[Federal Register: November 28, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 229)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 59392-59393]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28no01-16]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Parts 3, 51, 60, 63, 70, 123, 142, 145, 162, 233, 257, 258,
271, 281, 403, 501, 745 and 763
[FRL-7109-1]
RIN 2025-AA07
Extension of Comment Period for the Proposed Establishment of
Electronic Reporting; Electronic Records Rule
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period and supplemental
notice.
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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending by 60
days the comment period on its proposed rule for establishment of
electronic reporting and electronic records. On August 31, 2001, EPA
proposed conditions under which EPA would allow submission of
electronic documents and maintenance of electronic records to satisfy
federal environmental reporting and recordkeeping requirements in EPA's
regulations. The comment period is being extended by 60 days to provide
the public with additional time to evaluate and comment upon the
complex provisions of this proposed rule. As extended by this notice,
the comment period will now close on January 28, 2002.
DATES: In order to be considered, written comments on the proposed
electronic reporting and electronic records rule must be submitted on
or before January 28, 2002. Comments provided electronically will be
considered timely if they are submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m.
(Eastern time) January 28, 2002.
ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to the United States
Environmental Protection Agency, Enforcement and Compliance Docket and
Information Center, (Mail Code 2201A), Attn: Docket Number EC-2000-007,
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460. Commenters are also
requested to submit an original and 3 copies of their written comments
as well as an original and 3 copies of any attachments, enclosures, or
other documents referenced in the comments. Commenters who would like
EPA to acknowledge receipt of their comments should include a self-
addressed, stamped envelope. All comments must be postmarked or
delivered by hand by January 28, 2002. No facsimiles (faxes) will be
accepted. Public comments and supporting materials are available for
viewing in the Enforcement and Compliance Docket and Information
Center, located at 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, (Ariel Rios Building),
2nd Floor, Room 2213, Washington, DC 20460. The documents are available
for viewing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding
federal holidays. To review docket materials, it is recommended that
the public make an appointment by calling (202) 564-2614 or (202) 564-
2119. The public may copy a maximum of 266 pages from any regulatory
document at no cost. Additional copies cost $0.15 per page. The rule
and some supporting materials are also available electronically on the
Internet for public review, using a www browser type, at http://
www.epa.gov/.
EPA will also accept comments electronically. Comments should be
addressed to the following Internet address: docket.oeca@epa.gov.
Electronic comments must be submitted as an ASCII, WordPerfect 5.1/6.1/
8 format file and avoid the use of special characters or any form of
encryption. Comments in electronic format should also be identified by
the docket number EC-2000-007. Electronic comments will be transferred
into a paper version for the official record. EPA will attempt to
clarify electronic comments if there is an apparent error in
transmission.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Schwarz (2823), Office of
Environmental Information, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460, (202) 260-2710,
schwarz.david@epa.gov, or Evi Huffer (2823), Office of Environmental
Information, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460, (202) 260-8791, huffer.evi@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 31, 2001 (66 FR 46162), EPA
proposed a rule that would set forth the conditions under which EPA
would prospectively allow submission of electronic documents and
maintenance
[[Page 59393]]
of electronic records to satisfy federal environmental reporting and
record-keeping requirements in EPA's regulations. As noted in the
proposal (66 FR 46163), the rule would affect a broad spectrum of EPA
programs (not merely those where specific amendments to the Code of
Federal Regulations would be made). While the rule is voluntary because
it does not require electronic reporting or record-keeping, for most
programs regulated entities that currently maintain electronic records
and who wish to continue to do so after the rule takes effect would be
required to meet the record-keeping criteria in subpart D. As currently
defined in the proposal, the term electronic record is broad in scope.
Given the breadth and complexity of the rule, several commenters have
requested additional time to evaluate and comment upon the proposed
rule. EPA greatly values the input provided by the regulated community
as well as the input from States that administer EPA programs.
Accordingly, the comment period is being extended by 60 days to provide
additional time to evaluate and comment upon the proposed rule. EPA
particularly seeks comment on whether or not the record-keeping
provisions in subpart D of the proposed rule should be withdrawn and
addressed in a separate rulemaking. EPA also seeks comment on revisions
to the record-keeping criteria or other provisions of the proposed rule
that would make it easier for those in the regulated community who
already maintain electronic records to continue to do so after the rule
takes effect.
The comment period announced in the proposed rule notice was
scheduled to end on November 29, 2001. Today's notice extends the
comment period on the proposed electronic reporting and record-keeping
rule by an additional 60 days. EPA encourages the interested public to
submit their comments as soon as possible, although all comments
received in accordance with this notice will be considered.
During the extended comment period, the Agency will conduct
additional stakeholder outreach that will likely include additional
public meetings. Meeting dates and locations will be announced through
Federal Register notices in the upcoming weeks, as well as on EPA's web
site at www.epa.gov/cdx.
Margaret N. Schneider,
Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Environmental Information.
[FR Doc. 01-29551 Filed 11-27-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P