83 FR 49380 - Alternative Methods for Calculating Off-Cycle Credits Under the Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Application From Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 190 (October 1, 2018)
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 190 (October 1, 2018)
| Page Range | 49380-49381 | |
| FR Document | 2018-21333 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 190 (Monday, October 1, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 49380-49381] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-21333] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OAR-2018-0575; FRL-9984-82-OAR] Alternative Methods for Calculating Off-Cycle Credits Under the Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Application From Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: EPA is requesting comment on an application from Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (``Volkswagen'') for off-cycle carbon dioxide (CO2 ) credits under EPA's light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards. ``Off-cycle'' emission reductions can be achieved by employing technologies that result in real-world benefits, but where that benefit is not adequately captured on the test procedures used by manufacturers to demonstrate compliance with emission standards. EPA's light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas program acknowledges these benefits by giving automobile manufacturers several options for generating ``off-cycle'' CO2 credits. Under the regulations, a manufacturer may apply for CO2 credits for off-cycle technologies that result in off-cycle benefits. In these cases, a manufacturer must provide EPA with a proposed methodology for determining the real-world off-cycle benefit. Volkswagen has submitted an application that describes methodologies for determining off-cycle credits from technologies described in their application. Pursuant to applicable regulations, EPA is making the Volkswagen's off-cycle credit calculation methodologies available for public comment. DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 31, 2018. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ- OAR-2018-0575, to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or withdrawn. The EPA may publish any comment received to its public docket. Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Multimedia submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written comment. The written comment is considered the official comment and should include discussion of all points you wish to make. The EPA will generally not consider comments or comment contents located outside of the primary submission (i.e., on the web, cloud, or other file sharing system). For additional submission methods, the full EPA public comment policy, information about CBI or multimedia submissions, and general guidance on making effective comments, please visit http://www2.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roberts French, Environmental Protection Specialist, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Compliance Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Telephone: (734) 214-4380. Fax: (734) 214-4869. Email address: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background EPA's light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) program provides three pathways by which a manufacturer may accrue off-cycle carbon dioxide (CO2 ) credits for those technologies that achieve CO2 reductions in the real world but where those reductions are not adequately captured on the test used to determine compliance with the CO2 standards, and which are not otherwise reflected in the standards' stringency. The first pathway is a predetermined list of credit values for specific off-cycle technologies that may be used beginning in model year 2014.\1\ This pathway allows manufacturers to use conservative credit values established by EPA for a wide range of technologies, with minimal data submittal or testing requirements, if the technologies meet EPA regulatory definitions. In cases where the off-cycle technology is not on the menu but additional laboratory testing can demonstrate emission benefits, a second pathway allows manufacturers to use a broader array of emission tests (known as ``5-cycle'' testing because the methodology uses five different testing procedures) to demonstrate and justify off-cycle CO2 credits.\2\ The additional emission tests allow emission benefits to be demonstrated over some elements of real-world driving not adequately captured by the GHG compliance tests, including high speeds, hard accelerations, and cold temperatures. These first two methodologies were completely defined through notice and comment rulemaking and therefore no additional process is necessary for manufacturers to use these methods. The third and last pathway allows manufacturers to seek EPA approval to use an alternative methodology for determining the off- cycle CO2 credits.\3\ This option is only available if the benefit of the technology cannot be adequately demonstrated using the 5-cycle methodology. Manufacturers may also use this option for model years prior to 2014 to demonstrate off-cycle CO2 reductions for technologies that are on the predetermined list, or to demonstrate reductions that exceed those available via use of the predetermined list. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ See 40 CFR 86.1869-12(b). \2\ See 40 CFR 86.1869-12(c). \3\ See 40 CFR 86.1869-12(d). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Under the regulations, a manufacturer seeking to demonstrate off- cycle credits with an alternative methodology (i.e., under the third pathway described above) must describe a methodology that meets the following criteria:Use modeling, on-road testing, on-road data collection, or other approved analytical or engineering methods; Be robust, verifiable, and capable of demonstrating the real-world emissions benefit with strong statistical significance; Result in a demonstration of baseline and controlled emissions over a wide range of driving conditions and number of vehicles such that issues of data uncertainty are minimized; Result in data on a model type basis unless the manufacturer demonstrates that another basis is appropriate and adequate. Further, the regulations specify the following requirements regarding an application for off-cycle CO 2 credits:A manufacturer requesting off-cycle credits must develop a methodology for demonstrating and determining the benefit of the off- cycle technology, and carry out any necessary testing and analysis required to support that methodology. A manufacturer requesting off-cycle credits must conduct testing and/or prepare engineering analyses that demonstrate the in-use durability of the technology for the full useful life of the vehicle. The application must contain a detailed description of the off-cycle technology and how it functions to reduce CO 2 emissions under conditions not represented on the compliance tests. [[Page 49381]]The application must contain a list of the vehicle model(s) which will be equipped with the technology. The application must contain a detailed description of the test vehicles selected and an engineering analysis that supports the selection of those vehicles for testing. The application must contain all testing and/or simulation data required under the regulations, plus any other data the manufacturer has considered in the analysis. Finally, the alternative methodology must be approved by EPA prior to the manufacturer using it to generate credits. As part of the review process defined by regulation, the alternative methodology submitted to EPA for consideration must be made available for public comment.\4\ EPA will consider public comments as part of its final decision to approve or deny the request for off-cycle credits. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \4\ See 40 CFR 86.1869-12(d)(2). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- II. Off-Cycle Credit Applications Using the alternative methodology approach discussed above, Volkswagen Group of America (``Volkswagen'') is applying for credits for model years prior to 2014, and thus prior to when the list of default credits became available. Volkswagen has applied for off-cycle credits using the alternative demonstration methodology pathway for the following technologies: High efficiency exterior lighting, active aerodynamics, active transmission warmup, active engine warmup, and several thermal control technologies. EPA has already approved credits for these technologies for several other manufacturers, and Volkswagen's request is consistent with previously approved methodologies and credits. The application covers 2010-2011 model year vehicles. These technologies are described in the predetermined list of credits available in the 2014 and later model years. The methodologies described by Volkswagen are consistent with those used by EPA to establish the predetermined list of credits in the regulations, and would result in the same credit values as described in the regulations. The magnitude of these credits is determined by specification or calculations in the regulations based on vehicle-specific measurements (e.g., the area of glass or the lighting locations using the specified technologies), but would be no higher than the following established regulatory values: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Off-cycle Off-cycle Technology credit--cars credit--trucks (grams/mile) (grams/mile) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ High efficiency lighting.................. 1.0 1.0 Active seat ventilation................... 1.0 1.3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Active aerodynamics....................... Based on measured reduction in the coefficient of drag. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Active transmission warm-up............... 1.5 3.2 Active engine warm-up..................... 1.5 3.2 Solar reflective glass/glazing............ 2.9 3.9 Solar reflective paint.................... 0.4 0.5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ III. EPA Decision Process EPA has reviewed the application for completeness and is now making the application available for public review and comment as required by the regulations. The off-cycle credit application submitted by the manufacturer (with confidential business information redacted) have been placed in the public docket (see ADDRESSES section above) and on EPA's website at https://www.epa.gov/vehicle-and-engine-certification/compliance-information-light-duty-greenhouse-gas-ghg-standards. EPA is providing a 30-day comment period on the applications for off-cycle credits described in this notice, as specified by the regulations. The manufacturers may submit a written rebuttal of comments for EPA's consideration, or may revise an application in response to comments. After reviewing any public comments and any rebuttal of comments submitted by manufacturers, EPA will make a final decision regarding the credit requests. EPA will make its decision available to the public by placing a decision document (or multiple decision documents) in the docket and on EPA's website at the same manufacturer-specific pages shown above. While the broad methodologies used by these manufacturers could potentially be used for other vehicles and by other manufacturers, the vehicle specific data needed to demonstrate the off-cycle emissions reductions would likely be different. In such cases, a new application would be required, including an opportunity for public comment. Dated: September 20, 2018. Byron J. Bunker, Director, Compliance Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Office of Air and Radiation. [FR Doc. 2018-21333 Filed 9-28-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
![49380 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 190 / Monday, October 1, 2018 / Notices
Dated: September 18, 2018. consider to be Confidential Business real-world driving not adequately
Cosmo Servidio, Information (CBI) or other information captured by the GHG compliance tests,
Regional Administrator. whose disclosure is restricted by statute. including high speeds, hard
[FR Doc. 2018–21330 Filed 9–28–18; 8:45 am] Multimedia submissions (audio, video, accelerations, and cold temperatures.
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
etc.) must be accompanied by a written These first two methodologies were
comment. The written comment is completely defined through notice and
considered the official comment and comment rulemaking and therefore no
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION should include discussion of all points additional process is necessary for
AGENCY you wish to make. The EPA will manufacturers to use these methods.
generally not consider comments or The third and last pathway allows
[EPA–HQ–OAR–2018–0575; FRL–9984–82– comment contents located outside of the manufacturers to seek EPA approval to
OAR]
primary submission (i.e., on the web, use an alternative methodology for
Alternative Methods for Calculating cloud, or other file sharing system). For determining the off-cycle CO2 credits.3
Off-Cycle Credits Under the Light-Duty additional submission methods, the full This option is only available if the
Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions EPA public comment policy, benefit of the technology cannot be
Program: Application From information about CBI or multimedia adequately demonstrated using the 5-
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. submissions, and general guidance on cycle methodology. Manufacturers may
making effective comments, please visit also use this option for model years
AGENCY: Environmental Protection http://www2.epa.gov/dockets/ prior to 2014 to demonstrate off-cycle
Agency (EPA). commenting-epa-dockets. CO2 reductions for technologies that are
ACTION: Notice. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: on the predetermined list, or to
Roberts French, Environmental demonstrate reductions that exceed
SUMMARY: EPA is requesting comment Protection Specialist, Office of those available via use of the
on an application from Volkswagen Transportation and Air Quality, predetermined list.
Group of America, Inc. (‘‘Volkswagen’’) Compliance Division, U.S. Under the regulations, a manufacturer
for off-cycle carbon dioxide (CO2) Environmental Protection Agency, 2000 seeking to demonstrate off-cycle credits
credits under EPA’s light-duty vehicle Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI with an alternative methodology (i.e.,
greenhouse gas emissions standards. 48105. Telephone: (734) 214–4380. Fax: under the third pathway described
‘‘Off-cycle’’ emission reductions can be (734) 214–4869. Email address: above) must describe a methodology
achieved by employing technologies french.roberts@epa.gov. that meets the following criteria:
that result in real-world benefits, but SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: • Use modeling, on-road testing, on-
where that benefit is not adequately road data collection, or other approved
captured on the test procedures used by I. Background analytical or engineering methods;
manufacturers to demonstrate EPA’s light-duty vehicle greenhouse • Be robust, verifiable, and capable of
compliance with emission standards. gas (GHG) program provides three demonstrating the real-world emissions
EPA’s light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas pathways by which a manufacturer may benefit with strong statistical
program acknowledges these benefits by accrue off-cycle carbon dioxide (CO2) significance;
giving automobile manufacturers several credits for those technologies that • Result in a demonstration of
options for generating ‘‘off-cycle’’ CO2 achieve CO2 reductions in the real baseline and controlled emissions over
credits. Under the regulations, a world but where those reductions are a wide range of driving conditions and
manufacturer may apply for CO2 credits not adequately captured on the test used number of vehicles such that issues of
for off-cycle technologies that result in to determine compliance with the CO2 data uncertainty are minimized;
off-cycle benefits. In these cases, a standards, and which are not otherwise • Result in data on a model type basis
manufacturer must provide EPA with a reflected in the standards’ stringency. unless the manufacturer demonstrates
proposed methodology for determining The first pathway is a predetermined that another basis is appropriate and
the real-world off-cycle benefit. list of credit values for specific off-cycle adequate.
Volkswagen has submitted an technologies that may be used beginning Further, the regulations specify the
application that describes in model year 2014.1 This pathway following requirements regarding an
methodologies for determining off-cycle allows manufacturers to use application for off-cycle CO2 credits:
credits from technologies described in conservative credit values established • A manufacturer requesting off-cycle
their application. Pursuant to applicable by EPA for a wide range of technologies, credits must develop a methodology for
regulations, EPA is making the with minimal data submittal or testing demonstrating and determining the
Volkswagen’s off-cycle credit requirements, if the technologies meet benefit of the off-cycle technology, and
calculation methodologies available for EPA regulatory definitions. In cases carry out any necessary testing and
public comment. where the off-cycle technology is not on analysis required to support that
the menu but additional laboratory methodology.
DATES: Comments must be received on • A manufacturer requesting off-cycle
testing can demonstrate emission
or before October 31, 2018. credits must conduct testing and/or
benefits, a second pathway allows
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, manufacturers to use a broader array of prepare engineering analyses that
identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– emission tests (known as ‘‘5-cycle’’ demonstrate the in-use durability of the
OAR–2018–0575, to the Federal testing because the methodology uses technology for the full useful life of the
eRulemaking Portal: http:// five different testing procedures) to vehicle.
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online demonstrate and justify off-cycle CO2 • The application must contain a
instructions for submitting comments. credits.2 The additional emission tests detailed description of the off-cycle
Once submitted, comments cannot be allow emission benefits to be technology and how it functions to
edited or withdrawn. The EPA may demonstrated over some elements of reduce CO2 emissions under conditions
publish any comment received to its not represented on the compliance tests.
public docket. Do not submit 1 See 40 CFR 86.1869–12(b).
electronically any information you 2 See 40 CFR 86.1869–12(c). 3 See 40 CFR 86.1869–12(d).
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 190 / Monday, October 1, 2018 / Notices 49381
• The application must contain a list Off-cycle Off-cycle ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
of the vehicle model(s) which will be credit— AGENCY
Technology credit—cars trucks
equipped with the technology. (grams/mile) (grams/mile)
[[EPA–HQ–OECA–2013–0298; FRL–9984–
• The application must contain a High efficiency lighting 1.0 1.0 74–OEI]
detailed description of the test vehicles Active seat ventilation 1.0 1.3
selected and an engineering analysis Proposed Information Collection
that supports the selection of those Active aerodynamics ... Based on measured reduc- Request; Comment Request; NESHAP
tion in the coefficient of for Industrial, Commercial, and
vehicles for testing. drag.
Institutional Boilers Area Sources
• The application must contain all (Renewal)
Active transmission
testing and/or simulation data required warm-up ................... 1.5 3.2
under the regulations, plus any other Active engine warm-up 1.5 3.2
AGENCY: Environmental Protection
data the manufacturer has considered in Solar reflective glass/ Agency (EPA).
the analysis. glazing ..................... 2.9 3.9 ACTION: Notice.
Solar reflective paint ... 0.4 0.5
Finally, the alternative methodology SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection
must be approved by EPA prior to the III. EPA Decision Process Agency (EPA) is planning to submit an
manufacturer using it to generate information collection request (ICR),
credits. As part of the review process EPA has reviewed the application for NESHAP for Industrial, Commercial,
defined by regulation, the alternative completeness and is now making the and Institutional Boilers Area Sources
methodology submitted to EPA for application available for public review (EPA ICR No. 2253.04, OMB Control No.
consideration must be made available and comment as required by the 2060–0668) to the Office of Management
for public comment.4 EPA will consider regulations. The off-cycle credit and Budget (OMB) for review and
public comments as part of its final application submitted by the approval in accordance with the
decision to approve or deny the request manufacturer (with confidential Paperwork Reduction Act. Before doing
for off-cycle credits. business information redacted) have so, EPA is soliciting public comments
been placed in the public docket (see on specific aspects of the proposed
II. Off-Cycle Credit Applications ADDRESSES section above) and on EPA’s information collection as described
Using the alternative methodology website at https://www.epa.gov/vehicle- below. This is a proposed extension of
approach discussed above, Volkswagen and-engine-certification/compliance- the ICR, which is currently approved
information-light-duty-greenhouse-gas- through October 31, 2018. An agency
Group of America (‘‘Volkswagen’’) is
ghg-standards. may not conduct or sponsor and a
applying for credits for model years
EPA is providing a 30-day comment person is not required to respond to a
prior to 2014, and thus prior to when
period on the applications for off-cycle collection of information unless it
the list of default credits became
credits described in this notice, as displays a currently valid OMB control
available. Volkswagen has applied for number.
off-cycle credits using the alternative specified by the regulations. The
manufacturers may submit a written DATES: Comments must be submitted on
demonstration methodology pathway
rebuttal of comments for EPA’s or before November 30, 2018.
for the following technologies: High
consideration, or may revise an ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
efficiency exterior lighting, active
aerodynamics, active transmission application in response to comments. referencing Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
After reviewing any public comments OECA–2013–0298 online using
warmup, active engine warmup, and
and any rebuttal of comments submitted www.regulations.gov (our preferred
several thermal control technologies.
by manufacturers, EPA will make a final method), by email to docket.oeca@
EPA has already approved credits for
decision regarding the credit requests. epa.gov, or by mail to: EPA Docket
these technologies for several other
EPA will make its decision available to Center, Environmental Protection
manufacturers, and Volkswagen’s Agency, Mail Code 28221T, 1200
request is consistent with previously the public by placing a decision
document (or multiple decision Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
approved methodologies and credits. 20460.
The application covers 2010–2011 documents) in the docket and on EPA’s
website at the same manufacturer- EPA’s policy is that all comments
model year vehicles. These technologies received will be included in the public
are described in the predetermined list specific pages shown above. While the
broad methodologies used by these docket without change including any
of credits available in the 2014 and later personal information provided, unless
manufacturers could potentially be used
model years. The methodologies the comment includes profanity, threats,
for other vehicles and by other
described by Volkswagen are consistent information claimed to be Confidential
manufacturers, the vehicle specific data
with those used by EPA to establish the Business Information (CBI) or other
needed to demonstrate the off-cycle
predetermined list of credits in the information whose disclosure is
emissions reductions would likely be
regulations, and would result in the different. In such cases, a new restricted by statute.
same credit values as described in the application would be required, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
regulations. The magnitude of these including an opportunity for public Patrick Yellin, Monitoring, Assistance,
credits is determined by specification or comment. and Media Programs Division, Office of
calculations in the regulations based on Compliance, Mail Code 2227A,
Dated: September 20, 2018.
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES
vehicle-specific measurements (e.g., the Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
area of glass or the lighting locations Byron J. Bunker, Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
using the specified technologies), but Director, Compliance Division, Office of 20460; telephone number: (202) 564–
would be no higher than the following Transportation and Air Quality, Office of Air 2970; fax number: (202) 564–0050;
established regulatory values: and Radiation. email address: yellin.patrick@epa.gov.
[FR Doc. 2018–21333 Filed 9–28–18; 8:45 am] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
4 See 40 CFR 86.1869–12(d)(2). BILLING CODE 6560–50–P Supporting documents, which explain
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Document Created: 2018-09-29 04:25:51
Document Modified: 2018-09-29 04:25:51
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice. | |
| Dates | Comments must be received on or before October 31, 2018. | |
| Contact | Roberts French, Environmental Protection Specialist, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Compliance Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Telephone: (734) 214-4380. Fax: | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 49380 |
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