the variation in exchange values, one would need to 
expend between 5.3 allowances to produce 100 kg of HFC-152 and 1,480 
allowances to produce 100 kg of HFC-23. As demonstrated in this 
example, allowances are to be expended down to the tenth, with any 
necessary rounding after calculating the total. If any production or 
consumption occurs, that does not fall under a permitted exception, a 
person must expend at least 0.1 allowances. As proposed, EPA is 
adopting the table of regulated substances and their corresponding 
exchange values provided in section (c) of the AIM Act into appendix A 
to 40 CFR part 84.
    EPA notes that the exchange values listed in the AIM Act for each 
regulated HFC, and for the CFCs and HCFCs used in the baseline 
calculations, are numerically identical to the 100-year GWPs of each 
substance, as given in the Errata to Table 2.14 of the IPCC's Fourth 
Assessment Report (AR4) \45\ and Annexes A, C, and F of the Montreal 
Protocol. In practical terms, producers, importers, and exporters would 
be able to use the AR4 GWP of a blend that contains only regulated HFCs 
in determining the amount of allowances necessary to produce or import 
that blend, or more precisely, the regulated HFC components contained 
in the blend. If a blend contains components that are not listed as a 
regulated substance, only the components of the blend that are 
regulated HFCs are included in determining the amount of allowances 
necessary to import that blend in EVe weight. As a result, allowances 
required to be expended would be lower than the CO2e value 
for blends that are not limited to regulated substances.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \45\ IPCC, 2007: Summary for Policymakers. In: Climate Change 
2007: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to 
the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on 
Climate Change [Solomon, S., D. Qin, M. Manning, Z. Chen, M. 
Marquis, K.B. Averyt, M. Tignor and H.L. Miller (eds.)]. Cambridge 
University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA. 
Available at https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar4/wg1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Another commenter suggested that an allowance be based on multiple 
factors including its GWP, global temperature potential, market 
prevalence, and whether or not a viable alternative exists for the type 
of HFC in question. The allowance system established in this rulemaking 
is for purposes of executing the Congressionally mandated phasedown 
schedule, which is based in exchange-value weighted terms. It is 
therefore reasonable to base allowances on exchange value. If other 
factors were taken into account in determining allowances, that would 
not ensure EPA is meeting the Congressionally mandated phasedown 
schedule. In practice, the commenter's approach would also be 
unworkable since it would require a chemical-specific and use-specific 
allocation. The Agency could not determine how all allowances would be 
used prior to issuing them. EPA notes, however, that there are other 
provisions under the AIM Act where prevalence of viable alternatives 
may be relevant, and so factors such as those cited by the commenter 
may be relevant in future Agency rulemakings.
    Unlike the approach taken under the CAA to phase out ODS, EPA's 
proposed approach to determine allowance allocations does not rely on 
the creation of company-specific baseline

[[Page 55143]]

allowances. Under the ODS phaseout, baseline allowances were revisited 
periodically and updated based on transfers between companies. Baseline 
allowances effectively became ``permanent'' and had value across 
control periods. Companies that stopped producing ODS had the ability 
to continue receiving allowances annually until the phaseout date, or 
could sell their market share to another company by transferring their 
baseline and/or calendar-year allowances. Under the AIM Act, EPA 
proposed to only issue calendar-year allowances, which are only usable 
in the year they are issued, without the system of baseline allowances. 
This approach provides flexibility in the future to adjust approaches, 
such as the allocation for 2024. Rather than being tied to a fixed 
amount in the past, this approach allows EPA to react to a dynamic 
marketplace associated with a phasedown as opposed to a phaseout.
    As discussed, an allowance is a limited authorization for the 
production or consumption of a regulated substance. Typically, an 
allowance is expended upon the creation or import of a regulated 
substance. However, the AIM Act provides certain exceptions to that 
general rule. Producing or importing HFCs that will be used and 
entirely consumed (except for trace quantities) in the manufacture of 
another chemical (i.e., for use as a feedstock, which is also known as 
transformation) does not require expending production or consumption 
allowances. In general, such HFCs are exempted from the term 
``produce'' under subsection (b) of the AIM Act. However, HFCs intended 
to be used for transformation are regulated substances and thus certain 
provisions, such as recordkeeping and reporting, apply to them to 
verify that they are in fact transformed. The few commenters who spoke 
to this issue were supportive of this proposal.
    The definition of ``produce'' in the AIM Act and as finalized in 
this rulemaking explicitly excludes the reclamation, reuse, or 
recycling of a regulated substance. Because the definition of 
``consumption'' includes production, EPA is not including the amounts 
of domestically reclaimed HFCs for calculating the yearly production or 
consumption limits. The AIM Act does not exempt HFCs that have been 
reclaimed or otherwise reprocessed from consideration when determining 
the volume of HFCs imported into the United States. EPA is therefore 
requiring consumption allowances for the import of reclaimed HFCs, 
unless the reclaimed HFCs are being imported solely for the purpose of 
destruction. In that situation, if the imported reclaimed HFCs were 
counted toward consumption, it would be subtracted back out when 
destroyed. In this circumstance, it seems appropriate to simply permit 
reclaimed HFCs to be imported solely for purposes of destruction 
without expenditure of an allowance, assuming it can be reasonably 
demonstrated that the HFC will in fact be destroyed. Related 
recordkeeping and reporting requirements are found in Sec.  84.31. 
There is further discussion of the process to import used HFCs for 
destruction in Section IX.E of this preamble.
    Producers of HFCs do not need to expend production or consumption 
allowances if the HFCs are destroyed in a timely manner using an 
approved technology. This approach is consistent with the definition of 
``produce'' in the AIM Act, which excludes ``the destruction of a 
regulated substance by a technology approved by the Administrator.'' 
HFCs that are domestically produced but are intended for destruction 
are regulated substances and thus certain provisions, such as 
recordkeeping and reporting, apply to them to verify that they are in 
fact destroyed. If a company intends to utilize onsite destruction 
capability, the company does not need to expend allowances for the HFC 
production if the HFCs are destroyed within 30 days of being generated. 
If a company intends to utilize offsite destruction capability, EPA is 
finalizing that the company need not expend allowances for the HFC 
production if the HFCs are destroyed within 120 days of being 
generated, which is 30 days longer than the proposed 90 days. These 
timelines seem achievable as a practical matter while being short 
enough to avoid potential malfeasance that could occur over an 
elongated time horizon.
    One commenter argued that the timeline for destruction should begin 
when the company has a sufficient ``batch'' of chemicals to run through 
a destruction process. According to the commenter, the clock should run 
after such a ``batch'' was collected and then a company would have 90 
days to destroy that batch offsite before triggering the requirement to 
expend allowances for such chemicals. EPA is not adopting this 
suggestion in the final rule because the triggering event is the 
production of the regulated substance which would otherwise require the 
expenditure of an allowance. Also, finalizing a timeline that runs off 
development of a ``batch'' as the commenter suggests seems functionally 
unenforceable given the lack of clarity around when chemicals would be 
sufficiently ``batched.'' However, EPA acknowledges that the proposed 
required timeline for offsite destruction may have been short, so as 
noted previously, is extending that time period from 90 to 120 days 
running from the time the regulated substance is created in this final 
rule.
    As discussed in Section V, EPA is excluding from production 
``Insignificant quantities of a regulated substance inadvertently or 
coincidentally generated from any of the following, independent 
circumstances: During a chemical manufacturing process, resulting from 
unreacted feedstock, from the listed substance's use as a process agent 
present as a trace quantity in the chemical substance being 
manufactured, as an unintended byproduct of research and development 
applications, or during semiconductor manufacturing processes.'' Any 
other regulated substances created during the manufacturing process, 
either in quantities that are not insignificant or outside of the 
listed circumstances, would be considered ``production'' and would 
require expenditure of production and consumption allowances unless 
destroyed in a timely manner (there are additional restrictions related 
to HFC-23, as discussed further in Section VIII.C). This provision is 
intended to ensure that the regulated substances identified under the 
AIM Act are appropriately controlled and their production and 
consumption are reduced under the schedule required by Congress. 
Whether the regulated substance is inadvertently created through the 
chemical manufacturing process does not seem to be relevant to 
Congress's directive to phase down regulated substances on the 
statutorily defined schedule. EPA did not receive adverse comments on 
this proposed approach, except for the question regarding semiconductor 
manufacturing facilities, which the Agency addresses in Section V.

B. How is EPA determining allowance allocations?

1. Which years is EPA issuing allowances for?
    As proposed, EPA intends to issue allowances for 2022 according to 
the framework and procedure established through this rulemaking by 
October 1, 2021. Likewise, EPA intends to issue 2023 allowances by 
October 1, 2022.\46\

[[Page 55144]]

EPA is establishing the allocation allowance framework for these two 
years and intends to undertake a subsequent rulemaking to govern 
allocations for calendar years 2024 and beyond.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \46\ The exception to this general statement is that EPA intends 
to issue both 2022 and 2023 allowances from the set-aside pool to 
new entrants by October 1, 2021, in accordance with the process 
described in Section VII.E of the preamble.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Multiple commenters supported the Agency's plan to quickly 
establish an allowance allocation and trading program for the near term 
while further developing a longer-term program. Phasing down regulated 
substances as required under the AIM Act may have different 
implications for stakeholders than the Agency's past experience with 
phasing out ODS. EPA intends to better understand and respond to those 
differences by seeking input from stakeholders and developing another 
rule that may alter the approach and procedure for allowance 
allocations finalized in this rule, if necessary. However, to do so 
requires more time than the 270 days provided by the AIM Act. 
Furthermore, additional analysis of the market--as well as the effects 
of implementing other provisions of the AIM Act--may be necessary 
before issuing allowances for the 2024 stepdown, when the number of 
allowances will decrease from 90 percent of baseline to 60 percent of 
baseline.
    Some commenters requested that the Agency issue allowances for 2022 
and 2023 at the same time, rather than allocating on an annual basis. 
Commenters stated that this would increase certainty and improve 
business planning, something that commenters claim is challenging if 
only given a three month lead time. Some commenters recognized that EPA 
will need to adjust the allocations given updates to the application-
specific allowance amounts for 2023. Those commenters encouraged EPA to 
issue the general pool of 2023 allowances now and adjust later in 2022 
to account for any changes.
    EPA responds that it does not intend to issue 2023 allowances 
(other than to new market entrants as discussed in Section VII.E on 
set-asides) in 2021. As discussed further in this section, the 
applications identified in AIM Act subsection (e)(4)(B)(iv) must be 
provided the level of allowances ``necessary'' to meet their market 
demands, so application-specific allowance holders are given priority 
access to the pool of available allowances. Until EPA can determine the 
number of application-specific allowances needed by the statutorily 
identified end users for 2023, it cannot know how many allowances 
remain from within the cap for general allowances. As a result, EPA 
intends to only allocate 2022 allowances on October 1, 2021, and 
subsequently provide individual company allocations in 2022 after 
determining the general pool of available allowances for 2023. EPA 
understands commenters' desire for more certainty and business planning 
lead time, but EPA is finalizing the structure that is best to meet the 
Congressional directive of providing application-specific allowance 
holders their necessary level of allowances from within the same cap on 
allowances overall. With respect to one commenter's suggestion to 
allocate allowances for 2023 on October 1, 2021, and make adjustments 
in 2022 if needed, EPA responds that the interests of certainty and 
planning are not well served by issuing allowances now and then 
modifying them next year. However, as discussed in the next section, 
EPA is establishing a methodology to govern calculation of allocation 
levels that will remain the same for 2022 and 2023 for general pool 
allowances. Therefore, allowance holders in this general pool can 
expect that their percentage share of the general pool of allowances 
will be approximately the same for 2022 and 2023.\47\ With general pool 
allowance holders' percentage share staying close to the same for 2022 
and 2023, the only differing factor will be how much of the total 
available allocation is available after accounting for application-
specific allowances. The amount of allowances allocated for 
application-specific end uses in 2023 is unknown at this time. However, 
application-specific allowances represent less than 3 percent of total 
allowances, thus changes to application-specific allowances are not 
expected to have a significant impact on the amount of general pool 
allowances available.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \47\ There may be a small adjustment between 2022 and 2023 to 
account for companies that were historical importers that are not 
required to report to GHGRP and that did not provide data in time 
for an allocation from the general pool for 2022. These companies 
are eligible for allowances under the set-aside, and would be added 
to the general pool in 2023 based on the same criteria as other 
historical importers. However, any such companies are anticipated to 
be small given the reporting thresholds provided in the GHGRP.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Which companies is EPA issuing allowances to?
    EPA proposed to issue allowances to companies that produced or 
imported HFCs in 2017, 2018, and/or 2019. EPA proposed to require that 
a company remain active in 2020 to be eligible to receive an allowance 
allocation from the Agency, but also noted that the Agency would be 
willing to consider individual circumstances. Considerations for 
determining who should receive allowances in this initial rulemaking 
include providing as seamless a transition as possible to a regime 
where allowances are needed to produce and import HFCs, promoting 
equity, timeliness of implementation, and availability of robust data. 
EPA is finalizing the proposal to issue allowances to active HFC 
producers and importers operating in 2020, but will also give 
individualized consideration to circumstances of historical importers 
that were not active in 2020. EPA is also creating a mechanism under 
which new market entrants can apply to the Agency for consumption 
allowances. EPA has determined that such a system balances the Agency's 
objectives of a smooth market transition while also not creating undue 
barriers to market entry for potential new participants.
    Production allowances. EPA is issuing allowances to companies that 
produced HFCs in the United States in 2020. Since issuing the proposed 
rule, one additional company provided information documenting that it 
was a historical producer of HFCs.
    Consumption allowances. EPA is generally allocating consumption 
allowances only to companies that produced or imported in 2020, even if 
they were active in prior years, to ensure that allowance holders are 
active in the HFC market. Except for the unique individual 
circumstances explained below, allocating consumption allowances to 
companies no longer producing or importing would be at the expense of 
companies that are still actively invested in HFC production and 
import. EPA stated in the proposal that the Agency would generally 
presume the business exited the production and/or import market if it 
did not actively produce or import in 2020. The proposal did note that 
EPA would undertake individual consideration of a company's inactivity, 
for example if it was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Such companies 
would need to provide documentation to justify such inactivity and any 
other relevant information no later than the end of the comment period. 
EPA did receive requests for special consideration from certain 
companies.
    EPA recognizes that some importers may not be aware of Congress's 
legislative activity in this area. EPA has undertaken best efforts to 
develop a comprehensive universe of importers for purposes of allowance 
allocation. The proposal was based on data available through the GHGRP; 
the February 11, 2021 NODA; stakeholder outreach

[[Page 55145]]

meetings; outreach to trade associations that can inform their members; 
and direct communication with companies that EPA suspects may have 
imported in relevant years that are not captured in the Agency's data 
sources. EPA continued to follow up with companies that may be eligible 
for allowances after proposal. EPA is issuing allowances to importers 
listed in the proposed rule, as well as importers that provided data 
that were sufficiently verifiable, for example through import records 
to EPA such as Customs forms or bills of lading. Additionally, as 
described further in Section VII.E, EPA will allow historical importers 
not yet identified or verified by the Agency to come in to request 
allowances based on their historical market activity if they were not 
previously required to report to the GHGRP.
    EPA proposed to issue allowances at the parent company level if 
multiple companies that imported HFCs are controlled or owned by the 
same corporate entity. The proposed rationale for doing so is that it 
is administratively easier to implement and it improves transparency in 
the market. Commenters were generally in support of this proposal, with 
the exception of some application-specific allowance holders, which EPA 
will discuss in Section VII.C of this notice. One comment in support 
noted that it provides flexibility for retailers to address shifting 
needs and consumer demands across several brands, facilities, and 
locations. Another company recommended that ``parent'' company should 
be defined to be broader than simply ownership to determine if 
companies are related (e.g., include management, employees, relatives). 
A few commenters suggested that companies that are under common 
control, but are not subsidiaries of a corporate parent, should be 
issued allowances together. EPA responds that for purposes of 
determining the quantity of past imports, EPA is treating all companies 
majority owned and/or controlled by the same individual(s) as a single 
company, even if there is no corporate parent. EPA does not agree with 
the comment that EPA should collect or analyze personally identifiable 
information to the scale that the commenter suggests. Data on the 
complete ownership of the company, including co-owners, is sufficient 
and is the type of information that corporate owners have a reasonable 
expectation may be requested.
    Most commenters agreed with EPA's proposal to issue allowances to 
companies that have historical production and consumption data and were 
active in 2020. Some commenters noted that this will fairly include 
small to medium sized businesses that have recently entered or 
innovated within the market. Commenters agreed with EPA's focus on more 
recent years of data, such as basing qualification on being active at 
some point in 2017-2019 as well as being active in 2020, and stated 
that issuing allowances only to companies operating in 2011-2013 would 
exclude current market participants and not be reflective of current 
market conditions. Commenters provided examples of this concern. One 
commenter stated that users of HFCs for niche, non-refrigerant uses 
would be harmed if the current distribution system were interrupted. 
Another commenter noted that it would harm the current air conditioning 
aftermarket and distributors supported by that business.
    A few commenters disagreed that importing in 2020 should be the 
sole metric in determining whether a company is currently participating 
in the market. Three companies provided information about their 
operations in 2020 and requested EPA to consider them as existing 
market participants that qualify for the general pool of consumption 
allowances.
    EPA agrees with commenters that issuing allowances to active 
companies best maintains the current distribution architecture. 
Recognizing the unique nature of 2020, with economic disruptions caused 
by a global pandemic, EPA is issuing allowances to companies that did 
not import in 2020, but provided documentation showing that they were 
still active, either by selling or purchasing HFCs domestically in 
2020.
3. What is EPA's framework for determining how many allowances each 
company receives?
    This section discusses how EPA will determine how many allowances 
each company will receive from the general allocation pool. EPA 
proposed that the amount of allowances issued to each producer and 
importer be based on a company's highest year of production or 
consumption, on an EVe basis, in 2017-2019. EPA also took comment on 
using data from 2011-2013 or some other combination of years, including 
all years, between 2011 and 2019. Under the proposal, EPA would sum 
together every company's highest year amount(s), determine a percentage 
share for each company, and multiply each company's percentage by the 
total amount of available calendar-year allowances. EPA also requested 
comment on whether the Agency should consider individualized 
circumstances to take into account a company's 2020 data for 
determining allowances for companies that have newly entered the HFC 
import market, for example a company that entered the market or 
acquired another company late in 2019.
    Most commenters supported using production and consumption data 
either from 2017-2019 or the full range of years from 2011-2019. 
Commenters favoring 2017-2019 assert that these years provide the most 
accurate reflection of current production, consumption, and use of 
HFCs. These commenters argue the HFC market has shifted significantly 
since 2011. A few commenters recommended that EPA also include 2020 
data as it best represents the present refrigerant market. One 
commenter stated that 2016 is an appropriate end-point for determining 
the representative picture of the market as this is before anti-dumping 
and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) decisions by the Department of 
Commerce (DOC) and International Trade Commission (ITC) (see the memo 
to the docket discussing these duties) and before the Kigali Amendment 
was agreed. Many commenters suggested that EPA consider favoring 2011-
2019 because they assert that 2017-2019 period does not fairly consider 
longstanding market participants. Some commenters stated that 
considering a larger range of years is more equitable by ensuring 
participants are not harmed by market manipulation.
    EPA has considered all the comments received, which had a broad 
range of recommended approaches. EPA has determined to base allowance 
allocations on data from the entire period from 2011-2019. However, 
since we are pulling data from such a wide range of years, EPA has 
determined it is appropriate to average a company's three highest years 
of data (not necessarily consecutive), as opposed to going with a 
single high year. Commenters that supported this approach of using the 
full 2011-2019 time period argued that it is more accurate, equitable, 
and inclusive, and the Agency agrees. Using an average of the three 
highest years during the 2011-2019 period incorporates consideration of 
both industry history and ongoing growth and market change. EPA has 
determined that using the full range of years allows a balancing of 
using the most current data, which generally provide the most accurate 
information on the current market to provide for less market 
disruption, while also incorporating data from earlier years to account 
for changes in market behavior (e.g., actively commercializing 
alternatives to high-GWP HFCs) that took place earlier in the 
transition as a

[[Page 55146]]

result of the global agreement to the Kigali Amendment or other 
countries enacting HFC phasedown regulations. More recent years also 
include orders issued by the DOC concerning anti-dumping and 
countervailing duties (see the memo to the docket discussing these 
duties). Such orders could be evidence that the overall market reflects 
some degree of unfair trade by foreign exporters. Bringing in 
consideration from earlier years will bring to bear a wider array of 
data to inform allocations.
    EPA is not including 2020 data in its analysis because the Agency 
had not completed its regular quality assurance review of 2020 data 
reported to the GHGRP early enough in the process for consideration in 
this final rule. As explained in other sections, EPA is relying largely 
on data reported to GHGRP in this initial rule and in the initial 
allocation given that companies have not yet been reporting to EPA 
under the AIM Act. Typically, EPA releases GHGRP data in October for 
the prior year, which is after the analysis for this rule must be 
finalized.
    EPA recognizes that there is no single year that is ``better'' for 
all market participants. There is no year in which a forward-looking 
company may not have been stockpiling in preparation for a restriction 
on HFCs or new duties that were imposed by the DOC. Though countries 
agreed to the Kigali Amendment in 2016, efforts to amend the Montreal 
Protocol took the better part of a decade. As such, taking an average 
of a wider range of years is more equitable to all companies in the 
market. Each company receives its ``best'' years regardless of actions 
taken by other companies.
    One commenter noted that the production and consumption baselines 
years specified under the AIM Act, 2011-2013, were at a time when a 
greater proportion of what American producers made was exported 
compared with today. Larger exports mean their total consumption is 
lower, as those exports are subtracted from production. The commenter 
states that distributing allowances based on the high year between 2017 
and 2019, when consumption is higher because producers' exports are 
lower, would accentuate the discrepancy between total amounts of 
production and consumption allowances and result in stranded production 
allowances or the need for producers to purchase additional consumption 
allowances. As EPA stated in the proposed rule, the discrepancy between 
the production and consumption baselines is due to producers exporting 
HFCs. Whenever this happens, there will be a discrepancy between 
production and consumption. However, EPA agrees with the commenter that 
basing the allowance allocation on years when the import market was 
larger will further reduce consumption allowances for producers. Using 
a longer period of years and averaging the highest three years (not 
necessarily consecutive) during that time addresses the commenter's 
concern, in part. For this and other reasons discussed in this section, 
EPA is not basing the allocation on the high year between 2017 and 
2019.
    One commenter stated that even if EPA expanded its allocation 
methodology to consider data from multiple years, it would still fail 
to account for market fluctuations if the Agency ultimately based the 
allocation on only a single high year of data because doing so would 
maximize the impact of market aberrations such as a large single-year 
client or other one-off business opportunities. The commenter 
recommended using the average of multiple years to more fairly account 
for fluctuations.
    One commenter did not support averaging a small number of years and 
preferred using the high-water mark year. The commenter stated that 
this approach better accounts for companies with inconsistent import 
activities from year to year, which are typically smaller businesses. 
Additionally, the commenter stated that averaging across all of 2011-
2019 would be problematic for companies that were not in the market in 
the early years.
    As noted previously, when EPA was proposing to base allowance 
allocations from data from 2017-2019, the Agency proposed to choose the 
single high year. However, in light of the Agency finalizing an 
approach that will consider data over a wider range of years that reach 
further back in time, EPA has determined it is appropriate to base 
allowance allocations on the average of a company's three highest 
years. This allows for more evening out of fluctuations in the market 
and avoids the possibility of a company receiving a large share of 
allocations based on a single very high year that occurred several 
years in the past. One commenter noted concern that small importing 
businesses can have inconsistent business year to year; the approach 
EPA is finalizing to average three years of data, as opposed to 
averaging every year over the 2011-2019 timeframe, absolves this 
concern. Averaging a firm's highest three years over a longer time 
period is an equitable approach, avoiding crediting a single extraneous 
high year but also not requiring averaging of every year for small 
importers that may have inconsistent business. It also incorporates 
consideration of the market before Congress was considering legislation 
to regulate this industry and prior to the Kigali Amendment. Averaging 
softens the effects of outlier years where a company may have imported 
extra to avoid duties, to build stockpile, or to address a one-off 
large order or series of orders from customers. If a company does not 
have three years of data, EPA will take the average of the years 
between 2011 and 2019 for which the company produced or imported HFCs, 
assuming the company was active in 2020 or has applied for and received 
special consideration.
    EPA requested comment on whether the Agency should be calculating 
historical production and import data on a total EVe-weighted basis or 
as a percentage of market share. EPA received comments in support of 
both approaches. Companies favoring market share noted it was an 
effective way to scale quantities produced and consumed in a year, 
while those opposed argued that using market share would provide undue 
extra weight to production and consumption that happened in a year 
where there was less overall production and consumption. Those in favor 
of using an EVe quantity noted this represented the actual EVe quantity 
of HFCs imported and would align better with that company's actual 
production and consumption. EPA compared the effect of selecting either 
approach and found that the differences between the two were minimal. 
EPA is finalizing an approach that allocates based on the reported EVe-
weighted amount as it more closely reflects an individual company's 
participation in the market. EPA's overall approach to allocating 
allowances from the general pool is to reflect activity in the market 
and to minimize market disruption beyond what is inherently required to 
meet the Congressionally mandated phasedown. Using EVe-weighted amount 
best accomplishes this since it reflects actual volumes of regulated 
substances in the market, as opposed to market share which is not as 
directly connected.
    Some commenters insisted that EPA correct historical market 
disruption through the allowance allocation program by using certain 
years of data or excluding specific companies. In brief, commenters 
urged EPA not to reward alleged anti-competitive behavior by issuing 
allowances based on that behavior. EPA responds that the Agency is not 
weighing in on unproven

[[Page 55147]]

allegations nor is the Agency adjusting production or consumption 
allowances for the benefit or detriment of any particular company. EPA 
reiterates that considerations for determining who should receive 
allowances includes providing as seamless a transition as possible to a 
regime where allowances are needed to produce and import HFCs, 
promoting equity, timeliness of implementation, and availability of 
robust data. EPA declines to issue allowances only to market 
participants in 2011-2013. As stated in the proposed rule, excluding 
all newcomers based on the actions of a few would penalize all recent 
market entrants. An attempt to reset the market to 2013 would also 
disrupt all existing market relationships for HFCs from the importer 
down the supply chain.
    Given the longer timeframe of years, information reported to EPA 
indicate some companies that historically produced or imported HFCs 
have changed name or ownership. EPA is clarifying that for purposes of 
allocating allowances, if a company (Company A) purchased another 
company (Company B) or a portion of a company (e.g., the refrigerants 
business unit of a larger company), the current owner of the business 
(Company A) would receive allowances based on its own past production 
and consumption, and the production and consumption of the acquired 
company (Company B). EPA has experience with similar situations under 
the ODS phaseout. EPA also notes here the opposite situation where a 
company spins off a business unit and that unit retains the allowances. 
EPA has treated such circumstances as a change in company ownership, 
name, and/or structure. The company would need to provide a formal 
request to EPA on company letterhead explaining the change, certifying 
that the new business entity is no longer under the same parent company 
or common ownership, and providing the name of the business unit that 
would retain the allowances, along with contact information for the new 
representative at the company.
    Consistent with the definition of ``Produce,'' EPA is issuing 
production allowances based on the total EVe quantity produced minus 
amounts for transformation minus amounts destroyed. Consumption 
allowances are determined for each company based on the EVe quantity of 
HFCs they produced (subtracting out transformation and destruction) 
plus the amount they imported (excluding the amount imported for 
transformation or destruction) minus the amount exported. As such, 
companies producing and then exporting HFCs have more production 
allowances than consumption allowances, assuming the company did not 
import more HFCs than it exported. Overall, this approach results in 
more production allowances than consumption allowances, given the 
quantity of exports during the baseline years.
4. What is EPA's framework for issuing allowances?
    This section contains EPA's formula for determining the amount of 
production and consumption allowances to be issued to each producer and 
importer. EPA is finalizing as proposed the calculation as a whole but 
is modifying step three for the reasons discussed in the prior section 
of this preamble.
    First, EPA will multiply the United States production and 
consumption baselines by the current phasedown step in subsection 
(e)(2)(C) of the AIM Act. EPA is codifying the phasedown steps shown in 
the table in (e)(2)(C) into the regulations at Sec.  84.7, as proposed. 
For 2022 and 2023, total production and consumption cannot exceed 90 
percent of baseline. Thus, EPA is multiplying each baseline by 0.9 to 
determine the production and consumption caps for those years.
    Second, before determining the quantity of allowances available to 
be issued from the general pool to each producer and importer, EPA must 
provide allowances for statutorily defined applications according to 
the AIM Act requirements in subsection (e)(4)(B)(iv). Subsection 
(e)(2)(D) of the AIM Act ensures that the total amount of allowances 
issued does not exceed the production and consumption caps, even 
including application-specific allowances.\48\ Therefore, the pool of 
available calendar-year allowances must be determined after the amounts 
for uses in subsection (e)(4)(B)(iv) are determined. These calculations 
are conducted by EPA to protect company claims of CBI on previously 
reported data. EPA intends to issue allowances to individual companies 
for 2022 and release information on the amount of allowances allocated 
to each company publicly by October 1, 2021. For 2022 and 2023, EPA 
also proposed and is finalizing a set-aside of allowances. EPA is 
setting aside 7.5 MMTEVe (see Section VII.E for a fuller discussion). 
The remainder is the general allowance pool for that year.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \48\ Under CAA title VI, essential use production and 
consumption allowances are for uses exempt from the ODS phaseout and 
are only available since the United States' production and 
consumption is zero. Therefore, the amounts allocated for essential 
uses are in addition to the amounts otherwise allocated (i.e., 
zero). By contrast, under the AIM Act, application-specific and 
essential use allocations are not exemptions from the cap but rather 
receive priority within the cap.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Third, EPA will determine the average of each eligible company's 
three highest EV-weighted annual production and consumption amounts 
between 2011 and 2019. EPA will then divide each company's average by 
the sum of all companies' averages to determine each company's share of 
the allowances in the general pool.
    Fourth, EPA will multiply each producer's or importer's share by 
the general allowance pool to determine each company's calendar year 
production and/or consumption allocation amounts. EPA is issuing 
allowances in to the tenth of an MTEVe.
    Lastly, EPA will then issue by October 1st the list of companies 
receiving production and/or consumption allowances and application-
specific allowances as well as the quantities of allowances each 
company received in the initial distribution. For 2022 calendar-year 
allowances, EPA intends to also issue allowances from the set-aside 
pool (see Section VII.E of the preamble) by March 31, 2022, and 
distribute pro rata any unused allowances from the set-aside to the 
companies in the general pool at the same time.
5. What process is EPA using to respond to requests for additional 
consumption allowances?
    EPA proposed a process in Sec.  84.17 to allow a person to obtain 
consumption allowances equivalent to the quantity of newly produced 
(``virgin'') regulated substances exported by that person, provided 
that the substances were originally produced or imported with 
consumption allowances in the same calendar year. Given that the AIM 
Act subtracts exports in the definition of ``consumption'' under 
subsection (b)(3), it is consistent with the Act to refund consumption 
allowances that were expended to import or produce regulated substances 
if those regulated substances were later exported from the country.
    One commenter requested that EPA provide a timeframe by which the 
Agency must respond to a ``request for additional consumption 
allowances'' (RACA). The commenter noted that EPA proposed timeframes 
for many other petition requirements. EPA agrees that establishing a 
schedule on the length of time needed to either grant or deny a RACA 
request is reasonable and provides some element of certainty to the 
requestor. Based on timeframes needed to respond to RACAs for ODS, EPA 
is establishing a 15 working day

[[Page 55148]]

nominal timeline for the Agency to grant or deny a request.
    One commenter disagreed with the requirement that the allowances 
for production or import must be in the same calendar year as the RACA. 
Further they requested that EPA allow producers and importers to net 
out their exports annually rather than periodically request a refund. 
EPA agrees that documenting that the production or import of the 
subsequently exported HFCs all occurred in the same calendar year is 
unnecessary. Such a requirement would hinder exports in the early part 
of the year as the HFCs would first have to have been produced or 
imported. EPA recognizes through managing the ODS phaseout that exports 
occur all year and what matters from the perspective of requesting an 
additional consumption allowance is when the export occurs, not the 
production or import. EPA is maintaining the requirement that both the 
export and the RACA occur in the same year and that any refunded 
allowances must also be expended in that same calendar year. This is 
necessary to ensure that the statutorily defined production and 
consumption reduction targets are met each year.
    The exporter must submit certain information for EPA's review to 
verify that the regulated substances were in fact exported. This 
information includes: (i) The identities and addresses of the exporter 
and the recipient of the exports; (ii) the quantity (in kilograms) and 
names of regulated substances exported; (iii) the source of the 
regulated substances and the date purchased; (iv) the date on which, 
and the port from which, the regulated substances were exported from 
the United States or its territories; (v) the country to which the 
regulated substances were exported; and (vi) a copy of the bill of 
lading and the invoice indicating the net quantity (in kilograms) of 
regulated substances shipped and documenting the sale of the regulated 
substances to the purchaser. The full list of required information in a 
RACA can be found at Sec.  84.17.

C. What is the process for issuing application-specific allowances?

    This section discusses how EPA will implement subsection 
(e)(4)(B)(iv) of the AIM Act, which directs the Administrator to 
allocate allowances necessary to meet HFC demand for six specified end 
uses, or ``applications.'' The Act directs EPA to issue ``the full 
quantity of allowances necessary, based on projected, current, and 
historical trends.'' The Act also includes a limitation on application-
specific allowances in subsection (e)(4)(B)(iii). This provision 
reinforces the requirement in subsection (e)(2)(A) that a person 
receiving an allocation may not produce or consume a quantity of 
regulated substances that exceeds the number of allowances held by 
them. Further, (e)(4)(B)(iii) reinforces that application-specific 
allowances are to be part of the annual production and consumption 
caps. (See subsection (e)(2)(B))
    To carry out this statutory direction, EPA is creating, as 
proposed, a category of allowances called ``application-specific 
allowances'' that can be expended to either produce or import HFCs. 
These allowances may be used for either produced or imported HFCs 
because end users in the statutorily identified applications may not 
know in advance how they will procure HFCs, and this method provides 
flexibility to ensure that end users receive the ``full quantity of 
allowances necessary.'' To ensure that these application-specific 
allowances are provided from within the overall annual production and 
consumption caps, EPA is subtracting the amount of application-specific 
allowances allocated from both the production and consumption general 
allowance pools as discussed previously.
    As part of the docket to the NODA that preceded this rule, EPA 
released reports characterizing the Agency's understanding of the 
market for five of the six applications (86 FR 9059; February 11, 
2021). EPA updated the reports for the proposed rule and provided data 
on projected, current, and historical trends for the use of HFCs in 
each application. They provide an overview of the applications (other 
than mission-critical military end uses) and EPA has again updated them 
to incorporate comments received on the proposal. The most recent 
versions are in the docket for this final rule.
1. Who is EPA issuing application-specific allowances to?
    The Act does not specify who should be issued application-specific 
allowances, so the Agency considered allocating either directly to the 
entity manufacturing the product listed in the application (end user) 
or to the producer or importer who supplies the bulk HFC to that 
entity. EPA proposed to issue application-specific allowances to the 
end user of the HFC who is manufacturing the product listed in 
subsection (e)(4)(B)(iv) of the Act or the DOD, in the case of mission-
critical military end uses.
    Commenters were generally in support of allocating allowances 
directly to the end user, with some commenters agreeing with EPA's 
rationale that doing so would allow end users the flexibility to change 
suppliers when necessary. Some commenters disagreed with this proposal 
and suggested that EPA instead allocate to the HFC producer, with one 
arguing this would be consistent with the rest of the proposed rule. 
This commenter expressed concern that allocating to the end user would 
result in end users importing HFCs directly from manufacturers outside 
of the United States and that this would negatively affect domestic 
manufacturing, could slow growth of the semiconductor industry due to 
difficulty in new facilities receiving raw materials, and would be 
challenging for EPA to obtain a complete list of end users (as compared 
to obtaining information from the few HFC producers), which may result 
in EPA being unable to provide sufficient allocations.
    EPA is finalizing the proposed approach of allocating application-
specific allowances to the end users in the statutorily listed sectors. 
EPA has experience under the essential use exemption, as implemented 
under title VI of the CAA, with issuing allowances directly to end 
users. In that instance, EPA issued essential use allowances directly 
to MDI manufacturers, for example, who then conferred those allowances 
to a company for the production or import of a specified regulated 
substance. One advantage of this system was that it ensured that those 
companies manufacturing MDIs had the allowances needed and they could 
choose which producer or importer they would confer their allowances 
to. This allowed the MDI manufacturers to make a competitive choice in 
a more open market for the material and price best suited to their 
needs, or import the material directly themselves. Another advantage 
was that it helped to ensure that the allowances would be expended only 
for an essential use.
    Congress's expressed intent is to provide entities operating in 
these sectors with the regulated substances ``necessary.'' EPA can best 
meet this intent by allocating directly to the end user and providing 
them the flexibility to determine the best source of HFCs for their 
application and flexibility to switch suppliers. End users should also 
be the best positioned to estimate projected future needs for their 
company, and therefore EPA will work with end users in determining 
allocation levels to provide necessary

[[Page 55149]]

levels of regulated substances. There is nothing in the statute to 
suggest that these end users should be encouraged to obtain 
domestically manufactured HFCs, just that EPA ensure they were able to 
access ``necessary'' amounts of regulated substances.
    EPA is also addressing comments on streamlining the process of 
conferring allowances to decrease disruption to the current supply 
chain, regardless of whether the HFCs used in these applications are 
currently produced or imported.
    EPA has modified the definition of ``confer'' in recognition that 
there may be multiple steps in the supply chain between the producer or 
importer and the end user issued the allowances. Allowances may be re-
conferred as needed through the chain. For conferrals of application-
specific allowances, the conferrer must include a signed document from 
the conferee certifying that HFCs produced or imported with these 
allowances will only be conferred for the same application they were 
initially allocated for.
    EPA notes the commenter's concern that the semiconductor industry 
could have difficulty receiving raw materials. However, several 
semiconductor manufacturers and industry associations representing 
semiconductors did not share this concern. In fact, some from the 
semiconductor manufacturing industry expressed support for EPA's 
approach of allocating directly to the end user. Most end users that 
commented on this point supported receiving the allowances directly.
    EPA also notes a limited number of commenters' concern that EPA 
would experience challenges in obtaining a complete list of end users 
to provide sufficient allocations, but through stakeholder outreach, 
requests for information, and information provided historically to the 
GHGRP, EPA has been able to identify end users in the application-
specific industries. EPA listed all identified end users for each of 
the applications listed in subsection (e)(4)(B)(iv) of the Act during 
the NODA and proposed rule stages. EPA also held five workshops on 
March 11-12, 2021, focusing on five of the six applications (not 
including mission-critical military end uses). In response to this 
proposal and continued outreach efforts, EPA received data from more 
than 30 entities that appear eligible and the DOD. EPA has reviewed the 
data and to the extent it has been verified intends to issue 
application-specific allowances for 2022 to eligible companies by 
October 1, 2021. Companies provided data indicating approximately 1-3 
MMTEVe of HFCs were purchased annually for non-mission-critical 
military end uses between 2018 and 2020. EPA intends to issue 
allowances by October 1 to those companies. EPA expects there may be 
additional companies eligible for application-specific allowances. To 
the extent EPA has missed any end users, such entities would be 
eligible to seek allowances through the set-aside pool or procure HFCs 
through the open market similar to how they are acquiring HFCs now. EPA 
intends to continue reaching out to companies that may be eligible and 
associations that may represent them.
    Several commenters asked EPA to expand the scope of the 
applications for which EPA gives the ``full quantity of allowances 
necessary.'' For MDIs, one commenter stated that the application of HFC 
use as a propellant in metered dose inhalers should be amended to 
encompass all medical devices. EPA is not accepting this 
recommendation. The statutory language in subsection (e)(4)(B)(iv) 
directs the Agency to provide necessary allowances for ``exclusive 
use'' as ``a propellant in metered dose inhalers'' (emphasis added). 
EPA notes that if the commenter believes there is another end use that 
should be eligible to receive allowance levels ``necessary,'' there is 
a process by which entities can petition the Agency under 
(e)(4)(B)(ii).
    As discussed in Section V, EPA is amending the final definition of 
``onboard aerospace fire suppression'' to include some military 
aircraft because they may be built using commercial aircraft designs 
that are modified for military use or built to commercial specification 
and then modified for military use (``commercial derivatives''). In the 
situation of these commercial derivatives, it may be impractical to 
provide allowances that distinguish between military and civilian use. 
EPA acknowledges that under this approach, manufacture of military 
aircraft (and their onboard aerospace fire suppression systems) may be 
eligible for application-specific allowances from mission-critical 
allowances or the onboard aerospace fire suppression allowances. Where 
such overlap exists, EPA intends to only provide a single set of 
application-specific allowances necessary to cover manufacture of 
military aircraft, to prevent double-allocating the ``necessary'' 
amount under both mission-critical and aerospace application-specific 
allowances.
    For structural composite preformed polyurethane foam for marine use 
and trailer use, some commenters supported a broad and inclusive 
definition of trailer use but did not explain what that means in the 
context of this rule. For this application, EPA considers trailers to 
be refrigerated trailers for transportation of perishable goods, 
including either refrigerated intermodal containers transported on 
trailers or insulated cargo space designed with a refrigeration system 
in a truck or trailer-mounted system.
    As noted previously in this section, EPA will allocate application-
specific allowances to the end user. The end user generally refers to 
the entity manufacturing the product listed in the application, but 
this may look different for each application and is not limited to 
products. EPA is clarifying these entities here:
     Defense sprays: The end user is the entity manufacturing 
or contracting out the manufacturing of defense sprays. This would 
generally be the company filling the defense spray with an HFC 
propellant or paying another manufacturer to fill the defense spray on 
their behalf.
     Structural composite preformed polyurethane foam: The end 
user is an entity that manufactures structural composite preformed 
polyurethane foam for use in boats and trailers.
     Propellants in MDIs: The end user is the entity 
manufacturing or contracting out the manufacturing of MDIs using HFCs. 
This would generally be the company filling the MDI with an HFC 
propellant or paying another manufacturer to fill the MDI on their 
behalf.
     Onboard fire suppression: The end user is the entity 
manufacturing, servicing, or paying someone else to perform servicing 
(whether it is in cash, credit, goods, or services) of onboard 
aerospace fire suppression equipment. This would include the company 
manufacturing a self-contained fire extinguisher, such as a handheld 
unit, or servicing, including testing and recharging, of such self-
contained fire extinguishers, as well as the company filling the 
pressurized system cylinder that is an integral part of a total 
flooding fire suppression system, such as lavatory trash receptacle 
fire suppression systems, or the company servicing, including testing 
or recharging, of such system cylinders.\49\
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    \49\ EPA notes that in the case of total flooding systems, the 
Agency is allocating to the company filling a specific type of bulk 
container (i.e., a pressurized fire suppression cylinder). These 
cylinders may be made by the same company making the rest of the 
fire suppression system used for onboard aerospace applications and 
are intended to be connected to the fire suppression system when 
fully assembled.
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     The etching of semiconductor material or wafers and the 
cleaning of

[[Page 55150]]

chemical vapor deposition chambers within the semiconductor 
manufacturing sector: The end user is a semiconductor manufacturer that 
uses HFCs in the etching of semiconductor material (including cleaning 
of wafers) and the cleaning of chemical vapor deposition chambers 
within the semiconductor manufacturing sector.
     Mission-critical military end use: EPA is directly 
allocating application-specific allowances to the DOD for mission-
critical military end uses.
2. How is EPA addressing transfers of application-specific allowances?
    EPA is allowing limited transfer of application-specific 
allowances, as proposed. Specifically, end users within a specific 
application may transfer their allowances only with another end user 
that will use the application-specific allocation for that same 
application. These could be viewed as ``intra-application transfers.'' 
EPA is prohibiting transfers with companies in other applications. EPA 
received many comments supporting the proposal to allow limited 
transfer of application-specific allowances only among end users within 
the same application and did not receive comments from those opposed.
    Section (e)(4)(B)(iv) of the AIM Act states that application-
specific allowances are provided ``for the exclusive use'' of HFCs ``in 
an application solely for'' those in the statutory list. These transfer 
provisions help to ensure that, after EPA allocates the full quantity 
of allowances necessary for each application, the full quantity remains 
available to fully supply that application and ensure that the 
application-specific allowances are being exclusively used solely for 
one of the six listed applications.
    EPA is also prohibiting the transfer of application-specific 
allowances back into the larger market for production and consumption 
allowances, as proposed. The AIM Act specifies that the allocation is 
for the exclusive use of one of the listed applications. It follows 
that an application-specific allocation cannot be transferred to 
produce or import HFCs for a use that was not enumerated.
    EPA is establishing similar restrictions to the sale of HFCs 
acquired by expending application-specific allowances, as proposed. 
HFCs produced or imported by expending application-specific allowances 
must be used solely for the application it was produced or imported 
for. EPA is therefore also prohibiting the sale of that HFC for use in 
a different application from the one that was intended. This is an 
outgrowth of the statutory restriction placed on application-specific 
allowances that they be for the exclusive use in the application for 
which the allowance is provided. If an entity could procure HFCs with 
the application-specific allowance, but then freely sell that HFC on 
the open market, that would seem to create a loophole to the 
restriction placed on the use of the application-specific allowance. 
EPA is allowing the intra-application sale of material (i.e., among 
companies within the same application), since such a sale would be 
consistent with the exclusive use limitation.
3. What criteria is EPA using to evaluate application-specific 
allowance requests?
    This section explains how EPA will evaluate application-specific 
allowance requests for five of the six applications: Propellants in 
MDIs; defense sprays; structural composite preformed polyurethane foam 
for marine use and trailer use; etching of semiconductor material or 
wafers and the cleaning of CVD chambers within the semiconductor 
manufacturing sector; and onboard aerospace fire suppression. The 
approach for mission-critical military end uses is discussed in the 
next subsection of this notice. As discussed earlier in this section, 
EPA has been collecting information from entities that use HFCs in the 
applications listed in the AIM Act, including a detailed description of 
how the HFCs are used so EPA can determine whether the use is 
consistent with the definition of the application. EPA will use that 
information to determine the full quantity of allowances necessary, 
based on projected, current, and historical trends, for the production 
or consumption of HFCs for the exclusive use of the regulated substance 
for each application, on a company-specific basis. Starting with 
allocations in October 2022 for calendar year 2023, and in further 
future years, a company's calculated use in a given year would be based 
on the quantities acquired in that year for application-specific 
purposes minus amounts sold to or transferred to another entity for 
their application-specific use plus the decrease (or minus the 
increase) in inventory for application-specific uses from the prior 
year. For the initial five years after enactment of the AIM Act, EPA is 
finalizing its proposed approach of issuing application-specific 
allowances by multiplying the company's HFC use in the prior year by 
the higher of:

--the average growth rate of use for the company over the past three 
years; or
--the average growth rate of use by all companies requesting that type 
of application-specific allowance (e.g., for MDIs) over the past three 
years.

    As discussed further below, EPA is taking a slightly different 
approach for the initial allocation in 2022. For companies that 
experienced negative growth based on their submitted data from 2018 to 
2020, in an application that also experienced a negative growth rate, 
the Agency will allocate allowances equal to the highest quantity of 
HFCs reported over the three years from 2018 to 2020. As further 
explained later in this section, EPA is also finalizing its proposal to 
allow for consideration of individual circumstances factually 
documented to the Agency (e.g., when a company projects growth due to 
acquiring another company or it installs new manufacturing capacity 
that will open in the following year). EPA also took comment on whether 
to consider gross domestic product or United States population growth 
rates in determining allocation levels.
    One commenter from the defense spray industry stated that the 
information request for 2018-2020 data gave an incomplete picture of 
their usage history and would not accurately depict their usage over 
the next five years. They requested instead that EPA consider the time 
period of 2015-2020 as it is more representative of historical and 
future HFC usage. EPA responds that for EPA's final approach, 
allocation requests will be considered annually based on the most 
recently available data and the Agency will consider certain individual 
circumstances that are factually documented. This approach will provide 
a more accurate estimate of future growth than relying on five years of 
data to support projections for future growth. Combining a three-year 
timeframe with consideration of individual circumstances provides a 
more accurate projection as it reflects change in near-term growth and 
will be more sensitive to changes in growth than a longer time horizon.
    Several commenters, particularly from MDI, semiconductor, and 
structural composite preformed polyurethane foam manufacturers, stated 
that consideration of only gross domestic product or population growth 
would not fully capture the different types of growth within each of 
the applications. The commenters requested that EPA also consider 
company-specific factors or individual circumstances. Specifically, 
comments from semiconductor manufacturers stated

[[Page 55151]]

that historical linear growth does not account for unique growth 
patterns. Some of these commenters referred specifically to increased 
demand, construction of new fabrication plants, expansions at existing 
facilities, and newer and more complex semiconductor technologies that 
increase HFC usage on a per-wafer production basis. MDI manufacturers 
commented that EPA should consider broader factors such as disease 
prevalence.
    As stated previously, EPA proposed that it could consider 
individual circumstances factually documented to the Agency. The Agency 
agrees with the commenters that supported this approach and is 
finalizing the proposal that EPA may consider individual circumstances 
when allocating application-specific allowances. This will inherently 
be a fact-driven and case-specific inquiry. EPA is establishing the 
following circumstances as potentially meriting an increased allocation 
to an individual company beyond historical growth rates: (1) Additional 
capacity will come on line in the next year, such as a new 
manufacturing plant or expanded manufacturing line; (2) a domestic 
manufacturer or some of its manufacturing facilities has been acquired; 
and (3) a global pandemic or other public health emergency increases 
demand for use of HFCs in an application, such as an increase in 
patients diagnosed with medical conditions treated by MDIs. These 
scenarios could provide reasons to increase allowance allocations to 
affected companies in the affected years. If a company wants to make a 
claim that it is deserves individualized treatment due to one of these 
exceptional circumstances, those circumstances must be shown to the 
Agency with sufficient documentation. Ultimately, accommodating 
individual circumstances that are fully documented and proven will help 
the Agency fulfill Congress's mandate that EPA ``allocate the full 
quantity of allowances necessary.''
    A couple of commenters asserted that EPA's proposed approach to 
issuing application-specific allowances seems overly generous. The 
comments suggested that EPA should not over-allocate, and instead 
consider releasing any unused application-specific allowances as set-
aside allowances for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and 
refrigeration (HVACR) uses that may have trouble transitioning to 
reduced HFC use and consider unused allowances in the evaluation of 
future allowance allocations to the six application-specific uses. EPA 
agrees that it should not over-allocate application-specific 
allowances, but, for the reasons provided elsewhere in this section, 
has determined that the approach being finalized in this rule is 
appropriate to meet the Congressional directive to allocate the amount 
necessary for these applications based on historical, present, and 
future needs. EPA recognizes that it is possible that companies could 
be eligible for general pool and application-specific allowances. To 
avoid overallocation, EPA will take into account any allowances a 
company receives from the general allowance pool when issuing 
application-specific allowances. If a company historically imported 
HFCs for its own use in an application listed in subsection (e)(iv)(B) 
of the AIM Act, EPA would decrease the number of application-specific 
allowances allocated to that company by an amount equal to their 
general pool allowances. This process helps to ensure companies are not 
overallocated allowances for application-specific use.
    Since application-specific allowances will be allocated on an 
annual basis, it is not feasible to collect and reissue ``unused'' 
allowances or place those in a set-aside pool. If an application-
specific end user does not use all allowances allocated to them, those 
allowances will expire at the end of the calendar year. To the extent 
that an end user does not use all allowances allocated, or has 
regulated substances for application-specific use stockpiled in 
inventory at the end of the calendar year, EPA intends to take these 
factors into account in the following year's allocation. Further, if 
all companies within the same application have a negative growth rate 
over the prior three years (with the exception of the initial 
allocation), the company's allocation would decrease.
    One commenter asked that EPA create a separate additional pool of 
allowances that would be available only to the semiconductor 
manufacturing sector to accommodate growth, new mid-year entrants, and 
under-allocation of application-specific allowances. EPA responds that 
an additional set-aside is unnecessary because the Agency is allocating 
the full quantity of allowances necessary, based on projected, current, 
and historical trends, for the production or consumption of HFCs in 
each of the statutorily identified applications. The Agency is basing 
application-specific allowances on the average annual growth of a 
company or sector multiplied by the use of HFCs in the prior year, as 
well as accounting for unique circumstances. Over-allocating or setting 
additional allowances aside just in case reduces the allowances 
available to general allowance holders and will reduce how much HFC can 
be imported or produced if there are unexpended allowances. As noted 
above, one of EPA's considerations when establishing the allocation 
system is to avoid issuing allowances to companies that cannot or will 
not use them. EPA is finalizing a reasonable approach to provide 
amounts necessary based on historical, current, and future trends.
    With regard to the concern about under-allocations, EPA responds 
that the Agency is allocating allowances annually, rather than over 
multiple years, and based on a company's annual submissions of purchase 
and inventory data. This reduces the risk of under-allocating in 
comparison to projecting needs over longer periods, in which the impact 
of inaccurate growth rates would grow each year. EPA can also learn 
from the implementation of this program and can consider adjusting its 
methodology for subsequent application-specific allocations if the 
Agency has determined it has taken either an overly generous or 
restrictive approach. Further, there is nothing prohibiting a company 
from accessing HFCs from the open market and then requesting allowances 
for the next year. If a company did use more HFCs in a given year, that 
increased use would be reflected in the next year's allocation.
    Some commenters requested a process that gives companies an 
opportunity to challenge EPA's application-specific allowance 
allocations if they believe the Agency has erred in its calculation or 
made an improper allocation. One commenter asked EPA to establish a 
process for companies to quickly challenge (and for the Agency to 
reconsider) any application-specific allocation. Another commenter 
asked that EPA automatically grant all allocation appeals and then work 
with those companies to ensure that all appeals are supported with 
reasonable data.
    EPA intends to issue application-specific allowances on October 1 
of each year, including allocating application-specific allowances for 
2022 on October 1, 2021, which is the same day the Agency will allocate 
general pool allowances. This timing is consistent with the statutory 
timeframe for determining the quantity of production and consumption 
allowances for the following calendar year and is intended to provide 
all companies with sufficient notice of their allocation levels before 
the start of the calendar year. EPA has proposed, taken comment on, and 
is

[[Page 55152]]

now finalizing the process by which it will determine the allocation 
level ``necessary'' for each application-specific company. Entities 
have the opportunity for judicial review of this framework methodology 
if they file a petition for review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 
District of Columbia Circuit. If an application-specific end user 
disagrees with how EPA applies that framework in a future individual 
allocation determination, that individual allocation is also subject to 
judicial review. EPA disagrees with the commenter that suggested EPA 
should allocate to each application-specific user whatever they ask 
for, and later determine how to support that allocation with data. 
Congress charged EPA with determining what is necessary for the 
statutorily identified end uses, and EPA is using its discretion to 
establish the reasonable approach described in this rule for making 
those determinations.
    EPA will endeavor to provide companies with ``necessary'' levels of 
allowances according to the framework provided in this section, but if 
unforeseen events occur such that EPA's determination is inaccurate, 
companies can obtain application-specific allowances through other 
means, such as through transfers. If a company's actual demand for HFCs 
exceeds the amount of application-specific allowances allocated to 
them, any company that uses HFCs in one of the six listed applications 
has other avenues for acquiring HFCs. The company may acquire 
application-specific allowances or HFCs from another application-
specific allowance holder in their end use. If a company still seeks 
additional HFCs beyond the application-specific amounts, the company 
can also acquire calendar-year allowances from the general pool or 
purchase HFCs produced or imported with calendar-year production or 
consumption allowances. EPA is requiring reporting of additional 
material purchased beyond the amounts associated with application-
specific allowances so that future year projections and allowances will 
reflect that historical use. EPA will make application-specific 
allocations on an annual basis, so each company's allocation will be 
revisited each year and may be adjusted upward (or downward) as 
appropriate.
    With regard to the semiconductor industry, some commenters 
requested a ``loss allowance'' or multiplier to adjust for HFC losses 
during the purification process. Commenters provided different 
estimates of how much regulated substance is lost in the purification 
process, which ranged from five to 10 percent. EPA agrees that such a 
multiplier is appropriate for allocations to semiconductor 
manufacturers. Semiconductor manufacturers will need to confer their 
allowances up a supply chain, and it is appropriate for them to have 
sufficient allowances to cover the full amount of regulated substances 
that must be imported or produced such that after the purification 
process (during which a certain percentage of the regulated substance 
is lost) the semiconductor manufacturer is given the amount of 
regulated substances necessary for their manufacturing process. Such an 
approach would allow semiconductor manufacturers to receive the ``full 
quantity of allowances necessary.'' Therefore, EPA is finalizing a 10 
percent purification loss allowance, the higher end of the range, to 
ensure they receive the amount that is necessary. This purification 
process is unique to the semiconductor industry and therefore a similar 
multiplier is not needed for the other applications listed in the AIM 
Act.
    EPA requested comment on whether the Agency should distinguish 
between misuse and proper use when evaluating ``the full quantity of 
allowances necessary'' for defense sprays. Recent news reports indicate 
there may be use that is inconsistent with the labeling in the product 
(i.e., use of bear spray on people instead of bears).\50\ One commenter 
stated that allowances provided for defense sprays should be limited to 
an amount sufficient only for ``appropriate uses.'' Another commenter 
acknowledged news reports indicating potential product misuse of bear 
sprays, but stated that this misuse cannot be addressed through this 
rulemaking. EPA is not finalizing an approach to allocating 
application-specific allowances for defense sprays that bases estimates 
of ``necessary'' allowance levels only on proper use, as it does not 
have sufficient information on misuse of defense sprays in order to 
adjust the allocation approach at this time. EPA will continue to 
monitor this issue and will consider whether use inconsistent with the 
labeling can be better documented and accounted for when allocating 
allowances for this application.
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    \50\ Briley, John. ``Bear Spray Is Showing up at Protests and 
Riots. Here's Why, and How It Affects Humans.'' The Washington Post, 
19 Mar. 2021. Available at www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/bear-spray-pepper-riot-dangerous/2021/03/19/053c3870-87fb-11eb-bfdf-4d36dab83a6d_story.html.
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    For the initial 2022 application-specific allocations, EPA is 
finalizing the following approach to issuing application-specific 
allowances to companies: For companies that experienced positive growth 
based on their submitted data from 2018 to 2020, the Agency will (1) 
calculate a company's growth rate from 2018-2019; (2) calculate a 
company's growth rate from 2019-2020; (3) average the growth rates 
calculated from steps 1 and 2; (4) multiply the average growth rate by 
the company's 2020 purchases of EVe-weighted regulated substances for 
application-specific use to determine an estimated level of allowance 
need for 2021; and (5) multiply the estimated level of 2021 need by the 
average growth rate to estimate need for 2022. The number calculated in 
step 5 will generally be used to allocate application-specific 
allowances to a company for 2022. EPA determined a company's historic 
HFC usage based on responses to EPA information requests, invoices, 
sales records, GHGRP reporting, supplier data, and other information 
available to the Agency. This amount was used to estimate both the 
growth rate and 2020 purchases of regulated substances for each 
company. For companies that experienced negative average annual growth 
based on their submitted data from 2018 to 2020, in an application that 
also experienced a negative growth rate, the Agency will allocate 
allowances equal to the highest quantity of HFCs on an EVe-weighted-
basis reported over the three years. EPA also took into account 
information provided on individual circumstances (e.g., public health 
emergency). EPA will use this approach for 2022 because the Agency 
recognizes that 2020 was an unusual year given economic disruptions due 
to the global pandemic. For 2023-2025, EPA will use the approach 
detailed at the top of this section for all companies requesting 
application-specific allowances. Under this approach, if a company and 
all the companies that apply for allowances in that application 
experience negative growth, a company would receive fewer allowances 
than in the prior year.
    For the calculation of average growth rate, EPA will use the 
average annual growth rate formula, which is the growth rate between 
the first and second year plus the growth rate between the second and 
third year, divided by two. EPA will look at growth rate by using 
purchase data for application-specific uses for the initial allocation 
given that the Agency received disparate numbers on company use data. 
In the future, EPA intends to adjust for net change in inventory from 
purchase data as the Agency is requiring reporting on annual inventory 
data prospectively.
    Some commenters cautioned against allocating allowances based on

[[Page 55153]]

unsubstantiated data. EPA has gone through a rigorous process to verify 
data that will be used for 2022 allocations and intends to continue to 
verify data used to determine application-specific allocation levels. 
If future information reveals a company applying for application-
specific allowances has provided false, inaccurate, or misleading 
information, EPA reserves the right to adjust allowances downward (in 
the same year or a subsequent year) at a greater level than the number 
of application-specific allowances allocated, prohibit companies from 
receiving future allowances if it has made false, inaccurate, or 
misleading statements to the Agency or there is noncompliance with 
relevant legal and regulatory requirements, and pursue any other 
appropriate enforcement action. One commenter asked EPA to clarify that 
a company submitting false data is also subject to criminal liability 
and to make clear that the Agency can prohibit a company submitting 
false information from receiving future allowances. If a company has 
made false, inaccurate, or misleading statements to the Agency, EPA can 
apply administrative consequences consistent with the discussion in 
Section IX.A. Regardless of whether or not EPA applies an 
administrative consequence, EPA may also pursue any and all appropriate 
enforcement action.
4. How is EPA issuing application-specific allowances for mission-
critical military end uses?
    EPA proposed to issue application-specific allowances for mission-
critical military end uses directly to DOD. EPA also stated in the 
proposal that the approach described earlier in this section would be 
for the other five applications covered by subsection (e)(4)(B)(iv), 
recognizing an inherent difference with the way the regulation would 
apply to mission-critical military end uses. EPA requested information 
from DOD on its preliminary estimates of annual usage quantities of 
HFCs for mission-critical military end uses including historical and 
projected trends in usage, to the extent this information is available. 
DOD's response to that letter was included in the docket for the 
proposed rule and states that due to the Armed Forces' multiple sources 
of supply for HFCs used in mission-critical applications, there is no 
consolidated and comprehensive HFC usage data for DOD. The different 
sources of supply include Defense Logistics Agency industrial gas 
support contracts; contractor-supplied material from numerous 
acquisition, procurement, maintenance, and repair contracts; and local 
purchases from commercial sources. The letter further provided 
information on historical estimates of mission-critical annual usage 
and preliminary estimates of projected need over the next five years, 
and noted that DOD would continue collecting information to close data 
gaps, reduce data uncertainty, and identify any additional HFCs that 
may have been missed in the initial data collection.
    EPA is finalizing its proposal that all mission-critical military 
application-specific allowances will be allocated to DOD. Therefore, 
only DOD may request allowances for such uses, unless the use is 
covered by one of the other five application-specific uses authorized 
in subsection (e)(4)(B) of the AIM Act. EPA did not receive adverse 
comment on this proposal. EPA is also clarifying that while the 
allowances would be allocated to DOD, those allowances may be conferred 
to DOD's contractors and, in the case of Direct Commercial Sales, 
companies manufacturing military equipment. In addition, DOD may confer 
application-specific allowances for a mission-critical military end use 
to another agency of the Federal Government responsible for national 
defense for that agency's mission-critical military end use without 
being subject to the offset required of transfers of allowances in that 
section.
    Given the complex nature of the way DOD sources and uses HFCs for 
mission-critical applications, EPA's proposed approach for the other 
applications would not be appropriate for DOD. DOD's April letter 
identified mission-critical refrigerant and fire suppression uses 
spanning multiple services. The use occurs at multiple sites and by 
multiple entities (e.g., at federally run and contractor facilities). 
This network of use is significantly larger and more complicated than 
for the companies that are eligible for application-specific allowances 
in other end uses.
    Additionally, DOD's data on historical uses is less robust and more 
complicated to compile than for companies in the other end uses. DOD 
will need to track and manage its use of HFCs more comprehensively 
going forward, but basing its allocation on growth over the past three 
years is not feasible at this time. There are also national security 
implications that may necessitate a different approach (e.g., if there 
is an unexpected conflict where equipment using HFCs is needed).
    Recognizing these factors, EPA is finalizing a different approach 
to determining the number of allowances needed for mission-critical 
military end uses. EPA is requiring that DOD request allowances 
annually on the same timeline as other application-specific allowance 
holders. DOD needs to provide the amount of HFCs needed for mission-
critical military use by chemical and specify the broad categories of 
use similar to what they provided in their April 7, 2021, letter. EPA 
and DOD will work together to ensure the amount necessary is available 
for mission-critical military applications, discuss key drivers for any 
change in the amounts needed, and understand DOD's plans for managing 
inventory and deploying recycled and/or reclaimed HFCs in mission-
critical military end uses, where appropriate. EPA is also finalizing 
different auditing and recordkeeping and reporting provisions to 
account for DOD-specific considerations, including potential national 
security concerns. A full discussion of auditing requirements can be 
found in Section IX.D, and a full discussion of recordkeeping and 
reporting requirements can be found in Section X.

D. What are the provisions for transferring allowances?

    Subsection (g) of the AIM Act directs EPA to issue rules that 
govern the transfer of allowances. EPA is establishing transfer 
provisions in Sec.  84.19 as proposed.
    In order to transfer allowances, the transferor must first provide 
EPA with a transfer claim setting forth the following: The identities 
and contact information of the transferor and the transferee; the type 
of allowances being transferred (i.e., production, consumption, or 
application-specific allowance); the quantity (in EVe) of allowances 
being transferred; the total cost of allowances transferred; the 
remaining quantity of allowances held by the transferor; and the 
quantity of the offset. For transfers of application-specific 
allowances, the transferor must also include a signed document from the 
transferee certifying that HFCs produced or imported with these 
allowances will only be used for the same application they were 
initially allocated for.
    EPA will then certify with records in its possession that the 
transferor has unexpended allowances sufficient to cover the transfer 
claim. Based on comments received on the proposed administrative 
consequences (see Section IX.A), EPA will also ensure that both parties 
to the transfer are not subject to an administrative consequence that 
would preclude them from transferring or receiving

[[Page 55154]]

allowances. EPA will issue either an objection notice or non-objection 
notice to the transferor and transferee within three working days of 
receiving a complete transfer claim. The transfer cannot proceed until 
EPA issues a non-objection notice. If after issuance of a non-objection 
notice the Agency finds that the transferor did not have sufficient 
unexpended allowances to cover the transfer and required offset, the 
transferor and transferee, where applicable, will be held liable for 
any violations of the regulations of this subpart that occur as a 
result of, or in conjunction with, the improper transfer.
    In cases where EPA issues an objection notice disallowing the 
transfer, either the transferor or transferee may file a notice of 
appeal, with supporting reasons, with the relevant Agency official 
within 10 working days after receipt of the objection notice. The 
official may affirm or vacate the disallowance. If no appeal is filed 
electronically by the tenth working day after notification, the 
disallowance shall be final on that day.
    EPA does not intend to broker transactions but rather confirm that 
the transferor has sufficient allowances to cover the transfer and 
neither party is disallowed from engaging in transfer activity. As 
proposed, EPA is collecting information on the price of allowances 
transferred to inform future analyses of rule costs and provide 
additional insight into the market when assessing potential regulatory 
changes and future allocation options. As discussed in Section X.C.2, 
EPA will not release individual or transactional price data.
    Subsection (g)(2) of the Act requires that the regulations the 
Agency is required to promulgate governing the transfer of allowances 
``ensure that the transfers under this subsection will result in 
greater total reductions'' in the production or consumption ``of 
regulated substances in each year than would occur during the year in 
the absence of the transfers.'' In other words, the transfer of 
allowances must result in less overall production or consumption than 
would have occurred absent the transfer. The AIM Act specifies that the 
transferor's allowances be reduced by an amount greater than the amount 
of allowances being transferred. EPA is finalizing use of a mandatory 
offset on all transfers to accomplish this statutory directive.
    EPA proposed to allow transfers of allowances for HFCs provided the 
transferor's remaining allowances are reduced by the amount it 
transferred plus five percent of the amount transferred (i.e., an 
offset). EPA took comment on a range of offset values from one percent 
to 10 percent for the transfer of production and consumption 
allowances. Some commenters recommended that EPA maximize the 
environmental benefit of this provision by establishing an offset of 10 
percent. Others commented that the offset should be 1 percent or 0.1 
percent so as to not restrict the trade of allowances as determined by 
the market. Some said that the added ``tax'' or ``fee'' on transferring 
allowances could lead to fewer tolling agreements and thus less 
efficient production of HFCs. Some commenters suggested these lower 
values are appropriate because they follow past practice with transfers 
of ODS.
    EPA is finalizing a five percent offset as proposed on the transfer 
of production and consumption allowances. The AIM Act provides 
significant discretion to EPA in choosing an appropriate offset level. 
EPA has considered the public comments on this issue and has determined 
that five percent is the right value to balance the interest from some 
commenters in a net environmental benefit without implicating other 
commenters' concerns of creating an overly burdensome requirement that 
would discourage trading necessary to meet market demands. A 10 percent 
offset could result in less net environmental benefits than a five 
percent offset by discouraging trading because an offset could be so 
high that no trading occurs and thus no allowances are offset.
    As discussed in the proposal, an EPA analysis of HCFC inter-company 
transfer data for 2010 through 2018 found that between five percent and 
30 percent of consumption allowances were transferred each year. If 
this level of transfer activity holds under this allowance allocation 
program, a five percent offset would likely result in a reduction in 
the total allowances in the general pool by 0.25 percent to 1.5 
percent. Given that small size, EPA's consideration for the size of the 
offset, at this time, pertains more to the effect on an individual 
company and less on the impact to the market overall. As the phasedown 
progresses, EPA may revisit the size of the offset.
    EPA disagrees with the reasons raised by commenters for using a 
lower offset level. While commenters made broad claims that a five 
percent offset requirement would be overly burdensome on trades or 
cause market disruptions, such claims were unsubstantiated, and EPA 
received no data from commenters that a five percent offset will 
prevent an allowance holder from engaging in the transfer of 
allowances. Allowances are issued to companies at no cost; transferors 
retain 95 percent of the value of something provided for free if they 
choose to transfer those allowances. Furthermore, allowances are not a 
property right of the allowance holder and EPA has been directed by 
Congress to require an offset if companies choose to transfer those 
allowances. EPA is sensitive to the concern that this could negatively 
impact tolling agreements. Existing tolling agreements are already 
reflected in the allocation because the allocation is based on what a 
company produced, irrespective of whether it was produced for the 
producing company or as part of an arrangement (e.g., tolling 
agreement) with another company. EPA will continue to monitor whether 
there is an impact on future tolling agreements as the market shifts to 
a different mix of lower-GWP HFCs.
    With regard to the comment that EPA should use 1 percent or 0.1 
percent since those were the offsets in the ODS phaseout, EPA responds 
that looking at past practice under the CAA is informative, but not 
controlling for a rulemaking under the AIM Act. The AIM Act does not 
specify a percentage nor does it provide criteria for establishing the 
offset. EPA has considered the effects of HFCs on public health and 
welfare, the impact of offsets on the transferring parties, and the 
impact of offsets on the supply of HFCs to the market, and finds that a 
five percent offset is reasonable. Further, unlike the chemical-
specific allocation system for HCFCs, EPA is issuing allowances on an 
exchange value-weighted basis thereby negating the need to transfer 
allowances between regulated substances. This is an important 
distinction from the ODS phaseout, where such transfers were required 
to repurpose allowances across chemicals regardless of whether the 
allowance transfer took place within a company or with another company.
    EPA proposed to establish a lower offset level for application-
specific allowances, given that these allowances are intended to be 
allocated based on end users' need. EPA intends to provide application-
specific end users with the level of allowances ``necessary'' in the 
initial allocation, but in the event an entity needs to transfer away 
or acquire additional application-specific allowances, EPA has 
determined that it is appropriate to allow that to happen with a lower 
offset level. Therefore, EPA is finalizing as proposed an offset of one 
percent for transfers of application-specific allowances.
    Commenters stated that application-specific uses should have no 
offset or an

[[Page 55155]]

offset of 0.1 percent given the importance of these end uses. EPA 
agrees that the AIM Act prioritizes these end uses, but also interprets 
subsection (g) to apply generally to all transfers of allowances. EPA 
does not have the ability under the statutory language to allow 
application-specific allowance transfers to occur without any offset 
transfer. An offset of 0.1 percent would not provide sufficient 
environmental benefit while a 1 percent offset would while also not 
being so burdensome as to discourage trading. Because EPA is issuing 
the full quantity of allowances necessary to each end user, the Agency 
anticipates that the amount of allowances transferred will be minimal.
    One commenter asked EPA to allow for transfers of application-
specific allowances without an offset in the event a subsidiary spins 
off of a parent company and continues to use HFCs in a specific 
application. EPA agrees that requiring a transfer and an offset in such 
a situation would not be needed. EPA's experience is that this type of 
activity is rare. Historically, under CAA title VI, the Agency treated 
this type of situation as a change in company name and/or ownership. An 
authorized official at the company transferring the allowances would 
have to make a formal request to EPA for the transfer. This approach 
would apply for any change in company ownership. However, EPA retains 
discretion to deny such requests based on the circumstances of the 
particular request or to request additional information before granting 
the request. Circumstances where EPA would consider denying such 
requests include but are not limited to if a company requests this 
treatment more than rarely, if the new company has overlapping 
ownership, if the allowance holder receives allowances consistent with 
this final rule as a new market entrant, or if there are indications of 
fraud. As discussed, application-specific allowances can be conferred 
to an importer, producer, or intermediaries in the supply chain without 
any offset. The conferral of allowances is not a transfer but rather an 
actualization of the allowance (i.e., a use of the allowance for 
production or consumption) by an end user that is not a producer or 
importer. Because Congress made clear in subsection (e)(4)(B)(iv) of 
the Act that the statutorily listed applications should receive the 
amount of allowances necessary, based on projected, current, and 
historical trends, EPA is allowing these conferrals as part of the 
inherent process of ensuring end users can receive the necessary amount 
of HFCs.

E. How is EPA establishing the set-aside pool of allowances?

    EPA proposed to establish a small set-aside pool of allowances for 
a limited set of end users and importers that would not otherwise 
qualify for allocations, in light of the relatively new and novel 
nature of the HFC allocation phasedown framework established in this 
rulemaking. While it is reasonable for this initial allocation period 
to largely allocate allowances to companies that are currently in the 
market of producing or importing HFCs, this approach could be a barrier 
to new market entrants. In addition, the AIM Act is still relatively 
new legislation and not all entities already operating in the HFC 
market, particularly those that have not been historically required to 
report to the GHGRP, may have been immediately aware of Congress's 
direction to begin regulating the HFC market. These entities may not 
have responded to EPA's multiple data requests. It is therefore 
appropriate, as a transitional measure, to establish a set-aside pool 
of consumption and production allowances as proposed.
    EPA proposed to issue 5 to 15 MMTEVe of allowances for this set-
aside pool. Based on comments and review of submitted data, EPA is 
finalizing a set-aside pool of 7.5 MMTEVe (less than 3 percent of 
allowances to be allocated for 2022) to accommodate the potential 
requests for application-specific allowances that were not timely 
received and the high level of interest in allowances for new market 
entrants. As noted previously, EPA is establishing an allowance 
allocation framework in this final rule for 2022 and 2023, but will 
promulgate another rulemaking for allowances for 2024 and beyond based 
on the Agency's experience implementing this rule and stakeholder 
feedback.
1. Who is eligible for allowances in the set-aside pool?
    The set-aside pool is restricted to three groups of companies: (1) 
End users in applications identified for allocations under subsection 
(e)(4)(B)(iv) of the AIM Act that EPA has not identified for the 
initial allocation of allowances (i.e., the allocation called for by 
October 1, 2021); (2) importers of HFCs that have not been required to 
report through the GHGRP under 40 CFR part 98, where EPA has not 
learned of their past imports in time to issue allowances as part of 
the general pool despite the Agency's best efforts; and (3) importers 
that are new market entrants.\51\ EPA is finalizing its proposal not to 
establish a set-aside pool for companies looking to newly enter as 
producers of HFCs because the Agency does not wish to encourage the 
construction of new HFC production capacity in light of the statutory 
HFC phasedown.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \51\ EPA proposed that new market entrants must be small 
businesses as defined by the Small Business Administration. For 
reasons explained later in the preamble, the Agency is broadening 
the eligibility criteria for new market entrants.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Multiple commenters supported the set-aside generally and one 
commenter opposed the general concept of a set-aside pool of 
allowances, in particular a pool of allowances for new market entrants. 
The commenter asserted that a set-aside pool is neither authorized by 
the AIM Act, nor was EPA's rationale for its creation supportable. The 
commenter stated that implementing the AIM Act in a similar manner to 
title VI of the CAA would provide for a seamless transition, and that 
EPA's rationale for a set-aside where a distinction can be drawn 
between a phaseout under title VI of the CAA and a phasedown under the 
AIM Act is incorrect, as there are certain exemptions available under 
title VI of the CAA that in practice, do not demonstrate a phaseout. 
The commenter concluded that if EPA were to promulgate a set-aside 
pool, that it should be limited to no more than 5 MMTEVe as a one-time 
allocation and limited in scope and duration.
    As noted elsewhere in this notice, Congress provided broad 
authority to EPA to establish an allocation system to phase down HFC 
production and consumption, and EPA concludes that creating a limited 
set-aside pool is within the scope of its discretion under the Act to 
determine a reasonable approach for allocating allowances. While EPA 
has noted in many instances that it is appropriate to rely on and build 
from the Agency's experience in implementing the ODS phaseout under 
title VI of the CAA, there is nothing in the AIM Act to suggest that 
EPA is required to create an identical allowance allocation system. For 
reasons explained previously, it is appropriate in this first 
implementation phase to allocate the majority of allowances to 
producers and importers that are currently in the HFC market. However, 
for the reasons discussed in this section, it is also reasonable to set 
aside a small quantity of allowances for those who may have been caught 
unawares or are new market entrants. Long term, EPA will revisit 
whether additional set-asides are needed in future years. After 
reviewing comments on the creation of a set-aside pool of allowances, 
EPA is finalizing the set-

[[Page 55156]]

aside pool for these three types of entities.
a. Application-Specific End Users
    EPA is finalizing the proposal to provide priority access to the 
set-aside pool to end users in the applications identified in 
subsection (e)(4)(B)(iv) of the Act. Not all end users may be aware of 
EPA's regulatory activity regarding HFCs, and providing a set-aside 
pool will help end users in the statutorily identified applications 
access the necessary allowances. EPA did not receive any comments that 
opposed providing priority access to application-specific end users to 
the set-aside pool of allowances. Therefore, EPA is finalizing the 
structure that provides priority access to companies operating within 
one of the application-specific uses. EPA will calculate a company's 
allocation of application-specific allowances from the set-aside pool 
in the same manner as the allocation of application-specific allowances 
from the general pool as shown in Section VII.C. EPA will issue only 
2022 allowances to these application-specific end users from the set-
aside pool. EPA expects these entities to apply for 2023 application-
specific allowances in the same manner as all other application-
specific allowance holders.
b. Previously Unidentified Importers
    EPA explained in its proposed rule that the Agency would provide 
second priority access to allowances from the same set-aside pool to 
importers that currently import HFCs, but were not previously required 
to report to GHGRP and were not identified in time to be included in 
the general allowance pool. EPA proposed to not include producers 
because all HFC producers were required to report to the GHGRP. EPA did 
not receive significant adverse comments against its proposal, so is 
finalizing the creation of a set-aside pool from which allowances may 
be issued for these previously unidentified importers of HFCs to the 
extent EPA can verify their historical import levels. Similar to the 
application-specific allowances, allowances for these importers from 
the set-aside pool will be allocated in a level equivalent to what the 
importer would have been eligible to receive through the general pool 
of allowances in accordance with Section VII.B. Consistent with the 
proposal for general pool allowances, companies that did not import in 
2020 will not be considered under this group. However, they can apply 
to be a new market entrant. EPA will issue only 2022 allowances to 
these importers from the set-aside pool. These entities will receive 
allocations through the general pool for 2023 in a manner and level 
that is consistent with other general pool allowance holders.
c. New Market Entrants
    After allocations to the two previously discussed groups, EPA 
proposed to provide access to any remaining allowances in the set-aside 
pool to new market entrants seeking to import HFCs in line with the 
criteria described later in this subsection. EPA is finalizing the 
approach of establishing a set-aside pool and granting tertiary access 
to consumption allowances to new importers of regulated substances. EPA 
proposed to limit the set-aside pool of allowances to owners of 
companies, not operators or designated agents, and that businesses 
applying to be a new market entrant cannot be a subsidiary of or have 
any common ownership stake or familial relationship with another 
allowance holder. One commenter suggested that EPA expand the 
subsidiary, common ownership stake, and familial relationship exclusion 
proposal for new market entrants to cover companies that were recently 
affiliated with existing allowance holders, as this would prevent 
existing allowance holders from attempting to unfairly manipulate the 
system by re-acquiring a new market entrant. EPA agrees and is 
finalizing this criterion alongside the others described in this 
paragraph.
    EPA proposed that allowances will be issued to these new market 
entrants for both 2022 and 2023 at the same time in the same quantity 
for both years. EPA is clarifying that allowances will be issued on 
October 1, 2022 for calendar year 2023. As noted elsewhere, EPA intends 
to revisit the overall process for allocating allowances for 2024 and 
beyond.
    As explained previously, EPA recognizes that in allocating the vast 
majority of allowances based on historical activity in the HFC market, 
EPA may inadvertently create market barriers to companies looking to 
newly enter the HFC market. There is no prohibition in general on a new 
entity importing HFCs, but they would need to have an allowance in 
order to do so. EPA is providing these allowances free of charge to 
historical HFC market participants for 2022 and 2023, but absent a set-
aside pool, new entrants would need to acquire a transferred allowance, 
which they would likely have to purchase. During the HCFC phaseout, EPA 
heard from some small businesses that they had been unable to source 
material from domestic suppliers in sufficient quantity and/or at a 
competitive price. EPA heard similar concerns from small and large 
businesses during the comment period. To mitigate the potential for 
similar challenges and allow businesses experiencing such challenge to 
import HFCs directly without the additional step of purchasing 
allowances, EPA proposed to establish a new market entrant set-aside 
pool. Given that the AIM Act contemplates continued production and 
consumption of HFCs following the mandated phasedown of HFC production 
and consumption in the United States, EPA finds that it is appropriate 
to facilitate participation by new market entrants in the HFC import 
business, at least at this early stage as the HFC market transitions to 
the Congressionally mandated phasedown. However, it is also reasonable 
to facilitate participation only by entities who show a demonstrated 
interest and ability to make use of allowances.
    Several commenters expressed support for, and an interest in, 
applying to EPA's new market entrant set-aside pool. One commenter 
noted that in certain niche end uses, such as fire suppression, access 
and supply of necessary HFCs with higher GWPs from producers or 
importers may be unavailable and/or prohibitively expensive as the 
phasedown continues. The commenter stated that qualifying as a new 
entrant would provide the flexibility to import needed HFCs directly 
and ensure future availability.
    EPA proposed limiting access to the new market entrant set-aside 
pool to small businesses, but is not finalizing this limitation. All 
types of businesses that are new entrants and meet the other criteria 
being finalized here will be eligible to apply for allowances from the 
set-aside pool. EPA reviewed comments received on this issue and did 
not see a strong basis in the record to limit access to small business 
participants. One commenter noted that they would be interested in 
applying to the new market entrant set-aside pool but were not a small 
business so they would not be eligible under EPA's proposed approach. 
EPA has determined that it is not appropriate, at this time, based on 
public comments received, evidence available in the record, and the 
Agency's knowledge of the HFC market, to limit access to the new market 
entrant set-aside pool to only businesses that meet certain 
characteristics. However, the Agency will continue to monitor the HFC 
market and if there are distortions or barriers to entry for certain 
types of businesses or individuals, EPA retains the discretion to 
target allowance allocations more narrowly in the future.

[[Page 55157]]

    To support the proposed rulemaking, EPA conducted a preliminary 
review of HFC importers and HCFC allowance holders (available in the 
docket) and solicited comment on whether any individuals have 
experienced structural barriers inhibiting their earlier access to the 
HFC import market, including if there was difficulty entering the HFC 
import market based on criteria such as business location, employment 
of socially or economically disadvantaged individuals, or other 
criteria related to business ownership, employee characterization, or 
business location. As explained in the proposal and reiterated here, 
the Agency is concerned that certain businesses historically have and 
could continue to experience difficulty entering the HFC market because 
of barriers in the form of systemic racism or sexism, and the Agency 
continues to be interested in collecting the information requested in 
this paragraph to better understand whether such issues are affecting 
entry into this market and to explore future opportunities to ensure a 
more equitable marketplace. In reviewing comments received during the 
public comment period, EPA has not identified records that would 
indicate that certain businesses have historically and could continue 
to experience difficulty entering the HFC market as a result of 
structural barriers or social or economic inequities.
    Broadening the eligibility for new market entrants seeking to 
import HFCs does not mean that EPA is dismissing certain groups and/or 
giving deference to other groups. Consistent with our position in the 
proposed rule, EPA encourages applications from businesses that had 
challenges entering the HFC import market due to systemic racism, 
market-access barriers, or other challenges particularly faced by 
minority- and woman-owned small businesses. EPA is mindful of the 
Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad 
(Executive Order 14008), which calls for ``undertaking robust actions 
to mitigate climate change'' and ``developing programs, policies, and 
activities to address the disproportionately high and adverse human 
health, environmental, climate-related, and other cumulative impacts on 
disadvantaged communities, as well as the accompanying economic 
challenges of such impacts. . . .'' (86 FR 7619, February 1, 2021). EPA 
will monitor and evaluate the market dynamics of the set-aside pool in 
2022 and 2023, and if it appears that certain potential participants 
are experiencing barriers in accessing the new market entrant pool, or 
if information is identified and/or provided documenting such 
structural barriers specific to the HFC market, the Agency may revisit 
additional eligibility criteria for new market entrants in subsequent 
rulemakings.
    In the proposed rulemaking, EPA sought comment on whether the 
Agency should limit new entrants to companies that have never 
previously imported HFCs. Several commenters provided suggestions on 
how EPA should define a ``new'' entrant. Some commenters urged EPA to 
consider new entrants as those who began importing HFCs after 2016, and 
others requested that EPA treat any company that had not imported for 
at least three full years prior to 2020 as new entrants. EPA responds 
that the provisions for new market entrants are, in part, intended for 
companies that are seeking to import HFCs for the very first time or 
only began or restarted importing HFCs after January 1, 2020. As 
explained elsewhere, EPA is allocating allowances for the general pool 
to companies based on the average of three high years in EVe from 2011-
2019, provided that the company was still active in 2020. EPA's 
treatment of partial or incomplete years of data is explained in 
Section VII.B. A lack of a full three years of imports does not by 
itself indicate that the company is a new market entrant for purposes 
of access to the set-aside pool.
    Several commenters urged EPA to exclude companies that had exited 
the import business that are now trying to re-enter via the set-aside 
pool, noting that allowing such companies to participate as new market 
entrants would be contrary to the goal of supporting entities that had 
not previously imported HFCs. One commenter recommended that EPA 
evaluate what it means to exit the market on a case-by-case basis. For 
example, a company may not have been actively importing in 2020 but may 
have still been in business and operating from previous inventory. 
Based on a number of factors, EPA is determining that a new market 
entrant seeking to import HFCs may also be one that had previously 
imported HFCs in any prior year but exited the business by 2020 and who 
did not otherwise qualify to receive allowances (e.g., from the general 
pool). The factors supporting this determination include: The general 
eligibility criteria for company ownership and relationships; the 0.2 
MMTEVe limit on allowances per new entrant (discussed in section 
VII.E.2. below) that effectively prevents a specific company or 
specific type of company from importing a disproportionate amount of 
HFCs; and the information required as part of the new entrant 
application process, including an HFC import plan with a named 
prospective foreign exporter.
    EPA received comment expressing concern about allowing new entrants 
who may have no experience with U.S. environmental or customs laws. 
They note that new entrants have proliferated in Europe and that there 
are administrative challenges associated with tracking their imports 
and monitoring their compliance. EPA recognizes these concerns and is 
requiring that among other information, the company submit a plan for 
importing in its application, as well as provide the name and contact 
information for the prospective foreign exporter that the company 
intends to work with (see Section VII.E.4 for full discussion). Since 
these elements are required as part of the application process for new 
market entrant allowances, companies without a detailed import plan and 
a prospective foreign exporter will not be eligible to receive new 
market entrant allowances from the set-aside pool. EPA is also 
requiring companies include in their applications a certification that 
the information they have submitted is complete, accurate and truthful 
and companies must certify that they understand the regulatory 
requirements established in this rule and will comply with those 
requirements. Companies participating in the new market entrant pool 
will be subject to all the same requirements as other importers (e.g., 
third-party independent auditing by a Certified Public Accountant 
(CPA), recordkeeping and reporting requirements, administrative 
consequences, batch testing and labeling requirements for imported 
HFCs, data transparency).
d. Suggested Additional Entities Eligible for Set-Aside Allowances
    Some commenters urged EPA to create additional set-aside pools of 
consumption allowances, up to 50 MMTEVe, to incentivize environmentally 
and/or climate friendly businesses. While multiple commenters made this 
point to EPA, none of them clearly defined the range of entities or 
activities that would meet this suggested new category other than being 
reclaimers and/or low-GWP refrigerant blenders.
    Other commenters asserted that the proposed rule failed to satisfy 
the Agency's statutory obligations under the AIM Act in that EPA had 
not meaningfully considered ways to increase opportunities for 
reclaiming

[[Page 55158]]

HFC refrigerants, which commenters claimed was required by subsection 
(h)(2)(A) of the Act. Commenters suggested that EPA could fulfill its 
obligations, in part, by creating a separate set-aside pool of 
consumption allowances accessible only to reclaimers with specific 
suggestions for how those allowances should be managed and distributed. 
As explained in previous sections, EPA has determined that it is 
appropriate to allocate the majority of allowances to historical 
producers and importers in the HFC market with a small set-aside 
available to facilitate new entrants to the HFC import market. There 
are several reclaimers that import HFCs and thus are included in the 
general pool, while other reclaimers would be eligible for the new 
market set-aside pool. The commenters did not explain why it would be 
appropriate to take a significant share of allowances away from the 
general pool, and EPA is concerned that adopting this suggestion would 
inevitably lead to significant and potentially adverse disruptions in 
the HFC market. Abruptly shifting a large quantity of allowances from 
companies that are in the business of producing and importing HFCs to 
those that are not will strand existing supply chains, at least 
temporarily. While it is clear Congress has determined it is 
appropriate to phase down HFC production and consumption in the United 
States, it also opted to do so under a gradual schedule, presumably to 
allow the market time to transition into substitute chemicals.
    EPA disagrees with some commenters' characterization of the 
language in AIM Act subsection (h)(2)(A) that the provision places a 
mandatory duty on EPA to prioritize helping reclaimers' needs over all 
others. The statutory language notes that ``[i]n carrying out this 
section, the Administrator shall consider the use of authority 
available to the Administrator under this section to increase 
opportunities for the reclaiming of regulated substances used as 
refrigerants'' (emphasis added). The Agency need not determine in this 
rulemaking whether this provision applies to this action--much less 
whether it establishes a requirement that may apply to other actions 
taken under the AIM Act--because even assuming that the commenters are 
correct that this provision creates a statutory obligation that applies 
to this rulemaking, the Agency has undertaken such consideration 
throughout this rulemaking process. Nothing in this statutory language 
requires that the Agency reach a certain result or use a certain 
mechanism; rather, it requires no more than that the Agency consider 
the potential to increase opportunities for reclamation of regulated 
substances used as refrigerants--and the Agency has done that in the 
context of this rulemaking, including in its consideration of these 
comments and potential responses to them. EPA notes that the HFC 
phasedown in and of itself will result in an increased reliance on 
reclaimed HFCs, regulated substances or blends with lower exchange 
values, as the volume of newly manufactured or imported HFCs continues 
to reduce consistent with the Congressionally mandated schedule. In 
particular, reclaimed material can be acquired through the expenditure 
of potentially zero allowances, given the AIM Act excludes reclamation 
from the definition of ``produce.'' Creating other set-asides, whether 
for reclaimers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), or others, 
would also require determining details about scope, eligibility, and 
implementation that EPA does not have sufficient information at this 
time to consider such requests. The Agency is not prepared to do so 
without explicitly requesting comment--and receiving public input--on 
these topics. The Agency intends to evaluate further how it could 
continue to increase opportunities for reclamation under the AIM Act's 
authority in subsection (h)(2)(A) in future actions. EPA expects that 
it would evaluate options for increasing the supply of recovered HFCs 
for reclamation, as well as the demand for reclaimed HFCs. EPA will 
also review actions related to reclamation that are underway in 
California to see if similar types of regulation could be appropriate 
nationwide. In light of all of these considerations, EPA has determined 
that it is not appropriate at this time to create additional set-aside 
pools.
2. How large is the set-aside pool, and what are the applicable limits 
for applicants?
    EPA based the proposed size of the set-aside pool on an analysis of 
new market entrants in 2017-2019 compared to 2011-2013. EPA stated in 
the proposal that it would be appropriate to establish a pool that 
roughly estimates the market shifts EPA has seen over this timeframe 
with additional allowances to accommodate for businesses that would 
have met EPA's criteria to be eligible for general or application-
specific allowances, but were not identified in time. Accordingly, EPA 
proposed to establish a set-aside pool of 5 MMTEVe of consumption 
allowances taking comment on a range up to 15 MMTEVe for 2022. EPA also 
proposed to set aside 1 MMTEVe of production allowances, which can be 
used as application-specific allowances, for 2022.
    Some commenters supported the concept of a set-aside pool of 
allowances but urged EPA to either retain the proposed 5 MMTEVe of 
consumption allowances, or decrease it to 3 MMTEVe. The latter 
suggestion was provided by a commenter as fully meeting the needs of 
the eligible applicants, while also providing additional stability to 
companies in the general pool. Many commenters requested that EPA 
expand the set-aside pool of consumption allowances to 15 MMTEVe. EPA 
has considered two related factors for informing our final decision. 
Based on information and data received from companies in the 
application-specific end uses, EPA may have underestimated the number 
of companies that were unaware of the HFC regulatory landscape and did 
not have an opportunity to submit relevant data in time for the Agency 
to consider for 2022 allowance allocations. In conjunction with the 
number of comments received on the proposal from companies that would 
be eligible as new HFC importers, EPA anticipates greater participation 
in the set-aside pool than initially contemplated. To improve the 
utility of the set-aside pool of allowances in meeting the objectives 
to accommodate the needs in order of priority for application-specific 
end users, previously unidentified importers, and new market entrants, 
EPA is finalizing the set-aside pool of consumption allowances at 7.5 
MMTEVe. Given the number of companies that may be eligible for 
application-specific allowances, the Agency is also finalizing 2.5 
MMTEVe of production allowances in the set-aside pool as EPA 
anticipates a higher number of application-specific allowances may be 
needed for 2022. EPA did not have data to support expanding the level 
of the pool further, and the Agency does not want to unnecessarily 
remove allowances from the general pool that will not be used. While 
some commenters suggested expanding the pool to 15 or even 50 MMTEVe, 
those commenters generally also suggested expanding the eligibility 
criteria to participate in the set-aside pool or creating multiple set-
aside pools. As explained elsewhere in this section, the Agency is only 
allowing access to the pool for the following entities: (1) 
Application-specific end users not identified in time for the initial 
allowance allocation; (2) historical importers not previously

[[Page 55159]]

required to report to GHGRP that would have been eligible for an 
initial allocation, but were not identified in time for the initial 
allowance allocation; and (3) new market entrants.
    As previously discussed, EPA is first issuing allowances within the 
set-aside pool to end users that are eligible for application-specific 
allowances in an amount equal to what EPA determines that end user 
would need. Second, EPA will issue allowances to historical importers 
that were not required to report to the GHGRP previously and would have 
been eligible for general pool allowances according to the formula 
shown in Section VII.B. Companies receiving allowances under this 
component of the set-aside will receive allowances as if they were in 
the general pool.\52\ While anyone requesting allowances under this 
condition must have been below the 25,000 MTCO2e reporting 
threshold, there is not a discrete numerical cap on allowances that 
will be allocated for these companies per se, unless the full set-aside 
is exhausted by application-specific requests, which is unlikely. For 
the new market entrants of the set-aside pool, EPA proposed that each 
would be eligible for up to 0.2 MMTEVe in allowances. This value is 
based on the aggregated median quantity of AIM Act-regulated HFC 
imports (highest of 2017-2019 for ``new'' importers that did not also 
import in 2011-2013) reported to the GHGRP and scaled based on a common 
HFC blend, in MMTCO2e. EPA sought comment on whether it 
should finalize a higher limit for companies other than those seeking 
application-specific allowances, up to 1 MMTEVe. While several 
commenters requested that EPA increase the maximum amount that new 
market entrants would be eligible for to the full 1 MMTEVe, or remove 
the limit altogether, EPA did not receive analysis or data that would 
reliably support a rationale to increase the maximum amount. A 0.2 
MMTEVe consumption allowance limit should help to prevent any specific 
company or type of company from taking an undue share of the allowances 
available in the new market entrant pool and should retain a balance of 
allowances as available for several new market applicants. As noted 
earlier, EPA also wants to ensure that it is only allocating allowances 
to entities that are able to actually make use of the allowances in the 
quantity provided. Given that these entities are all new to the HFC 
import market, keeping their allowance allocation relatively modest is 
appropriate. Therefore, EPA is finalizing, as proposed, that each new 
market entrant in the set-aside pool would be eligible for consumption 
allowances of either 0.2 MMTEVe, or if the number of applications would 
lead to an exceedance of the remaining amount of allowances available, 
each applicant would receive consumption allowances on a pro rata 
basis. EPA notes again that nothing precludes entities from obtaining 
regulated HFCs that may be needed or desired from the open market or 
receiving transferred allowances from another entity.
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    \52\ In the general pool, each company will receive the same 
percentage reduction from their high-year average determined in 
section 84.11. For set-aside allowances, EPA will determine each 
company's high value based on the approach described in Section 
VII.B and will then apply the same reduction percentage that all 
other general pool allowance holders receive from their high value 
to companies who are eligible from this component of the set-aside 
pool.
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3. How will transfers and unused allowances be treated in the set-aside 
pool?
    EPA proposed a restriction that allowances issued from the set-
aside pool are nontransferable, but is clarifying that this provision 
applies only to new market entrants. The Agency proposed this to ensure 
that applicants to the set-aside pool only request allowances they are 
able to use, and do not simply participate in the pool in order to sell 
the allowances on the open market. Some commenters voiced general 
support for the proposal, while others suggested that application-
specific allowances should not be transferable, but previously 
unidentified importers and new market entrants should be allowed to 
participate in allowance trading, just like the general allowance 
holders.
    EPA will allow application-specific allowance holders and 
previously unidentified companies that imported HFCs in 2020 and were 
not required to report under 40 CFR part 98 to transfer their 
allowances consistent with other application-specific and general pool 
allowance holders, respectively. The criteria for transfers are 
discussed further in Section VII.D.
    There were also commenters that recommended EPA allow for transfer 
and sale of allowances from the set-aside pool for new market entrants, 
citing that having a restriction on sales or transfers would have two 
unintended consequences: Small businesses may try to immediately 
purchase HFCs to capitalize the value of allowances before they expire, 
and small businesses may have to purchase and stockpile HFCs for future 
use before cashflow may justify it. EPA responds that an allowance is a 
temporary privilege for production and/or consumption. The purpose of 
the set-aside for new market entrants is to issue allowances to 
companies that wish to import HFCs and would not otherwise receive 
allowances under the general pool. EPA strongly encourages companies to 
request a quantity of allowances that they can successfully import by 
December 31, 2022. While EPA appreciates that importing would likely be 
new for these companies, that is why the Agency is requiring 
prospective new market entrants provide a detailed plan for importing 
HFCs and name a prospective foreign exporter that those companies 
intend to work with. Companies will have to consider the lead time, 
cost, and overall investment needed to import HFCs prior to submitting 
an application. Further, EPA is not reducing allowances to new market 
entrants in 2023 for failing to use all the allowances issued in 2022. 
Allowing for transfers for new market entrants on the other hand, would 
create an opportunity for a company to request allowances with the sole 
interest of selling them to another company, and not entering the 
import market. That outcome would be completely inconsistent with the 
purpose of the proposed set-aside for new market entrants, and 
therefore EPA is finalizing, as proposed, that allowances for new 
market entrants are not transferable.
    EPA also proposed that if there were fewer applicants for 
allowances such that 2022 allowances remain in the pool, EPA would 
redistribute them to the general pool of existing allowance holders on 
a pro rata basis by March 31, 2022. Alternatively, EPA stated in the 
proposed rulemaking that it could auction the remaining allowances by 
March 31, 2022.
    Several commenters opposed an auction approach and cited that an 
auction system would represent a disproportionate burden on smaller 
allocation holders who may already be at a competitive disadvantage, 
and that an auction system could raise legal issues. On the other hand, 
several commenters supported an auction approach, citing that an 
auction system promotes transparency and ensures that all interested 
parties have an equal chance of access to unused allowances. EPA 
continues to be interested in how an auction structure for distributing 
allowances could potentially be integrated into future rulemakings. 
However, the cumulative efforts and resources that would be necessary 
to build, test, and successfully administer and implement an auction 
system by March 31, 2022, are not feasible. As a result, EPA is 
finalizing that any remaining allowances in the set-aside

[[Page 55160]]

pool will be redistributed to the general pool of existing allowance 
holders on a pro rata basis by March 31, 2022.
4. What is the deadline to apply for allowances from the set-aside 
pool, and what information is required?
    EPA proposed that companies would have until November 30, 2021, to 
apply for allowance allocations from the set-aside pool. The proposal 
also prescribed that entities that fall within the six statutorily 
identified applications in subsection (e)(4)(B)(iv), but did not 
initially receive application-specific allowances from EPA, would need 
to apply to EPA in the same manner as other application-specific end 
users by November 30, 2021. Similarly, EPA proposed that unidentified 
importers of HFCs who imported in 2020 and were below the GHGRP 
threshold of 25,000 MTCO2e would have to report their 
historical import and export, if applicable, data to the electronic 
Greenhouse Gas Reporting Tool (e-GGRT) by November 30, 2021.\53\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \53\ Forms available at https://ccdsupport.com/confluence/display/help/e-GGRT+and+HFC+Data+Reporting+related+to+AIM.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA proposed that new market entrant applicants must submit the 
following: (1) Name and address of the company and the complete 
ownership of the company (with percentages of ownership); (2) contact 
information for the owner of the company; (3) the date of incorporation 
and state in which the company is incorporated and state license 
identifier; (4) a plan for importing HFCs; and (5) a prospective 
foreign exporter that the applicant anticipates working with.\54\ To 
prevent fraud and to ensure that these allowances go to new entrants in 
the HFC import business, EPA sought comment on whether there are other 
data it should request. EPA did not receive comments during the public 
comment period to support a record to alter our proposed provisions and 
requirements, and therefore the Agency is finalizing, as proposed, the 
information necessary to apply for allowances in the set-aside pool as 
a new market entrant.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \54\ EPA also proposed to include demographic data related to 
the ownership and employees at the company. EPA is not finalizing 
these requirements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA proposed that if future information reveals a company provided 
false, inaccurate, or misleading information or did not disclose 
financial or familial relationships between a new entrant and another 
allowance holder, EPA reserves the right to revoke allowances and 
require the company to retire a greater number of allowances than those 
received through the set-aside pool. EPA is finalizing this proposal, 
adjusting what it means to provide false information, consistent with 
the discussion in Section IX.A. As noted earlier, EPA is expanding the 
subsidiary, common ownership stake, and familial relationship exclusion 
for new market entrants to cover companies that were recently 
affiliated with existing allowance holders. Therefore, any future 
false, inaccurate, or misleading information, or not disclosing 
financial or familial relationships between a new market entrant and a 
recently affiliated allowance holder, could also result in EPA revoking 
allowances and requiring the company to retire a greater number of 
allowances than those received through the set-aside pool.
    Recognizing that there may be some delay between signature of this 
final rulemaking and publication in the Federal Register, and that 
publication in the Federal Register serves as the official record and 
notification to potentially affected parties, EPA is finalizing that 
the deadline for applications to the set-aside pool of allowances is 
November 30, 2021. Consistent with the proposal, EPA is also finalizing 
the process that will allow the Agency to review all relevant data, 
conduct follow-up verification as needed, and issue allowances to 
applicants that meet the applicable criteria for each program no later 
than March 31, 2022.

VIII. What other elements of the AIM Act is EPA addressing in this 
rulemaking?

A. How is EPA addressing international trades or transfers of HFC 
allowances?

    Subsection (j) of the AIM Act, titled ``International 
Cooperation,'' addresses the trade or transfer of production allowances 
between entities in the United States and foreign countries.\55\ 
International transfers of production allowances allow for the 
production of a chemical to be consolidated at fewer plants in order to 
achieve economies of scale as demand shrinks and the HFC phasedown 
progresses. To implement this subsection, EPA must determine whether a 
country has ``enacted or otherwise established . . . the same or 
similar requirements or otherwise undertaken commitments regarding the 
production and consumption of regulated substances as are contained 
in'' the AIM Act. Under subsection (j)(4), EPA is required to 
promulgate a rule carrying out this subsection by December 27, 2021, 
and to review that rule at least annually and, if necessary, revise 
it.\56\
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    \55\ Subsection (j)(1) also addresses exports. In particular, 
after January 1, 2033, it prohibits the export of a regulated 
substance to a person in a foreign country if EPA determines that 
the country has not undertaken certain actions regarding the 
production and consumption of regulated substances. Given the timing 
of this prohibition, EPA does not address this aspect of subsection 
(j)(1) in this rulemaking.
    \56\ These reviews will be completed through an internal 
procedure, but EPA would engage in notice and comment rulemaking to 
revise the regulations.
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    The statute uses the terms ``trade'' and ``transfer'' with respect 
to allowances in many parts of both subsections (g) and (j). While EPA 
has considered whether Congress intended ``trade'' and ``transfer'' to 
signify different actions with respect to allowances in these 
provisions, neither term is defined in the AIM Act and EPA cannot 
discern a consistent difference in how the terms are used in this 
context. EPA is therefore interpreting them as being used 
interchangeably.
    In most instances, subsections (g) and (j) use ``transfer'' (either 
exclusively or alongside the term ``trade'') to describe the exchange 
of allowances between two entities. Subsection (j) uses the phrase 
``trade or transfer'' throughout the subsection. However, (j)(2) and 
(3) exclusively use ``transfers'' in the paragraph titles, while using 
both ``trade or transfer'' and ``transfer'' in the text of both 
paragraphs. For example, (j)(2) permits the ``trade or transfer of a 
production allowance . . . if, at the time of the transfer'' certain 
conditions are met. There is one instance in subsection (g)(2)(C) where 
the AIM Act references trade alone in requiring that EPA's rule provide 
for ``the trading of consumption allowances in the same manner as is 
applicable [for] the trading of production allowances.'' In all other 
places in subsection (g), the term ``transfer'' is used exclusively, 
for example in (g)(1), which requires EPA to issue a rule that 
``governs the transfer of [production] allowances.'' As Congress uses 
the term ``transfer'' more frequently when only one term appears in 
subsections (g) or (j), EPA finds it to be appropriate to use the term 
``transfer'' in the AIM Act implementing regulations for all instances 
where the AIM Act contemplates ``trades'' or ``transfers.'' 
Hereinafter, EPA refers to ``trade or transfer'' as used in subsection 
(j) of the AIM Act as ``transfers'' for simplicity.
    In relevant part, subsection (j)(1) of the Act prohibits any 
company subject to the AIM Act's requirements from transferring a 
production allowance to a company in a foreign country that, as 
determined by EPA, has not established the same or similar requirements 
within a reasonable time from the Act's

[[Page 55161]]

enactment or otherwise undertaken commitments regarding the production 
and consumption of HFCs as are contained in the Act. Subsection (j)(2) 
describes specific conditions that must be satisfied for a company in 
the United States to transfer a production allowance to--or from--a 
company in a foreign country. Such a transfer to a company in a foreign 
country may occur if at the time of the transfer EPA revises the number 
of production allowances for the United States so that the aggregate 
national production of the regulated substance to be transferred is 
equal to the least of three different levels, which are described 
below. Similarly, such a transfer may occur from a company in a foreign 
country to a company in the United States if, at the time of the 
transfer, EPA finds that the foreign country has revised its domestic 
production limits of the regulated substance in the same manner. EPA 
also has discretion under subsection (j)(3) to reduce the United 
States' production limits as a prerequisite to a transfer to a company 
in a foreign country, or to increase the United States' production 
limits to reflect production allowances transferred from a company in a 
foreign country to a company in the United States.
    The regulations that EPA is finalizing to implement the AIM Act's 
international transfer provisions are structured similarly to the 
provisions governing international transfers under the ODS phaseout 
(see 40 CFR 82.9(c) and 82.18(c)). When a transfer request is 
submitted, EPA will review whether the foreign country where the 
foreign company is located meets the conditions of subsection (j)(1) 
and is therefore eligible to participate in transfers of production 
allowances to or from the United States.\57\ If the foreign country 
does not meet the conditions in subsection (j)(1), EPA would notify the 
requestor in writing that no transfers to or from the country can 
occur.
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    \57\ In the ODS context, EPA developed a list of countries that 
had domestic regulatory requirements in place regarding the 
production and consumption of ODS. Given the limited number of 
international transfers of production allowances that EPA saw under 
CAA title VI, EPA does not presently anticipate that a list will be 
necessary to implement these provisions. EPA may consider whether to 
implement such a list at a future time, such as when the Agency 
starts implementing the January 1, 2033, export prohibition in 
subsection (j)(1).
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    If EPA determines that the foreign country meets the conditions in 
(j)(1) of the Act, it will consider whether the applicable requirements 
in subsection (j)(2) of the AIM Act are met. For transfers to a foreign 
country, a company in the United States may engage in the transfer 
under subsection (j)(2)(A) if at the time of the transfer EPA revises 
the number of production allowances such that the aggregate national 
production of the regulated substance to be transferred is equal to the 
lesser of three values listed in subsection (j)(2)(A)(i)-(iii):
     The maximum production level permitted under the AIM Act 
for the applicable regulated substance in the year of the international 
transfer minus the production allowances transferred;
     the maximum production level for the applicable regulated 
substances that are allowed under applicable law minus the production 
allowances transferred; or
     the average of the actual national production level of the 
applicable regulated substances for the three years prior to the date 
of the transfer minus the production allowances transferred.
    In relevant part, subsection (j)(2)(A)(i)-(iii) of the AIM Act 
refers to the ``applicable regulated substance'' and ``applicable 
regulated substances,'' such as in the phrase ``the maximum production 
level permitted for the applicable regulated substance in the year of 
the transfer . . . , less the production allowances transferred.'' 
Since EPA is issuing allowances as an exchange value-weighted amount 
and not as a chemical-specific quantity, allowance holders could use 
all their allocated production allowances for any one chemical. As 
such, if a company transfers production allowances to a foreign 
country, EPA considers the ``maximum production level permitted for the 
applicable regulated substance in the year of transfer'' to be the same 
as the maximum allocation listed in Sec.  84.7(b), which is an exchange 
value-weighted amount. EPA will take the same approach of weighting 
amounts based on exchange values when considering the levels consistent 
with (j)(2)(A)(ii) and (iii). As the production allowances transferred 
would also be accounted for in terms of the exchange value-weighted 
units, the reduction would be appropriately reflected in the total.
    EPA is finalizing the process wherein a company in the United 
States seeking to transfer allowances (i.e., the ``transferor'') must 
provide EPA with a signed statement requesting that EPA revise the 
number of production allowances consistent with the requirements of 
subsection (j)(2)(A)(i)-(iii). EPA will determine which is the lesser 
of the three values. The transferor also needs to submit information on 
the contact person and foreign country authorizing the transfer; the 
chemical and quantity being transferred; documentation that the foreign 
country possesses the necessary quantity of unexpended production 
rights; and the calendar year for that transfer.
    EPA sought comment on whether it should additionally require 
approval by a foreign country or some other documentation from the 
foreign country verifying it can increase allowable production in the 
relevant calendar year if EPA approves the transfer, or whether an 
application for such reduction or other official government 
communication from the foreign country's embassy in the United States 
is sufficient. For these transfers, the allowance revisions for the 
company in the United States would be reflected at the individual 
transferor level, which would have the effect of revising the number of 
allowances for production under subsection (e)(2) of the Act for the 
United States, and which reflects EPA's interpretation of requirements 
under subsection (j)(2)(A). EPA received one comment in favor of 
requiring prior approval from the foreign country to ensure the country 
is informed and avoid what the commenter called environmental dumping. 
EPA responds that the Agency will not require prior approval of an 
official representative of the foreign country because there are some 
countries that require EPA to make a decision before they consider the 
request. EPA disagrees that the foreign country will not be informed of 
the transfer as an official representative at the foreign embassy in 
the United States must approve of the transfer.
    In reviewing submissions for transfers to a company in a foreign 
country, EPA will consider whether the transfer and revised production 
limits meet the requirements in subsection (j), as discussed above. EPA 
is also defining other factors the Agency could take into account in 
considering whether to approve such transfers. Under the CAA title VI 
implementing regulations in 40 CFR part 82, subpart A, EPA has the 
discretion to take factors into account relating to possible economic 
hardships created by a transfer, potential effects on trade, potential 
environmental implications, and the total amount of unexpended 
allowances held by entities in the United States. For the AIM Act 
regulations, there is value in having discretion to consider the 
environmental implications, since there could be an environmental 
benefit or cost associated with the international transfer that could 
influence EPA's decision making. EPA is finalizing its proposal to 
consider environmental benefit and the total unexpended allowances held 
by entities in the United States, given that EPA cannot

[[Page 55162]]

approve a transfer if there were insufficient allowances to transfer.
    Two commenters urged EPA to include the same considerations as in 
title VI of the CAA when making a decision to approve an international 
transfer of production allowances and one recommended that 
consideration of at least economic hardships and environmental 
implications be mandatory and not discretionary. One of those 
commenters, expanding on environmental considerations, suggested that 
EPA limit transfers to where production capacity is consolidated (e.g., 
a specific production line turned off in location A and capacity 
increased from an existing production line in location B). Nor, the 
commenter said, should EPA allow the transfer of excess HFC allowances 
from a country exceeding its phasedown schedule into the United States 
as that would lead to an overall increase in production. EPA responds 
that it is finalizing regulatory text giving the Agency discretion to 
consider, as appropriate possible economic hardships created by a 
transfer, potential effects on trade, potential environmental 
implications such as the ones raised by the commenter, and the total 
amount of unexpended allowances held by entities in the United States. 
EPA is retaining its discretion to consider these factors rather than 
making them mandatory as they may not all be appropriate in all 
circumstances.
    For transfers from a foreign country, subsection (j)(2)(B) of the 
Act provides that the company in the United States may engage in the 
transfer if EPA finds that the foreign country has revised their 
domestic production limits of the regulated substances in the same 
manner as for transfers by a company in the United States. Accordingly, 
EPA is finalizing its proposal to require the company to submit a 
signed document from an official representative in that country's 
embassy in the United States stating that the appropriate authority 
within that country has revised the domestic production limits for that 
country equal to the least of:
     The maximum production level permitted under the AIM Act 
for the applicable regulated substance in the year of the international 
transfer minus the production allowances transferred;
     the maximum production level for the applicable regulated 
substances that are allowed under applicable law (including the 
country's applicable domestic law) minus the production allowances 
transferred; or
     the average of the country's actual national production 
level of the applicable regulated substances for the three years prior 
to the date of the transfer minus the production allowances 
transferred.
    Consistent with subsection (j)(2)(B) of the Act, these three 
situations are intended to align with the provisions in subsection 
(j)(2)(A)(i)-(iii) of the Act. As noted above, subsection (j)(2)(A)(i)-
(iii) of the AIM Act refers to the ``applicable regulated substance'' 
and ``applicable regulated substances,'' such as in the phrase ``the 
maximum production level permitted for the applicable regulated 
substance in the year of the transfer . . . , less the production 
allowances transferred.'' As proposed, if the country uses an exchange 
value-weighted system similar to what EPA is finalizing in this action, 
this phrase should have the same meaning as for transfers from the 
United States to another country. If a foreign country has established 
chemical-specific production levels, this phrase is interpreted to mean 
the production level for the particular regulated substance involved in 
the transfer. In such a scenario, the production allowances transferred 
will be translated into exchange value-weighted amounts for purposes of 
tracking compliance with obligations under the AIM Act. EPA will take 
the same approach when considering the levels consistent with 
(j)(2)(A)(ii) and (iii). If the foreign country has established a 
different domestic regulatory approach, EPA will need to consider on a 
case-by-case basis how best to review this condition to ensure that 
requirements of the AIM Act are met.
    Language in (j)(2)(A)(i) that establishes one of the thresholds for 
determining the reduction in production allowances refers to the 
maximum production level permitted ``under this section'' for the 
applicable regulated substance in the year of the international 
transfer. As proposed, EPA is interpreting this language as restricting 
international transfers from a foreign country to situations in which 
the country has revised their production limits to establish a 
phasedown schedule at least as stringent as that in the AIM Act. As 
noted above, under subsection (j)(2)(B), EPA must find that the country 
has revised the domestic production limits ``in the same manner'' as 
provided for transfers by a company in the United States to a company 
in a foreign country for the transfer to occur. One requirement for 
such transfers to a foreign country in (j)(2)(A) is that the number of 
allowances for production under subsection (e)(2) of the Act must be 
revised downward such that national aggregate production is equal to 
the lesser of one of three values, one of which is the maximum 
production level permitted ``under this section'' for the applicable 
regulated substance in the year of the international transfer. EPA is 
finalizing its proposed interpretation that subsections (j)(2)(A) and 
(j)(2)(B) be read together to mean that Congress intended for the 
international transfer provisions only to apply to countries that have 
revised their production limits to establish a phasedown schedule at 
least as stringent as the AIM Act's. All commenters on this topic 
agreed that in order to meet the environmental goals of the AIM Act, 
transfers must only be with countries that have phasedown schedules 
that are the same or more stringent than in the AIM Act.
    For international production allowance transfers to a company in 
the United States, the company must provide EPA with a request that 
includes: The contact person and foreign country authorizing the 
transfer; the chemical and quantity being transferred; the calendar 
year for that transfer; and a signed statement describing whether the 
increased production is intended to allow the company in the United 
States to serve the export market or to serve the United States market. 
This information is helpful to EPA because once the transfer is 
complete, the Agency will treat production allowances transferred from 
a foreign country the same way as all other production allowances 
issued by EPA. As such, a production allowance and a consumption 
allowance must be expended for each unit of HFC produced, though if the 
amounts are later exported, the consumption allowances may be 
reimbursed.
    For both transfers from and to foreign countries, EPA, following 
review, will notify the requestor in writing that the appropriate 
production allowances were either granted or deducted and specify the 
affected year(s), provided EPA determines the request meets the 
required conditions. In approving an international transfer, EPA will 
notify the transferor in writing of the appropriate revisions to a 
transferor's allowance balance at the time of approval. For transfers 
from a foreign country, the Administrator will notify the requestor in 
writing that the allowances of that company are revised to equal the 
unexpended production allowances held by the company plus the level of 
allowable production transferred from the foreign country. EPA will not 
adjust available allowances until the foreign country's representative 
has confirmed the appropriate number of allowances were deducted in the 
foreign country.

[[Page 55163]]

    The AIM Act does not limit the quantity of production allowances 
that may be transferred to a foreign country. EPA sought comment on 
whether to include a provision like the one used under the implementing 
regulations for international transfers for ODS under CAA title VI 
giving the Administrator the option to disapprove the proposed transfer 
if the transfer is not consistent with domestic policy. EPA also sought 
comment on what policies might be relevant in this context. 
Additionally, EPA proposed that it would deny the transfer if the 
transferor did not possess sufficient allowances to permit the 
necessary reduction in aggregate domestic production to be reflected in 
the transferor's revised production limits. EPA did not receive 
comments on these points and is finalizing provisions allowing EPA to 
disapprove the proposed transfer if the transfer is not consistent with 
domestic policy or if the transferor does not possess sufficient 
allowances.
    If EPA approves the proposed transfer, EPA will establish revised 
production limits for the transferor so that the aggregate national 
production permitted reflects the effect of the transfer of production 
allowances. In certain circumstances, following a transfer of 
allowances to another country, the AIM Act requires that the total 
United States production of the HFC to be transferred be reduced by an 
additional amount beyond a simple deduction of the number of allowances 
transferred to another country. For instance, if the average actual 
United States production during the three-year period prior to the date 
of the transfer is less than the total allowable United States 
production for that substance under Sec.  84.7(b), then by the time of 
the transfer, United States production would need to be revised 
downward to equal the three-year average minus the amount transferred. 
This additional reduction would also need to be reflected in the 
revised production limit.
    EPA requested comment on whether there are any other scenarios 
where a greater reduction would be needed. EPA did not receive comments 
on this point. Thus, EPA is finalizing as proposed to conclude that it 
would be appropriate for the required reduction in United States 
production to be allocated among all the transferors participating in 
international transfers in the same calendar year in proportion to the 
number of allowances transferred by each entity. This approach is fair, 
as it treats every company equally based on the total number of 
allowances transferred. To ensure EPA does not need to revise 
allowances if companies submit their requests at different times, e.g., 
one company submits a request by February 1 and another on September 1, 
EPA is finalizing its proposal that all requests for international 
transfers of production allowances be submitted by October 1 of the 
year prior to the year the transferred allowances would be usable. If 
there is only one transferor, the reduction will be applied exclusively 
to that company. EPA will notify each transferor of the revised 
production limit before January 1 and the allowances will be usable as 
of January 1 for the full calendar year. The transfers will be deemed 
to occur as of January 1, the date the transferor's production limit is 
revised and the allowances are usable, for purposes of determining the 
three-year period under this analysis. The transferor will then be able 
to make timely market decisions with the remaining production 
allowances. EPA will rely upon the three most recent calendar years' 
worth of data. For example, if a request were submitted by October 1, 
2022, EPA will rely upon data from January 1, 2019, through December 
31, 2021, to determine the average of the actual national production 
level over the last three years (as specified in subsection 
(j)(2)(A)(iii)). While the AIM Act states the Agency should use the 
average production level for the ``three-year period ending on the date 
of the transfer,'' such data for the year ending on the date of 
transfer would generally not be reported until 45 days after the end of 
the quarter, and then would need to be reviewed by EPA for accuracy. 
Further, EPA does not know the timing for the availability and/or 
release of another country's data. Thus, EPA is implementing this 
provision through the three most recent calendar years' worth of data.
    To determine the transferor's balance of production allowances 
after a transfer to a company in a foreign country, the Administrator 
will determine which of the values under (j)(2)(A) of the Act leads to 
the lowest value and adjust allowance balance(s) accordingly.
    Given the discussion at the start of this section explaining how 
``transfers'' is used in (g) and (j) of the Act, and that EPA is 
interpreting references to that term as synonymous with references to 
``trade,'' the Agency is also applying the requirement in subsection 
(g)(2) to international transfers. Subsection (g)(2) of the Act 
specifies that EPA's regulations shall ensure that transfers ``will 
result in greater total reductions in the production of regulated 
substances in each year than would occur during the year in the absence 
of the transfer.'' The Agency concludes that it is reasonable to view 
(g)(2) of the Act as applying equally to all transfers. This is 
consistent with the requirement under (g)(1) that EPA promulgate a 
regulation that ``governs the transfer of allowances for the production 
of regulated substances under subsection (e)(3)(A)'' of the Act. As the 
international transfers under (j)(2) would affect the production 
allowances issued under subsection (e)(3)(A), it is reasonable to apply 
those requirements to international transfers as well. This approach 
will also result in an additional benefit for the environment than 
would occur absent the transfer, consistent with (g)(2).

B. What HFC destruction technologies is EPA approving?

    The AIM Act in subsection (b)(7) defines the term ``produce'' to 
exclude the destruction of HFCs if the destruction occurs through use 
of a technology approved by the Administrator. This section lists 
destruction technologies that would be considered approved for purposes 
of the AIM Act.
    Many destruction technologies previously approved by EPA to destroy 
ODS have also been found capable of destroying HFCs to a minimum 
destruction and removal efficiency (DRE) of 99.99 percent.\58\ There 
are three broad categories of destruction technologies: Thermal 
oxidation (incineration), plasma, and conversion (other, non-
incineration) technologies. EPA finds that technologies that destroy 
HFCs to a DRE of 99.99 percent are appropriate to list for approval 
under the AIM Act. As proposed, EPA is finalizing two lists of 
destruction technologies: One for HFCs other than HFC-23, and one for 
all HFCs including HFC-23 given that HFC-23 is harder to destroy than 
other HFCs. Commenters supported the creation of two lists, noting that 
not all destruction technologies need to be able to destroy HFC-23 as 
it is rarely contained in mixtures with other HFCs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \58\ 2018 TEAP Report, Volume 2: Decision XXIX/4 TEAP Task Force 
Report on Destruction Technologies for Controlled Substances. March 
15, 2021. Available at https://ozone.unep.org/sites/default/files/2019-04/TEAP-DecXXIX4-TF-Report-April2018.pdf.
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    There are twelve destruction technologies capable of destroying 
HFCs other than HFC-23 to a DRE of 99.99 percent. They are:
     Incineration (6 technologies): Cement kilns, gaseous/fume 
oxidation, liquid injection incineration, porous thermal reactor, 
reactor cracking, and rotary kiln incineration.

[[Page 55164]]

     Plasma (3): Argon plasma arc, nitrogen plasma arc, and 
portable plasma arc.
     Conversion (3): Chemical reaction with hydrogen 
(H2) and CO2, gas phase catalytic de-
halogenation, and superheated steam reactor.
    Eight of those technologies are capable of destroying HFC-23 to a 
DRE of 99.99 percent. They are:
     Incineration (4): Gaseous/fume oxidation, liquid injection 
incineration, reactor cracking, and rotary kiln incineration.
     Plasma (2): Argon plasma arc and nitrogen plasma arc.
     Conversion (2): Chemical reaction with H2 and 
CO2 and superheated steam reactor.
    These technologies provide a variety of technological options for 
the destruction of HFCs and are capable of either destroying HFCs at a 
DRE of at least 99.99 percent or converting them into non-regulated 
substances. The Agency intends to consider approving additional 
destruction processes in the future if further technologies are 
developed.

C. What is EPA requiring for HFC-23 emission controls?

    As discussed in the Section V, the creation of a regulated 
substance beyond insignificant quantities inadvertently or 
coincidentally created in five specific circumstances \59\ is 
considered ``production.'' Such production, whether intentional or 
unintentional, would generally require the expenditure of production 
and consumption allowances unless the regulated substance is timely 
destroyed. This subsection discusses narrowing this general approach 
for HFC-23. Specifically, as further explained in this section and the 
proposed rule, given the extremely high exchange value of HFC-23, EPA 
is exercising its significant discretion to determine that production 
and consumption allowances cannot be expended for HFC-23 production if 
that HFC-23 is emitted rather than being captured and either destroyed 
or sold for consumptive use. Put another way, if a facility produces 
HFC-23 and emits that HFC-23 onsite beyond the numerical standard 
established in this final rule, production and consumption allowances 
cannot be expended to cover the generation of the HFC-23, and the 
facility will be deemed to have undertaken production of HFC-23 without 
an accompanying expenditure of allowances in violation of the AIM Act 
and the regulations established in this rulemaking. Instead of being 
emitted, HFC-23 must be captured and controlled to a specific standard 
stated later in this subsection. Entities can either destroy the HFC-23 
or expend production and consumption allowances to capture, refine, and 
sell it for consumptive uses.
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    \59\ EPA received comment that HFC-23 can be incidentally 
created at some semiconductor manufacturing facilities. EPA 
understands that the amounts of HFC-23 generated at semiconductor 
manufacturing facilities are very small and would meet the threshold 
of what EPA intended to exclude from production as an 
``insignificant quantit[y].'' As explained further in that section, 
EPA is finalizing regulatory language that ``insignificant 
quantities'' of regulated substances inadvertently or coincidentally 
generated at semiconductor manufacturing facilities are excluded 
from the definition of ``production'' under the AIM Act.
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    One commenter noted that EPA is relying on its discretion as 
opposed to direct statutory language in the AIM Act for the HFC-23 
controls being finalized here. EPA responds that the AIM Act itself 
provides EPA with discretion in how to establish an allowance 
allocation system. EPA is exercising this discretion to only allow 
production and consumption allowances to be expended for HFC-23 if the 
HFC-23 is refined and sold for consumptive uses, such as in 
semiconductor etching or refrigeration at very low temperatures. EPA 
understands that some HFC-23 is unintentionally created as a byproduct 
in chemical production processes and vented to the atmosphere.\60\ EPA 
is finalizing its proposal that allowances created through the AIM Act 
cannot be expended for HFC-23 that is vented. The AIM Act makes clear 
in subsection (e)(2)(D)(ii) that a production allowance is a ``limited 
authorization for the production . . . of a regulated substance'' 
(emphasis added). An entity that creates HFC-23 would need to capture 
the HFC-23 and either (1) expend production and consumption allowances 
to sell that HFC-23 for consumptive uses or (2) destroy the captured 
HFC-23 using a technology approved by the Administrator. After 
reviewing public comments, EPA is finalizing this approach as proposed, 
and is not finalizing the alternative proposal.
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    \60\ See, e.g., ``Fluorinated Greenhouse Gas Emissions and 
Supplies Reported to the GHGRP.'' EPA, 24 Feb. 2021. Available at 
https://www.epa.gov/ghgreporting/fluorinated-greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-supplies-reported-ghgrp#production.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This approach is consistent with Congress's intent for phasing 
down, maximizing reclamation, and minimizing the release of regulated 
substances under the AIM Act. Congress identified HFC-23 as a regulated 
substance under the AIM Act. In the Congressionally provided table in 
subsection (c) of the Act, HFC-23 is assigned the highest exchange 
value of any regulated substance (14,800), indicating that Congress was 
well aware of the potential impact of this substance and intended for 
it to be regulated on that basis. This exchange value is almost 5,000 
more than the next closest regulated substance (HFC-236fa at 9,810). As 
further outlined in a memo to the docket, EPA has data available 
through the GHGRP indicating that there are at least four facilities 
that intentionally manufacture regulated substances or substances 
controlled under title VI of the CAA and emit HFC-23. Existing data 
suggest that absent control, there may be significant emissions of HFC-
23 at facilities that incidentally generate HFC-23. A new production 
line or new chemical manufacturing process in the future could generate 
HFC-23, which absent regulation could be vented in an uncontrolled 
manner. Because HFC-23 has a significantly higher exchange value than 
any other regulated substance under the AIM Act, EPA is finalizing the 
prohibition on expenditure of production and consumption allowances on 
HFC-23 that is emitted.
    EPA acknowledges that it is not possible for owners and operators 
to control their facilities such that no HFC-23 is emitted. EPA further 
understands that facilities that do not currently control their HFC-23 
sufficiently will need time to install and calibrate necessary 
equipment to capture and control HFC-23 being produced on facilities' 
lines. Therefore, through this rule EPA is requiring facilities to 
control HFC-23 to what the Agency has determined to be a level and on a 
timeline that is practicable. As explained further in the supporting 
documentation provided in the docket, facilities that are anticipated 
to be covered by this regulatory requirement are already taking steps 
to control, capture, and/or destroy their HFC-23 emissions. As further 
documented in the memo to the docket, some facilities are already 
controlling at or below the standard EPA is requiring in this 
rulemaking. EPA used this real-world experience, in addition to 
conversations with the known affected facilities, analysis of available 
control technologies, and analysis of expected costs of controls 
provided in the RIA, to determine that the numeric emission standard 
finalized here is practicable. Specifically, EPA is finalizing a 
requirement that beginning on October 1, 2022, as compared with the 
amount of chemical intentionally produced on a

[[Page 55165]]

facility line, no more than 0.1 percent of HFC-23 created on the line 
may be emitted. Put another way, no more than 0.1 kg of HFC-23 may be 
emitted per 100 kilograms of the primary chemical produced by such 
facility line. After such point, emissions of HFC-23 byproduct that 
exceed the 0.1 percent will be treated as violations of an applicable 
emissions limitation in violation of federal law and subject to any 
appropriate enforcement action.
    One commenter expressed confusion about how the chemicals would be 
measured to determine whether the emissions standard was met. EPA 
responds that the 0.1 percent allowable emissions standard is mass 
based, with the mass of the intentionally produced substance as the 
comparison point. In other words, if a line is intentionally producing 
1,000 pounds of HCFC-22 over a certain time period, only one pound of 
HFC-23 could be emitted over that same time period.
    One commenter suggested that EPA codify this numeric emission 
limitation by defining the specific chemicals that are intentionally 
produced along with the HFC-23 in its regulations. EPA responds that 
HFC-23 is unintentionally produced at a few different facilities that 
are intentionally producing different chemicals. It is also possible 
that in the future, HFC-23 could be produced during a currently unknown 
chemical manufacturing process. Therefore, EPA is keeping the 
requirement generic, and not limiting it to specific chemicals, in 
order to cover production of HFC-23 at any chemical manufacturing 
facility. For similar reasons, EPA is not adopting the commenter's 
suggestion that EPA provide a more specific metric for measuring the 
required level of emissions by using a standard based on relative 
measurement of emissions.
    Another commenter suggested that EPA revise its standard to be 
based on a reduction in total emissions volume, as opposed to a 
standard that is related to intentional chemical production. The 
commenter noted that the orientation of the emission standard is such 
that the public may lack an ability to track and evaluate what is 
happening, based on EPA's historical approach to withhold data on 
chemical production. EPA responds that the Agency is finalizing the 
emission standard as proposed because if the emission limit was just 
framed in terms of a set reduction from a certain historical point, the 
facility could simply reduce production on a line to meet the emission 
target, as opposed to installing more stringent controls on the 
production line. Conversely, if a facility increased production of the 
intended chemical, they would not be limited in that production change 
by a much more stringent emission limit. Tying the limit to intentional 
chemical production should ensure the facility is held to a consistent 
standard regardless of whether production of the intended chemical 
increases or decreases in a given year. An emission reduction standard 
also would not address future facilities that may produce HFC-23 in 
future chemical manufacturing processes. As discussed further in 
Section X.C.1, EPA is making a determination that production data 
collected under the reporting requirements established in this rule is 
not entitled to CBI treatment. This should alleviate the commenter's 
concern about public access to the information needed to calculate 
whether facilities subject to the HFC-23 emission standard are meeting 
the requirements. Additionally, EPA will explore ways to provide data 
on its website to allow stakeholders to determine whether the HFC-23 
standard finalized here is being met at all chemical manufacturing 
facilities that produce HFC-23.
    EPA received a comment questioning what requirements would apply 
between January 1, 2022, and the emission standard compliance date, and 
whether allowances would be needed to cover HFC-23 produced and emitted 
before the compliance date. The commenter noted that the proposed rule 
was clear that allowances may not be expended for HFC-23 emissions, but 
still suggested that EPA allocate allowances to cover HFC-23 emissions 
between January 1, 2022, and the emission standard compliance date. EPA 
is not accepting the commenter's suggestion, and the Agency does not 
plan to provide allowances to cover HFC-23 emissions at any point. Such 
an approach is also counter to the Agency's prohibition on the 
expenditure of allowances for HFC-23 emissions. It would be 
impracticable to provide allowances from the general pool to cover such 
emissions given the incredibly high exchange value of HFC-23 and the 
very high level of historical emissions at the commenter's facility. 
The Agency's intent is that production and consumption allowances are 
not required--or even allowed--to be expended to cover HFC-23 that is 
generated and emitted until the emission standard compliance date. Put 
another way, starting January 1, 2022, production and consumption 
allowances must be expended for HFC-23 that is produced, refined, and 
sold for consumptive purposes (such as semiconductor etching and very 
low temperature refrigeration). Production and consumption allowances 
are not to be expended for any other HFC-23 produced. Starting October 
1, 2022 (unless a compliance deferral is granted), HFC-23 emissions 
must be controlled to the specific numeric emission standard--as 
compared with the amount of chemical intentionally produced on a 
facility line, no more than 0.1 percent of HFC-23 created on the line 
may be emitted. A facility that meets these two requirements will be in 
full compliance with the AIM Act regulations being finalized in this 
rule.
    As noted previously, HFC-23 that is captured can either be sold for 
a consumptive use after the producer expends necessary production and 
consumption allowances, or the HFC-23 must be timely destroyed (such 
that the producer would be exempted from needing to expend allowances 
for the HFC-23 production, as described in Section VIII.C). If a 
producer intends to be exempt from expending allowances because HFC-23 
is destroyed, such destruction must occur using a technology approved 
by EPA as provided in section VIII.B. of this rulemaking and 40 CFR 
84.29(b).
    While October 1, 2022, should provide adequate time, circumstances 
could arise that make it impracticable for an individual facility to 
install and begin operating the necessary controls by October 1, 2022. 
Therefore, for companies that can sufficiently demonstrate to EPA that 
at the relevant facilities they have taken concrete steps to start to 
improve their HFC-23 control, capture, and destruction (such as 
purchase and installation of necessary equipment), are reporting under 
GHGRP, and provide information to EPA regarding their plans to meet the 
0.1 percent HFC-23 emissions limit, EPA is finalizing that the Agency 
may grant a six-month deferral. EPA maintains the discretion to provide 
a one-time additional six-month extension, but anticipates granting a 
second deferral only in limited circumstances where a company has 
demonstrated immense hurdles in meeting the first deferral date. 
Companies must request a deferral by August 1, 2022, and EPA will make 
a determination on an application within 30 days. EPA's determination 
will be based on whether the company has demonstrated good-faith 
efforts to comply with the HFC-23 emissions reduction requirement, 
whether there are reasons that have necessitated compliance deferral, 
and whether there are clear plans for the company to come into full 
compliance by the deferred

[[Page 55166]]

date. If a company would like to seek a second deferral, such 
application must be received no later than February 1, 2022. A second 
deferral will be granted only in extreme circumstances. EPA intends to 
publicly announce any compliance deferrals granted under this process.
    One commenter, who owns a chemical manufacturing facility that 
produces HFC-23 and currently has emissions above the standard being 
established in this rulemaking, expressed support for the extension 
approach EPA is finalizing here. Two commenters asked that EPA not 
provide any compliance date extensions, but did not provide sufficient 
technical analysis to explain why EPA providing extensions under the 
framework outlined was not justified or why it was improper to allow 
flexibility if a company experiences documented unavoidable delays in 
installing and calibrating control equipment. Therefore, the Agency is 
finalizing the deferral approach discussed in this section.
    The destruction of captured HFC-23 is not required to occur at the 
same plant where the HFC-23 is generated. Destruction of HFC-23 may 
occur either at the plant where it is generated (onsite) or offsite at 
another plant. In instances where captured HFC-23 is destroyed offsite, 
transportation to and destruction at the offsite plant will be 
considered in calculating compliance with the 0.1 percent emissions 
standard.
    One commenter suggested that EPA also prohibit the release of HFC-
23 during the manufacture of HCFC-22 under CAA authority. The 
requirements finalized here relate to any production of HFC-23, whether 
it is produced alongside generation of another regulated substance or 
alongside generation of ODS, such as HCFC-22, or some other chemical in 
the future. The requirements flow from the production of HFC-23, which 
is a regulated substance under the AIM Act, and the emission standard 
finalized herein is not limited to instances where the chemical 
intentionally produced is also a regulated substance under the AIM Act. 
The EPA Administrator has signed a proposed rule with similar action to 
regulate HFC-23 emissions created during the production of HCFC-22 in a 
separate action using CAA authority. Any action EPA might take under 
the CAA is out of scope here.

IX. What enforcement and compliance provisions is EPA finalizing?

    Based on EPA's experience with the ODS phaseout in the United 
States,\61\ the global experience phasing out ODS,\62\ and the recent 
experiences in countries that have begun phasing down HFCs,\63\ the 
incentive to illegally trade HFCs will likely increase as HFC 
production and consumption become regulated and as allowances that 
authorize import and production of HFCs decline. It is EPA's intent to 
establish a comprehensive system of mechanisms that together and by 
themselves discourage and prevent illegal production, import, and 
subsequent sales of illegally produced or imported HFCs. EPA intends 
for, and has designed, these provisions to each stand independently 
from the others and to provide significant stand-alone benefits to 
deterring and identifying potential violations, while also recognizing 
that these separate provisions work together as a comprehensive system 
to deter noncompliance, incentivize future compliance, and ensure that 
companies that are complying with statutory and regulatory obligations 
are not put at a competitive disadvantage. These provisions also help 
to ensure the environmental benefits of the HFC phasedown are fully 
realized.
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    \61\ See, e.g., Goldberg, Carey. ``A Chilling Change in the 
Contraband Being Seized at Borders.'' The New York Times, The New 
York Times, 10 Nov. 1996. Available at www.nytimes.com/1996/11/10/us/a-chilling-change-in-the-contraband-being-seized-at-borders.html 
and ``Enforcement Actions under Title VI of the Clean Air Act.'' 
EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 17 Dec. 2020. Available at 
www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-protection/enforcement-actions-under-title-vi-clean-air-act#2011.
    \62\ See, e.g., Montzka, S.A., Geoff S. Dutton, G.S., Yu, P., 
Ray, E., Portmann, R.W., Daniel, J.S., Kuijpers, L., Hall, B.D., 
Mondeel, D., Siso, C., Nance, J.D., Rigby, M., Manning, A.J., Hu, 
L., Moore, F., Miller, B.R., and Elkins, J.W. (2018) ``An unexpected 
and persistent increase in global emissions of ozone-depleting CFC-
11'' Nature 557: 413-417. Available at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-018-0106-;2; WMO (World Meteorological 
Organization), Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2014, World 
Meteorological Organization, Global Ozone Research and Monitoring 
Project-Report No. 55, 416 pp., Geneva, Switzerland, 2014. Available 
at https://www.esrl.noaa.gov/csd/assessments/ozone/2014/report.html; 
Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) (2018) Blowing It: Illegal 
Production and Use of Banned CFC-11 in China's Foam Blowing 
Industry. Available at https://eia-global.org/reports/20180709-blowing-it-illegal-production-and-use-of-banned-cfc-11-in-chinas-foam-blowing-industry; and Rigby, M. et al. ``Increase in CFC-11 
emissions from eastern China based on atmospheric observations'' 
Nature 569 7757: 546-550. Available at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-019-1193-4.
    \63\ ``Doors Wide Open.'' Eia-International.org, Environmental 
Investigation Agency, Apr. 2019. Available at, https://reports.eia-international.org/doorswideopen; ``Resources.'' Alliancepolicy.org, 
The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy, 1 Nov. 2020. 
Available at, www.alliancepolicy.org/ref-imports/resources-2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In developing these provisions, EPA reviewed in detail the 
challenges faced by the European Union (EU) in preventing illegal 
imports of HFCs. Assessments available in the docket from HFC 
producers, industry associations, and environmental non-governmental 
organizations provide evidence of significant noncompliance with the EU 
F-gas rule (Regulation (EU) No. 517/2014), which establishes a schedule 
to phase down HFC production and consumption over time, similar in 
concept to the HFC phasedown in the AIM Act, albeit on a different 
schedule. These assessments suggest that noncompliance in the EU occurs 
primarily through illegal imports, which can be grouped into two 
categories: (1) ``Open smuggling'' through the normal customs channels 
(e.g., correct commodity codes without proper allowances to do so) and, 
(2) ``traditional smuggling'' where the importer seeks to avoid the 
typical customs channels altogether or where HFCs are concealed (e.g., 
mislabeling). Reports show significant awareness in the industry of 
illegal activity. A 2019 report by the Environmental Investigation 
Agency (EIA) \64\ provided results of surveys conducted with industry 
stakeholders in Europe. More than 80 percent of companies surveyed were 
aware of or suspected illegal HFC trade and 72 percent had seen or been 
offered refrigerants in disposable cylinders--a common feature of 
illegally imported HFCs given the EU requirement that HFCs be sold in 
refillable containers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \64\ ``Doors Wide Open.'' Eia-International.org, Environmental 
Investigation Agency, Apr. 2019. Available at https://reports.eia-international.org/doorswideopen.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The review of European customs data presented in the EIA report and 
other studies support this perception. EIA found that ``bulk HFC 
imports in 2018 were too high for compliance with the 2018 quota.'' 
\65\ EIA estimated that the amount of HFCs placed on the market in 2018 
could be 16.3 MMTCO2e (or 16 percent) above the quota amount 
(i.e., the amount allocated) through ``open smuggling of HFCs (i.e., 
imports openly shipped through customs without quota).'' \66\ Honeywell 
estimated that illegal imports were equivalent to more than five 
percent of the total CO2-weighted quota in 2015.\67\ The law 
firm

[[Page 55167]]

King & Spalding, on behalf of the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric 
Policy, found that reported imports to European customs officials 
exceeded the quota amount by 16 percent in 2019 and 33 percent in 
2020.\68\ The European FluoroCarbons Technical Committee (EFCTC) cited 
analysis of customs records performed by Oxera, which found a 
significant disagreement in trade data on HFCs shipped from China to 
the EU. Oxera created a database using data from the EU statistics 
agency Eurostat, the United Nations' trading statistics database 
Comtrade, and Chinese export data to calculate the amount of HFCs that 
were illegally imported (above the quota amount). They found that what 
was reported as exported from China alone was 16 percent higher than 
the amounts reported as imported into the EU during 2016, six percent 
higher in 2017, and 21 percent higher in 2018.\69\
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    \65\ Ibid.
    \66\ Ibid.
    \67\ ``10m Tonnes of Illegal F-Gas Enters Europe.'' Cooling 
Post, 1 May 2016. Available at www.coolingpost.com/world-news/over-10m-tonnes-of-illegal-F-gas-enters-europe.
    \68\ See King & Spalding, on behalf of the Alliance for 
Responsible Atmospheric Policy, Side Event presentation at COP12/
MOP32 (November 23, 2020). Available in the docket and online at 
https://www.alliancepolicy.org/site/usermedia/application/10/Bradford%20KS%20HFC%20Presentation%2023%20Nov%202020%20v4.pdf.
    \69\ ``The Black Market for HFC Refrigerant Gas Is Thriving 
across Europe.'' Webinar on Illegal Trade of HFCs--2020.06.26, 
European Fluorocarbons Technical Committee, 17 Sept. 2020. Available 
at www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqO8IuEt7eg and https://stopillegalcooling.eu/wp-content/uploads/Oxera-webinar-slides.pdf.
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    These reports also indicate the likelihood of more covert smuggling 
activity, though the scale is not fully known. Reported seizures of 
illegally imported material in EU member states between 2018 and 2020 
range from a few cylinders to more than 76 MT of HFCs.\70\ These 
reports show significant growth in legal HFC imports from China into 
countries neighboring the EU. King & Spalding cites a 2020 report by 
Oxera showing a 40 percent increase in HFC exports from China to EU 
neighbor countries from 2016-2018.\71\ They note the dramatic increase 
in 2018 coincides with a stepdown under the EU's HFC allocation 
program, and that the increase in legal imports to neighbor countries 
could be associated with smuggling HFCs into the EU. They also ``noted 
that various reports found smuggled imports [into the EU] were 20 to 
30% of the quota.'' \72\
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    \70\ See EFCTC, Tracking, Training, Tracing: Trade Enforcement 
on Illegal HFC Imports, Side Event presentation at COP12/MOP32 
(November 23, 2020). Available in the docket and online at https://www.alliancepolicy.org/site/usermedia/application/3/Angelica%20Candido%20EFCTC%20Alliance%20Side%20Event%202020.pdf.
    \71\ See King & Spalding (on behalf of Arkema Inc., The Chemours 
Company, Honeywell International Inc., and Mexichem Fluor Inc.), 
Comments Regarding Foreign Trade Barriers to U.S. Exports of 
Hydrofluorocarbons, submitted to the Office of the United States 
Trade Representative (October 26, 2020). Available in the docket.
    \72\ Ibid.
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    While not definitive, the reports note this growth may be because 
the HFCs are being illegally imported into the EU through neighboring 
countries, such as with fraudulent import declarations, disguised as 
something else, or through shipment in hidden compartments. The reports 
also note that illegally imported HFCs that are caught are shipped 
primarily in disposable cylinders. King & Spalding cites a report from 
an international investigation agency called Kroll, which was hired by 
the EFCTC to investigate HFC trade in the EU. In addition to finding 
that illegal HFCs travel through EU neighbor countries, illegal 
shipments are often sold through online market platforms or arrive 
through misdirected transhipments, allocation abuse, open smuggling, 
and counterfeit material.\73\
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    \73\ See EFCTC, New Kroll findings reveal how illegal imports of 
HFCs continue to enter EU (April 15, 2020). Available in the docket 
and online at https://www.fluorocarbons.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020-04-15_Press-release-Kroll_final_website-1.pdf.
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    In summary, there is significant evidence of noncompliance with HFC 
quotas in the EU, which suggests that similar attempts will be made to 
evade legal requirements in the United States. By comparison, if the 
United States were to see similar noncompliance of 16 to 33 percent 
\74\ of the total United States allocation, that would equate to 43-90 
MMTEVe of additional consumption than should happen under the 
statutorily provided phasedown step for 2022 alone with accompanying 
long-term emissions and environmental and public health costs 
associated with that level of consumption. This level of noncompliance 
would put businesses complying with regulatory requirements at a 
competitive disadvantage and could inhibit companies from investing in 
research and development to identify new alternatives. In addition, 
illegal imports of HFCs have consequences for other federal agencies, 
such as CBP, that collect duties on imports of HFCs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \74\ Based on reports documenting potential noncompliance in the 
three most recent calendar years for which data is available (2018 
through 2020).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Consistent with the documented experience in the EU, EPA has also 
seen situations where material that appears to be illegally imported is 
advertised as one chemical, but the contents of the container are 
something different. EPA recently identified imports of CFCs that were 
advertised as ``Cool Penguin F-12'' (or CFC-12) in small cans for use 
in motor vehicle air-conditioners.\75\ While the cans contained some 
CFC-12, they also contained an inconsistent mixture of numerous other 
chemicals, including R-40 (chloromethane) which is toxic and has the 
potential to explode. Given this experience with imports of 
fluorocarbons that are mislabeled, there are consumer and worker safety 
concerns.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \75\ See Mobile Air Climate Systems Association (MACS), Safety 
Alert: Online Sales of Cool Penguin F-12 in Action (November/
December 2020). Available in the docket.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Since the 1990s, there also have been important enforcement efforts 
to ensure the phaseout of ODS in the United States. Of note are two 
specific trade operations targeting illegal imports of CFCs and HCFCs: 
Operation Cool Breeze and Catch-22.
    Operation Cool Breeze was designed to respond to the growing 
illegal trade of CFCs, after the 1996 phasout of certain CFCs listed 
under the CAA as class I ODS. EPA estimated that 7,500 to 15,000 MT of 
illegal CFC-12 were imported between 1994 and 1995. Operation Cool 
Breeze highlighted the importance of national coordination, cross-
agency information sharing, customs trainings and awareness, and 
criminal prosecution. As a result, close coordination between EPA, CBP, 
and U.S. Department of Justice resulted in 44 prosecutions and the 
seizure of more than 862 MT of CFCs. The United States also relied on 
cooperation with counterparts in Mexico, Canada, China, and Russia to 
support international efforts to halt the illegal trade of CFCs.
    Catch-22 was an outgrowth of Operation Cool Breeze. Catch-22 was an 
interagency trade operation to identify and prosecute those found to be 
illegally smuggling HCFCs into the United States. Similar to Operation 
Cool Breeze, Catch-22 relied on the cooperation and communication of 
several entities including EPA, CBP, DOJ, industry stakeholders, and 
counterparts in other countries. Catch-22 resulted in multiple criminal 
convictions including sentences of imprisonment, significant criminal 
fines, and forfeiture of illegal proceeds. Those prosecuted for knowing 
violations of federal law included bulk importers, wholesale 
purchasers, freight forwarders, importers of HCFC pre-charged 
appliances, as well as those falsely claiming import of reclaimed 
HCFCs.
    The experience in the U.S. with regard to ODS, in the EU for HFCs, 
and the grounded belief that a similar scenario could come to fruition 
for HFCs in the United States calls for

[[Page 55168]]

robust enforcement, compliance, and transparency provisions to ensure 
EPA can meet the statutory directive in AIM Act subsection (e)(2)(B) 
that ``the Administrator shall ensure that the annual quantity of all 
regulated substances produced or consumed in the United States does not 
exceed'' the levels prescribed in the AIM Act. This directive, as well 
as the prescriptive schedule established in subsection (e) of the AIM 
Act and the inclusion of application-specific allowances within the 
overall cap, are indications that Congress intended for the statutorily 
required reductions in HFC consumption and production to occur. EPA is 
accordingly establishing comprehensive compliance and enforcement 
measures to help ensure that it can implement the allowance program so 
that it achieves these reductions.
    EPA is finalizing strong enforcement and compliance measures at the 
outset of this new regulatory program to prevent and identify 
noncompliance, to ensure the Agency can meet the statutory directive in 
subsection (e)(2)(B), and to create a level playing field for the 
regulated community. Failure to prevent or identify illegal activity in 
the United States and ensure compliance with the obligations under the 
AIM Act could significantly harm the environment, the United States 
economy, and consumer and worker safety. These provisions were chosen 
to address specific challenges with enforcement and compliance 
experienced in the United States and abroad. While each provision 
functions independently from the other provisions, the requirements 
also complement and often reinforce each other to create a holistic 
approach to ensuring EPA can meet the statutory directive in the AIM 
Act. EPA is finalizing a multifaceted approach that utilizes a variety 
of tools to deter, identify, and penalize illegal activity. Each 
element is intended to complement the others to create a robust 
enforcement and compliance system. The key components of this system 
include:
     Administrative consequences for allowance allocations to 
deter noncompliance separate and in addition to traditional enforcement 
to address the impacts of noncompliance;
     Requiring use of refillable cylinders;
     Increased oversight of imports including requiring 
consumption allowances to import heels (residual amounts of HFCs 
remaining in containers used to transport such substances), petitioning 
to import regulated substances for transformation or destruction 
processes, reporting of transhipments, and prohibiting the import of 
virgin HFCs for disposal;
     Establishment of a comprehensive certification ID tracking 
system using QR codes to track the movement of HFCs, including 
requiring anyone that imports, sells or distributes, or offers to sell 
or distribute HFCs to be registered in the system;
     Recordkeeping and reporting;
     Third-party auditing; and
     Data transparency.
    In the proposed rule, EPA stated its intention to work with CBP to 
establish an automated electronic mechanism to check in real-time if an 
importer has sufficient allowances for a particular shipment. EPA is 
working with CBP to develop such a mechanism and as discussed later in 
this section is finalizing complementary reporting provisions in this 
rule to allow for this to occur. EPA and CBP have established working 
relationships regarding the imports of various goods subject to 
domestic regulation, including ODS. To align with CBP's data systems, 
EPA intends to modify the Agency's electronic database monitoring HFC 
allowances such that the most current available information is up to 
date to allow for real-time or near real-time electronic confirmation 
for CBP of whether a company seeking to import HFCs is an allowance 
holder and has sufficient allowances for that specific import.
    To support effective enforcement and compliance, EPA proposed to 
prohibit the sale or distribution, or offer for sale or distribution, 
of regulated substances that were illegally produced or imported. EPA 
is finalizing these prohibitions as proposed. These prohibitions are 
designed to curtail demand for regulated substances that were produced 
or imported in violation of the regulations and to meet the statutory 
directive to ensure that the annual quantity of all regulated 
substances produced or consumed in the United States does not exceed 
the levels prescribed in the AIM Act.
    The prohibitions against selling or offering to sell illegally 
produced or imported regulated substances provide EPA with broad 
authority to hold any entity that substantially facilitates or 
contributes to bringing about or effectuating a sale of illegally 
produced or imported regulated substances liable. This includes, but is 
not limited to, parties who transfer ownership, transfer custody, 
advertise, facilitate online sales, or broker the sale of illegally 
produced or imported regulated substances. The prohibition against 
distributing illegally produced or imported HFCs into commerce also 
provides EPA with broad authority to hold any entity liable that 
engages in activity that is central to the products' distribution in 
commerce. Distribution is not confined to the actual transportation of 
illegally produced or imported HFCs, but includes the whole transaction 
of which such transporting is a part. A company that provides the means 
by which individuals are able to list and sell the prohibited products 
or that exerts control over these sales, including companies that own 
or operate platforms for eCommerce transactions, will be considered 
distributors under this rule.
    The final rule also prohibits the sale or distribution, or offer 
for sale or distribution, of regulated substances that are contained in 
non-refillable cylinders or that do not meet the registration and 
certification identification (certification ID) requirements. When 
these prohibitions become effective, EPA will have the same broad 
authority to implement these prohibitions that the Agency has to 
implement prohibitions relating to the sale or distribution, or offer 
for sale or distribution, of regulated substances that were illegally 
produced or imported.
    These prohibitions impose broad liability to encourage all 
regulated parties involved in the sale, distribution, and storage of 
regulated substances to take the steps to verify that the HFCs they 
sell, offer for sale, or distribute were legally produced or imported.
    The AIM Act provides in subsection (k) that section 113 of the CAA 
applies to rules and regulations promulgated under the AIM Act as 
though the AIM Act were included in title VI of the CAA. Accordingly, 
EPA's enforcement authorities, including penalties, and associated 
regulations (e.g., 40 CFR part 22) apply to this and any other AIM Act 
regulations.

A. What potential administrative consequences are available to EPA with 
respect to allowances?

    The AIM Act makes clear in subsection (e)(2)(D)(ii) that a 
production allowance, consumption allowance, and application-specific 
allowance do ``not constitute a property right,'' and are a ``limited 
authorization.'' The AIM Act gives the Administrator significant 
authority to determine an appropriate allowance system, which EPA finds 
includes the authority to adjust allowance allocations at the 
discretion of the Administrator if EPA determines that a person failed 
to comply with

[[Page 55169]]

certain requirements relating to the HFC allowance allocation and 
trading program. Further, establishing a set of administrative 
consequences for allowances is an appropriate exercise of EPA's 
authority to define further how the limited authorization of allowances 
will be implemented. These administrative consequences do not supplant 
or replace any potential enforcement action taken under the AIM Act. 
Instead, such consequences would be in addition to any available 
enforcement action.
    EPA proposed to retire, revoke, or withhold allowances as well as 
potentially ban a company from receiving future allowances as 
administrative consequences. In general, commenters supported strong 
enforcement of these regulations, including the proposal to adjust 
allowances. Some commenters raised concerns that the distinctions 
between retiring, revoking, and withholding allowances were unclear and 
potentially overlapping. These commenters requested EPA clarify what 
would trigger different administrative consequences. One commenter 
stated that EPA lacks authority to issue such enforcement measures nor 
does the Agency have discretion to invalidate allowances. The commenter 
also stated that it is unfair for EPA to issue consequences for 
alleged, rather than proven, violations.
    In regard to the comment about the Agency's authority, these 
administrative consequences function as an adjustment to allocations 
that the Agency has made. Since EPA was given authority and discretion 
to create the allowance system, and EPA allocates all allowances 
initially, EPA also has the authority to alter allowance allocations if 
those holding the allowances have failed to comply with regulations 
relating to the HFC allowance allocation and trading program, have 
provided false or misleading information to the Agency to receive those 
allowances, or meet the other conditions described in this section.
    EPA is clarifying in this final rule how the administrative 
consequences operate and what actions would trigger them. More 
specifics on the types of actions that warrant administrative 
consequences is included later in this section.
    A withheld allowance is one that is retained by the Agency until an 
allowance holder that has failed to meet a requirement comes back into 
compliance, at which point EPA allocates it to the allowance holder. An 
example of when an allowance may be withheld is when a company fails to 
provide necessary reports. For example, if an allowance holder does not 
conduct an independent audit, EPA could withhold allowances until the 
Agency receives the audit results. This also applies to quarterly 
reports and other records requested or required consistent with 
implementation of the AIM Act. If an allowance holder fails to come 
into compliance by the date specified by EPA, the Agency could revoke 
and redistribute the allowances.
1. What are the administrative consequences?
    Based on comments that the proposal was unclear, EPA is further 
explaining in this final rule how the different administrative 
consequences operate and what actions would trigger them. The three 
ways that EPA may adjust allocations as an administrative consequence 
are to retire, revoke, or withhold allowances. A retired allowance is 
one that must go unused and expire at the end of the year. A revoked 
allowance is one that EPA takes back from an allowance holder and 
redistributes to all the other allowance holders. A withheld allowance 
is one that is retained by the Agency until an allowance holder that 
has failed to meet a requirement comes back into compliance, at which 
point EPA allocates it to the allowance holder. A withheld allowance 
could become a revoked allowance if the allowance holder fails to come 
back into compliance.
    EPA also proposed that there may also be circumstances where the 
potential administrative consequence could be a ban on a company and/or 
its owner(s) receiving future allowances. EPA is finalizing this 
proposal. In this scenario, the company and/or its owner(s) would not 
be eligible to receive or obtain allowances by way of allocation or 
transfer, and such a ban would effectively render the company and/or 
owner(s) unable to produce or import HFCs. If EPA were to ban the 
company, any allowances that the company has already received would be 
revoked and redistributed on a pro rata basis to the general pool. If 
EPA were to ban the owner(s), any remaining allowances that the 
owner(s) has already received, either through the company at fault or a 
different company, would be revoked, and any allowances that the 
owner(s) might have otherwise received in the future, either through 
the company at fault or a different company, would be withheld and 
redistributed on a pro rata basis to the general pool. This consequence 
serves as a deterrent to prevent illegal production and import, as well 
as a method to ensure that bad actors are removed from the HFC 
allocation system such that EPA can ensure production and consumption 
caps are met moving forward in line with the AIM Act's Congressional 
directive.
2. What action could merit an administrative consequence?
    EPA has identified the following types of practices that could 
warrant the Agency exercising its discretion to adjust allowances as an 
administrative consequence: Submitting false, inaccurate, or misleading 
information; failing to disclose information that, if disclosed, would 
have barred a company from being an allowance holder; noncompliance 
with the AIM Act or prohibitions under Sec.  84.5; and noncompliance 
with DOC and CBP relevant statutory and regulatory requirements 
affecting HFC trade. The following paragraphs provide examples of 
situations that could merit an administrative consequence. Depending on 
the severity of the noncompliance, EPA could also ban a company and its 
owner(s) from receiving future allowances for such practices.
a. Submitting False, Inaccurate, or Misleading Information
    Submitting false, inaccurate, or misleading information may warrant 
allowance revocation or withholding. For example, if future information 
reveals that a company applying for application-specific allowances has 
provided false information, EPA reserves the right to revoke allowances 
and/or withhold allowances at a greater level than the number of 
application-specific allowances allocated. Similarly, failing to 
disclose relevant information as described in the preamble Section 
VII.E.4 could also warrant EPA revoking or withholding allowances. If 
the company receiving set-aside allowances is later determined to be 
ineligible for the set-aside program, EPA could apply these provisions 
regarding revoking, withholding, and retiring allowances as well as 
banning all the companies and owner(s) involved from receiving future 
allowances.
b. Noncompliance With the AIM Act
    Unlawful production or import of HFCs, or attempts to unlawfully 
produce or import HFCs, may warrant EPA action to retire, revoke, or 
withhold allowances depending on whether that allowance holder 
currently has allowances or was anticipated to have allowances issued 
to them in the future. EPA can also ban a company and its owner(s) from 
receiving future

[[Page 55170]]

allowances for such action, depending on the severity of noncompliance.
    This administrative consequence need not be contingent on an 
enforcement action. Instead, it would be based on information available 
to EPA, such as allowance availability at the time of production or 
import, evidence from the certification ID tracking system, or results 
from an independent audit that a company is selling material that was 
produced or imported without allowances.
    These potential administrative consequences are designed to deter 
illegal production and import. Illegal production and import undermine 
EPA's ability to meet the AIM Act requirement that EPA ensure that HFC 
production and consumption in the United States do not exceed the 
statutorily defined cap. These administrative consequences are directly 
related to and support EPA's ability to meet the statutory obligation 
in subsection (e)(2)(B) of the AIM Act and further clarify how EPA 
views its role in adjusting allowances for failing to comply with 40 
CFR part 84, subpart A. Under the AIM Act, some companies will face 
burdens and costs associated with the Congressionally mandated 
phasedown; those increased burdens and costs unfortunately create 
economic incentives to avoid compliance. That reality increases EPA's 
statutory and policy imperative to identify and apply tools that 
counter those incentives to increase the rate of compliance. Given the 
serious concerns about potential noncompliance and the undermining of 
Congress's directive to ensure reductions in production and consumption 
occur consistent with the statutory schedule, there is an imperative to 
use every reasonable tool at our disposal to ensure compliance and thus 
the objectives of the AIM Act. Retiring allowances also ensures there 
is an environmental benefit to account for noncompliance that could 
result in production and/or consumption above the permitted levels.
    Additionally, any practice or combination of practices specified in 
the regulatory text, including in Sec.  84.5 ``Prohibitions for 
regulated substances'' may warrant EPA exercising discretion to apply 
one or more administrative consequences for allowances. This could 
include, for example, the sale or use of HFCs produced or imported with 
application-specific allowances for a non-qualifying use.
c. Violating Department of Commerce and U.S. Customs and Border 
Protection Trade Laws
    EPA is concerned about companies not complying with other similar 
HFC trade provisions, such as Anti-Dumping/Countervailing Duties, as 
violations of such provisions may create an unequal framework for fair 
distribution of HFC allocations under the AIM Act.\76\ Dumping refers 
to ``when a foreign producer sells a product in the United States at a 
price that is below that producer's sales price in the country of 
origin (``home market''), or at a price that is lower than the cost of 
production.'' \77\ Foreign governments may subsidize industries by 
providing financial assistance to benefit the production, manufacture, 
or exportation of goods, thereby unfairly undercutting domestic 
producers. The DOC attempts to eliminate the unfair pricing or 
subsidies and the injury caused by such imports by imposing additional 
duties, termed countervailing subsidy duties. The amount of subsidies 
the foreign producer receives from the government is the basis for the 
subsidy rate by which the subsidy is offset, or ``countervailed,'' 
through these higher import duties. Anti-dumping and countervailing 
duties are two ways that the United States Government addresses dumping 
and unfair foreign subsidies. The United States Government can require 
that foreign companies involved in dumping and/or benefiting from 
subsidization are charged antidumping and/or countervailing duties 
collected by CBP each time they import products into the United States. 
This helps negate the value of the dumping/subsidization for foreign 
manufacturers and creates a fairer competition for manufacturers in the 
United States. In findings of dumping, DOC issues an order that 
requires importing entities to pay AD/CVD for goods covered by the 
order (e.g., in this case, certain HFCs and HFC blends). EPA has placed 
a memo in the docket summarizing actions taken to date, as well as the 
HFC-relevant AD/CVD orders that it is aware of.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \76\ This rule does not change any obligation or liability that 
an entity may have under other laws and regulations, as applicable, 
such as requirements under U.S. customs law.
    \77\ ``U.S. Antidumping and Countervailing Duties.'' Trade.gov, 
International Trade Administration. Available at https://www.trade.gov/us-antidumping-and-countervailing-duties.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As proposed, any entity importing HFCs subject to an AD/CVD order 
issued by DOC that is receiving allowances for 2022 or 2023 must 
provide documentation of payment of the AD/CVD duties for HFCs imported 
from January 1, 2017, through May 19, 2021, the date of the proposed 
rule, or provide evidence that those imports were not subject to AD/CVD 
for those years. Companies that do not provide sufficient documentation 
may be subject to administrative consequences from EPA, such as 
withholding or revoking allowances. Also as proposed, EPA is not 
allocating allowances to companies in 2022 or 2023 that CBP determines 
are not in compliance with or are otherwise in arrears with payment of 
AD/CVD during those years. After an entity is issued allowances, 
including for 2022, if it has not paid the required AD/CVD within the 
required time frame, EPA may apply administrative consequences.
    The Agency understands that there are two events related to AD/CVDs 
where there could be non-payment. The first is when an importer is 
required to pay a cash deposit at the time of entry as an estimate of 
AD/CVD duties. The second is liquidation, which is the final 
computation or ascertainment of duties on entries for consumption or 
drawback entries. The final amount of duties owed is not determined 
until Commerce conducts an administrative review to establish the final 
AD/CVD rates on past entries. In other words, the final duties are 
assessed retrospectively on prior entries. The final AD/CVD amount may 
increase, decrease, or remain unchanged from the AD/CVD cash deposit 
paid at the time of entry. After DOC sends instructions to CBP on the 
final AD/CVD rate for the entry, CBP will assess this final duty. CBP 
will issue a bill for any increase in duty plus interest or refund any 
overpayment plus interest as a result of a decrease of a duty. On 
average, this entire process, from the date of importation, takes 
approximately three years. Failure to pay on the timeline specified by 
CBP could result in EPA applying administrative consequences.
    Because the time frame for payment of AD/CVD to CBP could occur 
after the year of import, after consulting with CBP, EPA may revoke or 
retire that company's allowances for the year payment is due (and not 
paid) or may reduce future allowance allocations. After consulting with 
CBP, EPA may also ban a company from receiving future allowances.
    As proposed, EPA finds that the Agency has the discretion to 
revoke, retire, or withhold allowances for companies that fail to use 
the correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes \78\ with each 
shipment of HFCs or

[[Page 55171]]

HFC blends. Incorrectly declaring the HFC or HFC blend in a shipment is 
one way importers may attempt to illegally import HFCs without 
allowances or with fewer allowances. Likewise, findings of other 
violations of other laws, including but not limited to, the False 
Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3729-3733), that govern the importation of goods 
into the United States, the making of false statements or claims to the 
United States, the collection of the revenue of the United States from 
imports, or the number of allowances needed, could also be subject to 
the administrative consequences finalized in this rule. EPA intends to 
work with CBP to institute an automated electronic mechanism to check 
in real-time if an importer has sufficient allowances for a particular 
shipment. Errors on Customs forms inhibit EPA's ability to conduct this 
cross-check to ensure accuracy in and compliance with EPA's allowance 
system. The Agency also has the discretion to ban a company or the 
company owner(s) from receiving future allowances if the company 
repeatedly misreports HTS codes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \78\ For purposes of this regulation and the regulations 
established at 40 CFR part 84, subpart A, the terms ``Harmonized 
Tariff System code,'' ``HTS code,'' and ``commodity code'' have the 
same meaning and are used interchangeably.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    These situations are not meant to be exhaustive, but instead are 
intended as examples of when EPA might exercise discretion to apply one 
or more administrative consequences for allowances. In response to the 
proposal's request for comment on whether there are additional non-
compliant activities, one commenter recommended applying consequences 
to entities that have previously underreported HFC production or 
consumption under the GHGRP. EPA responds that the Agency is not 
retroactively applying consequences for behavior that occurred prior to 
the effective date of this rule. However, EPA has already discussed in 
this section that failure to report to EPA is grounds for an 
administrative consequence. Future non-reporting or underreporting to 
the GHGRP would be equivalent to not reporting under the AIM Act as EPA 
is working to align the two reporting systems for HFC reporting.
3. How would EPA apply the administrative consequences?
    EPA proposed that it may exercise discretion to add a range of 
premiums (between 20 percent and 200 percent) based on the case-
specific factors such as the egregiousness of the action and whether 
they are repeated. One commenter stated that EPA should only apply a 
200 percent premium in cases of repeat or egregious violations and a 
100 percent premium should be applied in all other instances in which a 
producer or importer exceeds their allowances.
    The proposal did not specify how these premiums would apply under 
the different methods of adjusting allowances. Based on the comments 
and on the Agency's desire to streamline the implementation of 
administrative consequences, EPA is removing some discretion to adjust 
specifying in this rule the premiums for the first time a company is 
subject to different administrative consequences. EPA is retaining 
discretion to determine premiums for a company's subsequent actions 
triggering an administrative consequence.
    An example of when an allowance may be retired is when a company 
exceeds their allocation. EPA is issuing allowances to new entrants for 
2022 and 2023 through this rule. If that new entrant imported more HFCs 
than they had allowances for in 2022, EPA could require the company to 
retire some portion of their 2023 allowances. Those 2023 allowances 
could not be used, sold, or transferred, and EPA would not redistribute 
them to other allowance holders. Retiring allowances is an important 
outcome when an allocation is exceeded because it is a direct response 
to improper excess consumption of regulated substances.
    EPA is finalizing a 50 percent premium in first instances where 
allowances are retired. In the example above, if a company has 100 
allowances and imports 110 MTEVe that year, the amount of allowances 
retired in the next available year would be 15 MTEVe (i.e., 150 percent 
of the exceedance).
    An example of when an allowance may be revoked is when those 
allowances were acquired by providing false, inaccurate, or misleading 
information. EPA is issuing allowances based on historical 2011-2019 
data through this rulemaking. If the Agency determines that those data 
were inflated, EPA could revoke the allowances acquired as a result of 
providing incorrect information to the Agency and redistribute them pro 
rata to other allowance holders. Revoking allowances is an important 
outcome when there are distributional effects of an allowance holder's 
action, as the allowances are redistributed. In situations such as 
where the Agency learns of new information after the allowances have 
been expended, EPA could revoke and then may redistribute the 
allowances that are to be allocated in the next year.
    EPA is finalizing a 50 percent premium in first instances where 
allowances are revoked. In the example above, if a company gains 100 
allowances through that false, inaccurate, or misleading information, 
EPA would revoke 150 allowances. If the company was not entitled to any 
allowances (e.g., hid that a new entrant is owned by a company 
receiving calendar-year allowances from the general pool), EPA could 
revoke all of their allowances and may ban them from receiving future 
allowances.
    Submitting false, inaccurate, or misleading information may warrant 
allowance revocation or withholding. If future information reveals that 
a company applying for application-specific allowances has provided 
false, inaccurate or misleading information, EPA reserves the right to 
revoke allowances and/or withhold allowances at a greater level than 
the number of application-specific allowances allocated. Similarly, 
failing to disclose relevant information as described in Section 
VII.E.4 could also warrant EPA revoking or withholding allowances. For 
example, if the company receiving set-aside allowances is later 
determined to be financially connected or have a familial relationship 
with another company receiving set-aside allowances or another 
allowance holder, EPA could apply these provisions regarding revoking, 
withholding, and retiring allowances as well as banning all the 
companies and owner(s) involved from receiving future allowances.
    Administrative consequences could be applicable when an entity 
fails to comply with any provision in 40 CFR part 84, subpart A, 
including any practice or combination of practices specified in the 
regulatory text in Sec.  84.5 ``Prohibitions for regulated 
substances.''
    An example of when an allowance may be withheld is when a company 
fails to provide necessary reports. For example, if an allowance holder 
does not conduct an independent audit, EPA could withhold allowances 
until the Agency receives the audit results. This also applies to 
quarterly reports and other records requested or required consistent 
with implementation of the AIM Act).
    For administrative consequences that would lead to the withholding 
of allowances, EPA is finalizing that it will hold back 20 percent of 
that allowance holder's allocation until the situation is corrected. In 
the example above, if a company has 100 allowances, EPA would withhold 
20 allowances. EPA anticipates that these situations would be resolved 
quickly, but if not resolved within 30 days, EPA could revoke the 
allowances instead and redistribute them. Depending on the timing, 
those allowances could be revoked in the following calendar year.

[[Page 55172]]

4. What is the process for notifying and responding to proposed 
administrative consequences?
    EPA proposed a process for implementing the administrative 
consequences provisions. A few commenters expressed concern that there 
is no ability to appeal an allowance adjustment. In response to the 
comment that EPA must provide an appeals process, EPA notes that the 
established process does include an opportunity for information 
exchange before the Agency makes a final decision on an administrative 
consequence. If EPA does ultimately determine to issue an 
administrative consequence, that would be a final agency action and as 
such would be subject to judicial review. EPA is not providing for a 
further administrative appeal process at this time.
    EPA is finalizing the following process, which is largely as 
proposed. Upon evidence of practices including but not limited to the 
examples provided in this section, EPA would provide a company notice 
of the impending allowance adjustment or ban that would set forth the 
facts or conduct that provide the basis for the action. The notice 
would also state the specific administrative consequence triggered by 
the conduct. EPA will provide such notice no less than 30 days before 
the impending action. During this 30-day period the company will not be 
allowed to expend or transfer its allowances.
    Any company that receives notice of an impending action may provide 
any information or data to support why EPA should not adjust allowances 
or prohibit the company from receiving or obtaining future allowances. 
The company must provide information within 14 days of the date of the 
Agency's notice. If EPA does not receive a response within 14 days, the 
impending action would be effective on the date specified in the 
notice, but not sooner than the expiration of the 14-day window.
    After review of the supporting data or information provided by the 
company receiving notice, EPA could decide to rescind the notification, 
modify the notification, or continue with the allowance adjustment or 
ban. EPA's decision would occur within 30 days of the date of the 
Agency's notice. EPA could also decide it needs to gather additional 
data and extend the timeline for withholding or making a final 
decision. Should EPA rescind its notification, the company's allowances 
would be unfrozen; and, should EPA continue with its impending action, 
the company's allowances would remain frozen until the effective date 
of the retirement, revocation, withholding, or permanent ban. Once the 
Agency issues a final decision, there is no additional administrative 
appeal to modify the decision. A company would have the ability to 
challenge EPA's decision in court given it is a final agency action.

B. How is EPA transitioning to refillable cylinders?

    EPA proposed to prohibit the sale of regulated substances contained 
in disposable cylinders, effective January 1, 2025. To facilitate the 
transition from using both disposable and refillable cylinders to only 
using refillable cylinders, EPA proposed to prohibit importing or 
filling disposable cylinders domestically beginning July 1, 2023, 
eighteen months before the prohibition on sales. This section discusses 
EPA's authority to prohibit disposable cylinders, describes how it will 
be implemented, and responds to some of the major comments on the 
proposal. After considering the public comments, EPA is providing 
additional time for the transition to using only refillable cylinders 
in the United States. EPA is finalizing the compliance date of January 
1, 2025, for importing or filling disposable cylinders and January 1, 
2027, for prohibiting the sale and distribution of disposable 
cylinders, thus allowing more than five years for this transition. This 
two-stage approach first prohibits additional disposable cylinders from 
being added to the market, and subsequently prohibits sales two years 
later. EPA is also making minor changes to accurately reflect how the 
prohibition will be implemented and is updating the RIA to account for 
data provided by commenters.
1. Background
    Compressed gases such as HFCs can be stored and transported in a 
variety of different types of containers. These containers can hold as 
little as sixteen ounces or as much as a ton (or even more in the case 
of railcars and ISO tanks). The size and type of the container depend 
in large part upon the intended use of the regulated substance. OEMs 
and companies that prepare refrigerant blends often are supplied with 
HFCs from large containers. Fire suppression system cylinders tend to 
be smaller and are refillable. HFC refrigerant sold to technicians 
servicing existing equipment is predominantly contained in disposable 
cylinders certified to Department of Transportation (DOT) 
specifications. These cylinders are often called DOT-39 cylinders 
because the cylinders are certified to meet DOT specification 39 
requirements.\79\ A DOT-39 cylinder is designed for a single use and is 
strictly not refillable. As such, a DOT-39 cylinder tends to be less 
expensive and weigh less than refillable refrigerant cylinders. 
Disposable cylinders have their own unique shape and are also often 
shipped packaged in a box while refillable cylinders are not. 
Refillable refrigerant cylinders are more durable and can be used for 
up to 20 years. The two primary shapes of refillable refrigerant 
cylinders are akin to a propane tank or a cylindrical scuba tank and 
have a two-way valve that can be adjusted to allow pressurized gases in 
or out.
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    \79\ See 49 CFR 178.65--Specification 39 non-reusable (non-
refillable) cylinders.
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2. What is EPA's authority for prohibiting disposable cylinders?
    The AIM Act charges the Agency in subsection (e)(3) to issue 
regulations that phase down the production and consumption of regulated 
substances through an allowance allocation and trading program. 
Inherent in this charge is not only the need to issue allowances and a 
system for their allocation, but also the responsibility to ensure that 
the statutorily required phasedown occurs. Subsection (e)(2)(B) states 
that ``the Administrator shall ensure that the annual quantity of all 
regulated substances produced or consumed in the United States does not 
exceed the'' prescribed phasedown steps. This Congressional direction 
provides the Agency authority to establish complementary measures such 
that the Agency can meet the statutory reduction steps and enforce the 
requirement that regulated substances may only be produced or consumed 
when the necessary allowances are expended. The direction to stand up 
the regulatory program in 270 days and in the first year to start by 
allocating allowances equal to 90 percent of the baseline rather than 
100 percent indicates how urgent the phasedown of HFCs is to Congress.
    As noted above, EPA is concerned about the significant potential 
for noncompliance with the HFC consumption limits established by 
Congress. EPA anticipates that there will be attempts to evade the 
requirement to expend a consumption allowance to import HFCs into the 
United States. Any level of illicit import of HFCs may cause the 
consumption limit to be exceeded as EPA is allocating the full amount 
of allowances to producers, importers, and application-specific 
allowance holders. EPA does not find it appropriate to hold allowances 
in reserve to accommodate

[[Page 55173]]

HFCs that are imported illegally. If a similar level of noncompliance 
seen in the EU over the last three years were to occur in the United 
States, EPA estimates that 43-90 MMTEVe \80\ of imports above the 
statutorily required phasedown step could occur. Imports on such a 
scale will have significant long-term environmental and public health 
costs and put businesses that are complying with regulatory 
requirements at a severe competitive disadvantage.
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    \80\ This range is based on recent reports documenting potential 
noncompliance with the production and consumption limits required by 
the EU F-Gas regulation in 2018 through 2020. Those reports, 
discussed earlier in Section IX, document a range of 16 to 33 
percent potential noncompliance.
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    The prohibition on disposable cylinders is a strong component 
within the suite of enforcement and compliance tools that will deter 
illegal activity in the HFC market and allow EPA to enforce the program 
as directed by Congress.
    Requiring the use of refillable cylinders has a proven track record 
of facilitating the detection and interdiction of illegal HFCs. The 
visual differences allow Customs officials and law enforcement 
personnel to easily distinguish a disposable cylinder from a refillable 
cylinder. Quickly identifying the type of cylinder is important because 
the vast majority of illegal imports of HFCs in other countries have 
been shipped in disposable cylinders. Disposable cylinders are favored 
for illicit trade because they are cheaper, easier to transport, and 
difficult to trace. Several studies have found that illegal HFCs are 
entering European markets in disposable cylinders.\81\ EPA has placed a 
summary of some key studies and evidence into the docket, which include 
the following highlights:
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    \81\ ``Illegal Refrigerant Imports Could Be as Much as One Third 
of EU Market.'' Fluorocarbons.org, The European FluoroCarbons 
Technical Committee, June 26, 2020. Available at 
www.fluorocarbons.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/EFCTC_Press-Release_EN-2.pdf. ``Doors Wide Open.'' Eia-International.org, 
Environmental Investigation Agency, Apr. 2019. Available at https://reports.eia-international.org/doorswideopen.
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     At least 500 incidents of illegal HFC imports have been 
reported to the Montreal Protocol's Ozone Secretariat from 2018-2020, 
and close to 90 percent of these instances are noted to involve the use 
of disposable cylinders; \82\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \82\ United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Information on 
illegal trade reported by the parties (2021). Available at https://ozone.unep.org/countries/additional-reported-information/illegal-trade.
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     there were 13 major seizures of illegal HFCs in Europe in 
2020, the largest of which contained over 7,000 disposable cylinders; 
\83\ and
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    \83\ European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), 76 tonnes of illicit 
refrigerant gases detained in Romania thanks to OLAF intelligence 
(2020). Available at https://ec.europa.eu/anti-fraud/media-corner/news/05-08-2020/76-tonnes-illicit-refrigerant-gases-detained-romania-thanks-olaf_en.
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     in July 2021, Greece customs officials in one port seized 
1,352 illegal disposable cylinders containing 17,200 kg of HFC 
refrigerant.\84\
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    \84\ Cooling Post, 10m Tonnes of Illegal F-Gas Enters Europe 
(2016). Available at https://www.coolingpost.com/world-news/over-10m-tonnes-of-illegal-f-gas-enters-europe.
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    EPA has consulted with counterparts in the European Commission, 
Canada, and Australia, all of which have instituted similar 
prohibitions on disposable cylinders. Staff implementing the HFC 
phasedown in these governments confirmed that prohibiting disposable 
cylinders is an effective mechanism for identifying illegal HFCs. The 
review of the data reported to the United Nations Environment Programme 
(UNEP) is telling in that disposable cylinders make up the overwhelming 
number of cases taken against illegal imports. These documented 
enforcement actions, combined with feedback from other government 
representatives, demonstrate that prohibiting disposable cylinders is 
an effective mechanism for identifying illegal HFCs and therefore is an 
important mechanism to fulfill Congress's directive in subsection 
(e)(2)(B) to ensure that the phasedown limits are met. After the 
initial phase-in and transition from disposable cylinders to refillable 
cylinders is complete, a disposable cylinder will be a red flag to 
inspectors to further investigate an entity or to distributors to not 
purchase the material.
3. How is EPA implementing the transition to refillable cylinders?
    EPA proposed a two-step process for implementing the transition to 
only refillable cylinders. EPA proposed to restrict the import and 
placement of HFCs in disposable cylinders by July 1, 2023, followed by 
a prohibition on the sale of HFCs in disposable cylinders January 1, 
2025. EPA's reasoning was to stop the placement of disposable cylinders 
on the market and allow 18 months for any remaining inventory of 
disposable cylinders to be sold. EPA proposed to require that all 
refillable cylinders have a unique etched serial number. EPA also 
discussed establishing a limited sell-through provision that would 
allow for six more months of sale of remaining disposable cylinders so 
long as they are registered with EPA.
    Based on the comments received and as discussed in the next 
section, EPA is providing additional time before prohibiting disposable 
cylinders. Importing or domestically filling disposable cylinders with 
HFCs will be prohibited as of January 1, 2025. This delay will address 
many of the points raised by commenters discussed below. EPA is 
retaining the two-step process as a mechanism to sell through inventory 
and is prohibiting the sale or distribution of HFCs in disposable 
cylinders effective January 1, 2027. EPA is not establishing a process 
for registering remaining disposable cylinders with EPA for continued 
sale after January 1, 2027. Delaying the prohibition on sale and 
distribution to more than five years from the date this rule is signed 
is a simpler way of ensuring inventory is sold than establishing a 6 
month sell-through of registered cylinders.
    The final rule also clarifies what actions are prohibited. The 
proposed rule stated that no person may ``import or place a regulated 
substance in a nonrefillable cylinder.'' EPA is finalizing the phrase 
``import or domestically fill'' disposable cylinders to clarify what 
the Agency meant by placing a regulated substance in a disposable 
cylinder. Second, the proposed rule states that ``no person may sell or 
offer for sale'' regulated substances contained in a disposable 
cylinder. EPA is finalizing a broader prohibition to say that ``no 
person may sell or distribute or offer for sale or distribution'' 
regulated substances contained in a disposable cylinder. This addresses 
other types of transactions and movement in commerce, as described 
above, which the Agency has seen in the context of ODS.
4. What are the costs of prohibiting disposable cylinders?
    A prohibition on the use of disposable cylinders will directly 
impact companies that sell, distribute, or repackage HFCs including 
producers, importers, exporters, reclaimers, fire suppression 
recyclers, blenders, repackagers, wholesalers, and distributors of 
refrigerants.
    EPA initially estimated that transitioning from allowing both 
disposable cylinders and refillable cylinders to only allowing 
refillable cylinders in the United States would cost $18.2 million 
annually. If that annual cost were applied to every year from 2022-
2050, total costs of transitioning fully to refillable cylinders are 
estimated to be $349 million at a 3 percent discount rate, in 2020 
dollars, discounted to 2022. The Agency

[[Page 55174]]

assumed that 4.5 million disposable cylinders of HFCs and HFC blends 
are sold each year in the United States, that refillable cylinders are 
three times as expensive as disposable cylinders, that each refillable 
cylinder is used 1.5 times per year (reducing the number of cylinders 
needed by a third), and that refillable cylinders are in use for 20 
years. EPA also assumed twice as many trips for refillable cylinders as 
for disposable cylinders (i.e., one trip from the producer/importer to 
the distributor/user and one trip back) and due to weight limits for 
each shipment, about 25 percent fewer cylinders could be shipped in 
each truckload.
    EPA reviewed previous studies, including those referenced in 
comments, and consulted with other governments that require the use of 
refillable cylinders, and has updated the analysis in the RIA. After 
consideration of all comments, EPA's updated cost analysis, available 
in the docket, shows that the expected cost of the prohibition on 
disposable cylinders is $441 million (2020 dollars, discounted to 2022) 
at a three percent discount rate through 2050, including transportation 
costs of $104 million. Average annual costs during that timeframe are 
$22 million per year at a three percent discount rate. However, after 
2027 when the requirements have fully phased in, EPA expects a net 
annual savings per year resulting from the need to purchase 
significantly fewer cylinders each year.
    EPA revised its key assumptions as follows: That refillable 
cylinders are only sold once per year, that industry would need to 
build a fleet of cylinders twice as large as total annual sales (i.e., 
9 million refillable cylinders) to prevent shortages, that the cost of 
refillable cylinders is more than 5 times higher than disposable ones, 
and that cylinders are refurbished every five years as part of the 
recertification process. Additional sensitivity analysis is included in 
the RIA. EPA retained the assumption that 4.5 million disposable 
cylinders are sold in a year. While additional cylinders are sold 
currently, the Agency estimates those additional cylinders are filled 
with ODS and non-HFC alternatives. EPA also retained the assumption 
that fewer refillable cylinders would be shipped per truckload and that 
refillable cylinders can be reused for 20 years.
    Further discussion of these costs can be found in the RIA. Comments 
related to the RIA can be found later in this section of the preamble.
5. What are the additional benefits of transitioning to only refillable 
cylinders?
    There are secondary benefits of transitioning to refillable 
cylinders beyond preventing the import of HFCs outside of the allowance 
allocation and trading program. Disposable cylinders tend to release 
more of their contents into the environment than do refillable 
cylinders. Losses from cylinders can occur under a variety of 
circumstances during transport, storage, and disposal, the frequency 
and severity of which depend in part on the type of cylinder. HFC 
losses are most likely to occur and in the most significant quantities 
from disposable cylinders.
    Every cylinder when ``empty'' still retains a residual amount of 
its contents, and some cylinders contain more than a heel if not all 
the contents are used. Removing this ``heel'' or remaining HFC requires 
the use of recovery equipment, like that used to recover refrigerant 
from an appliance. Unfortunately, that is not common practice. 
Technicians are instructed to dispose of an empty disposable cylinder 
by checking that the cylinder pressure is released to zero pounds 
pressure and then rendering the cylinder useless by puncturing the 
rupture disk or breaking off the shutoff valve. The intent of this 
disposal practice is to prevent the unsafe practice of reusing a 
disposable cylinder. Some HFCs in that cylinder are released to the 
atmosphere in that process and ultimately all are released when the 
cylinder is crushed for scrap metal recycling. Releases would also 
occur if a disposable cylinder is sent to a landfill instead of 
recycled for scrap metal. Even if not punctured, the seal on the 
cylinder will degrade over time and eventually break, resulting in 
emissions of whatever is left in the cylinder. Refillable cylinders 
avoid this disposal process by being returned, heel included, to the 
distributor. Technicians are incentivized through a deposit system to 
return cylinders rather than discard them.
    Another difference between a refillable and a disposable cylinder 
that affects their emissions is the mechanism used when a cylinder is 
over pressurized. While not particularly common, a cylinder that is 
overfilled or overheated if left in the sun can develop unsafe internal 
pressures. Disposable cylinders have a rupture disk that will discharge 
the whole contents of the cylinder before the pressure reaches unsafe 
levels. Refillable cylinders have resealable safety release valves that 
relieve the pressure by releasing at most 20 percent of the cylinder 
contents.
    EPA initially estimated that replacing disposable cylinders with 
refillable cylinders in the United States would prevent the release of 
up to 5.2 MMTCO2e of HFCs per year. EPA's assumptions were 
that 95 percent of disposable cylinders had a heel and that the heel 
was 5 percent of the full cylinder. EPA reviewed previous studies, 
including two done at Congress's behest and those referenced in 
comments, and has updated the analysis in the RIA. Based on revised 
assumptions, EPA estimates the prohibition on disposable cylinder use 
with HFCs would prevent the release of 29 MMTCO2e of HFCs 
between 2022 and 2050. These figures assumed that 4.5 million 30-pound 
disposable cylinders sold each year are replaced in a 2:1 ratio with 
refillable cylinders, and that HFCs are not recovered from the 
disposable cylinders 75 percent of the time. The Agency also assumed 
that the average residual heel is 4 percent, which is approximately the 
midpoint of the 2011 ICF study conducted for the California Air 
Resources Board (CARB). EPA includes additional sensitivity analyses in 
the RIA looking at higher and lower heel and recovery assumptions. 
While some companies may recover heels from cylinders, there is no 
evidence that this practice is widespread. The assumption that heels 
are released from 75 percent of disposable cylinders may therefore be 
an underestimate of the potential emissions reduction opportunity.
    The reductions in emissions from transitioning to refillable 
cylinders is not a primary basis for EPA's action, nor is it a part of 
the fundamental rationale or related to the authority upon which EPA is 
relying. To the extent the reuse of HFCs in heels increases the supply 
of available HFCs in a given year, it would also decrease the cost of 
transition in that year.
6. How is EPA responding to public comments?
    EPA received many comments on the proposal to prohibit the use of 
disposable cylinders. Comments generally pertained to the Agency's 
authority to prohibit disposable cylinders, the ability to source and/
or produce enough cylinders to meet the proposed timeline, the 
environmental benefits, and the costs. Many of those comments are 
discussed here, and all other comments are addressed in the Response to 
Comments document, the RIA, and relevant technical memoranda in the 
docket.

[[Page 55175]]

Authority
    Some commenters asserted that EPA lacks authority to prohibit 
disposable cylinders under either the AIM Act or the CAA. For the 
reasons discussed at the outset of this section, EPA disagrees. A 
program to control the production and import of HFCs is only achievable 
to the extent it can be enforced. Restrictions designed to deter and 
identify illegal imports, and enforce against those who are violating 
import controls, are a necessary component to such a program. The 
importance of compliance assurance is reflected in Congress's direction 
to EPA in subsection (e)(2)(B) that ``the Administrator shall ensure 
that the annual quantity of all regulated substances produced or 
consumed in the United States does not exceed the'' prescribed 
phasedown steps.
    Under the AIM Act, some companies will face burdens and costs 
associated with the Congressionally mandated phasedown; those increased 
burdens and costs unfortunately create economic incentives to avoid 
compliance. That reality increases EPA's statutory and policy 
imperative to identify and apply tools that counter those incentives to 
increase the rate of compliance. Given the risk of noncompliance, there 
is an imperative to use every reasonable tool at our disposal to ensure 
compliance and thus the objectives of the AIM Act. Prohibiting the 
filling, import, and eventually sale of disposable cylinders is 
directly related to and supports EPA's ability to meet the statutory 
obligation in subsection (e)(2)(B) of the AIM Act. Specific reasons are 
discussed in more detail previously (e.g., it provides a proven visual 
tool for Customs officials and other enforcement personnel to easily 
identify illegal material). Given the serious concerns about potential 
noncompliance, in particular but not exclusively from illegal imports, 
and the undermining of Congress's directive to ensure reductions in 
production and consumption occur consistent with the statutory 
schedule, prohibiting the use of refillable cylinders will support 
EPA's ability to effectively implement the statute.
    Some commenters agreed that prohibiting the use of disposable 
cylinders would help identify HFCs that are entering the market 
illegally. Other comments asserted that requiring refillable cylinders 
does not prevent illegal imports, given the EU continues to see HFC 
imported in disposable cylinders a decade and a half after the 
prohibition was put in place. EPA responds that both commenters are 
correct. Data from the EU show that smuggling continues. The data also 
show that prohibiting disposable cylinders is an effective tool for 
identifying and prosecuting those who attempt to illegally import 
regulated substances. No single element of EPA's enforcement and 
compliance regime is more important than the others. Prohibiting 
disposable cylinders in and of itself will not end the illegal 
importing of HFCs, but no single action can. EPA's overall approach in 
establishing a broad array of enforcement and compliance tools 
throughout the allowance allocation and trading program is to have 
separate requirements that work in tandem to help ensure that the HFC 
phasedown targets are reached.
    Other commenters cited articles showing that as a result of the 
EU's prohibition on disposable cylinders, importers operating outside 
of the quota system switched to low-quality refillable cylinders. The 
commenters asserted that these cylinders are leak-prone and therefore 
pose risks to the environment, and endanger the safety of technicians, 
homeowners, and workers. EPA acknowledges that the practices of illicit 
trade will evolve, potentially including moving to inexpensive and 
unreliable refillable cylinders. All cylinders must meet standards from 
the DOT \85\ and awareness of that particular tactic allows EPA to work 
with DOT and CBP to monitor and address this potential issue. However, 
the pressure to use poor-quality refillable cylinders could also be 
affected by the availability of higher-quality cylinders that are 
compliant with domestic and international standards (e.g., from a 
timeline for transition that is too short). In theory, a lack of 
compliant, higher-quality cylinders could lead to the purchase of 
poorer-quality ones simply because those are the only ones available. 
As discussed later in this section, some commenters expressed concern 
about the short 18- to 20-month transition timeline in the proposed 
rule and the challenges with producing enough DOT-compliant cylinders 
in that timeline. Part of the reason EPA is finalizing a later 
compliance date for prohibiting disposable cylinders is to allow 
sufficient time for the manufacture and purchase of refillable 
cylinders that comply with DOT requirements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \85\ See 49 CFR Subpart C--Specifications for Cylinders.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cylinder Supply
    Various comments were submitted on supply chain issues that could 
occur as a result of the proposed prohibition on disposable cylinders. 
Some commenters raised concerns that not enough refillable cylinders 
could be manufactured to accommodate the marked increase in the supply 
needed. As such, commenters were concerned that there would be 
shortages of HFCs in parts of the United States. Commenters stated that 
the United States may experience a surge in imports of lower-cost and 
lower-quality refillable cylinders which would be a financial harm to 
the domestic manufacturer of cylinders. Commenters allege that lower-
cost imported cylinders would result in financial injury.
    EPA recognizes the concern raised by commenters that not enough 
refillable cylinders will be ready before the proposed July 1, 2023, 
date for the prohibition on filling disposable cylinders. For this 
reason, among others discussed in this section, EPA is delaying the 
compliance dates for this provision to January 1, 2025. The adjusted 
compliance date allows for a more gradual approach to mitigate concerns 
about the supply of cylinders. This additional time will also allow for 
companies to develop a plan to transition to refillable cylinders and 
allow companies to adjust their storage and management practices to 
account for empty cylinders on their way back to the original filler. 
EPA also acknowledges comments on the availability of potential lower-
cost refillable cylinders (concerns about lower-quality cylinders have 
been discussed previously). The Agency is not limiting who may supply 
refillable cylinders in this rule. Any refillable cylinders that meet 
safety and other applicable standards can be used for storing and 
transporting regulated substances.
Environmental Benefits
    Many commenters discussed the Agency's analysis of the 
environmental benefit of the disposable cylinder prohibition. Some 
organizations supported the analysis, while a few noted that the heels 
in disposable cylinders may be upwards of 10 percent. Other commenters 
asserted that EPA's estimate that up to 8 percent remains as a heel is 
based on outdated data or is a worst-case scenario that assumes that 
there have been no mitigating actions taken prior to disposal. Some 
commenters cited data from studies that the average heel left in a 
disposable cylinder is closer to 3 percent and may be less than 1.5 
percent, and attributed this lower estimate, in part, to technicians 
recovering the heels because of the monetary value of the remaining

[[Page 55176]]

HFC as well as complying with the venting prohibition under section 608 
of the CAA.
    EPA responds that there may be variations in how much HFCs remain 
in a disposable cylinder at its end of life. EPA used 5 percent as the 
amount of heel in the proposal, not 8 percent, to be conservative. EPA 
has reviewed multiple studies and is reanalyzing the emissions benefit 
using a 4 percent heel for the final rule. EPA has no evidence to 
support an average heel of 1.5 percent and, based on experience with 
compliance under CAA section 608, doubts the practice of recovering 
heels is widespread.
    Several commenters suggested that the increased transportation and 
freight requirements necessary to distribute, service, and return a 
fleet of refillable cylinders would harm the environment. Commenters 
cited factors such as the increased weight per cylinder, the increased 
size of refillable cylinders resulting in an increased number of trips, 
and the travel associated with refilling cylinders as reasons why 
overall emissions would increase. Commenters referenced a study 
conducted for CARB by ICF in 2011 \86\ estimating that in certain parts 
of the country, the transportation costs and annual distance traveled 
could approximately double. Commenters also noted concern that 
prohibiting disposable cylinders for HFCs could result in imports of 
refillable cylinders to meet demand, which would result in increased 
transportation-related emissions compared to domestically sourced 
cylinders.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \86\ See ICF International, ``Lifecycle Analysis of High-Global 
Warming Potential Greenhouse Gas Destruction,'' (2011). Available at 
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/classic//research/apr/past/07-330.pdf.
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    The Agency has considered added transportation costs in its 
analysis. EPA had considered the study estimating that travel distances 
for refillable cylinders would be double that of disposable cylinders 
at the proposal stage and has revised its estimates. Several commenters 
cited the study conducted for CARB in 2011, noting that the review 
indicated that there were limited environmental benefits associated 
with transitioning to refillable cylinders. EPA responds that the 2011 
CARB analysis assumed full compliance with California's requirements to 
evacuate refrigerant from cylinders. The report notes that ``[i]n 
reality, compliance with [CARB's] Refrigerant Management Program is 
highly uncertain and difficult to enforce. Under a scenario of 
noncompliance with this program, net GHG emissions avoided by 
transitioning to refillable cylinders would be approximately 14 
MMTCO2e, and cost effectiveness would be $14/
MTCO2e for HFCs only'' by 2050.\86\ Given there is no 
similar national standard on recovery (it is not required under EPA's 
CAA section 608 regulations), this higher estimate would be more 
appropriate as a comparison point than the value cited by commenters.
    Some commenters suggested that EPA employ other measures to achieve 
the same environmental outcome as a prohibition on disposable 
cylinders. They suggested, among other things, implementing end-of-life 
practices for disposable cylinders and extending existing regulations, 
such as the venting prohibition in section 608 of the CAA, to 
disposable cylinders.
    EPA responds that the measures proposed by the commenters could 
provide environmental benefit relative to the status quo, but none of 
the suggestions address the primary reason EPA is prohibiting the use 
of disposable cylinders. Prohibiting disposable cylinders provides an 
easy mechanism for the flagging of potential illegal HFC activity on 
the border and within the United States. The environmental outcome EPA 
is seeking is to ensure that the statutorily directed phasedown in HFC 
production and consumption occurs. EPA is presenting the additional 
environmental benefit, and additional financial costs, of prohibiting 
disposable cylinders as part of the overall RIA.
Costs and Related RIA Assumptions
    Commenters raised concerns with the costs of transitioning to 
refillable cylinders and stated that EPA's estimates for the conversion 
were too low. Several commenters cited a figure generated by the sole 
domestic refillable refrigerant cylinder manufacturer that converting 
the entire fleet to refillable cylinders would cost $2 billion, which 
does not factor in additional costs from converting the transport 
fleet, visually inspecting and testing new equipment to ensure their 
suitability for service, and establishing a reverse distribution 
system. The same refrigerant cylinder manufacturer provided an 
annualized cost estimate of approximately $521 million for switching to 
refillable cylinders. This figure was premised on the following 
parameters: (i) Producing refillable cylinders requires retooling costs 
at the specific cylinder production facilities; (ii) EPA's estimate of 
the number of refillable cylinders needed was too low; (iii) EPA 
neglected to account for periodic cylinder inspection and refurbishment 
costs; (iv) EPA used incorrect cylinder and valve costs; and (v) EPA 
overestimated the number of refillable cylinders that can fit in a 
truckload. Other commenters extrapolated figures from the 2011 CARB 
report estimating that a nationwide refillable cylinder system would be 
at least $340 million (in 2011 dollars) more expensive to implement 
between 2011 and 2050 than a similar disposable cylinder system. Some 
commenters also asserted that the necessary monetary investment would 
adversely affect every point in the supply chain, including but not 
limited to packagers, distributors, contractors, individual 
technicians, and consumers.
    Several commenters disagreed with EPA's assumption that refillable 
cylinders can replace disposable cylinders on a one-to-one basis. 
Several commenters described the need for four times as many refillable 
cylinders to create the closed-loop system that is needed. Commenters 
stated that one refillable cylinder is at each of the following 
locations at any given time: A job site with a technician or installer; 
in transit between filler, reclaimer, or distributor; storage with an 
end user or distributor; and, in the process of being filled, 
refurbished, or recertified. Commenters also asserted that EPA's 
estimate that 4.5 million disposable cylinders are sold annually in the 
United States is low. Instead, commenters estimated that six to seven 
million disposable cylinders are used annually, based on consultation 
with various industry stakeholders. Commenters calculated that the 
total number of refillable cylinders needed to replace the disposable 
cylinder fleet would therefore be 26 million, not including another 2.6 
to 3.9 million new cylinders needed per year to replace cylinders that 
are damaged, lost, or at their end of life (10 to 15 percent of the 
fleet size).
    EPA responds that the Agency's estimate of 4.5 million cylinders is 
limited to the number of cylinders needed for annual sales of HFCs and 
blends containing HFCs. This figure does not include cylinders needed 
for HCFCs, HFOs, or other alternatives as this rule does not affect 
those substances. EPA is confident in its estimate and has not adjusted 
this number in the final RIA. In regard to the comment that EPA 
underestimated the ratio of refillable to disposable cylinders, EPA 
acknowledges that its initial assumption of 1 refillable cylinder for 
every 1.5 disposable cylinder is likely an underestimate. EPA does not 
agree with comments that four times as many refillable cylinders are 
needed relative to the number of disposable cylinders sold in a given 
year

[[Page 55177]]

currently to determine the total fleet size needed. In practice, a 4:1 
ratio for the full fleet of cylinders compared to current cylinder 
sales in a closed-loop system assumes that each cylinder is only sold 
once resulting in a 4-year cycle on average for one cylinder to make it 
from the point of filling to the next time it is filled. While this 
could occur for some cylinders, this is counter to experiences in other 
countries where each cylinder is filled 1.3 to 4 times per year. A 4-
year cycle would be a very inefficient distribution chain. EPA expects 
that companies would deploy deposit and return systems, as companies in 
other countries have done, or use other mechanisms to incentivize 
returns at a more efficient pace than only cycling \1/4\ of the 
cylinder fleet through the supply chain each year. EPA acknowledges 
that the Agency may have underestimated the ratio and has updated the 
estimates in the RIA to be 2:1. Thus, EPA estimates 9 million 
refillable cylinders may be needed to replace the current fleet of 
disposable cylinders. This estimate is lower than those provided by 
several commenters. However, this estimate aligns with at least one 
commenter, who estimated 7-10 million cylinders would be needed for the 
United States market, and reflects the longer lead time. The ratio 
required in the near term would be higher if EPA required all 
disposable cylinders to be replaced at once. In this final rule, EPA is 
instead providing five years for the transition to occur. While there 
will be an upfront cost with establishing a fleet of only refillable 
cylinders, long-term costs associated with the cylinders will likely be 
below current costs due to the long lifetimes of properly maintained 
cylinders. As noted above, some amount of the fleet needs to be 
replaced each year. Feedback from EPA's counterparts in the government 
in Australia indicates less than seven percent of the cylinder fleet is 
lost, retired, or damaged each year, yet few cylinders are ever beyond 
the ability of repair. They estimate less than two percent of cylinders 
are lost each year, but the cost of those cylinders is typically 
covered by deposit and therefore has no cost to the distributor. EPA 
has assumed that 5 percent of cylinders are retired each year and that 
every cylinder needs to be recertified (and in some cases refurbished) 
every five years.
7. Treatment of Small Cans With Self-Sealing Valves
    EPA proposed to allow the continued sale of HFCs in certain 
disposable containers, such as small cans of refrigerant with a self-
sealing valve that meet the requirements in 40 CFR 82.154(c)(2). These 
containers have a mechanism in place to reduce emissions, so there 
would not be the same environmental benefit from their prohibition as 
EPA perceives in prohibiting other disposable cylinders. For a more 
complete discussion of the ways self-sealing valves reduce emissions of 
refrigerant, see 81 FR 82272 (November 18, 2016).
    One commenter supported EPA's proposal to allow the continued sale 
of HFC refrigerants in small cans with a self-sealing valve meeting the 
requirements contained in 40 CFR 82.154(c)(2), noting that the 
development of those regulations was a joint process between one 
industry and state and federal regulatory bodies that resulted in 
success for consumers, industry, and the environment. Another commenter 
provided several reasons for why EPA should prohibit small cans 
including: Small cans of refrigerant are a public safety and 
environmental hazard; devices that can circumvent the self-sealing 
valves are readily available to consumers and void the intended effects 
of the valves; and, the end users of small cans may not be limited only 
to the do-it-yourself community. The commenter also provided an 
alternative to the proposed exemption for small cans with self-sealing 
valves, whereby the filled cans contain reclaimed refrigerant, and a 
limit of one can per customer is enacted.
    After considering these comments, EPA is finalizing, as proposed, 
the provision that allows the continued sale of HFCs in certain 
disposable containers, limited to small cans of refrigerant with a 
self-sealing valve that meet the requirements in 40 CFR 82.154(c)(2). 
EPA has previously determined that these self-sealing valves reduce 
emissions of refrigerant after use (see 81 FR 82272) and the commenter 
did not provide sufficient data to suggest that EPA's previous finding 
was incorrect. In addition, EPA explicitly did not propose prohibiting 
small cans in the proposal. Further, some of the suggestions offered, 
e.g., purchase limits and composition requirements, are outside the 
scope of the proposal.
8. Compliance Dates
    EPA proposed implementing the prohibition on disposable cylinders 
in two stages. First, it would be unlawful to import or fill disposable 
cylinders containing HFCs, effective July 1, 2023. This first stage 
prevents new disposable cylinders from entering the market. Second, EPA 
proposed to prohibit the sale or offer for sale of HFCs in disposable 
cylinders, effective January 1, 2025. This second stage allows time for 
disposable cylinders already on the market to be sold.
    Regarding the first deadline, one commenter suggested an earlier 
compliance date of January 1, 2023, to ensure that existing stock can 
be sold prior to January 1, 2024. All other commenters concurred that 
July 1, 2023, was too short to implement such a transition. Commenters 
cited various reasons that the deadline is unachievable, many of which 
have been discussed earlier, including but not limited to costs, 
infrastructure and distribution requirements, and supply chain 
considerations. Commenters suggested a range of alternative dates 
ranging from January 1, 2024, to three or more years. Regarding the 
second deadline, commenters asserted that EPA's assumption that all 
inventory can be sold in 18 months was unsupported by any data, and in 
fact, some inventory can be maintained for multiple years.
    Based on the factors cited above EPA is also finalizing a later 
compliance deadline than the proposed July 1, 2023, date for the 
prohibition on the import or placement of HFCs in disposable cylinders 
from, namely January 1, 2025. EPA expects that the adjusted compliance 
date will assist with a gradual and phased-in approach that will 
contribute substantially in mitigating the supply chain issues 
identified in public comments and reducing the need for a larger than 
necessary fleet of cylinders. EPA is also finalizing a later compliance 
date for the prohibition of the sale or offer for sale of regulated 
substances in disposable cylinders (January 1, 2027, as compared to the 
proposed date of January 1, 2025), to accommodate for inventory sell-
through.
    EPA proposed to prohibit the import of HFCs in cylinders designed 
to hold 100 pounds or less of a regulated substance intended for use in 
a process resulting in their transformation or destruction. As 
discussed in Section IX.E of this preamble, feedstock HFCs may be 
imported without expending consumption allowances. This minimum size 
restriction is intended to prevent the submission of false information 
that a particular shipment of HFCs in cylinders does not require 
allowances because they are for transformation or destruction 
processes. EPA does not anticipate this proposal would affect current 
business practices as these HFCs are typically imported and used in 
large volumes at specific facilities. Commenters, including companies 
that import feedstock HFCs, were supportive of this proposal. One 
commenter requested an exemption for

[[Page 55178]]

HFCs used for research and development purposes as these are typically 
needed in smaller quantities. EPA responds that the Agency does not 
have sufficient information to say that these research and development 
applications qualify as transformation or that these small quantities 
could not be sourced domestically.

C. What are the labeling requirements?

    EPA proposed to require that all containers that contain a 
regulated substance in bulk (e.g., ISO tanks, drums, cylinders of any 
size, or small cans) must have an affixed label or other marking that 
indicates the specific HFC(s) in that container. Specifically, the 
proposed label must state, legibly and indelibly, in numbers and 
letters at least \1/8\ inch high, the common name of the HFC or HFC 
blend contained, and the composition and ratios of the HFCs if a blend. 
This font size is consistent with the DOT-39 labeling standards (see 49 
CFR 178.65). EPA also requested comment on whether the label should 
include the quantity of HFC in the container.
    Many commenters expressed concern that an EPA labeling requirement 
would be duplicative of existing labeling requirements. Commenters 
suggested that EPA defer to the labeling requirements in DOT, 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and DOC 
regulations. One commenter suggested that the presence of an American 
Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers 
(ASHRAE) number on a cylinder or can is sufficient to determine the 
composition.
    EPA responds that the intent of the proposed labeling requirement 
was to allow EPA to take an enforcement action if an EPA or Customs 
official discovers an unidentified cylinder or suspects that a cylinder 
is misidentified. EPA is seeking to avoid contradicting the DOT, OSHA, 
or DOC labeling requirements. As such, EPA is not finalizing the 
specific lettering size requirements or the requirement that the 
cylinder have a serial number.
    EPA also understands from comments that containers must be labeled 
with technical names of the contents if the proper shipping name does 
not specify the chemical name. EPA is finalizing a requirement that the 
container specify either the name of the regulated substance, the 
ASHRAE designation (where applicable), or the percentage composition of 
the regulated substances it contains.
    As discussed in the proposed rule, companies without allowances 
have attempted to evade import restrictions by misidentifying in the 
Customs documentation or on the cylinders that the imported regulated 
substance is a different compressed gas. ODS refrigerants have been 
falsely labeled as HFCs, since allowances were not required to import 
HFCs at that time. EPA can also conceive of allowance holders or others 
attempting to evade import restrictions by similarly misidentifying an 
HFC or blend that has a high EVe as a blend with a lower EVe, thereby 
reducing the number of allowances needed to be expended for the import. 
Under this method of illegal import, once the unidentified or 
misidentified regulated substance enters the United States, a domestic 
counterpart who knows the true identity of the compressed gas would 
have to relabel the cylinder with the correct substance to be 
commercially useful. Consistent with the proposal, EPA considers 
repackaging material that was initially unlabeled or mislabeled to be a 
knowing violation of this subpart. Preventing these violations helps 
EPA to meet the directive of subsection (e)(2)(B) that EPA ``ensure 
that the annual quantity of all regulated substances produced or 
consumed in the United States does not exceed'' the statutorily 
prescribed phasedown schedule.
    To provide a way to check the accuracy of the label, EPA proposed 
to require producers and importers to batch test their product and 
retain records indicating the results of the batch testing. EPA 
received two comments on this proposal, both of which were supportive 
of this requirement. One commenter stated that the use of batch testing 
is already a common industry practice among both producers and 
importers and that it is a mechanism that can be used to reinforce 
accurate labeling of HFC content. EPA is finalizing the requirement for 
batch testing of all HFCs produced and imported. Records would need to 
be maintained to document the results of the batch testing.
    EPA requested comment on whether to require that containers 
purporting to contain a specific HFC or an ASHRAE designated blend with 
an HFC component meet the specifications in Appendix A to subpart F of 
part 82--Specifications for Refrigerants. Currently, under the CAA 
section 608 regulations, reclaimed refrigerant is required to meet 
specifications based in large part on the AHRI 700-2016 standard for 
purity before it can be released into the market. Based on input from 
industry, EPA is now aware that virgin material potentially could 
include impurities or that the ratio of components in a blend may not 
match that required of the blend.\87\ Multiple commenters supported 
including a requirement that all companies (not just reclaimers) comply 
with AHRI Standard 700 where relevant. To ensure the quality of the 
refrigerant entering the U.S. market is to industry specifications and 
to ensure the HFCs being imported and produced match the amount of 
allowances being expended, EPA is finalizing a requirement that all 
HFCs imported, filled in containers domestically, and sold as 
refrigerants meet the specifications in Appendix A to subpart F of part 
82--Specifications for Refrigerants.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \87\ See Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute 
(2013). Reports of R-134a Contaminated with R-40 and Other 
Refrigerants [White paper]. Available at https://www.ahrinet.org/App_Content/ahri/files/News%20Room/Press%20Releases/2013/AHRI_R_40_Contamination_white_paper.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA is finalizing as proposed that if the bill of lading or other 
evidence suggests that cylinders contain HFCs but the cylinder itself 
is not labeled or the labeling is illegible, EPA will presume that the 
container is completely full of HFC-23, unless the importer verifies 
the contents with independent laboratory testing results and fixes the 
label on the container before the container is imported. As such, a 
company would have to expend the requisite allowances to import HFC-23 
to be able to legally import the unlabeled HFCs . The company can also 
choose to have the shipment held at the port or in a bonded warehouse 
until they can arrange for testing to identify the contents and relabel 
the container. Only the importer may repackage (including relabeling) a 
container of regulated substances if it is unlabeled or the labeling is 
illegible. The goal of this presumption is to deter illegal activity 
and promote accurate and clear labeling, while also simplifying the 
process for EPA, in coordination with CBP for imports, to deduct a 
sufficient number of allowances at the point of import. HFC identifiers 
and a certified laboratory to verify the contents of a container may 
not be available at a port, so providing a clear presumption that could 
be used in such circumstances would facilitate compliance and 
enforcement efforts. This also reduces the safety risk of shipping and 
storing unlabeled cylinders and the potential to damage equipment 
resulting in the release of refrigerant and harm to the environment.
    Under the AIM Act, some companies will face burdens and costs 
associated with the Congressionally mandated phasedown; those increased 
burdens and costs unfortunately create economic

[[Page 55179]]

incentives to avoid compliance. That reality increases EPA's statutory 
and policy imperative to identify and apply tools that counter those 
incentives to increase the rate of compliance. These provisions, 
alongside the other provisions described in this rule, improve the 
enforceability of this rule and compliance with the statutory 
phasedown. Given the risk of noncompliance, as described throughout 
this section, there is an imperative to use every reasonable tool at 
our disposal to ensure compliance and thus the objectives of the AIM 
Act. Requiring limited labeling and testing requirements to ensure 
material imported, produced, and sold matches the label is directly 
related to and supports EPA's ability to meet the statutory obligation 
in subsection (e)(2)(B) of the AIM Act. Given the serious concerns 
about potential noncompliance and the undermining of Congress's 
directive to ensure reductions in production and consumption occur 
consistent with the statutory schedule, proper labeling and testing to 
verify that labeling will support EPA's ability to effectively 
implement the statute.

D. What is EPA requiring for auditing?

    EPA proposed to require external audits that are performed by CPAs 
on an annual basis for all producers, importers, exporters, reclaimers, 
and entities issued application-specific allowances.88 89 
EPA proposed that the scope of the audit be of records necessary to 
verify that the reports provided to EPA are accurate. EPA proposed that 
the audits be sent directly to EPA by the auditor before the results 
were shared with the auditee.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \88\ In the proposed rule, EPA inadvertently used the term 
``allocation-specific allowances'' in some places when it meant 
application-specific allowances. However, the text at proposed 40 
CFR 84.33 is clear that the intent of the proposal was to cover 
``[a]ny person receiving . . . application-specific allowances,'' 
(see 86 FR 27222-27223).
    \89\ Entities that import HFCs for the sole purpose of 
destroying those HFCs will be exempt from the auditing requirement 
described in this section. Entities that import HFCs for the sole 
purpose of transforming those HFCs will not be exempt from the 
auditing requirement. See regulatory text for details.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To ensure the integrity of the allocation program, EPA is 
finalizing a requirement for annual third-party audits of producers, 
importers, exporters, reclaimers, and companies issued application-
specific allowances. These entities affect compliance with the 
phasedown caps under the AIM Act or generate certification IDs. The 
Agency is providing additional detail on the types of certification 
statements that must accompany an audit report when submitted to EPA. 
These requirements are based on similar requirements under the 
Renewable Fuel Standard (40 CFR part 1090), which have helped to 
confirm the accuracy of reported information. EPA is also adding 
recyclers of HFCs used for fire suppression to the list of companies 
that must be audited. This is appropriate since they will be required 
to request certification IDs associated with the HFCs they recycle and 
resell in bulk. The Agency has also added reporting requirements for 
these companies. EPA is also amending the proposed auditing 
requirements for the DOD by requiring an internal annual review rather 
than requiring third-party auditing. EPA is extending the compliance 
date by a year and requiring the first audit be conducted in 2024 on 
calendar year 2023 data. More detail is provided below about auditing 
requirements for specific entities.
    As noted elsewhere in Section IX, under the AIM Act, some companies 
will face burdens and costs associated with the Congressionally 
mandated phasedown; those increased burdens and costs unfortunately 
create economic incentives to avoid compliance. That reality increases 
EPA's statutory and policy imperative to identify and apply tools that 
counter those incentives to increase the rate of compliance. As 
described below, auditing is one of those compliance tools, as it 
provides an independent check on a company's reports and has a well-
documented record of fostering compliance. The audits will also review 
records that are not routinely sent to EPA. Given the risks of 
noncompliance described in this rule, EPA must use every reasonable 
tool at our disposal to ensure compliance and thus the objectives of 
the AIM Act.
    Many economic studies have found that third-party auditing improves 
company and individual compliance with the law.90 91 92 93 
EPA has used third-party auditing since at least the reformulated 
gasoline regulations were promulgated in 1994 (59 FR 7716, February 16, 
1994). In the Renewable Fuel Standard, which uses third-party auditing, 
EPA noted expert consensus that well-implemented third-party auditing 
is a good use of limited enforcement and oversight resources (79 FR 
42080, July 18, 2014).\94\ Independent and objective audits are a 
valuable tool to improve compliance and accuracy among all companies, 
not just those with covert malicious intent to be inaccurate in their 
reporting. Given that EPA is establishing a new program, it is likely 
that there will be inadvertent reporting errors. Audits will also 
assist EPA in understanding where there may be common areas of 
confusion among industry participants that the Agency can improve upon 
in subsequent rulemakings.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \90\ Esther Duflo, Michael Greenstone, Rohini Pande, and 
Nicholas Ryan, ``Truth-Telling by Third-Party Auditors and the 
Response of Polluting Firms: Experimental Evidence from India,'' 
Journal of Economics (2013), 1499-1545. Available at https://doi.org/10.1093/qje/qjt024.
    \91\ Henrik Kleven, Martin Knudsen, Claus Kreiner, S[oslash]ren 
Pedersen, and Emmanuel Saez, ``Unwilling or Unable to Cheat? 
Evidence From a Tax Audit Experiment in Denmark.'' Econometrica, 79: 
651-692. (2011). Available at https://doi.org/10.3982/ECTA9113.
    \92\ Marcelo B[eacute]rgolo, Rodrigo Ceni, Guillermo Cruces, 
Matias Giaccobasso, and Ricardo Perez-Truglia, ``Tax Audits as 
Scarecrows: Evidence from a Large-Scale Field Experiment,'' NBER 
Working Paper No. 23631 July 2017, Revised January 2020 JEL No. C93, 
H26, K42.
    \93\ Keshav Choudhary and Bhanu Gupta, ``Third-party Audit and 
Tax Compliance--Evidence from a Notched Policy in India.'' (2019). 
Available at https://www.isid.ac.in/~epu/acegd2019/papers/
BhanuGupta.pdf.
    \94\ Other government programs with third party audits include 
Food and Drug Administration's imported food programs (see https://www.fda.gov/food/importing-food-products-united-states/industry-resources-third-party-audit-standards-and-fsma-supplier-verification-requirements) and medical device inspection program 
(see https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/third-party-inspection-devices/inspection-accredited-persons-program); the Consumer Product 
Safety Commission's children's product safety rule (see https://www.cpsc.gov/Regulations-Laws--Standards/Rulemaking/Final-and-Proposed-Rules/Third-Party-Conformity-Assessment-Bodies); and the 
Federal Communication Commission's Telecommunications Certification 
Bodies (see https://www.nist.gov/standardsgov/telecommunications-certification-bodies-tcb-application-information). Another 
comprehensive discussion of third-party programs conducted by the 
Administrative Conference of the United States is available at 
https://www.acus.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Third-Party-Programs-Report_Final.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Commenters from environmental organizations and state agencies 
expressed support for the proposed auditing requirement, because they 
agreed that third-party auditing improves compliance with environmental 
rules. Several HFC importers also expressed support, although at least 
one such commenter requested more time to meet the requirement.
    Many commenters objected to the proposed auditing requirement based 
on concerns for the potential cost. One commenter said that annual 
audits could cost them between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, not 
including auditee staff time or time required for the auditor to 
compile the report. Another expressed concern about the cost of third-
party audits, relative to the low

[[Page 55180]]

volume of HFCs that some of its members purchase. Similarly, several 
commentors asked that EPA exempt smaller companies from the annual 
third-party auditing requirement. At least one commenter expressed 
concerns about companies' ability to furnish third-party audits during 
the first allocation period, which the commenter viewed as too tight a 
turn-around.
    Based on the quantitative information that commenters submitted, 
EPA has updated its estimated recordkeeping and reporting costs in the 
RIA. Recognizing that the cost of an audit for each company will differ 
depending on the quantity and number of HFCs it acquires in a given 
year, the size of the business, and the amount of records that would 
need to be reviewed, EPA has increased the estimated average cost for 
an audit from approximately $2,500 to approximately $11,000 by adding 
in additional time for company staff and for the third-party auditor's 
time. The updated cost of the auditing requirement is still reasonable 
given the substantial benefit auditing has been proven to provide for 
overall compliance. In response to public comment, EPA is extending the 
compliance date by a year with the first audits due by May 31, 2024 
(for calendar year 2023), rather than by May 31, 2023 (for calendar 
year 2022), as proposed. EPA will require auditors to review a 
representative sample of five percent of or 10 batch testing records, 
whichever is higher, rather than all records as proposed.\95\ EPA has 
also lessened the amount of records from reclaimers that will be 
required to be audited (see below). These changes reduce burden while 
still maintaining a rigorous independent audit. Some commenters 
questioned the need for auditors to be CPAs, citing concerns about the 
cost as well as their potential lack of industry-specific knowledge. 
Commenters noted that it would take time to train an auditor on how 
this industry works, which would contribute to the cost and difficulty 
associated with the auditing requirements. A few comments questioned 
the value of independent audits and/or requested that EPA allow 
companies to self-audit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \95\ If a company engages in multiple types of HFC-related 
activity (e.g., importing, reclaiming, etc.) then a random sample 
must be taken for each activity. So if a company both imports and 
reclaims HFCs, auditors must review a five percent random sample of 
the import records and, separately, a five percent random sample of 
the reclamation records.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA considered these comments but maintains that CPAs are best 
suited to conduct annual compliance audits of a regulatory program. 
CPAs are licensed by the states to ensure their independence, 
competency, and adherence to ethical standards. CPAs are also trained 
to be able to work across varied industries and understand accounting 
frameworks and recordkeeping obligations across sectors, and have 
conducted thousands of audits (called attest engagements) under the CAA 
fuels regulations over the last 25 years. EPA is delaying the auditing 
requirement by one year, for which should help give companies time to 
find qualified CPAs and for CPA firms to develop the industry-specific 
expertise. EPA disagrees with the suggestion to allow companies to 
self-audit as this would effectively be redundant with companies' 
annual and quarterly reports. Self-audits do not have the proven 
benefits for compliance and correcting errors as shown by third-party 
audits.
    At least one commenter expressed concern about auditors' ability to 
keep their data private. EPA responds that the auditing profession has 
ethical norms and practices that prevent the release of confidential 
information learned in the course of an audit. Auditees also have the 
option to enter additional non-disclosure agreements with auditors. 
Both safeguards should provide additional assurance that CBI will be 
protected during audits.
    One commenter asked that entities that import HFCs solely to 
transform them be exempted from the proposed auditing requirement. EPA 
disagrees with the commenter that auditing should not apply to such 
entities. HFCs used for transformation are regulated substances and 
could be a way for material produced or imported without allowances to 
be diverted for non-excepted uses. Anyone importing HFCs for 
transformation would need to have a third-party independent audit 
conducted by a CPA.
    Some commentors asked that entities issued application-specific 
allowances not be subject to the proposed auditing requirements, 
especially if those allowance holders would confer their allowances up 
their supply chains to an HFC producer or importer. These commenters 
provided two concerns. The first concern was the difficulty of tracing 
their allowance conferrals up their supply chains, since they may not 
know how allowances are re-conferred through the supply chain. The 
second concern was the potentially duplicative nature of these audits, 
because application-specific allowances would often be ultimately 
conferred to producers or importers, which are already subject to 
annual auditing. One commentor said that tracing their allowances could 
involve delving into DOD contracts, and asked that if EPA requires 
audits of application-specific allowances, DOD should conduct the 
audits themselves because of the potential complexity and security 
concerns involved.
    EPA is finalizing different provisions regarding auditing of 
application-specific allowances conferred by DOD for mission-critical 
military end uses (see below). Regarding concerns about an application-
specific allowance holder not knowing all the entities in the supply 
chain, EPA is not requiring entities that are issued application-
specific allowances to know the activities of all the other companies 
in the supply chain; this information would not be covered by an audit. 
These audits would not be duplicative, even if the ultimate conferee of 
the application-specific allowance was a producer or importer as the 
focus is to verify data reported to EPA (e.g., allowances conferred, 
quantities purchased, and inventory for application use). With the 
exception of mission-critical military end uses, audits of application-
specific allowance holders would need to review records documenting 
their conferral to the most immediate company in the supply chain. EPA 
is establishing a reporting requirement to track conferrals for all 
applications other than mission-critical military end uses and will 
determine in the future if additional audits of application-specific 
supply chains are needed (see Section X for a full discussion).
    As noted above, EPA is finalizing different auditing requirements 
for mission-critical military end uses. EPA is allocating all mission-
critical application-specific allowances to the Department of Defense 
and therefore will rely on internal monitoring and review procedures 
run by DOD instead of requiring the audit be conducted by a third 
party. Such an approach is appropriate given that DOD is a federal 
government agency, and many uses of regulated substances for mission-
critical needs may implicate sensitive national security information.
    Producers, importers, exporters, reclaimers, fire suppressant 
recyclers, exporters, and entities issued application-specific 
allowances, aside from allowances for mission-critical military end 
uses, must have auditors review the reports they provide to the Agency, 
and the inputs for developing those reports, to ensure that they were 
complete and accurate. The records subject to audit will differ 
depending on the type of entity being audited but at a minimum, 
auditors should review what is listed below.

[[Page 55181]]

    Producers, importers, and exporters:
     The amount of production and consumption allowances 
received from EPA;
     The amount of allowances transferred and/or received via 
transfer;
     Records documenting the amount of application-specific 
allowances received from EPA and/or received by conferral from other 
companies;
     Records documenting the amount of HFCs imported, exported, 
produced,\96\ destroyed, transformed, reclaimed, and/or recycled or 
sent to another entity for such purpose;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \96\ These records include records and reports related to the 
control of HFC-23 emissions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Records documenting the amount of HFCs produced with 
application-specific allowances and amount sold or distributed for such 
purpose;
     The dates and the ports from which HFCs were imported or 
exported, as well as the relevant HTS codes, invoices, and bills of 
lading;
     The number and type of railcars, ISO tanks, individual 
cylinders, drums, small cans, or other containers used to store and 
transport imported HFCs;
     The inventory of regulated substances as of the end of the 
prior calendar year;
     A random sample (5 percent or 10, whichever is higher) of 
batch testing results;
     A random sample (5 percent or 10, whichever is higher) of 
certification IDs requested and generated and where the associated HFCs 
are sold and distributed; and
     All other reports submitted to EPA under 40 CFR part 84, 
subpart A.
    Companies issued application-specific allowances by EPA:
     Records documenting the amount of application-specific 
allowances received from EPA;
     The amount of allowances transferred and/or received via 
transfer;
     Records documenting the amount of allowances received by 
conferral and/or conferred to other parties;
     Records documenting the amount of HFCs received from each 
allowance conferral (whether in bulk or a manufactured product);
     The total amount of HFCs purchased for the application-
specific end use, and the amount of HFCs sold to another company for 
application-specific use;
     The inventory of regulated substances for application-
specific uses as of the end of each reporting period in the prior 
calendar year (i.e., December 31 and June 30);
     All other reports submitted to EPA under 40 CFR part 84, 
subpart A.
    Reclaimers and Fire Suppressant Recyclers:
     The quantity of HFCs received for reclamation or 
recycling, including a random sample (5 percent or 10, whichever is 
higher) of records documenting the names and addresses of persons 
sending them material and the quantity of the material (the combined 
mass of refrigerant and contaminants) by HFC sent to them;
     Records documenting the quantity of HFCs reclaimed;
     A random sample (5 percent or 10, whichever is higher) of 
batch testing results;
     A random sample (5 percent or 10, whichever is higher) of 
certification IDs requested and generated and where the associated HFCs 
are sold and distributed; and
     All other reports submitted to EPA under 40 CFR part 84, 
subpart A.
    The lists above may overlap in the types of records reviewed if a 
company fits into more than one category. As proposed, third-party 
auditors must electronically submit the results of their audit to EPA 
through e-GGRT before sending the results to the auditee. Results from 
the audit of a prior year's records are due to EPA no later than May 
31st. EPA finds that May 31st allows sufficient time after the last 
report of the prior year is due to conduct an audit.
    Regarding the Department of Defense and allowances issued for 
mission-critical military end uses, EPA is not requiring an independent 
third-party audit by a CPA due to the potentially sensitive nature of 
some DOD applications. DOD has long monitored its use of ODS and has 
internal controls to ensure the regulatory requirements are followed. 
EPA understands that DOD intends to build on that 25-year history to 
establish internal controls and monitoring for HFCs. EPA is 
establishing a requirement that DOD data and reports for application-
specific allowances for mission-critical military end uses shall be 
subject to internal DOD monitoring and review for accuracy as 
prescribed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The results of 
this review shall be reported electronically to EPA by May 31 of the 
year following the compliance period. This report should not include 
national security sensitive details. Similar to the annual application, 
EPA and DOD would meet to discuss the report's findings to ensure 
accountability.

E. Petitions To Import HFCs as a Feedstock or for Destruction

    All bulk imports of HFCs into the United States either require the 
expenditure of consumption allowances or authorization granted by EPA 
through a non-objection notice. This section discusses the petition 
process for requesting EPA authorization to import HFCs without 
expending allowances. There are two types of shipments addressed in 
this subsection: (1) Virgin HFCs that are imported for use in a process 
resulting in their transformation (i.e., as feedstocks) or destruction; 
and (2) used HFCs that are imported for purposes of disposal at a 
destruction facility using an approved destruction technology.
    The definition of ``produce'' in section (b) of the AIM Act 
excludes the manufacture of a regulated substance that is used and 
entirely consumed (except for trace quantities) in the manufacture of 
another chemical. The process is known as transformation and the 
regulated substances used and consumed are called feedstocks in this 
rulemaking. Feedstock HFCs are exempt from production, and therefore 
consumption, and do not require allowances to be produced or imported. 
Companies typically generate feedstocks for use within the same 
facility, but some feedstocks can be transported from another location 
or imported from abroad. EPA is calling this second-party 
transformation. These provisions of the rule address the risk of 
unlawful behavior associated with transporting and importing feedstock 
HFCs.
    Used HFCs may need to be destroyed when they are contaminated 
beyond the point that reclamation is economical. Providing a pathway to 
import used HFCs for proper disposal within the United States can 
benefit the environment and the domestic destruction industry. To keep 
this process narrowly tailored to minimize a potential pathway for 
illegal imports, EPA is limiting this petition process for destruction 
to used HFCs. Importing virgin HFCs, even for disposal, requires the 
expenditure of consumption allowances. Similarly, and consistent with 
the discussion in section VII.A. and the proposal, importing used HFCs, 
including those that have been reclaimed or that are bound for 
reclamation, also requires the expenditure of allowances unless they 
are being imported for transformation or destruction consistent with 
Sec.  84.25.
    EPA based the proposed petition process in large part on the ones 
in 40 CFR 82.13(g)(5) and 82.24(c)(6) for the import of used ODS for 
destruction. EPA proposed that the importer of HFCs for feedstocks or 
destruction submit a petition to EPA at least 30 working days before 
the shipment's departure from the foreign port. EPA proposed the

[[Page 55182]]

petitioner submit the following elements to verify that these imports 
will in fact be transformed or destroyed: (i) Name, commodity code, and 
quantity in kilograms of each regulated substance to be imported; (ii) 
name and address of the importer, the importer ID number, and the 
contact person's name, email address, and phone number; (iii) name and 
address of the consignee and the contact person's name, email address, 
and phone number; (iv) source country; (v) the U.S. port of entry for 
the import, the expected date of import, and the vessel transporting 
the material; (vi) name and address of any intermediary who will hold 
the material before the HFCs are transformed or destroyed; (vii) name, 
address, contact person, email address, and phone number of the 
responsible party at the transformation or destruction facility; and 
(viii) an English translation, if needed, of the export license, 
application for an export license, or official communication 
acknowledging the export from the appropriate government agency in the 
country of export. If at the time of submitting the petition the 
importer does not know the U.S. port of entry, the expected date of 
shipment and the vessel transporting the material, and the importer 
receives a non-objection notice for the individual shipment in the 
petition, the importer is required to notify the relevant Agency 
official of this information prior to the date of importation \97\ of 
the individual shipment into the United States.
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    \97\ EPA is using the term ``date of importation'' consistent 
with CBP's definition at 19 CFR 101.1. ``Date of importation'' means 
``in the case of merchandise imported otherwise than by vessel, the 
date on which the merchandise arrives within the Customs territory 
of the United States. In the case of merchandise imported by vessel, 
``date of importation'' means the date on which the vessel arrives 
within the limits of a port in the United States with intent then 
and there to unlade such merchandise.'' This term is not identical 
to the term ``import'' as defined in 40 CFR 84.3, but is similar. 
Using CBP terminology will allow for the individual submitting 
information in ACE to better understand the meaning for this 
specific reporting element.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA proposed that within 30 working days of receiving a complete 
petition EPA would send either a non-objection notice or an objection 
notice to the petitioner. The Agency may object to the petition if the 
petition provides insufficient information or if it contains or is 
suspected to contain false or misleading information. A petitioner may 
re-petition once if the Agency indicated ``insufficient information'' 
as the basis for the objection notice.
    EPA received three comments on the proposed petition process, all 
of which were opposed to the requirement to petition the Agency for 
importing ODS to be transformed. The commenters stated that the 
petition requirements and timeframe for transformation are not 
logistically feasible or commercially practical. One of the commenters 
stated that they do not have full information requested in the petition 
until three days prior to departure, with other data elements being 
known only 14 days before departure. The commenter proposed a one-time 
notification to EPA for each shipment at such time as all requested 
information is finalized prior to export from the foreign port.
    In this final rule EPA is maintaining the requirement to petition 
the Agency and the information requirements of the petition as proposed 
with two changes. To support the prohibition on importing HFCs for 
feedstock in cylinders designed to hold 100 pounds or less of a 
regulated substance (see Section IX.F.3), EPA is requiring that the 
petition provide (ix) the capacity of the container. To support real-
time review of imports, EPA is also requiring that the importer report 
(x) the unique identification number of the container used to transport 
the HFCs as part of the petition. Given the logistical realities 
described by the commenters EPA is not finalizing a requirement that 
the petition be submitted to EPA 30 working days before leaving the 
foreign port. Rather, EPA is requiring that the petition be submitted 
at least 30 days before arriving at the U.S. port. This timing will 
allow the importer to provide all the necessary information and will 
not hold up the normal flow of imports. For companies that can submit 
complete information earlier, they would be able to submit once all 
requested information is finalized prior to export from the foreign 
port. EPA will issue a non-objection or objection notice within 21 days 
of the submission of the petition. Some companies will face burdens and 
costs associated with the Congressionally mandated phasedown; those 
increased burdens and costs unfortunately create economic incentives to 
avoid compliance. That reality increases EPA's statutory and policy 
imperative to identify and apply tools that counter those incentives to 
increase the rate of compliance. EPA has determined that petitions for 
importing material that is exempt from the definition of production is 
one of those compliance tools and will help along with the other tools 
described in this rule to ensure material imported into the U.S. either 
is imported with an allowance or has prior authorization.
    EPA also proposed that HFCs imported for transformation or 
destruction be transformed or destroyed, as applicable, within 60 days 
of being imported into the United States. EPA took comment on whether 
it is appropriate to allow longer timeframes, up to 12 months. EPA 
received three comments on these timeframes. With regard to the 
timeline for transformation, commenters stated that 60 days is 
impractical. One recommended 120 days while a few others recommended 12 
months. One commenter also noted that it may not be possible to 
identify when a specific molecule of imported HFC is transformed. For 
the reasons provided by the commenters EPA agrees that 60 days is too 
limited for transformation. EPA is finalizing a requirement that the 
material be transformed within one year of being imported.
    EPA also received two comments that it may not be possible to 
destroy HFCs within the proposed 60-day timeframe. One commenter noted 
that the destruction of HFCs has to be carefully controlled to avoid 
the creation of hydrofluoric acid and damage to the equipment. Both 
commenters recommended 120 days. For the reasons provided by the 
commenters EPA agrees that 60 days is too limited for destruction. EPA 
is finalizing a requirement that the material be destroyed within 120 
days of being imported.
    EPA is requiring that the petitioner submit records indicating that 
the substance has been transformed or destroyed with the company's next 
quarterly reporting after its transformation or destruction. EPA is 
adding supporting prohibitions in Sec.  84.5 for provisions that will 
be similar to 40 CFR 82.4(j)(2) and 82.15(b)(3) to prohibit the import 
of HFCs for processes that result in their transformation or 
destruction, or disposal by destruction, without having received a non-
objection notice consistent with this petition process.
    By providing an importer with documentation that the import is 
authorized, this will both expedite Customs clearance and result in a 
more secure border. It will prevent an importer from falsely claiming 
that their shipment does not require allowances or authorization from 
EPA because it is exempted. It also will track the movement of the 
import after entering the United States by attaching reporting 
obligations of the transformer or destruction facility.

[[Page 55183]]

F. What other limitations are there on imports of HFCs?

1. Ban on Importing Feedstock HFCs in Cylinders
    EPA proposed to prohibit the import of HFCs in cylinders designed 
to hold 100 pounds or less of a regulated substance intended for use in 
a process resulting in their transformation or destruction. As 
discussed in Section IX.E of this preamble, feedstock HFCs may be 
imported without expending consumption allowances. This minimum size 
restriction is intended to prevent the submission of false information 
that a particular shipment of HFCs in cylinders does not require 
allowances because they are for transformation or destruction 
processes. EPA does not anticipate this proposal would affect current 
business practices as these HFCs are typically imported and used in 
large volumes at specific facilities. Commenters, including companies 
that import feedstock HFCs, were supportive of this proposal. One 
commenter requested an exemption for HFCs used for research and 
development purposes as these are typically needed in smaller 
quantities. EPA responds that the Agency does not have sufficient 
information to say that these research and development applications 
qualify as transformation or that these small quantities could not be 
sourced domestically.
2. Imports of Heels
    As proposed, any import of bulk regulated substance in any quantity 
requires consumption allowances. As with production, this requirement 
is intended to ensure that all the regulated substances listed in the 
AIM Act are appropriately phased down according to the schedule 
specified by Congress. EPA is concerned that allowing for imports of 
HFCs that are classified as ``U.S. goods returned'' or that are a 
``heel'' within an otherwise empty container could provide avenues for 
illegal imports. For example, foreign produced ODS had sometimes been 
declared as a U.S. good returned to circumvent the allowance system. 
EPA proposed that allowances would be necessary for such imports.
    One commenter supported an exemption of heels in cylinders, 
railcars, tank trucks, and ISO tanks, similar to how EPA opted to 
regulate ODS heels. The commenter stated that this would allow for 
easier import and export of regulated substances. Another commenter 
supported EPA's proposal to require allowances for the import of such. 
A third commenter noted that importing heels is a necessary part of the 
global supply chain. The commenter recommended that heels be treated as 
U.S. goods returned and that allowances be expended. The commenter also 
suggested that any returning ISO tank include evidence that it is 
directly connected to a full ISO tank shipment that originated in the 
United States.
    EPA sees no statutory basis to exempt imports of heels from the 
requirement to expend allowances. As explained elsewhere, consumption 
allowances are required to be expended for imports of bulk chemicals, 
and there is no basis in the statute to change this requirement if a 
cylinder, railcar, tank truck, or ISO tank is only 5-8 percent full 
(the amount of a typical heel). Further, requiring imports of heels to 
involve allowance expenditure will prevent unlawful trade, since an 
importer could fraudulently mark something as a heel--and therefore 
exempt from needing allowances--when a container or tank was much 
fuller than a heel. In finalizing this requirement, EPA expects minimal 
disruption to normal activities since a cylinder, railcar, tank trunk, 
or ISO tank can be weighed to determine its mass, and therefore how 
many allowances will need to be expended to import any heel contained 
therein. Based on a review of Customs records, it also appears 
companies report this information to CBP already.
3. Transhipments
    As proposed, companies that tranship HFCs do not need to expend 
allowances for that transhipment. Transhipped materials are intended to 
be imported into, and then exported out of, the country in identical 
quantities. To meet the definition of transhipped material, the HFCs 
cannot enter U.S. commerce. An entity does not have to expend 
consumption allowances for transhipped materials if the regulated 
substances are exported within six months of import. If a company does 
not export HFCs within six months of importation, the company would 
have to expend allowances. As explained in the reporting section, 
companies must notify the Agency when a transhipment is imported into 
and exported from the United States. EPA proposed that the reporting 
would be due within 30 working days of export, but is finalizing a 
shorter timeframe of 10 working days given CBP's regulations require a 
carrier to update the in-bond record within 2 business days of 
exportation (see 19 CFR 18.1(h)). The intent of these provisions is to 
minimize the risk of illegal imports through the guise of 
transhipments. The United States experienced this method of illegal 
importation during the phaseouts of CFCs and HCFCs.
    EPA requested comment on the length of time a transhipment could 
reasonably be expected to be in the United States. One commenter 
recommended two months and another said one year is needed. Neither 
comment provided justification for their suggested timeframes. 
Therefore EPA is finalizing the six-month period as proposed.

G. How is EPA tracking the movement of HFCs?

    The Agency proposed to establish a certification program that would 
use tracking or identification technology such as QR codes \98\ or 
another tracking identifier to track the import, sale and distribution 
of HFCs starting January 1, 2024. EPA is largely finalizing this system 
as proposed, but, for reasons explained later in this section, is 
extending the compliance date for using this system. As of January 1, 
2025, EPA will require QR codes on all containers imported, sold or 
distributed, or offered for sale or distribution, by producers and 
importers. As of January 1, 2026, EPA will require QR codes on all 
containers filled, sold or distributed, or offered for sale or 
distribution, by all other repackagers and cylinder fillers in the 
United States, including reclaimers and fire suppressant recyclers. As 
of January 1, 2027, EPA will require a QR code on every container of 
HFCs sold or distributed, offered for sale or distribution, purchased 
or received, or attempted to be purchased or received. This system is 
intended to ensure that HFCs imported into and distributed or sold in 
the United States for consumptive uses are covered by an allowance or 
were reclaimed or recycled for fire suppression use. Distribution and 
sale of HFCs that did not enter the market legally would lack a 
tracking identifier and thus could be easily spotted. This program 
supports compliance and, where needed, enforcement action. Buyers would 
also be able to know that they are purchasing legal HFCs. EPA took 
comment on the proposals related to this electronic tracking system, 
including ways to make it simple to use, while maintaining the

[[Page 55184]]

same functionality including the ability to report electronically.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \98\ A QR code is a type of matrix barcode that contains data 
for a locator, identifier, or tracker that points to a website or 
application using standardized encoding modes to store data. It is 
recognizable as black squares arranged in a square grid on a white 
background, which can be read by an imaging device such as a camera. 
In this rule we use the phrase ``QR code'' or ``tracking 
identifier'' as a stand-in for ``physical media that facilitate 
digital inventory tracking.'' EPA may or may not require QR codes 
specifically (bar codes or RFID chips are other possibilities, for 
example).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA will assign certification IDs to producers and importers based 
on the quantity of production, consumption, and application-specific 
allowances they have. As allowances are expended, the certification IDs 
associated with those allowances will be assigned to the corresponding 
containers of HFCs prior to importation or being readied for transport 
from a production facility. For imports, the appropriate QR code needs 
to be affixed prior to importation. This will require coordination by 
the importer and the foreign producer to ensure the labels are affixed 
before arrival in the United States or before importation. While the 
foreign producer may be affixing the labels, it is the entity in the 
United States that is expending allowances who would be liable if the 
QR codes are not properly affixed. To allow for EPA to have a better 
understanding and oversight of the foreign company that will be filling 
the containers abroad, EPA is requiring reporting for imports on the 
name, address, contact person, email address, and phone number of the 
responsible party at the facility where the container of regulated 
substance(s) was filled. The certification ID system will be linked 
with EPA's allowance allocation tracking system to ensure that 
allowances were obtained for each MTEVe produced or imported. The 
certification will be tracked using a physical label with a QR code 
affixed to the container in which the material was sold after being 
produced in the United States or imported. When the QR code is scanned 
it will point to a website with a database that will indicate if the 
regulated substance in the container is legal, the quantity and common 
name of the HFC or HFC blend, the name it is currently being marketed 
under (e.g., trade name or brand), and the date the container was 
filled.
    Each time the material is bought/sold, or partitioned into another 
container, the tracking information must be updated. If HFCs are 
blended, the database entry for the identifier for that container must 
be updated by the blender to reflect that new information. EPA will 
establish protocols that ensure that once the tracking information is 
entered it may not be altered retroactively, thereby preserving the 
integrity of the information.
    The container and its associated certification IDs must be tracked 
until it is sold to the final customer. The final customer will differ 
depending on the use of the HFCs. For example, EPA would consider an 
aerosol filler to be the final customer given the HFCs are being 
incorporated into a finished product. Similarly, a factory charging HFC 
refrigerant into a hermetically sealed appliance would be the final 
customer. HFCs used in field-charged or field-serviced applications, 
such as unitary split air conditioners, chillers, or refrigeration in 
supermarkets, would continue to have the certification accompany them 
until they are sold to a contractor or technician. HFCs used in fire 
suppression would continue to have the certification accompany them 
until they are sold to a company manufacturing products containing 
HFCs, such as fire extinguishers, or until they are sold to an entity 
installing fire suppression system cylinders in a total flooding 
application.
    EPA's general understanding of the supply chain is that HFCs (from 
production or import) are shipped in large ISO tanks, railcars, 
individual cylinders or drums, and small cans. The material is then 
sold to entities in the distribution chain. The material may change 
hands one or more times before it is purchased by the final entity in 
the distribution chain and subsequently sold to the final customer. 
Anyone selling bulk HFCs would need to be registered in the system to 
allow for legal HFCs to be tracked from the point of import, sale, 
distribution, or offer for sale or distribution to the point of sale to 
the final customer (i.e., the person that will use the HFCs) so that 
any illegal HFCs offered for sale at any point in the distribution 
chain could be identified. Sellers need to scan the containers as they 
are sold, and buyers who intend to sell the HFCs, other than the final 
customer, need to do the same.
    Anyone who is filling a container or cylinder, whether for the 
first time or when transferring HFC from one container to one or more 
smaller or larger containers, is required to enter information in the 
system and generate a QR code for the new containers and add 
information on: the brand it would be sold under, the quantity and 
composition of HFCs in the container, the date it was filled, the 
certification IDs associated with the HFCs (if being repackaged), and 
the quantity of each HFC in the container.
    EPA recognizes that not all HFCs would enter the market through the 
expenditure of an allowance. Most significantly, HFCs recovered from 
equipment (e.g., refrigerants and fire suppressants) are sent for 
reclamation or recycling and can be resold into the market after they 
meet relevant standards. EPA received comment that companies that 
recycle HFCs used for fire suppression were not explicitly included in 
the proposed certification ID tracking system. As discussed below, EPA 
is modifying its proposed approach to add in coverage for fire 
suppressant recyclers.
    Under the CAA section 608 regulations, reclaimers must be certified 
by EPA and report the amounts and names of the HFCs reclaimed on an 
annual basis. Recyclers of HFCs for fire suppression have not 
previously had to report to EPA but will be required to report 
information prospectively. EPA will generate certification IDs for 
reclaimers and fire suppressant recyclers in an amount equal to the 
quantity reclaimed or recycled in the previous year plus an amount 
based on the average annual growth in total United States HFC 
reclamation and recycling in the prior three years or 10 percent, 
whichever is higher. EPA anticipates reclamation and fire suppressant 
recycling will increase over time. Reclaimers and fire suppressant 
recyclers can request additional certification IDs from EPA if the 
initial distribution was insufficient and the reclaimer or recycler 
provides information to the Agency that can allow the Agency to confirm 
that additional reclamation or recycling is occurring. This could 
include reclamation totals for the same quarter in the prior year, a 
signed statement from a responsible official at the company stating the 
amount of reclamation they project for the remainder of the year based 
on current demand and available supply of recovered HFCs, or other 
documentation that shows how much additional reclamation is expected. 
The data behind the certification IDs and the QR code will be similar 
to that for HFCs produced or imported with allowances but will indicate 
that it is reclaimed or recycled and provide the name of the reclaimer 
or fire suppressant recycler.
    To ensure regulated HFCs sold by reclaimers and fire suppressant 
recyclers are legal and eligible for sale, reclaimers and recyclers 
would need to log into the certification ID tracking system and, for 
each container of HFCs prior to selling regulated substances, provide 
information such as when the HFC was reclaimed or recycled and by whom; 
what regulated substance(s) (and/or the blend containing regulated 
substances) is in the container; how many kilograms were put in the 
container and on what date the container was filled; and for reclaimers 
certification that the purity of the batch was confirmed to meet the 
specifications in Appendix A to 40 CFR part 82, subpart F. If a 
container is filled with reclaimed and virgin HFC(s), the reclaimer and 
fire suppressant recycler

[[Page 55185]]

would also have to provide information on how much virgin HFC was used 
and have sufficient certification IDs to account for that newly 
produced or imported material to associate with the newly filled 
container.
    EPA is also aware that under CAA sections 608 and 609, recovered 
HFC refrigerant can be resold if it was used only in a motor vehicle 
air conditioning (MVAC) equipment or MVAC-like appliance and is to be 
used only in MVAC equipment or MVAC-like appliance and recycled in 
accordance with 40 CFR part 82, subpart B (see 40 CFR 82.154(d)). This 
practice will be allowed to continue without requiring registration in 
the certification ID system. If someone is selling bulk HFCs, other 
than for use by that company for servicing MVAC equipment, for example 
to another auto shop, they need to be registered in the certification 
ID tracking system.
    EPA recognizes that a large quantity of HFCs will already be in the 
United States market prior to the finalization of this rule. Therefore, 
the Agency initially proposed a compliance date of January 1, 2024, for 
these provisions and included a requirement that anyone in possession 
of containers of HFCs register their existing inventory of containers. 
As explained later in this section, after reviewing public comments EPA 
is extending this compliance date and is not finalizing the requirement 
to register inventory of containers that do not have certification IDs. 
After January 1, 2027, when the program is fully phased in, it will be 
unlawful for anyone to import, sell or distribute, or offer for sale or 
distribution, HFCs in a container that does not bear a legible QR code. 
The import, sale, distribution, offer for sale or distribution, 
purchase, receipt, and attempted purchase or receipt of uncertified 
bulk HFCs (or bulk HFCs in a container without a legible QR code) will 
be illegal and subject to civil and criminal enforcement to prevent 
smuggling and/or bypassing of the system.
    EPA is also finalizing its proposal to require that any person who 
sells, distributes, or offers for sale or distribution, regulated 
substances must register with EPA in the certification ID system. To 
support this provision, EPA is prohibiting any person from purchasing 
or receiving, or attempting to purchase or receive regulated substances 
from someone that is not registered with EPA.
    To ensure EPA is able to provide appropriate training and 
familiarize entities who will use the certification ID system, the 
agency is requiring that any person who produces, imports, reclaims, 
recycles for fire suppression uses, repackages or fills regulated 
substances, reclaimed regulated substances, or recycled regulated 
substances for fire suppression uses must register with EPA in the 
certification ID system at least six months before the date they are 
subject to the requirements (e.g., producers would need to register no 
later than July 1, 2024). Likewise, any person who sells, distributes, 
or offers for sale or distribution, a container of bulk regulated 
substances must register with EPA in the certification ID system at 
least six months before the date they are subject to the requirements 
(e.g., a distributor not already subject to the requirements would need 
to register no later than July 1, 2026).
Response to Comments
    Some commenters expressed concerns about the cost and workability 
of the proposed QR code tracking system; many wanted more details about 
the design of the system and more time to comply. In particular, 
commenters expressed doubts about the ease of tracking individual 
cylinders of HFCs through commerce. EPA responds that the tracking 
system is an important part of the Agency's suite of compliance tools 
and is being finalized to support implementation of subsection 
(e)(2)(B) of the AIM Act (as discussed). EPA appreciates that it will 
require logistical adaptation and technological investment to set up 
and implement such a system effectively. For this reason, the Agency is 
finalizing an extended, phased-in roll out of the tracking system. 
Under this phased-in approach, the Agency will have more time to 
consult industry and develop an appropriate tracking system. Similarly, 
industry will have more time to adapt existing systems and/or procure 
any technology needed to support the tracking system and train staff. 
The new phase-in schedule starts January 1, 2025, for all containers 
imported and sold or distributed by producers and importers. On January 
1, 2026, EPA will require QR codes on all containers filled and sold or 
distributed by all other repackagers and cylinder fillers in the United 
States, including reclaimers and fire suppressant recyclers. Finally, 
as of January 1, 2027, EPA will require a QR code on every container of 
HFCs sold or distributed.
    These later dates allow for additional time to develop and pilot 
test the system in consultation with stakeholders (e.g., including 
identifying ways to integrate EPA's system with a company's existing 
inventory management software and packaging equipment) and conduct 
training for users of the system. Phasing in the use of QR codes also 
negates the need for requiring registration of existing inventory. 
While this should provide sufficient time for anyone selling HFCs in 
containers without a valid QR code to sell all their inventory, EPA 
will monitor the market to see if registering inventory is needed.
    A few commenters questioned EPA's authority for requiring reporting 
on individual containers of HFCs using a certification ID tracking 
system. Under the AIM Act, some companies will face burdens and costs 
associated with the Congressionally mandated phasedown; those increased 
burdens and costs unfortunately create economic incentives to avoid 
compliance. That reality increases EPA's statutory and policy 
imperative to identify and apply tools that counter those incentives to 
increase the rate of compliance. Given the risk of noncompliance, as 
described throughout Section IX, there is an imperative to use every 
reasonable tool at our disposal to ensure compliance and thus the 
objectives of the AIM Act. Identifying containers of HFCs that were 
illegally imported and produced is directly related to and supports 
EPA's ability to meet the statutory obligation in subsection (e)(2)(B) 
of the AIM Act. The tracking requirement is especially important for 
identifying illegal production--as that material will not have a check 
at the port like imports, and illegal imports that are able to evade 
authorities at the point of importation. The provision also reinforces 
the prohibition on disposable cylinders and ensures the universe of 
legal sales is understood through the required registration for anyone 
selling HFCs, and the requirements to scan QR codes and verify HFCs 
being purchased and sold are legal. Given the serious concerns about 
potential noncompliance and the undermining of Congress's directive to 
ensure reductions in production and consumption occur consistent with 
the statutory schedule, certification ID tracking will support EPA's 
ability to effectively implement the statute.
    Comments noted that this proposal did not include fire suppressant 
recyclers. EPA has modified the regulatory text and approach to include 
fire suppressant recyclers. These companies will have to report to EPA 
and generate certification IDs on the same timeline as reclaimers. Some 
companies in the fire suppression industry expressed doubts about the 
ease of tracking individual cylinders of HFCs through commerce. EPA 
appreciates that fire suppression

[[Page 55186]]

companies deal in both bulk HFCs and products containing HFCs and 
engage in HFC recycling. EPA appreciates that this diversity of 
processes poses challenges to the implementation of bulk HFC tracking 
in fire suppression. However, these complexities are surmountable 
challenges to the creation of an effective HFC tracking system in this 
industry, and EPA intends to work with many stakeholders, including 
those in the fire suppression industry, in developing a workable system 
over the extended timeline being finalized here. EPA is committed to 
engaging in a thoughtful, iterative, and collaborative process to 
develop a tracking system that identifies illegal activity.
    Some commenters wanted to be able to integrate the EPA tracking 
system into their existing inventory tracking systems. EPA appreciates 
that some companies have already made significant investments in 
digital inventory tracking systems. The Agency will use the extended 
timeline being finalized in this rule to work with these companies to 
identify opportunities to integrate existing systems with the new 
system for generating and tracking certification IDs.
    Some comments expressed concerns about the reporting burden, in 
particular for reclaimers. To help ensure the quantity of regulated 
substances produced or consumed in the United States does not exceed 
the Congressionally mandated cap, EPA has determined that a 
comprehensive container tracking system is needed. This system will 
allow EPA to more readily identify HFCs that have been illegally 
produced or imported without allowances. While reclaimed and recycled 
material can be sold without allowances, EPA understands it is 
typically blended with virgin HFCs when sold, so inclusion in this 
certification ID tracking system is needed to track the movement of 
HFCs produced or imported with allowances. Additionally, reclaimers are 
putting additional HFCs onto the market each year for the same types of 
use that newly produced or imported material is used for. Including 
such material in the certification ID system allows for parity for 
anyone selling HFCs into the United States market and removes a 
potential loophole for a company that seeks to sell or distribute 
illegal material in the United States while claiming it is reclaimed or 
recycled. For these reasons, EPA is retaining its proposed inclusion of 
reclaimers and is adding in fire suppressant recyclers.
    EPA has made changes to streamline the reporting that is required 
for the certification ID tracking system. For example, EPA has removed 
the requirement to include the date the batch was tested for purity and 
who certified the reclaimed regulated substance meets the purity 
requirement, and replaced it with a certification that the reclaimed 
material in a container was batch tested and meets the required purity 
standard in 40 CFR part 82, subpart F. EPA has also delayed the 
compliance dates and removed the requirement to register all inventory 
of cylinders held by companies prior to the compliance date.
    Comments indicated the limit placed on how many certification IDs a 
reclaimer could generate in a year (5 percent or the average annual 
growth rate over the past three years for all reclaimers) was 
unnecessarily restrictive. EPA reviewed past reclamation data and 
determined that reclamation values regularly fluctuate by more than 5 
percent. EPA has determined that 10 percent is a more appropriate 
value, in addition to relying on the average annual growth over the 
past three years for all reclamation. These same conditions would also 
apply to fire suppressant recyclers. Reclaimers and fire suppressant 
recyclers could still request additional certification IDs using the 
process described earlier in this section.
    Some commenters were concerned about the level of detail that EPA 
might include in publicly available data. EPA intends to release 
several data elements associated with each container of HFCs to 
potential buyers of HFC material, to support this system. To allow 
buyers of HFCs to determine whether the HFC they are purchasing is 
legal to buy, EPA will release the following information: (1) Whether 
the HFC being sold is legal to purchase based on information available 
to EPA; (2) when the container was filled; (3) the specific HFCs in the 
container; and (4) and the brand name the HFCs are being sold under. 
EPA will also release a list of registered suppliers so purchasers know 
where they can legally buy HFCs. For further discussion on EPA's 
intentions to release data and what information will be maintained as 
confidential, readers are directed to Section X.C.
    Most buyers desire to purchase only legal HFCs. However, in the 
absence of a way to distinguish between legal and illegal HFCs, buyers 
could unwittingly buy illegal HFCs and may be unintentionally 
supporting the demand for and trade in illegal HFCs. For example, in an 
enforcement case that concluded in 2018,\99\ there was evidence that 
cylinders likely imported without allowances were bought and sold by 
multiple suppliers before they were finally determined to be 
counterfeit and likely illegally imported. There was no evidence that 
anyone in the supply chain knew the material was likely illegally 
imported other than the importer until the final purchaser noticed the 
refrigerant was off-spec and in a cylinder that did not match the 
typical packaging for that brand of product. For this reason, it is 
important to involve each buyer and seller in the accountability 
process and provide each buyer with accurate information on the origin 
of the HFCs they intend to purchase.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \99\ ``O.C. Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Sales of Ozone-
Depleting Refrigerant.'' The Orange County Register, Nov. 2018. 
Available at www.ocregister.com/2018/03/08/o-c-man-pleads-guilty-to-illegal-sales-of-ozone-depleting-refrigerant.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

H. What reporting is required to support real-time review of imports?

    In the proposed rule, EPA stated it intended to work with CBP to 
develop an automated electronic mechanism to check in real time whether 
there are sufficient allowances available to allow for an import of 
HFCs. EPA is finalizing requirements under AIM Act authority to provide 
information to EPA that generally aligns with existing CBP import 
filing requirements under current Customs laws. These requirements will 
allow for EPA to verify if allowances are available or the HFCs have 
prior approval for import in the case of HFCs imported for destruction 
or transformation under 40 CFR 84.25, or imported for transhipment 
under 40 CFR 84.31(c)(3), and confirm whether a shipment should be 
allowed to clear Customs or not. EPA is requiring that the following 
information be electronically filed through ACE no later than 14 days 
prior to importation consistent with CBP definitions at 19 CFR 101.1: 
Quantity of containers and weight; importer information; consignee 
information; the correct HTS code; a description of the cargo, 
including the chemical name(s) of the HFCs (e.g., HFC-134a) and/or 
name(s) of the HFC blend(s) (e.g., R-404A); the country of origin; and 
contact information associated with the shipment. Most of these 
elements are already required to be filed consistent with 19 CFR 
chapter I. Specific data elements that align with existing import 
filing submitted to CBP through ACE include: (1) Cargo description; (2) 
quantity; (3) quantity unit of measure code; (4) quantity unit of 
measure; (5) weight; (6) weight unit of measure; (7) port of entry; (8) 
scheduled entry date; (9) HTS code; (10) HTS description; (11)

[[Page 55187]]

origin country; (12) importer name and importer of record 
identification; and (13) consignee name.
    The data elements EPA is requiring import filing on, with the 
exception of one element (CAS Numbers), must already be filed with CBP 
through ACE or reported to EPA. Therefore, the Agency is assuming no 
additional reporting burden from this requirement. Given there is not 
currently a complete and exclusive list of HFC- and HFC blend-specific 
HTS codes, EPA is also requiring that anyone importing HFCs must report 
through ACE the CAS Number(s) of the HFC(s) included and, for HFCs that 
are in a mixture with other HFCs or other substances, either the ASHRAE 
numerical designation of the refrigerant or percentage of the mixture 
containing each regulated substance. EPA is also requiring that non-
objection notices issued consistent with section 84.25 and proof that 
the importer has reported a transhipment to EPA consistent with 
84.31(c)(3) be provided to CBP electronically by loading an image of 
the document to the Document Image System, or successor platform.
    To ensure EPA has sufficient data to check in real-time if an 
importer has sufficient allowances or authorization for a particular 
shipment of HFCs, EPA is requiring that importers of HFCs report these 
data elements prior to importation. This reporting will be required 
under the AIM Act, and pursuant to EPA regulations codified in this 
rule, but for ease of implementation and to avoid duplicative 
electronic reporting, information required to be reported under EPA's 
part 84 regulations will be submitted as import filings and collected 
through a CBP electronic system (e.g., ACE and its successor 
platforms). CBP will make these import filing data elements available 
to EPA for review. EPA is requiring that these data elements be filed 
no later than 14 days before importation. Further, although EPA 
acknowledges that CBP allows an importer to correct reported data 
elements for a certain period of time after the goods clear Customs, 
data elements reported pursuant to these part 84 regulations must be 
reported no later than 14 days prior to importation. EPA will make its 
determination on whether an importer has sufficient allowances for the 
import at the time of review based on the information provided. If the 
importer makes a valid Post Summary Correction or files a Protest that 
CBP approves consistent with 19 CFR chapter I that would change the 
number of allowances expended, EPA will adjust the importer's allowance 
balance. If after correction the amount imported exceeds an importer's 
available allowances, the importer would be in violation of 40 CFR part 
84, subpart A and would be subject to administrative consequences and 
enforcement action.
    As discussed elsewhere in this section, EPA and CBP require timely 
access to this information to ensure that EPA can meet the statutory 
requirement in subsection (e)(2)(B) that production and consumption do 
not exceed Congressionally directed levels. Under the AIM Act, some 
companies will face burdens and costs associated with the 
Congressionally mandated phasedown; those increased burdens and costs 
unfortunately create economic incentives to avoid compliance. That 
reality increases EPA's statutory and policy imperative to identify and 
apply tools that counter those incentives to increase the rate of 
compliance. Given the risk of noncompliance, as described throughout 
Section IX, there is an imperative to use every reasonable tool at our 
disposal to ensure compliance and thus the objectives of the AIM Act. 
Requiring companies to provide data to EPA through ACE so that EPA can 
conduct a real-time review of allowances while imported material is at 
the port is directly related to and supports EPA's ability to meet the 
statutory obligation in subsection (e)(2)(B) of the AIM Act. Given the 
serious concerns about potential noncompliance and the undermining of 
Congress's directive to ensure reductions in production and consumption 
occur consistent with the statutory schedule, real-time review of 
import data will support EPA's ability to effectively implement the 
statute.
    The concept of providing information to EPA prior to importation is 
consistent with comments EPA received on the proposed rule. One 
commenter suggested EPA establish a system similar to the Notice of 
Arrival procedure for imports of pesticides.\100\ The commenter noted 
that ``[a]n importer or its broker must already submit certain detailed 
information to Customs prior to arrival of the ship containing the 
HFCs. The initial information submitted includes, but is not limited 
to, the importer name and address, importer number, harmonized tariff 
code and country of origin.'' The commenter went on to state that EPA 
and CBP could use this information to make a determination to release 
the goods or examine them further. Another commenter noted that one 
problem in the EU was that they did not have a system where customs 
officials can cross-check whether imports are within a company's 
allowance quota and encouraged EPA to provide contemporaneous 
information to Customs officials. Another commenter noted similarly 
that the real-time check at the border is the most important tool to 
prevent illegal imports. Other commenters recommended prior 
notification to EPA before shipments arrive at a port of entry. The 
requirements finalized in this section are responsive to commenters' 
suggestions and help address concerns raised by the commenters.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \100\ See https://www.epa.gov/compliance/importing-and-exporting-pesticides-and-devices#import.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Use of Harmonized Tariff System Codes
    Consistent with EPA's proposal and the discussion in Section IX.A 
regarding administrative consequences, EPA is requiring that importers 
use the correct HTS code for bulk HFC imports and exports through this 
final rule. EPA notes that this is also required by current CBP 
regulations, so this provision would allow both agencies to bring 
enforcement action for use of inaccurate HTS codes. Use of the correct 
HTS code is important to ensuring EPA and by extension CBP have the 
information needed to conduct a real-time check on imports and ensure 
EPA meets the directive in subsection (e)(2)(B) of the AIM Act.
    The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) maintains 
and publishes the HTS for the United States.\101\ The United States HTS 
codes for bulk HFCs are contained in chapter 29 (for ``neat'' or single 
component HFCs) and chapter 38 (for mixtures or blends containing 
HFCs).\102\ The current HTS codes that cover single component bulk HFCs 
include 2903.39.20.20, 2903.39.30.35, and 2903.39.20.45. For bulk HFCs 
in mixtures, 3824.78.00.20 and 3824.78.00.50, and to a lesser extent 
3824.71.01.00, 3824.74.00.00, are generally the appropriate codes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \101\ For more information, see https://www.usitc.gov/harmonized_tariff_information.
    \102\ The current HTS is available at https://hts.usitc.gov/current
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    These codes are expected to be updated early in 2022 as part of the 
five- to six-year cycle for updating the global Harmonized Commodity 
Description and Coding System (often referred to as the Harmonized 
System).\103\ USITC has

[[Page 55188]]

proposed new codes that would disaggregate codes much further than the 
current codes under subheadings 2903.41.10 through 2903.49.00.\104\ For 
bulk HFC mixtures/blends, the new codes would be under heading 3827, 
with most HFCs falling under subheadings 3827.51.00 through 3827.68.00.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \103\ For more information on the Harmonized System, see http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/nomenclature/overview/what-is-the-harmonized-system.aspx. The United Nations Environment Program's 
OzonAction developed a fact sheet explaining how the codes were 
updated globally, which EPA has placed in the docket.
    \104\ See 85 FR 73294 and the associated investigation, number 
1205-13, available at https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/1205/1205-13.htm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

X. What are the recordkeeping and reporting requirements?

    Subsection (d)(1)(A) of the AIM Act specifies that on a periodic 
basis, but not less than annually, each company that, within the 
applicable reporting period, produces, imports, exports, destroys, 
transforms, uses as a process agent, or reclaims a regulated substance 
shall submit to EPA a report that describes, as applicable, the 
quantity of the regulated substance that the company: Produced, 
imported, and exported; reclaimed; destroyed by a technology approved 
by the Administrator; used and entirely consumed (except for trace 
quantities) in the manufacture of another chemical; or, used as a 
process agent.
    This section presents an overview of the generally applicable 
requirements, provisions that received public comment, and provisions 
that EPA is finalizing differently than as proposed. The full reporting 
requirements can be found in Sec.  84.31 of the regulatory text.

A. What are the generally applicable recordkeeping and reporting 
provisions?

    Through this final rule, EPA is requiring recordkeeping and 
reporting for any company that produces, imports, exports, distributes, 
transforms, uses as a process agent, reclaims, or destroys regulated 
substances as well as any company that receives an application-specific 
allowance. Given that the AIM Act controls all production and 
consumption of HFCs in the United States, and data on import, export, 
destruction, reclaim, feedstock, and process agent use are relevant to 
determining national production and consumption figures, all companies 
are subject to the recordkeeping and reporting requirements and there 
is no minimum threshold for reporting. The AIM Act in subsection 
(d)(1)(A) provides EPA with clear authority to establish reporting 
requirements that apply to ``each person who, within the applicable 
reporting period, produces, imports, exports, destroys, transforms, 
uses as a process agent, or reclaims a regulated substance'' (emphasis 
added).
    Unless otherwise specified, such as for application-specific 
allowance holders, EPA is requiring quarterly reporting. Quarterly 
reporting helps to ensure that annual production and consumption limits 
are not exceeded and is necessary for the Agency to review allowance 
transfer requests. Some stakeholders generally supported quarterly 
reporting, noting that it is consistent with the reporting for ODS. 
Other commenters preferred annual reporting as it is less burdensome. 
One such commenter stated that quarterly reporting is unnecessary given 
the real-time tracking information from the certification IDs. One 
commenter preferred biannual reporting and stated that the data 
provided would be more accurate than quarterly data. Another company 
requested that all reporting related to transformation be annual since 
there are no production and consumption allowances which are required 
to be tracked. EPA received additional comments on the timing for 
reclaimers and companies holding application-specific allowances as 
discussed separately below.
    EPA is requiring quarterly reporting as proposed. EPA is aware of 
the reporting burden of this rule but disagrees that annual reporting 
will significantly reduce burden given that all the data elements must 
still be provided. Quarterly reporting is necessary to ensure that 
allocation limits are not exceeded and allow for trading of allowances. 
Providing data quarterly also has benefits to EPA by allowing more 
frequent review of allowances expended, which facilitates monitoring of 
compliance with the allocation limits and earlier identification of 
potential issues. EPA is also able to identify and correct inaccurate 
reporting when it arises. EPA disagrees that certification IDs are a 
substitute for quarterly reporting. The certification ID system will 
not be implemented for several years whereas the first year of 
allowances begins January 1, 2022, and reports will be due 45 days 
after the close of the first quarter. With regard to the comment that 
biannual data would be more accurate than quarterly data, EPA does not 
understand why that would be the case and the commenter did not provide 
an explanation. EPA expects companies to revise their data, regardless 
of reporting frequency, if they discover errors in previous 
submissions. With regard to the comment on reporting transformation 
activities, EPA responds that it is precisely because there are no 
production and consumption allowances that close monitoring through 
quarterly reporting is necessary. Without allowances, EPA must more 
carefully ensure that the regulated substances are transformed as 
required. EPA notes that data about process agents only needs to be 
reported annually.
    Reports required by this section must be submitted within 45 days 
of the end of the applicable reporting period, unless otherwise 
specified. The reporting periods are January 1-March 31 (Quarter 1), 
April 1-June 30 (Quarter 2), July 1-September 30 (Quarter 3), and 
October 1-December 31 (Quarter 4). Quantities must be stated in terms 
of kilograms for each regulated substance unless otherwise specified. 
The report must be signed and attested by a responsible officer (e.g., 
appropriate responsible officer under the CAA (42 U.S.C. 7401 et 
seq.)), and copies of records and reports must be retained for five 
years.
    Section (d)(1)(C)(iii) of the AIM Act states that each periodic 
report shall include, as applicable, the information described for the 
baseline period of 2011 through 2013. EPA interprets this provision as 
allowing the Agency to collect information necessary to establish the 
United States' production and consumption baselines. EPA reads the 
phrase ``as applicable'' to mean that every quarterly report does not 
need to reiterate that baseline information, only an initial report.
    Subsection (d)(1)(C) of the AIM Act specifies that reporting is no 
longer required if a company notifies EPA that they have permanently 
ceased production, import, export, destruction, transformation, use as 
a process agent, or reclamation of all regulated substances. Any 
activity that occurs earlier in that year before the cessation of 
activities must still be reported for that year. EPA is clarifying that 
the recordkeeping requirements still apply and thus the company that 
ceases reporting must maintain records for five years.
    Subsection (d)(2) of the AIM Act states that EPA may allow an 
entity subject to the AIM Act's reporting requirements ``to combine and 
include the information required to be reported under [the AIM Act] 
with any other related information that the [company] is required to 
report.'' Many commenters urged EPA to minimize duplicative reporting 
between the AIM Act reporting requirements and the GHGRP. One commenter 
noted that the HFC timeline for the first quarter will be duplicative 
of annual GHGRP reports due March 31.
    EPA is coordinating reporting for similar or identical data 
elements by

[[Page 55189]]

using the same online portal for submitting both AIM and GHGRP data (e-
GGRT) and intends to reduce duplicative reporting by populating the 
annual report submitted under GHGRP with data submitted under the AIM 
Act. Reports required by this rule must be submitted electronically 
using EPA's e-GGRT (or a future successor system). EPA is also 
requiring reports be at the facility level, and not at the corporate 
level, which will also add in synchronization between these two 
programs and better allow utilization of the e-GGRT system. Commenters 
supported facility-level reporting especially if it allows for use of 
the e-GGRT system. Reporting at the facility-level will also provide 
more detail to aid in EPA's review of compliance.

B. How is EPA responding to comments on the proposed recordkeeping and 
reporting provisions?

Holders of Application-Specific Allowances
    Commenters requested that EPA limit the data collected from 
companies receiving application-specific allowances. They urged EPA to 
only collect information that is pertinent for implementing the 
phasedown of HFC usage in those end uses. One commenter provided input 
on specific data elements that EPA should remove or revise. Another 
urged EPA clarify that the information about regulated substances to be 
reported be limited to the application and not all regulated substances 
used by the company. A few commenters were also concerned about the 
sensitive nature of the data to be provided and urged EPA to put in 
place robust measures to protect data. A few commenters supported EPA's 
proposal for biannual reporting rather than quarterly reporting. One 
commenter recommended annual rather than biannual reporting as EPA will 
receive data on application-specific allowance expenditures through 
quarterly reports submitted by producers and importers. Several 
comments noted potential sensitivities around the supply chain for 
conferred application-specific allowances that would prevent the 
company using HFCs for application-specific purposes from knowing all 
the companies that may be conferred an application-specific allowance 
before it is used for production or import.
    Any company issued application-specific allowances, or that 
receives application-specific allowances through a transfer or 
conferral, must certify to its producer, importer, and/or supplier when 
purchasing HFCs produced or imported using those allowances that the 
regulated substances are solely for the specified application in 
subsection (e)(4)(B)(iv) of the Act and will not be resold or used for 
other purposes. A copy of the certification must be maintained by the 
company that uses the HFCs produced or imported with those allowances. 
If allowances are conferred multiple times, the certification need not 
flow up the chain if companies seek to keep such information private. 
However, a certification must be held by all parties to each conferral.
    Additionally, to facilitate the conferral of allowances, ensure the 
legitimacy of application-specific allowances that are conferred, and 
to ensure EPA has the requisite information to track application-
specific allowances, the Agency is requiring anyone conferring an 
application-specific allowance to report that to EPA. The Agency would 
not need to pre-approve the conferral for it to proceed but would need 
to issue a confirmation notice that such allowances had changed hands. 
This accountability is necessary to ensure application-specific 
allowances are used for production and import in the same year they are 
issued, to ensure allowances conferred for one application are used in 
that application, to ensure a company conferring allowances has 
sufficient application-specific allowances for conferral, and to allow 
for complete tracking from the entity receiving allowances and the 
company using those allowances for production or import. As noted 
previously, there would be no limit on the number of conferrals and 
there would be no offset associated with conferrals so long as the 
company issued the application-specific allowances receives the HFCs 
produced or imported with such allowances.
    In response to the comment requesting annual reporting, EPA 
responds that annual reporting would not provide EPA with the 
information needed to manage the program. Biannual reporting is 
necessary to gather the data for two objectives: (1) To provide end-of-
year accounting that must be coordinated with other annual reporting 
processes, and (2) to provide information with sufficient time for EPA 
to determine by October 1 the quantity of application-specific 
allowances to allocate for the next year. EPA is finalizing its 
proposal that recipients of application-specific allowances report by 
July 31 and January 31 of each year.
    Based on comments that the Agency limit the reporting requirements 
to information needed to implement the phasedown, EPA is not finalizing 
some of the proposed reporting requirements. The remaining data 
elements are necessary for EPA to either determine how many allowances 
to allocate or ensure the integrity of the application-specific 
allowance program. Given the dual nature of application-specific 
allowances, EPA needs reporting on whether the allowance was expended 
to produce or import the regulated substance. While EPA can gather some 
of this information from reports from producers and importers, such 
reports would not indicate the application and other details. EPA also 
needs to understand whether an application-specific allowance holder is 
expending the allowance themselves to directly import. In such 
instances, the allowance holder must also submit a report under Section 
84.31(c) as an importer. To determine whether the Agency did not issue 
enough allowances, EPA is requiring reporting of the quantity of HFCs 
purchased from the open market. This will allow the Agency to confirm 
any request for additional allowances, assuming all allowances were 
also expended. For the opposite reason, EPA is requesting data on 
whether HFCs produced or imported through expending application-
specific allowance are held in inventory. Combined with data on trades, 
this could indicate that the Agency allocated too many or too few 
allowances. For similar reasons, EPA is requiring information on 
quantities destroyed or recycled. EPA recognizes that this may not 
apply to all end uses. Lastly, EPA is retaining the requirement that 
the report include information about the companies to which 
application-specific allowances were conferred. Combined with the 
requirement to report to EPA when an allowance is conferred, this will 
allow the Agency to track the allowance conferral should it be used for 
purposes other than the application-specific end use for which it was 
allocated.
    EPA is not finalizing the proposed reporting requirement for the 
quantity of each regulated substance contained in exported products. 
This is not information that the Agency needs to calculate consumption 
since it is not a bulk substance. Nor does the Agency need to know 
whether the application-specific allowances were expended to 
manufacture products for the domestic or export markets. Therefore, EPA 
is not finalizing those proposed data elements. However, EPA is 
finalizing a requirement that application-specific allowance holders 
that contract the manufacturing of defense sprays or metered dose 
inhalers, or the servicing of onboard aerospace fire suppression,

[[Page 55190]]

include contact information for the entity doing the manufacturing or 
servicing, and whether the responses in the quarterly report apply to 
the company that is allocated application-specific allowances or the 
company receiving the contract for manufacturing and/or servicing.
    Based on the comments received, and consideration of the data the 
Agency already has received from application-specific allowance 
holders, EPA is streamlining the information included in the report due 
by July 31 of each year. The July 31 report must contain a description 
of plans to transition to regulated substances with a lower exchange 
value or alternatives to regulated substances. The added requirement to 
report information related to contracted out manufacturing and 
servicing is also only applicable to the July 31 report. Also, if a 
company is requesting additional allowances due to unique 
circumstances, the report must include a projection of the monthly 
quantity of additional regulated substances needed by month and a 
detailed explanation, including relevant supporting documentation to 
justify the additional need. Providing these data by month allows EPA 
to better assess how the facility will be scaling up its use and allow 
for a more thorough review of the company's projected need for HFCs. As 
noted previously, the unique circumstances that EPA will consider are: 
(1) New manufacturing capacity coming on line; (2) the acquisition of 
another domestic manufacturer or its manufacturing facility or 
facilities;\105\ and (3) a global pandemic or other public health 
emergency that increases patients diagnosed with medical conditions 
treated by MDIs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \105\ In addition to data and projections provided in the 
application, EPA would rely on previously reported data where 
appropriate to assess the need for the new owner.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA is requiring the more comprehensive information envisioned in 
the proposal only from entities that are requesting application-
specific allowances for the first time. Specifically, this report would 
include: (1) Total quantity of all regulated substances acquired for 
application-specific use in the previous three years, including a copy 
of the sales receipts, paid invoices, or other records documenting that 
quantity acquired; (2) the name of the entity or entities supplying 
regulated substances for application-specific use and contact 
information for those suppliers; (3) the quantities of regulated 
substances held in inventory for application-specific use as of June 30 
of the prior year and June 30 in the current year; and (4) a 
description of plans to transition to regulated substances with a lower 
exchange value or alternatives to regulated substances.
    Entities allocated application-specific allowances must maintain 
the following records: Records necessary to develop the biannual 
reports; a copy of certifications provided to producers and/or 
importers when conferring allowances; a copy of the annual submission 
requesting application-specific allowances; invoice and order records 
related to the purchase of regulated substances; records related to the 
transfer of application-specific allowances to other entities; and 
records documenting the use of regulated substances.
    As discussed elsewhere in this final rule, EPA is establishing 
different, but functionally equivalent, requirements for DOD to report 
on mission-critical military end uses. DOD will need to submit a 
biannual report that will have different reporting elements to align 
with the unique information needed for administering the program. DOD 
will also need to manage and track conferral of allowances to the 
eventual producer(s) or importer(s) and keep appropriate records to 
support their reporting.
Reclaimers of HFCs
    Reclaimers commented that the proposed rule, including the 
recordkeeping and reporting requirements, places a particularly high 
burden on reclaimers, which are predominantly small businesses. One 
stated that it is inappropriate for reclaimers to have the same level 
of recordkeeping and reporting as production and consumption allowance 
holders. This burden will increase the cost of reclaimed material and 
undermine future reclamation.
    EPA is finalizing quarterly reporting for reclaimers. The data 
elements are generally the same as those under 40 CFR 82.164(d). While 
EPA proposed to require that reclaimers provide information on the 
quantities of used, reclaimed, and virgin HFCs held in inventory onsite 
at the end of each quarter, EPA is not finalizing this additional 
inventory report. As noted later in this section, EPA is requiring an 
annual report on inventory for reclaimers, consistent with that for 
producers, importers, and exporters.
    Reclaimers must also provide a one-time report with information on 
inventory, the name of the laboratory that conducts the batch testing, 
a signed statement from that laboratory confirming there is an ongoing 
business relationship with the reclaimer, the number of batches tested 
for each regulated substance or blend containing a regulated substance 
in the prior year, and the number of batches that did not meet the 
specifications in Appendix A of 40 CFR part 82, subpart F in the prior 
year. Reclaimers must maintain records for five years, instead of the 
three years required under 40 CFR part 82, subpart F.
    Under the existing regulations in subpart F codified at 40 CFR 
82.164, reclaimers must also maintain records of the analyses conducted 
to verify that reclaimed refrigerant meets the necessary specifications 
prescribed in Appendix A to 40 CFR part 82, subpart F, based on AHRI 
Standard 700-2016, and maintain records on a transaction basis for 
three years of the names and addresses of persons sending them material 
for reclamation and the quantity of the material (the combined mass of 
refrigerant and contaminants) by refrigerant sent to them for 
reclamation.
Recyclers of HFCs Used as Fire Suppressants
    Some commenters noted to the Agency that HFCs recovered from fire 
suppression applications are recycled but not reclaimed. To reclaim is 
a defined term pertaining to purifying refrigerants and verifying the 
purity based on an industry standard. Fire suppression agents are not 
refrigerants and are not subject to that industry standard. 
Consequently, companies other than EPA-certified reclaimers currently 
recycle such HFCs. EPA is requiring quarterly reports from companies 
that recycle HFCs used as fire suppressants that request similar 
information as reclaimer reports except for provisions related to that 
industry standard.
    Specifically, recyclers must report the quantity of material (the 
combined mass of regulated substance and contaminants) by regulated 
substance sent to them for recycling, the total mass of each regulated 
substance, and the total mass of waste products. For the fourth quarter 
only, each recycler must provide the quantity of each regulated 
substance held in inventory onsite broken out by recovered, recycled, 
and virgin. Recyclers must also maintain records of the names and 
addresses of persons sending them material for recycling and the 
quantity of the material (the combined mass of regulated substance and 
contaminants) by regulated substance sent to them for recycling. Such 
records must be

[[Page 55191]]

maintained on a transactional basis for five years.

C. How will EPA treat HFC data collected under the AIM Act?

    EPA proposed that several data elements that would be required to 
be reported pursuant to the AIM Act regulations would not be eligible 
for CBI treatment, and would be affirmatively released, including: (1) 
Company-level production and consumption data, (2) aggregated national 
data, (3) company-specific allowance data, (4) transfer data, (5) HFC-
23 emissions data, and (6) information relevant to the Kigali Amendment 
and the Montreal Protocol. EPA alternatively proposed to not provide 
CBI treatment to any element reported to the Agency pursuant to the 
part 84 regulations and affirmatively release all data as reported to 
the Agency, though some of the identical data elements are required 
pursuant to the GHGRP and have been determined to be CBI under the 
GHGRP.
    EPA is not finalizing its proposed determination that all data 
collected under the regulations established in this rulemaking are not 
entitled to CBI treatment. Accordingly, EPA is not finalizing the 
proposed alternative path to affirmatively release all data reported to 
the Agency in accordance with AIM Act reporting requirements. As 
further detailed in this section, EPA is finalizing that some data 
reported prospectively at chemical-specific and facility-specific 
levels, such as production and consumption data, will not be entitled 
to CBI treatment and will be affirmatively released by the Agency 
without further notice. EPA also will not provide confidential 
treatment to, and intends to make public without further notice, each 
company's allowance allocations and update remaining allowance balances 
periodically throughout the year. EPA is also making a final 
determination in this rule that some data elements are entitled to 
confidential treatment, including sales data, business relationships, 
pricing information, and many elements reported pursuant to the QR 
tracking system and by application-specific allowance holders. 
Remaining data elements reported to the Agency that are neither labeled 
as entitled to confidential treatment nor labeled as not entitled to 
confidential treatment in the memo to the docket can be claimed as CBI 
by reporting entities, and EPA will treat them as confidential pending 
possible future CBI determinations pursuant to EPA's CBI regulations at 
40 CFR part 2. For all data elements that EPA is determining to be 
confidential or for which EPA will provide provisional confidential 
treatment if claimed by reporters as CBI, EPA will release aggregated 
data if there are three or more reporting entities. This section 
describes in more specificity what information the Agency is 
determining will not be provided confidential treatment, including 
those data elements for which the Agency is declining to follow prior 
CBI determinations made by the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, and 
what information will be treated as confidential business information.
1. Which specific data elements are not entitled to confidential 
treatment?
    EPA is finalizing the proposal to not provide confidential 
treatment to, and hereby makes the determination to not provide 
confidential treatment to, and affirmatively release without further 
process, the following information: (1) Each company's EVe allowance 
allocation with allowance balances periodically updated throughout the 
year; (2) reported facility-level chemical-specific production data, 
including total production, and production for feedstock and 
destruction; (3) production data provided by chemical manufacturing 
facilities that produce HFC-23, specifically the amount and type of 
chemicals intentionally produced on a facility line that also produces 
HFC-23; (4) company-level, chemical-specific data on individual import 
and export shipments, including chemical type, quantity, source 
country, HTS code, port of entry, date, and the intended use if for 
destruction or transformation; (5) facility-level chemical-specific 
destruction data; (6) all data reported on transhipments; and (7) 
companies receiving transferred allowances and the quantity of 
allowances received.
    As described in more detail in Section IX.G, EPA would release 
several data elements associated with each container of HFCs to 
potential buyers so they can verify the HFCs are legally produced, 
imported, recycled, or reclaimed, including: (1) Whether the HFC being 
sold is legal to purchase based on information available to EPA; (2) 
when the container was filled; (3) the specific HFC(s) in the 
container; (4) and the brand name the HFCs are being sold under. EPA 
will also release a list of registered suppliers so purchasers know 
where they can legally buy HFCs. EPA has provided in the docket a 
document that provides each individual data element required to be 
reported under the part 84 regulations and denotes EPA's final 
determination regarding whether each element will be entitled to 
confidential treatment or not. For data elements not explicitly listed 
in the document in the docket, if a company claims it as CBI, EPA will 
treat it that way pending a future determination, which would follow 
the CBI regulations.
    Many entities that are required to report under EPA's newly 
established part 84 regulations were widely opposed to EPA's proposed 
approach of not providing confidential treatment for many elements 
reported to the Agency. Several commenters requested that EPA follow 
the approach to CBI treatment established under GHGRP. Some commenters 
stated that company-level production and consumption data are highly 
confidential. Some argued that increased data release divulges 
proprietary information to competitors and the Agency's overall 
transparency goals do not justify increased transparency through the 
release of information. One commenter opposed to the broader release of 
data said EPA could release the names of allowance holders and their 
allocation levels without revealing CBI. One commenter supported 
releasing EVe-weighted information as they consider the type of HFC(s) 
it uses or may use in the future to be CBI.
    Commenters' arguments on this issue were generally broad, sweeping, 
and perfunctory. While commenters alleged that releasing reported 
information would be harmful to businesses or divulge proprietary 
information, commenters generally did not provide sufficient 
explanation in their comments to demonstrate their customary handling 
of the information proposed to be released, but instead simply relied 
on conclusory statements that most of the information should be kept 
confidential and EPA should rely on previous determinations made under 
different reporting regimes where they overlap with this rule. 
Accordingly, commenters did not provide sufficient information to 
demonstrate to EPA that any particular data element for which EPA is 
not providing confidential treatment should be treated as CBI.
    Some commenters supported EPA's efforts to make more data reported 
under this program publicly available for reasons similar to those the 
Agency discussed in the proposed rule and reiterates here. Transparency 
will facilitate implementation of the allocation program and increase 
the public and current market participants' ability to provide 
complementary compliance scrutiny. It will allow the public and the 
industry to identify market participants and volumes in trade and thus 
enable them to alert EPA and other federal authorities when they 
suspect HFCs may have been produced,

[[Page 55192]]

imported, or sold without necessary allowances or any available 
exceptions in violation of the regulations at 40 CFR part 84, subpart 
A. Transparency in this program will also provide information on 
general trends and performance of the HFC phasedown program, which 
could inform public participation by means of petitions filed to the 
Agency under other provisions of the AIM Act and afford the public 
insight into the data upon which EPA relies for the Agency's decision 
making. Additional transparency will also allow neighboring communities 
to see how emissions from a particular facility compare to changes in 
HFC production levels.
    Congress has required that the Administrator ``ensure that the 
annual quantity of all regulated substances produced or consumed in the 
United States does not exceed'' the annual caps described in subsection 
(e)(2)(B). Research shows that making data publicly available 
facilitates compliance. Qualitative studies have found that ``public 
disclosure is [an] underutilized tool; there is powerful evidence that 
publishing information about company performance drives better 
behavior, as pressure is applied by customers, neighbors, investors, 
and insurers.'' \106\ A recent National Bureau of Economic Research 
working paper addressed the value of transparency.\107\ The researchers 
examined the effects of data being reported to the GHGRP on emissions 
from electric power plants. They analyzed CO2 emissions per 
megawatt from power plants in the United States pre- and post-
establishment of GHGRP reporting (in 2010) and found that plants that 
were required to report post-2010 (emissions greater than 25,000 
MTCO2e annually) showed decreasing emissions once reporting 
requirements entered into force, while plants that did not have to 
report showed increased emissions. The paper posits a causal 
relationship between the public availability of the emissions data and 
the decrease in emissions. The effect was stronger for publicly traded 
firms, and stronger yet if those firms were large (i.e., included in 
the S&P 500).
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    \106\ David Hindin and Jon Silberman, ``Designing More Effective 
Rules and Permits,'' George Washington Journal of Energy & 
Environmental Law, Spring 2016 at 103, 117-120.
    \107\ Lavender Yang, Nicholas Z. Muller, and Pierre Jinghong 
Liang, ``The Real Effects of Mandatory CSR Disclosure on Emissions: 
Evidence from the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program,'' National 
Bureau of Economic Research, July 2021 Working Paper 28984. 
Available at http://www.nber.org/papers/w28984.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA has acknowledged the importance of data transparency in prior 
rulemakings. As the Agency explained in the preamble to a proposed rule 
(78 FR 46006, July 30, 2013) concerning the National Pollutant 
Discharge Elimination System:

    To promote transparency and accountability, EPA intends to make 
[a] more complete set of data available to the public, providing 
communities and citizens with easily accessible information on 
facility and government performance. Such data provides a powerful 
incentive to improve performance by giving government, permittees, 
and the public ready access to compliance information. This can 
serve to elevate the importance of compliance information and 
environmental performance within regulated entities, providing 
opportunity for them to quickly address any noncompliance.

The same principles apply in this situation to incentivize compliance 
and allow the public and competing companies to identify and report 
noncompliance to EPA.
    EPA understands that some of the data elements it is announcing an 
intention to release have previously been determined to be CBI under 
the GHGRP. Many of the data elements reported to subpart OO of the 
GHGRP were determined to be, and are treated as, confidential by EPA 
(see, e.g., 76 FR 30782, May 26, 2011; 76 FR 73886, November 29, 2011; 
77 FR 48072, August 13, 2012, 78 FR 71904, November 29, 2013; and, 81 
FR 89188, December 9, 2016).\108\ EPA has determined through this 
rulemaking and is now putting all potential submitters on notice that 
prospectively, these data elements will not be provided confidential 
treatment when submitted in accordance with EPA's Part 84 regulations 
established through this rule. Individual instances of these 
determinations are noted in a document included in the rulemaking 
docket. To be clear, determinations made in this rule that certain data 
elements will not be entitled to confidential treatment only apply 
prospectively.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \108\ For a summary, see https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-09/documents/ghgrp_cbi_tables_for_suppliers_8-28-20_clean_v3_508c.pdf.
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    The GHGRP and the AIM Act are separate programs with distinct 
goals; it is reasonable for EPA to take a different approach than has 
been taken for the GHGRP and release more disaggregated data than was 
released under that program. Ensuring compliance with a regulatory 
phasedown program, where EPA is obligated to ensure that domestic 
production and consumption aligns with a statutorily defined schedule, 
is different from a reporting program where one company's noncompliance 
would mean less accurate accounting, but where achieving mandated 
reductions of an environmentally harmful class of chemicals is not at 
stake. Further, the goals of GHGRP can be achieved while giving a 
multitude of data elements confidential treatment. In contrast, the 
Agency sees increased transparency and public access to the data EPA 
will be releasing as contributing to compliance under the AIM Act, 
which is essential to achieving the goals of the AIM Act. It is 
reasonable for EPA to take all necessary steps for the Agency to ensure 
both compliance with the consumption and production caps of subsection 
(e)(2)(B) and a level playing field between and among all obligated 
parties, who in most cases are operating in the same or overlapping 
competitive markets. Under the AIM Act, some companies will face 
burdens and costs associated with the Congressionally mandated 
phasedown; those increased burdens and costs unfortunately create 
economic incentives to avoid compliance. That reality increases EPA's 
statutory and policy imperative to identify and apply tools that 
counter those incentives to increase the rate of compliance. 
Transparency is one of those compliance tools. As further discussed in 
Section IX which details the enforcement and compliance provisions, a 
multifaceted compliance approach is important to help ensure, as EPA is 
explicitly obligated to do, the phasedown targets and associated 
environmental benefits Congress required are realized.
    One commenter argued that EPA's proposed approach to not provide 
confidential treatment to the identified data elements was 
impermissible because the AIM Act did not change Exemption 4 of the 
Freedom of Information Act (``FOIA'') and regulations pursuant to the 
AIM Act cannot alter FOIA. EPA agrees that the AIM Act did not amend 
FOIA. FOIA and the Agency's accompanying regulations apply to 
situations where information has been claimed as confidential, the 
Agency is treating that information confidentially, and the Agency 
receives a FOIA request for that information or later decides to 
release the information on its own. In such an instance, the 
confidential status of the information has not been previously 
determined by the Agency. That is separate and distinct from what the 
Agency is doing in this rulemaking. Here, the Agency is determining 
through rulemaking that some of the data elements as listed in the 
document provided in the docket will not be treated as confidential by 
the Agency upon submission and cannot be claimed

[[Page 55193]]

as such. This is not amending FOIA Exemption 4, but faithfully applying 
it in accordance with governing case law. As noted in the proposed 
rule, information determined in the rule not to be entitled to 
confidential treatment may be released upon submission. As such, 40 CFR 
part 2.201 through 2.215 do not apply to information determined not to 
be entitled to confidential treatment in this rule and there will be no 
further notice to the submitters prior to release of such information. 
As discussed in Section X.C.1, putting submitters on notice of how FOIA 
Exemption 4 will be applied in the context of this Rule is consistent 
with applicable case law, which incorporates the reasonable 
expectations of submitters about whether information submitted in 
particular instances will be kept confidential. Pursuant to this rule, 
reporters do not have a reasonable expectation that the data elements 
listed in the document provided in the docket as ``Not CBI'' will be 
entitled to confidential treatment, and therefore the Agency is not 
required to treat that information as confidential when it is received 
and maintained in Agency records.
    Following finalization of this rule, companies are on full notice 
that EPA has determined that the identified data elements outlined in 
detail in the document provided in the rulemaking docket are not 
entitled to confidential treatment and therefore intends to not provide 
confidential treatment of those elements upon submission. Therefore, 
companies do not have a reasonable expectation that the information 
will be treated as confidential. Under recent Supreme Court case law, 
Exemption 4 of the FOIA should not apply to information submitted with 
the expectation that the information would be made public. See Food 
Mktg. Inst. v. Argus Leader Media, 139 S. Ct. 2356, 2360 (2019). See 
also WP Co. LLC v. U.S. Small Bus. Admin., 502 F. Supp. 3d 1, 11 
(D.D.C. 2020). A few commenters disagreed that EPA could alter 
expectations concerning CBI treatment through this rulemaking under the 
Food Marketing standard. The Agency disagrees. As a starting point, 
stakeholders have no basis for claims based on ``expectations'' on the 
handling of information prospectively reported to the Agency under 
these newly established regulations under the newly enacted AIM Act. 
The Congressionally ordered phasedown of HFCs is only beginning with 
this rule; it is these regulations that are creating and defining 
expectations for the handling of and public access to data submitted to 
EPA. The Agency is hereby setting a clear expectation that the data 
elements as listed in the document provided in the docket will not 
actually be treated as confidential for any submitters and is only 
applying the rule prospectively to information submitted after this 
clear expectation is in place.
    But even if there were such ``expectations,'' as noted above, 
companies have not yet submitted the information to the Agency and this 
notice makes clear that companies should have the expectation that the 
information will be disclosed. Moreover, the information must still 
meet the applicable standard for confidentiality. In Food Marketing, 
the Supreme Court explained that information might be considered 
``confidential'' under two conditions: ``In one sense, information 
communicated to another remains confidential whenever it is customarily 
kept private, or at least closely held, by the person imparting it.'' 
Food Mktg. Inst., 139 S. Ct. at 2366. ``In another sense, information 
might be considered confidential only if the party receiving it 
provides some assurance that it will remain secret.'' Id. The Court 
determined that the first condition--that the information customarily 
be kept private or closely held by the submitter--must be met because 
``it is hard to see how information could be deemed confidential if its 
owner shares it freely.'' Id. At 2363. As to the second condition--
whether information must be communicated to the government with some 
assurance that it will be kept private--the Court left open the 
question of whether this condition was required to demonstrate that 
information is ``confidential'' within the meaning of Exemption 4, as 
that condition was clearly satisfied in the case before it. Id. At 
2363. Accordingly, the Court held that ``[a]t least where commercial or 
financial information is both customarily and actually treated as 
private by its owner and provided to the government under an assurance 
of privacy, the information is `confidential' within the meaning of 
Exemption 4.'' Id. At 2366. The Supreme Court's opinion did not 
determine to what extent the second condition would be required to 
maintain confidentiality. However, subsequent guidance from the 
Department of Justice has clarified that where an express assurance is 
provided by the government that information will not be kept 
confidential upon submission, such information will generally not be 
entitled to confidential treatment. See Exemption 4 after the Supreme 
Court's Ruling in Food Marketing Institute v. Argus Leader Media, 
October 4, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/oip/exemption-4-after-supreme-courts-ruling-food-marketing-institute-v-argus-leader-media. (See also 
recent case law from the Federal District Court for the District of 
Columbia, e.g., WP Co. LLC v. U.S. Small Bus. Admin., 502 F. Supp. 3d 
1, 16 (D.D.C. 2020)).
    Therefore, EPA's decision to clearly assert in this rule that EPA 
intends to release the designated information aligns with the Supreme 
Court's decision and the subsequent guidance that the government's 
assurances that a submission will be treated as not confidential should 
dictate the expectations of submitters.
    Moreover, this interpretation and approach are consistent with 
other applicable case law. While the court did not specify that an 
assurance from the government was required, it was a key assumption 
underlying the decision that the information was entitled to 
confidential treatment. Id. At 874. In Food Marketing, the Supreme 
Court also noted that several earlier Circuit Court decisions had 
addressed the relevance of whether assurances of confidentiality had 
been provided prior to submission:

    ``In GSA v. Benson, 415 F. 2d 878, 881 (1969), for example, the 
Ninth Circuit concluded that Exemption 4 would `` `protect 
information that a private individual wishes to keep confidential 
for his own purposes, but reveals to the government under the 
express or implied promise' '' of confidentiality. [emphasis added] 
The D.C. Circuit similarly held that Exemption 4 covered sales 
documents `` `which would customarily not be released to the public' 
'' and which the government ``agreed to treat . . . as 
confidential.'' Sterling Drug Inc. v. FTC, 450 F. 2d 698, 709 
(1971); see also Grumman Aircraft Eng. Corp. v. Renegotiation Bd., 
425 F. 2d 578, 580, 582 (1970) (information a private party 
``submitted `in confidence' '' or ``would not reveal to the public 
[is] exempt from disclosure'').''

    Food Mktg. Inst., 139 S. Ct. at 2363. Here, the Agency is providing 
affirmative notice that the Agency will not provide confidential 
treatment for data elements reported under the part 84 AIM Act 
regulations as outlined in detail in the document provided in the 
rulemaking docket.
    One commenter stated that the Trade Secrets Act provides businesses 
with a cause of action for divulging trade secrets, including business 
information such as market share and customer lists. The Trade Secrets 
Act (TSA) is a criminal statute that prohibits officers and employees 
of federal agencies from publishing or disclosing trade secrets and 
other CBI ``to any extent not authorized by law.'' 18 U.S.C. 1905. In

[[Page 55194]]

this instance, as explained in the prior paragraphs, the Agency is 
authorized to release information that is not entitled to confidential 
treatment. There is nothing in the TSA legislative history to suggest 
that Congress intended the phrase ``authorized by law'' to have a 
special, limited meaning different from the traditional understanding. 
This rulemaking, which included a notice and comment process, makes any 
future data releases authorized disclosures.
    In addition to EPA providing notice that it will not provide 
confidential treatment for the listed elements, and therefore companies 
do not have a reasonable expectation that such information submitted 
after this rule is finalized will be withheld, some data elements 
collected pursuant to the reporting regulations established in this 
rule are also releasable because they are appropriately considered 
emission data, including data used as inputs to emissions equations, 
which is releasable under subsection (k)(1)(C), pursuant to its 
incorporation of CAA section 114 for purposes of the Act and any 
regulations promulgated under it, as if the AIM Act were part of title 
VI of the CAA. CAA section 114(c) provides that emission data shall be 
available to the public. Regarding annual facility-level information on 
HFC-23 generated and destroyed, these data are inputs into emission 
equations that are used under GHGRP subparts L and O to calculate and 
report emissions of HFC-23. Inputs into emission equations may be 
considered ``emission data'' and section 114(c) of the CAA provides 
that ``emission data'' shall be available to the public. Because 
subsection (k)(1)(C) of the AIM Act states that section 114 of the CAA 
applies to the AIM Act and rules promulgated under it as if the AIM Act 
were included in title VI of the CAA, the requirements under section 
114(c) of the CAA that apply to ``emission data'' also apply to data 
gathered under the AIM Act that are determined to be ``emission data.'' 
EPA has determined that these elements related to HFC-23 are emission 
data and thus are not entitled to confidential treatment.
    EPA further notes that some of these data elements determined not 
to be entitled to confidential treatment, particularly portions of 
chemical-specific company-level import data, are publicly available 
through a range of datasets.\109\ These databases charge a fee for 
access to information on imports at the transaction level based on 
Customs data from the United States and other countries, including 
bills of lading. There are also websites that provide selected import 
data at no cost.\110\ A submission available in the docket from First 
Continental International (NJ) Inc., dated March 12, 2021, shows the 
types of information that can be ascertained from these databases. Data 
that are already publicly available cannot be considered confidential 
or proprietary and do not merit confidential treatment. EPA's Chemical 
Data Registry also provides some HFC production and import data 
(https://chemview.epa.gov). One commenter disagreed with EPA's 
assertion that import data found in public ``pay-for'' databases are 
accurate, while another commenter disagreed that data were available 
for imports to the extent EPA stated at proposal. EPA appreciates that 
not all datasets are complete and that sometimes there is disagreement 
with Customs data, data reported to EPA, and data available in free and 
pay-for databases. In some cases, a company name is not released for a 
shipment. In others, the quantities may not match completely in all 
instances or the HTS code used may not match with the data reported to 
EPA. However, the Agency is not convinced that this is a reason to 
discount the data available in these datasets. Further, a significant 
amount of data is available in these databases, and as such it is not 
actually treated as confidential and therefore it is not appropriate to 
withhold such information under FOIA Exemption 4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \109\ Examples include PIERS (https://ihsmarkit.com/products/piers.html), Panjiva (https://panjiva.com), Datamyne (https://www.datamyne.com), and ImportGenius (https://www.importgenius.com). 
Mention of or referral to commercial products or services, and/or 
links to non-EPA sites does not imply official EPA endorsement of or 
responsibility for the opinions, ideas, data, or products presented 
at those locations, or guarantee the validity of the information 
provided. Mention of commercial products/services on non-EPA 
websites is provided solely as a pointer to information on topics 
related to environmental protection that may be useful to the public 
as they review this proposed rulemaking.
    \110\ Enigma, a data science firm, makes available online what 
appears to be the full Automated Manifest System import data from 
2018-2020, including the names of shipment consignees and cargo 
descriptions (https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/pp/US-Imports-Automated-Manifest-System-AMS-Shipments/prodview-stk4wn3mbhx24). 
Similarly, usimports.info makes a limited number of import database 
queries free to users, allowing them to see data on individual bills 
of lading (https://usimports.info).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As noted at the start of this subsection, EPA intends to publish on 
its website the names of every entity receiving production allowances, 
consumption allowances, or application-specific allowances and the 
amount of allowances allocated. EPA intends to revise those data at 
least quarterly as allowances are expended. Under the ODS phaseout 
program, EPA released similar company-specific allowance data, 
including quantities produced or imported by each company in the 
baseline year by chemical and annual allocation amounts thereafter for 
nearly 30 years. EPA's experience has been that the release of this 
information has been important to reduce illegal imports, facilitate 
transfers, and provide third parties confidence that they were buying 
from a company that had allowances. EPA anticipates greater benefits 
will result from providing similar and more comprehensive HFC data. 
Releasing allowance allocation amounts will also provide context for 
understanding the reported production and import volumes. Commenters 
supported the release of this information.
    One commenter stated that data regarding transformation is CBI. In 
this final rule, EPA is clarifying that the Agency will not provide 
confidential treatment to reported facility-level, company-specific, 
and chemical-specific data on production or import for transformation 
for the above-mentioned reasons, but EPA will provide confidential 
treatment to data related to companies' acquiring those regulated 
substances for transformation and processes in which the regulated 
substances are transformed. Releasing data on production (and import 
and export) for transformation is important given this type of 
production and import does not require an allowance. Additional 
transparency helps ensure there is visibility on the quantities 
entering and exiting the United States.
    In addition to all of the above-noted items, should the United 
States join the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, it would 
release data to the United Nations Environment Programme's Ozone 
Secretariat regarding HFC production, consumption, and limited emission 
data. On January 27th, 2021, the President issued an Executive Order on 
Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (Executive Order 14008; 
86 FR 7619; January 27, 2021). Under part (j), the Executive Order 
directs the Secretary of State to prepare within 60 days a transmittal 
package seeking the Senate's advice and consent to ratification of the 
Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete 
the Ozone Layer. The Kigali Amendment requires an international 
phasedown of the production and consumption of HFCs. Should the United 
States join the Kigali Amendment, EPA is putting stakeholders on notice 
that it will

[[Page 55195]]

report\111\ the following data to the Ozone Secretariat:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \111\ The reporting forms and instructions that EPA would use to 
submit data are available in the docket and on the Ozone 
Secretariat's website at  https://ozone.unep.org/countries/data-reporting-tools.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Annual U.S. HFC production in MT aggregated by chemical 
for each of the HFCs listed in subsection (c) of the AIM Act, including 
total HFC production for all uses and HFC production for feedstock in 
the United States;
     Annual U.S. HFC import in MT aggregated by chemical and by 
country imported from for each of the HFCs listed in subsection (c) of 
the AIM Act, including the amounts that are new (virgin), recovered and 
reclaimed, or for feedstock use;
     Annual U.S. HFC export in MT aggregated by chemical and by 
country exported to for each of the HFCs listed in subsection (c) of 
the AIM Act, including the amounts that are new (virgin), recovered and 
reclaimed, or for feedstock use;
     Annual U.S. HFC destruction in MT aggregated by chemical 
for each of the HFCs listed in subsection (c) of the AIM Act; and
     Annual facility-level information on HFC-23 generated and 
destroyed, including annual amounts of HFC-23:
    [cir] Generated, whether captured or not;
    [cir] generated and captured for all uses;
    [cir] generated and captured for feedstock use in the United 
States;
    [cir] generated and captured for destruction;
    [cir] used for feedstock without prior capture;
    [cir] destroyed without prior capture; and
    [cir] generated emissions.
    The Ozone Secretariat would release aggregated GWP-weighted annual 
production and consumption on the Ozone Secretariat's website.\112\ 
Additional data elements released include annual amounts destroyed, 
aggregated for all reported chemicals under the Montreal Protocol in 
MT, import of recovered/recycled/reclaimed substances by group (e.g., 
HFCs) in MT, and export of recovered/recycled/reclaimed substances in 
MT by group. Should the United States join the Kigali Amendment, EPA 
would also submit chemical-specific production and consumption data for 
2011, 2012, and 2013 to establish the United States' baseline for HFCs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \112\ The Ozone Secretariat's handling of similarly reported 
data from the United States on ODS is available at https://ozone.unep.org/countries/profile/usa.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Parties to the Montreal Protocol adopted Decision I/11 \113\ 
during the First Meeting of the Parties, which provides the Parties' 
view on how to treat the confidentiality of data submitted to the Ozone 
Secretariat. In accordance with the decision, if the United States is 
submitting data that it has determined to be entitled to confidential 
treatment pursuant to this Rule, the United States has the ability to 
mark the data accordingly such that it will be treated with secrecy and 
maintained confidential by the Secretariat. EPA intends to mark any 
data for which the Agency is providing confidential treatment pursuant 
to this Rule as appropriate for confidential treatment in its annual 
reporting, were the United States to join the Kigali Amendment. The 
decision requests the Ozone Secretariat to only release aggregated data 
such that any data a Party to the Protocol considers to be confidential 
will not be disclosed. However, Parties to the Protocol may exercise 
their right under Article 12, paragraph b of the Protocol to have 
access to confidential data from other parties, provided that they send 
an application in writing that guarantees such data will be treated 
with secrecy and not disclosed or published in any way.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \113\ ``The Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the 
Ozone Layer.'' Unep.org, United Nations Environment Programme. 
Available at https://ozone.unep.org/treaties/montreal-protocol/meetings/first-meeting-parties/decisions/decision-i11-report-and-confidentiality-data.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Which data elements has EPA determined are entitled to confidential 
treatment?
    EPA understands that a certain amount of confidentiality is 
necessary for firms to function within a competitive market. Many 
commenters stated that data regarding HFC uses has no particular 
relevance to the phasedown. Application-specific end users had 
particular concern about the release of their data. Some raised 
concerns about national security and foreign competition if 
application-specific data were made public. They argued it is 
inconsistent with Congressional intent to support these applications by 
requiring companies to divulge sensitive information in order to 
receive allowances. With regard to transfers, many companies opposed 
the release of pricing data. With regard to the certification ID 
tracking system, many commenters were opposed to releasing data on 
customers, suppliers, handlers, and other entities in the chain of 
custody of the material.
    EPA is determining in this rule that some data elements are 
entitled to confidential treatment, including sales data, business 
relationships, pricing information, and many elements reported pursuant 
to the QR tracking system and by application-specific allowance 
holders. EPA is determining in this rule that the following reported 
elements, among others, are entitled to confidential treatment: (1) 
Information provided to the Agency in one-time reports or petitions, 
such as those provided by entities that transform or destroy HFCs; (2) 
information provided to the Agency in their requests for application-
specific allowances, except for annual consumption information 
discussed earlier in this section; (3) information relating to an 
exchange or interaction between vendors or customers, such as pricing 
data; (4) most data viewable through the certification ID tracking 
system in the same manner (with the exceptions described in Section 
IX.G; and (5) transfer pricing information. EPA has provided in the 
docket a document that lists each individual data element required to 
be reported under the part 84 regulations and denotes whether each 
element is entitled to confidential treatment or not.
    EPA has determined that these data elements are customarily and 
actually considered to be confidential and closely held by companies. 
EPA finds that these data elements meet the requirements of FOIA 
Exemption 4 and are therefore appropriately treated as confidential. 
EPA also does not see the same benefits of transparency of releasing 
these data elements for improved enforceability and function of the HFC 
phasedown program. For these reasons, the Agency is determining the 
listed data elements are deserving of confidential treatment.
3. How will EPA aggregate data for release?
    For data elements that EPA has determined to grant confidential 
treatment, or where EPA is not making a determination on whether data 
is CBI at this time, and therefore will not be released in an 
unaggregated format, EPA will release information in an aggregated 
form. Specifically, EPA retains the discretion to release aggregated 
data for any element on which there are three or more reporting 
entities. The Agency has determined that this level of aggregation 
ensures no entity can back calculate a single data element, and 
therefore confidentiality can still be ensured.
    In addition to this general rule, there are various data sets that 
the Agency intends to provide in aggregate form.

[[Page 55196]]

Through this rule, the Agency is putting stakeholders on notice that 
the following information will be released in aggregate form if there 
are three or more reporting entities. First, EPA intends to release 
annual aggregate amounts for each HFC produced and imported (summed) 
for use as a process agent, and aggregate annual emissions from such 
use by HFC. EPA requested comment on current process agent use of HFCs 
including which HFCs are used as a process agent, how the HFC is used 
as a process agent, which facilities use HFCs as a process agent, and 
the annual quantity of HFCs used as a process agent. EPA did not 
receive any comments providing such information. EPA proposed to 
release aggregated HFC process agent data, if the use of HFCs was in 
sufficient quantities and frequencies to allow for aggregation. EPA did 
not receive comment on releasing this aggregate data and thus is 
finalizing this as proposed.
    Second, EPA intends to release aggregated annual chemical-specific 
HFC consumption volumes for each application-specific end use. This is 
similar to how the Agency provided chemical-specific data in the market 
characterizations. EPA is finalizing this approach as proposed. 
Providing these data to the general public allows EPA to show the scale 
of application-specific allowance use, identify where EPA's annual 
determination on the quantity of HFCs needed for the end use may need 
adjustment, and inform future rulemakings. This information will be 
aggregated across all application-specific allowance holders within a 
specific application, so EPA expects there will be no risk of divulging 
information submitters customarily keep private or closely held.
    Third, EPA will release aggregated data on the quantity (in 
kilograms) of each HFC held in inventory as of December 31 of each year 
collectively by producers, importers, exporters, and reclaimers of HFCs 
summed together. This is analogous to the approach under CAA section 
608 of releasing HFC reclamation data on a chemical-by-chemical basis. 
EPA will only release HFC-specific inventory values if there are three 
or more companies that have inventory of that HFC. Releasing inventory 
data can inform decisions of all companies in the marketplace. For 
example, lack of reliable and widely distributed information on the 
scale of the existing inventory of HCFC-22 likely contributed to 
dramatic price swings associated with delays in the issuance of prior 
EPA allocation rulemakings. While additional information on inventory 
on its own may not prevent price fluctuations, it could provide more 
price predictability for the step-downs. Releasing inventory data could 
also help producers and importers make decisions about which HFCs are 
in short supply and/or could help support a smooth transition away from 
high-GWP HFCs.
    Fourth, EPA also intends to publish aggregated data on pricing of 
transfers, so long as there are at least three companies involved in 
transferring allowances that year. Specifically, if there are at least 
three companies involved in transfers, EPA would release the average 
cost of the transfers reported. Release of these data would provide the 
public with helpful information on the average value and scale of 
transfers associated with the HFC phasedown.
    Similarly, EPA will release aggregated reclamation and fire 
suppressant recycling data by HFC consistent with the approach taken 
under CAA section 608 and its implementing regulations at 40 CFR part 
82, subpart F. An example of these data is available at https://www.epa.gov/section608/summary-refrigerant-reclamation-trends. Release 
of these data aids industry and consumer understanding of the 
availability of various HFCs.

XI. What are the costs and benefits of this action?

    EPA conducted a RIA, which estimated the costs and benefits of 
implementing the phasedown of HFCs as a result of the passage of the 
AIM Act, as realized by promulgating this rule. This analysis is 
intended to provide the public with information on the relevant costs 
and benefits of this action and to comply with executive orders.
    EPA estimates that in 2022 the annual net benefits are $1.7 
billion, reflecting compliance savings of $300 million and social 
benefits of $1.4 billion. In 2036, when the final phasedown step is 
reached at 15 percent of the statutorily defined HFC baseline, the 
estimated annual net benefits are $16.4 billion. Table 6 presents a 
summary of the annual costs and net benefits of the rule for selected 
years in the time period 2022-2050, but with the climate benefits 
discounted at 3 percent.

                   Table 6--Benefits, Costs, and Net Benefits of the Final Rule for 2022-2050
                                         [Billions of 2020$] \a\ \b\ \c\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Climate benefits
                        Year                          (discounted at 3%)    Costs  (annual)      Net benefits
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2022................................................                $1.4               -$0.3                $1.7
2024................................................                 5.2                -0.1                 5.1
2029................................................                 7.5                -0.6                 8.1
2034................................................                12.4               - 0.9                13.3
2036................................................                15.7                -0.7                16.4
2045................................................                25.1                -0.9                26.0
2050................................................                29.7                -1.1                30.8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Benefits include only those related to climate. See Table 4-24 in the RIA for the full range of SC-HFCs
  estimates. The costs presented in this table are annual estimates.
\b\ Rows may not appear to add correctly due to rounding.
\c\ Climate benefits are based on changes (reductions) in HFC emissions and are calculated using four different
  estimates of the SC-HFCs (model average at 2.5 percent, 3 percent, and 5 percent discount rates; and 95th
  percentile at 3 percent discount rate). The IWG emphasized, and EPA agrees, on the importance and value of
  considering the benefits calculated using all four estimates. As discussed in the Technical Support Document:
  Social Cost of Carbon, Methane, and Nitrous Oxide Interim Estimates under Executive Order 13990 (IWG 2021), a
  consideration of climate benefits calculated using discount rates below 3 percent, including 2 percent and
  lower, are also warranted when discounting intergenerational impacts.

    Climate benefits presented in Tables 6, 7, and 8 are based on 
changes (reductions) in HFC emissions and are calculated using four 
different estimates of the social cost of HFCs (SC-HFCs) model average 
at 2.5 percent, 3 percent, and 5 percent discount rates; and 95th 
percentile at 3 percent discount rate). For the presentational purposes 
of

[[Page 55197]]

Tables 6 and 8, we show the benefits associated with the average SC-
HFCs at a 3 percent discount rate, but the Agency does not have a 
single central SC-HFCs point estimate.
    The SC-HFC estimates used in this analysis were developed using 
methodologies consistent with the methodologies underlying the interim 
estimates of the social cost of carbon (SC-CO2), social cost 
of methane (SC-CH4), and social cost of nitrous oxide (SC-
N2O) (collectively referred to as social cost of greenhouse 
gases (SC-GHG)) published in February 2021 by the IWG. As a member of 
the IWG involved in the development of the February 2021 Technical 
Support Document (TSD): Social Cost of Carbon, Methane, and Nitrous 
Oxide Interim Estimates under Executive Order 13990 (IWG 2021), EPA 
agrees that the interim SC-GHG estimates represent the most appropriate 
estimate of the SC-GHG until revised estimates have been developed 
reflecting the latest, peer reviewed science. The interim SC-GHG 
estimates were developed over many years, using a transparent process, 
peer-reviewed methodologies, the best science available at the time of 
that process, and with input from the public. Therefore, EPA views the 
methods to be appropriate for estimating SC-HFCs for use in benefit-
cost analysis.
    As discussed in the February 2021 TSD, the IWG emphasized the 
importance and value of considering the benefits calculated using all 
four estimates (model average at 2.5, 3, and 5 percent discount rates, 
and 95th percentile at 3 percent discount rate). In addition, the TSD 
explained that a consideration of climate benefits calculated using 
discount rates below 3 percent, including 2 percent and lower, is also 
warranted when discounting intergenerational impacts. As a member of 
the IWG involved in the development of the February 2021 TSD, EPA 
agrees with this assessment for the purpose of estimating climate 
benefits from HFC reductions as well, and will continue to follow 
developments in the literature pertaining to this issue.
    Table 7 presents the sum of climate benefits across all HFCs 
reduced for the final rule for 2022, 2024, 2029, 2034, 2036, 2045, and 
2050.

                           Table 7--Climate Benefits for the Final Rule for 2022-2050
                                               [Billions of 2020$]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Climate benefits by discount rate and statistic
                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Year                                                                                 3%  (95th
                                     5%  (average)       3%  (average)      2.5%  (average)       percentile)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2022............................                 0.5                 1.4                 1.9                 3.7
2024............................                 2.2                 5.2                 7.0                13.8
2029............................                 3.2                 7.5                10.0                20.0
2034............................                 5.5                12.4                16.2                33.0
2036............................                 7.2                15.7                20.4                42.0
2045............................                12.0                25.1                32.2                67.4
2050............................                14.6                29.7                37.7                79.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA estimates that the present value of cumulative net benefits 
evaluated from 2022 through 2050 is $272.7 billion at a three percent 
discount rate, comprising $260.9 billion in cumulative benefits due to 
reducing HFC emissions and $11.8 billion in cumulative compliance 
savings. The present value of net benefits is calculated over the 29-
year period from 2022-2050, to account for the years that emissions 
will be reduced following the consumption reductions from 2022-2036. 
Over the 15-year period of the phasedown of HFCs, the present value of 
cumulative compliance costs is negative $5.4 billion, or $5.4 billion 
in savings, and the present value of cumulative social benefits is 
$94.8 billion, both at a three percent discount rate. Over the same 15-
year period of the phasedown, the present value of cumulative net 
benefits is $100.2 billion. At a 7 percent discount rate over the 15-
year period of the phasedown of HFCs, the present value of cumulative 
compliance costs is negative $3.7 billion, or $3.7 billion in savings. 
Over the same 15-year period of the phasedown, the present value of 
cumulative net benefits is $98.5 billion at a 7 percent discount rate 
for costs (and 3 percent for climate benefits). The comparison of 
benefits and costs in present value (PV) and equivalent annualized 
value (EAV) terms for the rule can be found in Table 8. Estimates in 
the table are presented as rounded values.

 Table 8--Summary of Annual Values, Present Values, and Equivalent Annualized Values for the 2022-2050 Timeframe
                  for Estimated Abatement Costs, Benefits, and Net Benefits for the Final Rule
                                 [Billions of 2020$, discounted to 2022] \a\ \b\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Climate benefits             Costs \c\                     Net benefits
             Year              ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  (3%) \c\ \d\          3%              7%              3%              7%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Present Value.................            $260.9          -$11.8           -$6.4          $272.7          $267.4
Equivalent Annualized Value...              13.6            -0.6            -0.5            14.2            14.1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Rows may not appear to add correctly due to rounding.
\b\ The annualized present value of costs and benefits are calculated over a 29-year period from 2022 to 2050.
\c\ The costs presented in this table are consistent with the costs presented in RIA Chapter 3, Table 3-6.
\d\ Climate benefits are based on changes (reductions) in HFC emissions and are calculated using four different
  estimates of the SC-HFCs (model average at 2.5 percent, 3 percent, and 5 percent discount rates; and 95th
  percentile at 3 percent discount rate). The IWG emphasized, and EPA agrees, on the importance and value of
  considering the benefits calculated using all four estimates. As discussed in the Technical Support Document:
  Social Cost of Carbon, Methane, and Nitrous Oxide Interim Estimates under Executive Order 13990 (IWG 2021), a
  consideration of climate benefits calculated using discount rates below 3 percent, including 2 percent and
  lower, are also warranted when discounting intergenerational impacts.


[[Page 55198]]

    The estimation of $260.9 billion in benefits due to reducing HFC 
emissions involved three steps. First, the difference between the 
consumption of HFCs allowed under the rule and the consumption that 
would have been expected in a business-as-usual scenario was calculated 
for each year of the phasedown in exchange value-weighted tons (i.e., 
EVe). Second, using EPA's Vintaging Model, the changes in consumption 
were used to estimate changes in HFC emissions, which generally lag 
consumption by some time as HFCs incorporated into equipment and 
products are eventually released to the environment. Finally, the 
climate benefits were calculated by multiplying the HFC emission 
reductions for each year by the appropriate social cost of HFC to 
arrive at the monetary value of HFC emission reductions.
    EPA estimates the climate benefits for this rule using a measure of 
the social cost of each HFC (collectively referred to as SC-HFCs) that 
is affected by the rule. The SC-HFCs is the monetary value of the net 
harm to society associated with a marginal increase in HFC emissions in 
a given year, or the benefit of avoiding that increase. In principle, 
SC-HFCs includes the value of all climate change impacts, including 
(but not limited to) changes in net agricultural productivity, human 
health effects, property damage from increased flood risk and natural 
disasters, disruption of energy systems, risk of conflict, 
environmental migration, and the value of ecosystem services. As with 
the estimates of the social cost of other GHGs, the SC-HFC estimates 
are found to increase over time within the models--i.e., the societal 
harm from one metric ton emitted in 2030 is higher than the harm caused 
by one metric ton emitted in 2025--because future emissions produce 
larger incremental damages as physical and economic systems become more 
stressed in response to greater climatic change, and because GDP is 
growing over time and many damage categories are modeled as 
proportional to GDP. The SC-HFCs, therefore, reflects the societal 
value of reducing emissions of the gas in question by one metric ton. 
The SC-HFCs is the theoretically appropriate value to use in conducting 
benefit-cost analyses of policies that affect HFC emissions.
    The benefits of this rule derive mostly from preventing the 
emissions of HFCs with high GWPs, thus reducing the damage from climate 
change that would have been induced by those emissions. The reduction 
in emissions follows from a reduction in the production and consumption 
of HFCs, measured in MMTEVe. It is assumed that all HFCs produced or 
consumed would be emitted eventually, either in their initial use 
(e.g., as propellants), during the lifetime of HFC-containing products 
(e.g., off-gassing from closed-cell foams or leaks from refrigeration 
systems), or during servicing or disposal of HFC-containing products.
    The reductions in units of MMTEVe are calculated for each year by 
summing the tons abated for the options utilized for that year. EPA 
estimates that for the years 2022-2036 this action will avoid 
cumulative consumption of 3,152 MMTEVe of HFCs in the United States. 
The annual consumption avoided is estimated at 42 MMTEVe in the year 
2022 and 282 MMTEVe in 2036. In order to calculate the climate benefits 
associated with consumption abatement, the consumption changes were 
expressed in terms of emissions reductions. EPA estimates that for the 
years 2022-2050 this action will avoid cumulative emissions of 4,560 
MMTEVe of HFCs in the United States. The annual avoided emissions are 
estimated at 22 MMTEVe in the year 2022 and 171 MMTEVe in 2036. Note 
that the emissions avoided in each year is less than the consumption 
avoided in the same year because of the delay between when an HFC is 
produced or imported and when it is emitted to the atmosphere.
    EPA received comments on the RIA including on the estimated costs 
and benefits of the rule. While some commenters supported the use and 
application of the SC-HFCs to monetize the climate benefits associated 
with the rule, others noted that the estimates were not peer reviewed. 
The SC-HFCs estimates used by EPA in the RIA were developed in a manner 
consistent with the methodology underlying estimates of the social cost 
of other greenhouse gases (SC-CO2, SC-CH4, and 
SC-N2O) as presented in the Technical Support Document: 
Social Cost of Carbon, Methane, and Nitrous Oxide Interim Estimates 
under Executive Order 13990 (IWG 2021), which were developed over many 
years, using a transparent process, peer-reviewed methodologies, the 
best science available at the time of that process, and with input from 
the public.
    Additional commenters noted methodological concerns with the 
underlying climate models and inputs used to generate the SC-GHG 
estimates that the SC-HFCs estimates are derived from. EPA recognizes 
the shortcomings and limitations associated with the current interim 
IWG estimates and underlying methodology. Since the SC-HFC estimates 
are based on the same methodology underlying the SC-GHG estimates 
presented in the IWG February 2021 TSD, they share a number of 
limitations that are common to those SC-GHG estimates. The limitations 
were outlined in the February 2021 TSD and include that the current 
scientific and economic understanding of discounting approaches 
suggests discount rates appropriate for intergenerational analysis in 
the context of climate change are likely to be less than 3 percent, 
near 2 percent or lower. Additionally, the IAMs used to produce these 
estimates do not include all of the important physical, ecological, and 
economic impacts of climate change recognized in the climate change 
literature, and the science underlying their ``damage functions''--
i.e., the core parts of the IAMs that map global mean temperature 
changes and other physical impacts of climate change into economic 
(both market and nonmarket) damages--lags behind the most recent 
research.
    The modeling limitations do not all work in the same direction in 
terms of their influence on the SC-HFC estimates. However, as discussed 
in the February 2021 TSD, the IWG has recommended that, taken together, 
the limitations suggest that the SC-GHG estimates likely underestimate 
the damages from GHG emissions. Therefore, as a member of the IWG 
involved in the development of the February 2021 TSD, EPA agrees that 
the interim SC-GHG estimates represent the most appropriate estimate of 
the SC-GHG until revised estimates have been developed reflecting the 
latest, peer reviewed science. The 2021 TSD previews some of the recent 
advances in the scientific and economic literature that the IWG is 
actively following and that could provide guidance on, or methodologies 
for, addressing some of the limitations with the interim SC-GHG 
estimates, which also apply to the SC-HFC.

XII. Statutory and Executive Order Review

A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive 
Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review

    This action is an economically significant regulatory action that 
was submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. 
Any changes made in response to OMB recommendations have been 
documented in the docket. A summary of the potential costs and benefits 
associated with this action is included in Table 1 in Section I.C and 
additional details are provided in Section XI of this

[[Page 55199]]

final rulemaking. EPA has prepared an analysis of the potential costs 
and benefits associated with this action, which is available in Docket 
Number EPA-HQ-OAR-2021-0044.

B. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)

    The information collection activities in this rule will be 
submitted for approval to OMB under the PRA. The Information Collection 
Request (ICR) document that EPA prepared at proposal was assigned EPA 
ICR number 2685.01, and the updated ICR for the final rulemaking has 
been assigned EPA ICR number 2685.02. You can find copies of these ICRs 
in the docket for this rule (Docket Number EPA-HQ-OAR-2021-0044), and 
EPA ICR 2685.02 is briefly summarized here. The information collection 
requirements are not enforceable until OMB approves them.
    Subsection (d)(1)(A) of the AIM Act specifies that on a periodic 
basis, but not less than annually, each company that, within the 
applicable reporting period, produces, imports, exports, destroys, 
transforms, uses as a process agent, or reclaims a regulated substance 
shall submit to EPA a report that describes, as applicable, the 
quantity of the regulated substance that the company: Produced, 
imported, and exported; reclaimed; destroyed by a technology approved 
by the Administrator; used and entirely consumed (except for trace 
quantities) in the manufacture of another chemical; or, used as a 
process agent. EPA is collecting such data regularly to support 
implementation of the AIM Act's HFC phasedown provisions. EPA is 
requiring quarterly reporting to ensure that annual production and 
consumption limits are not exceeded. It is also needed for EPA to be 
able to review allowance transfer requests, of which remaining 
allowances is a major component of EPA's review. In addition, EPA is 
collecting information in order to calculate allowances, to track the 
movement of HFCs through commerce, and to require auditing. Collecting 
these data elements allow for EPA to ensure that the annual quantity of 
regulated substances produced or consumed in the United States does not 
exceed the cap established by the AIM Act, consistent with subsection 
(e)(2)(B) of the Act.
    All information sent by the submitter electronically is transmitted 
securely to protect information submitters customarily keep private or 
closely held. The reporting tool guides the user through the process of 
submitting CBI. Documents containing information claimed as CBI must be 
submitted in an electronic format, in accordance with the recordkeeping 
requirements. EPA also allows respondents to report CBI by fax and 
through courier.
    Respondents/affected entities: Respondents and affected entities 
are individuals or companies that produce, import, export, transform, 
distribute, destroy, reclaim, fill, or package certain HFCs that are 
defined as a regulated substance under the AIM Act. Respondents and 
affected entities are also individuals and companies that produce, 
import, or export products in six statutorily specified applications: A 
propellant in MDIs; defense sprays; structural composite preformed 
polyurethane foam for marine and trailer use; the etching of 
semiconductor material or wafers and the cleaning of chemical vapor 
deposition chambers within the semiconductor manufacturing sector; 
mission-critical military end uses; and, onboard aerospace fire 
suppression.
    Respondent's obligation to respond: Mandatory (AIM Act).
    Estimated number of respondents: 10,654.
    Frequency of response: Quarterly, biannual, annual, and as needed 
depending on the nature of the report.
    Total estimated burden: 83,598 hours (per year). Burden is defined 
at 5 CFR 1320.3(b).
    Total estimated cost: $12,102,515 per year, includes $2,737,392 
annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs.
    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 in 40 CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9.
    EPA used data collected under the ICR for the Greenhouse Gas 
Reporting Program (OMB Control No. 2060-0629), as well as the 
associated reporting tool, the electronic Greenhouse Gas Reporting Tool 
(e-GGRT), in developing this rulemaking. EPA also requested an 
emergency ICR for a one-time collection request pertaining to data 
necessary to establish the United States consumption and production 
baselines, as well as to determine potential producers, importers, and 
application-specific end users who were not subject to the GHGRP (OMB 
Control No. 2060-0732, EPA ICR No. 2684.01). The emergency ICR for the 
one-time collection request was approved on April 22, 2021, and more 
information can be found here: https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAViewICR?ref_nbr=202103-2060-005.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)

    I certify that this action will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities under the RFA. The 
small entities subject to the requirements of this action are suppliers 
of HFCs including producers, importers, exporters, reclaimers, 
companies that destroy HFCs, and companies that sell and distribute 
HFCs.
    To determine whether this final rule would likely have a SISNOSE, 
EPA identified producers, importers, exporters, and reclaimers of HFCs 
from 2017 through 2019 that reported to EPA's Greenhouse Gas Reporting 
Program and CBP's ACE. Available economic data about each identified 
entity (i.e., number of employees, annual sales) were obtained from the 
Dun and Bradstreet databases, and the sizes compared with the U.S. 
Small Business Administration's (SBA's) table of small business size 
standards matched to NAICS codes. The small business threshold is 
defined by SBA as the number of employees in the company and varied 
between 100 and 1,500 employees. There were identified HFC importers 
and reclaimers that met the definition of small businesses, but no HFC 
producers were identified as small businesses. To determine the likely 
economic impact on these small businesses, it was assumed that a 
percentage of the HFCs they imported would be replaced by an 
alternative, and the difference in the price between the HFCs and their 
alternatives was applied to determine any change in sales revenue. The 
methods used and assumptions made to perform this analysis are 
described in detail in the technical support document, Economic Impact 
Screening Analysis for the Allowance System for an HFC Production and 
Consumption Phasedown, found in the docket of this rule (Docket Number 
EPA-HQ-OAR-2021-0044).
    EPA estimates that approximately 19 of the 8,738 potentially 
affected small businesses could incur costs in excess of one percent of 
annual sales and that approximately 15 small businesses could incur 
costs in excess of three percent of annual sales. Because there is not 
a significant number of small businesses that may experience a 
significant impact, it can be presumed that this action will have no 
SISNOSE.

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)

    This action does not contain any unfunded mandate as described in 
UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1531-1538 and does

[[Page 55200]]

not significantly or uniquely affect small governments. The action 
imposes no enforceable duty on any state, local, or tribal governments.

E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism

    This action does not have federalism implications. It will not have 
substantial direct effects on the states, on the relationship between 
the national government and the states, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.

F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian 
Tribal Governments

    This action does not have tribal implications as specified in 
Executive Order 13175. It does not have substantial direct effects on 
tribes on the relationship between the federal government and Indian 
tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between 
the federal government and Indian tribes, as specified in Executive 
Order 13175. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this action. 
EPA periodically updates tribal officials on air regulations through 
the monthly meetings of the National Tribal Air Association. EPA shared 
information on this rulemaking through that meeting and other fora.

G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental 
Health Risks and Safety Risks

    This action is subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 
23, 1997) because it is an economically significant regulatory action 
as defined by Executive Order 12866, and EPA believes that the 
environmental health or safety risk addressed by this action has a 
disproportionate effect on children. Accordingly, EPA has evaluated the 
environmental health and welfare effects of climate change on children.
    GHGs, including HFCs, contribute to climate change. The GHG 
emissions reductions resulting from the implementation of this rule 
will further improve children's health. The assessment literature cited 
in EPA's 2009 and 2016 Endangerment Findings concluded that certain 
populations and people at vulnerable stages of life, including 
children, the elderly, and people with low incomes, are most vulnerable 
to climate-related health effects. The assessment literature since 2016 
strengthens these conclusions by providing more detailed findings 
regarding these groups' vulnerabilities and the projected impacts they 
may experience.
    These assessments describe how children's unique physiological and 
developmental factors contribute to making them particularly vulnerable 
to climate change. Impacts to children are expected from heat waves, 
air pollution, infectious and waterborne illnesses, and mental health 
effects resulting from extreme weather events. In addition, children 
are among those especially susceptible to most allergic diseases, as 
well as health effects associated with heat waves, storms, and floods. 
Additional health concerns may arise in low-income households, 
especially those with children, if climate change reduces food 
availability and increases prices, leading to food insecurity within 
households. More detailed information on the impacts of climate change 
to human health and welfare is provided in Section III.B of this 
preamble.

H. Executive Order 13211: Actions That Significantly Affect Energy 
Supply, Distribution, or Use

    This action is not a ``significant energy action'' because it is 
not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, 
distribution, or use of energy. This action applies to certain 
regulated substances and certain applications containing regulated 
substances, none of which are used to supply or distribute energy.

I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA)

    This rulemaking does not involve technical standards.

J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental 
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations

    A summary of the Agency's approach for considering potential 
environmental justice concerns as a result of this rulemaking can be 
found in section IV of the preamble, and our environmental justice 
analysis can be found in the RIA, available in the docket for this 
rulemaking. As described in that analysis, this rule will reduce 
emissions of potent GHGs, which will reduce the effects of climate 
change, including the public health and welfare effects that 
disproportionately harm minority populations, low-income populations, 
and/or indigenous peoples.
    At the same time, the Agency recognizes that phasing down the 
production of HFCs may cause significant changes in the location and 
quantity of production of both HFCs and their substitutes, and that 
these changes may in turn affect emissions of hazardous air pollutants 
at chemical production facilities. At proposal and in this final rule, 
EPA carefully evaluated available information on HFC production 
facilities and the characteristics of nearby communities to evaluate 
these impacts. EPA also solicited comment on whether these changes pose 
risks to communities with environmental justice concerns and what 
steps, if any, should be taken either under the AIM Act or under EPA's 
other statutory authorities to address any concerns that might exist. 
Based on this analysis and information gathered during the comment 
period, EPA finds evidence of environmental justice concerns near HFC 
production facilities from cumulative exposure to existing 
environmental hazards in these communities. However, given 
uncertainties about where and in what quantities HFC substitutes will 
be produced, EPA cannot determine the extent to which this rule will 
exacerbate or reduce existing disproportionate adverse effects on 
communities of color and low-income people as specified in Executive 
Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). However, as noted in 
section IV, the Agency will continue to evaluate the impacts of this 
program on communities with environmental justice concerns and consider 
further action, as appropriate, to protect health in communities 
affected by HFC production.

K. Congressional Review Act (CRA)

    This action is subject to the CRA, and EPA will submit a rule 
report to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of 
the United States. This action is a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 
U.S.C. 804(2).

List of Subjects

40 CFR Part 9

    Environmental protection, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

40 CFR Part 84

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Air pollution control, Chemicals, Climate change, Emissions, Imports, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

Michael S. Regan,
Administrator.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, EPA amends 40 CFR 
chapter I as follows:

PART 9--OMB APPROVALS UNDER THE PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT

0
1. The authority citation for part 9 continues to read as follows:


[[Page 55201]]


    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 135 et seq., 136-136y; 15 U.S.C. 2001, 2003, 
2005, 2006, 2601-2671; 21 U.S.C. 331j, 346a, 31 U.S.C. 9701; 33 
U.S.C. 1251 et seq., 1311, 1313d, 1314, 1318, 1321, 1326, 1330, 
1342, 1344, 1345 (d) and (e), 1361; E.O. 11735, 38 FR 21243, 3 CFR, 
1971-1975 Comp. p. 973; 42 U.S.C. 241, 242b, 243, 246, 300f, 300g, 
300g-1, 300g-2, 300g-3, 300g-4, 300g-5, 300g-6, 300j-1, 300j-2, 
300j-3, 300j-4, 300j-9, 1857 et seq., 6901-6992k, 7401-7671q, 7542, 
9601-9657, 11023, 11048.


0
2. In Sec.  9.1 amend the table by:
0
a. Adding an undesignated center heading for ``Phasedown of 
Hydrofluorocarbons'' after the entry for ``82.184(e)''; and
0
b. Adding an entry for ``84.29'' in numerical order.
    The additions read as follows:


Sec.  9.1  OMB approvals under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

* * * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            OMB control
                     40 CFR citation                            No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons
------------------------------------------------------------------------
84.29...................................................       2060-AV17
 
                                * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------


0
3. Effective October 5, 2021, add part 84 to read as follows:

PART 84--PHASEDOWN OF HYDROFLUOROCARBONS

Subpart A--Production and Consumption Controls
Sec.
84.1 [Reserved]
84.3 Definitions.
84.5 [Reserved]
84.7 Phasedown schedule.
84.9 Allocation of calendar-year production allowances.
84.11 Allocation of calendar-year consumption allowances.
84.13 Allocation of application-specific allowances.
84.15 Set-aside of application-specific allowances, production 
allowances, and consumption allowances.
84.17-84.29 [Reserved]
84.31 Recordkeeping and reporting.
84.33-84.35 [Reserved]
Subpart B--[Reserved]
Appendix A to Part 84--[Reserved]

    Authority:  Pub. L. 116-260, Division S, Sec. 103.

Subpart A--Production and Consumption Controls


Sec.  84.1  [Reserved]


Sec.  84.3   Definitions.

    As used in this subpart, the term:
    Administrator means the Administrator of the United States 
Environmental Protection Agency or his or her authorized 
representative.
    Allowance means a limited authorization for the production or 
consumption of a regulated substance established under subsection (e) 
of section 103 in Division S, Innovation for the Environment, of the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Pub. L. 116-260) (the AIM Act). 
An allowance allocated under subsection (e) of section 103 in Division 
S of the AIM Act does not constitute a property right.
    Application-specific allowance means a limited authorization 
granted in accordance with subsection (e)(4)(B)(iv) of the AIM Act for 
the production or import of a regulated substance for use in the 
specifically identified applications that are listed in that subsection 
and in accordance with the restrictions to be determined. An 
application-specific allowance does not constitute a property right.
    Bulk means a regulated substance of any amount that is in a 
container for the transportation or storage of that substance such as 
cylinders, drums, ISO tanks, and small cans. A regulated substance that 
must first be transferred from a container to another container, 
vessel, or piece of equipment in order to realize its intended use is a 
bulk substance. A regulated substance contained in a manufactured 
product such as an appliance, an aerosol can, or a foam is not a bulk 
substance.
    Chemical vapor deposition chamber cleaning means, in the context of 
semiconductor manufacturing, a process type in which chambers used for 
depositing thin films are cleaned periodically using plasma-generated 
fluorine atoms and other reactive fluorine-containing fragments.
    Confer means to shift unexpended application-specific allowances 
obtained in accordance with subsection (e)(4)(B)(iv) of the AIM Act 
from the end user allocated such allowances to one or more entities in 
the supply chain for the production or import of a regulated substance 
for use by the end user.
    Consumption, with respect to a regulated substance, means 
production plus imports minus exports.
    Consumption allowances means a limited authorization to produce and 
import regulated substances; however, consumption allowances may be 
used to produce regulated substances only in conjunction with 
production allowances. A person's consumption allowances are the total 
of the allowances obtained under Sec.  84.11 or Sec.  84.15 (with 
permitted modification to be determined).
    Defense spray means an aerosol-based spray used for self-defense, 
including pepper spray and animal sprays, and containing the irritant 
capsaicin and related capsaicinoids (derived from oleoresin capsicum), 
an emulsifier, and an aerosol propellant.
    Destruction means the expiration of a regulated substance to the 
destruction and removal efficiency actually achieved. Such destruction 
might result in a commercially useful end product, but such usefulness 
would be secondary to the act of destruction.
    Etching means, in the context of semiconductor manufacturing, a 
process type that uses plasma-generated fluorine atoms and other 
reactive fluorine-containing fragments that chemically react with 
exposed thin films (e.g., dielectric, metals) or substrate (e.g., 
silicon) to selectively remove portions of material. This includes 
semiconductor production processes using fluorinated GHG reagents to 
clean wafers.
    Exchange value means the value assigned to a regulated substance in 
accordance with AIM Act subsections (c) and (e), as applicable.
    Exchange value equivalent (EVe) means the exchange value-weighted 
amount of a regulated substance obtained by multiplying the mass of a 
regulated substance by the exchange value of that substance.
    Export means the transport from inside the United States or its 
territories to persons outside the United States or its territories, 
excluding United States military bases and ships for onboard use.
    Exporter means the person who contracts to sell regulated 
substances for export or transfers regulated substances to his 
affiliate in another country.
    Facility means one or more production lines at the same location 
owned by or under common control of the same person.
    Final customer means the last person to purchase a bulk regulated 
substance before its intended use. Final customer includes, but is not 
limited to, air conditioning contractors in the residential air 
conditioning market, foam systems houses, aerosol fillers, 
semiconductor manufacturers, air conditioning and refrigeration 
equipment manufacturers that ship equipment pre-charged, and fire 
extinguisher manufacturers.
    Foreign country means an entity that is recognized as a sovereign 
nation or country other than the United States of America.
    Heel means the amount of a regulated substance that remains in a 
container after the container is discharged or

[[Page 55202]]

offloaded (that is no more than 10 percent of the volume of the 
container).
    Import means to land on, bring into, or introduce into, or attempt 
to land on, bring into, or introduce into, any place subject to the 
jurisdiction of the United States, regardless of whether that landing, 
bringing, or introduction constitutes an importation within the meaning 
of the customs laws of the United States. Offloading used regulated 
substances recovered from equipment aboard a marine vessel, aircraft, 
or other aerospace vehicle during servicing is not considered an 
import.
    Importer means any person who imports a regulated substance into 
the United States. ``Importer'' includes the person primarily liable 
for the payment of any duties on the merchandise or an authorized agent 
acting on his or her behalf. The term also includes:
    (1) The consignee;
    (2) The importer of record;
    (3) The actual owner; or
    (4) The transferee, if the right to draw merchandise in a bonded 
warehouse has been transferred.
    Individual shipment means the kilograms of a regulated substance 
for which a person may make one (1) U.S. Customs entry, as identified 
in the non-objection notice obtained from the relevant Agency official.
    Metered dose inhaler (MDI) means a handheld pressurized inhalation 
system that delivers small, precisely measured therapeutic doses of 
medication directly to the airways of a patient. MDIs treat health 
conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 
are approved for such use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration 
(FDA).
    Mission-critical military end uses means those uses of regulated 
substances by an agency of the Federal Government responsible for 
national defense that have a direct impact on mission capability, as 
determined by the U.S. Department of Defense, including, but not 
limited to uses necessary for development, testing, production, 
training, operation, and maintenance of Armed Forces vessels, aircraft, 
space systems, ground vehicles, amphibious vehicles, deployable/
expeditionary support equipment, munitions, and command and control 
systems.
    Non-objection notice means the limited authorization granted by the 
relevant Agency official to import a specific individual shipment of a 
regulated substance.
    On board aerospace fire suppression means use of a regulated 
substance in fire suppression equipment used on board commercial and 
general aviation aircraft, including commercial-derivative aircraft for 
military use; rotorcraft; and space vehicles. On board commercial 
aviation fire suppression systems are installed throughout mainline and 
regional passenger and freighter aircraft, including engine nacelles, 
auxiliary power units (APUs), lavatory trash receptacles, baggage/crew 
compartments, and handheld extinguishers.
    Person means any individual or legal entity, including an 
individual, corporation, partnership, association, state, municipality, 
political subdivision of a state, Indian tribe; any agency, department, 
or instrumentality of the United States; and any officer, agent, or 
employee thereof.
    Process agent means the use of a regulated substance to form the 
environment for a chemical reaction or inhibiting an unintended 
chemical reaction (e.g., use as a solvent, catalyst, or stabilizer) 
where the regulated substance is not consumed in the reaction, but is 
removed or recycled back into the process and where no more than trace 
quantities remain in the final product. A feedstock, in contrast, is 
consumed during the reaction.
    Production/Produce means the manufacture of a regulated substance 
from a raw material or feedstock chemical (but not including the 
destruction of a regulated substance by a technology approved by the 
Administrator). The term production does not include:
    (1) The manufacture of a regulated substance that is used and 
entirely consumed (except for trace quantities) in the manufacture of 
another chemical;
    (2) The reclamation, reuse, or recycling of a regulated substance; 
or
    (3) Insignificant quantities of a regulated substance inadvertently 
or coincidentally generated from any of the following, independent 
circumstances: during a chemical manufacturing process, resulting from 
unreacted feedstock, from the listed substance's use as a process agent 
present as a trace quantity in the chemical substance being 
manufactured, as an unintended byproduct of research and development 
applications, or during semiconductor manufacturing processes.
    Production allowances means the limited authorization to produce 
regulated substances; however, production allowances may be used to 
produce regulated substances only in conjunction with consumption 
allowances. A person's production allowances are the total of the 
allowances obtained under Sec.  84.9 or Sec.  84.15 (with permitted 
modifications to be determined).
    Production line means any process equipment (e.g., reactor, 
distillation column) used to convert raw materials or feedstock 
chemicals into regulated substances or consume regulated substances in 
the production of other chemicals.
    Reclaim means the reprocessing of regulated substances to all of 
the specifications in appendix A to 40 CFR part 82, subpart F (based on 
AHRI Standard 700-2016) that are applicable to that regulated substance 
and to verify that the regulated substance meets these specifications 
using the analytical methodology prescribed in section 5 of appendix A 
to 40 CFR part 82, subpart F.
    Regulated substance means a hydrofluorocarbon listed in the table 
contained in subsection (c)(1) of the AIM Act and a substance included 
as a regulated substance by the Administrator under the authority 
granted in subsection (c)(3).
    Space vehicle means a man-made device, either manned or unmanned, 
designed for operation beyond Earth's atmosphere. This definition 
includes integral equipment such as models, mock-ups, prototypes, 
molds, jigs, tooling, hardware jackets, and test coupons. Also included 
is auxiliary equipment associated with tests, transport, and storage, 
which through contamination can compromise the space vehicle 
performance.
    Structural composite preformed polyurethane foam means a foam blown 
from polyurethane that is reinforced with fibers and with polymer resin 
during the blowing process, and is preformed into the required shape 
(e.g., specific boat or trailer design) to increase structural strength 
while reducing the weight of such structures.
    Transform means to use and entirely consume (except for trace 
quantities) a controlled substance in the manufacture of other 
chemicals. A regulated substance that is used and entirely consumed 
(except for trace quantities) in the manufacture of another chemical is 
called a feedstock.
    Transhipment means the continuous shipment of a regulated 
substance, from a foreign country of origin through the United States 
or its territories, to a second foreign country of final destination, 
as long as the shipment does not enter U.S. commerce. A transhipment, 
as it moves through the United States or its territories, cannot be 
repackaged, sorted, or otherwise changed in condition.
    Used regulated substances means regulated substances that have been 
recovered from their intended use systems (including regulated 
substances

[[Page 55203]]

that have been, or may be subsequently, recycled or reclaimed).


Sec.  84.5  [Reserved]


Sec.  84.7  Phasedown schedule.

    (a) Phasedown from baseline. Total production and consumption of 
regulated substances in the United States in each year cannot exceed 
the amounts (shown as a percentage of baseline) in the following table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Percentage of     Percentage of
                                         production        consumption
                Date                      baseline          baseline
                                          (percent)         (percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) 2022-2023.......................                90                90
(2) 2024-2028.......................                60                60
(3) 2029-2033.......................                30                30
(4) 2034-2035.......................                20                20
(5) 2036 and thereafter.............                15                15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Annual production and consumption limits. (1) The production 
baseline for regulated substances is 382,554,619 metric tons of 
exchange value equivalent.
    (2) The consumption baseline for regulated substances is 
303,887,017 metric tons of exchange value equivalent.
    (3) Total production and consumption in metric tons of exchange 
value equivalent for regulated substances in the United States in each 
year is derived by multiplying the production baseline or consumption 
baseline by the percentage in paragraph (a) of this section. Total 
production and consumption allowances issued under this subpart may not 
exceed the quantities shown in the following table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Total             Total
                Year                     production        consumption
                                           (MTEVe)           (MTEVe)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) 2022-2023.......................       344,299,157       273,498,315
(ii) 2024-2028......................       229,532,771       182,332,210
(iii) 2029-2033.....................       114,766,386        91,166,105
(iv) 2034-2035......................        76,510,924        60,777,403
(v) 2036 and thereafter.............        57,383,193        45,583,053
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec.  84.9   Allocation of calendar-year production allowances.

    (a) The relevant agency official will issue, through a separate 
notification, calendar year production allowances to entities that 
produced a regulated substance in 2020. The number of production 
allowances allocated to each eligible entity for 2022-2023 is 
calculated as follows:
    (1) Take the average of the three highest annual exchange value-
weighted production amounts that each eligible entity reported to the 
agency for calendar years 2011 through 2019;
    (2) Sum the ``average high year'' values determined in step 1 of 
all eligible entities and determine each entity's percentage of that 
total;
    (3) Determine the amount of general pool production allowances by 
subtracting the quantity of application-specific allowances for that 
year as determined in accordance with Sec.  84.13 and the set-aside in 
Sec.  84.15 from the production cap in Sec.  84.7(b)(3);
    (4) Determine individual entities' production allowance quantities 
by multiplying each entity's percentage determined in step 2 by the 
amount of general pool allowances determined in step 3.
    (b)(1) EPA will allocate calendar year production allowances to 
individual entities by October 1 of the calendar year prior to the year 
in which the allowances may be used based on the exchange value-
weighted quantities calculated in paragraph (a)(4) of this section.
    (2) EPA will provide public notice of the list of companies 
receiving production allowances as well as the quantities they will be 
allocated by that date.
    (3) In addition to the procedure in paragraph (a) of this section, 
the relevant agency official will allocate calendar year production 
allowances to entities that qualified for allowances under Sec.  84.15.
    (4) If there are remaining production allowances after distribution 
from the set-aside under Sec.  84.15, the relevant agency official will 
distribute such allowances on a pro rata basis to the entities in 
paragraph (a) of this section by March 31 of the calendar year in which 
the allowances may be used.


Sec.  84.11   Allocation of calendar-year consumption allowances.

    (a) The relevant agency official will issue, through a separate 
notification, calendar year consumption allowances to entities that 
imported or produced a bulk regulated substance in 2020, unless an 
individual accommodation is permitted by a relevant Agency official. If 
multiple importers are related through shared corporate or common 
ownership or control, the relevant agency official will calculate and 
issue allowances to a single corporate or common owner. The number of 
consumption allowances allocated to each eligible entity for 2022-2023 
is calculated as follows:
    (1) Take the average of the three highest annual exchange value-
weighted consumption amounts chosen at the corporate or common 
ownership level for eligible entities reporting to the agency for each 
calendar year 2011 through 2019;
    (2) Sum the ``average high year'' values determined in step 1 of 
all eligible entities and determine each entity's percentage of that 
total;
    (3) Determine the amount of general pool consumption allowances by 
subtracting the quantity of application-specific allowances for that 
year as determined in accordance with Sec.  84.13 and the set-aside in 
Sec.  84.15 from the consumption cap Sec.  84.7(b)(3);
    (4) Determine individual entity consumption allowance quantities by 
multiplying each entity's percentage determined in step 2 by the amount 
of general pool allowances determined in step 3.

[[Page 55204]]

    (b)(1) EPA will allocate calendar year consumption allowances to 
individual entities by October 1 of the calendar year prior to the year 
in which the allowances may be used based on the exchange value-
weighted quantities calculated in paragraph (a)(4) of this section.
    (2) EPA will provide public notice of the list of companies 
receiving consumption allowances as well as how they will be allocated 
by that date.
    (c)(1) In addition to the procedure in paragraph (a) of this 
section, the relevant agency official will allocate calendar year 
consumption allowances to entities that qualified for allowances under 
Sec.  84.15.
    (2) If there are remaining consumption allowances after 
distribution from the set-aside under Sec.  84.15, the relevant agency 
official will distribute such allowances on a pro rata basis to the 
entities in paragraph (a) of this section by March 31 of the calendar 
year.


Sec.  84.13  Allocation of application-specific allowances.

    (a) Application-specific allowances are available to entities for 
calendar years 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 that use a regulated 
substance in the following applications:
    (1) As a propellant in metered dose inhalers;
    (2) In the manufacture of defense sprays;
    (3) In the manufacture of structural composite preformed 
polyurethane foam for marine use and trailer use;
    (4) In the etching of semiconductor material or wafers and the 
cleaning of chemical vapor deposition chambers within the semiconductor 
manufacturing sector;
    (5) For mission-critical military end uses; and
    (6) For on board aerospace fire suppression.
    (b) Entities identified in paragraph (a) of this section must 
request application-specific allowances by July 31 of the calendar year 
prior to the year in which the allowances may be used starting with the 
calendar year 2023 allocation. The application must include the 
information required in Sec.  84.31(h)(2) except for applications for 
mission-critical military end uses, which must include the information 
required in Sec.  84.31(h)(3).
    (1) Entities must provide additional information if requesting that 
EPA consider unique circumstances that are not reflected by the rates 
of growth calculated in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. The relevant 
agency official will consider the following situations as unique 
circumstances:
    (i) Demonstrated manufacturing capacity coming on line;
    (ii) The acquisition of another domestic manufacturer or its 
manufacturing facility or facilities; or
    (iii) A global pandemic or other public health emergency that 
increases patients diagnosed with medical conditions treated by metered 
dose inhalers.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (c) The relevant agency official will determine the quantity of 
application-specific allowances to issue to each company by:
    (1) Taking the higher of the use of regulated substances by the 
company in the specific application in the prior year multiplied by:
    (i) The average growth rate of use for the company over the past 
three years; or
    (ii) The average growth rate of use by all companies requesting 
allowances for that specific application over the past three years; and
    (2) Accounting for any additional information provided regarding 
unique circumstances described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section; and
    (3) Subtracting out any general pool allowances allocated to the 
company for that calendar year.
    (d)(1) EPA will allocate application-specific allowances by October 
1 of the calendar year prior to the year in which the allowances may be 
used. The relevant agency official will issue, through a separate 
notification, application-specific allowances to eligible entities 
consistent with paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section.
    (2) EPA will provide public notice by that date of the list of 
entities receiving application-specific allowances, the quantity of 
allowances for each entity, and the specific application(s) for which 
the allowances may be used.
    (e) Entities that use regulated substances in one of the six 
applications listed in paragraph (a) of this section and were not 
issued allowances as of October 1, 2021, may request allowances under 
the procedure in Sec.  84.15. Such entities must meet the criteria for 
eligibility in this section and are subject to the requirements of this 
section and Sec.  84.31(h).
    (f) EPA will publish a list of entities allocated application-
specific allowances, the application for which they may use regulated 
substances, and the quantity of allowances allocated.
    (g) Application-specific allowances may be expended for either the 
import or production of a regulated substance.
    (h) Entities allocated application-specific allowances may confer 
application-specific allowances to a producer, importer, or other 
supplier without being subject to the offset required of transfers of 
allowances to be determined. The recipient of a conferred application-
specific allowance may continue to confer the allowance until it is 
expended for production or import. When conferring application-specific 
allowances, the conferring party must provide a statement certifying 
that the regulated substances produced or imported with the conferred 
allowances will only be used for the application-specific use 
associated with the allowance(s). The producer(s), importer(s), and/or 
supplier(s) receiving application-specific allowances must certify to 
the conferring party that they will not sell regulated substances 
produced or imported with application-specific allowances for any 
application or use other than the application-specific use associated 
with the allowance(s).


Sec.  84.15  Set-aside of application-specific allowances, production 
allowances, and consumption allowances.

    (a) Total allowances available under this section to be allocated 
for calendar years 2022 and 2023 are:
    (1) Up to 7.5 million metric tons of exchange value equivalent 
consumption allowances annually for calendar years 2022 and 2023.
    (2) Up to 2.5 million metric tons of exchange value equivalent 
production allowances for calendar years 2022 and 2023.
    (b)(1) Consumption and production allowances in paragraph (a) of 
this section are available in the form of application-specific 
allowances to entities that qualify for application-specific allowances 
under Sec.  84.13 that were not issued allowances as of October 1, 
2021.
    (2) Entities must provide the relevant Agency official with the 
information contained in Sec.  84.13 by November 30, 2021 to be 
eligible for consideration.
    (c) Consumption allowances in paragraph (a) of this section are 
available to either:
    (1) Persons who imported regulated substances in 2020 that were not 
required to report under 40 CFR part 98 and were not issued allowances 
as of October 1, 2021; or
    (2) Persons who are newly importing regulated substances, do not 
share corporate or common ownership, corporate affiliation in the past 
five years, or familial relations with entities receiving allowances 
through this rule.
    (d)(1) Persons who meet the criteria listed in paragraph (c)(1) of 
this section must provide the relevant Agency

[[Page 55205]]

official with the following information by November 30, 2021, to be 
eligible for consideration:
    (i) Name and address of the company, the complete ownership of the 
company (with percentages of ownership), and contact information for a 
designated representative at the company;
    (ii) The following information on an annual basis for all years 
between 2011 and 2020 where the person imported regulated substances:
    (A) The total quantity (in kilograms) imported of each regulated 
substance each year, including each shipment, dates of and port of 
entry for each import, and country from which the imported regulated 
substances were imported;
    (B) The Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes and CAS numbers for the 
regulated substances or blends imported;
    (C) The quantity (in kilograms) of regulated substances imported 
for use in processes resulting in their transformation or destruction; 
and
    (D) The quantity (in kilograms) of regulated substances sold or 
transferred during that year to each person for use in processes 
resulting in their transformation or destruction.
    (iii) The following information on an annual basis for all years 
between 2011 and 2020 where the person exported regulated substances:
    (A) The names and addresses of the exporter and the recipient of 
the exports;
    (B) The exporter's Employer Identification Number;
    (C) The quantity of each specific regulated substance exported, 
including the quantity of regulated substance that is used, reclaimed, 
or recycled;
    (D) The date on which, and the port from which, the regulated 
substances were exported from the United States or its territories;
    (E) The country to which the regulated substances were exported; 
and
    (F) The Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes and CAS numbers for the 
regulated substances shipped.
    (2) Persons who meet the criteria listed in paragraph (c)(2) of 
this section must provide the relevant Agency official with the 
following information by November 30, 2021, to be eligible for 
consideration:
    (i) Name and address of the company, the complete ownership of the 
company (with percentages of ownership), and contact information for a 
designated representative at the company;
    (ii) Whether the company is a woman- or minority-owned business;
    (iii) Contact information for the owner of the company;
    (iv) The date of incorporation and State in which the company is 
incorporated;
    (v) State license identifier;
    (vi) A plan for importing regulated substances;
    (vii) A prospective foreign exporter that the applicant anticipates 
working with;
    (viii) A certification that the business owner understands the 
regulatory requirements of this part and will make best efforts to 
comply with the regulatory requirements; and
    (ix) A certification that the information submitted is complete, 
accurate, and truthful.
    (e) The relevant Agency official will allocate calendar-year 2022 
and 2023 allowances in paragraph (a) of this section no later than 
March 31, 2022, in the following manner:
    (1) First, persons who meet the criteria listed in paragraph (b) of 
this section are allocated application-specific allowances (subtracted 
from both the production and consumption portions of the set-aside 
pool) for 2022 equal to the estimated need, based on projected, 
current, and historical trends, and subject to the same conditions for 
such allowances in Sec.  84.13;
    (2) Second, persons who meet the criteria listed in paragraph 
(c)(1) of this section are allocated allowances for 2022 by calculating 
their ``average high year'' based on the formula in Sec.  84.11(a)(1) 
and then applying the same reduction percentage between the values 
calculated in Sec.  84.11(a)(1) and (4) for all general pool allowance 
holders.
    (3) Third, persons who meet the criteria listed in paragraph (c)(2) 
of this section are allocated up to 0.2 million metric tons exchange 
value equivalent in allowances for 2022 and 2023.
    (4) If the eligible requests received total an amount of allowances 
that exceeds the remaining quantity of allowances in the set-aside 
pool, after subtracting allowances issued under paragraphs (b)(1) and 
(c)(1) of this section, the amount provided to each person who meets 
the criteria listed in paragraph (c)(2) of this section that has 
applied to the set-aside pool will be allocated an amount of allowances 
that is reduced on a pro rata basis. If any allowances remain after the 
steps outlined in paragraphs (b)(1) and (c)(1) and (2) of this section, 
those allowances will be distributed to the persons who meet the 
criteria listed in Sec. Sec.  84.9 and 84.11 on a pro rata basis.
    (f) EPA is placing restrictions on allowances allocated under this 
section.
    (1) Allowances allocated to persons under paragraph (e)(3) of this 
section, due to their eligibility of meeting the criteria in paragraph 
(c)(2) of this section, may not be transferred to another entity.
    (2) Allowances issued under this section are not available to 
companies that are a subsidiary of, have any common ownership stake 
with, had corporate affiliation in the past five years with, or have a 
familial relationship with another allowance holder.
    (g) EPA will provide public notice by March 31, 2022, of the list 
of entities receiving allowances under this paragraph, the quantity of 
allowances for each entity, and the specific application(s) for which 
the allowances may be used, where applicable.


Sec. Sec.  84.17-84.29   [Reserved]


Sec.  84.31  Recordkeeping and reporting.

    (a) through (g) [Reserved]
    (h) Holders of application-specific allowances. (1) [Reserved]
    (2) New Requests. Persons requesting application-specific 
allowances for the first time must submit to EPA the following 
information:
    (i) A description of the use of regulated substances and a detailed 
explanation of how the use is an application-specific use listed in 
Sec.  84.13(a);
    (ii) Total quantity (in kilograms) of all regulated substances 
acquired for application-specific use in the previous three years, 
including a copy of the sales records, invoices, or other records 
documenting that quantity;
    (iii) The name of the entity or entities supplying regulated 
substances for application-specific use and contact information for 
those suppliers;
    (iv) The quantities (in kilograms) of regulated substances held in 
inventory for application-specific use as of June 30 of the prior year 
and June 30 in the current year;
    (v) A description of plans to transition to regulated substances 
with a lower exchange value or alternatives to regulated substances;
    (vi) If a company is requesting additional allowances due to one or 
more of the circumstances listed in Sec.  84.13(b)(1), the report must 
include a projection of the monthly quantity of additional regulated 
substances needed by month in the next calendar year and a detailed 
explanation, including relevant supporting documentation to justify the 
additional need; and
    (vii) If a company is contracting out the manufacturing of defense 
sprays or metered dose inhalers, or contracting out the servicing of 
onboard aerospace fire suppression, the name, address, and email 
address for a representative of the

[[Page 55206]]

person doing the manufacturing or servicing, and clarification on 
whether the responses in paragraph (h)(2) of this section apply to the 
company that is requesting application-specific allowances or the 
company receiving the contract for manufacturing and/or servicing using 
application-specific allowances.
    (3) Report for Application-specific Allowances for Mission-critical 
Military End Use. The Department of Defense must provide a report to 
EPA biannually by July 31 (covering prior activity from January 1 
through June 30) and January 31 (covering prior activity from July 1 
through December 31) of each year contains the following information:
    (i) The quantity (in kilograms) of each regulated substance 
acquired for application-specific use by conferring application-
specific allowances;
    (ii) The quantity of inventory on June 30 of each regulated 
substance for application-specific use held by the Department of 
Defense or held under contract by another company for use by the 
Department of Defense;
    (iii) The quantity of each regulated substance requested for 
mission-critical military end uses in the next calendar year;
    (iv) The broad sectors of use covered by current mission-critical 
military end uses in the next calendar year; and
    (v) A description of plans to transition application-specific 
use(s) to regulated substances with a lower exchange value or 
alternatives to regulated substances, including not-in-kind 
substitutes.


Sec. Sec.  84.33-84.35   [Reserved]

Subpart B--[Reserved]

Appendix A to Part 84--[Reserved]

0
4. Add Sec.  84.1 to read as follows:


Sec.  84.1   Purpose and scope.

    (a) The purpose of the regulations in this subpart is to implement 
certain provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 
2020 (AIM Act), enacted as part of Public Law 116-260. In particular, 
the AIM Act imposes limits on the production and consumption of certain 
regulated substances, according to a specified schedule, which are 
addressed by this subpart. (b) This subpart applies to any person that 
produces, transforms, destroys, imports, exports, sells or distributes, 
offers for sale or distribution, recycles for fire suppression, or 
reclaims a regulated substance and to end users in the six applications 
listed in subsection (e)(4)(B)(iv) of the AIM Act.

0
5. Amend Sec.  84.3 by:
0
a. Revising and republishing the definitions of ``Application-specific 
allowance'', ``Consumption allowances'', ``Exchange value'', 
``Individual shipment'', and ``Non-objection notice'';
0
b. Revising the first sentence of the introductory text to the 
definition of ``Production/Produce''; and
0
c. Revising and republishing the definitions of ``Production 
allowances'' and ``Regulated substance''.
    The revisions and republications read as follows:


Sec.  84.3  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Application-specific allowance means a limited authorization 
granted in accordance with subsection (e)(4)(B)(iv) of the AIM Act for 
the production or import of a regulated substance for use in the 
specifically identified applications that are listed in that subsection 
and in accordance with the restrictions contained at Sec.  84.5(c). An 
application-specific allowance does not constitute a property right.
* * * * *
    Consumption allowances means a limited authorization to produce and 
import regulated substances; however, consumption allowances may be 
used to produce regulated substances only in conjunction with 
production allowances. A person's consumption allowances are the total 
of the allowances obtained under Sec.  84.11 or Sec.  84.15 as may be 
modified under Sec. Sec.  84.17 (availability of additional consumption 
allowances), 84.19 (transfer of allowances), and 84.35 (administrative 
consequences).
* * * * *
    Exchange value means the value assigned to a regulated substance in 
accordance with AIM Act subsections (c) and (e), as applicable, and as 
provided in appendix A to this part.
* * * * *
    Individual shipment means the kilograms of a regulated substance 
for which a person may make one (1) U.S. Customs entry, as identified 
in the non-objection notice obtained from the relevant Agency official 
in accordance with Sec.  84.25.
* * * * *
    Non-objection notice means the limited authorization granted by the 
relevant Agency official to import a specific individual shipment of a 
regulated substance in accordance with Sec.  84.25.
* * * * *
    Production/Produce means the manufacture of a regulated substance 
from a raw material or feedstock chemical (but not including the 
destruction of a regulated substance by a technology approved by the 
Administrator as provided in Sec.  84.29). * * *
* * * * *
    Production allowances means the limited authorization to produce 
regulated substances; however, production allowances may be used to 
produce regulated substances only in conjunction with consumption 
allowances. A person's production allowances are the total of the 
allowances obtained under Sec.  84.9 or Sec.  84.15 as may be modified 
under Sec. Sec.  84.19 (transfer of allowances) and 84.35 
(administrative consequences).
* * * * *
    Regulated substance means a hydrofluorocarbon listed in the table 
contained in subsection (c)(1) of the AIM Act and a substance included 
as a regulated substance by the Administrator under the authority 
granted in subsection (c)(3). A current list of regulated substances 
can be found in appendix A to this part.
* * * * *

0
6. Add Sec.  84.5 to read as follows:


Sec.  84.5  Prohibitions relating to regulated substances.

    (a) Production. (1) As of January 1, 2022, no person may produce 
regulated substances, intentionally or unintentionally, in excess of 
the quantity of unexpended production allowances and consumption 
allowances or unexpended application-specific allowances held by that 
person under the authority of this subpart at that time in that control 
period. Every kilogram of production in excess of allowances expended 
constitutes a separate violation of this subpart. The required amount 
of allowances that must be expended will be calculated to the tenth 
with a minimum expenditure of 0.1 allowances for any production of 
regulated substances.
    (2) As of January 1, 2022, no person may expend production 
allowances to produce a quantity of regulated substances unless that 
person expends an equal quantity of consumption allowances at the same 
time.
    (3) A person is not required to expend production, consumption, or 
application-specific allowances to produce regulated substances if the 
regulated substances are destroyed using a technology approved by the 
Administrator for destruction under Sec.  84.29 within 30 days of 
generating the regulated substance if the destruction technology is 
located at the facility where production occurred or 120 days

[[Page 55207]]

of generating the regulated substance if the destruction technology is 
not located at the facility where production occurred.
    (4) No person may expend production or consumption allowances for 
generation of HFC-23 that is emitted at the same facility as where it 
is produced. Consistent with this prohibition, prior to the emissions 
standard compliance date established in Sec.  84.27, neither production 
nor consumption allowances are required for HFC-23 emitted at the same 
facility as where it is produced.
    (b) Import. This paragraph applies starting January 1, 2022.
    (1) No person may import bulk regulated substances, except:
    (i) By expending, at the time of the import, consumption or 
application-specific allowances in a quantity equal to the exchange-
value weighted equivalent of the regulated substances imported, with 
the required amount of allowances calculated to the tenth, but a 
minimum expenditure of 0.1 allowances is required for any import of 
regulated substances;
    (ii) After receipt of a non-objection notice for substances for use 
in a process resulting in their transformation or their destruction in 
accordance with Sec.  84.25(a);
    (iii) After receipt of a non-objection notice for used regulated 
substances imported for destruction in accordance with Sec.  84.25(b); 
or
    (iv) As a transhipment in accordance with Sec.  84.31(c)(3) if all 
transhipped regulated substance is exported from the United States 
within six months of its import.
    (2) Each person meeting the definition of importer for a particular 
regulated substance import transaction is jointly and severally liable 
for a violation of paragraph (b)(1) of this section, unless they can 
demonstrate that another party who meets the definition of an importer 
met one of the exceptions set forth in paragraph (b)(1).
    (3) Imports authorized under paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section 
may not be in containers designed to hold 100 pounds or less of a 
regulated substance.
    (4) A person issued a non-objection notice for the import of an 
individual shipment of regulated substances under paragraph (b)(1)(ii) 
or (iii) of this section may not transfer or confer the right to 
import.
    (5) No person may introduce into U.S. commerce any regulated 
substance claimed as a transhipment.
    (6) Every kilogram of bulk regulated substances imported contrary 
to this paragraph (b) constitutes a separate violation of this subpart. 
Import of less than one kilogram of bulk regulated substance contrary 
to this paragraph (b) constitutes a separate violation of this subpart.
    (c) Application-specific uses. (1) As of January 1, 2022, no person 
may confer application-specific allowances for the production or import 
of a regulated substance in excess of the amount of unexpended 
application-specific allowances held by that person under the authority 
of this subpart at that time in that control period. No person may 
expend an application-specific allowance for regulated substances to be 
used in any application other than the one identified by the 
application-specific allowance expended. Every kilogram of production 
or import in excess of the application-specific allowances expended by 
the producer or importer constitutes a separate violation of this 
subpart. Production or import of less than one kilogram of regulated 
substance in excess of the application-specific allowances expended by 
the producer or importer constitutes a separate violation of this 
subpart.
    (2) No person may use a regulated substance produced or imported by 
expending application-specific allowances for any purpose other than 
those for which the application-specific allowance was allocated, and 
as set forth in this paragraph (c). Application-specific allowances are 
apportioned to a person under Sec. Sec.  84.13 and 84.15 for the 
production or import of regulated substances solely for the individual 
application listed on the allowance, which may include:
    (i) A propellant in metered dose inhalers;
    (ii) Defense sprays;
    (iii) Structural composite preformed polyurethane foam for marine 
use and trailer use;
    (iv) The etching of semiconductor material or wafers and the 
cleaning of chemical vapor deposition chambers within the semiconductor 
manufacturing sector;
    (v) Mission-critical military end uses, such as armored vehicle 
engine and shipboard fire suppression systems and systems used in 
deployable and expeditionary applications; and
    (vi) On board aerospace fire suppression.
    (3) This provision applies starting January 1, 2022.
    (i) No person may acquire application-specific allowances unless 
for use in the same application as associated with the application-
specific allowance. No person may transfer or confer application-
specific allowances unless for use in the same application as 
associated with the application-specific allowance.
    (ii) No person may acquire or sell regulated substances produced or 
imported using application-specific allowances for use in anything 
other than the application for which it was originally allocated. Every 
kilogram of a regulated substance imported or exported in contravention 
of this paragraph constitutes a separate violation of this subpart. 
Import or export of less than one kilogram of regulated substance in 
contravention of this paragraph constitutes a separate violation of 
this subpart.
    (d) Calendar-year allowances. All production, consumption, and 
application-specific allowances are valid only for the calendar year 
for which they are allocated (i.e., January 1 through December 31). No 
person may expend, transfer, or confer a production, consumption, or 
application-specific allowance after December 31 of the year for which 
it was issued.
    (e) International transfers. This paragraph applies starting 
January 1, 2022. (1) No person subject to the requirements of this 
subpart may transfer a production allowance to a person in a foreign 
country unless that country has established the same or similar 
requirements or otherwise undertaken commitments regarding the 
production and consumption of regulated substances as are contained in 
the AIM Act, as determined by the relevant agency official.
    (2) No person may transfer production allowances to or from a 
person in a foreign country without satisfying the requirements in 
Sec.  84.19. Every production allowance transferred in contravention of 
this paragraph constitutes a separate violation of this subpart.
    (f) Sale and distribution. No person may sell or distribute, or 
offer for sale or distribution, any regulated substance that was 
produced or imported in violation of paragraphs (a) through (d) of this 
section, except for such actions needed to re-export the regulated 
substance. Every kilogram of a regulated substance sold or distributed, 
or offered for sale or distribution, in contravention of this paragraph 
constitutes a separate violation of this subpart. Sale or distribution, 
or offer for sale or distribution, of less than one kilogram of 
regulated substance in contravention of this paragraph constitutes a 
separate violation of this subpart.
    (g) False information. No person may provide false, inaccurate, or 
misleading information to the EPA when petitioning, reporting, or for 
any

[[Page 55208]]

communication required under this subpart.
    (h) Disposable cylinders. (1) As of July 1, 2025, no person may 
import or domestically fill a regulated substance in a non-refillable 
cylinder.
    (2) As of January 1, 2027, no person may sell or distribute, or 
offer for sale or distribution regulated substances contained in a non-
refillable cylinder.
    (3) Small cans containing less than two pounds of regulated 
substances that have a self-sealing valve that meets the requirements 
in 40 CFR 82.154(c)(2) are not subject to this restriction.
    (i) Labeling. (1) As of January 1, 2022, no person may sell or 
distribute, offer for sale or distribution, or import containers 
containing a regulated substance that lacks a label or other permanent 
markings stating the common name(s), chemical name(s), or ASHRAE 
designation of the regulated substance(s) or blend contained within, 
and the percentages of the regulated substances if a blend.
    (2) No person other than the importer may repackage regulated 
substances that were initially unlabeled or mislabeled. In order to 
repackage the regulated substances, the importer must either:
    (i) Expend consumption allowances equal to the amount of allowances 
that would be required if each cylinder were full of HFC-23; or
    (ii) Verify the contents with independent laboratory testing 
results and affix a correct label on the container that matches the 
lab-verified test results before the date of importation (consistent 
with the definition at 19 CFR 101.1) of the container.
    (3)(i) No person producing, importing, reclaiming, recycling for 
fire suppression, or repackaging regulated substances may sell or 
distribute, or offer for sale or distribution, regulated substances 
without first testing a representative sample of the regulated 
substances that they are producing, importing, reclaiming, recycling 
for fire suppression, or repackaging to verify that the composition of 
the regulated substance(s) matches the container labeling. For 
regulated substances sold or distributed or offered for sale and 
distribution as refrigerants, sampling must be done consistent with 
appendix A to 40 CFR part 82, subpart F--Specifications for 
Refrigerants.
    (ii) No person may sell or distribute, or offer for sale or 
distribution, regulated substances as a refrigerant that do not meet 
the specifications in appendix A to 40 CFR part 82, subpart F--
Specifications for Refrigerants.
    (j) Relationship to other laws. Section (k) of the AIM Act states 
that sections 113, 114, 304, and 307 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 
7413, 7414, 7604, 7607) shall apply to this section and any rule, 
rulemaking, or regulation promulgated by the Administrator pursuant to 
this section as though this section were expressly included in title VI 
of that Act (42 U.S.C. 7671 et seq.). Violation of this part is subject 
to Federal enforcement and the penalties laid out in section 113 of the 
Clean Air Act.


Sec.  84.13   [Amended]

0
7. In Sec.  84.13, in the first sentence in paragraph (h), remove the 
text ``to be determined'' and add in its place the text ``in Sec.  
84.19''.

0
8. Add Sec. Sec.  84.17, 84.19, 84.21, 84.23, 84.25, 84.27, and 84.29 
to read as follows:
* * * * *
Sec.
84.17 Availability of additional consumption allowances.
84.19 Transfers of allowances.
84.21 Sale or conveyance of regulated substances produced or 
imported with application-specific allowances.
84.23 Certification identification generation and tracking.
84.25 Required processes to import regulated substances as 
feedstocks or for destruction.
84.27 Controlling emissions of HFC-23.
84.29 Destruction of regulated substances.
* * * * *


Sec.  84.17   Availability of additional consumption allowances.

    A person may obtain at any time during the year, in accordance with 
the provisions of this section, consumption allowances equivalent to 
the quantity of regulated substances that the person exported from the 
United States and its territories to a foreign country in accordance 
with this section.
    (a) The exporter must submit to the relevant Agency official a 
request for consumption allowances setting forth the following:
    (1) The identities and addresses of the exporter and the recipient 
of the exports;
    (2) The exporter's Employer Identification Number;
    (3) The names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of contact 
persons for the exporter and the recipient;
    (4) The quantity (in kilograms) and name of the regulated 
substances exported;
    (5) The source of the regulated substances and the date purchased;
    (6) The date on which, and the port from which, the regulated 
substances were exported from the United States or its territories;
    (7) The country to which the regulated substances were exported;
    (8) A copy of the bill of lading and the invoice indicating the net 
quantity (in kilograms) of regulated substances shipped and documenting 
the sale of the regulated substances to the purchaser; and
    (9) The Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes of the regulated 
substances exported.
    (b) The relevant Agency official will review the information and 
documentation submitted under paragraph (a) of this section and will 
issue a notice to the requestor within 15 working days.
    (1) The relevant Agency official will determine the quantity of 
regulated substances that the documentation verifies was exported and 
issue consumption allowances equivalent to the quantity of regulated 
substances that were exported.
    (i) The grant of the consumption allowances will be effective on 
the date the notice is issued.
    (ii) The consumption allowances will be granted to the person the 
exporter indicates, whether it is the producer, the importer, or the 
exporter.
    (iii) The consumption allowances will be valid until December 31 of 
the same calendar year in which the regulated substances were exported.
    (2) The relevant Agency official will issue a notice that the 
consumption allowances are not granted if the official determines that 
the information and documentation do not satisfactorily substantiate 
the exporter's claims.


 Sec.  84.19  Transfers of allowances.

    (a) Inter-company transfers. As of January 1, 2022, a person 
(``transferor'') may transfer to any other person (``transferee'') any 
quantity of the transferor's production allowances, consumption 
allowances, or application-specific allowances for use by the same type 
of application, as long as the following conditions are met:
    (1) An offset equal to five percent of the amount of allowances 
transferred will be deducted from the transferor's production allowance 
balance if a transfer is made of production allowances, or deducted 
from the transferor's consumption allowance balance if a transfer is 
made of consumption allowances. In the case of transferring 
application-specific allowances, one percent of the amount of 
allowances transferred will be deducted from the transferor's 
application-specific allowance balance.
    (2) The transferor must submit to the relevant Agency official a 
transfer claim setting forth the following:
    (i) The identities and addresses of the transferor and the 
transferee;

[[Page 55209]]

    (ii) The names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of contact 
persons for the transferor and the transferee;
    (iii) The type of allowances being transferred, including the 
specific application (if applicable), for which allowances are to be 
transferred;
    (iv) The quantity (in MTEVe) of allowances being transferred;
    (v) The total cost of the allowances transferred;
    (vi) The amount of unexpended allowances of the type and for the 
year being transferred that the transferor holds under authority of 
this subpart as of the date the claim is submitted to EPA;
    (vii) The quantity of the offset to be deducted from the 
transferor's allowance balance; and
    (viii) For transfers of application-specific allowances, a signed 
document from the transferee certifying that the transferee will use 
the application-specific allowances only for the same application for 
which the application-specific allowance was allocated.
    (3) The relevant Agency official will determine whether the records 
maintained by EPA indicate that the transferor possesses unexpended 
allowances sufficient to cover the transfer claim as of the date the 
transfer claim is processed. The transfer claim is the quantity in EVe 
to be transferred plus the quantity of the offset. The relevant Agency 
official will take into account any previous transfers, any production, 
and allowable imports and exports of regulated substances reported by 
the transferor. Within three working days of receiving a complete 
transfer claim, the relevant Agency official will take action to notify 
the transferor and transferee as follows:
    (i) The relevant Agency official will issue a non-objection notice 
to both the transferor and transferee indicating if EPA's records show 
that the transferor has sufficient unexpended allowances to cover the 
transfer claim. In the case of transfers of production allowances or 
consumption allowances, the relevant agency official will reduce the 
transferor's balance of unexpended allowances by the quantity to be 
transferred plus five percent of that quantity. In the case of 
transfers of application-specific allowances the relevant agency 
official will reduce the transferor's balance of unexpended allowances 
by the quantity to be transferred plus one percent of that quantity. 
The transferor and the transferee may proceed with the transfer when 
the relevant agency official issues a non-objection notice. However, if 
EPA ultimately finds that the transferor did not have sufficient 
unexpended allowances to cover the claim, the transferor and transferee 
will be liable for any violations of the regulations of this subpart 
that occur as a result of, or in conjunction with, the improper 
transfer.
    (ii) The relevant Agency official will issue an objection notice 
disallowing the transfer if EPA's records show that the transferor has 
insufficient unexpended allowances to cover the transfer claim, that 
the transferor has failed to respond to one or more Agency requests to 
supply information needed to make a determination, or that the 
transferor or transferee has been notified of an impending 
administrative consequence and therefore is disallowed from 
transferring allowances in accordance with Sec.  84.35. Either 
transferor or transferee may file a notice of appeal, with supporting 
reasons, with the relevant Agency official within 10 working days after 
receipt of the objection notice. The official may affirm or vacate the 
disallowance. If no appeal is filed electronically by the tenth working 
day after notification, the disallowance shall be final on that day.
    (4) The transferer and transferee must maintain a copy of the 
transfer claim and a copy of EPA's non-objection or objection notice 
for five years.
    (b) International transfers of production allowances--(1) Requests. 
A person may request to increase or decrease their production 
allowances for a specified control period through transfers of such 
allowances with a person in a foreign country if the applicable 
conditions in this paragraph are met. Once transferred, all allowances 
transferred consistent with this paragraph will function as a 
production allowance, as defined in Sec.  84.3.
    (i) Timing of requests. Any request for an increase or decrease in 
production allowances based on an international transfer under this 
paragraph must be submitted by October 1 of the year prior to the 
calendar year in which the transferred allowances would be usable.
    (ii) Timing of the transfer. International transfers under this 
paragraph will be deemed to occur, and the transferred allowances will 
be usable, as of January 1 of the calendar year to which the transfer 
applies.
    (2) Transfer from a person in a foreign country--information 
requirements. (i) A person requesting to change their production 
allowances based on a transfer from a person in a foreign country must 
submit to the relevant Agency official at the time the international 
transfer is requested a signed document from an official representative 
in that country's embassy in the United States stating that the 
appropriate authority within that country has revised the domestic 
production limits for that country equal to the lowest of the following 
three production quantities and identifying which of the following 
three production quantities was lowest:
    (A) The maximum production level permitted in Sec.  84.7(b) in the 
year of the international transfer minus the quantity of production 
allowances (in exchange value-weighted kilograms) to be transferred;
    (B) The maximum production level for the applicable regulated 
substances that are allowed under applicable law (including the foreign 
country's applicable domestic law) minus the quantity of production 
allowances (in exchange value-weighted kilograms) to be transferred; or
    (C) The average of the foreign country's actual national production 
level of the applicable regulated substances for the three calendar 
years prior to the year of the transfer minus the quantity of 
production allowances (in exchange value-weighted kilograms) to be 
transferred.
    (ii) A person requesting a revision based on a transfer from a 
foreign country (``transferee'') must also submit to the relevant 
Agency official a true copy of the document that sets forth the 
following:
    (A) The identity and address of the transferee;
    (B) The foreign country authorizing the transfer;
    (C) The names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of contact 
persons for the transferee and for the person in the foreign country;
    (D) The name of the chemical and quantity (in kilograms) of 
production being transferred;
    (E) Documentation that the foreign country possesses the necessary 
quantity of unexpended production rights;
    (F) The calendar year to which the transfer applies; and
    (G) A signed statement from a responsible official describing 
whether the increased production is intended for export or the market 
in the United States.
    (3) Transfer to a person in a foreign country--Information 
requirements. A person requesting a transfer to a person in a foreign 
country must submit a request to the relevant Agency official that sets 
forth the following information:
    (i) The identity and address of the person seeking to transfer the 
allowances (``transferor'');
    (ii) The foreign country authorizing the transfer;

[[Page 55210]]

    (iii) The names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of contact 
persons for the transferor and for the person in the foreign country;
    (iv) The name of the chemical and quantity (in kilograms) of 
allowable production being transferred; and
    (v) The calendar year to which the transfer applies;
    (vi) A signed statement from a responsible official requesting that 
the relevant Agency official revise the number of production allowances 
the transferor holds such that the aggregate national production in the 
United States is equal to the lowest of the following three production 
quantities and identifying which of the following three production 
quantities was lowest:
    (A) The maximum production level permitted in Sec.  84.7(b) in the 
year of the international transfer minus the quantity of production 
allowances (in exchange value-weighted kilograms) to be transferred;
    (B) The maximum production for the applicable regulated substances 
that are allowed under applicable law minus the quantity of production 
allowances (in exchange value-weighted kilograms) to be transferred; or
    (C) The average of the United States' actual national production 
level of the applicable regulated substances for the three calendar 
years prior to the year of the transfer minus the quantity of 
production allowances (in exchange value-weighted kilograms) to be 
transferred.
    (4) Review of international transfer request to a foreign country. 
After receiving a transfer request that meets the requirements of 
paragraph (b)(3) of this section, the relevant Agency official may, at 
his/her discretion, consider the following factors in deciding whether 
to approve such a transfer:
    (i) Possible economic hardships created by a transfer;
    (ii) Potential effects on trade;
    (iii) Potential environmental implications; and
    (iv) The total quantity of unexpended production allowances held by 
entities in the United States.
    (5) Notice of transfer. The relevant Agency official will review 
the submitted requests to determine whether the foreign country in 
which the person is located has enacted or otherwise established the 
same or similar requirements or otherwise undertaken commitments 
regarding the production and consumption of regulated substances as are 
contained in the AIM Act, within a reasonable time frame of the date of 
its enactment. If it is determined that these conditions are not met, 
the relevant Agency official will notify the requestor in writing that 
no transfers to or from the country can occur. If these conditions are 
satisfied such that transfers to or from the country can occur, the 
relevant Agency official will consider if the request meets the 
applicable requirements of paragraph (b) of this section. If the 
request meets the requirements of paragraph (b)(2) of this section for 
transfers from foreign countries and paragraph (b)(3) of this section 
for transfers to foreign countries, and if the relevant Agency official 
has not decided to disapprove the request based on consideration of 
factors listed in paragraph (b)(4) of this section if applicable, the 
relevant Agency official will notify the person in writing that the 
appropriate production allowances were either granted or deducted and 
specify the control period to which the transfer applies. Notifications 
of production allowances granted or deducted will be provided before 
January 1 of the calendar year to which the transfer applies.
    (i) For transfers from a foreign country, such notification will 
reflect a revision of the balance of allowances held by the recipient 
of the transfer to equal the unexpended production allowances held by 
the recipient of the transfer plus the quantity of allowable production 
transferred from the foreign country minus an offset of five percent of 
the quantity transferred. The relevant Agency official will not adjust 
available allowances until the foreign country's representative has 
confirmed the appropriate number of allowances were deducted in the 
foreign country.
    (ii) For transfers to a foreign country, such notification will 
reflect a revision of the balance of production allowances for the 
transferor such that the aggregate national production of the regulated 
substance to be transferred is equal to the value the relevant Agency 
official determines to be the lowest of:
    (A) The maximum production level permitted in Sec.  84.7(b) in the 
year of the international transfer minus the quantity of production 
allowances transferred and minus an offset of five percent of the 
quantity transferred; or
    (B) The maximum production level for the applicable regulated 
substances that is allowed under applicable law (in exchange-value 
weighted kilograms) minus the quantity of production allowances 
transferred and minus an offset of five percent of the quantity 
transferred; or
    (C) The average of the actual annual U.S. production of the 
applicable regulated substances for the three years prior to the date 
of the transfer (in exchange-value weighted kilograms minus the 
quantity of production allowances transferred and minus an offset of 
five percent of the quantity transferred).
    (6) Revised production limit for previous transferors. If the 
average actual U.S. production during the three most recent calendar 
years before the date of the transfer is less than the total allowable 
U.S. production for the applicable regulated substances permitted in 
Sec.  84.7(b) for a calendar year for which international transfers are 
approved to occur, the aggregate allowed national U.S. production of 
those substances will be reduced by an additional amount beyond a 
simple deduction of the number of allowances reflected in the 
notifications under paragraph (b)(5)(ii)(B) of this section. In these 
circumstances, the relevant Agency official will revise the production 
limit for each transferor who obtained approval of a transfer of the 
applicable regulated substances to a foreign country in the same 
calendar year and notify each transferor of the revision in writing. 
The amount of the revision will equal the result of the following set 
of calculations:
    (i) The total U.S. allowable production of the applicable regulated 
substances minus the average of the actual annual U.S. production of 
those substances during the three most recent calendar years prior to 
the calendar year of the transfer.
    (ii) The quantity of production allowances for the applicable 
regulated substances transferred by the transferor in that calendar 
year divided by the total quantity of production allowances for those 
substances approved for transfer to a person in a foreign country by 
all the persons approved to make such transfers in that calendar year.
    (iii) The result of paragraph (b)(6)(i) of this section multiplied 
by the result of paragraph (b)(6)(ii) of this section.
    (iv) The unexpended production allowances held by the person minus 
the result of paragraph (b)(6)(iii) of this section.
    (7) Effective date of revised production limits. If a revision is 
issued under paragraph (b)(6) of this section, the change in production 
allowances will be effective on the date that the notification is 
issued.


Sec.  84.21  Sale or conveyance of regulated substances produced or 
imported with application-specific allowances.

    (a) Sale or conveyance of regulated substances produced or imported 
using application-specific allowances. (1) As of January 1, 2022, any 
person receiving an application-specific allowance (application-
specific seller) may sell or

[[Page 55211]]

convey regulated substances produced or imported by expending that 
allowance to another person within the same application (application-
specific purchaser) provided that the relevant Agency official approves 
the sale or conveyance.
    (2) The application-specific seller must submit a claim to the 
relevant Agency official for approval before the sale or conveyance can 
take place. The claim must set forth the following:
    (i) The identities and addresses of the application-specific seller 
and the application-specific purchaser;
    (ii) The name, telephone numbers, and email addresses of contact 
persons for the application-specific seller and the application-
specific purchaser;
    (iii) The amount of each regulated substance being sold or 
conveyed;
    (iv) The cost of the regulated substance being sold or conveyed;
    (v) The application for which allowances were allocated and the 
specific products that the application-specific purchaser plans to 
produce with the regulated substances; and
    (vi) Certification that the regulated substances will be used only 
for the same application for which the application-specific allowance 
under which the substances were produced or imported was allocated.
    (3) The application-specific purchaser must submit a letter to the 
relevant Agency official stating that it concurs with the terms of the 
sale or conveyance as requested by the application-specific seller.
    (4) Once the claim is complete, and if EPA does not object to the 
sale or conveyance, the relevant agency official will issue letters to 
the application-specific seller and the application-specific purchaser 
within 10 business days indicating that the transaction may proceed. 
EPA reserves the right to disallow a transaction if the claim is 
incomplete, or if it has reason to believe that the application-
specific purchaser plans use the regulated substance in anything other 
than the stated application. If EPA objects to the transaction, the 
relevant agency official will issue letters to the application-specific 
seller and the application-specific purchaser stating the basis for 
disallowing the transaction.
    (5) The burden of proof is placed on the application-specific 
purchaser to retain sufficient records to prove that the sold or 
conveyed regulated substances are used only for the stated application.
    (b) [Reserved].


Sec.  84.23  Certification identification generation and tracking.

    (a) Scope and applicability. Certification identifications may only 
be generated by a person that produces, imports, reclaims, recycles for 
fire suppression use, repackages, or blends regulated substance for 
distribution or sale in bulk and reports to EPA consistent with 
paragraph (d) of this section. All containers of bulk regulated 
substance, with the limited exceptions described in paragraph (b)(4) of 
this section, must be associated with certification identifications on 
the following schedule:
    (1) As of January 1, 2025, all containers of bulk regulated 
substances imported and all containers sold or distributed by producers 
and importers must have a QR code.
    (2) As of January 1, 2026, all containers of bulk regulated 
substances filled and all containers sold or distributed by all other 
repackagers and cylinder fillers in the United States not included in 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section, including reclaimers and fire 
suppressant recyclers must have a QR code.
    (3) As of January 1, 2027, every container of bulk regulated 
substances sold or distributed, offered for sale or distribution, 
purchased or received, or attempted to be purchased or received must 
have a QR code.
    (b) Prohibitions. Every kilogram of bulk regulated substances 
imported, sold or distributed, offered for sale or distribution, 
purchased or received, or attempted to be purchased or received in 
violation of this section is a separate violation of this subpart. 
Import, sale or distribution, offer for sale or distribution, purchase 
or receipt, or attempt to purchase or receive less than one kilogram of 
regulated substances in violation of this section is a separate 
violation of this subpart.
    (1) No person may import, sell or distribute, or offer for sale or 
distribution, and no person may purchase or receive, or attempt to 
purchase or receive, a bulk regulated substance unless the container 
has a valid certification identification.
    (2) No person may import, sell or distribute, or offer for sale or 
distribution, bulk regulated substances unless that person is 
registered with EPA consistent with paragraph (d) of this section.
    (3) No person may purchase or receive, or attempt to purchase or 
receive, bulk regulated substances from a person that is not registered 
with EPA consistent with paragraph (d) of this section;
    (4) The following situations are exempt from the prohibitions in 
paragraphs (b)(1) through (3) of this section:
    (i) The regulated substances are part of a transhipment and the 
person transhipping the regulated substance has reported to EPA 
consistent with Sec.  84.31(c)(3);
    (ii) The regulated substances were previously used, have been 
recovered from a piece of equipment, and are intended for reclamation 
or fire suppressant recycling and:
    (A) The person selling or distributing the regulated substances 
certifies in writing to the person purchasing or receiving the 
regulated substances that they were recovered from a piece of equipment 
and provides the date of recovery; and
    (B) The person purchasing or receiving the regulated substances is 
an EPA-certified reclaimer, a registered fire suppressant recycler 
consistent with paragraph (d) of this section, or a registered supplier 
of regulated substances consistent with paragraph (d).
    (iii) The regulated substances were imported consistent with the 
petition process described in Sec.  84.25;
    (iv) The regulated substances were collected for destruction and 
sent to a destruction facility directly or through an aggregator that 
is reporting to EPA consistent with Sec.  84.31(c)(5); or
    (v) The regulated substances were recovered from a motor vehicle 
air conditioner (MVAC) or MVAC-like appliance in accordance with 40 CFR 
part 82, subpart B and are sold or distributed or offered for sale or 
distribution by the same person who recovered the regulated substances 
for use only in MVAC equipment or MVAC-like appliances.
    (5) No producer or importer may request certification 
identifications that would exceed their currently available allowances.
    (6) A person who reclaims regulated substances or recycles 
regulated substances for fire suppression uses may request 
certification identifications at a level equal to their reported 
reclamation or recycling for the prior year plus an amount based on the 
average annual growth in total U.S. reclamation of regulated substances 
in the prior three years or 10 percent, whichever is higher. If further 
certification identifications are needed, the reclaimer or recycler 
must notify EPA 45 days in advance of exceeding their allowed level and 
request approval to generate additional certification identifications. 
The request must estimate the additional certification identifications 
needed for

[[Page 55212]]

the next six months and provide an explanation for the increased level 
of reclamation or recycling. The relevant agency official will review 
the request and adjust the amount of certification identifications for 
the person as appropriate within 21 days. Additional requests can be 
submitted throughout the year as needed.
    (7) No regulated substance repackager or blender may request 
certificate identifications unless they have allowances. They may 
generate QR codes based on the certification identifications associated 
with the containers they acquire.
    (c) Required Practices. The following practices are required, 
unless the person purchasing or receiving the bulk regulated substance 
is listed in paragraph (b)(4) of this section:
    (1) Any person producing, importing, reclaiming, recycling for fire 
suppression uses, repackaging, selling or distributing, or offering to 
sell or distribute bulk regulated substances must register with EPA 
consistent with paragraph (d) of this section.
    (2) Any person who imports, sells or distributes, or offers for 
sale or distribution a container of regulated substance, reclaimed 
regulated substance, or recycled regulated substances for fire 
suppression uses must permanently affix a QR code to the container that 
documents a valid certification identification using the standards 
defined by EPA prior to the import, sale or distribution, or offer for 
sale or distribution of the container. For the purposes of this 
subpart, examples of when a container of regulated substance or 
reclaimed regulated substance is imported, sold or distributed, or 
offered for sale or distribution include the date of importation 
(consistent with 19 CFR 101.1) and departure from a production, 
reclamation, fire suppressant recycling, repackaging or filling 
facility.
    (3) At the time of sale or distribution or offer for sale or 
distribution, a person selling or distributing or offering for sale or 
distribution a container of regulated substance must ensure there is a 
valid and legible certification identification on each container of 
regulated substance, scan the certification identification system to 
identify a transaction, identify the person receiving the regulated 
substance, and indicate whether the person receiving the regulated 
substance is a supplier or final customer.
    (4) At the time of sale or distribution, a person taking ownership 
of a container of regulated substance that is a registered supplier 
must ensure there is a valid and legible certification identification 
on each container of regulated substance and scan the certification 
identification in the certification identification system to identify a 
transaction.
    (d) Recordkeeping and Reporting--(1) Importers. Any person 
importing a container of bulk regulated substance must enter the 
following information in the certification identification system to 
generate a QR code and associated certification identification for each 
container of regulated substance imported: the name or brand the 
regulated substance is being sold and/or marketed under, the date it 
was imported, the unique serial number associated with the container, 
the amount and name of the regulated substance(s) in the container, the 
name, address, contact person, email address, and phone number of the 
responsible party at the facility where the container of regulated 
substance(s) was filled, and certification that the contents of the 
cylinder match the substance(s) identified on the label.
    (2) Reclaimers. Any person filling a container with a reclaimed 
regulated substance must enter the following information in the 
certification identification system to generate a QR code and 
associated certification identification for each container of regulated 
substance sold or distributed or offered for sale or distribution: the 
name or brand the regulated substance is being sold and/or marketed 
under, when the regulated substance was reclaimed and by whom, the date 
the reclaimed regulated substance was put into a container, the unique 
serial number associated with the container, the amount and name of the 
regulated substance(s) in the container, and certification that the 
purity of the batch was confirmed to meet the specifications in 
appendix A to 40 CFR part 82, subpart F. If a container is filled with 
reclaimed and virgin regulated substance(s), the reclaimer must provide 
the amount of virgin regulated substance included in the container and 
the certification identification(s) associated with that regulated 
substance.
    (3) Fire suppressant recyclers. Any person filling a container with 
a recycled regulated substance for fire suppression purposes must enter 
the following information in the certification identification system to 
generate a QR code and associated certification identification for each 
container of regulated substance sold or distributed or offered for 
sale or distribution: the name or brand the regulated substance is 
being sold and/or marketed under, the date the container was filled and 
by whom, the unique serial number associated with the container, and 
the amount and name of the regulated substance(s) in the container. If 
a container is filled with recycled and virgin regulated substance(s), 
the recycler must provide the amount of virgin regulated substance 
included in the container and the certification identification(s) 
associated with that regulated substance.
    (4) Producers and repackagers. Anyone who is filling a container, 
whether for the first time after production or when transferring 
regulated substances from one container to one or more smaller or 
larger containers, must enter information in the certification 
identification system and generate a QR code for the container(s) of 
packaged regulated substances sold or distributed or offered for sale 
or distribution: the name or brand the regulated substance is being 
sold and/or marketed under, the date the container was filled and by 
whom, the certification identification(s) associated with the regulated 
substance being packaged, the unique serial number associated with the 
container, the amount and name of the regulated substance(s) in the 
container, the quantity of containers it was packaged in, the size of 
the containers, and the name, address, contact person, email address, 
and phone number of the responsible party at the facility where the 
container(s) were filled.
    (5) Receiving recovered regulated substances. Any person receiving 
recovered regulated substances for purposes of reclamation or fire 
suppressant recycling must keep a copy of the written certification 
required under paragraph (b)(4)(ii) of this section for five years.
    (6) Certification identification generators registration. Any 
person who produces, imports, reclaims, recycles for fire suppression 
uses, repackages or fills a container of regulated substances, 
reclaimed regulated substances, or recycled regulated substances for 
fire suppression uses must register with EPA in the certification 
identification system at least six months before the date they are 
subject to the requirement in paragraph (a) of this section. The report 
must contain the name and address of the company, contact information 
for the owner of the company, the date(s) of and State(s) in which the 
company is incorporated and State license identifier(s), the address of 
each facility that sells or distributes or offers for sale or 
distribution regulated substances, how the company introduces bulk 
regulated substances

[[Page 55213]]

into U.S. commerce, and the categories of final customers the entity 
sells or distributes regulated substances to. If any of the 
registration information changes, these reports must be updated and 
resubmitted within 60 days of the change.
    (7) Supplier registration. Any person who sells, distributes, or 
offers for sale or distribution, bulk regulated substances must 
register with EPA in the certification identification system at least 
six months before the date they are subject to the requirement in 
paragraph (a) of this section. The report must contain the name and 
address of the company, contact information for the owner of the 
company, the date(s) of and State(s) in which the company is 
incorporated and State license identifier(s), the address of each 
facility that sells or distributes regulated substances, and the 
categories of final customers the supplier sells or distributes 
regulated substances to. If any of the registration information 
changes, these reports must be updated and resubmitted within 60 days 
of the change.


Sec.  84.25  Required processes to import regulated substances as 
feedstocks or for destruction.

    (a)(1) Petition to import regulated substances for use in a process 
resulting in transformation or destruction. A person must petition the 
relevant Agency official for the import of each individual shipment of 
a regulated substance imported for use in a process resulting in 
transformation or destruction in order to not expend allowances. A 
petition is required at least 30 days before the shipment is to arrive 
at a U.S. port, and must contain the following information:
    (i) Name, Harmonized Tariff Schedule code, and quantity in 
kilograms of each regulated substance to be imported;
    (ii) Name and address of the importer, the importer ID number, and 
the contact person's name, email address, and phone number;
    (iii) Name and address of the consignee and the contact person's 
name, email address, and phone number;
    (iv) Source country;
    (v) The U.S. port of entry for the import, the expected date of 
import, and the vessel transporting the material. If at the time of 
submitting the petition the importer does not know this information, 
and the importer receives a non-objection notice for the individual 
shipment in the petition, the importer is required to notify the 
relevant Agency official of this information prior to the date of 
importation of the individual shipment into the United States;
    (vi) Name and address of any intermediary, including a contact 
person's name, email address and phone number, who will hold the 
material before the regulated substances are transformed or destroyed;
    (vii) Name, address, contact person, email address, and phone 
number of the responsible party at the facility where the regulated 
substance will be used in a process resulting in the substance's 
transformation or destruction;
    (viii) An English translation, if needed, of the export license, 
application for an export license, or official communication 
acknowledging the export from the appropriate government agency in the 
country of export;
    (ix) The capacity of the container; and
    (x) The unique identification number of the container used to 
transport the regulated substances as part of the petition.
    (2) Review of petition to import for use in a process resulting in 
transformation or destruction. (i) The relevant Agency official will 
initiate a review of the information submitted under paragraph (a)(1) 
of this section and take action within 21 days to issue either an 
objection notice or a non-objection notice for the individual shipment 
to the person who submitted the petition.
    (ii) The relevant Agency official may issue an objection notice to 
a petition for the following reasons:
    (A) If the relevant Agency official determines that the information 
is insufficient; that is, if the petition lacks or appears to lack any 
of the information required under paragraph (a)(1) of this section or 
other information that may be requested during the review of the 
petition necessary to verify that the regulated substance is for use in 
a process resulting in transformation or destruction;
    (B) If the relevant Agency official determines that any portion of 
the petition contains false, inaccurate, or misleading information, or 
the official has information from other U.S. or foreign government 
agencies indicating that the petition contains false, inaccurate, or 
misleading information.
    (iii) Within 10 working days after receipt of an objection notice 
with the basis being ``insufficient information,'' the importer may re-
petition the relevant Agency official. If no re-petition is taken by 
the tenth working day after the date on the objection notice, the 
objection shall become final. Only one re-petition will be accepted for 
any petition received by EPA.
    (iv) Any information contained in the re-petition which is 
inconsistent with the original petition must be identified and a 
description of the reason for the inconsistency must accompany the re-
petition.
    (v) In cases where the relevant Agency official does not object to 
the petition, the official will issue a non-objection notice.
    (vi) If, following EPA's issuance of a non-objection notice, new 
information is brought to EPA's attention which shows that the non-
objection notice was issued based on false, inaccurate, or misleading 
information, then EPA has the right to:
    (A) Revoke and void the non-objection notice from the approval 
date;
    (B) Pursue all means to ensure that the regulated substance is not 
imported into the United States; and
    (C) Take appropriate enforcement and apply administrative 
consequences.
    (3) Timing. (i) An individual shipment authorized through a non-
objection notice must be used in the process resulting in its 
transformation within one year of import.
    (ii) An individual shipment authorized through a non-objection 
notice must be used in the process resulting in its destruction within 
120 days of import.
    (4)  Quantity. An individual shipment authorized through a non-
objection notice may not exceed the quantity (in MTEVe) of the 
regulated substance stated in the non-objection notice.
    (b)(1) Petition to import used regulated substances for disposal by 
destruction. A person must petition the relevant Agency official for 
the import of each individual shipment of a used regulated substance 
imported for purposes of destruction in order to not expend allowances. 
A petition is required at least 30 working days before the shipment is 
to leave the foreign port of export, and contain the following 
information:
    (i) Name, Harmonized Tariff Schedule code, and quantity in 
kilograms of each regulated substance to be imported;
    (ii) Name and address of the importer, the importer ID number, and 
the contact person's name, email address, and phone number;
    (iii) Name and address of the consignee and the contact person's 
name, email address, and phone number;
    (iv) Name and address of any intermediary who will hold regulated 
substances imported for destruction, and the contact person's name, 
email address, and phone number;
    (v) Source country;

[[Page 55214]]

    (vi) An English translation, if needed, of the export license (or 
application for an export license) from the appropriate government 
agency in the country of export;
    (vii) The U.S. port of entry for the import, the expected date of 
import, and the vessel transporting the material. If at the time of 
submitting the petition the importer does not know this information, 
and the importer receives a non-objection notice for the individual 
shipment in the petition, the importer is required to notify the 
relevant Agency official of this information prior to the entry of the 
individual shipment into the United States; and
    (viii) Name, address, contact person, email address, and phone 
number of the responsible party at the destruction facility.
    (2) Review of petition to import for destruction. (i) The relevant 
Agency official will initiate a review of the information submitted 
under paragraph (b)(1) of this section and take action within 30 
working days to issue either an objection notice or a non-objection 
notice for the individual shipment to the person who submitted the 
petition.
    (ii) The relevant Agency official may issue an objection notice to 
a petition for the following reasons:
    (A) If the relevant Agency official determines that the information 
is insufficient; that is, if the petition lacks or appears to lack any 
of the information required under paragraph (b)(1) of this section or 
other information that may be requested during the review of the 
petition necessary to verify that the regulated substance is used;
    (B) If the relevant Agency official determines that any portion of 
the petition contains false, inaccurate, or misleading information, or 
the relevant Agency official has information from other U.S. or foreign 
government agencies indicating that the petition contains false, 
inaccurate, or misleading information;
    (C) If allowing the import of the used regulated substance would 
run counter to government restrictions from either the country of 
recovery or export regarding regulated substances;
    (D) If destruction capacity is installed or is being installed for 
that specific regulated substance in the country of recovery or country 
of export and the capacity is funded in full or in part through the 
Multilateral Fund to the Montreal Protocol.
    (iii) Within 10 working days after receipt of an objection notice 
with the basis being ``insufficient information,'' the importer may re-
petition the relevant Agency official. If no re-petition is taken by 
the tenth working day after the date on the objection notice, the 
objection shall become final. Only one re-petition will be accepted for 
any petition received by EPA.
    (iv) Any information contained in the re-petition that is 
inconsistent with the original petition must be identified and a 
description of the reason for the inconsistency must accompany the re-
petition.
    (v) In cases where the relevant Agency official does not object to 
the petition, the official will issue a non-objection notice.
    (vi) If, following EPA's issuance of a non-objection notice, new 
information is brought to EPA's attention which shows that the non-
objection notice was issued based on false, inaccurate, or misleading 
information, then EPA and the relevant Agency official has the right 
to:
    (A) Revoke and void the non-objection notice from the approval 
date;
    (B) Pursue all means to ensure that the regulated substance is not 
imported into the United States; and
    (C) Take appropriate enforcement and apply administrative 
consequences.
    (3) Timing. An individual shipment authorized through a non-
objection notice must be destroyed within 120 days of import.
    (4)  Quantity. An individual shipment authorized through a non-
objection notice may not exceed the quantity (in MTEVe) of the 
regulated substance stated in the non-objection notice.
    (5) Proof of destruction. For each individual shipment of a used 
regulated substance imported with the intent to destroy that substance 
for which EPA issues a non-objection notice, an importer must submit to 
the Administrator records indicating that the substance has been 
destroyed with their quarterly reports in Sec.  84.31(c)(1).
    (6) Recordkeeping. The person receiving the non-objection notice 
from the relevant Agency official for a petition to import used 
regulated substances must maintain the following records for five 
years:
    (i) A copy of the petition;
    (ii) The EPA non-objection notice;
    (iii) The bill of lading for the import;
    (iv) The U.S. Customs entry number; and
    (v) Records demonstrating that the substance has been destroyed in 
accordance with approved technologies in Sec.  84.29.


Sec.  84.27  Controlling emissions of HFC-23.

    (a) No later than October 1, 2022, as compared to the amount of 
chemical intentionally produced on a facility line, no more than 0.1 
percent of HFC-23 created on the line may be emitted.
    (1) Requests for extension. The producer may submit a request to 
the relevant Agency official to request a six-month extension, with a 
possibility of one additional six-month extension, to meet the 0.1 
percent HCFC-23 limit. No entity may have a compliance date later than 
October 1, 2023.
    (2) Timing of request. The extension request must be submitted to 
EPA no later than August 1, 2022, for a first-time extension or 
February 1, 2023, for a second extension.
    (3) Content of request. The extension request must contain the 
following information:
    (i) Name of the facility submitting the request, contact 
information for a person at the facility, and the address of the 
facility.
    (ii) A description of the specific actions the facility has taken 
to improve their HFC-23 control, capture, and destruction; the 
facility's plans to meet the 0.1 percent HFC-23 limit including the 
expected date by which the equipment will be installed and operating; 
and verification that the facility has met all applicable reporting 
requirements.
    (4) Review of request. Starting on the first working day following 
receipt by the relevant Agency official of a complete request for 
extension, the relevant Agency official will initiate review of the 
information submitted under paragraph (a)(3) of this section and take 
action within 30 working days. Any grant of a compliance deferral by 
the relevant Agency official will be made public.
    (b) Captured HFC-23 is permitted to be destroyed at a different 
facility than where it is produced. In such instances, HFC-23 emissions 
during the transportation to and destruction at the different facility 
will be incorporated into calculations of whether the producer meets 
the 0.1 percent standard outlined in paragraph (a) of this section.


Sec.  84.29   Destruction of regulated substances.

    (a) The following technologies are approved by the Administrator 
for destruction of all regulated substances except for HFC-23:
    (1) Cement kiln;
    (2) Gaseous/fume oxidation;
    (3) Liquid injection incineration;
    (4) Porous thermal reactor;
    (5) Reactor cracking;
    (6) Rotary kiln incineration;
    (7) Argon plasma arc;
    (8) Nitrogen plasma arc;
    (9) Portable plasma arc;
    (10) Chemical reaction with hydrogen and carbon dioxide;
    (11) Gas phase catalytic de-halogenation; and

[[Page 55215]]

    (12) Superheated steam reactor.
    (b) The following technologies are approved by the Administrator 
for destruction of HFC-23:
    (1) Gaseous/fume oxidation;
    (2) Liquid injection incineration;
    (3) Reactor cracking;
    (4) Rotary kiln incineration;
    (5) Argon plasma arc;
    (6) Nitrogen plasma arc;
    (7) Chemical reaction with hydrogen and carbon dioxide; and
    (8) Superheated steam reactor.

0
9. Amend Sec.  84.31 by adding paragraphs (a) through (g), (h)(1) and 
(4) through (7), and (i) through (k) to read as follows:


Sec.  84.31   Recordkeeping and reporting.

    (a) Recordkeeping and reporting. Any person who produces, imports, 
exports, transforms, uses as a process agent, destroys, reclaims, or 
repackages regulated substances or is receiving application-specific 
allowances in the six applications listed in subsection (e)(4)(B)(iv) 
of the AIM Act must comply with the following recordkeeping and 
reporting requirements:
    (1) Reports required by this section must be submitted within 45 
days of the end of the applicable reporting period, unless otherwise 
specified.
    (2) Reports, petitions, and any related supporting documents must 
be submitted electronically in a format specified by EPA.
    (3) Records and copies of reports required by this section must be 
retained for five years.
    (4) Quantities of regulated substances must be stated in terms of 
kilograms unless otherwise specified.
    (5) Reports are no longer required if an entity notifies the 
Administrator that they have permanently ceased production, import, 
export, destruction, transformation, use as a process agent, 
reclamation, or packaging of regulated substances, but the entity must 
continue to comply with all applicable recordkeeping requirements.
    (b) Producers. Persons (``producers'') who produce regulated 
substances must comply with the following recordkeeping and reporting 
requirements:
    (1) One-time report. Within 120 days of January 1, 2022, or within 
120 days of the date that a producer first produces a regulated 
substance, whichever is later, every producer must submit to the 
Administrator a report describing:
    (i) The method by which the producer in practice measures daily 
quantities of regulated substances produced;
    (ii) Conversion factors by which the daily records as currently 
maintained can be converted into kilograms of regulated substances 
produced, including any constants or assumptions used in making those 
calculations (e.g., tank specifications, ambient temperature or 
pressure, density of the regulated substance);
    (iii) Internal accounting procedures for determining plant-wide 
production;
    (iv) The quantity of any fugitive losses accounted for in the 
production figures;
    (v) A list of any coproducts, byproducts, or emissions from the 
production line that are other regulated substances; ozone-depleting 
substances listed in 40 CFR part 82, subpart A; or hazardous air 
pollutants initially identified in section 112 of the Clean Air Act, 
and as revised through rulemaking and codified in 40 CFR part 63;
    (vi) The estimated percent efficiency of the production process for 
the regulated substance; and
    (vii) A description of any processes that use a regulated substance 
as a process agent. Within 60 days of any change in the measurement 
procedures or the information specified in the above report, the 
producer must submit a report specifying the changes to the relevant 
Agency official.
    (2) Reporting--producers. Within 45 days after the end of each 
quarter, each producer of a regulated substance must provide to the 
relevant Agency official a report containing the following information 
for each facility:
    (i) The quantity (in kilograms) of production of each regulated 
substance used in processes resulting in their transformation by the 
producer and the quantity (in kilograms) intended for transformation by 
a second party;
    (ii) The quantity (in kilograms) of production of each regulated 
substance used in processes resulting in their destruction by the 
producer and the quantity (in kilograms) intended for destruction by a 
second party;
    (iii) The quantity (in kilograms) of production of each regulated 
substance used as a process agent by the producer and the quantity (in 
kilograms) intended for use as a process agent by a second party;
    (iv) The quantity (in exchange value equivalents) of allowances 
expended for each regulated substance and the quantity (in kilograms) 
of each regulated substance produced;
    (v) The quantity (in kilograms) of regulated substances sold or 
transferred during the quarter to a person other than the producer for 
use in processes resulting in their transformation, destruction, or use 
as a process agent;
    (vi) The quantity (in kilograms) of regulated substances produced 
by the producer that were exported by the producer or by other U.S. 
companies to a foreign country that will be transformed or destroyed 
and therefore were produced without expending production or consumption 
allowances;
    (vii) For transformation in the United States or by a person in a 
foreign country, one copy of a transformation verification from the 
transformer for the specific regulated substance(s) and a list of 
additional quantities shipped to that same transformer for the quarter;
    (viii) For destruction in the United States or by a person in a 
foreign country of a regulated substance that was produced without 
allowances, one copy of a destruction verification for each particular 
destroyer confirming it destroyed the same regulated substance, and a 
list of additional quantities shipped to that same destroyer for the 
quarter;
    (ix) A list of the entities conferring application-specific 
allowances from whom orders were placed, and the quantity (in 
kilograms) of specific regulated substances produced for those listed 
applications; and
    (x) For the fourth quarter report only, the quantity of each 
regulated substance held in inventory on December 31.
    (3) Recordkeeping--producers. Every producer of a regulated 
substance must maintain the following records:
    (i) Dated records of the quantity (in kilograms) of each regulated 
substance produced at each facility;
    (ii) Dated records of the quantity (in kilograms) of regulated 
substances produced for use in processes that result in their 
transformation, destruction, or as a process agent;
    (iii) Dated records of the quantity (in kilograms) of regulated 
substances sold for use in processes that result in their 
transformation, destruction, or as a process agent;
    (iv) Dated records of the quantity (in kilograms) of regulated 
substances produced by expending conferred application-specific 
allowances and quantity sold for use in each listed application;
    (v) Copies of invoices or receipts documenting sale of regulated 
substances for use in processes that result in their transformation, 
destruction, or as a process agent;
    (vi) Dated records of the quantity (in kilograms) of each regulated 
substance used at each facility as feedstocks or destroyed in the 
manufacture of a regulated substance or in the manufacture of any other 
substance, and any regulated substance introduced into the production 
process of the same regulated substance at each facility;

[[Page 55216]]

    (vii) Dated records of the quantity (in kilograms) of each 
regulated substance used at each facility as a process agent;
    (viii) Dated records identifying the quantity (in kilograms) of 
each coproduct and byproduct chemical not a regulated substance 
produced within each facility also producing one or more regulated 
substances;
    (ix) Dated records of the quantity (in kilograms) of raw materials 
and feedstock chemicals used at each facility for the production of 
regulated substances;
    (x) Dated records of the shipments of each regulated substance 
produced at each plant;
    (xi) Dated records of batch tests of regulated substances packaged 
for sale or distribution;
    (xii) The quantity (in kilograms) of regulated substances, the date 
received, and names and addresses of the source of used materials 
containing regulated substances which are recycled or reclaimed at each 
plant;
    (xiii) Records of the date, the regulated substance, and the 
estimated quantity of any spill or release of a regulated substance 
that equals or exceeds 100 pounds;
    (xiv) The transformation verification in the case of 
transformation, or the destruction verification in the case of 
destruction, showing that the purchaser or recipient of a regulated 
substance, in the United States or in another foreign country, 
certifies the intent to either transform or destroy the regulated 
substance, or sell the regulated substance for transformation or 
destruction in cases when allowances were not expended; and
    (xv) The certifications from application-specific allowance holders 
stating that the regulated substances were purchased solely for an 
application listed in Sec.  84.5(c)(2) and will not be resold for use 
in a different application or used in any other manufacturing process.
    (4) Additional Requirements: producers of HFC-23. (i) Each producer 
of HFC-23 must include the following additional information in their 
one-time report in paragraph (b)(1) of this section:
    (A) Information on the capacity to produce the intended chemical on 
the line on which HFC-23 is produced;
    (B) A description of actions taken at the facility to control the 
generation of HFC-23 and its emissions;
    (C) Identification of approved destruction technology and its 
location intended for use for HFC-23 destruction;
    (D) A copy of the destruction removal efficiency report associated 
with the destruction technology; and
    (E) Within 60 days of any change in the information specified in 
the above report, the producer must submit a report specifying the 
changes to the relevant Agency official.
    (ii) Each producer of HFC-23 must include the following additional 
information in their fourth quarter report:
    (A) Annual facility-level data on HFC-23 (in metric tons) on 
amounts: Emitted; generated; generated and captured for any purpose; 
generated and captured for consumptive use; generated and captured for 
feedstock use in the United States; generated and captured for 
destruction; used for feedstock without prior capture; and destroyed 
without prior capture.
    (B) [Reserved]
    (iii) If captured HFC-23 is destroyed in a subsequent control 
period, producers must submit records to EPA indicating the HFC-23 has 
been destroyed in their next quarterly report.
    (iv) In developing any required report, each producer of HFC-23 
must abide by the following monitoring and quality assurance and 
control provisions:
    (A) To calculate the quantities of HFC-23 generated and captured 
for any use, generated and captured for destruction, used for feedstock 
without prior capture, and destroyed without prior capture, facilities 
shall comply with the monitoring methods and quality assurance and 
control requirements set forth at 40 CFR 98.414 and the calculation 
methods set forth at 40 CFR 98.413, except 40 CFR 98.414(p) shall not 
apply.
    (B) To calculate the quantity of HFC-23 emitted, facilities shall 
comply with the monitoring methods and quality assurance and control 
requirements set forth at 40 CFR 98.124 and the calculation methods set 
forth at 40 CFR 98.123.
    (5) Agency assumption--For any person who fails to maintain the 
records required by this paragraph, or to submit the reports required 
by this paragraph, EPA may assume that the person has produced at full 
capacity during the period for which records were not kept.
    (c) Importers. Persons (``importers'') who import regulated 
substances must comply with the following recordkeeping and reporting 
requirements:
    (1) Reporting--importers. Within 45 days after the end of each 
quarter, an importer of a regulated substance must submit to the 
relevant Agency official a report containing the following information:
    (i) Summaries of the records required in paragraph (c)(2) of this 
section for the previous quarter;
    (ii) The total quantity (in kilograms) imported of each regulated 
substance for that quarter;
    (iii) The Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes for the regulated 
substances or blends imported;
    (iv) A list of the application-specific allowance holders from whom 
orders were placed, number of application-specific allowances 
conferred, and the quantity (in kilograms) of specific regulated 
substances imported for those listed applications;
    (v) The quantity (in kilograms) of regulated substances imported 
for use in processes resulting in their transformation or destruction;
    (vi) The quantity (in kilograms) of regulated substances sold or 
transferred during that quarter to each person for use in processes 
resulting in their transformation or destruction;
    (vii) The transformation verifications showing that the purchaser 
or recipient of imported regulated substances intends to transform 
those substances or destruction verifications showing that the 
purchaser or recipient intends to destroy the regulated substances;
    (viii) Records required under Sec.  84.25(b)(5) documenting proof 
that material imported for destruction was destroyed; and
    (ix) For the fourth quarter report only, the quantity of each 
regulated substance held in inventory on December 31.
    (2) Recordkeeping--importers. An importer of a regulated substance 
must maintain the following records:
    (i) The quantity (in kilograms) of each regulated substance 
imported, either alone or in mixtures, including the percentage of each 
mixture that consists of a regulated substance;
    (ii) The quantity (in kilograms) of used regulated substances 
imported for destruction under the process described in Sec.  84.25(b);
    (iii) The quantity (in kilograms) of regulated substances imported 
for use in processes resulting in their transformation or destruction;
    (iv) The quantity (in kilograms) of regulated substances imported 
and sold for use in processes that result in their transformation or 
destruction;
    (v) The date on which the regulated substances were imported;
    (vi) The port of entry through which the regulated substances 
passed;
    (vii) The country from which the imported regulated substances were 
imported;
    (viii) The company that produced the imported regulated substances;
    (ix) The Harmonized Tariff Schedule code for the regulated 
substances imported;
    (x) The importer number for the shipment;

[[Page 55217]]

    (xi) A copy of the bill of lading for the import;
    (xii) The invoice for the import;
    (xiii) The U.S. Customs entry number;
    (xiv) Dated records documenting the sale or transfer of regulated 
substances for use in processes resulting in their transformation or 
destruction;
    (xv) Copies of transformation verifications or destruction 
verifications indicating that the regulated substances will be 
transformed or destroyed;
    (xvi) Dated records of the quantity of regulated substances 
imported for an application listed at Sec.  84.5(c)(2);
    (xvii) The certifications from application-specific allowance 
holders stating that the regulated substances were purchased solely for 
an application listed in Sec.  84.5(c)(2) and will not be resold for 
use in a different application or used in any other manufacturing 
process;
    (xviii) Dated records of batch tests of regulated substances 
packaged for sale or distribution; and
    (xix) For any entity subject to an order issued by the Department 
of Commerce that is receiving allowances for 2022 or 2023, 
documentation of cash deposit of and final payment of the antidumping 
and countervailing duty for regulated substances imported.
    (3) Transhipments. (i) A person must notify the relevant Agency 
official of each shipment of a regulated substance that is to be 
transhipped through the United States. The notification is required at 
least 30 working days before the shipment is to leave the foreign port 
of export for importation into the United States as a transhipment, and 
must contain the following information:
    (A) Name, Harmonized Tariff Schedule code, and quantity in 
kilograms of each regulated substance to be transhipped;
    (B) Name and address of the importer, the importer ID number, and 
the contact person's name, email address, and phone number;
    (C) Source country; and
    (D) The U.S. port of entry, the expected date of importation, and 
the vessel transporting the material. If at the time of submitting the 
petition the importer does not know this information, the importer is 
required to notify the relevant Agency official of this information 
prior to the entry of each shipment into the United States.
    (ii) The person in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section must notify 
the relevant Agency official of each shipment of a regulated substance 
that has been transhipped when it is exported from the United States. 
The notification is required at least 10 working days after the 
shipment is exported from the United States, and must contain the 
following information:
    (A) Name, Harmonized Tariff Schedule code, and quantity in 
kilograms of each regulated substance to be transhipped;
    (B) Name and address of the importer, the importer ID number, and 
the contact person's name, email address, and phone number; and
    (C) Date of departure and name of vessel.
    (iii) Any person who tranships a regulated substance must maintain 
records that indicate:
    (A) That the regulated substance shipment originated in a foreign 
country;
    (B) That the regulated substance shipment is destined for another 
foreign country; and
    (C) That the regulated substance shipment will not enter U.S. 
commerce within the United States.
    (4) Additional recordkeeping requirements--importers of used 
regulated substances for destruction. A person receiving a non-
objection notice from the relevant Agency official to import used 
regulated substances for destruction must maintain the following 
records:
    (i) A copy of the petition to import for destruction;
    (ii) The EPA non-objection notice;
    (iii) A copy of the export license, export license application, or 
official communication from the appropriate government agency in the 
country of export;
    (iv) An English translation of the document in paragraph 
(c)(4)(iii) of this section;
    (v) U.S. Customs entry documents for the import that must include 
the Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes;
    (vi) The date, amount, and name of the regulated substances sent 
for destruction, per shipment;
    (vii) An invoice from the destruction facility verifying the 
shipment was received; and
    (viii) Records from the destruction facility indicating that the 
substance has been destroyed.
    (5) Recordkeeping requirements--aggregators. A person aggregating a 
regulated substance prior to destruction, regardless of whether the 
person is an importer, must:
    (i) Maintain transactional records that include the name and 
address of the entity from whom they received the regulated substance 
imported for destruction;
    (ii) Maintain transactional records that include the name and 
address of the entity to whom they sent the regulated substance 
imported for destruction;
    (iii) Maintain records that include the date and quantity of the 
imported regulated substance received for destruction;
    (iv) Maintain records that include the date and quantity of the 
imported regulated substance sent for destruction; and
    (v) If the person is the final aggregator of such a regulated 
substance before the material is destroyed, maintain a copy of records 
indicating that the substance has been destroyed.
    (6) Recordkeeping requirements--vessel owners/operators. A person 
offloading regulated substances recovered from equipment aboard a 
marine vessel, aircraft, or other aerospace vehicle while in a U.S. 
port must maintain records of the company name, vessel name or 
identifier, location of the appliance, date of recovery, person doing 
the recovery, the amount of regulated substances recovered and type of 
refrigerant recovered for each servicing event, and the amount of each 
regulated substance or blend of regulated substances offloaded and the 
date it was offloaded.
    (7) Additional reporting for importers. A person importing a 
regulated substance, or their agent, must include the following no 
later than 14 days before importation via a Customs and Border 
Protection-authorized electronic data interchange system, such as the 
Automated Broker Interface:
    (i) Cargo Description;
    (ii) Quantity;
    (iii) Quantity Unit of Measure Code;
    (iv) Quantity Unit of Measure;
    (v) Weight;
    (vi) Weight Unit of Measure;
    (vii) Port of Entry;
    (viii) Scheduled Entry Date;
    (ix) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code;
    (x) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Description;
    (xi) Origin Country;
    (xii) Importer Name and Importer Number;
    (xiii) Consignee Entity Name;
    (xiv) CAS Number(s) of the regulated substance(s) imported and, for 
regulated substances that are in a mixture, either the ASHRAE numerical 
designation of the refrigerant or the percentage of the mixture 
containing each regulated substance;
    (xv) If importing regulated substances for transformation or 
destruction, a copy of the non-objection notice issued consistent with 
Sec.  84.25; and
    (xvi) If importing regulated substances as a transhipment, a copy 
of the confirmation documenting the importer reported the transhipment 
consistent with paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section.

[[Page 55218]]

    (8) One-time report--payment of antidumping and countervailing 
duties. By November 30, 2021, any entity importing regulated substances 
subject to an antidumping and countervailing duty order issued by the 
Department of Commerce that is receiving allowances for 2022 or 2023 
must provide documentation of cash deposit of and final payment of such 
duties for the regulated substances imported from January 1, 2017, 
through May 19, 2021, or provide evidence that those imports were not 
subject to such duties for those years.
    (d) Exporters. Persons (``exporters'') who export regulated 
substances must comply with the following reporting requirements:
    (1) Reporting requirements--exporters. Within 45 days after the end 
of each quarter, each exporter of a regulated substance must submit to 
the relevant Agency official a report containing the following 
information if such information was not already reported under 
paragraph (b)(2) of this section:
    (i) The names and addresses of the exporter and the recipient of 
the exports;
    (ii) The exporter's Employer Identification Number;
    (iii) The quantity of each specific regulated substance exported, 
including the quantity of regulated substance that is used, reclaimed, 
or recycled;
    (iv) The date on which, and the port from which, the regulated 
substances were exported from the United States or its territories;
    (v) The country to which the regulated substances were exported;
    (vi) The Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes for the regulated 
substances shipped;
    (vii) For persons exporting for transformation or destruction of 
the regulated substance, the invoice or sales agreement containing 
language similar to the transformation verifications that importers 
use, or destruction verifications showing that the purchaser or 
recipient intends to destroy the regulated substances; and
    (viii) For the fourth quarter report only, the quantity of each 
regulated substance held in inventory on December 31.
    (2) Used regulated substances. Any exporter of used regulated 
substances must indicate on the bill of lading or invoice that the 
regulated substance is used.
    (e) Second-party transformation and destruction. Any person who 
transforms or destroys regulated substances produced or imported by 
another person must comply with the following recordkeeping and 
reporting requirements:
    (1) Reporting--second-party transformation and destruction. Any 
person who transforms or destroys regulated substances produced or 
imported by another person must report the following for each facility:
    (i) The names and quantities (in kilograms) of the regulated 
substances transformed for each calendar year within 45 days after the 
end of that year; and
    (ii) The names and quantities (in kilograms) of the regulated 
substances destroyed for each calendar year within 45 days after the 
end of that year.
    (2) Recordkeeping--second-party transformation and destruction. Any 
person who transforms or destroys regulated substances produced or 
imported by another person must maintain the following:
    (i) Copies of the invoices or receipts documenting the sale or 
transfer of the regulated substances to the person;
    (ii) Records identifying the producer or importer of the regulated 
substances received by the person;
    (iii) Dated records of inventories of regulated substances at each 
plant on the first day of each quarter;
    (iv) Dated records of the quantity (in kilograms) of each regulated 
substance transformed or destroyed;
    (v) In the case where regulated substances were purchased or 
transferred for transformation purposes, a copy of the person's 
transformation verification;
    (vi) Dated records of the names, commercial use, and quantities (in 
kilograms) of the resulting chemical(s) when the regulated substances 
are transformed;
    (vii) Dated records of shipments to purchasers of the resulting 
chemical(s) when the regulated substances are transformed; and
    (viii) In the case where regulated substances were purchased or 
transferred for destruction purposes, a copy of the person's 
destruction verification.
    (3) Transformation verifications. Any person who purchases 
regulated substances for purposes of transformation must provide the 
producer or importer of the regulated substances with a transformation 
verification that the regulated substances are to be used in processes 
that result in their transformation. The verification can only be valid 
for one year. The transformation verification shall include the 
following:
    (i) Identity and address of the person intending to transform the 
regulated substances;
    (ii) The quantity (in kilograms) of regulated substances intended 
for transformation;
    (iii) Identity of shipments by purchase order number(s), purchaser 
account number(s), location(s), or other means of identification;
    (iv) Period of time over which the person intends to transform the 
regulated substances; and
    (v) Signature and title of the verifying person.
    (4) Destruction verifications. Any person who purchases or receives 
regulated substances in processes that result in their destruction 
shall provide the producer or importer of the regulated substances with 
a destruction verification that the regulated substances are to be used 
in processes that result in their destruction. The verification can 
only be valid for up to 120 days. The destruction verification shall 
include the following:
    (i) Identity and address of the person intending to destroy 
regulated substances;
    (ii) The quantity (in kilograms) of regulated substances intended 
for destruction;
    (iii) Identity of shipments by purchase order number(s), purchaser 
account number(s), location(s), or other means of identification;
    (iv) The destruction efficiency at which such substances will be 
destroyed;
    (v) Period of time over which the person intends to destroy 
regulated substances; and
    (vi) Signature and title of the verifying person.
    (5) Transformation reporting--one-time report. Within 120 days of 
January 1, 2022, or within 120 days of the date that an entity first 
transforms a regulated substance, whichever is later, any person who 
transforms a regulated substance must provide EPA with a one-time 
report containing the following information:
    (i) A description of the transformation use;
    (ii) A description of all technologies and actions taken to 
minimize emissions of regulated substances;
    (iii) The name of the product manufactured in the process;
    (iv) A list of any coproducts, byproducts, or emissions from the 
line on which the regulated substance is to be transformed that are 
other regulated substances; ozone-depleting substances listed in 40 CFR 
part 82, subpart A; or hazardous air pollutants initially identified in 
section 112 of the Clean Air Act, and as revised through rulemaking and 
codified in 40 CFR part 63;

[[Page 55219]]

    (v) The estimated annual fugitive emissions by chemical associated 
with the transformation process;
    (vi) The anticipated ratio of regulated substance used for 
transformation to the amount of end product manufactured; and
    (vii) A mass balance equation of the transformation reaction.
    (f) All destruction facilities--(1) Destruction--one-time report. 
Within 120 days of January 1, 2022, or within 120 days of the date that 
an entity first destroys a regulated substance, whichever is later, 
every person who destroys regulated substances, whether in a process 
for destruction or for disposal of a used substance, shall provide EPA 
with a report containing the following information:
    (i) The destruction unit's destruction efficiency;
    (ii) The methods used to determine destruction efficiency;
    (iii) The methods used to record the volume destroyed;
    (iv) The name of other relevant federal or state regulations that 
may apply to the destruction process; and
    (v) Any changes to the information in this paragraph must be 
reflected in a revision to be submitted to EPA within 60 days of the 
change(s).
    (2) Proof of destruction. Any person who destroys used regulated 
substances for disposal of that substance, shall provide the importer 
or aggregator with a record indicating the substance was destroyed 
within 30 days of the date of destruction.
    (g) Process agents--(1) Reporting--one-time report. Within 120 days 
of January 1, 2022, or within 120 days of the date that an entity first 
uses a regulated substance as a process agent, whichever is later, any 
person who uses a regulated substance as a process agent must provide 
EPA a one-time report containing the following information:
    (i) A description of the process agent use that includes details of 
the percentages of process agent retained within the process, recovered 
after the process, and emitted or entrained in the final product;
    (ii) A description of all technologies and actions taken to 
minimize emissions of regulated substances;
    (iii) The name of the product and byproducts manufactured in the 
process; and
    (iv) The anticipated ratio of process agent emissions to end 
product manufactured.
    (2) Annual report. Any person who uses a regulated substance as a 
process agent must provide an annual report containing the following 
information:
    (i) Contact information including email address and phone number 
for a primary and alternate contact person;
    (ii) The amount of regulated substance used as a process agent;
    (iii) The amount of product and the amount of byproducts 
manufactured (including amounts eventually destroyed or used as 
feedstock);
    (iv) The stack point source emissions; and
    (v) A description of any regulated substance emission reduction 
actions planned or currently under investigation.
    (h) * * *
    (1) Reporting. Any person allocated application-specific 
allowances, except for persons receiving application-specific 
allowances for mission-critical military end uses, must submit to the 
relevant Agency official a report by July 31 (covering prior activity 
from January 1 through June 30) and January 31 (covering prior activity 
from July 1 through December 31) of each year. The report shall contain 
the following information:
    (i) The quantity (in kilograms) of regulated substances acquired 
through conferring allowances during the previous six months;
    (ii) The quantity (in kilograms) of regulated substances acquired 
through expending allowances and directly imported during the previous 
six months;
    (iii) The quantity (in kilograms) of regulated substances purchased 
for application-specific use without expending application-specific 
allowances during the previous six months (i.e., from the open market);
    (iv) The quantity (in kilograms) of inventory on the last day of 
the previous six-month period of each regulated substance for 
application-specific use held by the reporting company or held under 
contract by another company for the reporting company's use;
    (v) The quantity (in kilograms) of each regulated substance for 
application-specific use that was destroyed or recycled during the 
previous six months;
    (vi) The names and contact information of each company to which 
application-specific allowances were conferred, and the quantity of 
allowances conferred from each company, and the quantity of regulated 
substances received from each company;
    (vii) In the July 31 report only, a description of plans to 
transition application-specific use of regulated substances to 
regulated substances with a lower exchange value or alternatives to 
regulated substances;
    (viii) In the July 31 report only, if a company is requesting 
additional allowances due to one or more of the circumstances listed in 
Sec.  84.13(b)(1), the report must include a projection of the monthly 
quantity of additional regulated substances needed for application-
specific use(s) by month in the next calendar year and a detailed 
explanation, including relevant supporting documentation to justify the 
additional need; and
    (ix) In the July 31 report only, if a company is contracting out 
the manufacturing of defense sprays or metered dose inhalers, or paying 
another person (whether it is in cash, credit, goods, or services) to 
perform the servicing of onboard aerospace fire suppression, the name, 
address, and email address for a representative of the person doing the 
manufacturing or servicing, and clarification on whether the responses 
in paragraph (h)(1) of this section apply to the company that is 
allocated application-specific allowances or the company receiving the 
contract for manufacturing and/or servicing using application-specific 
allowances.
* * * * *
    (4) Conferral of allowances. Entities who confer application-
specific allowances, except for the conferral of allowances for 
mission-critical military end uses, must submit the following 
information about each conferral to the relevant Agency official prior 
to conferring allowances:
    (i) The identities and addresses of the conferrer and the conferee;
    (ii) The names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of contact 
persons for the conferrer and the conferee;
    (iii) The specific application for which application-specific 
allowances are to be conferred;
    (iv) The quantity (in MTEVe) of application-specific allowances 
being conferred;
    (v) The amount of unexpended application-specific allowances of the 
type and for the year being conferred that the conferrer holds under 
authority of this subpart as of the date the claim is submitted to EPA; 
and
    (vi) A certification from the conferrer and the conferee stating 
that the regulated substances being acquired, produced, or imported are 
solely for an application listed in Sec.  84.5(c)(2) and will not be 
resold for use in a different application or used in any other 
manufacturing process.
    (5) Confirmation of conferral. If the conferrer has sufficient 
application-specific allowances for the conferral, the conferral will 
occur and the relevant

[[Page 55220]]

Agency official will issue a confirmation notice to both the conferrer 
and conferee documenting the conferral occurred. The relevant agency 
official will reduce the conferrer's balance of unexpended allowances 
by the quantity conferred. However, if EPA ultimately finds that the 
conferrer did not have sufficient unexpended allowances to cover the 
conferral or that the regulated substances produced or imported with 
conferred allowances are used for anything other than the specific 
application identified in the conferee's submittal and for the 
application those allowances were allocated for, the conferrer and 
conferee will be liable for any violations of the regulations of this 
subpart that occur as a result of, or in conjunction with, the improper 
conferral.
    (6) Recordkeeping. Entities who receive via allocation, transfer, 
or conferral of application-specific allowances, except for mission-
critical military end uses, must maintain the following records for 
five years:
    (i) Records necessary to develop the biannual reports;
    (ii) A copy of certifications provided to entities when conferring 
and transferring allowances for application-specific use;
    (iii) A copy of confirmation notices when conferring allowances for 
application-specific use;
    (iv) A copy of the annual submission requesting application-
specific allowances;
    (v) Invoices and order records related to the purchase of regulated 
substances;
    (vi) Records related to the transfer and conferral of application-
specific allowances to other entities; and
    (vii) Records documenting how regulated substances acquired with 
application-specific allowances were used.
    (7) Recordkeeping--Mission-Critical Military End Uses. The 
Department of Defense must maintain the following records:
    (i) Records necessary to develop the annual report;
    (ii) A copy of certifications provided to entities when conferring 
allowances for application-specific use;
    (iii) Invoices and order records related to the purchase of 
regulated substances;
    (iv) Records documenting the conferral(s) of application-specific 
allowances to other entities up to and including the producer and or 
importer of the chemical;
    (v) Records documenting the transfer of regulated substances to an 
agent or unit of the Department of Defense where the regulated 
substance will be used for mission-critical applications; and
    (vi) Copies of current and historical plans prescribed by the 
Office of the Secretary of Defense documenting internal Department of 
Defense monitoring and review procedures for accuracy.
    (i) Reclaimers. Persons (``reclaimers'') who reclaim regulated 
substances must comply with the following recordkeeping and reporting 
requirements:
    (1) One-time report. By February 14, 2022, any person who reclaims 
a regulated substance must provide a one-time report containing the 
following information:
    (i) The quantity of each regulated substance held in inventory as 
of December 31, 2021, broken out by whether the regulated substance is 
recovered, reclaimed, and virgin;
    (ii) The name of the laboratory that conducts batch testing and a 
signed statement from that laboratory confirming there is an ongoing 
business relationship with the reclaimer;
    (iii) The number of batches tested for each regulated substance or 
blend containing a regulated substance in the prior year; and
    (iv) The number of batches that did not meet the specifications in 
appendix A to 40 CFR part 82, subpart F in the prior year.
    (2) Quarterly Reporting. Within 45 days after the end of each 
quarter, each reclaimer of a regulated substance must submit to the 
relevant Agency official a report containing the quantity of material 
(the combined mass of regulated substance and contaminants) by 
regulated substance sent to them for reclamation, the total mass of 
each regulated substance, and the total mass of waste products.
    (3) Annual Reporting. Within 45 days after the end of the fourth 
quarter, each reclaimer of a regulated substance must submit to the 
relevant Agency official a report containing the quantity of each 
regulated substance held in inventory onsite as of December 31 broken 
out by whether the regulated substance is recovered, reclaimed, and 
virgin.
    (4) Recordkeeping. (i) Reclaimers must maintain records, by batch, 
of the results of the analysis conducted to verify that reclaimed 
regulated substance meets the necessary specifications in appendix A to 
40 CFR part 82, subpart F (based on AHRI Standard 700-2016). Such 
records must be maintained for five years.
    (ii) Reclaimers must maintain records of the names and addresses of 
persons sending them material for reclamation and the quantity of the 
material (the combined mass of regulated substance and contaminants) by 
regulated substance sent to them for reclamation. Such records must be 
maintained on a transactional basis for five years.
    (j) Fire suppressant recycling. Persons (``recycler'') who recycle 
regulated substances used as a fire suppressant must comply with the 
following recordkeeping and reporting requirements:
    (1) Quarterly Reporting. Within 45 days after the end of each 
quarter, each recycler of a regulated substance used as a fire 
suppressant must submit to the relevant Agency official a report 
containing the quantity of material (the combined mass of regulated 
substance and contaminants) by regulated substance sent to them for 
recycling, the total mass of each regulated substance recycled, and the 
total mass of waste products.
    (2) Annual Reporting. Within 45 days after the end of the fourth 
quarter, each recycler of a regulated substance used as a fire 
suppressant must submit to the relevant Agency official a report 
containing the quantity of each regulated substance held in inventory 
onsite broken out by recovered, recycled, and virgin.
    (3) Recordkeeping. Recyclers must maintain records of the names and 
addresses of persons sending them material for recycling and the 
quantity of the material (the combined mass of regulated substance and 
contaminants) by regulated substance sent to them for recycling. Such 
records must be maintained on a transactional basis for five years.
    (k) Treatment of Data submitted under 40 CFR part 84. (1) Except as 
otherwise provided in paragraph (i) of this section, 40 CFR 2.201 
through 2.215 and 2.301 do not apply to data submitted under this part 
that EPA has determined through rulemaking to be either of the 
following:
    (i) Emission data, as defined in 40 CFR 2.301(a)(2), determined in 
accordance with section 114(c) and 307(d) of the Clean Air Act; or
    (ii) Data not otherwise entitled to confidential treatment.
    (2) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (k)(4) of this 
section, 40 CFR 2.201 through 2.208 and 2.301(c) and (d) do not apply 
to data submitted under this part that EPA has determined through 
rulemaking to be entitled to confidential treatment. EPA shall treat 
that information as confidential in accordance with the provisions of 
40 CFR 2.211, subject to paragraph (h)(4) of this section and 40 CFR 
2.209.
    (3) Upon receiving a request under 5 U.S.C. 552 for data submitted 
under this part that EPA has determined through rulemaking to be 
entitled to confidential

[[Page 55221]]

treatment, the relevant Agency official shall furnish the requestor a 
notice that the information has been determined to be entitled to 
confidential treatment and that the request is therefore denied. The 
notice shall include or cite to the appropriate EPA determination.
    (4) A determination made through rulemaking that information 
submitted under this part is entitled to confidential treatment shall 
continue in effect unless, subsequent to the confidentiality 
determination through rulemaking, EPA takes one of the following 
actions:
    (i) EPA determines through a subsequent rulemaking that the 
information is emission data or data not otherwise entitled to 
confidential treatment; or
    (ii) The Office of General Counsel issues a final determination, 
based on the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(4), stating that the 
information is no longer entitled to confidential treatment because of 
change in the applicable law or newly discovered or changed facts. 
Prior to making such final determination, EPA shall afford the business 
an opportunity to submit comments on pertinent issues in the manner 
described by 40 CFR 2.204(e) and 2.205(b). If, after consideration of 
any timely comments submitted by the business, the Office of General 
Counsel makes a revised final determination that the information is not 
entitled to confidential treatment, the relevant agency official will 
notify the business in accordance with the procedures described in 40 
CFR 2.205(f)(2).

0
10. Add Sec. Sec.  84.33 and 84.35 to read as follows:


Sec.  84.33   Auditing of recordkeeping and reporting.

    (a) Any person producing, importing, exporting, reclaiming, or 
recycling for fire suppression a regulated substance, as well as any 
person receiving application-specific allowances, must arrange for 
annual third-party auditing of reports submitted to EPA except for 
persons receiving application-specific allowances for mission-critical 
military end uses.
    (b) For producers, importers, and exporters, auditors must review 
the inputs the regulated entities used to develop quarterly and annual 
reports including:
    (1) The amount of production and consumption allowances allocated;
    (2) The amount, timing, and parties to allowance transfers, and the 
associated documentation and offset amount;
    (3) Records documenting the amount of regulated substances 
imported, exported, produced, and destroyed, transformed, or sent to 
another entity for such purpose;
    (4) Records documenting any application-specific allowances 
allocated or conferred from other companies, including the amounts of 
allowances conferred, regulated substances purchased and/or sold, the 
specific application for which the regulated substances were provided, 
and the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses for contact 
persons for the recipient companies;
    (5) The date and the port from which regulated substances were 
imported or exported;
    (6) A copy of the bill of lading and the invoice indicating the 
quantity of regulated substances imported or exported;
    (7) Relevant Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes;
    (8) The number and type of railcars, ISO tanks, individual 
cylinders, drums, small cans, or other containers used to store and 
transport regulated substances;
    (9) The inventory of regulated substances as of the end of the 
prior calendar year;
    (10) A random sample (5 percent or 10, whichever is higher) of 
batch testing results;
    (11) A random sample (5 percent or 10, whichever is higher) of 
certification identifications requested and generated and where 
associated regulated substances are sold and distributed; and
    (12) All other reports submitted to EPA under this subpart.
    (c) For companies issued application-specific allowances by EPA, 
auditors must review the following:
    (1) Records documenting the amount of application-specific 
allowances allocated;
    (2) The amount, timing, and parties to allowance transfers, and the 
associated documentation and offset amount;
    (3) Records documenting any application-specific allowances 
conferred to or from other companies, including the amounts of 
allowances conferred, regulated substances purchased, the specific 
application for which the regulated substances were provided, and the 
names, telephone numbers, and email addresses for contact persons for 
the recipient companies;
    (4) Records documenting the total amount of regulated substances 
purchased for the application-specific end use, and the amount of 
regulated substances sold to another company for application-specific 
used;
    (5) Inventory of regulated substances at the end of the calendar 
year; and
    (6) All other reports submitted to EPA under this subpart.
    (d) For reclaimers and fire suppressant recyclers, auditors must 
review the following:
    (1) The quantity of regulated substances received for reclamation 
or recycling;
    (2) A random sample (5 percent or 10, whichever is higher) of 
records documenting the names and addresses of persons sending them 
material and the quantity of the material, measured in the combined 
mass of refrigerant and contaminants, by regulated substance to them;
    (3) Records documenting the quantity of regulated substances 
reclaimed;
    (4) A random sample (5 percent or 10, whichever is higher) of 
certification identifications requested and generated and where the 
associated regulated substances are sold and distributed; and
    (5) All other reports submitted to EPA under this subpart.
    (e) An auditor must meet the following requirements:
    (1) The auditor must be a certified public accountant, or firm of 
such accountants, that is independent of the regulated person. Such an 
auditor must comply with the requirements for professional conduct, 
including the independence requirements, and the quality control 
requirements in 40 CFR 1090.1800(b)(1)(ii), as well as applicable rules 
of state boards of public accountancy. Such an auditor must also meet 
the requirements to perform an attestation engagement in 40 CFR 
1090.1800(b)(1)(ii).
    (2) The auditor must meet the independence requirements in 
paragraph (f) of this section.
    (3) Any auditor suspended or debarred under 2 CFR part 1532 or 48 
CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, is not qualified to perform attestation 
engagements under this section.
    (f) All reports required under this paragraph must be signed and 
certified as meeting all the applicable requirements of this subpart by 
the independent third-party auditor. The auditor must:
    (1) Attest that the information in the audit report is accurate;
    (2) Attest that the company submitted all required reports to the 
Agency or specify which reports are missing and provide an assessment 
on whether missing reports should have been submitted; and
    (3) Obtain a signed statement from a responsible corporate officer 
that all reports submitted to the EPA for the prior calendar year are 
complete and accurate.
    (g) The following provisions apply to each audit performed under 
this section:

[[Page 55222]]

    (1) The auditor must prepare a report identifying the applicable 
procedures specified in this section along with the auditor's 
corresponding findings for each procedure. The auditor must submit the 
report electronically to EPA by May 31 of the year following the 
compliance period.
    (2) The auditor must identify any instances where compared values 
do not agree or where specified values do not meet applicable 
requirements under this part.
    (3) Laboratory analysis refers to the original test result for each 
analysis of a product's properties.
    (4) For a reclaimer that relies on a third-party laboratory for 
batch testing, the laboratory analysis consists of the results provided 
by the third-party laboratory.
    (h) The independent third party, their contractors, subcontractors, 
and their organizations must be independent of the regulated party. All 
the criteria listed in paragraph (a) of this section must be met by 
each person involved in the specified activities in this section that 
the independent third party is hired to perform for a regulated party.
    (1) Employment criteria. No person employed by an independent third 
party, including contractor and subcontractor personnel, who is 
involved in a specified activity performed by the independent third 
party under the provisions of this section, may be employed, currently 
or previously, by the regulated party for any duration within the 12 
months preceding the date when the regulated party hired the 
independent third party to provide services under this section.
    (2) Financial criteria. (i) The third-party's personnel, the third-
party's organization, or any organization or individual that may be 
contracted or subcontracted by the third party must meet all the 
following requirements:
    (A) Have received no more than one-quarter of their revenue from 
the regulated party during the year prior to the date of hire of the 
third party by the regulated party for any purpose.
    (B) Have no interest in the regulated party's business. Income 
received from the third party to perform specified activities under 
this section is excepted.
    (C) Not receive compensation for any specified activity in this 
section that is dependent on the outcome of the specified activity.
    (ii) The regulated party must be free from any interest in the 
third-party's business.
    (iv) Department of Defense data and reports for application-
specific allowances for mission-critical military end uses shall be 
subject to internal Department of Defense monitoring and review for 
accuracy as prescribed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The 
results of this review shall be reported electronically to EPA by May 
31 of the year following the compliance period.


Sec.  84.35   Administrative consequences.

    (a) The relevant agency official may retire, revoke, or withhold 
the allocation of allowances, or ban a company from receiving future 
allowance allocations, using the process outlined in paragraph (b) of 
this section. Applying an administrative consequence to retire, revoke, 
or withhold allocation of allowances does not, in any way, limit the 
ability of the United States to exercise any other authority to bring 
an enforcement action under any applicable law or regulation.
    (b) The relevant agency official will provide a company notice if 
the Agency intends to retire, revoke, or withhold allocation of 
allowances, or ban the company from receiving future allowance 
allocations. The notice will specify the conduct leading to the 
administrative consequence and what the consequence will be. The 
relevant agency official will provide such notice no less than 30 days 
before the impending consequence.
    (1) After the relevant agency official provides notice of an 
impending administrative consequence, the company for which such 
consequence is pending may not expend, transfer, or confer any 
allowances.
    (2) Any company receiving such a notification may provide 
information or data to EPA on why the administrative consequence should 
not be taken within 14 days of the date of the EPA's notice.
    (3) If EPA does not receive a response within 14 days of the date 
of the Agency notice of impending administrative consequence, the 
administrative consequences will be effective on the date specified in 
the notice.

0
11. Add appendix A to part 84 to read as follows:

Appendix A to Part 84--Regulated Substances

         HFCs Listed as Regulated Substances in the AIM Act \1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              HFC                    Chemical formula     Exchange value
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HFC-134........................  CHF2CHF2...............           1,100
HFC-134a.......................  CH2FCF3................           1,430
HFC-143........................  CH2FCHF2...............             353
HFC-245fa......................  CHF2CH2CF3.............           1,030
HFC-365mfc.....................  CF3CH2CF2CH3...........             794
HFC-227ea......................  CF3CHFCF3..............           3,220
HFC-236cb......................  CH2FCF2CF3.............           1,340
HFC-236ea......................  CHF2CHFCF3.............           1,370
HFC-236fa......................  CF3CH2CF3..............           9,810
HFC-245ca......................  CH2FCF2CHF2............             693
HFC-43-10mee...................  CF3CHFCHFCF2CF3........           1,640
HFC-32.........................  CH2F2..................             675
HFC-125........................  CHF2CF3................           3,500
HFC-143a.......................  CH3CF3.................           4,470
HFC-41.........................  CH3F...................              92
HFC-152........................  CH2FCH2F...............              53
HFC-152a.......................  CH3CHF2................             124
HFC-23.........................  CHF3...................          14,800
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ This table includes all isomers of the substances above, regardless
  of whether the isomer is explicitly listed on its own.


[FR Doc. 2021-21030 Filed 9-28-21; 11:15 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


