81_FR_96136 81 FR 95886 - Isobutyl Acetate and Isobutyric Acid; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance

81 FR 95886 - Isobutyl Acetate and Isobutyric Acid; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 250 (December 29, 2016)

Page Range95886-95890
FR Document2016-31211

This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of isobutyl acetate (CAS Reg. No. 110-19-0) and isobutyric acid (CAS Reg. No. 79-31-2) when used as inert ingredients (solvent) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops and raw agricultural commodities after harvest. Technology Sciences Group Inc. on behalf of Jeneil Biosurfactant Company submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of these exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish maximum permissible levels for residues of isobutyl acetate and isobutyric acid.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 250 (Thursday, December 29, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 250 (Thursday, December 29, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 95886-95890]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-31211]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0007 and EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0008; FRL-9950-40]


Isobutyl Acetate and Isobutyric Acid; Exemption From the 
Requirement of a Tolerance

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of 
a tolerance for residues of isobutyl acetate (CAS Reg. No. 110-19-0) 
and isobutyric acid (CAS Reg. No. 79-31-2) when used as inert 
ingredients (solvent) in pesticide formulations applied to growing 
crops and raw agricultural commodities after harvest. Technology 
Sciences Group Inc. on behalf of Jeneil Biosurfactant Company submitted 
a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act 
(FFDCA), requesting establishment of these exemptions from the 
requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to 
establish maximum permissible levels for residues of isobutyl acetate 
and isobutyric acid.

DATES: This regulation is effective December 29, 2016. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before February 27, 2017, 
and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 
CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).

ADDRESSES: The dockets for this action, identified by docket 
identification (ID) numbers EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0007 and EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-
0008, are available at http://www.regulations.gov or at the Office of 
Pesticide Programs Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket) in the 
Environmental Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William 
Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., 
Washington, DC 20460-0001. The Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 
a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The 
telephone number for the Public Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the 
telephone number for the OPP Docket is (703) 305-5805. Please review 
the visitor instructions and additional information about the docket 
available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Goodis, Registration Division 
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,

[[Page 95887]]

DC 20460-0001; main telephone number: (703) 305-7090; email address: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

    You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an 
agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer. 
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:
     Crop production (NAICS code 111).
     Animal production (NAICS code 112).
     Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
     Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532).

B. How can I get electronic access to other related information?

    You may access a frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR 
part 180 through the Government Printing Office's e-CFR site at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40tab_02.tpl.

C. How can I file an objection or hearing request?

    Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an 
objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a 
hearing on those objections. You must file your objection or request a 
hearing on this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided 
in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify 
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0007 or EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0008 in the 
subject line on the first page of your submission. All objections and 
requests for a hearing must be in writing, and must be received by the 
Hearing Clerk on or before February 27, 2017. Addresses for mail and 
hand delivery of objections and hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR 
178.25(b).
    In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the 
Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please submit a copy of 
the filing (excluding any Confidential Business Information (CBI)) for 
inclusion in the public docket. Information not marked confidential 
pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA without 
prior notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your objection or hearing 
request, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0007 or EPA-HQ-
OPP-2016-0008, 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 CBI or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
     Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket 
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 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.

II. Petition for Exemption

    In the Federal Register of April 25, 2016 (81 FR 24044) (FRL-9944-
86), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408, 21 U.S.C. 
346a, announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (IN-10846 for 
isobutyl acetate; IN-10852 for isobutyric acetate) by Technology 
Sciences Group Inc., (1150 18th Street NW., Suite 1000, Washington, DC 
20036) on behalf of Jeneil Biosurfactant Company (400 N. Dekora Woods 
Blvd. Saukville, WI 53080). The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.910 
be amended by establishing exemptions from the requirement of a 
tolerance for residues of isobutyl acetate (CAS Reg. No. 110-19-0) and 
isobutyric acid (CAS Reg. No. 79-31-2) when used as inert ingredients 
(solvent) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops and to raw 
agricultural commodities after harvest. That document referenced the 
summaries of the petitions prepared by Technology Sciences Group Inc. 
on behalf of Jeneil Biosurfactant Company, the petitioner, which is 
available in the docket, http://www.regulations.gov. A comment was 
received on the notice of filing concerning petition #IN-10846. EPA's 
response to this comment is discussed in Unit V.B.

III. Inert Ingredient Definition

    Inert ingredients are all ingredients that are not active 
ingredients as defined in 40 CFR 153.125 and include, but are not 
limited to, the following types of ingredients (except when they have a 
pesticidal efficacy of their own): Solvents such as alcohols and 
hydrocarbons; surfactants such as polyoxyethylene polymers and fatty 
acids; carriers such as clay and diatomaceous earth; thickeners such as 
carrageenan and modified cellulose; wetting, spreading, and dispersing 
agents; propellants in aerosol dispensers; microencapsulating agents; 
and emulsifiers. The term ``inert'' is not intended to imply 
nontoxicity; the ingredient may or may not be chemically active. 
Generally, EPA has exempted inert ingredients from the requirement of a 
tolerance based on the low toxicity of the individual inert 
ingredients.

IV. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety

    Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an 
exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a 
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that 
the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines 
``safe'' to mean that ``there is a reasonable certainty that no harm 
will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue, 
including all anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for 
which there is reliable information.'' This includes exposure through 
drinking water and in residential settings, but does not include 
occupational exposure. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to 
give special consideration to exposure of infants and children to the 
pesticide chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure 
that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to 
infants and children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical 
residue. . . .''
    EPA establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance only 
in those cases where it can be clearly demonstrated that the risks from 
aggregate exposure to pesticide chemical residues under reasonably 
foreseeable circumstances will pose no appreciable risks to human 
health. In order to determine the risks from aggregate exposure to 
pesticide inert ingredients, the Agency considers the toxicity of the 
inert in conjunction with possible exposure to residues of the inert 
ingredient through food, drinking water, and through other exposures 
that occur as a result of pesticide use in residential settings. If EPA 
is able to determine that a finite tolerance is not necessary to ensure 
that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from 
aggregate exposure to the inert ingredient, an exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance may be established.

[[Page 95888]]

    Consistent with FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(A), and the factors 
specified in FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), EPA has reviewed the available 
scientific data and other relevant information in support of this 
action. EPA has sufficient data to assess the hazards of and to make a 
determination on aggregate exposure for isobutyl acetate and isobutyric 
acid including exposure resulting from the exemption established by 
this action. EPA's assessment of exposures and risks associated with 
isobutyl acetate and isobutyric acid follows.

A. Toxicological Profile

    EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered their 
validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of 
the results of the studies to human risk. EPA has also considered 
available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities 
of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and 
children. Specific information on the studies received and the nature 
of the adverse effects caused by isobutyl acetate and isobutyric acid 
as well as the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-
observed-adverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies are 
discussed in this unit.
    Only acute toxicity data are available on isobutyric acid and no 
data are available on isobutyl acetate. However, upon ingestion, 
isobutyl acetate is rapidly and completely hydrolyzed to isobutanol and 
acetic acid. Isobutyric acid is a metabolic product of isobutanol.
    Isobutanol is metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase to form 
isobutyric acid via conversion to isobutyraldehyde. Therefore, toxicity 
data on isobutanol are considered suitable to assess repeated exposure 
to isobutyl acetate and isobutyric acid. Since acetic acid is currently 
exempted from tolerance under 40 CFR 180.910 without limitation, this 
risk assessment focuses on toxicity data available on isobutanol.
    The acute oral and dermal toxicities are low for isobutyric acid. 
Isobutyric acid has an acute oral lethal dose (LD50) >= 
2,230 milligram/kilogram (mg/kg) in rats and rabbits. The acute dermal 
LD50 = 475 mg/kg in rabbits. The acute inhalation 
LC50 > 9.59 milligram/liter (mg/L) in rats. It is corrosive 
to the eye and skin in rabbits. Isobutyric acid is not a dermal 
sensitizer in rabbits. Isobutanol has an acute oral LD50 >= 
2,830 mg/kg in rats. The acute dermal acute LD50 >= 2,000 
mg/kg in rabbits. The acute inhalation LC50 > 6,000 parts 
per million (ppm) (approximately equivalent to 6,000 mg/L) in rats. 
Isobutanol is severely irritating to the eye and minimally to 
moderately irritating to the skin in rabbits.
    Based on the subchronic data available, isobutanol is not toxic up 
to the limit dose of 1,000 milligram/kilogram/day (mg/kg/day). In a 90-
day oral toxicity study via gavage in rats, hypo-activity, ataxia and 
salivation were observed at 1,000 mg/kg/day of isobutanol. In another 
90-day oral toxicity study with isobutanol via drinking water in rats, 
no adverse effects were observed at doses up to 16,000 ppm 
(approximately 1,450 mg/kg/day), the highest dose tested (HDT). The 
study conducted via drinking water in rats is considered more relevant 
to human exposure and therefore more reflective of potential human 
toxicity.
    In developmental toxicity studies with isobutanol via inhalation in 
rats and rabbits, neither maternal nor developmental toxicity is seen 
at doses up to 10,000 mg/m\3\ (approximately 3,060 mg/kg/day), the HDT 
in both studies and above the limit dose of 1,000 mg/kg/day.
    Similarly, no adverse effects are observed in a two-generation 
reproductive study with isobutanol via inhalation in rats at doses up 
to 2,500 ppm (approximately 2,326 mg/kg/day).
    Carcinogenicity studies with isobutyl acetate, isobutyric acid or 
isobutanol are not available. However, a chronic toxicity study in rats 
treated with isobutantol in drinking water for 53-56 weeks did not show 
any evidence of toxicity or tumors at doses as high as 200 mg/kg/day. 
In addition, no toxicity is observed in other studies at doses below 
1,450 mg/kg/day with isobutanol. Moreover, mutagenicity studies are 
negative with isobutanol and isobutyric acid. An Ames test, unscheduled 
DNA synthesis and mouse lymphoma assay are negative when tested with 
isobutyric acid. The Ames test, mouse lymphoma, Comet and micronucleus 
assays are negative when tested with isobutanol. Therefore, isobutyl 
acetate and isobutyric acid are not expected to be carcinogenic.
    A neurotoxicity screening battery with isobutanol via the 
inhalation route of exposure in rats was available for review. Also, 
neurotoxicity endpoints were evaluated in an acute toxicity study in 
rats with isobutanol via the inhalation route of exposure. No adverse 
effects were observed in the functional observational battery, motor 
activity, schedule control operant behavior or neuropathology at doses 
up to 1,500 ppm (approximately 1,408 mg/kg/day) and 2,500 ppm 
(approximately 2,326 mg/kg/day) in rats in the neurotoxicity screening 
battery and acute toxicity studies, respectively. EPA concluded that 
isobutyl acetate and isobutyric acid are not expected to be neurotoxic.
    Immunotoxicity studies with isobutyric acid and isobutanol are 
available for review. Mouse cell-mediated immune response is not 
modulated by isobutyric acid in a host-resistant assay using Listeria 
monocytogenes. Humoral immunity is unaffected in mice as measured by 
the antibody plaque-forming cell response to sheep erythrocytes. Also, 
a lymphocyte mitogenesis test with isobutanol showed mitogenic activity 
is not inhibited in stimulated B and T cells from mouse spleen. 
Therefore, isobutyl acetate and isobutyric acid are not expected to be 
immunotoxic.
    Metabolism studies are not available for isobutyl acetate. Limited 
data are available on isobutyric acid and isobutanol. A metabolism 
study with a single dose of isobutyric acid via gavage in rats showed 
that it is rapidly metabolized and the majority eliminated as expired 
CO2. Less than 1.0% of the dose is found in feces and 3.21-
4.61% in urine. A metabolism study with isobutanol via gavage in 
rabbits showed that it is rapidly metabolized. 0.5% is excreted in the 
urine or exhaled air. Identified metabolites are isobutyraldehyde, 
isobutyric acid, and isovaleric acid. There is no concern for the 
metabolites isobutyraldehyde and isovaleric acid as they will be 
conjungated and excreted.

B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern

    The available toxicity studies indicate that isobutanol has very 
low toxicity. The lowest NOAEL (316 mg/kg/day) in the database occurred 
in a 90-day oral toxicity study with isobutanol via gavage in rats. 
Hypo-activity, ataxia and salivation were seen at 1,000 mg/kg/day. In a 
second study conducted for 90 days with isobutanol via drinking water 
in rats, the aforementioned effects weren't seen at doses as high 1,450 
mg/kg/day. The drinking water study in rats represents a more realistic 
route for human exposure to isobutyric acid and isobutyl acetate, and 
is considered more reflective of potential toxicity. Therefore, since 
no signs of toxicity were observed at doses up to the limit dose in 
oral and inhalation toxicity studies, an endpoint of concern for risk 
assessment purposes was not identified. Since no endpoint of concern 
was identified for the acute and chronic dietary exposure assessment 
and short and intermediate dermal and inhalation exposure, a 
quantitative risk assessment

[[Page 95889]]

for isobutyric acid and isobutyl acetate is not necessary.

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary 
exposure to isobutyl acetate and isobutyric acid, EPA considered 
exposure under the proposed exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance. EPA assessed dietary exposures from isobutyl acetate and 
isobutyric acid in food as follows:
    Under this exemption from the requirement of a tolerance, residues 
of isobutyl acetate and isobutyric acid may be found on foods from 
crops that were treated with pesticide formulations containing isobutyl 
acetate and isobutyric acid. However, a quantitative dietary exposure 
assessment was not conducted since a toxicological endpoint for risk 
assessment was not identified.
    2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. Since a hazard endpoint of 
concern was not identified for the acute and chronic dietary 
assessment, a quantitative dietary exposure risk assessment for 
drinking water was not conducted, although exposures may be expected 
from use on food crops.
    3. From non-dietary exposure. The term ``residential exposure'' is 
used in this document to refer to non-occupational, non-dietary 
exposure (e.g., textiles (clothing and diapers), carpets, swimming 
pools, and hard surface disinfection on walls, floors, and tables).
    Isobutyl acetate and isobutyric acid may be used in pesticide 
products and non-pesticide products that may be used in and around the 
home. Based on the discussion in Unit IV.B., a quantitative residential 
exposure assessment for isobutyl acetate and isobutyric acid was not 
conducted.
    4. Cumulative effects from substances with a common mechanism of 
toxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA requires that, when 
considering whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, the 
Agency consider ``available information'' concerning the cumulative 
effects of a particular pesticide's residues and ``other substances 
that have a common mechanism of toxicity.''
    Based on the available data, isobutyl acetate and isobutyric acid 
do not have a toxic mechanism; therefore, section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) does 
not apply.

D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children

    1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA 
shall apply an additional tenfold (10X) margin of safety for infants 
and children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal 
and postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database on toxicity 
and exposure unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a 
different margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. This 
additional margin of safety is commonly referred to as the Food Quality 
Protection Act Safety Factor (FQPA SF). In applying this provision, EPA 
either retains the default value of 10X, or uses a different additional 
safety factor when reliable data available to EPA support the choice of 
a different factor.
    As part of its qualitative assessment, the Agency did not use 
safety factors for assessing risk, and no additional safety factor is 
needed for assessing risk to infants and children. Based on an 
assessment of isobutyl acetate and isobutyric acid, EPA has concluded 
that there are no toxicological endpoints of concern for the U.S. 
population, including infants and children.

E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety

    Because no toxicological endpoints of concern were identified, EPA 
concludes that aggregate exposure to residues of isobutyl acetate and 
isobutyric acid will not pose a risk to the U.S. population, including 
infants and children, and that there is a reasonable certainty that no 
harm will result to the general population, or to infants and children 
from aggregate exposure to isobutyl acetate and isobutyric acid 
residues.

V. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    An analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes since 
the Agency is establishing an exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance without any numerical limitation.

B. Response to Comments

    A comment was received from a private citizen who was concerned 
about the safety and impact pesticides on food on human health. The 
Agency understands the commenter's concerns and recognizes that some 
individuals believe that no residue of pesticides should be allowed. 
However, under the existing legal framework provided by section 408 of 
the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), EPA is authorized to 
establish pesticide tolerances or exemptions where persons seeking such 
tolerances or exemptions have demonstrated that the pesticide meets the 
safety standard imposed by the statute, which EPA has determined here.

VI. Conclusions

    Therefore, exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance are 
established under 40 CFR 180.910 for residues of isobutyl acetate (CAS 
Reg. No. 110-19-0) and isobutyric acid (CAS Reg. No. 79-31-2) when used 
as inert ingredients (solvent) in pesticide formulations applied to 
growing crops and raw agricultural commodities after harvest.

VII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This action establishes tolerance exemptions under FFDCA section 
408(d) in response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from 
review under Executive Order 12866, entitled ``Regulatory Planning and 
Review'' (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this action has been 
exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this action is not 
subject to Executive Order 13211, entitled ``Actions Concerning 
Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or 
Use'' (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045, entitled 
``Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety 
Risks'' (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). This action does not contain any 
information collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), nor does it require any 
special considerations under Executive Order 12898, entitled ``Federal 
Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and 
Low-Income Populations'' (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
    Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis 
of a petition under FFDCA section 408(d), such as the exemptions in 
this final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the 
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq.), do not apply.
    This action directly regulates growers, food processors, food 
handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this 
action alter the relationships or distribution of power and 
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions 
of FFDCA section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency has determined that 
this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or 
tribal governments, on the relationship between the national government 
and the States or tribal governments, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the

[[Page 95890]]

various levels of government or between the Federal Government and 
Indian tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined that Executive Order 
13132, entitled ``Federalism'' (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999) and 
Executive Order 13175, entitled ``Consultation and Coordination with 
Indian Tribal Governments'' (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000) do not 
apply to this action. In addition, this action does not impose any 
enforceable duty or contain any unfunded mandate as described under 
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et 
seq.).
    This action does not involve any technical standards that would 
require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant 
to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement 
Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).

VIII. Congressional Review Act

    Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 
EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other required 
information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and 
the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of 
the rule in the Federal Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' 
as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

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

    Dated: December 16, 2016.
Daniel J. Rosenblatt,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.

    Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:

PART 180--[AMENDED]

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

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


0
2. In Sec.  180.910, add alphabetically the inert ingredients to the 
table to read as follows:


Sec.  180.910  Inert ingredients used pre- and post-harvest; exemptions 
from the requirement of a tolerance.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Inert ingredients                Limits                Uses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
Isobutyl Acetate (CAS Reg. No.   ....................  Solvent.
 110-19-0).
Isobutyric Acid (CAS Reg. No.    ....................  Solvent.
 79-31-2).
 
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 2016-31211 Filed 12-28-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                             95886            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 250 / Thursday, December 29, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                             C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)                      I. National Technology Transfer and                   ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
                                                                                                      Advancement Act (NTTAA)                               AGENCY
                                               This action is not subject to the RFA.
                                             The RFA applies only to rules subject to                    This rulemaking does not involve
                                                                                                      technical standards.                                  40 CFR Part 180
                                             notice-and-comment rulemaking
                                             requirements under the APA, 5 U.S.C.                                                                           [EPA–HQ–OPP–2016–0007 and EPA–HQ–
                                                                                                      J. Executive Order 12898: Federal                     OPP–2016–0008; FRL–9950–40]
                                             553, or any other statute. This rule is not              Actions To Address Environmental
                                             subject to notice-and-comment                            Justice in Minority Populations and                   Isobutyl Acetate and Isobutyric Acid;
                                             requirements because the agency has                      Low-Income Populations                                Exemption From the Requirement of a
                                             invoked the APA ‘‘good cause’’                              The EPA believes that this action is               Tolerance
                                             exemption under 5 U.S.C. 553(b).                         not subject to Executive Order 12898 (59
                                                                                                                                                            AGENCY:  Environmental Protection
                                             D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act                          FR 7629, February 16, 1994) because it
                                                                                                                                                            Agency (EPA).
                                             (UMRA)                                                   does not establish an environmental
                                                                                                      health or safety standard. This good                  ACTION: Final rule.
                                               This action does not contain any                       cause final action simply extends the
                                             unfunded mandate of $100 million or                                                                            SUMMARY:    This regulation establishes
                                                                                                      date for the EPA to take action on a                  exemptions from the requirement of a
                                             more as described in UMRA, 2 U.S.C.                      petition and does not have any impact
                                             1531–1538, and does not significantly or                                                                       tolerance for residues of isobutyl acetate
                                                                                                      on human health or the environment.                   (CAS Reg. No. 110–19–0) and isobutyric
                                             uniquely affect small governments. The
                                             action imposes no enforceable duty on                    K. Congressional Review Act (CRA)                     acid (CAS Reg. No. 79–31–2) when used
                                             any state, local or tribal governments or                   This action is subject to the CRA, and             as inert ingredients (solvent) in
                                             the private sector.                                      the EPA will submit a rule report to                  pesticide formulations applied to
                                                                                                      each House of the Congress and to the                 growing crops and raw agricultural
                                             E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism                     Comptroller General of the United                     commodities after harvest. Technology
                                                                                                      States. The CRA allows the issuing                    Sciences Group Inc. on behalf of Jeneil
                                               This action does not have federalism                                                                         Biosurfactant Company submitted a
                                             implications. It will not have substantial               agency to make a rule effective sooner
                                                                                                      than otherwise provided by the CRA if                 petition to EPA under the Federal Food,
                                             direct effects on the states, on the                                                                           Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA),
                                             relationship between the national                        the agency makes a good cause finding
                                                                                                      that notice-and-comment rulemaking                    requesting establishment of these
                                             government and the states, or on the                                                                           exemptions from the requirement of a
                                             distribution of power and                                procedures are impracticable,
                                                                                                      unnecessary or contrary to the public                 tolerance. This regulation eliminates the
                                             responsibilities among the various                                                                             need to establish maximum permissible
                                             levels of government.                                    interest (5 U.S.C. 808(2)). The EPA has
                                                                                                      made a good cause finding for this rule               levels for residues of isobutyl acetate
                                             F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation                   as discussed in Section II.B of this                  and isobutyric acid.
                                             and Coordination With Indian Tribal                      document, including the basis for that                DATES: This regulation is effective
                                             Governments                                              finding.                                              December 29, 2016. Objections and
                                                                                                                                                            requests for hearings must be received
                                               This action does not have tribal                       IV. Statutory Authority                               on or before February 27, 2017, and
                                             implications, as specified in Executive                     The statutory authority for this action            must be filed in accordance with the
                                             Order 13175. This good cause final                       is provided by sections 110, 126 and                  instructions provided in 40 CFR part
                                             action simply extends the date for the                   307 of the CAA as amended (42 U.S.C.                  178 (see also Unit I.C. of the
                                             EPA to take action on a petition. Thus,                  7410, 7426 and 7607).                                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
                                             Executive Order 13175 does not apply                                                                           ADDRESSES: The dockets for this action,
                                             to this rule.                                            V. Judicial Review
                                                                                                                                                            identified by docket identification (ID)
                                                                                                        Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA,                 numbers EPA–HQ–OPP–2016–0007 and
                                             G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of
                                                                                                      judicial review of this final rule is                 EPA–HQ–OPP–2016–0008, are available
                                             Children From Environmental Health
                                                                                                      available only by the filing of a petition            at http://www.regulations.gov or at the
                                             and Safety Risks
                                                                                                      for review in the U.S. Court of Appeals               Office of Pesticide Programs Regulatory
                                               The EPA interprets Executive Order                     for the appropriate circuit by February               Public Docket (OPP Docket) in the
                                             13045 as applying only to those                          27, 2017. Under section 307(b)(2) of the              Environmental Protection Agency
                                             regulatory actions that concern                          CAA, the requirements that are the                    Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William
                                             environmental health or safety risks that                subject of this final rule may not be                 Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301
                                             the EPA has reason to believe may                        challenged later in civil or criminal                 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC
                                             disproportionately affect children, per                  proceedings brought by us to enforce                  20460–0001. The Public Reading Room
                                             the definition of ‘‘covered regulatory                   these requirements.                                   is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
                                             action’’ in section 2–202 of the                         List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52                    Monday through Friday, excluding legal
                                             Executive Order. This action is not                                                                            holidays. The telephone number for the
                                             subject to Executive Order 13045                           Environmental protection,
                                                                                                                                                            Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744,
                                             because it does not concern an                           Administrative practices and
                                                                                                                                                            and the telephone number for the OPP
                                             environmental health risk or safety risk.                procedures, Air pollution control,
                                                                                                                                                            Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review
                                                                                                      Electric utilities, Incorporation by
                                                                                                                                                            the visitor instructions and additional
                                             H. Executive Order 13211: Actions That                   reference, Intergovernmental relations,
                                                                                                                                                            information about the docket available
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                                             Significantly Affect Energy Supply,                      Nitrogen oxides, Ozone.
                                                                                                                                                            at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.
                                             Distribution or Use                                        Dated: December 15, 2016.                           FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                               This action is not subject to Executive                Gina McCarthy,                                        Michael Goodis, Registration Division
                                             Order 13211, because it is not a                         Administrator.                                        (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,
                                             significant regulatory action under                      [FR Doc. 2016–31256 Filed 12–28–16; 8:45 am]          Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
                                             Executive Order 12866.                                   BILLING CODE 6560–50–P                                Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,


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                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 250 / Thursday, December 29, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                        95887

                                             DC 20460–0001; main telephone                            objection or hearing request, identified              polyoxyethylene polymers and fatty
                                             number: (703) 305–7090; email address:                   by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–                       acids; carriers such as clay and
                                             RDFRNotices@epa.gov.                                     2016–0007 or EPA–HQ–OPP–2016–                         diatomaceous earth; thickeners such as
                                             SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                               0008, by one of the following methods:                carrageenan and modified cellulose;
                                                                                                        • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://               wetting, spreading, and dispersing
                                             I. General Information                                   www.regulations.gov. Follow the online                agents; propellants in aerosol
                                             A. Does this action apply to me?                         instructions for submitting comments.                 dispensers; microencapsulating agents;
                                                                                                      Do not submit electronically any                      and emulsifiers. The term ‘‘inert’’ is not
                                                You may be potentially affected by                    information you consider to be CBI or                 intended to imply nontoxicity; the
                                             this action if you are an agricultural                   other information whose disclosure is                 ingredient may or may not be
                                             producer, food manufacturer, or                          restricted by statute.                                chemically active. Generally, EPA has
                                             pesticide manufacturer. The following                      • Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental                   exempted inert ingredients from the
                                             list of North American Industrial                        Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/                 requirement of a tolerance based on the
                                             Classification System (NAICS) codes is                   DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.                 low toxicity of the individual inert
                                             not intended to be exhaustive, but rather                NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001.                       ingredients.
                                             provides a guide to help readers                           • Hand Delivery: To make special
                                             determine whether this document                          arrangements for hand delivery or                     IV. Aggregate Risk Assessment and
                                             applies to them. Potentially affected                    delivery of boxed information, please                 Determination of Safety
                                             entities may include:                                    follow the instructions at http://                       Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA
                                                • Crop production (NAICS code 111).                   www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.                    allows EPA to establish an exemption
                                                • Animal production (NAICS code                         Additional instructions on                          from the requirement for a tolerance (the
                                             112).                                                    commenting or visiting the docket,
                                                • Food manufacturing (NAICS code                                                                            legal limit for a pesticide chemical
                                                                                                      along with more information about                     residue in or on a food) only if EPA
                                             311).                                                    dockets generally, is available at http://
                                                • Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS                                                                            determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’
                                                                                                      www.epa.gov/dockets.                                  Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA
                                             code 32532).
                                                                                                      II. Petition for Exemption                            defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a
                                             B. How can I get electronic access to                       In the Federal Register of April 25,               reasonable certainty that no harm will
                                             other related information?                               2016 (81 FR 24044) (FRL–9944–86),                     result from aggregate exposure to the
                                               You may access a frequently updated                    EPA issued a document pursuant to                     pesticide chemical residue, including
                                             electronic version of 40 CFR part 180                    FFDCA section 408, 21 U.S.C. 346a,                    all anticipated dietary exposures and all
                                             through the Government Printing                          announcing the filing of a pesticide                  other exposures for which there is
                                             Office’s e-CFR site at http://                           petition (IN–10846 for isobutyl acetate;              reliable information.’’ This includes
                                             www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-                               IN–10852 for isobutyric acetate) by                   exposure through drinking water and in
                                             idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/                     Technology Sciences Group Inc., (1150                 residential settings, but does not include
                                             40tab_02.tpl.                                            18th Street NW., Suite 1000,                          occupational exposure. Section
                                                                                                      Washington, DC 20036) on behalf of                    408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to
                                             C. How can I file an objection or hearing                                                                      give special consideration to exposure
                                             request?                                                 Jeneil Biosurfactant Company (400 N.
                                                                                                      Dekora Woods Blvd. Saukville, WI                      of infants and children to the pesticide
                                                Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21                        53080). The petition requested that 40                chemical residue in establishing a
                                             U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an                      CFR 180.910 be amended by                             tolerance and to ‘‘ensure that there is a
                                             objection to any aspect of this regulation               establishing exemptions from the                      reasonable certainty that no harm will
                                             and may also request a hearing on those                  requirement of a tolerance for residues               result to infants and children from
                                             objections. You must file your objection                 of isobutyl acetate (CAS Reg. No. 110–                aggregate exposure to the pesticide
                                             or request a hearing on this regulation                  19–0) and isobutyric acid (CAS Reg. No.               chemical residue. . . .’’
                                             in accordance with the instructions                      79–31–2) when used as inert ingredients                  EPA establishes exemptions from the
                                             provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure                   (solvent) in pesticide formulations                   requirement of a tolerance only in those
                                             proper receipt by EPA, you must                          applied to growing crops and to raw                   cases where it can be clearly
                                             identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–                        agricultural commodities after harvest.               demonstrated that the risks from
                                             OPP–2016–0007 or EPA–HQ–OPP–                             That document referenced the                          aggregate exposure to pesticide
                                             2016–0008 in the subject line on the                     summaries of the petitions prepared by                chemical residues under reasonably
                                             first page of your submission. All                       Technology Sciences Group Inc. on                     foreseeable circumstances will pose no
                                             objections and requests for a hearing                    behalf of Jeneil Biosurfactant Company,               appreciable risks to human health. In
                                             must be in writing, and must be                          the petitioner, which is available in the             order to determine the risks from
                                             received by the Hearing Clerk on or                      docket, http://www.regulations.gov. A                 aggregate exposure to pesticide inert
                                             before February 27, 2017. Addresses for                  comment was received on the notice of                 ingredients, the Agency considers the
                                             mail and hand delivery of objections                     filing concerning petition #IN–10846.                 toxicity of the inert in conjunction with
                                             and hearing requests are provided in 40                  EPA’s response to this comment is                     possible exposure to residues of the
                                             CFR 178.25(b).                                           discussed in Unit V.B.                                inert ingredient through food, drinking
                                                In addition to filing an objection or                                                                       water, and through other exposures that
                                             hearing request with the Hearing Clerk                   III. Inert Ingredient Definition                      occur as a result of pesticide use in
                                             as described in 40 CFR part 178, please                     Inert ingredients are all ingredients              residential settings. If EPA is able to
                                             submit a copy of the filing (excluding                   that are not active ingredients as defined            determine that a finite tolerance is not
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                                             any Confidential Business Information                    in 40 CFR 153.125 and include, but are                necessary to ensure that there is a
                                             (CBI)) for inclusion in the public docket.               not limited to, the following types of                reasonable certainty that no harm will
                                             Information not marked confidential                      ingredients (except when they have a                  result from aggregate exposure to the
                                             pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be                         pesticidal efficacy of their own):                    inert ingredient, an exemption from the
                                             disclosed publicly by EPA without prior                  Solvents such as alcohols and                         requirement of a tolerance may be
                                             notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your                  hydrocarbons; surfactants such as                     established.


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                                             95888            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 250 / Thursday, December 29, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                               Consistent with FFDCA section                          equivalent to 6,000 mg/L) in rats.                    screening battery and acute toxicity
                                             408(c)(2)(A), and the factors specified in               Isobutanol is severely irritating to the              studies, respectively. EPA concluded
                                             FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), EPA has                      eye and minimally to moderately                       that isobutyl acetate and isobutyric acid
                                             reviewed the available scientific data                   irritating to the skin in rabbits.                    are not expected to be neurotoxic.
                                             and other relevant information in                           Based on the subchronic data                          Immunotoxicity studies with
                                             support of this action. EPA has                          available, isobutanol is not toxic up to              isobutyric acid and isobutanol are
                                             sufficient data to assess the hazards of                 the limit dose of 1,000 milligram/                    available for review. Mouse cell-
                                             and to make a determination on                           kilogram/day (mg/kg/day). In a 90-day                 mediated immune response is not
                                             aggregate exposure for isobutyl acetate                  oral toxicity study via gavage in rats,               modulated by isobutyric acid in a host-
                                             and isobutyric acid including exposure                   hypo-activity, ataxia and salivation were             resistant assay using Listeria
                                             resulting from the exemption                             observed at 1,000 mg/kg/day of                        monocytogenes. Humoral immunity is
                                             established by this action. EPA’s                        isobutanol. In another 90-day oral                    unaffected in mice as measured by the
                                             assessment of exposures and risks                        toxicity study with isobutanol via                    antibody plaque-forming cell response
                                             associated with isobutyl acetate and                     drinking water in rats, no adverse effects            to sheep erythrocytes. Also, a
                                             isobutyric acid follows.                                 were observed at doses up to 16,000                   lymphocyte mitogenesis test with
                                                                                                      ppm (approximately 1,450 mg/kg/day),                  isobutanol showed mitogenic activity is
                                             A. Toxicological Profile                                 the highest dose tested (HDT). The                    not inhibited in stimulated B and T cells
                                                EPA has evaluated the available                       study conducted via drinking water in                 from mouse spleen. Therefore, isobutyl
                                             toxicity data and considered their                       rats is considered more relevant to                   acetate and isobutyric acid are not
                                             validity, completeness, and reliability as               human exposure and therefore more                     expected to be immunotoxic.
                                             well as the relationship of the results of               reflective of potential human toxicity.
                                             the studies to human risk. EPA has also                                                                           Metabolism studies are not available
                                                                                                         In developmental toxicity studies
                                             considered available information                         with isobutanol via inhalation in rats                for isobutyl acetate. Limited data are
                                             concerning the variability of the                        and rabbits, neither maternal nor                     available on isobutyric acid and
                                             sensitivities of major identifiable                      developmental toxicity is seen at doses               isobutanol. A metabolism study with a
                                             subgroups of consumers, including                        up to 10,000 mg/m3 (approximately                     single dose of isobutyric acid via gavage
                                             infants and children. Specific                           3,060 mg/kg/day), the HDT in both                     in rats showed that it is rapidly
                                             information on the studies received and                  studies and above the limit dose of                   metabolized and the majority eliminated
                                             the nature of the adverse effects caused                 1,000 mg/kg/day.                                      as expired CO2. Less than 1.0% of the
                                             by isobutyl acetate and isobutyric acid                     Similarly, no adverse effects are                  dose is found in feces and 3.21–4.61%
                                             as well as the no-observed-adverse-                      observed in a two-generation                          in urine. A metabolism study with
                                             effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-                     reproductive study with isobutanol via                isobutanol via gavage in rabbits showed
                                             observed-adverse-effect-level (LOAEL)                    inhalation in rats at doses up to 2,500               that it is rapidly metabolized. 0.5% is
                                             from the toxicity studies are discussed                  ppm (approximately 2,326 mg/kg/day).                  excreted in the urine or exhaled air.
                                             in this unit.                                               Carcinogenicity studies with isobutyl              Identified metabolites are
                                                Only acute toxicity data are available                acetate, isobutyric acid or isobutanol are            isobutyraldehyde, isobutyric acid, and
                                             on isobutyric acid and no data are                       not available. However, a chronic                     isovaleric acid. There is no concern for
                                             available on isobutyl acetate. However,                  toxicity study in rats treated with                   the metabolites isobutyraldehyde and
                                             upon ingestion, isobutyl acetate is                      isobutantol in drinking water for 53–56               isovaleric acid as they will be
                                             rapidly and completely hydrolyzed to                     weeks did not show any evidence of                    conjungated and excreted.
                                             isobutanol and acetic acid. Isobutyric                   toxicity or tumors at doses as high as                B. Toxicological Points of Departure/
                                             acid is a metabolic product of                           200 mg/kg/day. In addition, no toxicity               Levels of Concern
                                             isobutanol.                                              is observed in other studies at doses
                                                Isobutanol is metabolized by alcohol                  below 1,450 mg/kg/day with isobutanol.                  The available toxicity studies indicate
                                             dehydrogenase to form isobutyric acid                    Moreover, mutagenicity studies are                    that isobutanol has very low toxicity.
                                             via conversion to isobutyraldehyde.                      negative with isobutanol and isobutyric               The lowest NOAEL (316 mg/kg/day) in
                                             Therefore, toxicity data on isobutanol                   acid. An Ames test, unscheduled DNA                   the database occurred in a 90-day oral
                                             are considered suitable to assess                        synthesis and mouse lymphoma assay                    toxicity study with isobutanol via
                                             repeated exposure to isobutyl acetate                    are negative when tested with isobutyric              gavage in rats. Hypo-activity, ataxia and
                                             and isobutyric acid. Since acetic acid is                acid. The Ames test, mouse lymphoma,                  salivation were seen at 1,000 mg/kg/day.
                                             currently exempted from tolerance                        Comet and micronucleus assays are                     In a second study conducted for 90 days
                                             under 40 CFR 180.910 without                             negative when tested with isobutanol.                 with isobutanol via drinking water in
                                             limitation, this risk assessment focuses                 Therefore, isobutyl acetate and                       rats, the aforementioned effects weren’t
                                             on toxicity data available on isobutanol.                isobutyric acid are not expected to be                seen at doses as high 1,450 mg/kg/day.
                                                The acute oral and dermal toxicities                  carcinogenic.                                         The drinking water study in rats
                                             are low for isobutyric acid. Isobutyric                     A neurotoxicity screening battery                  represents a more realistic route for
                                             acid has an acute oral lethal dose (LD50)                with isobutanol via the inhalation route              human exposure to isobutyric acid and
                                             ≥ 2,230 milligram/kilogram (mg/kg) in                    of exposure in rats was available for                 isobutyl acetate, and is considered more
                                             rats and rabbits. The acute dermal LD50                  review. Also, neurotoxicity endpoints                 reflective of potential toxicity.
                                             = 475 mg/kg in rabbits. The acute                        were evaluated in an acute toxicity                   Therefore, since no signs of toxicity
                                             inhalation LC50 > 9.59 milligram/liter                   study in rats with isobutanol via the                 were observed at doses up to the limit
                                             (mg/L) in rats. It is corrosive to the eye               inhalation route of exposure. No adverse              dose in oral and inhalation toxicity
                                             and skin in rabbits. Isobutyric acid is                  effects were observed in the functional               studies, an endpoint of concern for risk
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                                             not a dermal sensitizer in rabbits.                      observational battery, motor activity,                assessment purposes was not identified.
                                             Isobutanol has an acute oral LD50 ≥                      schedule control operant behavior or                  Since no endpoint of concern was
                                             2,830 mg/kg in rats. The acute dermal                    neuropathology at doses up to 1,500                   identified for the acute and chronic
                                             acute LD50 ≥ 2,000 mg/kg in rabbits. The                 ppm (approximately 1,408 mg/kg/day)                   dietary exposure assessment and short
                                             acute inhalation LC50 > 6,000 parts per                  and 2,500 ppm (approximately 2,326                    and intermediate dermal and inhalation
                                             million (ppm) (approximately                             mg/kg/day) in rats in the neurotoxicity               exposure, a quantitative risk assessment


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                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 250 / Thursday, December 29, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                       95889

                                             for isobutyric acid and isobutyl acetate                 safety for infants and children in the                VI. Conclusions
                                             is not necessary.                                        case of threshold effects to account for                Therefore, exemptions from the
                                                                                                      prenatal and postnatal toxicity and the               requirement of a tolerance are
                                             C. Exposure Assessment
                                                                                                      completeness of the database on toxicity              established under 40 CFR 180.910 for
                                                1. Dietary exposure from food and                     and exposure unless EPA determines                    residues of isobutyl acetate (CAS Reg.
                                             feed uses. In evaluating dietary                         based on reliable data that a different               No. 110–19–0) and isobutyric acid (CAS
                                             exposure to isobutyl acetate and                         margin of safety will be safe for infants             Reg. No. 79–31–2) when used as inert
                                             isobutyric acid, EPA considered                          and children. This additional margin of               ingredients (solvent) in pesticide
                                             exposure under the proposed exemption                    safety is commonly referred to as the                 formulations applied to growing crops
                                             from the requirement of a tolerance.                     Food Quality Protection Act Safety                    and raw agricultural commodities after
                                             EPA assessed dietary exposures from                      Factor (FQPA SF). In applying this                    harvest.
                                             isobutyl acetate and isobutyric acid in                  provision, EPA either retains the default
                                             food as follows:                                         value of 10X, or uses a different                     VII. Statutory and Executive Order
                                                Under this exemption from the                         additional safety factor when reliable                Reviews
                                             requirement of a tolerance, residues of                  data available to EPA support the choice                 This action establishes tolerance
                                             isobutyl acetate and isobutyric acid may                 of a different factor.                                exemptions under FFDCA section
                                             be found on foods from crops that were                     As part of its qualitative assessment,              408(d) in response to a petition
                                             treated with pesticide formulations                      the Agency did not use safety factors for             submitted to the Agency. The Office of
                                             containing isobutyl acetate and                          assessing risk, and no additional safety              Management and Budget (OMB) has
                                             isobutyric acid. However, a quantitative                 factor is needed for assessing risk to                exempted these types of actions from
                                             dietary exposure assessment was not                      infants and children. Based on an                     review under Executive Order 12866,
                                             conducted since a toxicological                          assessment of isobutyl acetate and                    entitled ‘‘Regulatory Planning and
                                             endpoint for risk assessment was not                     isobutyric acid, EPA has concluded that               Review’’ (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993).
                                             identified.                                              there are no toxicological endpoints of
                                                2. Dietary exposure from drinking                                                                           Because this action has been exempted
                                                                                                      concern for the U.S. population,                      from review under Executive Order
                                             water. Since a hazard endpoint of                        including infants and children.
                                             concern was not identified for the acute                                                                       12866, this action is not subject to
                                             and chronic dietary assessment, a                        E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of               Executive Order 13211, entitled
                                             quantitative dietary exposure risk                       Safety                                                ‘‘Actions Concerning Regulations That
                                             assessment for drinking water was not                                                                          Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
                                                                                                        Because no toxicological endpoints of               Distribution, or Use’’ (66 FR 28355, May
                                             conducted, although exposures may be                     concern were identified, EPA concludes
                                             expected from use on food crops.                                                                               22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045,
                                                                                                      that aggregate exposure to residues of                entitled ‘‘Protection of Children from
                                                3. From non-dietary exposure. The                     isobutyl acetate and isobutyric acid will
                                             term ‘‘residential exposure’’ is used in                                                                       Environmental Health Risks and Safety
                                                                                                      not pose a risk to the U.S. population,               Risks’’ (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997).
                                             this document to refer to non-                           including infants and children, and that
                                             occupational, non-dietary exposure                                                                             This action does not contain any
                                                                                                      there is a reasonable certainty that no               information collections subject to OMB
                                             (e.g., textiles (clothing and diapers),                  harm will result to the general
                                             carpets, swimming pools, and hard                                                                              approval under the Paperwork
                                                                                                      population, or to infants and children                Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et
                                             surface disinfection on walls, floors, and               from aggregate exposure to isobutyl
                                             tables).                                                                                                       seq.), nor does it require any special
                                                                                                      acetate and isobutyric acid residues.                 considerations under Executive Order
                                                Isobutyl acetate and isobutyric acid
                                             may be used in pesticide products and                    V. Other Considerations                               12898, entitled ‘‘Federal Actions to
                                             non-pesticide products that may be used                                                                        Address Environmental Justice in
                                                                                                      A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology                 Minority Populations and Low-Income
                                             in and around the home. Based on the
                                             discussion in Unit IV.B., a quantitative                   An analytical method is not required                Populations’’ (59 FR 7629, February 16,
                                             residential exposure assessment for                      for enforcement purposes since the                    1994).
                                             isobutyl acetate and isobutyric acid was                 Agency is establishing an exemption                      Since tolerances and exemptions that
                                             not conducted.                                           from the requirement of a tolerance                   are established on the basis of a petition
                                                4. Cumulative effects from substances                 without any numerical limitation.                     under FFDCA section 408(d), such as
                                             with a common mechanism of toxicity.                                                                           the exemptions in this final rule, do not
                                                                                                      B. Response to Comments                               require the issuance of a proposed rule,
                                             Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA
                                             requires that, when considering whether                    A comment was received from a                       the requirements of the Regulatory
                                             to establish, modify, or revoke a                        private citizen who was concerned                     Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
                                             tolerance, the Agency consider                           about the safety and impact pesticides                seq.), do not apply.
                                             ‘‘available information’’ concerning the                 on food on human health. The Agency                      This action directly regulates growers,
                                             cumulative effects of a particular                       understands the commenter’s concerns                  food processors, food handlers, and food
                                             pesticide’s residues and ‘‘other                         and recognizes that some individuals                  retailers, not States or tribes, nor does
                                             substances that have a common                            believe that no residue of pesticides                 this action alter the relationships or
                                             mechanism of toxicity.’’                                 should be allowed. However, under the                 distribution of power and
                                                Based on the available data, isobutyl                 existing legal framework provided by                  responsibilities established by Congress
                                             acetate and isobutyric acid do not have                  section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug                 in the preemption provisions of FFDCA
                                             a toxic mechanism; therefore, section                    and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), EPA is                      section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency
                                                                                                      authorized to establish pesticide                     has determined that this action will not
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                                             408(b)(2)(D)(v) does not apply.
                                                                                                      tolerances or exemptions where persons                have a substantial direct effect on States
                                             D. Safety Factor for Infants and                         seeking such tolerances or exemptions                 or tribal governments, on the
                                             Children                                                 have demonstrated that the pesticide                  relationship between the national
                                               1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of                 meets the safety standard imposed by                  government and the States or tribal
                                             FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply                      the statute, which EPA has determined                 governments, or on the distribution of
                                             an additional tenfold (10X) margin of                    here.                                                 power and responsibilities among the


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                                             95890            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 250 / Thursday, December 29, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                             various levels of government or between                       Transfer and Advancement Act                                           Dated: December 16, 2016.
                                             the Federal Government and Indian                             (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).                                       Daniel J. Rosenblatt,
                                             tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined                       VIII. Congressional Review Act                                      Acting Director, Registration Division, Office
                                             that Executive Order 13132, entitled                                                                                              of Pesticide Programs.
                                             ‘‘Federalism’’ (64 FR 43255, August 10,                         Pursuant to the Congressional Review
                                             1999) and Executive Order 13175,                              Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will                                  Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
                                             entitled ‘‘Consultation and Coordination                      submit a report containing this rule and                            amended as follows:
                                             with Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR                       other required information to the U.S.
                                             67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply                         Senate, the U.S. House of                                           PART 180—[AMENDED]
                                             to this action. In addition, this action                      Representatives, and the Comptroller
                                             does not impose any enforceable duty or                       General of the United States prior to                               ■ 1. The authority citation for part 180
                                             contain any unfunded mandate as                               publication of the rule in the Federal                              continues to read as follows:
                                             described under Title II of the Unfunded                      Register. This action is not a ‘‘major
                                                                                                                                                                                   Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
                                             Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) (2 U.S.C.                          rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
                                             1501 et seq.).                                                List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180                                 ■ 2. In § 180.910, add alphabetically the
                                                                                                                                                                               inert ingredients to the table to read as
                                                This action does not involve any                             Environmental protection,
                                                                                                                                                                               follows:
                                             technical standards that would require                        Administrative practice and procedure,
                                             Agency consideration of voluntary                             Agricultural commodities, Pesticides                                § 180.910 Inert ingredients used pre- and
                                             consensus standards pursuant to section                       and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping                              post-harvest; exemptions from the
                                             12(d) of the National Technology                              requirements.                                                       requirement of a tolerance.

                                                                                       Inert ingredients                                                       Limits                                 Uses


                                                       *                  *                         *                                 *                               *                          *                  *
                                             Isobutyl Acetate (CAS Reg. No. 110–19–0) ............................................................      ........................   Solvent.
                                             Isobutyric Acid (CAS Reg. No. 79–31–2) .................................................................   ........................   Solvent.

                                                        *                          *                          *                         *                             *                          *                  *



                                             [FR Doc. 2016–31211 Filed 12–28–16; 8:45 am]                  ‘‘Medicare Program; Revisions to                                    2016. Accordingly, the corrections are
                                             BILLING CODE 6560–50–P                                        Payment Policies under the Physician                                effective January 1, 2017.
                                                                                                           Fee Schedule and Other Revisions to
                                                                                                                                                                               II. Summary of Errors
                                                                                                           Part B for CY 2017; Medicare Advantage
                                             DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND                                      Bid Pricing Data Release; Medicare                                  A. Summary of Errors in the Preamble
                                             HUMAN SERVICES                                                Advantage and Part D Medical Loss                                      On page 80252, in our discussion of
                                                                                                           Ratio Data Release; Medicare Advantage                              certain primary care services, we made
                                             Centers for Medicare & Medicaid                               Provider Network Requirements;                                      typographical errors and referenced the
                                             Services                                                      Expansion of Medicare Diabetes                                      final HCPCS G-codes incorrectly.
                                                                                                           Prevention Program Model; Medicare                                     On page 80268, we made a
                                             42 CFR Parts 405, 410, 411, 414, 417,                         Shared Savings Program Requirements.’’                              typographical error in the new locality
                                             422, 423, 424, 425, and 460                                   DATES: This correcting document is                                  number for Stockton-Lodi-CA.
                                             [CMS–1654–CN3]                                                effective January 1, 2017.                                             On page 80330, due to a drafting
                                                                                                           FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                                    error, we inadvertently stated that we
                                             RIN 0938–AS81                                                 Jessica Bruton (410) 786–5991.                                      did not receive any comments on our
                                             Medicare Program; Revisions to                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                                          proposals for the Electroencephalogram
                                             Payment Policies Under the Physician                                                                                              (EEG) family of codes, CPT Codes
                                                                                                           I. Background
                                             Fee Schedule and Other Revisions to                                                                                               95812, 95813, and 95957.
                                                                                                              In FR Doc 2016–26668 (81 FR 80170                                   On page 80540, we inadvertently
                                             Part B for CY 2017; Medicare
                                                                                                           through 80562), the final rule entitled,                            included language in our discussion of
                                             Advantage Bid Pricing Data Release;
                                                                                                           ‘‘Medicare Program; Revisions to                                    ICRs regarding payment to organizations
                                             Medicare Advantage and Part D
                                                                                                           Payment Policies under the Physician                                that provide Medicare Diabetes
                                             Medical Loss Ratio Data Release;
                                                                                                           Fee Schedule and Other Revisions to                                 Prevention Program Services.
                                             Medicare Advantage Provider Network
                                                                                                           Part B for CY 2017; Medicare Advantage                                 On page 80543, due to a drafting
                                             Requirements; Expansion of Medicare
                                                                                                           Bid Pricing Data Release; Medicare                                  error, in our discussion of RVUs relative
                                             Diabetes Prevention Program Model;
                                                                                                           Advantage and Part D Medical Loss                                   to 2016, we inadvertently used the
                                             Medicare Shared Savings Program
                                                                                                           Ratio Data Release; Medicare Advantage                              result descriptors incorrectly.
                                             Requirements; Corrections
                                                                                                           Provider Network Requirements;                                         On page 80543, due to typographical
                                             AGENCY:  Centers for Medicare &                               Expansion of Medicare Diabetes                                      errors the title of Table 51 and the CY
                                             Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.                                 Prevention Program Model; Medicare                                  2017 RVU Budget Neutrality
                                                                                                           Shared Savings Program Requirements’’
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                             ACTION: Final rule; correction.                                                                                                   Adjustment are incorrect.
                                                                                                           there were a number of technical and
                                             SUMMARY:  This document corrects                              typographical errors that are identified                            B. Summary and Correction of Errors in
                                             technical and typographical errors that                       and corrected in this correcting                                    the Addenda on the CMS Web Site
                                             appeared in the final rule published in                       document. These corrections are                                       Due to a data error, the incorrect CY
                                             the November 15, 2016 Federal Register                        effective as if they had been included in                           2017 PE RVUs are included in
                                             (81 FR 80170). That rule is entitled,                         the document published November 15,                                 Addendum B for HCPCS codes G0422


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014     14:51 Dec 28, 2016     Jkt 241001   PO 00000      Frm 00038    Fmt 4700     Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\29DER1.SGM             29DER1



Document Created: 2016-12-29 01:58:27
Document Modified: 2016-12-29 01:58:27
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis regulation is effective December 29, 2016. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before February 27, 2017, and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
ContactMichael Goodis, Registration Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,
FR Citation81 FR 95886 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Administrative Practice and Procedure; Agricultural Commodities; Pesticides and Pests and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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