80_FR_29325 80 FR 29227 - Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Acetyl Fentanyl into Schedule I

80 FR 29227 - Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Acetyl Fentanyl into Schedule I

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Drug Enforcement Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 98 (May 21, 2015)

Page Range29227-29230
FR Document2015-12331

The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is issuing this notice of intent to temporarily schedule the synthetic opioid, N-(1-phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)-N-phenylacetamide (acetyl fentanyl), into schedule I pursuant to the temporary scheduling provisions of the Controlled Substances Act. This action is based on a finding by the Administrator that the placement of this opioid substance into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. Any final order will impose the administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions and regulatory controls applicable to schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act on the manufacture, distribution, possession, importation, exportation, research, and conduct of instructional activities of this opioid substance.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 98 (Thursday, May 21, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 98 (Thursday, May 21, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29227-29230]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-12331]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Drug Enforcement Administration

21 CFR Part 1308

[Docket No. DEA-413]


Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Acetyl 
Fentanyl into Schedule I

AGENCY: Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is 
issuing this notice of intent to temporarily schedule the synthetic 
opioid, N-(1-phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)-N-phenylacetamide (acetyl 
fentanyl), into schedule I pursuant to the temporary scheduling 
provisions of the Controlled Substances Act. This action is based on a 
finding by the Administrator that the placement of this opioid 
substance into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act is necessary 
to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. Any final order will 
impose the administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions and regulatory 
controls applicable to schedule I substances under the Controlled 
Substances Act on the manufacture, distribution, possession, 
importation, exportation, research, and conduct of instructional 
activities of this opioid substance.

DATES: May 21, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John R. Scherbenske, Office of 
Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Administration; Mailing Address: 
8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, Virginia 22152, Telephone: (202) 
598-6812.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Any final order will be published in the 
Federal Register and may not be effective prior to June 22, 2015.

Legal Authority

    The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) implements and enforces 
titles II and III of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and 
Control Act of 1970, as amended. 21 U.S.C. 801-971. Titles II and III 
are referred to as the ``Controlled Substances Act'' and the 
``Controlled Substances Import and Export Act,'' respectively, and are 
collectively referred to as the ``Controlled Substances Act'' or the 
``CSA'' for the purpose of this action. The DEA publishes the 
implementing regulations for these statutes in title 21 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations (CFR), chapter II. The CSA and its implementing 
regulations are designed to prevent, detect, and eliminate the 
diversion of controlled substances and listed chemicals into the 
illicit market while providing for the legitimate medical, scientific, 
research, and industrial needs of the United States. Controlled 
substances have the potential for abuse and dependence and are 
controlled to protect the public health and safety.
    Under the CSA, every controlled substance is classified into one of 
five schedules based upon its potential for abuse, its currently 
accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and the degree 
of dependence the drug or other substance may cause. 21 U.S.C. 812. The 
initial schedules of controlled substances established by Congress are 
found at 21 U.S.C. 812(c), and the current list of all scheduled 
substances is published at 21 CFR part 1308. 21 U.S.C. 812(a).
    Section 201 of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811, provides the Attorney 
General with the authority to temporarily place a substance into 
schedule I of the CSA for two years without regard to the requirements 
of 21 U.S.C. 811(b) if he or she finds that such action is necessary to 
avoid imminent hazard to the public safety. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1). In 
addition, if proceedings to control a substance are initiated under 21 
U.S.C. 811(a)(1), the Attorney General may extend the temporary 
scheduling for up to one year. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(2).
    Where the necessary findings are made, a substance may be 
temporarily scheduled if it is not listed in any other schedule under 
section 202 of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 812, or if there is no exemption or 
approval in effect for the substance under section 505 of the Federal 
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), 21 U.S.C. 355. 21 U.S.C. 
811(h)(1). The Attorney General has delegated scheduling authority 
under 21 U.S.C. 811 to the Administrator of the DEA. 28 CFR 0.100.

[[Page 29228]]

Background

    Section 201(h)(4) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(4), requires the 
Administrator to notify the Secretary of the Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS) of her intention to temporarily place a substance 
into schedule I of the CSA.\1\ The Administrator transmitted notice of 
her intent to place acetyl fentanyl in schedule I on a temporary basis 
to the Assistant Secretary by letter dated April 7, 2015. Any comments 
submitted by the Assistant Secretary in response to the notice 
transmitted to the Assistant Secretary shall be taken into 
consideration before a final order is published. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(4).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Because the Secretary of the HHS has delegated to the 
Assistant Secretary for Health of the HHS the authority to make 
domestic drug scheduling recommendations, for purposes of this 
notice of intent, all subsequent references to ``Secretary'' have 
been replaced with ``Assistant Secretary.'' As set forth in a 
memorandum of understanding entered into by the HHS, the Food and 
Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institute on Drug Abuse 
(NIDA), FDA acts as the lead agency within HHS in carrying out the 
Assistant Secretary's scheduling responsibilities under the CSA, 
with the concurrence of NIDA. 50 FR 9518, Mar. 8, 1985.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To find that placing a substance temporarily into schedule I of the 
CSA is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety, the 
Administrator is required to consider three of the eight factors set 
forth in section 201(c) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(c): The substance's 
history and current pattern of abuse; the scope, duration and 
significance of abuse; and what, if any, risk there is to the public 
health. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(3). Consideration of these factors includes 
actual abuse, diversion from legitimate channels, and clandestine 
importation, manufacture, or distribution. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(3).
    A substance meeting the statutory requirements for temporary 
scheduling may only be placed in schedule I. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1). 
Substances in schedule I are those that have a high potential for 
abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United 
States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical 
supervision. 21 U.S.C. 812(b)(1).

Acetyl Fentanyl

    Available data and information for acetyl fentanyl indicate that 
this opioid substance has a high potential for abuse, no currently 
accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of 
accepted safety for use under medical supervision.

Factor 4. History and Current Pattern of Abuse

    Clandestinely produced substances structurally related to the 
schedule II opioid analgesic fentanyl were trafficked and abused on the 
West Coast in the late 1970s and 1980s. These clandestinely produced 
fentanyl-like substances were commonly known as designer drugs and 
recently, there has been a reemergence in the trafficking and abuse of 
designer drug substances including fentanyl-like substances. Alpha-
methylfentanyl, the first fentanyl analogue identified in California, 
was placed into schedule I of the CSA in September 1981. Following the 
control of alpha-methylfentanyl, the DEA identified several other 
fentanyl analogues (3-methylthiofentanyl, acetyl-alpha-methylfentanyl, 
beta-hydroxy-3-methylfentanyl, alpha-methylthiofentanyl, thiofentanyl, 
beta-hydroxyfentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl and 3-methylfentanyl) in 
submissions to forensic laboratories. These substances were temporarily 
controlled under schedule I of the CSA after finding that they posed an 
imminent hazard to public safety and were subsequently permanently 
placed in schedule I of the CSA.
    The National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) is a 
national drug forensic laboratory reporting system that systematically 
collects results from drug chemistry analyses conducted by State and 
local forensic laboratories across the country. The first laboratory 
submission of acetyl fentanyl was recorded in Maine in April 2013 
according to NFLIS. NFLIS registered eight reports containing acetyl 
fentanyl in 2013 in Louisiana, Maine, and North Dakota; and 30 reports 
in 2014 in Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, New Jersey, Ohio, 
Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
    The System to Retrieve Information from Drug Evidence (STRIDE) is a 
database of drug exhibits sent to DEA laboratories for analysis. 
Exhibits from the database are from the DEA, other Federal agencies, 
and some local law enforcement agencies. Acetyl fentanyl was first 
reported to STRIDE in September 2013 from exhibits obtained through a 
controlled purchase in Louisiana. In October 2013, an exhibit collected 
from a controlled purchase of suspected oxycodone tablets in Rhode 
Island contained acetyl fentanyl as the primary substance. In 2014, 
STARLiMS (a web-based, commercial laboratory information management 
system that is in transition to replace STRIDE) and STRIDE reported 
eight additional seizures in Colorado, Florida, Georgia, and 
Washington.
    In August 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
(CDC) published an article in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 
documenting a series of 14 fatalities related to acetyl fentanyl that 
occurred between March and May 2013. In December 2013, another fatality 
associated with acetyl fentanyl was reported in Rhode Island for a 
total of 15 fatalities. In February 2014, the North Carolina Department 
of Health and Human Services issued a health advisory related to acetyl 
fentanyl following at least three deaths related to this synthetic 
drug. Toxicologists at the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical 
Examiner detected acetyl fentanyl in specimens associated with deaths 
that occurred in January 2014 in Sampson, Person, and Transylvania 
counties. In July and August 2014, four additional fatalities involving 
acetyl fentanyl were reported for a total of seven fatalities in North 
Carolina. Deaths involving acetyl fentanyl have also been reported in 
California (1), Louisiana (14), Oregon (1), and Pennsylvania (1).
    A significant seizure of acetyl fentanyl occurred in April 2013 
during a law enforcement investigation in Montreal, Canada. 
Approximately three kilograms of acetyl fentanyl in powder form and 
approximately 11,000 tablets containing acetyl fentanyl were seized. 
Given that a typical dose of acetyl fentanyl is in the microgram range, 
a three kilogram quantity could potentially produce millions of dosage 
units. In the United States, tablets that mimic pharmaceutical opioid 
products have been reported in multiple states, including Colorado, 
Florida, Georgia, Rhode Island, and Washington. Recent reports indicate 
that acetyl fentanyl in powder form is available over the Internet and 
has been imported to addresses within the United States.
    Evidence also suggests that the pattern of abuse of fentanyl 
analogues, including acetyl fentanyl, parallels that of heroin and 
prescription opioid analgesics. Seizures of acetyl fentanyl have been 
encountered both in powder and in tablet form. It is also known to have 
caused many fatal overdoses, in which intravenous routes of 
administration and histories of drug abuse are documented.

Factor 5. Scope, Duration and Significance of Abuse

    DEA is currently aware of at least 39 fatalities associated with 
acetyl fentanyl. These deaths have been reported in 2013 and 2014 from 
six states including California, Louisiana, North Carolina,

[[Page 29229]]

Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. STARLiMS and STRIDE, databases 
capturing drug evidence information from DEA forensic laboratories, 
have a total of 10 drug reports in which acetyl fentanyl was identified 
in six cases for analyzed drugs submitted from January 2010--December 
2014 from Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Rhode Island, and 
Washington. It is likely that the prevalence of acetyl fentanyl in 
opioid analgesic-related emergency room admissions and deaths is 
underreported as standard immunoassays cannot differentiate acetyl 
fentanyl from fentanyl.
    The population likely to abuse acetyl fentanyl overlaps with the 
populations abusing prescription opioid analgesics and heroin. This is 
evidenced by the routes of administration and drug use history 
documented in acetyl fentanyl fatal overdose cases. Because abusers of 
acetyl fentanyl are likely to obtain the drug through illicit sources, 
the identity, purity, and quantity is uncertain and inconsistent, thus 
posing significant adverse health risks to its abusers. This risk is 
particularly heightened by the fact that acetyl fentanyl is a highly 
potent opioid (15.7-fold more than that of morphine as tested in mice 
using an acetic acid writhing method). Thus small changes in the amount 
and purity of the substance could potentially lead to overdose and 
death.

Factor 6. What, if Any, Risk There Is to the Public Health

    Acetyl fentanyl exhibits a pharmacological profile similar to that 
of fentanyl and other opioid analgesic compounds and it is a potent 
opioid analgesic reported to be \1/3\ as potent as fentanyl and 15.7 
times as potent as morphine in mice tested in an acetic acid writhing 
method. In addition, studies also showed that the range between the 
effective dose (ED50) and the lethal dose (LD50) of acetyl fentanyl is 
narrower than that of morphine and fentanyl, increasing the risk of 
fatal overdose. Thus, its abuse is likely to pose quantitatively 
greater risks to the public health and safety than abuse of traditional 
opioid analgesics such as morphine.
    Based on the above pharmacological data, the abuse of acetyl 
fentanyl at least leads to the same qualitative public health risks as 
heroin, fentanyl and other opioid analgesic compounds. The public 
health risks attendant to the abuse of heroin and opioid analgesics are 
well established. The abuse of opioid analgesics has resulted in large 
numbers of drug treatment admissions, emergency department visits, and 
fatal overdoses.
    Acetyl fentanyl has been associated with numerous fatalities. At 
least 39 overdose deaths due to acetyl fentanyl abuse have been 
reported in six states in 2013 and 2014, including California, 
Louisiana, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. This 
indicates that acetyl fentanyl poses an imminent hazard to public 
safety.

Finding of Necessity of Schedule I Placement To Avoid Imminent Hazard 
to Public Safety

    Based on the above summarized data and information, the continued 
uncontrolled manufacture, distribution, importation, exportation, and 
abuse of acetyl fentanyl pose an imminent hazard to the public safety. 
The DEA is not aware of any currently accepted medical uses for this 
substance in the United States. A substance meeting the statutory 
requirements for temporary scheduling, 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1), may only be 
placed in schedule I. Substances in schedule I are those that have a 
high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in 
treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use 
under medical supervision. Available data and information for acetyl 
fentanyl indicate that this substance has a high potential for abuse, 
no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, 
and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. As 
required by section 201(h)(4) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(4), the 
Administrator, through a letter dated April 7, 2015, notified the 
Assistant Secretary of the DEA's intention to temporarily place this 
substance in schedule I.

Conclusion

    This notice of intent initiates an expedited temporary scheduling 
action and provides the 30-day notice pursuant to section 201(h) of the 
CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h). In accordance with the provisions of section 
201(h) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h), the Administrator considered 
available data and information, herein set forth the grounds for her 
determination that it is necessary to temporarily schedule acetyl 
fentanyl in schedule I of the CSA, and finds that placement of this 
opioid substance into schedule I of the CSA is necessary in order to 
avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety.
    Because the Administrator hereby finds that it is necessary to 
temporarily place this synthetic opioid into schedule I to avoid an 
imminent hazard to the public safety, any subsequent final order 
temporarily scheduling these substances will be effective on the date 
of publication in the Federal Register, and will be in effect for a 
period of two years, with a possible extension of one additional year, 
pending completion of the regular (permanent) scheduling process. 21 
U.S.C. 811(h)(1) and (2). It is the intention of the Administrator to 
issue such a final order as soon as possible after the expiration of 30 
days from the date of publication of this notice. Acetyl fentanyl will 
then be subject to the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, 
and criminal sanctions applicable to the manufacture, distribution, 
possession, importation, exportation, research, and conduct of 
instructional activities of a schedule I controlled substance.
    The CSA sets forth specific criteria for scheduling a drug or other 
substance. Regular scheduling actions in accordance with 21 U.S.C. 
811(a) are subject to formal rulemaking procedures done ``on the record 
after opportunity for a hearing'' conducted pursuant to the provisions 
of 5 U.S.C. 556 and 557. 21 U.S.C. 811. The regular scheduling process 
of formal rulemaking affords interested parties with appropriate 
process and the government with any additional relevant information 
needed to make a determination. Final decisions that conclude the 
regular scheduling process of formal rulemaking are subject to judicial 
review. 21 U.S.C. 877. Temporary scheduling orders are not subject to 
judicial review. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(6).

Regulatory Matters

    Section 201(h) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h), provides for an 
expedited temporary scheduling action where such action is necessary to 
avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. As provided in this 
subsection, the Attorney General may, by order, schedule a substance in 
schedule I on a temporary basis. Such an order may not be issued before 
the expiration of 30 days from (1) the publication of a notice in the 
Federal Register of the intention to issue such order and the grounds 
upon which such order is to be issued, and (2) the date that notice of 
the proposed temporary scheduling order is transmitted to the Assistant 
Secretary of HHS. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1).
    Inasmuch as section 201(h) of the CSA directs that temporary 
scheduling actions be issued by order and sets forth the procedures by 
which such orders are to be issued, the DEA believes that the notice 
and comment requirements of section 553 of the Administrative Procedure 
Act (APA), 5 U.S.C. 553, do not apply to this notice of intent. In the 
alternative, even assuming that this

[[Page 29230]]

notice of intent might be subject to section 553 of the APA, the 
Administrator finds that there is good cause to forgo the notice and 
comment requirements of section 553, as any further delays in the 
process for issuance of temporary scheduling orders would be 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest in view of the 
manifest urgency to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety.
    Although the DEA believes this notice of intent to issue a 
temporary scheduling order is not subject to the notice and comment 
requirements of section 553 of the APA, the DEA notes that in 
accordance with 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(4), the Administrator will take into 
consideration any comments submitted by the Assistant Secretary with 
regard to the proposed temporary scheduling order.
    Further, the DEA believes that this temporary scheduling action is 
not a ``rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 601(2), and, accordingly, is not 
subject to the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). 
The requirements for the preparation of an initial regulatory 
flexibility analysis in 5 U.S.C. 603(a) are not applicable where, as 
here, the DEA is not required by section 553 of the APA or any other 
law to publish a general notice of proposed rulemaking.
    Additionally, this action is not a significant regulatory action as 
defined by Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), 
section 3(f), and, accordingly, this action has not been reviewed by 
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
    This action 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. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 
13132 (Federalism) it is determined that this action does not have 
sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a 
Federalism Assessment.

List of Subjects in 21 CFR Part 1308

    Administrative practice and procedure, Drug traffic control, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons set out above, the DEA proposes to amend 21 CFR 
part 1308 as follows:

PART 1308--SCHEDULES OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

0
1. The authority citation for part 1308 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  21 U.S.C. 811, 812, 871(b), unless otherwise noted.

0
2. In Sec.  1308.11, add paragraph (h)(24) to read as follows:


Sec.  1308.11  Schedule I.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (24) N-(1-phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)-N-phenylacetamide, its optical, 
positional, and geometric isomers, salts and salts of isomers (Other 
names: Acetyl fentanyl)--(9821)
* * * * *

    Dated: May 14, 2015.
Michele M. Leonhart,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2015-12331 Filed 5-20-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4410-09-P



                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 98 / Thursday, May 21, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                           29227

                                                preparation of a Regulatory Evaluation                  Paragraph 6005 Class E Airspace areas                 Legal Authority
                                                as the anticipated impact is so minimal.                extending upward from 700 feet or more
                                                                                                        above the surface of the earth.                          The Drug Enforcement
                                                Since this is a routine matter that will                                                                      Administration (DEA) implements and
                                                only affect air traffic procedures and air              *      *     *       *       *                        enforces titles II and III of the
                                                navigation, it is certified that this rule,             ACE NE E5 Tekamah, NE [Amended]                       Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention
                                                when promulgated, will not have a                                                                             and Control Act of 1970, as amended. 21
                                                                                                        Tekamah Municipal Airport, NE
                                                significant economic impact on a                          (Lat. 41°45′49″ N., long. 96°10′41″ W.)             U.S.C. 801–971. Titles II and III are
                                                substantial number of small entities                      That airspace extending upward from 700             referred to as the ‘‘Controlled
                                                under the criteria of the Regulatory                    feet above the surface within a 6.4-mile              Substances Act’’ and the ‘‘Controlled
                                                Flexibility Act.                                        radius of Tekamah Municipal Airport.                  Substances Import and Export Act,’’
                                                  The FAA’s authority to issue rules                      Issued in Fort Worth, TX, on May 11, 2015.          respectively, and are collectively
                                                regarding aviation safety is found in                   Robert W. Beck,                                       referred to as the ‘‘Controlled
                                                Title 49 of the U.S. Code. Subtitle 1,                                                                        Substances Act’’ or the ‘‘CSA’’ for the
                                                                                                        Manager, Operations Support Group, ATO
                                                Section 106 describes the authority of                  Central Service Center.                               purpose of this action. The DEA
                                                the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,                                                                          publishes the implementing regulations
                                                                                                        [FR Doc. 2015–12105 Filed 5–20–15; 8:45 am]
                                                Aviation Programs, describes in more                                                                          for these statutes in title 21 of the Code
                                                                                                        BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                detail the scope of the agency’s                                                                              of Federal Regulations (CFR), chapter II.
                                                authority. This rulemaking is                                                                                 The CSA and its implementing
                                                promulgated under the authority                                                                               regulations are designed to prevent,
                                                                                                        DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE                                 detect, and eliminate the diversion of
                                                described in Subtitle VII, Part A,
                                                Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that                                                                          controlled substances and listed
                                                                                                        Drug Enforcement Administration
                                                section, the FAA is charged with                                                                              chemicals into the illicit market while
                                                prescribing regulations to assign the use                                                                     providing for the legitimate medical,
                                                                                                        21 CFR Part 1308
                                                of airspace necessary to ensure the                                                                           scientific, research, and industrial needs
                                                safety of aircraft and the efficient use of             [Docket No. DEA–413]                                  of the United States. Controlled
                                                airspace. This regulation is within the                                                                       substances have the potential for abuse
                                                                                                        Schedules of Controlled Substances:                   and dependence and are controlled to
                                                scope of that authority as it would
                                                                                                        Temporary Placement of Acetyl                         protect the public health and safety.
                                                amend controlled airspace at the Iowa
                                                                                                        Fentanyl into Schedule I                                 Under the CSA, every controlled
                                                airports listed in this NPRM.
                                                                                                        AGENCY: Drug Enforcement                              substance is classified into one of five
                                                Environmental Review                                                                                          schedules based upon its potential for
                                                                                                        Administration, Department of Justice.
                                                                                                                                                              abuse, its currently accepted medical
                                                   This proposal will be subject to an                  ACTION: Notice of intent.
                                                                                                                                                              use in treatment in the United States,
                                                environmental analysis in accordance                                                                          and the degree of dependence the drug
                                                with FAA Order 1050.1E,                                 SUMMARY:   The Administrator of the Drug
                                                                                                        Enforcement Administration is issuing                 or other substance may cause. 21 U.S.C.
                                                ‘‘Environmental Impacts: Policies and                                                                         812. The initial schedules of controlled
                                                Procedures’’ prior to any FAA final                     this notice of intent to temporarily
                                                                                                        schedule the synthetic opioid, N-(1-                  substances established by Congress are
                                                regulatory action.                                                                                            found at 21 U.S.C. 812(c), and the
                                                                                                        phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)-N-
                                                List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71                      phenylacetamide (acetyl fentanyl), into               current list of all scheduled substances
                                                                                                        schedule I pursuant to the temporary                  is published at 21 CFR part 1308. 21
                                                 Airspace, Incorporation by reference,                  scheduling provisions of the Controlled               U.S.C. 812(a).
                                                Navigation (air).                                       Substances Act. This action is based on                  Section 201 of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811,
                                                                                                        a finding by the Administrator that the               provides the Attorney General with the
                                                The Proposed Amendment                                                                                        authority to temporarily place a
                                                                                                        placement of this opioid substance into
                                                  In consideration of the foregoing, the                schedule I of the Controlled Substances               substance into schedule I of the CSA for
                                                Federal Aviation Administration                         Act is necessary to avoid an imminent                 two years without regard to the
                                                proposes to amend 14 CFR part 71 as                     hazard to the public safety. Any final                requirements of 21 U.S.C. 811(b) if he or
                                                follows:                                                order will impose the administrative,                 she finds that such action is necessary
                                                                                                        civil, and criminal sanctions and                     to avoid imminent hazard to the public
                                                PART 71—DESIGNATION OF CLASS A,                         regulatory controls applicable to                     safety. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1). In addition,
                                                B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR                      schedule I substances under the                       if proceedings to control a substance are
                                                TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND                             Controlled Substances Act on the                      initiated under 21 U.S.C. 811(a)(1), the
                                                REPORTING POINTS                                        manufacture, distribution, possession,                Attorney General may extend the
                                                                                                        importation, exportation, research, and               temporary scheduling for up to one
                                                ■ 1. The authority citation for part 71                 conduct of instructional activities of this           year. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(2).
                                                continues to read as follows:                           opioid substance.                                        Where the necessary findings are
                                                                                                                                                              made, a substance may be temporarily
                                                  Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40103,           DATES: May 21, 2015.
                                                                                                                                                              scheduled if it is not listed in any other
                                                40113, 40120, E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR,            FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John                 schedule under section 202 of the CSA,
                                                1959–1963 Comp., p. 389.                                R. Scherbenske, Office of Diversion                   21 U.S.C. 812, or if there is no
                                                                                                        Control, Drug Enforcement
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                § 71.1   [Amended]
                                                                                                                                                              exemption or approval in effect for the
                                                                                                        Administration; Mailing Address: 8701                 substance under section 505 of the
                                                ■ 2. The incorporation by reference in                  Morrissette Drive, Springfield, Virginia              Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
                                                14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.9Y,                       22152, Telephone: (202) 598–6812.                     (FDCA), 21 U.S.C. 355. 21 U.S.C.
                                                Airspace Designations and Reporting                     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Any final                  811(h)(1). The Attorney General has
                                                Points, dated August 6, 2014 and                        order will be published in the Federal                delegated scheduling authority under 21
                                                effective September 15, 2014, is                        Register and may not be effective prior               U.S.C. 811 to the Administrator of the
                                                amended as follows:                                     to June 22, 2015.                                     DEA. 28 CFR 0.100.


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                                                29228                    Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 98 / Thursday, May 21, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                Background                                              Factor 4. History and Current Pattern of              seizures in Colorado, Florida, Georgia,
                                                                                                        Abuse                                                 and Washington.
                                                   Section 201(h)(4) of the CSA, 21                                                                              In August 2013, the Centers for
                                                U.S.C. 811(h)(4), requires the                             Clandestinely produced substances                  Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
                                                Administrator to notify the Secretary of                structurally related to the schedule II               published an article in its Morbidity and
                                                the Department of Health and Human                      opioid analgesic fentanyl were                        Mortality Weekly Report documenting a
                                                Services (HHS) of her intention to                      trafficked and abused on the West Coast               series of 14 fatalities related to acetyl
                                                temporarily place a substance into                      in the late 1970s and 1980s. These                    fentanyl that occurred between March
                                                schedule I of the CSA.1 The                             clandestinely produced fentanyl-like                  and May 2013. In December 2013,
                                                Administrator transmitted notice of her                 substances were commonly known as                     another fatality associated with acetyl
                                                intent to place acetyl fentanyl in                      designer drugs and recently, there has                fentanyl was reported in Rhode Island
                                                schedule I on a temporary basis to the                  been a reemergence in the trafficking                 for a total of 15 fatalities. In February
                                                Assistant Secretary by letter dated April               and abuse of designer drug substances                 2014, the North Carolina Department of
                                                7, 2015. Any comments submitted by                      including fentanyl-like substances.                   Health and Human Services issued a
                                                the Assistant Secretary in response to                  Alpha-methylfentanyl, the first fentanyl              health advisory related to acetyl
                                                the notice transmitted to the Assistant                 analogue identified in California, was                fentanyl following at least three deaths
                                                Secretary shall be taken into                           placed into schedule I of the CSA in                  related to this synthetic drug.
                                                consideration before a final order is                   September 1981. Following the control                 Toxicologists at the North Carolina
                                                published. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(4).                         of alpha-methylfentanyl, the DEA                      Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
                                                   To find that placing a substance                     identified several other fentanyl                     detected acetyl fentanyl in specimens
                                                temporarily into schedule I of the CSA                  analogues (3-methylthiofentanyl, acetyl-              associated with deaths that occurred in
                                                is necessary to avoid an imminent                       alpha-methylfentanyl, beta-hydroxy-3-                 January 2014 in Sampson, Person, and
                                                hazard to the public safety, the                        methylfentanyl, alpha-                                Transylvania counties. In July and
                                                Administrator is required to consider                   methylthiofentanyl, thiofentanyl, beta-               August 2014, four additional fatalities
                                                three of the eight factors set forth in                 hydroxyfentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl                  involving acetyl fentanyl were reported
                                                section 201(c) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C.                    and 3-methylfentanyl) in submissions to               for a total of seven fatalities in North
                                                811(c): The substance’s history and                     forensic laboratories. These substances               Carolina. Deaths involving acetyl
                                                current pattern of abuse; the scope,                    were temporarily controlled under                     fentanyl have also been reported in
                                                duration and significance of abuse; and                 schedule I of the CSA after finding that              California (1), Louisiana (14), Oregon
                                                what, if any, risk there is to the public               they posed an imminent hazard to                      (1), and Pennsylvania (1).
                                                                                                        public safety and were subsequently                      A significant seizure of acetyl fentanyl
                                                health. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(3).
                                                                                                        permanently placed in schedule I of the               occurred in April 2013 during a law
                                                Consideration of these factors includes
                                                                                                        CSA.                                                  enforcement investigation in Montreal,
                                                actual abuse, diversion from legitimate                                                                       Canada. Approximately three kilograms
                                                channels, and clandestine importation,                     The National Forensic Laboratory
                                                                                                        Information System (NFLIS) is a                       of acetyl fentanyl in powder form and
                                                manufacture, or distribution. 21 U.S.C.                                                                       approximately 11,000 tablets containing
                                                811(h)(3).                                              national drug forensic laboratory
                                                                                                        reporting system that systematically                  acetyl fentanyl were seized. Given that
                                                   A substance meeting the statutory                                                                          a typical dose of acetyl fentanyl is in the
                                                                                                        collects results from drug chemistry
                                                requirements for temporary scheduling                                                                         microgram range, a three kilogram
                                                                                                        analyses conducted by State and local
                                                may only be placed in schedule I. 21                                                                          quantity could potentially produce
                                                                                                        forensic laboratories across the country.
                                                U.S.C. 811(h)(1). Substances in schedule                                                                      millions of dosage units. In the United
                                                                                                        The first laboratory submission of acetyl
                                                I are those that have a high potential for                                                                    States, tablets that mimic
                                                                                                        fentanyl was recorded in Maine in April
                                                abuse, no currently accepted medical                                                                          pharmaceutical opioid products have
                                                                                                        2013 according to NFLIS. NFLIS
                                                use in treatment in the United States,                                                                        been reported in multiple states,
                                                                                                        registered eight reports containing
                                                and a lack of accepted safety for use                                                                         including Colorado, Florida, Georgia,
                                                                                                        acetyl fentanyl in 2013 in Louisiana,
                                                under medical supervision. 21 U.S.C.                                                                          Rhode Island, and Washington. Recent
                                                                                                        Maine, and North Dakota; and 30
                                                812(b)(1).                                                                                                    reports indicate that acetyl fentanyl in
                                                                                                        reports in 2014 in Florida, Illinois,
                                                                                                                                                              powder form is available over the
                                                Acetyl Fentanyl                                         Louisiana, Maine, New Jersey, Ohio,
                                                                                                                                                              Internet and has been imported to
                                                                                                        Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
                                                   Available data and information for                                                                         addresses within the United States.
                                                                                                           The System to Retrieve Information                    Evidence also suggests that the
                                                acetyl fentanyl indicate that this opioid
                                                                                                        from Drug Evidence (STRIDE) is a                      pattern of abuse of fentanyl analogues,
                                                substance has a high potential for abuse,
                                                                                                        database of drug exhibits sent to DEA                 including acetyl fentanyl, parallels that
                                                no currently accepted medical use in
                                                                                                        laboratories for analysis. Exhibits from              of heroin and prescription opioid
                                                treatment in the United States, and a
                                                                                                        the database are from the DEA, other                  analgesics. Seizures of acetyl fentanyl
                                                lack of accepted safety for use under
                                                                                                        Federal agencies, and some local law                  have been encountered both in powder
                                                medical supervision.
                                                                                                        enforcement agencies. Acetyl fentanyl                 and in tablet form. It is also known to
                                                  1 Because the Secretary of the HHS has delegated
                                                                                                        was first reported to STRIDE in                       have caused many fatal overdoses, in
                                                to the Assistant Secretary for Health of the HHS the
                                                                                                        September 2013 from exhibits obtained                 which intravenous routes of
                                                authority to make domestic drug scheduling              through a controlled purchase in                      administration and histories of drug
                                                recommendations, for purposes of this notice of         Louisiana. In October 2013, an exhibit                abuse are documented.
                                                intent, all subsequent references to ‘‘Secretary’’
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                                                                                                        collected from a controlled purchase of
                                                have been replaced with ‘‘Assistant Secretary.’’ As
                                                                                                        suspected oxycodone tablets in Rhode                  Factor 5. Scope, Duration and
                                                set forth in a memorandum of understanding                                                                    Significance of Abuse
                                                entered into by the HHS, the Food and Drug              Island contained acetyl fentanyl as the
                                                Administration (FDA), and the National Institute on     primary substance. In 2014, STARLiMS                     DEA is currently aware of at least 39
                                                Drug Abuse (NIDA), FDA acts as the lead agency          (a web-based, commercial laboratory                   fatalities associated with acetyl fentanyl.
                                                within HHS in carrying out the Assistant
                                                Secretary’s scheduling responsibilities under the
                                                                                                        information management system that is                 These deaths have been reported in
                                                CSA, with the concurrence of NIDA. 50 FR 9518,          in transition to replace STRIDE) and                  2013 and 2014 from six states including
                                                Mar. 8, 1985.                                           STRIDE reported eight additional                      California, Louisiana, North Carolina,


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                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 98 / Thursday, May 21, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                            29229

                                                Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Rhode                         emergency department visits, and fatal                substances will be effective on the date
                                                Island. STARLiMS and STRIDE,                            overdoses.                                            of publication in the Federal Register,
                                                databases capturing drug evidence                         Acetyl fentanyl has been associated                 and will be in effect for a period of two
                                                information from DEA forensic                           with numerous fatalities. At least 39                 years, with a possible extension of one
                                                laboratories, have a total of 10 drug                   overdose deaths due to acetyl fentanyl                additional year, pending completion of
                                                reports in which acetyl fentanyl was                    abuse have been reported in six states in             the regular (permanent) scheduling
                                                identified in six cases for analyzed                    2013 and 2014, including California,                  process. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1) and (2). It
                                                drugs submitted from January 2010—                      Louisiana, North Carolina, Oregon,                    is the intention of the Administrator to
                                                December 2014 from Colorado, Florida,                   Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. This                  issue such a final order as soon as
                                                Georgia, Louisiana, Rhode Island, and                   indicates that acetyl fentanyl poses an               possible after the expiration of 30 days
                                                Washington. It is likely that the                       imminent hazard to public safety.                     from the date of publication of this
                                                prevalence of acetyl fentanyl in opioid                 Finding of Necessity of Schedule I                    notice. Acetyl fentanyl will then be
                                                analgesic-related emergency room                        Placement To Avoid Imminent Hazard                    subject to the regulatory controls and
                                                admissions and deaths is underreported                  to Public Safety                                      administrative, civil, and criminal
                                                as standard immunoassays cannot                                                                               sanctions applicable to the manufacture,
                                                differentiate acetyl fentanyl from                        Based on the above summarized data                  distribution, possession, importation,
                                                fentanyl.                                               and information, the continued                        exportation, research, and conduct of
                                                                                                        uncontrolled manufacture, distribution,               instructional activities of a schedule I
                                                   The population likely to abuse acetyl
                                                                                                        importation, exportation, and abuse of                controlled substance.
                                                fentanyl overlaps with the populations
                                                                                                        acetyl fentanyl pose an imminent                         The CSA sets forth specific criteria for
                                                abusing prescription opioid analgesics
                                                                                                        hazard to the public safety. The DEA is               scheduling a drug or other substance.
                                                and heroin. This is evidenced by the                    not aware of any currently accepted
                                                routes of administration and drug use                                                                         Regular scheduling actions in
                                                                                                        medical uses for this substance in the                accordance with 21 U.S.C. 811(a) are
                                                history documented in acetyl fentanyl                   United States. A substance meeting the
                                                fatal overdose cases. Because abusers of                                                                      subject to formal rulemaking procedures
                                                                                                        statutory requirements for temporary                  done ‘‘on the record after opportunity
                                                acetyl fentanyl are likely to obtain the                scheduling, 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1), may
                                                drug through illicit sources, the identity,                                                                   for a hearing’’ conducted pursuant to
                                                                                                        only be placed in schedule I. Substances              the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 556 and 557.
                                                purity, and quantity is uncertain and                   in schedule I are those that have a high
                                                inconsistent, thus posing significant                                                                         21 U.S.C. 811. The regular scheduling
                                                                                                        potential for abuse, no currently                     process of formal rulemaking affords
                                                adverse health risks to its abusers. This               accepted medical use in treatment in the              interested parties with appropriate
                                                risk is particularly heightened by the                  United States, and a lack of accepted                 process and the government with any
                                                fact that acetyl fentanyl is a highly                   safety for use under medical                          additional relevant information needed
                                                potent opioid (15.7-fold more than that                 supervision. Available data and                       to make a determination. Final
                                                of morphine as tested in mice using an                  information for acetyl fentanyl indicate              decisions that conclude the regular
                                                acetic acid writhing method). Thus                      that this substance has a high potential              scheduling process of formal
                                                small changes in the amount and purity                  for abuse, no currently accepted medical              rulemaking are subject to judicial
                                                of the substance could potentially lead                 use in treatment in the United States,                review. 21 U.S.C. 877. Temporary
                                                to overdose and death.                                  and a lack of accepted safety for use                 scheduling orders are not subject to
                                                Factor 6. What, if Any, Risk There Is to                under medical supervision. As required                judicial review. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(6).
                                                the Public Health                                       by section 201(h)(4) of the CSA, 21
                                                                                                                                                              Regulatory Matters
                                                                                                        U.S.C. 811(h)(4), the Administrator,
                                                   Acetyl fentanyl exhibits a                           through a letter dated April 7, 2015,                    Section 201(h) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C.
                                                pharmacological profile similar to that                 notified the Assistant Secretary of the               811(h), provides for an expedited
                                                of fentanyl and other opioid analgesic                  DEA’s intention to temporarily place                  temporary scheduling action where
                                                compounds and it is a potent opioid                     this substance in schedule I.                         such action is necessary to avoid an
                                                analgesic reported to be 1⁄3 as potent as                                                                     imminent hazard to the public safety.
                                                fentanyl and 15.7 times as potent as                    Conclusion                                            As provided in this subsection, the
                                                morphine in mice tested in an acetic                       This notice of intent initiates an                 Attorney General may, by order,
                                                acid writhing method. In addition,                      expedited temporary scheduling action                 schedule a substance in schedule I on a
                                                studies also showed that the range                      and provides the 30-day notice pursuant               temporary basis. Such an order may not
                                                between the effective dose (ED50) and                   to section 201(h) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C.               be issued before the expiration of 30
                                                the lethal dose (LD50) of acetyl fentanyl               811(h). In accordance with the                        days from (1) the publication of a notice
                                                is narrower than that of morphine and                   provisions of section 201(h) of the CSA,              in the Federal Register of the intention
                                                fentanyl, increasing the risk of fatal                  21 U.S.C. 811(h), the Administrator                   to issue such order and the grounds
                                                overdose. Thus, its abuse is likely to                  considered available data and                         upon which such order is to be issued,
                                                pose quantitatively greater risks to the                information, herein set forth the                     and (2) the date that notice of the
                                                public health and safety than abuse of                  grounds for her determination that it is              proposed temporary scheduling order is
                                                traditional opioid analgesics such as                   necessary to temporarily schedule acetyl              transmitted to the Assistant Secretary of
                                                morphine.                                               fentanyl in schedule I of the CSA, and                HHS. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1).
                                                   Based on the above pharmacological                   finds that placement of this opioid                      Inasmuch as section 201(h) of the
                                                data, the abuse of acetyl fentanyl at least             substance into schedule I of the CSA is               CSA directs that temporary scheduling
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                leads to the same qualitative public                    necessary in order to avoid an imminent               actions be issued by order and sets forth
                                                health risks as heroin, fentanyl and                    hazard to the public safety.                          the procedures by which such orders are
                                                other opioid analgesic compounds. The                      Because the Administrator hereby                   to be issued, the DEA believes that the
                                                public health risks attendant to the                    finds that it is necessary to temporarily             notice and comment requirements of
                                                abuse of heroin and opioid analgesics                   place this synthetic opioid into                      section 553 of the Administrative
                                                are well established. The abuse of                      schedule I to avoid an imminent hazard                Procedure Act (APA), 5 U.S.C. 553, do
                                                opioid analgesics has resulted in large                 to the public safety, any subsequent                  not apply to this notice of intent. In the
                                                numbers of drug treatment admissions,                   final order temporarily scheduling these              alternative, even assuming that this


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                                                29230                    Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 98 / Thursday, May 21, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                notice of intent might be subject to                      Authority: 21 U.S.C. 811, 812, 871(b),              approve these updates to the
                                                section 553 of the APA, the                             unless otherwise noted.                               maintenance plan and associated
                                                Administrator finds that there is good                  ■ 2. In § 1308.11, add paragraph (h)(24)              MVEBs. EPA has preliminarily
                                                cause to forgo the notice and comment                   to read as follows:                                   determined that North Carolina’s April
                                                requirements of section 553, as any                                                                           16, 2015, RVP-related SIP revision is
                                                                                                        § 1308.11    Schedule I.
                                                further delays in the process for                                                                             consistent with the applicable
                                                issuance of temporary scheduling orders                 *     *    *    *     *                               provisions of the CAA.
                                                would be impracticable and contrary to                    (h) * * *                                           DATES: Written comments must be
                                                the public interest in view of the                        (24) N-(1-phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)-N-               received on or before June 11, 2015.
                                                manifest urgency to avoid an imminent                   phenylacetamide, its optical, positional,
                                                                                                                                                              ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
                                                hazard to the public safety.                            and geometric isomers, salts and salts of
                                                                                                        isomers (Other names: Acetyl                          identified by Docket ID Number EPA–
                                                   Although the DEA believes this notice                                                                      R04–OAR–2015–0260 by one of the
                                                of intent to issue a temporary                          fentanyl)—(9821)
                                                                                                                                                              following methods:
                                                scheduling order is not subject to the                  *     *    *    *     *                                  1. www.regulations.gov: Follow the
                                                notice and comment requirements of                       Dated: May 14, 2015.                                 on-line instructions for submitting
                                                section 553 of the APA, the DEA notes                                                                         comments.
                                                                                                        Michele M. Leonhart,
                                                that in accordance with 21 U.S.C.                                                                                2. Email: R4-ARMS@epa.gov.
                                                                                                        Administrator.
                                                811(h)(4), the Administrator will take                                                                           3. Fax: (404) 562–9019.
                                                into consideration any comments                         [FR Doc. 2015–12331 Filed 5–20–15; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                        BILLING CODE 4410–09–P
                                                                                                                                                                 4. Mail: EPA–R04–OAR–2015–0260,
                                                submitted by the Assistant Secretary                                                                          Air Regulatory Managment Section
                                                with regard to the proposed temporary                                                                         (formerly the Regulatory Development
                                                scheduling order.                                                                                             Section), Air Planning and
                                                   Further, the DEA believes that this                  ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
                                                                                                                                                              Implementation Branch (formerly the
                                                temporary scheduling action is not a                    AGENCY
                                                                                                                                                              Air Planning Branch), Air, Pesticides
                                                ‘‘rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 601(2),                                                                       and Toxics Management Division, U.S.
                                                and, accordingly, is not subject to the                 40 CFR Part 52
                                                                                                                                                              Environmental Protection Agency,
                                                requirements of the Regulatory                          [EPA–R04–OAR–2015–0260; FRL–9928–12–                  Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW.,
                                                Flexibility Act (RFA). The requirements                 Region 4]                                             Atlanta, Georgia 30303–8960.
                                                for the preparation of an initial                                                                                5. Hand Delivery or Courier: Ms.
                                                regulatory flexibility analysis in 5 U.S.C.             Approval and Promulgation of
                                                                                                                                                              Lynorae Benjamin, Chief, Air Regulatory
                                                603(a) are not applicable where, as here,               Implementation Plans; North Carolina:
                                                                                                                                                              Management Section, Air Planning and
                                                the DEA is not required by section 553                  Non-Interference Demonstration for
                                                                                                                                                              Implementation Branch, Air, Pesticides
                                                of the APA or any other law to publish                  Federal Low-Reid Vapor Pressure
                                                                                                                                                              and Toxics Management Division, U.S.
                                                a general notice of proposed                            Requirement for the Gaston and
                                                                                                                                                              Environmental Protection Agency,
                                                rulemaking.                                             Mecklenburg Counties in North
                                                                                                                                                              Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW.,
                                                   Additionally, this action is not a                   Carolina
                                                                                                                                                              Atlanta, Georgia 30303–8960. Such
                                                significant regulatory action as defined
                                                                                                        AGENCY:  Environmental Protection                     deliveries are only accepted during the
                                                by Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory
                                                                                                        Agency.                                               Regional Office’s normal hours of
                                                Planning and Review), section 3(f), and,
                                                                                                        ACTION: Proposed rule.                                operation. The Regional Office’s official
                                                accordingly, this action has not been
                                                                                                                                                              hours of business are Monday through
                                                reviewed by the Office of Management                               The Environmental Protection
                                                                                                        SUMMARY:                                              Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding
                                                and Budget (OMB).                                       Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve                  Federal holidays.
                                                   This action will not have substantial
                                                                                                        the State of North Carolina’s April 16,                  Instructions: Direct your comments to
                                                direct effects on the States, on the
                                                                                                        2015, revision to its State                           Docket ID No. EPA–R04–OAR–2015–
                                                relationship between the national
                                                                                                        Implementation Plan (SIP), submitted                  0260. EPA’s policy is that all comments
                                                government and the States, or on the
                                                                                                        through the North Carolina Department                 received will be included in the public
                                                distribution of power and
                                                                                                        of Environment and Natural Resources,                 docket without change and may be
                                                responsibilities among the various
                                                                                                        Division of Air Quality (DAQ), in                     made available online at
                                                levels of government. Therefore, in
                                                                                                        support of the State’s request that EPA               www.regulations.gov, including any
                                                accordance with Executive Order 13132
                                                                                                        change the Federal Reid Vapor Pressure                personal information provided, unless
                                                (Federalism) it is determined that this
                                                                                                        (RVP) requirements for Gaston and                     the comment includes information
                                                action does not have sufficient
                                                                                                        Mecklenburg Counties. This RVP-                       claimed to be Confidential Business
                                                federalism implications to warrant the
                                                                                                        related SIP revision evaluates whether                Information (CBI) or other information
                                                preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
                                                                                                        changing the Federal RVP requirements                 whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
                                                List of Subjects in 21 CFR Part 1308                    in these counties would interfere with                Do not submit through
                                                  Administrative practice and                           the requirements of the Clean Air Act                 www.regulations.gov or email,
                                                procedure, Drug traffic control,                        (CAA or Act). North Carolina’s April 16,              information that you consider to be CBI
                                                Reporting and recordkeeping                             2015, RVP-related SIP revision also                   or otherwise protected. The
                                                requirements.                                           updates the State’s maintenance plan                  www.regulations.gov Web site is an
                                                                                                        and the associated motor vehicle                      ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which
                                                  For the reasons set out above, the DEA
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                                                                                                        emissions budgets (MVEBs) related to                  means EPA will not know your identity
                                                proposes to amend 21 CFR part 1308 as
                                                                                                        its redesignation request for the North               or contact information unless you
                                                follows:
                                                                                                        Carolina portion of the Charlotte-                    provide it in the body of your comment.
                                                PART 1308—SCHEDULES OF                                  Gastonia-Salisbury 2008 8-hour ozone                  If you send an email comment directly
                                                CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES                                   nonattainment area (Charlotte 2008                    to EPA without going through
                                                                                                        Ozone Area) to reflect the requested                  www.regulations.gov, your email
                                                ■ 1. The authority citation for part 1308               change in the Federal RVP                             address will be automatically captured
                                                continues to read as follows:                           requirements. EPA is also proposing to                and included as part of the comment


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Document Created: 2018-10-24 10:26:27
Document Modified: 2018-10-24 10:26:27
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of intent.
DatesMay 21, 2015.
ContactJohn R. Scherbenske, Office of
FR Citation80 FR 29227 
CFR AssociatedAdministrative Practice and Procedure; Drug Traffic Control and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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