

[Federal Register: December 20, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 244)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 76200-76204]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20de06-20]                         

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0536; FRL-8107-7]

 
Fluroxypyr; Pesticide Tolerance

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for combined residues 
of fluroxypyr in or on onion, bulb; garlic, bulb; and shallot, bulb. 
The Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4) requested these 
tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as 
amended by the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA).

DATES: This regulation is effective December 20, 2006. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before February 20, 2007, 
and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 
CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).

ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket 
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0536. All documents in the 
docket are listed in the index for the docket. 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 in the electronic docket at http://www.regulations.gov., or, 

if only available in hard copy, at the OPP Regulatory Public Docket in 
Rm. S-4400, One Potomac Yard (South Building), 2777 S. Crystal Drive, 
Arlington, VA. The Docket Facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The Docket telephone 
number is (703) 305-5805.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shaja R. Brothers, Registration 
Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-
0001; telephone number: 703-308-3194; e-mail address: 
brothers.shaja@epa.gov.


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does This Action Apply to Me?

    You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an 
agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer. 
Potentially affected entities may include, but are not limited to:
     Crop production (NAICS 111), e.g., agricultural workers; 
greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture workers; farmers.
     Animal production (NAICS 112), e.g., cattle ranchers and 
farmers, dairy cattle farmers, livestock farmers.
     Food manufacturing (NAICS 311), e.g., agricultural 
workers; farmers; greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture workers; 
ranchers; pesticide applicators.
     Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS 32532), e.g., agricultural 
workers; commercial applicators; farmers; greenhouse, nursery, and 
floriculture workers; residential users.
    This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides 
a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this 
action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be 
affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) 
codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining 
whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you have any 
questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular 
entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT.

B. How Can I Access Electronic Copies of This Document?

    In addition to accessing an electronic copy of this Federal 
Register document through the electronic docket at http://www.regulations.gov.
, you may access this Federal Register document 

electronically through the EPA Internet under the ``Federal Register'' 
listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr. You may also access a 

frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR part 180 through the 
Government Printing Office's pilot e-CFR site at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr
.


C. Can I File an Objection or Hearing Request?

    Under section 408(g) of the FFDCA, as amended by the FQPA, any 
person may file an objection to any aspect of this regulation and may 
also request a hearing on those objections. The EPA procedural 
regulations which govern the submission of objections and requests for 
hearings appear in 40 CFR part 178. You must file your objection or 
request a hearing on this regulation in accordance with the 
instructions provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by 
EPA, you must identify Docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0536 in the 
subject line on the first page of your submission. All requests must be 
in writing, and must be mailed or delivered to the Hearing Clerk on or 
before February 20, 2007.
    In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the 
Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please submit a copy of 
the filing that does not contain any CBI for inclusion in the public 
docket that is described in ADDRESSES. Information not marked 
confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA 
without prior notice. Submit your copies, identified by Docket ID 
number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0536, by one of the following methods:

[[Page 76201]]

     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 

Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) Regulatory Public 
Docket (7502P), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania 
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001.
     Delivery: OPP Regulatory Public Docket (7502P), 
Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. S-4400, One Potomac Yard (South 
Building), 2777 S. Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA. Deliveries are only 
accepted during the Docket's normal hours of operation (8:30 a.m. to 4 
p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays). Special 
arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. The 
Docket telephone number is (703) 305-5805.

II. Background and Statutory Findings

    In the Federal Register of April 21, 2006 (71 FR 20661) (FRL-8065-
1), EPA issued a notice pursuant to section 408(d)(3) of FFDCA, 21 
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP 
3E6775) by IR-4, 500 College Road East, Suite 201 West, Princeton, NJ 
08540. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.535 be amended by 
establishing tolerances for combined residues of the herbicide 
fluroxypyr, 1-methylheptyl ester [1-methylheptyl ((4-amino-3,5-
dichloro-6-fluoro-2-pyridinyl)oxy)acetate] and its metabolite 
fluroxypyr [((4-amino-3,5-dichloro-6-fluoro-2-pyridinyl)oxy)acetic 
acid], in or on garlic and shallot (bulb), and onion (dry bulb) at 0.03 
parts per million (ppm). The notice included a summary of the petition 
prepared by Dow AgroSciences, the registrant. Comments on the notice of 
filing were received from one private citizen. EPA's response to these 
comments is discussed in Unit IV.C.
    Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish a 
tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a 
food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section 
408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is a 
reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure 
to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary 
exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable 
information.'' This includes exposure through drinking water and in 4 
residential settings, but does not include occupational exposure. 
Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to give special 
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide 
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there 
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and 
children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. * * 
*''
    EPA performs a number of analyses to determine the risks from 
aggregate exposure to pesticide residues. For further discussion of the 
regulatory requirements of section 408 of the FFDCA and a complete 
description of the risk assessment process, see http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/1997/November/Day-26/p30948.htm
.


III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety

    Consistent with section 408(b)(2)(D) of FFDCA, EPA has reviewed the 
available scientific data and other relevant information in support of 
this action. EPA has sufficient data to assess the hazards of and to 
make a determination on aggregate exposure, consistent with section 
408(b)(2) of FFDCA, for tolerances for combined residues of fluroxypyr 
on onion, bulb; garlic, bulb; and shallot, bulb at 0.03 ppm. EPA's 
assessment of exposures and risks associated with establishing the 
tolerances follow.

A. Toxicological Profile

    EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered its 
validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of 
the results of the studies to human risk. EPA has also considered 
available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities 
of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and 
children. Specific information on the studies received and the nature 
of the toxic effects caused by fluroxypyr as well as the no observed 
adverse effect level (NOAEL) and the lowest observed adverse effect 
level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies can be found at http://www.regulations.gov.
 Docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0536, Fluroxypyr 

Field Corn Human Health Risk Assessment, pages 12-15.

B. Toxicological Endpoints

    For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no 
appreciable risk, the dose at which no adverse effects are observed 
(the NOAEL) from the toxicology study identified as appropriate for use 
in risk assessment is used to estimate the toxicological level of 
concern (LOC). However, the lowest dose at which adverse effects of 
concern are identified (the LOAEL) is sometimes used for risk 
assessment if no NOAEL was achieved in the toxicology study selected. 
An uncertainty, factor (UF) is applied to reflect uncertainties 
inherent in the extrapolation from laboratory animal data to humans and 
in the variations in sensitivity among members of the human population 
as well as other unknowns.
    The linear default risk methodology (Q*) is the primary method 
currently used by the Agency to quantify non-threshold hazards such as 
cancer. The Q* approach assumes that any amount of exposure will lead 
to some degree of cancer risk, estimates risk in terms of the 
probability of occurrence of additional cancer cases. More information 
can be found on the general principles EPA uses in risk 
characterization at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/human.htm.

    A summary of the toxicological endpoints for fluroxypyr used for 
human risk assessment can be found at http://www.regulations.gov. Docket ID 

number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0536, Fluroxypyr Field Corn Human Health Risk 
Assessment, page 13; and Fluroxypyr Dry Bulb Onion Human Health Risk 
Assessment, pages 17-18.

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. Tolerances have been 
established (40 CFR 180.535) for the combined residues of fluroxypyr, 
in or on the following raw agricultural commodities: Barley, corn, 
grain, oat, sorghum, and wheat. Tolerances are also established for 
cattle, goat, hog, horse, sheep, and milk. Additionally, time limited 
tolerances are established in 40 CFR 180.535(b) in or on corn and 
onion. Risk assessments were conducted by EPA to assess dietary 
exposures from fluroxypyr in food as follow:
    i. Acute exposure. There were no toxic effects attributable to a 
single dose. An endpoint of concern was not identified to quantitate an 
acute-dietary risk to the U.S. general population or to the 
subpopulation females 13-50 years old. Therefore, an acute aggregate 
exposure assessment was not performed.
    ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure 
assessment EPA used the Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model software with 
the Food Commodity Intake Database (DEEM-FCID\TM\), which incorporates 
food consumption data as reported by respondents in the USDA 1994-1996 
and 1998 Nationwide Continuing Surveys of Food Intake by Individuals 
(CSFII); and accumulated exposure to the chemical for each commodity. 
The following assumptions were made for the chronic exposure 
assessment: An unrefined, Tier 1 chronic dietary-exposure assessment 
was conducted for all supported fluroxypyr food uses. In this 
assessment, tolerance level residues

[[Page 76202]]

and 100% crop treated (CT) was assumed for all crops included in the 
analysis. The assumptions result in highly conservative dietary 
exposure estimates.
    iii. Cancer. A cancer dietary assessment was not conducted since 
fluroxypyr has been classified as ``not likely'' to be carcinogenic.
    2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency lacks 
sufficient monitoring exposure data to complete a comprehensive dietary 
exposure analysis and risk assessment for fluroxypyr in drinking water. 
Because the Agency does not have comprehensive monitoring data, 
drinking water concentration estimates are made by reliance on 
simulation or modeling taking into account data on the physical 
characteristics of fluroxypyr. Further information regarding EPA 
drinking water models used in pesticide exposure assessment can be 
found at http://www.epa.gov/oppefed1/models/index.htm.

    Refined (Tier II) surface water concentrations were developed for 
fluroxypyr with the Pesticide Root Zone Model/Exposure Analysis 
Modeling System (PRZM/EXAMS) model, using an index reservoir scenario 
for the aerial application of fluroxypyr on rangeland and permanent 
grass pastures. The model assumes that fluroxypyr is applied at the 
maximum label rate (0.5 lb ae/acre). The estimated annual average 
environmental concentration of fluroxypyr in surface water is 3.3 parts 
per billion (ppb).
    For the ground water estimated concentration, the Tier I Screening 
Concentration in Ground Water (SCI-GROW) model predicts that fluroxypyr 
will be found at relatively small concentrations when the herbicide is 
applied at the maximum recommended application rate of 0.5 lbs ae/acre. 
The estimate is 0.042 ppb (0.042 [mu]g/L). This conservative estimate 
is a default value generated by the SCI-GROW model.
    Based on the PRZM/EXAMS and SCI-GROW models, the estimated 
environmental concentrations (EECs) of fluroxypyr for surface water are 
estimated to be 3.3 ppb, and 0.04 ppb for ground water. Modeled 
estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly entered into 
the dietary exposure model (DEEM-FCID\TM\). For chronic dietary risk 
assessment, the annual average concentration of 3.3 ppb was used to 
access the contribution to drinking water.
    3. From non-dietary exposure. The term ``residential exposure'' is 
used in this document to refer to non-occupational, non-dietary 
exposure (e.g., for lawn and garden pest control, indoor pest control, 
termiticides, and flea and tick control on pets).
    Fluroxypyr (Vista\TM\) is registered for application to residential 
turfgrass and recreational sites such as golf courses, parks, and 
sports fields. The proposed label does not prohibit homeowners from 
mixing/loading/applying Vista\TM\.
    Residential handlers may receive short-term dermal and inhalation 
exposure to fluroxypyr when mixing, loading and applying the 
formulations. Adults and children may be exposed to fluroxypyr residues 
from dermal contact with turf during post-application activities. 
Toddlers may also receive short and intermediate-term oral exposure 
from incidental ingestion during post-application activities.
    In conducting the short and intermediate-term aggregate risk 
assessments, the Agency made the following conservative assumptions.
     Incidental oral and inhalation exposures for the aggregate 
residential handler scenario included children and adults (U.S. 
population subgroup).
     Incidental oral exposure from treated areas included 
infants and children (up to age 12) for the aggregate post-application 
scenario.
     Inhalation exposure resulting from residential application 
included youth (age 13-19 years old), and the adult population 
subgroups.
    4. Cumulative effects from substances with a common mechanism of 
toxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of the FFDCA requires that, when 
considering whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, the 
Agency consider ``available information'' concerning the cumulative 
effects of a particular pesticide's residues and ``other substances 
that have a common mechanism of toxicity.''
    Unlike other pesticides for which EPA has followed a cumulative 
risk approach based on a common mechanism of toxicity, EPA has not made 
a common mechanism of toxicity finding as to fluroxypyr and any other 
substances and fluroxypyr does not appear to produce a toxic metabolite 
produced by other substances. For the purposes of this tolerance 
action, therefore, EPA has not assumed that fluroxypyr has a common 
mechanism of toxicity with other substances. For information regarding 
EPA's efforts to determine which chemicals have a common mechanism of 
toxicity and to evaluate the cumulative effects of such chemicals, see 
the policy statements released by EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs 
concerning common mechanism determinations and procedures for 
cumulating effects from substances found to have a common mechanism on 
EPA's Web site at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.


D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children

    1. In general. Section 408 of FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply 
an additional tenfold margin of safety for infants and children in the 
case of threshold effects to account for prenatal and postnatal 
toxicity and the completeness of the data base on toxicity and exposure 
unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a different margin of 
safety will be safe for infants and children. Margins of safety are 
incorporated into EPA risk assessments either directly through use of a 
MOE analysis or through using uncertainty (safety) factors in 
calculating a dose level that poses no appreciable risk to humans. In 
applying this provision, EPA either retains the default value of 10X 
when reliable data do not support the choice of a different factor, or, 
if reliable data are available, EPA uses a different additional safety 
factor value based on the use of traditional uncertainty factors and/or 
special FQPA safety factors, as appropriate.
    2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. There was no evidence 
(quantitative/qualitative) of increased susceptibility following in 
utero exposure to the acid and the ester in rats and rabbits, or 
following prenatal and/or postnatal exposure to the acid form in rats.
    3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show that it 
would be safe for infants and children to reduce the FQPA safety factor 
to 1X. That decision is based on the following findings:
     The toxicity database for fluroxypyr is complete.
     There was no evidence of neurotoxicity or neuropathology 
in the available studies.
     There was no evidence (quantitative/qualitative) of 
increased susceptibility following pre and/or postnatal exposure.
     The chronic dietary food exposure assessment utilizes 
tolerance level residue estimates and assumes 100% CT for all 
commodities. This assessment is not likely to underestimate exposure/
risk.
     The dietary drinking water assessment utilizes water 
concentration values generated by model and associated modeling 
parameters designed to provide conservative, health protective, high-
end estimates of water concentrations which will not likely be 
exceeded.

[[Page 76203]]

     The residential exposure assessment was conducted using 
standard assumptions based on carefully reviewed data.

E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety

    1. Acute risk. There were no toxic effects attributable to a single 
dose. An endpoint of concern was not identified for any population 
subgroup. Therefore, fluroxypyr is not expected to pose an acute risk.
    2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this 
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that exposure to 
fluroxypyr from food and water will utilize < 1% of the cPAD for the 
U.S. population, < 1% of the cPAD for all infants < 1 year old, and 1.4% 
of the cPAD for children 1-2 years old. Based on the use pattern, 
chronic residential exposure to residues of fluroxypyr is not expected.
    3. Short and intermediate-term risk. Short and intermediate-term 
aggregate exposures are likely to result from exposure to fluroxypyr 
residues from food, drinking water, and residential pesticide uses. 
High-end estimates are used for residential exposure, while average 
values are used for food and drinking water. Short and intermediate-
term risk assessments are required for adults (residential handler 
inhalation exposure scenario), in addition to infants and children 
(residential post-application oral exposure scenario).
    Using the exposure assumptions described for non-dietary short and 
intermediate-term exposures, EPA has concluded that food, water, and 
residential exposures aggregated result in aggregate MOEs from 4,400 to 
54,000 (adults 50+ years old). The MOEs are 8,300 and 4,400 for the 
U.S. population, and children 1-2 years old (the most highly exposed 
subgroup), respectively.
    4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Fluroxypyr has been 
classified as ``not likely'' to be carcinogenic. Therefore, fluroxypyr 
is not expected to pose a cancer risk.
    5. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA 
concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result 
to the general population, and to infants and children from aggregate 
exposure to fluroxypyr residues.

IV. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    The gas chromatography/mass-selective detector (GC/MSD) analytical 
method used to determine residues of fluroxypyr in both the acid and 
methylheptyl ester forms is adequate to recover residues of fluroxypyr 
and fluroxypyr 1-MHE in dry bulb onions. The method converts the 
methylheptyl ester form of fluroxypyr to the acid and results are 
reported as the acid equivalent. The lower limit of method validation 
(LLMV) for bulb onions was 0.01 ppm. Further, the method is an 
adaptation of a Dow AgroSciencesmethod GRM 96.02, which has been 
adequately validated as an enforcement method; therefore the Agency 
considers the modified method to be adequate to enforce the requested 
tolerance.
    Adequate enforcement methodology (GC/MSD) is available to enforce 
the tolerance expression. The method may be requested from: Chief, 
Analytical Chemistry Branch, Environmental Science Center, 701 Mapes 
Rd., Ft. Meade, MD 20755-5350; telephone number: (410) 305-2905; e-mail 
address: residuemethods@epa.gov.

B. International Residue Limits

    There are currently no Codex, Canadian, or Mexican maximum residue 
limits for fluroxypyr or its metabolites in/on dry bulb onions.

C. Response to Comments

    A private citizen of Florham Park, New Jersey submitted public 
comments on the fluroxypyr notice of filing. The private citizen 
commented on the cancer finding classification ``not likely a 
carcinogen,'' and views the statement deceptive.
    EPA's response: The cancer classification ``Not Likely to be 
Carcinogenic to Humans'' comes from EPA's Guidelines for Carcinogen 
Risk Assessment. These Guidelines recommend this descriptor when the 
available data are considered robust for deciding that there is no 
basis for human hazard concern. These Guidelines were developed as part 
of an Agency-wide guidelines development program by a Technical Panel 
of the U.S. EPA's Risk Assessment Forum, which was composed of 
scientists from throughout the Agency. Selected drafts were peer 
reviewed internally by the U.S. EPA's Science Advisory Board, and by 
experts from universities, environmental groups, industry and other 
governmental agencies. The Guidelines were also subjected to several 
public comment periods. For additional information regarding EPA's 
Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk and recommended descriptor language 
please refer to the Federal Register of April 7, 2005 (70 FR 17765) 
(FRL-7896-1) (http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-TOX/2005/April/Day-07/t6642.htm
].

    The private citizen also commented on profiteers utilizing the 
Agency to promote poor products to the American citizens.
    EPA's response: This comment is not germane to EPA's statutory 
basis for acting on fluroxypyr tolerance petition. Thus, a technical 
response to this comment is not required. The private citizen's 
comments contained no scientific data or other substantive evidence to 
rebut the Agency's conclusion that there is a reasonable certainty that 
no harm will result from aggregate exposure to fluroxypyr from the 
establishment of these tolerances.

V. Conclusion

    Therefore, the tolerances are established for combined residues of 
fluroxypyr, 1-methylheptyl ester [1-methylheptyl] ((4-amino-3,5-
dichloro-6-fluoro-2-pyridinyl)oxy)acetate] and its metabolite 
fluroxypyr [((4-amino-3,5-dichloro-6-fluoro-2-pyridinyl)oxy)acetic 
acid], in or on onion, bulb; garlic, bulb; and shallot, bulb at 0.03 
ppm.

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This final rule establishes a tolerance under section 408(d) of 
FFDCA in response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from 
review under Executive Order 12866, entitled Regulatory Planning and 
Review (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this rule has been 
exempted from review under Executive Order 12866 due to its lack of 
significance, this rule is not subject to Executive Order 13211, 
Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001). This final rule does 
not contain any information collections subject to OMB approval under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., or impose 
any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded mandate as described under 
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (Pub. L. 
104-4). Nor does it require any special considerations under Executive 
Order 12898, entitled Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice 
in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations (59 FR 7629, 
February 16, 1994); or OMB review or any Agency action under Executive 
Order 13045, entitled Protection of Children from Environmental Health 
Risks and Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). This action does 
not involve any technical standards that would require Agency 
consideration of voluntary

[[Page 76204]]

consensus standards pursuant to section 12(d) of the National 
Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 
104-113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note). Since tolerances and 
exemptions that are established on the basis of a petition under 
section 408(d) of FFDCA, such as the tolerance in this final rule, do 
not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the requirements of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) do not apply. 
In addition, the Agency has determined that this action will not have a 
substantial direct effect on 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, as specified 
in Executive Order 13132, entitled Federalism (64 FR 43255, August 10, 
1999). Executive Order 13132 requires EPA to develop an accountable 
process to ensure ``meaningful and timely input by State and local 
officials in the development of regulatory policies that have 
federalism implications.'' ``Policies that have federalism 
implications'' is defined in the Executive order to include regulations 
that 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.'' This final rule directly regulates growers, food 
processors, food handlers and food retailers, not States. This action 
does not alter the relationships or distribution of power and 
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions 
of section 408(n)(4) of FFDCA. For these same reasons, the Agency has 
determined that this rule does not have any ``tribal implications'' as 
described in Executive Order 13175, entitled Consultation and 
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (65 FR 67249, November 6, 
2000). Executive Order 13175, requires EPA to develop an accountable 
process to ensure ``meaningful and timely input by tribal officials in 
the development of regulatory policies that have tribal implications.'' 
``Policies that have tribal implications'' is defined in the Executive 
order to include regulations that have ``substantial direct effects on 
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal 
Government and the Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities between the Federal Goverument and Indian tribes.'' 
This rule will not have substantial direct effects on tribal 
governments, 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 rule.

VII. Congressional Review Act

    The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the 
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally 
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating 
the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, 
to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the 
United States. EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other 
required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of 
Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior 
to publication of this final rule in the Federal Register. This final 
rule is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

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

    Dated: December 12, 2006.
Lois Rossi,
Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.

0
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:

PART 180--AMENDED

0
1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.


0
2. Section 180.535 is amended by alphabetically adding commodities to 
the table in paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  180.535  Fluroxypyr 1-methylheptyl ester; tolerances for 
residues.

    (a) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Parts per
                         Commodity                             million
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                * * * * *
Garlic, bulb...............................................         0.03

                                * * * * *
Onion, bulb................................................         0.03
Shallot, bulb..............................................         0.03

                                * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 06-9765 Filed 12-19-06; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6560-50-M
