[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 36 (Monday, February 24, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 10364-10371]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-02892]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 721

[EPA-HQ-OPPT-2019-0650; FRL-10004-90]
RIN 2070-AB27


Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances (20-2.B)

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: EPA is proposing significant new use rules (SNURs) under the 
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for chemical substances which are 
the subject of premanufacture notices (PMNs). This action would require 
persons to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing manufacture 
(defined by statute to include import) or processing of any of these 
chemical substances for an activity that is designated as a significant 
new use by this proposed rule. This action would further require that 
persons not commence manufacture or processing for the significant new 
use until they have submitted a Significant New Use Notice, and EPA has 
conducted a review of the notice, made an appropriate determination on 
the notice under TSCA 5(a)(3), and has taken any risk management 
actions as are required as a result of that determination.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 25, 2020.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification 
(ID) number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2019-0650, by one of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit 
electronically any information you consider to be Confidential Business 
Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted 
by statute.
     Mail: Document Control Office (7407M), Office of Pollution 
Prevention and Toxics (OPPT), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 
Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001.
     Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand 
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the 
instructions at http://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
    Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along 
with more information about dockets generally, is available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

[[Page 10365]]

    For technical information contact: Kenneth Moss, Chemical Control 
Division (7405M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, 
DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (202) 564-9232; email address: 
moss.kenneth@epa.gov.
    For general information contact: The TSCA-Hotline, ABVI-Goodwill, 
422 South Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY 14620; telephone number: (202) 
554-1404; email address: TSCA-Hotline@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

    You may be potentially affected by this action if you manufacture, 
process, or use the chemical substances contained in this proposed 
rule. The following list of North American Industrial Classification 
System (NAICS) codes is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather 
provides a guide to help readers determine whether this document 
applies to them. Potentially affected entities may include:
     Manufacturers or processors of one or more subject 
chemical substances (NAICS codes 325 and 324110), e.g., chemical 
manufacturing and petroleum refineries.
    This action may also affect certain entities through pre-existing 
import certification and export notification rules under TSCA. Chemical 
importers are subject to the TSCA section 13 (15 U.S.C. 2612) import 
certification requirements promulgated at 19 CFR 12.118 through 12.127 
and 19 CFR 127.28. Chemical importers must certify that the shipment of 
the chemical substance complies with all applicable rules and orders 
under TSCA. Importers of chemicals subject to these proposed SNURs 
would need to certify their compliance with the SNUR requirements 
should these proposed rules be finalized. The EPA policy in support of 
import certification appears at 40 CFR part 707, subpart B. In 
addition, pursuant to 40 CFR 721.20, any persons who export or intend 
to export a chemical substance that is the subject of this proposed 
rule on or after March 25, 2020 are subject to the export notification 
provisions of TSCA section 12(b) (15 U.S.C. 2611(b)) and must comply 
with the export notification requirements in 40 CFR part 707, subpart 
D.

B. What should I consider as I prepare my comments for EPA?

    1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit CBI to EPA through regulations.gov 
or email. Clearly mark the part or all of the information that you 
claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or CD-ROM that you mail 
to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD-ROM as CBI and then identify 
electronically within the disk or CD-ROM the specific information that 
is claimed as CBI. In addition to one complete version of the comment 
that includes information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that 
does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for 
inclusion in the public docket. Information so marked will not be 
disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 
2.
    2. Tips for preparing your comments. When preparing and submitting 
your comments, see the commenting tips at http://www.epa.gov/dockets/comments.html.

II. Background

A. What action is the Agency taking?

    EPA is proposing these SNURs under TSCA section 5(a)(2) for 
chemical substances which were the subjects of PMNs P-18-58, P-18-126, 
P-18-199, P-18-367, P-19-158, and P-19-164. These proposed SNURs would 
require persons who intend to manufacture or process any of these 
chemical substances for an activity that is designated as a significant 
new use to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity.
    The record for the proposed SNURs on these chemicals was 
established as docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2019-0650. That record includes 
information considered by the Agency in developing these proposed 
SNURs.

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

    Section 5(a)(2) of TSCA (15 U.S.C. 2604(a)(2)) authorizes EPA to 
determine that a use of a chemical substance is a ``significant new 
use.'' EPA must make this determination by rule after considering all 
relevant factors, including the four TSCA section 5(a)(2) factors 
listed in Unit III. In the case of a determination other than not 
likely to present unreasonable risk, the applicable review period must 
also expire before manufacturing or processing for the new use may 
commence. As described in Unit V., the general SNUR provisions are 
found at 40 CFR part 721, subpart A.

C. Applicability of General Provisions

    General provisions for SNURs appear in 40 CFR part 721, subpart A. 
These provisions describe persons subject to the rule, recordkeeping 
requirements, exemptions to reporting requirements, and applicability 
of the rule to uses occurring before the effective date of the rule. 
Provisions relating to user fees appear at 40 CFR part 700. Pursuant to 
40 CFR 721.1(c), persons subject to these SNURs must comply with the 
same SNUN requirements and EPA regulatory procedures as submitters of 
PMNs under TSCA section 5(a)(1)(A) (15 U.S.C. 2604(a)(1)(A)). In 
particular, these requirements include the information submission 
requirements of TSCA sections 5(b) and 5(d)(1) (15 U.S.C. 2604(b) and 
2604(d)(1)), the exemptions authorized by TSCA sections 5(h)(1), 
5(h)(2), 5(h)(3), and 5(h)(5) and the regulations at 40 CFR part 720. 
Once EPA receives a SNUN, EPA must either determine that the use is not 
likely to present an unreasonable risk of injury under the conditions 
of use for the chemical substance or take such regulatory action as is 
associated with an alternative determination before the manufacture or 
processing for the significant new use can commence. If EPA determines 
that the use is not likely to present an unreasonable risk, EPA is 
required under TSCA section 5(g) to make public, and submit for 
publication in the Federal Register, a statement of EPA's findings.

III. Significant New Use Determination

    Section 5(a)(2) of TSCA states that EPA's determination that a use 
of a chemical substance is a significant new use must be made after 
consideration of all relevant factors, including:
     The projected volume of manufacturing and processing of a 
chemical substance.
     The extent to which a use changes the type or form of 
exposure of human beings or the environment to a chemical substance.
     The extent to which a use increases the magnitude and 
duration of exposure of human beings or the environment to a chemical 
substance.
     The reasonably anticipated manner and methods of 
manufacturing, processing, distribution in commerce, and disposal of a 
chemical substance.
    In determining what would constitute a significant new use for the 
chemical substances that are the subject of these SNURs, EPA considered 
relevant information about the toxicity of the chemical substances, and 
potential human exposures and environmental releases that may be 
associated with the conditions of use of the substances, in the context 
of the four bulleted TSCA section 5(a)(2) factors listed in this unit. 
During its review of these chemicals, EPA identified certain conditions 
of use that are not intended by the submitters,

[[Page 10366]]

but reasonably foreseen to occur. EPA is proposing to designate those 
reasonably foreseen conditions of use as significant new uses.

IV. Substances Subject to This Proposed Rule

    EPA is proposing significant new use and recordkeeping requirements 
for XX chemical substances in 40 CFR part 721, subpart E. In this unit, 
EPA provides the following information for each chemical substance:
     PMN number.
     Chemical name (generic name, if the specific name is 
claimed as CBI).
     Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry number (if 
assigned for non-confidential chemical identities).
     Basis for the SNUR.
     Potentially Useful Information. This is information 
identified by EPA that would help characterize the potential health 
and/or environmental effects of the chemical substance in support of a 
request by the PMN submitter to modify the Order, or if a manufacturer 
or processor is considering submitting a SNUN for a significant new use 
designated by the SNUR.
     CFR citation assigned in the regulatory text section of 
these proposed rules.
    The regulatory text section of these proposed rules specifies the 
activities designated as significant new uses. Certain new uses, 
including production volume limits and other uses designated in the 
proposed rules, may be claimed as CBI.
    The chemical substances that are the subject of these proposed 
SNURs are undergoing premanufacture review. In addition to those 
conditions of use intended by the submitter, EPA has identified certain 
other reasonably foreseen conditions of use. EPA has preliminarily 
determined that the chemicals under their intended conditions of use 
are not likely to present an unreasonable risk. However, EPA has not 
assessed risks associated with the reasonably foreseen conditions of 
use for these chemicals. EPA is proposing to designate these reasonably 
foreseen and other potential conditions of use as significant new uses. 
As a result, those conditions of use are no longer reasonably foreseen 
to occur without first going through a separate, subsequent EPA review 
and determination process associated with a SNUN.
    The substances subject to these proposed rules are as follows:

PMN Number: P-18-58

    Chemical name: Phosphonium, trihexyltetradecyl-, salt with 1,1,1-
trifluoro-N-(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl] methanesulfonamide (1:1).
    CAS number: 460092-03-9.
    Basis for action: The PMN states that the use of the substance will 
be as a component of electroconductive low-noise grease for long-term 
lubrication of capped or sealed ball bearings. Based on the physical/
chemical properties of the PMN substance, test data for the PMN 
substance, and test data on analogous substances, EPA has identified 
concerns for neurotoxicity, liver effects, thyroid effects, respiratory 
effects, developmental/reproductive effects, and aquatic toxicity if 
the chemical substance is used in ways other than as intended by the 
PMN submitter. Other conditions of use of the PMN substance that EPA 
intends to assess before they occur include the following:
    1. Manufacture, processing, or use in any manner that results in 
inhalation exposures; and
    2. Release of a manufacturing, processing, or use stream associated 
with any use of the PMN substance into the waters of the United States 
exceeding a surface water concentration of 11 ppb.
    The proposed SNUR would designate as a ``significant new use'' 
these conditions of use.
    Potentially useful information: EPA has determined that certain 
information may be potentially useful to characterize the health and 
environmental effects of the PMN substance if a manufacturer or 
processor is considering submitting a SNUN for a significant new use 
that would be designated by this proposed SNUR. EPA has determined that 
the results of reproductive/developmental effects, specific target 
organ toxicity and aquatic toxicity studies would help characterize the 
potential health and environmental effects of the PMN substance.
    CFR citation: 40 CFR 721.11453.

PMN Number: P-18-126

    Chemical name: Calcium manganese titanium oxide.
    CAS number: 153728-36-0.
    Basis for action: The PMN states that the use of the substance will 
be as a black pigment for architectural paint. Based on the physical/
chemical properties of the PMN substance, test data for the PMN 
substance, and SAR analysis of test data on analogous substances, EPA 
has identified concerns for lung effects (overload)/carcinogenicity, 
neurotoxicity, and aquatic toxicity if the chemical substance is used 
in ways other than as intended by the PMN submitter. Other conditions 
of use of the PMN substance that EPA intends to assess before they 
occur include the following:
    1. Use other than as a black pigment for architectural paint;
    2. Use in consumer products; and
    3. Annual production volume of greater than the confidential volume 
in the PMN.
    The proposed SNUR would designate as a ``significant new use'' 
these conditions of use.
    Potentially useful information: EPA has determined that certain 
information may be potentially useful to characterize the health and 
environmental effects of the PMN substance if a manufacturer or 
processor is considering submitting a SNUN for a significant new use 
that would be designated by this proposed SNUR. EPA has determined that 
the results of pulmonary effects, specific target organ toxicity, and 
aquatic toxicity testing would help characterize the potential health 
and environmental effects of the PMN substance.
    CFR citation: 40 CFR 721.11454.

PMN Number: P-18-199

    Chemical name: Rare earth oxide (generic).
    CAS number: Not available.
    Basis for action: The PMN states that the generic (non-
confidential) use of the substance will be as a fuel cell component. 
Based on the physical/chemical properties of the PMN substance and SAR 
analysis of test data on the PMN substance and analogous substances, 
EPA has identified concerns for lung effects, carcinogenicity, 
neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and blood, bone and liver effects if the 
chemical substance is used in ways other than as intended by the PMN 
submitter. Other conditions of use of the PMN substance that EPA 
intends to assess before they occur include the following:
     Use other than the confidential use described in the PMN.
    The proposed SNUR would designate as a ``significant new use'' 
these conditions of use.
    Potentially useful information: EPA has determined that certain 
information may be potentially useful to characterize the health and 
environmental effects of the PMN substance if a manufacturer or 
processor is considering submitting a SNUN for a significant new use 
that would be designated by this proposed SNUR. EPA has determined that 
the results of toxicokinetics, skin absorption, neurotoxicity, specific 
target organ toxicity, pulmonary effects, and bioavailability of 
certain metal ions in simulated lung fluid testing would help 
characterize the potential health effects of the PMN substance.

[[Page 10367]]

    CFR citation: 40 CFR 721.11455.

PMN Number: P-18-367

    Chemical name: Acid-modified polyether (generic).
    CAS number: Not available.
    Basis for action: The PMN states that the use of the substance will 
be as a wetting and dispersing additive for pigments in industrial 
paints and coatings. Based on the physical/chemical properties of the 
PMN substance and SAR analysis of test data on analogous substances, 
EPA has identified concerns for skin irritation, corrosion to the eyes 
and mucous membranes, lung effects (surfactancy), systemic toxicity, 
reproductive/developmental effects, and aquatic toxicity if the 
chemical substance is used in ways other than as intended by the PMN 
submitter. Other conditions of use of the PMN substance that EPA 
intends to assess before they occur include the following:
    1. Manufacture of the substance within the United States;
    2. Processing of the substance to greater than 2% concentration by 
weight in the final product formulation;
    3. Use in consumer products; and
    4. Release of a manufacturing, processing, or use stream associated 
with any use of the PMN substance into the waters of the United States 
exceeding a surface water concentration of 9 ppb.
    The proposed SNUR would designate as a ``significant new use'' 
these conditions of use.
    Potentially useful information: EPA has determined that certain 
information may be potentially useful to characterize the health and 
environmental effects of the PMN substance if a manufacturer or 
processor is considering submitting a SNUN for a significant new use 
that would be designated by this proposed SNUR. EPA has determined that 
the results of skin irritation, eye damage, specific target organ 
toxicity, pulmonary effects, reproductive toxicity, and aquatic 
toxicity testing would help characterize the potential health and 
environmental effects of the PMN substance.
    CFR citation: 40 CFR 721.11456.

PMN Number: P-19-158

    Chemical name: Alkenoic acid polymer with 2-ethyl-2-
(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-alkyldiol, 1,1'-methylenebis(4-
isocyantocarbomonocycle) and 3-methyl-1,5-alkyldiol, (generic).
    CAS number: Not available.
    Basis for action: The PMN states that the generic (non-
confidential) use of the substance will be as an adhesive. Based on the 
physical/chemical properties of the PMN substance and SAR analysis of 
test data on analogous substances, EPA has identified concerns for 
irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, skin and respiratory 
sensitization, respiratory tract effects, systemic and reproductive 
effects, and carcinogenicity if the chemical substance is used in ways 
other than as intended by the PMN submitter. Other conditions of use of 
the PMN substance that EPA intends to assess before they occur include 
the following:
    1. Manufacture, processing, or use in any manner that results in 
inhalation exposures;
    2. Use in consumer products; and
    3. Any release of a manufacturing, processing, or use stream 
associated with any use of the PMN substance into the waters of the 
United States.
    The proposed SNUR would designate as a ``significant new use'' 
these conditions of use.
    Potentially useful information: EPA has determined that exposure 
and release information may be potentially useful to characterize the 
health effects of the PMN substance if a manufacturer or processor is 
considering submitting a SNUN for a significant new use that would be 
designated by this proposed SNUR.
    CFR citation: 40 CFR 721.11457.

PMN Number: P-19-164

    Chemical name: Bis-alkoxy substituted alkane, polymer with 
aminoalkanol (generic).
    CAS number: Not available.
    Basis for action: The PMN states that the use of the substance will 
be as a site limited intermediate for coating resin manufacture. Based 
on the physical/chemical properties of the PMN substance and SAR 
analysis of test data on analogous substances, EPA has identified 
concerns for irritation and corrosion to skin, eyes, and mucous 
membranes, systemic effects (body weight changes and liver effects), 
neurological effects, reproductive and developmental effects, and 
aquatic toxicity if the chemical substance is used in ways other than 
as intended by the PMN submitter. Other conditions of use of the PMN 
substance that EPA intends to assess before they occur include the 
following:
    1. Manufacture, processing, or use in any manner that results in 
inhalation exposures; and
    2. Release of a manufacturing, processing, or use stream associated 
with any use of the PMN substance into the waters of the United States 
exceeding a surface water concentration of 1 ppb.
    The proposed SNUR would designate as a ``significant new use'' 
these conditions of use.
    Potentially useful information: EPA has determined that certain 
information may be potentially useful to characterize the health and 
environmental effects of the PMN substance if a manufacturer or 
processor is considering submitting a SNUN for a significant new use 
that would be designated by this proposed SNUR. EPA has determined that 
the results of skin irritation, eye damage, and aquatic toxicity 
testing would help characterize the potential health and environmental 
effects of the PMN substance.
    CFR citation: 40 CFR 721.11458.

V. Rationale and Objectives of the Proposed Rule

A. Rationale

    During review of the PMNs submitted for the chemical substances 
that are the subject of these proposed SNURs and as further discussed 
in Unit IV., EPA identified certain other reasonably foreseen 
conditions of use, in addition to those conditions of use intended by 
the submitter. EPA has preliminarily determined that the chemical under 
the intended conditions of use is not likely to present an unreasonable 
risk. However, EPA has not assessed risks associated with the 
reasonably foreseen conditions of use. EPA is proposing to designate 
these conditions of use as significant new uses to ensure that they are 
no longer reasonably foreseen to occur without first going through a 
separate, subsequent EPA review and determination process associated 
with a SNUN.

B. Objectives

    EPA is proposing these SNURs because the Agency wants:
     To have an opportunity to review and evaluate data 
submitted in a SNUN before the notice submitter begins manufacturing or 
processing a listed chemical substance for the described significant 
new use.
     To be obligated to make a determination under TSCA section 
5(a)(3) regarding the use described in the SNUN, under the conditions 
of use. The Agency will either determine under section 5(a)(3)(C) that 
the significant new use is not likely to present an unreasonable risk, 
including an unreasonable risk to a potentially exposed or susceptible 
subpopulation identified as relevant by the Administrator under the 
conditions of use, or make a determination under section 5(a)(3) (A) or 
(B) and take the required regulatory action associated

[[Page 10368]]

with the determination, before manufacture or processing for the 
significant new use of the chemical substance can occur.
     To be able to complete its review and determination on 
each of the PMN substances, while deferring analysis on the significant 
new uses proposed in these rules unless and until the Agency receives a 
SNUN.
    Issuance of a proposed SNUR for a chemical substance does not 
signify that the chemical substance is listed on the TSCA Inventory. 
Guidance on how to determine if a chemical substance is on the TSCA 
Inventory is available on the internet at https://www.epa.gov/tsca-inventory.

VI. Applicability of the Proposed Rules to Uses Occurring Before the 
Effective Date of the Final Rule

    To establish a significant new use, EPA must determine that the use 
is not ongoing. The chemical substances subject to this proposed rule 
were undergoing premanufacture review at the time of signature of this 
proposed rule and were not on the TSCA Inventory. In cases where EPA 
has not received a notice of commencement (NOC) and the chemical 
substance has not been added to the TSCA Inventory, no person may 
commence such activities without first submitting a PMN. Therefore, for 
the chemical substances subject to these proposed SNURs, EPA concludes 
that the proposed significant new uses are not ongoing.
    EPA designates February 3, 2020, as the cutoff date for determining 
whether the new use is ongoing. The objective of EPA's approach is to 
ensure that a person cannot defeat a SNUR by initiating a significant 
new use before the effective date of the final rule.
    Persons who begin commercial manufacture or processing of the 
chemical substances for a significant new use identified on or after 
that date would have to cease any such activity upon the effective date 
of the final rule. To resume their activities, these persons would have 
to first comply with all applicable SNUR notification requirements and 
EPA would have to take action under section 5 allowing manufacture or 
processing to proceed. In developing this proposed rule, EPA has 
recognized that, given EPA's general practice of posting proposed rules 
on its website a week or more in advance of Federal Register 
publication, this objective could be thwarted even before Federal 
Register publication of the proposed rule.

VII. Development and Submission of Information

    EPA recognizes that TSCA section 5 does not require development of 
any particular new information (e.g., generating test data) before 
submission of a SNUN. There is an exception: If a person is required to 
submit information for a chemical substance pursuant to a rule, Order 
or consent agreement under TSCA section 4 (15 U.S.C. 2603), then TSCA 
section 5(b)(1)(A) (15 U.S.C. 2604(b)(1)(A)) requires such information 
to be submitted to EPA at the time of submission of the SNUN.
    In the absence of a rule, Order, or consent agreement under TSCA 
section 4 covering the chemical substance, persons are required only to 
submit information in their possession or control and to describe any 
other information known to or reasonably ascertainable by them (see 40 
CFR 720.50). However, upon review of PMNs and SNUNs, the Agency has the 
authority to require appropriate testing. Unit IV. lists potentially 
useful information for all SNURs listed here. Descriptions are provided 
for informational purposes. The potentially useful information 
identified in Unit IV. will be useful to EPA's evaluation in the event 
that someone submits a SNUN for the significant new use. Companies who 
are considering submitting a SNUN are encouraged, but not required, to 
develop the information on the substance, which may assist with EPA's 
analysis of the SNUN.
    EPA strongly encourages persons, before performing any testing, to 
consult with the Agency pertaining to protocol selection. Furthermore, 
pursuant to TSCA section 4(h), which pertains to reduction of testing 
in vertebrate animals, EPA encourages consultation with the Agency on 
the use of alternative test methods and strategies (also called New 
Approach Methodologies, or NAMs), if available, to generate the 
recommended test data. EPA encourages dialog with Agency 
representatives to help determine how best the submitter can meet both 
the data needs and the objective of TSCA section 4(h).
    The potentially useful information described in Unit IV. may not be 
the only means of providing information to evaluate the chemical 
substance associated with the significant new uses. However, submitting 
a SNUN without any test data may increase the likelihood that EPA will 
take action under TSCA section 5(e) or 5(f). EPA recommends that 
potential SNUN submitters contact EPA early enough so that they will be 
able to conduct the appropriate tests.
    SNUN submitters should be aware that EPA will be better able to 
evaluate SNUNs which provide detailed information on the following:
     Human exposure and environmental release that may result 
from the significant new use of the chemical substances.

VIII. SNUN Submissions

    According to 40 CFR 721.1(c), persons submitting a SNUN must comply 
with the same notification requirements and EPA regulatory procedures 
as persons submitting a PMN, including submission of test data on 
health and environmental effects as described in 40 CFR 720.50. SNUNs 
must be submitted on EPA Form No. 7710-25, generated using e-PMN 
software, and submitted to the Agency in accordance with the procedures 
set forth in 40 CFR 720.40 and 721.25. E-PMN software is available 
electronically at https://www.epa.gov/reviewing-new-chemicals-under-toxic-substances-control-act-tsca.

IX. Economic Analysis

    EPA has evaluated the potential costs of establishing SNUN 
requirements for potential manufacturers and processors of the chemical 
substances subject to this proposed rule. EPA's complete economic 
analysis is available in the docket under docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPPT-
2019-0650.

X. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Additional information about these statutes and Executive Orders 
can be found at https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations-and-executive-orders.

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

    This proposed rule would establish SNURs for new chemical 
substances that were the subject of PMNs. The Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from review under 
Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 
3821, January 21, 2011).

B. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)

    According to the PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., an Agency may not 
conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a 
collection of information that requires OMB approval under PRA, unless 
it has been approved by OMB and displays a currently valid OMB control 
number. The OMB control

[[Page 10369]]

numbers for EPA's regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing 
in the Federal Register, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, and included on 
the related collection instrument or form, if applicable.
    The information collection requirements related to this action have 
already been approved by OMB pursuant to PRA under OMB control number 
2070-0012 (EPA ICR No. 574). This action does not impose any burden 
requiring additional OMB approval. If an entity were to submit a SNUN 
to the Agency, the annual burden is estimated to average between 30 and 
170 hours per response. This burden estimate includes the time needed 
to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and 
maintain the data needed, and complete, review, and submit the required 
SNUN.
    Send any comments about the accuracy of the burden estimate, and 
any suggested methods for minimizing respondent burden, including 
through the use of automated collection techniques, to the Director, 
Regulatory Support Division, Office of Mission Support (2822T), 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, 
DC 20460-0001. Please remember to include the OMB control number in any 
correspondence, but do not submit any completed forms to this address.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)

    Pursuant to section 605(b) of the RFA, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., the 
Agency hereby certifies that promulgation of this proposed SNUR would 
not have a significant adverse economic impact on a substantial number 
of small entities. The requirement to submit a SNUN applies to any 
person (including small or large entities) who intends to engage in any 
activity described in the final rule as a ``significant new use.'' 
Because these uses are ``new,'' based on all information currently 
available to EPA, it appears that no small or large entities presently 
engage in such activities. A SNUR requires that any person who intends 
to engage in such activity in the future must first notify EPA by 
submitting a SNUN. Although some small entities may decide to pursue a 
significant new use in the future, EPA cannot presently determine how 
many, if any, there may be. However, EPA's experience to date is that, 
in response to the promulgation of SNURs covering over 1,000 chemicals, 
the Agency receives only a small number of notices per year. For 
example, the number of SNUNs received was seven in Federal fiscal year 
(FY) 2013, 13 in FY2014, six in FY2015, 12 in FY2016, 13 in FY2017, and 
11 in FY2018, only a fraction of these were from small businesses. In 
addition, the Agency currently offers relief to qualifying small 
businesses by reducing the SNUN submission fee from $16,000 to $2,800. 
This lower fee reduces the total reporting and recordkeeping of cost of 
submitting a SNUN to about $10,116 for qualifying small firms. 
Therefore, the potential economic impacts of complying with this 
proposed SNUR are not expected to be significant or adversely impact a 
substantial number of small entities. In a SNUR that published in the 
Federal Register of June 2, 1997 (62 FR 29684) (FRL-5597-1), the Agency 
presented its general determination that final SNURs are not expected 
to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities, which was provided to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the 
Small Business Administration.

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)

    Based on EPA's experience with proposing and finalizing SNURs, 
State, local, and Tribal governments have not been impacted by these 
rulemakings, and EPA does not have any reasons to believe that any 
State, local, or Tribal government will be impacted by this proposed 
rule. As such, EPA has determined that this proposed rule does not 
impose any enforceable duty, contain any unfunded mandate, or otherwise 
have any effect on small governments subject to the requirements of 
UMRA sections 202, 203, 204, or 205 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538 et seq.).

E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism

    This action would 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 (64 FR 
43255, August 10, 1999).

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

    This proposed rule would not have Tribal implications because it is 
not expected to have substantial direct effects on Indian Tribes. This 
proposed rule would not significantly nor uniquely affect the 
communities of Indian Tribal governments, nor does it involve or impose 
any requirements that affect Indian Tribes. Accordingly, the 
requirements of Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), 
do not apply to this proposed rule.

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

    This action is not subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, 
April 23, 1997), because this is not an economically significant 
regulatory action as defined by Executive Order 12866, and this action 
does not address environmental health or safety risks 
disproportionately affecting children.

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

    This proposed rule is not subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 
28355, May 22, 2001), because this action is not expected to affect 
energy supply, distribution, or use and because this action is not a 
significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.

I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA)

    In addition, since this action does not involve any technical 
standards, NTTAA section 12(d), 15 U.S.C. 272 note, does not apply to 
this action.

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

    This action does not entail special considerations of environmental 
justice related issues as delineated by Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 
7629, February 16, 1994).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 721

    Environmental protection, Chemicals, Hazardous substances, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: January 31, 2020.
Tala Henry,
Deputy Director, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics.
    Therefore, it is proposed that 40 CFR part 721 is amended as 
follows:

PART 721--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for part 721 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  15 U.S.C. 2604, 2607, and 2625(c).

0
2. Add Sec. Sec.  721.11453 through 721.11458 to subpart E to read as 
follows:

[[Page 10370]]

Subpart E--Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances


Sec.  721.11453  Phosphonium, trihexyltetradecyl-, salt with 1,1,1-
trifluoro-N-[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]methanesulfonamide (1:1).

    (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to 
reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified as phosphonium, 
trihexyltetradecyl-, salt with 1,1,1-trifluoro-N-
[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]methanesulfonamide (1:1) (PMN P-18-58; CASRN 
460092-03-9) is subject to reporting under this section for the 
significant new uses described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
    (2) The significant new uses are:
    (i) Industrial, commercial, and consumer activities. It is a 
significant new use to manufacture, process, or use the substance in a 
manner that results in inhalation exposure.
    (ii) Release to water. Requirements as specified in Sec.  
721.90(a)(4), (b)(4), and (c)(4) where N=11.
    (b) Specific requirements. The provisions of subpart A of this part 
apply to this section except as modified by this paragraph (b).
    (1) Recordkeeping. Recordkeeping requirements as specified in Sec.  
721.125(a) through (c), (i), and (k) are applicable to manufacturers 
and processors of this substance.
    (2) Limitations or revocation of certain notification requirements. 
The provisions of Sec.  721.185 apply to this section.


Sec.  721.11454  Calcium manganese titanium oxide.

    (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to 
reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified as calcium manganese 
titanium oxide (PMN P-18-126; CASRN 153728-36-0) is subject to 
reporting under this section for the significant new uses described in 
paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
    (2) The significant new uses are:
    (i) Industrial, commercial, and consumer activities. Requirements 
as specified in Sec.  721.80(o). It is a significant new use to use the 
substance other than as a black pigment for architectural paint. It is 
a significant new to manufacture or import greater than the annual 
production volume identified in the PMN.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (b) Specific requirements. The provisions of subpart A of this part 
apply to this section except as modified by this paragraph (b).
    (1) Recordkeeping. Recordkeeping requirements as specified in Sec.  
721.125(a) through (c), and (i) are applicable to manufacturers and 
processors of this substance.
    (2) Limitations or revocation of certain notification requirements. 
The provisions of Sec.  721.185 apply to this section.


Sec.  721.11455   Rare earth oxide (generic).

    (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to 
reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as rare 
earth oxide (PMN P-18-199) is subject to reporting under this section 
for the significant new uses described in paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section.
    (2) The significant new uses are:
    (i) Industrial, commercial, and consumer activities. Requirements 
as specified in Sec.  721.80(j).
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (b) Specific requirements. The provisions of subpart A of this part 
apply to this section except as modified by this paragraph (b).
    (1) Recordkeeping. Recordkeeping requirements as specified in Sec.  
721.125(a) through (c), and (i) are applicable to manufacturers and 
processors of this substance.
    (2) Limitations or revocation of certain notification requirements. 
The provisions of Sec.  721.185 apply to this section.
    (3) Determining whether a specific use is subject to this section. 
The provisions of Sec.  721.1725(b)(1) apply to paragraph (a)(2)(i) of 
this section.


Sec.  721.11456  Acid-modified polyether (generic).

    (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to 
reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as acid-
modified polyether (PMN P-18-367) is subject to reporting under this 
section for the significant new uses described in paragraph (a)(2) of 
this section.
    (2) The significant new uses are:
    (i) Industrial, commercial, and consumer activities. Requirements 
as specified in Sec.  721.80(f) and (o). It is a significant new use to 
process the substance to a final product formulation of greater than 2% 
by weight.
    (ii) Release to water. Requirements as specified in Sec.  
721.90(a)(4), (b)(4), and (c)(4) where N=9.
    (b) Specific requirements. The provisions of subpart A of this part 
apply to this section except as modified by this paragraph (b).
    (1) Recordkeeping. Recordkeeping requirements as specified in Sec.  
721.125(a) through (c), (i), and (k) are applicable to manufacturers 
and processors of this substance.
    (2) Limitations or revocation of certain notification requirements. 
The provisions of Sec.  721.185 apply to this section.


Sec.  721.11457  Alkenoic acid polymer with 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
1,3-alkyldiol, 1,1'-methylenebis(4-isocyantocarbomonocycle) and 3-
methyl-1,5-alkyldiol (generic).

    (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to 
reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as 
alkenoic acid polymer with 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-alkyldiol, 
1,1'-methylenebis(4-isocyantocarbomonocycle) and 3-methyl-1,5-alkyldiol 
(PMN P-19-158) is subject to reporting under this section for the 
significant new uses described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
    (2) The significant new uses are:
    (i) Industrial, commercial, and consumer activities. Requirements 
as specified in Sec.  721.80(o). It is a significant new use to 
manufacture, process, or use the substance in a manner that results in 
inhalation exposure.
    (ii) Release to water. Requirements as specified in Sec.  
721.90(a)(1), (b)(1), and (c)(1).
    (b) Specific requirements. The provisions of subpart A of this part 
apply to this section except as modified by this paragraph (b).
    (1) Recordkeeping. Recordkeeping requirements as specified in Sec.  
721.125(a) through (c), and (i) are applicable to manufacturers and 
processors of this substance.
    (2) Limitations or revocation of certain notification requirements. 
The provisions of Sec.  721.185 apply to this section.


Sec.  721.11458  Bis-alkoxy substituted alkane, polymer with 
aminoalkanol, (generic).

    (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to 
reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as bis-
alkoxy substituted alkane, polymer with aminoalkanol, (PMN P-19-164) is 
subject to reporting under this section for the significant new uses 
described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
    (2) The significant new uses are:
    (i) Industrial, commercial, and consumer activities. It is a 
significant new use to manufacture, process, or use the substance in a 
manner that results in inhalation exposure.
    (ii) Release to water. Requirements as specified in Sec.  
721.90(a)(4), (b)(4), and (c)(4) where N=1.
    (b) Specific requirements. The provisions of subpart A of this part 
apply to this section except as modified by this paragraph (b).
    (1) Recordkeeping. Recordkeeping requirements as specified in Sec.  
721.125(a) through (c), (i), and (k) are applicable to manufacturers 
and processors of this substance.

[[Page 10371]]

    (2) Limitations or revocation of certain notification requirements. 
The provisions of Sec.  721.185 apply to this section.

[FR Doc. 2020-02892 Filed 2-21-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


