82_FR_18299 82 FR 18226 - Bacillus Thuringiensis (mCry51Aa2) Protein in or on Cotton; Temporary Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance

82 FR 18226 - Bacillus Thuringiensis (mCry51Aa2) Protein in or on Cotton; Temporary Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 73 (April 18, 2017)

Page Range18226-18230
FR Document2017-07804

This regulation establishes a temporary exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of the Bacillus thuringiensis mCry51Aa2 protein in or on the food and feed commodities of cotton; cotton undelinted seed; cotton, gin byproducts; cotton, forage; cotton, hay; cotton, hulls; cotton, meal; and cotton, refined oil, when used as a plant-incorporated protectant (PIP) in accordance with the terms of Experimental Use Permit (EUP) No. 524-108. Monsanto Company submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting the temporary tolerance exemption. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of mCry51Aa2 protein. The temporary tolerance exemption expires on February 28, 2019.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 73 (Tuesday, April 18, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 73 (Tuesday, April 18, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18226-18230]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-07804]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 174

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0279; FRL-9957-23]


Bacillus Thuringiensis (mCry51Aa2) Protein in or on Cotton; 
Temporary Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes a temporary exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance for residues of the Bacillus thuringiensis 
mCry51Aa2 protein in or on the food and feed commodities of cotton; 
cotton undelinted seed; cotton, gin byproducts; cotton, forage; cotton, 
hay; cotton, hulls; cotton, meal; and cotton, refined oil, when used as 
a plant-incorporated protectant (PIP) in accordance with the terms of 
Experimental Use Permit (EUP) No. 524-108. Monsanto Company submitted a 
petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), 
requesting the temporary tolerance exemption. This regulation 
eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for 
residues of mCry51Aa2 protein. The temporary tolerance exemption 
expires on February 28, 2019.

DATES: This regulation is effective April 18, 2017. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before June 19, 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 docket for this action, identified by docket 
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0279, is 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: Robert McNally, Biopesticides and 
Pollution Prevention Division (7511P), Office of Pesticide Programs, 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., 
Washington, 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

[[Page 18227]]

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 174 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-2016-0279 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 
June 19, 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-2016-0279, 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. Background and Statutory Findings

    In the Federal Register of June 22, 2016 (81 FR 40594) (FRL-9947-
32), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide tolerance 
petition (PP 6G8453) by Monsanto Company, 800 North Lindbergh Blvd., 
St. Louis, MO 63167. The petition requested that 40 CFR part 174 be 
amended by establishing a temporary exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance for residues of the plant-incorporated protein (PIP) Bacillus 
thuringiensis (mCry51Aa2.834_16 (mCry51Aa2) protein in or on cotton. 
That document referenced a summary of the petition prepared by the 
petitioner Monsanto Company, which is available in the docket, http://www.regulations.gov. One comment was received on the notice of filing. 
EPA's response to this comment is discussed in Unit VII.C.
    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 exemption is ``safe.'' Section 408(c)(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. Pursuant to FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), in 
establishing or maintaining in effect an exemption from the requirement 
of a tolerance, EPA must take into account the factors set forth in 
FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C), which require 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. . . 
.'' Additionally, FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D) requires that 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.''
    EPA performs a number of analyses to determine the risks from 
aggregate exposure to pesticide residues. First, EPA determines the 
toxicity of pesticides. Second, EPA examines exposure to the pesticide 
through food, drinking water, and through other exposures that occur as 
a result of pesticide use in residential settings.

III. Toxicological Profile

    Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the 
available scientific data and other relevant information in support of 
this action and considered its validity, completeness and reliability, 
and the relationship of this information 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.
    Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry (or crystalline) proteins are 
naturally produced. These insecticidal proteins are protoxins, which 
must be activated by alkaline conditions in the insect gut, so they are 
not toxic until ingested by an insect. When activated, specific binding 
sites found only in susceptible host insects are involved in binding Bt 
protein toxins, followed by pore formation into the insect hemolymph, 
leakage and, in general, decreased vitality of the insect including 
reduced feeding, eventually causing mortality. Even among insects, 
specific Bt proteins are highly specific and so selection of specific 
proteins to target pests is possible often with little or no nontarget 
effects to humans or even to other insects.
    Bt proteins are also ubiquitous in soil and water and are found on 
food products which may be consumed with little processing. No adverse 
effects are expected or have been reported from exposure to Bt Cry 
proteins. Further, the use of Bt insecticidal proteins in bacterial and 
plant-incorporated formulations over time has been widely shown to be 
safe and nontoxic except to a limited range of target pests.
    Minor alterations to the native (or naturally produced) Cry51Aa2 
protein were made to make the protein Cry51Aa2.834_16 (hereafter 
referred to as modified Cry51Aa2 or mCry51Aa2) more active and specific 
to the target insect pests Lygus bugs and Thrips, when the protein is 
expressed in cotton plant tissues.
    Molecular analysis of mCry51Aa2 showed that it has a protein 
sequence that is 98% similar to Cry51Aa1 protoxin and 96% similar to 
the native Cry51Aa2 protoxin. Other sequence alignments, ranging from 
27 to 96%,

[[Page 18228]]

were to Bacillus proteins. Comparisons using the Basic Local Alignment 
Search Tool--protein query (BLASTp) database found 16 significant 
alignments, and all except the uncharacterized Jatropha curcas protein 
are from genus Bacillus. However, only three have identity >35% 
similarity and these are related insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis 
Cry proteins/protoxins. Comparison of mCry51Aa2 to the native Cry51Aa2 
using the FASTA database shows three amino acids were deleted, and 
there are seven substitutions to the original 309 amino acids, 
resulting in a 306 amino acid protoxin. There were no sequences with 
any significant similarity (>35%) to known toxins other than the 
insecticidal protoxins from Bacillus thuringiensis.
    An acute oral toxicity test conducted with mice at the highest 
practicable dose of dose of 1332 mg of mCry51Aa2/Kg body weight was 
conducted in mice and showed no clinical signs of toxicity, no 
abnormalities on necropsy 14 days after treatment, and no statistically 
significant weight fluctuation. The No observed adverse effect level 
(NOAEL) was determined to be >1332 milligram (mg) of mCry51Aa2 per 
kilogram (kg) bodyweight.
    Rapid digestibility by pepsin was demonstrated (93.7% reduction 
within two minutes, and no detects at 60 minutes). Based on this assay 
it is likely that mCry51Aa2 would be completely digested in the human 
stomach.
    A thorough analysis of mCry51Aa2 shows it is not related to any 
other known allergens. Molecular analysis showed there were no 
significant full-length allergen sequence matches, and none showed 
significant similarity using a sliding 80 amino acid search or an exact 
8 amino acid match.
    Based on the results of these studies, no toxicity or other adverse 
effects from dietary exposure to mCry51Aa2 are expected.

IV. Aggregate Exposures

    In examining aggregate exposure, FFDCA section 408 directs EPA to 
consider available information concerning exposures from the pesticide 
residue in food and all other non-occupational exposures, including 
drinking water from ground water or surface water and exposure through 
pesticide use in gardens, lawns, or buildings (residential and other 
indoor uses).
    The Agency considered available information on the aggregate 
exposure levels of consumers (and major identifiable subgroups of 
consumers) to the pesticide residue. These considerations include 
dietary exposure under the tolerance exemption in effect for the Bt 
mCry51Aa2 protein residue, and exposure from non-occupational sources. 
Oral exposure may occur at very low levels from ingestion of food and 
feed commodities of cotton. With respect to drinking water, since the 
PIP is integrated into the plant genome and based upon EPA's human 
health and environmental assessments for Bt mCry51Aa2 protein (Refs. 1 
and 2), the Agency expects residues in drinking water to be extremely 
low or non-existent.
    Exposure via the skin or inhalation is not likely since the plant-
incorporated protectant is contained within plant cells, which 
essentially eliminates these exposure routes or reduces exposure by 
these routes to negligible. Exposure to infants and children via 
residential or lawn use is also not expected because the use is limited 
to agricultural production of cotton with the Bt mCry51Aa2 protein PIP.

V. 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.''
    EPA has not found mCry51Aa2 protein to share a common mechanism of 
toxicity with any other substances, and mCry51Aa2 protein does not 
appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For 
the purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that 
mCry51Aa2 protein does not have a common mechanism of toxicity with 
other substances. For information regarding EPA's efforts to determine 
which chemicals have a common mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate the 
cumulative effects of such chemicals, see EPA's Web site at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.

VI. Determination of Safety for U.S. Population, Infants and Children

    FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C) provides that, in considering the 
establishment of a tolerance or tolerance exemption for a pesticide 
chemical residue, EPA shall assess the available information about 
consumption patterns among infants and children, special susceptibility 
of infants and children to pesticide chemical residues, and the 
cumulative effects on infants and children of the residues and other 
substances with a common mechanism of toxicity. In addition, FFDCA 
section 408(b)(2)(C) provides that EPA shall apply an additional 
tenfold (10X) margin of exposure (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 that a different margin of exposure (safety) will 
be safe for infants and children. This additional margin of exposure 
(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.
    Based on the information discussed in Unit III., EPA concludes that 
there are no threshold effects of concern to infants, children, or 
adults from exposure to the Bt mCry51Aa2 protein. As a result, EPA 
concludes that no additional margin of exposure (safety) is necessary 
to protect infants and children and that not adding any additional 
margin of exposure (safety) will be safe for infants and children.
    Therefore, based on the discussion in Units III. and IV. and the 
supporting documentation, EPA concludes that there is a reasonable 
certainty that no harm will result to the U.S. population, including 
infants and children, from aggregate exposure to the residues of the Bt 
mCry51Aa2 protein in cotton products, when it is used as a plant-
incorporated protectant. Such exposure includes all anticipated dietary 
exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable 
information.

VII. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    A standard operating procedure for an enzyme-linked Immunosorbent 
assay (ELISA) for the detection and quantification of the Bt mCry51Aa2 
protein in cotton tissue has been submitted.

B. International Residue Limits

    In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S. 
tolerances with international standards whenever possible, consistent 
with U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA 
considers the international maximum residue limits (MRLs) established 
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as required by FFDCA 
section 408(b)(4). The Codex Alimentarius is a joint United Nations 
Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization food 
standards program, and it is recognized as an international food safety 
standards-setting

[[Page 18229]]

organization in trade agreements to which the United States is a party. 
EPA may establish a tolerance that is different from a Codex MRL; 
however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain the reasons 
for departing from the Codex level.
    The Codex has not established a MRL for the Bt protein mCry51Aa2 
protein.

C. Response to Comments

    In response to the Notice of Filing (81 FR 40594), one comment was 
received and posted August 05, 2016. It urged the Agency deny the 
request for ``Bt Cry51Aa2'' because ``the release of more protein on 
earth is harmful because our nature exists with a certain set of 
standards.'' The commenter did not provide any more information on the 
set of standards governing our nature. In response to this comment, the 
Agency notes that protein is an important component of the diet of 
humans and animals and that Monsanto Company has submitted information 
to address the potential for the mCry51Aa protein to be similar to a 
known allergen or toxin utilizing amino acid similarity analysis. There 
is no indication from the information provided that the mCry51Aa 
protein would behave differently from any other dietary protein.
    One additional comment about human health effects was received not 
in response to the Notice of Filing, but in response to the Notice of 
Receipt for this Experimental Use Permit (81 FR 48793; see docket EPA-
HQ-OPP-2016-0282). Because it raised a concern about human health 
effects, the EPA is responding to it in this document. The comment 
stated that that . . . numerous studies show toxicity of Bt products 
including GM Bt crops to other non-target including . . . rats as well 
as allergenic and respiratory problems in humans . . .'' While not all 
of the numerical citations were provided, it was possible to retrieve 
several. Some articles (``Ban GMOs Now'' and ``New GMO Studies 
Demonstrate `Substantial Non-Equivalance'') were not from peer-reviewed 
journals and are of questionable validity for the issue of mCry51Aa 
safety. There was a reference to an article about the presence of Bt 
toxins in the blood of non-pregnant and pregnant females as well as in 
fetal cord blood. This article by Aris & Leblanc (Repro Tox. 31:528-
533, 2011) has some important design limitations which question the 
implications made in the paper about blood levels of Cry1Ab protein. 
Most importantly, there were no identified effects in the population 
sampled that indicates any health concerns related to the presence of 
the Cry1Ab protein in blood.
    Overall there is no substantive information in either of these 
comments to inform the risk assessment for mCry51Aa2.

VIII. Conclusions

    The Agency concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no 
harm will result to the U.S. population, including infants and 
children, from aggregate exposure to residues of mCry51Aa2 protein in 
or on cotton. This includes all anticipated dietary exposures and all 
other exposures for which there is reliable information. The Agency has 
arrived at this conclusion because, as discussed previously no toxicity 
to mammals has been observed, nor is there any indication of 
allergenicity potential for the plant-incorporated protectant, and 
there is a long history of human exposure to Bacillus thuringiensis 
bacteria and toxins through naturally occurring residues and residues 
from use as a pesticide in agricultural and residential settings and in 
other plant incorporated protectants. Therefore, a temporary exemption 
is established for residues of the PIP Bacillus thuringiensis mCry51Aa2 
protein on the food and feed commodities derived from cotton containing 
the PIP.

IX. References

1. U.S. EPA. 2016a. MON 88702 Cotton Expressing B. thuringiensis 
mcry51Aa2 Protein Stacked with the Vip3Aa19, Cry2Ab2 and Cry1Ac 
Proteins Memorandum from J. Gagliardi, Ph.D. through J. Kough, Ph.D. 
to A. Sibold, dated September 12, 2016.
2. U.S. EPA. 2016b. Environmental Risk Assessment for a FIFRA 
Section 5 Experimental Use Permit for MON 88702 Alone and in 
Combination with Other Registered Plant Incorporated Protectants in 
Cotton. Memorandum from S. Borges, Senior Scientist to A. Sibold, 
Regulatory Action Leader, dated October 19, 2016.
3. U.S. EPA. 2016c. Review of Public Comments on Cry51Aa Notice of 
Filing Experimental Use Permit and Associated Temporary Tolerance 
(6G8453). November 2, 2016.

X. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This action establishes a tolerance 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 tolerance in this 
final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the 
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq.), do not apply.
    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 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).

XI. Congressional Review Act

    Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 
EPA will

[[Page 18230]]

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 174

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

    Dated: January 10, 2017.
Robert McNally,
Division Director, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division, 
Office of Pesticide Programs.

    Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:

PART 174--AMENDED

0
1. The authority citation for part 174 continues to read as follows:

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


0
 2. Add Sec.  174.536 to subpart W to read as follows:


Sec.  174.536  Bacillus thuringiensis mCry51Aa2 protein in cotton; 
temporary exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.

    Residues of the protein mCry51Aa2 in or on the food and feed 
commodities of cotton: Cotton, undelinted seed; cotton, gin byproducts; 
cotton, forage; cotton, hay; cotton, hulls; cotton, meal; and cotton, 
refined oil are temporarily exempt from the requirement of a tolerance 
when used as a plant-incorporated protectant in cotton plants in 
accordance with the terms of Experimental Use Permit No. 524-EUP-108. 
This temporary exemption from the requirement of a tolerance expires on 
February 28, 2019.

[FR Doc. 2017-07804 Filed 4-17-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                             18226               Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 73 / Tuesday, April 18, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                             significant effect on the human                         Channel, and west returning back to                   commodities of cotton; cotton
                                             environment. This rule involves a safety                Higgs Beach.                                          undelinted seed; cotton, gin byproducts;
                                             zone that will prohibit persons and                        (b) Definition. As used in this section,           cotton, forage; cotton, hay; cotton, hulls;
                                             vessels from entering, transiting                       the term ‘‘designated representative’’                cotton, meal; and cotton, refined oil,
                                             through, anchoring in, or remaining                     means Coast Guard Patrol Commanders,                  when used as a plant-incorporated
                                             within a limited area on the navigable                  including Coast Guard coxswains, petty                protectant (PIP) in accordance with the
                                             water surrounding Key West, Florida,                    officers, and other officers operating                terms of Experimental Use Permit (EUP)
                                             during a paddle event lasting seven and                 Coast Guard vessels, and Federal, state,              No. 524–108. Monsanto Company
                                             one-half hours. This rule is categorically              and local officers designated by or                   submitted a petition to EPA under the
                                             excluded from further review under                      assisting the Captain of the Port (COTP)              Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
                                             paragraph 34(g) of Figure 2–1 of the                    Key West in the enforcement of the                    (FFDCA), requesting the temporary
                                             Commandant Instruction. A Record of                     regulated areas.                                      tolerance exemption. This regulation
                                             Environmental Consideration (REC)                          (c) Regulations. (1) All persons and               eliminates the need to establish a
                                             supporting this determination is                        vessels are prohibited from entering,                 maximum permissible level for residues
                                             available in the docket where indicated                 transiting through, anchoring in, or                  of mCry51Aa2 protein. The temporary
                                             under ADDRESSES. We seek any                            remaining within the regulated area                   tolerance exemption expires on
                                             comments or information that may lead                   unless authorized by the COTP Key                     February 28, 2019.
                                             to the discovery of a significant                       West or a designated representative.                  DATES: This regulation is effective April
                                             environmental impact from this rule.                       (2) Persons and vessels desiring to                18, 2017. Objections and requests for
                                                                                                     enter, transit through, anchor in, or                 hearings must be received on or before
                                             G. Protest Activities
                                                                                                     remain within the regulated area may                  June 19, 2017, and must be filed in
                                               The Coast Guard respects the First                    contact the COTP Key West by                          accordance with the instructions
                                             Amendment rights of protesters.                         telephone at (305) 292–8772, or a                     provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also
                                             Protesters are asked to contact the                     designated representative via VHF–FM                  Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY
                                             person listed in the FOR FURTHER                        radio on channel 16 to request                        INFORMATION).
                                             INFORMATION CONTACT section to                          authorization. If authorization is
                                                                                                     granted, all persons and vessels                      ADDRESSES:    The docket for this action,
                                             coordinate protest activities so that your
                                                                                                     receiving such authorization must                     identified by docket identification (ID)
                                             message can be received without
                                                                                                     comply with the instructions of the                   number EPA–HQ–OPP–2016–0279, is
                                             jeopardizing the safety or security of
                                                                                                     COTP Key West or a designated                         available at http://www.regulations.gov
                                             people, places or vessels.
                                                                                                     representative.                                       or at the Office of Pesticide Programs
                                             List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165                                                                           Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket)
                                                                                                        (3) The Coast Guard will provide
                                                                                                     notice of the regulated area by Local                 in the Environmental Protection Agency
                                               Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation
                                                                                                     Notice to Mariners, Broadcast Notice to               Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William
                                             (water), Reporting and recordkeeping
                                                                                                     Mariners via VHF–FM channel 16, and/                  Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301
                                             requirements, Security measures,
                                                                                                     or by on-scene designated                             Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC
                                             Waterways.
                                                                                                     representatives.                                      20460–0001. The Public Reading Room
                                               For the reasons discussed in the                                                                            is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
                                             preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33                        (d) Enforcement period. This rule will
                                                                                                     be enforced from 7:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.               Monday through Friday, excluding legal
                                             CFR part 165 as follows:                                                                                      holidays. The telephone number for the
                                                                                                     on April 29, 2017.
                                                                                                                                                           Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744,
                                             PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION                             Dated: April 13, 2017.                              and the telephone number for the OPP
                                             AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS                          J.A. Janszen,                                         Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review
                                             ■ 1. The authority citation for part 165
                                                                                                     Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the             the visitor instructions and additional
                                                                                                     Port Key West.                                        information about the docket available
                                             continues to read as follows:
                                                                                                     [FR Doc. 2017–07822 Filed 4–17–17; 8:45 am]           at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.
                                               Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191,             BILLING CODE 9110–04–P                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                             33 CFR 1.05–1, 6.04–1, 6.04–6, 160.5; and
                                             Department of Homeland Security Delegation                                                                    Robert McNally, Biopesticides and
                                             No. 0170.1.                                                                                                   Pollution Prevention Division (7511P),
                                                                                                     ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION                              Office of Pesticide Programs,
                                             ■ 2. Add temporary § 165.T07–0066 to                    AGENCY                                                Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
                                             read as follows:                                                                                              Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,
                                                                                                     40 CFR Part 174                                       DC 20460–0001; main telephone
                                             § 165.T07–0066 Safety Zone; 2017 Key
                                             West Paddle Classic, Key West, FL.                      [EPA–HQ–OPP–2016–0279; FRL–9957–23]                   number: (703) 305–7090; email address:
                                                                                                                                                           BPPDFRNotices@epa.gov.
                                               (a) Location. The following regulated
                                                                                                     Bacillus Thuringiensis (mCry51Aa2)                    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                             area is a moving safety zone: All waters
                                                                                                     Protein in or on Cotton; Temporary
                                             extending 100 yards to either side of the                                                                     I. General Information
                                                                                                     Exemption From the Requirement of a
                                             race participants and safety vessels;
                                                                                                     Tolerance                                             A. Does this action apply to me?
                                             extending 50 yards in front of the lead
                                             safety vessel preceding the first race                  AGENCY:  Environmental Protection                        You may be potentially affected by
                                             participants; and extending 50 yards                    Agency (EPA).                                         this action if you are an agricultural
                                             behind the safety vessel trailing the last                                                                    producer, food manufacturer, or
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                                                                                                     ACTION: Final rule.
                                             race participants. The event course                                                                           pesticide manufacturer. The following
                                             begins at Higgs Beach in Key West,                      SUMMARY:   This regulation establishes a              list of North American Industrial
                                             Florida, moves west to the area offshore                temporary exemption from the                          Classification System (NAICS) codes is
                                             of Fort Zach State Park, north through                  requirement of a tolerance for residues               not intended to be exhaustive, but rather
                                             Key West Harbor, east through Fleming                   of the Bacillus thuringiensis mCry51Aa2               provides a guide to help readers
                                             Key Cut, south through Cow Key                          protein in or on the food and feed                    determine whether this document


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 73 / Tuesday, April 18, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                        18227

                                             applies to them. Potentially affected                   follow the instructions at http://                      EPA performs a number of analyses to
                                             entities may include:                                   www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.                    determine the risks from aggregate
                                               • Crop production (NAICS code 111).                     Additional instructions on                          exposure to pesticide residues. First,
                                               • Animal production (NAICS code                       commenting or visiting the docket,                    EPA determines the toxicity of
                                             112).                                                   along with more information about                     pesticides. Second, EPA examines
                                               • Food manufacturing (NAICS code                      dockets generally, is available at http://            exposure to the pesticide through food,
                                             311).                                                   www.epa.gov/dockets.                                  drinking water, and through other
                                               • Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS                                                                            exposures that occur as a result of
                                             code 32532).                                            II. Background and Statutory Findings
                                                                                                                                                           pesticide use in residential settings.
                                                                                                        In the Federal Register of June 22,
                                             B. How can I get electronic access to                   2016 (81 FR 40594) (FRL–9947–32),                     III. Toxicological Profile
                                             other related information?                              EPA issued a document pursuant to                        Consistent with FFDCA section
                                               You may access a frequently updated                   FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 U.S.C.                    408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the
                                             electronic version of 40 CFR part 174                   346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a                available scientific data and other
                                             through the Government Printing                         pesticide tolerance petition (PP 6G8453)              relevant information in support of this
                                             Office’s e-CFR site at http://                          by Monsanto Company, 800 North                        action and considered its validity,
                                             www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-                              Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63167.                 completeness and reliability, and the
                                             idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/                    The petition requested that 40 CFR part               relationship of this information to
                                             40tab_02.tpl.                                           174 be amended by establishing a                      human risk. EPA has also considered
                                                                                                     temporary exemption from the                          available information concerning the
                                             C. How can I file an objection or hearing
                                                                                                     requirement of a tolerance for residues               variability of the sensitivities of major
                                             request?                                                of the plant-incorporated protein (PIP)               identifiable subgroups of consumers,
                                               Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21                        Bacillus thuringiensis                                including infants and children.
                                             U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an                     (mCry51Aa2.834_16 (mCry51Aa2)                            Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry (or
                                             objection to any aspect of this regulation              protein in or on cotton. That document                crystalline) proteins are naturally
                                             and may also request a hearing on those                 referenced a summary of the petition                  produced. These insecticidal proteins
                                             objections. You must file your objection                prepared by the petitioner Monsanto                   are protoxins, which must be activated
                                             or request a hearing on this regulation                 Company, which is available in the                    by alkaline conditions in the insect gut,
                                             in accordance with the instructions                     docket, http://www.regulations.gov. One               so they are not toxic until ingested by
                                             provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure                  comment was received on the notice of                 an insect. When activated, specific
                                             proper receipt by EPA, you must                         filing. EPA’s response to this comment                binding sites found only in susceptible
                                             identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–                       is discussed in Unit VII.C.                           host insects are involved in binding Bt
                                             OPP–2016–0279 in the subject line on                       Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA                   protein toxins, followed by pore
                                             the first page of your submission. All                  allows EPA to establish an exemption                  formation into the insect hemolymph,
                                             objections and requests for a hearing                   from the requirement for a tolerance (the             leakage and, in general, decreased
                                             must be in writing, and must be                         legal limit for a pesticide chemical                  vitality of the insect including reduced
                                             received by the Hearing Clerk on or                     residue in or on a food) only if EPA                  feeding, eventually causing mortality.
                                             before June 19, 2017. Addresses for mail                determines that the exemption is ‘‘safe.’’            Even among insects, specific Bt proteins
                                             and hand delivery of objections and                     Section 408(c)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA                     are highly specific and so selection of
                                             hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR                 defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a            specific proteins to target pests is
                                             178.25(b).                                              reasonable certainty that no harm will                possible often with little or no nontarget
                                               In addition to filing an objection or                 result from aggregate exposure to the                 effects to humans or even to other
                                             hearing request with the Hearing Clerk                  pesticide chemical residue, including                 insects.
                                             as described in 40 CFR part 178, please                 all anticipated dietary exposures and all                Bt proteins are also ubiquitous in soil
                                             submit a copy of the filing (excluding                  other exposures for which there is                    and water and are found on food
                                             any Confidential Business Information                   reliable information.’’ This includes                 products which may be consumed with
                                             (CBI)) for inclusion in the public docket.              exposure through drinking water and in                little processing. No adverse effects are
                                             Information not marked confidential                     residential settings, but does not include            expected or have been reported from
                                             pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be                        occupational exposure. Pursuant to                    exposure to Bt Cry proteins. Further, the
                                             disclosed publicly by EPA without prior                 FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), in                        use of Bt insecticidal proteins in
                                             notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your                 establishing or maintaining in effect an              bacterial and plant-incorporated
                                             objection or hearing request, identified                exemption from the requirement of a                   formulations over time has been widely
                                             by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–                         tolerance, EPA must take into account                 shown to be safe and nontoxic except to
                                             2016–0279, by one of the following                      the factors set forth in FFDCA section                a limited range of target pests.
                                             methods:                                                408(b)(2)(C), which require EPA to give                  Minor alterations to the native (or
                                               • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://                 special consideration to exposure of                  naturally produced) Cry51Aa2 protein
                                             www.regulations.gov. Follow the online                  infants and children to the pesticide                 were made to make the protein
                                             instructions for submitting comments.                   chemical residue in establishing a                    Cry51Aa2.834_16 (hereafter referred to
                                             Do not submit electronically any                        tolerance and to ‘‘ensure that there is a             as modified Cry51Aa2 or mCry51Aa2)
                                             information you consider to be CBI or                   reasonable certainty that no harm will                more active and specific to the target
                                             other information whose disclosure is                   result to infants and children from                   insect pests Lygus bugs and Thrips,
                                             restricted by statute.                                  aggregate exposure to the pesticide                   when the protein is expressed in cotton
                                               • Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental                     chemical residue. . . .’’ Additionally,
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                                                                                                                                                           plant tissues.
                                             Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/                   FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D) requires                      Molecular analysis of mCry51Aa2
                                             DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.                   that the Agency consider ‘‘available                  showed that it has a protein sequence
                                             NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001.                         information concerning the cumulative                 that is 98% similar to Cry51Aa1
                                               • Hand Delivery: To make special                      effects of a particular pesticide’s                   protoxin and 96% similar to the native
                                             arrangements for hand delivery or                       residues’’ and ‘‘other substances that                Cry51Aa2 protoxin. Other sequence
                                             delivery of boxed information, please                   have a common mechanism of toxicity.’’                alignments, ranging from 27 to 96%,


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                                             18228               Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 73 / Tuesday, April 18, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                             were to Bacillus proteins. Comparisons                  for the Bt mCry51Aa2 protein residue,                 additional tenfold (10X) margin of
                                             using the Basic Local Alignment Search                  and exposure from non-occupational                    exposure (safety) for infants and
                                             Tool—protein query (BLASTp) database                    sources. Oral exposure may occur at                   children in the case of threshold effects
                                             found 16 significant alignments, and all                very low levels from ingestion of food                to account for prenatal and postnatal
                                             except the uncharacterized Jatropha                     and feed commodities of cotton. With                  toxicity and the completeness of the
                                             curcas protein are from genus Bacillus.                 respect to drinking water, since the PIP              database on toxicity and exposure
                                             However, only three have identity >35%                  is integrated into the plant genome and               unless EPA determines that a different
                                             similarity and these are related                        based upon EPA’s human health and                     margin of exposure (safety) will be safe
                                             insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis Cry                 environmental assessments for Bt                      for infants and children. This additional
                                             proteins/protoxins. Comparison of                       mCry51Aa2 protein (Refs. 1 and 2), the                margin of exposure (safety) is commonly
                                             mCry51Aa2 to the native Cry51Aa2                        Agency expects residues in drinking                   referred to as the Food Quality
                                             using the FASTA database shows three                    water to be extremely low or non-                     Protection Act Safety Factor (FQPA SF).
                                             amino acids were deleted, and there are                 existent.                                             In applying this provision, EPA either
                                             seven substitutions to the original 309                    Exposure via the skin or inhalation is             retains the default value of 10X or uses
                                             amino acids, resulting in a 306 amino                   not likely since the plant-incorporated               a different additional safety factor when
                                             acid protoxin. There were no sequences                  protectant is contained within plant                  reliable data available to EPA support
                                             with any significant similarity (≤35%) to               cells, which essentially eliminates these             the choice of a different factor.
                                             known toxins other than the insecticidal                exposure routes or reduces exposure by                  Based on the information discussed in
                                             protoxins from Bacillus thuringiensis.                  these routes to negligible. Exposure to               Unit III., EPA concludes that there are
                                                An acute oral toxicity test conducted                infants and children via residential or               no threshold effects of concern to
                                             with mice at the highest practicable                    lawn use is also not expected because                 infants, children, or adults from
                                             dose of dose of 1332 mg of mCry51Aa2/                   the use is limited to agricultural                    exposure to the Bt mCry51Aa2 protein.
                                             Kg body weight was conducted in mice                    production of cotton with the Bt                      As a result, EPA concludes that no
                                             and showed no clinical signs of toxicity,               mCry51Aa2 protein PIP.                                additional margin of exposure (safety) is
                                             no abnormalities on necropsy 14 days                                                                          necessary to protect infants and
                                                                                                     V. Cumulative Effects From Substances
                                             after treatment, and no statistically                   With a Common Mechanism of Toxicity                   children and that not adding any
                                             significant weight fluctuation. The No                                                                        additional margin of exposure (safety)
                                             observed adverse effect level (NOAEL)                      Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA
                                                                                                                                                           will be safe for infants and children.
                                             was determined to be >1332 milligram                    requires that, when considering whether
                                                                                                                                                             Therefore, based on the discussion in
                                             (mg) of mCry51Aa2 per kilogram (kg)                     to establish, modify, or revoke a
                                                                                                                                                           Units III. and IV. and the supporting
                                             bodyweight.                                             tolerance, the Agency consider
                                                                                                                                                           documentation, EPA concludes that
                                                Rapid digestibility by pepsin was                    ‘‘available information’’ concerning the
                                                                                                                                                           there is a reasonable certainty that no
                                             demonstrated (93.7% reduction within                    cumulative effects of a particular
                                                                                                                                                           harm will result to the U.S. population,
                                             two minutes, and no detects at 60                       pesticide’s residues and ‘‘other
                                                                                                                                                           including infants and children, from
                                             minutes). Based on this assay it is likely              substances that have a common
                                                                                                                                                           aggregate exposure to the residues of the
                                             that mCry51Aa2 would be completely                      mechanism of toxicity.’’
                                                                                                                                                           Bt mCry51Aa2 protein in cotton
                                             digested in the human stomach.                             EPA has not found mCry51Aa2
                                                                                                                                                           products, when it is used as a plant-
                                                A thorough analysis of mCry51Aa2                     protein to share a common mechanism
                                                                                                                                                           incorporated protectant. Such exposure
                                             shows it is not related to any other                    of toxicity with any other substances,
                                                                                                                                                           includes all anticipated dietary
                                             known allergens. Molecular analysis                     and mCry51Aa2 protein does not appear
                                                                                                                                                           exposures and all other exposures for
                                             showed there were no significant full-                  to produce a toxic metabolite produced
                                                                                                                                                           which there is reliable information.
                                             length allergen sequence matches, and                   by other substances. For the purposes of
                                             none showed significant similarity                      this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has             VII. Other Considerations
                                             using a sliding 80 amino acid search or                 assumed that mCry51Aa2 protein does
                                                                                                                                                           A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
                                             an exact 8 amino acid match.                            not have a common mechanism of
                                                Based on the results of these studies,               toxicity with other substances. For                     A standard operating procedure for an
                                             no toxicity or other adverse effects from               information regarding EPA’s efforts to                enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay
                                             dietary exposure to mCry51Aa2 are                       determine which chemicals have a                      (ELISA) for the detection and
                                             expected.                                               common mechanism of toxicity and to                   quantification of the Bt mCry51Aa2
                                                                                                     evaluate the cumulative effects of such               protein in cotton tissue has been
                                             IV. Aggregate Exposures                                 chemicals, see EPA’s Web site at http://              submitted.
                                               In examining aggregate exposure,                      www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.                    B. International Residue Limits
                                             FFDCA section 408 directs EPA to
                                             consider available information                          VI. Determination of Safety for U.S.                    In making its tolerance decisions, EPA
                                             concerning exposures from the pesticide                 Population, Infants and Children                      seeks to harmonize U.S. tolerances with
                                             residue in food and all other non-                         FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C) provides                international standards whenever
                                             occupational exposures, including                       that, in considering the establishment of             possible, consistent with U.S. food
                                             drinking water from ground water or                     a tolerance or tolerance exemption for a              safety standards and agricultural
                                             surface water and exposure through                      pesticide chemical residue, EPA shall                 practices. EPA considers the
                                             pesticide use in gardens, lawns, or                     assess the available information about                international maximum residue limits
                                             buildings (residential and other indoor                 consumption patterns among infants                    (MRLs) established by the Codex
                                             uses).                                                  and children, special susceptibility of               Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as
                                               The Agency considered available                       infants and children to pesticide                     required by FFDCA section 408(b)(4).
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                                             information on the aggregate exposure                   chemical residues, and the cumulative                 The Codex Alimentarius is a joint
                                             levels of consumers (and major                          effects on infants and children of the                United Nations Food and Agriculture
                                             identifiable subgroups of consumers) to                 residues and other substances with a                  Organization/World Health
                                             the pesticide residue. These                            common mechanism of toxicity. In                      Organization food standards program,
                                             considerations include dietary exposure                 addition, FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C)                  and it is recognized as an international
                                             under the tolerance exemption in effect                 provides that EPA shall apply an                      food safety standards-setting


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 73 / Tuesday, April 18, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                        18229

                                             organization in trade agreements to                     concerns related to the presence of the               not subject to Executive Order 13211,
                                             which the United States is a party. EPA                 Cry1Ab protein in blood.                              entitled ‘‘Actions Concerning
                                             may establish a tolerance that is                         Overall there is no substantive                     Regulations That Significantly Affect
                                             different from a Codex MRL; however,                    information in either of these comments               Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use’’ (66
                                             FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that                   to inform the risk assessment for                     FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive
                                             EPA explain the reasons for departing                   mCry51Aa2.                                            Order 13045, entitled ‘‘Protection of
                                             from the Codex level.                                                                                         Children from Environmental Health
                                                                                                     VIII. Conclusions
                                                The Codex has not established a MRL                                                                        Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885,
                                             for the Bt protein mCry51Aa2 protein.                     The Agency concludes that there is a                April 23, 1997). This action does not
                                                                                                     reasonable certainty that no harm will                contain any information collections
                                             C. Response to Comments                                 result to the U.S. population, including              subject to OMB approval under the
                                                In response to the Notice of Filing (81              infants and children, from aggregate                  Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44
                                             FR 40594), one comment was received                     exposure to residues of mCry51Aa2                     U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), nor does it require
                                             and posted August 05, 2016. It urged the                protein in or on cotton. This includes all            any special considerations under
                                             Agency deny the request for ‘‘Bt                        anticipated dietary exposures and all                 Executive Order 12898, entitled
                                             Cry51Aa2’’ because ‘‘the release of more                other exposures for which there is                    ‘‘Federal Actions to Address
                                             protein on earth is harmful because our                 reliable information. The Agency has                  Environmental Justice in Minority
                                             nature exists with a certain set of                     arrived at this conclusion because, as                Populations and Low-Income
                                             standards.’’ The commenter did not                      discussed previously no toxicity to                   Populations’’ (59 FR 7629, February 16,
                                             provide any more information on the set                 mammals has been observed, nor is                     1994).
                                             of standards governing our nature. In                   there any indication of allergenicity                    Since tolerances and exemptions that
                                             response to this comment, the Agency                    potential for the plant-incorporated                  are established on the basis of a petition
                                             notes that protein is an important                      protectant, and there is a long history of            under FFDCA section 408(d), such as
                                             component of the diet of humans and                     human exposure to Bacillus                            the tolerance in this final rule, do not
                                             animals and that Monsanto Company                       thuringiensis bacteria and toxins                     require the issuance of a proposed rule,
                                             has submitted information to address                    through naturally occurring residues                  the requirements of the Regulatory
                                             the potential for the mCry51Aa protein                  and residues from use as a pesticide in               Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
                                             to be similar to a known allergen or                    agricultural and residential settings and             seq.), do not apply.
                                                                                                     in other plant incorporated protectants.                 This action directly regulates growers,
                                             toxin utilizing amino acid similarity
                                                                                                     Therefore, a temporary exemption is                   food processors, food handlers, and food
                                             analysis. There is no indication from the
                                                                                                     established for residues of the PIP                   retailers, not States or tribes, nor does
                                             information provided that the
                                                                                                     Bacillus thuringiensis mCry51Aa2                      this action alter the relationships or
                                             mCry51Aa protein would behave                                                                                 distribution of power and
                                             differently from any other dietary                      protein on the food and feed
                                                                                                     commodities derived from cotton                       responsibilities established by Congress
                                             protein.                                                                                                      in the preemption provisions of FFDCA
                                                                                                     containing the PIP.
                                                One additional comment about                                                                               section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency
                                             human health effects was received not                   IX. References                                        has determined that this action will not
                                             in response to the Notice of Filing, but                1. U.S. EPA. 2016a. MON 88702 Cotton                  have a substantial direct effect on States
                                             in response to the Notice of Receipt for                    Expressing B. thuringiensis mcry51Aa2             or tribal governments, on the
                                             this Experimental Use Permit (81 FR                         Protein Stacked with the Vip3Aa19,                relationship between the national
                                             48793; see docket EPA–HQ–OPP–2016–                          Cry2Ab2 and Cry1Ac Proteins                       government and the States or tribal
                                             0282). Because it raised a concern about                    Memorandum from J. Gagliardi, Ph.D.               governments, or on the distribution of
                                             human health effects, the EPA is                            through J. Kough, Ph.D. to A. Sibold,
                                                                                                         dated September 12, 2016.                         power and responsibilities among the
                                             responding to it in this document. The                                                                        various levels of government or between
                                                                                                     2. U.S. EPA. 2016b. Environmental Risk
                                             comment stated that that . . . numerous                     Assessment for a FIFRA Section 5                  the Federal Government and Indian
                                             studies show toxicity of Bt products                        Experimental Use Permit for MON 88702             tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined
                                             including GM Bt crops to other non-                         Alone and in Combination with Other               that Executive Order 13132, entitled
                                             target including . . . rats as well as                      Registered Plant Incorporated Protectants         ‘‘Federalism’’ (64 FR 43255, August 10,
                                             allergenic and respiratory problems in                      in Cotton. Memorandum from S. Borges,             1999) and Executive Order 13175,
                                             humans . . .’’ While not all of the                         Senior Scientist to A. Sibold, Regulatory
                                                                                                                                                           entitled ‘‘Consultation and Coordination
                                             numerical citations were provided, it                       Action Leader, dated October 19, 2016.
                                                                                                     3. U.S. EPA. 2016c. Review of Public                  with Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR
                                             was possible to retrieve several. Some                                                                        67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply
                                                                                                         Comments on Cry51Aa Notice of Filing
                                             articles (‘‘Ban GMOs Now’’ and ‘‘New                        Experimental Use Permit and Associated            to this action. In addition, this action
                                             GMO Studies Demonstrate ‘Substantial                        Temporary Tolerance (6G8453).                     does not impose any enforceable duty or
                                             Non-Equivalance’’) were not from peer-                      November 2, 2016.                                 contain any unfunded mandate as
                                             reviewed journals and are of                                                                                  described under Title II of the Unfunded
                                             questionable validity for the issue of                  X. Statutory and Executive Order
                                                                                                     Reviews                                               Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) (2 U.S.C.
                                             mCry51Aa safety. There was a reference                                                                        1501 et seq.).
                                             to an article about the presence of Bt                    This action establishes a tolerance                    This action does not involve any
                                             toxins in the blood of non-pregnant and                 under FFDCA section 408(d) in                         technical standards that would require
                                             pregnant females as well as in fetal cord               response to a petition submitted to the               Agency consideration of voluntary
                                             blood. This article by Aris & Leblanc                   Agency. The Office of Management and                  consensus standards pursuant to section
                                             (Repro Tox. 31:528–533, 2011) has some                  Budget (OMB) has exempted these types
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                                                                                                                                                           12(d) of the National Technology
                                             important design limitations which                      of actions from review under Executive                Transfer and Advancement Act
                                             question the implications made in the                   Order 12866, entitled ‘‘Regulatory                    (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).
                                             paper about blood levels of Cry1Ab                      Planning and Review’’ (58 FR 51735,
                                             protein. Most importantly, there were                   October 4, 1993). Because this action                 XI. Congressional Review Act
                                             no identified effects in the population                 has been exempted from review under                     Pursuant to the Congressional Review
                                             sampled that indicates any health                       Executive Order 12866, this action is                 Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will


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                                             18230               Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 73 / Tuesday, April 18, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                             submit a report containing this rule and                document. Interregional Research                      regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through
                                             other required information to the U.S.                  Project Number 4 (IR–4) and K–I                       the Government Printing Office’s e-CFR
                                             Senate, the U.S. House of                               Chemical requested these tolerances                   site at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-
                                             Representatives, and the Comptroller                    under the Federal Food, Drug, and                     idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/
                                             General of the United States prior to                   Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).                                 40tab_02.tpl.
                                             publication of the rule in the Federal                  DATES: This regulation is effective April             C. How can I file an objection or hearing
                                             Register. This action is not a ‘‘major                  18, 2017. Objections and requests for                 request?
                                             rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).                   hearings must be received on or before
                                                                                                     June 19, 2017, and must be filed in                     Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21
                                             List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 174                                                                           U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an
                                                                                                     accordance with the instructions
                                               Environmental protection,                             provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also                 objection to any aspect of this regulation
                                             Administrative practice and procedure,                  Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY                        and may also request a hearing on those
                                             Agricultural commodities, Pesticides                    INFORMATION).                                         objections. You must file your objection
                                             and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping                                                                        or request a hearing on this regulation
                                                                                                     ADDRESSES: The docket for this action,
                                             requirements.                                                                                                 in accordance with the instructions
                                                                                                     identified by docket identification (ID)              provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure
                                               Dated: January 10, 2017.                              number EPA–HQ–OPP–2016–0171, is
                                             Robert McNally,
                                                                                                                                                           proper receipt by EPA, you must
                                                                                                     available at http://www.regulations.gov               identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–
                                             Division Director, Biopesticides and Pollution          or at the Office of Pesticide Programs                OPP–2016–0171 in the subject line on
                                             Prevention Division, Office of Pesticide                Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket)
                                             Programs.                                                                                                     the first page of your submission. All
                                                                                                     in the Environmental Protection Agency                objections and requests for a hearing
                                               Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is                        Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William
                                                                                                                                                           must be in writing, and must be
                                             amended as follows:                                     Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301
                                                                                                                                                           received by the Hearing Clerk on or
                                                                                                     Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC
                                             PART 174—AMENDED                                                                                              before June 19, 2017. Addresses for mail
                                                                                                     20460–0001. The Public Reading Room
                                                                                                                                                           and hand delivery of objections and
                                                                                                     is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
                                             ■ 1. The authority citation for part 174                                                                      hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR
                                                                                                     Monday through Friday, excluding legal
                                             continues to read as follows:                                                                                 178.25(b).
                                                                                                     holidays. The telephone number for the                  In addition to filing an objection or
                                                 Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.          Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744,                hearing request with the Hearing Clerk
                                             ■ 2. Add § 174.536 to subpart W to read                 and the telephone number for the OPP                  as described in 40 CFR part 178, please
                                             as follows:                                             Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review               submit a copy of the filing (excluding
                                                                                                     the visitor instructions and additional               any Confidential Business Information
                                             § 174.536 Bacillus thuringiensis                        information about the docket available
                                             mCry51Aa2 protein in cotton; temporary                                                                        (CBI)) for inclusion in the public docket.
                                                                                                     at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.                        Information not marked confidential
                                             exemption from the requirement of a
                                             tolerance.                                              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be
                                                                                                     Michael Goodis, Registration Division                 disclosed publicly by EPA without prior
                                               Residues of the protein mCry51Aa2 in
                                                                                                     (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,                notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your
                                             or on the food and feed commodities of
                                                                                                     Environmental Protection Agency, 1200                 objection or hearing request, identified
                                             cotton: Cotton, undelinted seed; cotton,
                                                                                                     Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,                    by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–
                                             gin byproducts; cotton, forage; cotton,
                                                                                                     DC 20460–0001; main telephone                         2016–0171, by one of the following
                                             hay; cotton, hulls; cotton, meal; and
                                                                                                     number: (703) 305–7090; email address:                methods:
                                             cotton, refined oil are temporarily
                                             exempt from the requirement of a
                                                                                                     RDFRNotices@epa.gov.                                    • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://
                                             tolerance when used as a plant-                         SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
                                             incorporated protectant in cotton plants                I. General Information                                instructions for submitting comments.
                                             in accordance with the terms of                                                                               Do not submit electronically any
                                             Experimental Use Permit No. 524–EUP–                    A. Does this action apply to me?                      information you consider to be CBI or
                                             108. This temporary exemption from the                     You may be potentially affected by                 other information whose disclosure is
                                             requirement of a tolerance expires on                   this action if you are an agricultural                restricted by statute.
                                             February 28, 2019.                                      producer, food manufacturer, or                         • Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental
                                                                                                     pesticide manufacturer. The following                 Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/
                                             [FR Doc. 2017–07804 Filed 4–17–17; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                     list of North American Industrial                     DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.
                                             BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
                                                                                                     Classification System (NAICS) codes is                NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001.
                                                                                                     not intended to be exhaustive, but rather               • Hand Delivery: To make special
                                                                                                     provides a guide to help readers                      arrangements for hand delivery or
                                             ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
                                                                                                     determine whether this document                       delivery of boxed information, please
                                             AGENCY
                                                                                                     applies to them. Potentially affected                 follow the instructions at http://
                                             40 CFR Part 180                                         entities may include:                                 www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
                                                                                                        • Crop production (NAICS code 111).                Additional instructions on commenting
                                             [EPA–HQ–OPP–2016–0171; FRL–9959–25]
                                                                                                        • Animal production (NAICS code                    or visiting the docket, along with more
                                                                                                     112).                                                 information about dockets generally, is
                                             Pyroxasulfone; Pesticide Tolerances
                                                                                                        • Food manufacturing (NAICS code                   available at http://www.epa.gov/
                                             AGENCY:  Environmental Protection                       311).                                                 dockets.
                                                                                                        • Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS
nlaroche on DSK30NT082PROD with RULES




                                             Agency (EPA).                                                                                                 II. Summary of Petitioned-For
                                             ACTION: Final rule.                                     code 32532).
                                                                                                                                                           Tolerances
                                             SUMMARY:   This regulation establishes                  B. How can I get electronic access to                    In the Federal Register of May 19,
                                             tolerances for residues of pyroxasulfone                other related information?                            2016 (81 FR 31581) (FRL–9946–02),
                                             in or on multiple commodities which                       You may access a frequently updated                 EPA issued a document pursuant to
                                             are identified and discussed later in this              electronic version of EPA’s tolerance                 FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 U.S.C.


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Document Created: 2017-04-18 00:00:14
Document Modified: 2017-04-18 00:00:14
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 April 18, 2017. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before June 19, 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).
ContactRobert McNally, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division (7511P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; main telephone number: (703) 305-7090; email
FR Citation82 FR 18226 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Administrative Practice and Procedure; Agricultural Commodities; Pesticides and Pests and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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