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Regulation of Fuel and Fuel Additives: Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Test Methods

PDF Version (8 pp, 170K, About PDF)

[Federal Register: December 8, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 236)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 74350-74357]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr08de08-5]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 80
[EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0558; FRL-8742-6]
RIN 2060-AP17

Regulation of Fuel and Fuel Additives: Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Test Methods

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Direct final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking action to
allow

[[Page 74351]]

refiners and laboratories to use more current and improved fuel testing
procedures with twelve American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) analytical test methods. Once these test method changes are
adopted, they will supersede the corresponding earlier versions of
these test methods in EPA's motor vehicle fuel regulations. EPA is also
taking action to allow an alternative test method for olefins in
gasoline. As explained further below in the preamble of this document,
EPA views these changes as non-controversial and we anticipate no
adverse comment.

DATES: This rule is effective February 6, 2009 without further notice,
unless EPA receives adverse comment by January 7, 2009. If EPA receives
adverse comment, we will publish a timely withdrawal in the Federal
Register informing the public that the rule will not take effect.
Comments or a request for a public hearing must be received on or
before January 7, 2009. The incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in this rule were approved by the Director of the
Federal Register as of February 6, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OAR-2008-0558, by one of the following methods:
    • http://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line
instructions for submitting comments.
    • E-mail: a-and-r-Docket@epa.gov.
    • Fax: (202) 566-9744.
    • Mail: ``EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0558, Environmental Protection Agency,
Mailcode: 2822T, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460.''
    • Hand Delivery: EPA Headquarters Library, Room 3334, EPA
West Building, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. Such
deliveries are only accepted during the Docket's normal hours of
operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of
boxed information.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2008-0558. EPA's policy is that all comments will be included in the
public docket without change and may be made available online at http://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided,
unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential
Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to
be CBI or otherwise protected through http://www.regulations.gov or e-
mail. The http://www.regulations.gov Web site is an ``anonymous
access'' system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact
information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you
send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through http://
www.regulations.gov your e-mail address will be automatically captured
and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket
and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic
comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact
information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD-ROM you
submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties
and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to
consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special
characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or
viruses. For additional instructions on submitting comments, go to Unit
1.B of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document: 
http://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.
    Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the 
http://www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some
information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such
as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy.
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically
in http://www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Air Docket, EPA
Headquarters Library, Mail Code: 2822T, EPA West Building, 1301
Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The Public Reading Room is open
from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is (202) 566-1742, and
the facsimile number for the Air Docket is (202) 566-9744.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe Sopata, Chemist, Environmental
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. (6406J), Washington, DC
20460; telephone number: (202) 343-9034; fax number: (202) 343-2801; e-
mail address: sopata.joe@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The contents of today's preamble are listed
in the following outline.

I. General Information
    A. Does this Action Apply to Me?
    B. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA?
II. Rule Changes
    A. Updating ASTM Test Methods to Their Most Recent Version
    B. Alternative Test Method for Olefins in Gasoline
III. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
    A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review
    B. Paperwork Reduction Act
    C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
    D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA)
    E. Executive Order 13123: Federalism
    F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With
Indian Tribal Governments
    G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From
Environmental Health and Safety Risks
    H. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use
    I. National Technology Transfer Advancement Act
    J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions to Address
Environmental Justice and Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations
    K. Congressional Review Act
IV. Statutory Provisions and Legal Authority

I. General Information

A. Does this Action Apply to Me?

    Regulated categories and entities potentially affected by this
proposed action include those involved with the production,
importation, distribution, sale and storage of gasoline motor fuel and
diesel motor fuel.
    The table below is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather
provides a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be regulated
by this proposed action. This table lists the types of entities that
EPA is now aware could be potentially regulated by this proposed
action. Other types of entities not listed in the table could also be
regulated. To determine whether an entity is regulated by this proposed
action, one should carefully examine the existing regulations in 40 CFR
part 80. If you have questions regarding the applicability of this
proposed action to a particular entity, consult the person listed in
the preceding FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

[[Page 74352]]

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                                             NAICS codes
                  Category                        a       SIC codes b                      Examples of potentially regulated parties
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industry...................................       324110         2911  Petroleum Refiners.
Industry...................................        54138         8734  Testing Laboratories.
Industry...................................       422710         5171  Gasoline Marketers and Distributors.
                                                  422720         5172  .................................................................................
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a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).
b Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) System code.

B. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA?

    1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this information to EPA through
EDOCKET, regulations.gov or e-mail. Clearly mark the part of all of the
information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or
CD-ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD-ROM as
CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD-ROM the
specific information that is claimed as CBI. In addition to one
complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as
CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information
claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket.
Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with
procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2.
    2. Tips for Preparing Your Comments. When submitting comments,
remember to:
    i. Identify the rulemaking by docket number and other identifying
information (subject heading, Federal Register date and page number).
    ii. Follow directions--The agency may ask you to respond to
specific questions or organize comments referencing a Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) part or section number.
    iii. Explain why you agree or disagree; suggest alternatives and
substitute language for your requested changes.
    iv. Describe any assumptions and provide any technical information
and/or data that you used.
    v. If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how you
arrived at your estimate in sufficient detail to allow for it to be
reproduced.
    vi. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns, and
suggest alternatives.
    vii. Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the use of
profanity or personal threats.
    viii. Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period
deadline identified.

II. Rule Changes

A. Updating ASTM Test Methods to Their Most Recent Version

    Refiners, importers and oxygenate blenders producing gasoline and
diesel motor vehicle fuel are required to test reformulated gasoline
(RFG), conventional gasoline (CG) and diesel fuel for various fuel
parameters including aromatics, benzene, distillation, olefins, Reid
Vapor Pressure, oxygenate content and sulfur. American Society for
Testing and Materials (ASTM) test method D2622 is currently the
designated test method for measuring sulfur 1 2 in gasoline
and diesel fuel at the 500 ppm sulfur standard. ASTM test methods
D5453, D6920, D3120 and D7039 are currently alternative test methods
for measuring sulfur 3 4 5 6 in gasoline. ASTM test methods
D5453 and D6920 are also alternative test method for measuring sulfur
\7\ in diesel fuel at the 500 ppm sulfur standard. ASTM D1319 is
currently the designated test method for measuring olefins \8\ in
gasoline and aromatics \9\ in diesel fuel and is also allowed as an
alternative test method for measuring aromatics \10\ in gasoline. ASTM
test method D5599 is currently the designated test method for measuring
oxygenates \11\ in gasoline. ASTM test method D4815 is currently an
alternative test method for measuring oxygenates \12\ in gasoline. ASTM
test method D5769 is currently the designated test method for measuring
aromatics \13\ in gasoline. ASTM test method D3606 is currently the
designated test method for measuring benzene \14\ in gasoline. ASTM
test method D86 is currently the designated test method for measuring
the distillation \15\ of gasoline. ASTM test method D5191 is currently
the designated test method for measuring the Reid Vapor Pressure \16\
of gasoline.
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    \1\ 40 CFR 80.46(a)(1).
    \2\ 40 CFR 80.580(b)(2).
    \3\ 40 CFR 80.46(a)(3)(i).
    \4\ 40 CFR 80.46(a)(3)(ii).
    \5\ 40 CFR 80.46(a)(3)(iii).
    \6\ 40 CFR 80.46(a)(3)(iv).
    \7\ 40 CFR 80.580(c)(2).
    \8\ 40 CFR 80.46(b).
    \9\ 40 CFR 80.2(z).
    \10\ 40 CFR 80.46(f)(3).
    \11\ 40 CFR 80.46(g)(1).
    \12\ 40 CFR 80.46(g)(2).
    \13\ 40 CFR 80.46(f)(1).
    \14\ 40 CFR 80.46(e).
    \15\ 40 CFR 80.46(d).
    \16\ 40 CFR 80.46(c).
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    Table 1 lists the designated analytical test methods and
alternative analytical test methods which are being updated for
parameters measured under RFG, CG, and diesel fuels program in today's
action. The Agency has reviewed these updated ASTM test methods and we
are in agreement with the revisions contained in them which will result
in improvements in the utilization of these test methods for the
regulated industry. We believe that the revisions in the test method
changes in today's action are not significant changes that would cause
a user of an older version of the same method to incur significant
costs. All of the revisions were deemed necessary by ASTM so that
improvements in the test method's procedures would ensure better
operation for the user of the test method. Thus, EPA is updating the
regulations for the following ASTM test methods: (1) ASTM D2622-05, the
designated test method for measuring sulfur in RFG, CG, and alternative
test method for diesel fuel at the 500 ppm sulfur standard, (2) ASTM
D3120-06 [epsiv]1, alternative test method for sulfur in
gasoline, (3) ASTM D5453-08a, alternative test method for sulfur in
gasoline and diesel fuel at the 500 ppm sulfur standard, (4) ASTM
D6920-07, alternative test method for sulfur in gasoline and diesel
fuel at the 500 ppm sulfur standard, (5) ASTM D7039-07, alternative
test method for sulfur in gasoline, (6) ASTM D1319-03
[epsiv]1, designated test method for measuring olefins in
gasoline and aromatics in diesel fuel, as well as the alternative test
method for measuring aromatics in gasoline, (7) ASTM D4815-04,
alternative test method for measuring oxygenate content in gasoline,
(8) ASTM D5599-00(2005), the designated test method for measuring
oxygen content in gasoline, (9) ASTM D5769-04, the designated test
method for measuring aromatics in gasoline, (10) ASTM D3606-07, the
designated test method for measuring benzene in gasoline, (11)

[[Page 74353]]

ASTM D86-07b, the designated test method for measuring distillation
properties of gasoline, and (12) ASTM D5191-07, the designated test
method for measuring the Reid Vapor Pressure of gasoline.

  Table 1--Designated & Alternative ASTM Analytical Test Methods Under
              RFG, CG & Diesel Motor Vehicle Fuel Programs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Fuel parameter                ASTM analytical test method
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sulfur (gasoline)............  ASTM D2622-05, entitled ``Standard Test
                                Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products
                                by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray
                                Fluorescence Spectrometry''
Sulfur (500 ppm diesel)......  ASTM D2622-05, entitled ``Standard Test
                                Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products
                                by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray
                                Fluorescence Spectrometry''
Sulfur (gasoline)............  ASTM D5453-08a, entitled, ``Standard Test
                                Method for Determination of Total Sulfur
                                in Light Hydrocarbons, Spark Ignition
                                Engine Fuel, Diesel Engine Fuel, and
                                Engine Oil by Ultraviolet Fluorescence''
Sulfur (500 ppm sulfur         ASTM D5453-08a, entitled, ``Standard Test
 diesel).                       Method for Determination of Total Sulfur
                                in Light Hydrocarbons, Spark Ignition
                                Engine Fuel, Diesel Engine Fuel, and
                                Engine Oil by Ultraviolet Fluorescence''
Sulfur (gasoline)............  ASTM D6920-07, entitled, ``Standard Test
                                Method for Total Sulfur in Naphthas,
                                Distillates, Reformulated Gasolines,
                                Diesels, Biodiesels, and Motor Fuels by
                                Oxidative Combustion and Electrochemical
                                Detection''
Sulfur (500 ppm sulfur         ASTM D6920-07, entitled, ``Standard Test
 diesel).                       Method for Total Sulfur in Naphthas,
                                Distillates, Reformulated Gasolines,
                                Diesels, Biodiesels, and Motor Fuels by
                                Oxidative Combustion and Electrochemical
                                Detection''
Sulfur (gasoline)............  ASTM D3120-06 [epsiv]1, entitled,
                                ``Standard Test Method for Trace
                                Quantities of Sulfur in Light Petroleum
                                Hydrocarbons by Oxidative
                                Microcoulometry''
Sulfur (gasoline)............  ASTM D7039-07, entitled, ``Standard Test
                                Method for Sulfur in Gasoline and Diesel
                                Fuel by Monochromatic Wavelength
                                Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence
                                Spectrometry''
Oxygen content (gasoline)....  ASTM D5599-00(2005), entitled, ``Standard
                                Test Method for Determination of
                                Oxygenates in Gasoline by Gas
                                Chromatography and Oxygen Selective
                                Flame Ionization Detection''
Oxygen content (gasoline)....  ASTM D4815-04, entitled ``Standard Test
                                Method for Determination of MTBE, ETBE,
                                TAME, DIPE, tertiary-Amyl Alcohol and C1
                                to C4 Alcohols in Gasoline by Gas
                                Chromatography''
Olefins (gasoline)...........  ASTM D1319-03 [epsiv]1, entitled
                                ``Standard Test Method for Hydrocarbon
                                Types in Liquid Petroleum Products by
                                Fluorescent Indicator Adsorption''
Aromatics (gasoline and        ASTM D1319-03 [epsiv]1, entitled,
 diesel).                       ``Standard Test Method for Hydrocarbon
                                Types in Liquid Petroleum Products by
                                Fluorescent Indicator Absorption'', for
                                diesel fuel, this method is the
                                designated test method, for gasoline,
                                this method is an alternative test
                                method and if used as an alternative
                                method, its results must be correlated
                                to ASTM D5769-04.
Aromatics (gasoline).........  ASTM D5769-04, entitled, ``Standard Test
                                Method for Determination of Benzene,
                                Toluene, and Total Aromatics in Finished
                                Gasolines by Gas Chromatography/Mass
                                Spectrometry''
Benzene (gasoline)...........  ASTM D3606-07, entitled, ``Standard Test
                                Method for Determination of Benzene and
                                Toluene in Finished Motor and Aviation
                                Gasoline by Gas Chromatography''
Distillation (gasoline)......  ASTM D86-07b, entitled, ``Standard Test
                                Method for Distillation of Petroleum
                                Products at Atmospheric Pressure''
Reid Vapor Pressure            ASTM D5191-07, entitled, ``Standard Test
 (gasoline).                    Method for Vapor Pressure of Petroleum
                                Products (Mini-Method)''
------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Alternative Test Method for Olefins in Gasoline

    Refiners, importers and oxygenate blenders producing gasoline are
required to test RFG and CG for various fuel parameters including
olefins. The test method for determining olefin content is specified in
the regulation.
    Recently, the American Petroleum Institute (API) requested in a
letter to EPA that ASTM D6550-05 be designated by EPA as an alternative
test method in the regulations for olefins \15\ in gasoline. EPA has
evaluated API's request on this test method issue and agrees. Thus, EPA
is taking action today to allow ASTM D6550-05 as an alternative test
method in the regulations for olefins in gasoline, provided that its
results are correlated to ASTM D1319. The allowance of this additional
alternative test method for olefins in gasoline will provide the
regulated community additional flexibility in meeting their testing
requirements.
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    \15\ See Air Docket #EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0558-0001.
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    In the ``Proposed Rules'' section of today's Federal Register, we
are publishing a proposed rule that matches the substance of this
direct final rule. If the Agency receives adverse comment or a request
for public hearing by January 7, 2009, we will withdraw the direct
final rule by publishing a timely withdrawal notice in the Federal
Register. If the Agency receives no adverse comment or a request for
public hearing by January 7, 2009, these test method changes will be
effective sixty (60) days after publication of the final rule in the
Federal Register. We are confident that sixty (60) days is sufficient
lead time for industry to become familiar and implement these ASTM test
methods for the applications mentioned above.

III. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review

    This action is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under the
terms of Executive Order (EO) 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and
is therefore not subject to review under the EO.

B. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This direct final rule does not impose any new information
collection burden. However, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB),
under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et
seq., has approved the information collection requirements contained in
the final RFG and anti-dumping rulemaking and gasoline sulfur control
rulemaking, and has

[[Page 74354]]

assigned OMB control number 2060-0277. OMB, under the provisions of the
Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., has also approved the
information collection requirements contained in the final Tax Exempt
(Dyed) Highway Diesel Fuel rulemaking, and has assigned OMB control
number 2060-0308. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations in 40
CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) generally requires an agency
to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis of any rule subject to
notice and comment rulemaking requirements under the Administrative
Procedure Act or any other statute unless the agency certifies that the
rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities. Small entities include small businesses,
small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions.
    For purposes of assessing the impacts of today's direct final rule
on small entities, small entity is defined as: (1) A small business as
defined by the Small Business Administration's regulations at 13 CFR
121.201; (2) a small governmental jurisdiction that is a government of
a city, county, town, school district or special district with a
population of less than 50,000; and (3) a small organization that is
any not-for-profit enterprise which is independently owned and operated
and is not dominant in its field. The impact of concern is any
significant adverse economic impact on small entities since the primary
purpose of the regulatory flexibility analysis is to identify and
address regulatory alternatives ``which minimize any significant
economic impact of the rule on small entities.'' 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604.
    After considering the economic impacts of today's direct final rule
on small entities, I certify that this action will not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
In determining whether a rule has a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities, the impact of concern is any
significant adverse economic impact on small entities, since the
primary purpose of the regulatory flexibility analyses is to identify
and address regulatory alternatives ``which minimize any significant
economic impact of the rule on small entities.'' 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604.
Thus an Agency may certify that a rule will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities if the rule
relieves regulatory burden, or otherwise has a positive economic effect
on all of the small entities subject to the rule.
    All of the test method updates in this proposed rule will improve
the performance and/or utilization by industry of ASTM standard test
methods. This direct final rule does not impose a regulatory burden on
anyone, including small businesses. Instead, this direct final rule
will have a positive impact by improving performance of the industry,
including small businesses, by enabling them to use more current
voluntary consensus-based standard test methods. In addition, the
allowance of ASTM D 6550-05 will provide additional flexibility to the
regulated community, including small businesses, in meeting olefins in
gasoline testing requirements. We have therefore concluded that today's
direct final rule will relieve regulatory burden for all effected small
entities.

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA)

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), 2
U.S.C. 1531-1538, requires Federal agencies, unless otherwise
prohibited by law, to assess the effects of their regulatory actions on
State, local, and tribal governments and the private sector. Federal
agencies must also develop a plan to provide notice to small
governments to have meaningful and timely input in the development of
EPA regulatory proposals with significant Federal intergovernmental
mandates and must inform, educate, and advise small governments on
compliance with the regulatory requirements.
    This rule does not contain a Federal mandate that may result in
expenditures of $100 million or more for State, local, and tribal
governments, in the aggregate, or the private sector in any one year.
All of the test method updates in today's action will improve the
performance and/or utilization by industry of the test methods already
allowed by our regulations. The allowance of ASTM D 6550-05 will
provide additional flexibility to the regulated community in meeting
olefins in gasoline testing requirements. Thus, this rule is not
subject to the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of the UMRA. This
action is also not subject to the requirements of section 203 of UMRA
because it contains no regulatory requirements that might significantly
or uniquely affect small governments.

E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism

    Executive Order 13132, entitled ``Federalism'' (64 FR 43255, August
10, 1999), requires EPA to develop an accountable process to ensure
``meaningful and timely input by State and local officials in the
development of regulatory policies that have federalism implications.''
``Policies that have federalism implications'' is defined in the
Executive Order to include regulations that have ``substantial direct
effects on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government.''
    This direct final rule does not have federalism implications. It
will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government, as specified in Executive Order 13132. All of the test
method updates in today's action will improve the performance and/or
utilization by industry of ASTM standard test methods. The allowance of
ASTM D 6550-05 will provide additional flexibility to the regulated
community in meeting olefins in gasoline testing requirements. Thus,
Executive Order 13132 does not apply to this direct final rule.

F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian
Tribal Governments

    This action does not have tribal implications, as specified in
Executive Order 13175 (59 FR 22951, November 6, 2000). This action
applies to gasoline refiners, blenders and importers that supply
gasoline or diesel fuel. All of the test method updates in today's
action will improve the performance and/or utilization by industry of
the test methods. The allowance of ASTM D6500-05 will provide
additional flexibility to the regulated community in meeting olefins in
gasoline testing requirements. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not
apply to this action.

G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental
Health and Safety Risk

    EPA interprets EO 13045 (62 F.R. 19885, April 23, 1997) as applying
only to those regulatory actions that concern health or safety risks,
such that the analysis required under section 5-501 of the Executive
Order has the potential to influence the regulation. This action is not
subject to Executive Order 13045 because it does not establish an
environmental standard intended to mitigate health or safety risks.

[[Page 74355]]

H. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use

    This action is not subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 18355
(May 22, 2001)) because it is not a significant regulatory action under
Executive Order 12866.

I. National Technology Transfer Advancement Act

    Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act of 1995 (``NTTAA''), Public Law No. 104-113, section 12(d) (15
U.S.C. 272 note) directs EPA to use voluntary consensus standards in
its regulatory activities unless to do so would be inconsistent with
applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards
are technical standards (e.g., materials specifications, test methods,
sampling procedures, and business practices) that are developed or
adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies. The NTTAA directs EPA
to provide Congress, through OMB, explanations when the Agency decides
not to use available and applicable voluntary consensus standards.
    This direct final rule involves technical standards. EPA will adopt
ASTM standards as described in Units II.A, and II.B of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document. All technical
standards included in today's rule are standards developed by ASTM, a
voluntary consensus standards body, and thus raises no issues under the
NTTAA. The ASTM standards in today's action may be obtained from ASTM
International at 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken,
PA 19428-2959, 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or
service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM Web site
(http://www.astm.org Exit Disclaimer).

J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental
Justice and Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations

    Executive Order (EO) 12898 (59 FR 7629 (Feb. 16, 1994)) establishes
federal executive policy on environmental justice. Its main provision
directs federal agencies, to the greatest extent practicable and
permitted by law, to make environmental justice part of their mission
by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high
and adverse human health or environmental effects of their programs,
policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income
populations in the United States.
    EPA has determined that this final rule will not have
disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental
effects on minority or low-income populations because it does not
affect the level of protection provided to human health or the
environment. All of the test method updates in this direct final rule
will improve the performance and/or utilization by industry of the test
methods. The allowance of ASTM D6500-05 will provide additional
flexibility to the regulated community in meeting olefins in gasoline
testing requirements. This final rule amendment does not relax control
measures on sources regulated by the rule and therefore will not cause
emission increases from these sources.

K. Congressional Review Act

    The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating
the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule,
to each House of Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United
States. EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other
required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of
Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior
to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. A major rule cannot
take effect until 60 days after it is published in the Federal
Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C.
804(2). This rule will be effective February 6, 2009.

IV. Statutory Provisions and Legal Authority

    Statutory authority for today's rule comes from sections 211(c),
211(i) and 211(k) of the CAA (42.U.S.C. 7545(c) and (k)). Section
211(c) and 211(i) allows EPA to regulate fuels that contribute to air
pollution which endangers public health or welfare, or which impairs
emission control equipment. Section 211(k) prescribes requirements for
RFG and CG and requires EPA to promulgate regulations establishing
these requirements. Additional support for the fuels controls in
today's rule comes from sections 114(a) and 301(a) of the CAA.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 80

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Fuel additives,
Gasoline, Diesel, Imports, Incorporation by reference, Motor vehicle
pollution, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: November 13, 2008.
Stephen L. Johnson,
Administrator.

• For the reasons set forth in the preamble, part 80 of title 40, chapter
I of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:

PART 80--REGULATION OF FUELS AND FUEL ADDITIVES

• 1. The authority citation for part 80 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7414, 7521(l) ,7545 and 7601(a).

• 2. Section 80.2 is amended by revising paragraph (z) to read as follows:

Sec.  80.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (z) Aromatic content is the aromatic hydrocarbon content in volume
percent as determined by ASTM standard test method D1319-03
[epsiv]1, entitled, ``Standard Test Method for Hydrocarbon
Types in Liquid Petroleum Products by Fluorescent Indicator
Adsorption''. ASTM standard test method D1319-03[epsiv]\1\, approved
November 1, 2003, is incorporated by reference. This incorporation by
reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in
accordance 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained
from the American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor
Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, or by contacting ASTM customer
service at 610-832-9585, or by contacting the e-mail address of
service@astm.org from the ASTM Web site of http://www.astm.org.
Exit Disclaimer For further information on this test method, please contact the
Environmental Protection Agency at 734-214-4582. Copies may be
inspected at the Air Docket, EPA/DC, EPA West, Room B102, 1301
Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC, or at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). The telephone number for the Air Docket
Public Reading Room is (202) 566-1742. For information on the
availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030 or go to:
http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_
regulations/ibr_locations.html.
* * * * *

Subpart D--[Amended]

• 3. Section 80.46 is amended as follows:
• a. By revising paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(3)(i), (a)(3)(ii), (a)(3)(iii)
and (a)(3)(iv).
• b. Revising paragraph (b).

[[Page 74356]]

• c. Revising paragraph (c).
• d. Revising paragraph (d).
• e. Revising paragraph (e)(1).
• f. Revising paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(3)(i).
• g. Revising paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2)(i).
• h. Revising paragraph (h).

Sec.  80.46  Measurement of reformulated gasoline fuel parameters.

    (a) * * *
    (1) The sulfur content of gasoline must be determined by use of
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard method D2622
(incorporated by reference, see paragraph (h) of this section) or by
one of the alternative methods specified in paragraph (a)(3) of this
section.
    (3) * * *
    (i) ASTM standard method D5453 (incorporated by reference, see
paragraph (h) of this section) or
    (ii) ASTM standard method D6920 (incorporated by reference, see
paragraph (h) of this section) or
    (iii) ASTM standard method D3120 (incorporated by reference, see
paragraph (h) of this section) or
    (iv) ASTM standard method D7039 (incorporated by reference, see
paragraph (h) of this section).
* * * * *
    (b) Olefins. Olefin content must be determined by use of the
following methods:
    (1) Olefin content must be determined by use of ASTM standard method
D1319 (incorporated by reference, see paragraph (h) of this section).
    (2)(i) Any refiner or importer may determine olefin content using
ASTM standard method ASTM D6550 (incorporated by reference, see
paragraph (h) of this section) for purposes of meeting any testing
requirement involving olefin content; provided that the refiner or
importer test result is correlated with the method specified in
paragraph (b)(1) of this section using a formula to convert the result
in mass percent to volume percent as follows: Volume % = 0.857 x Mass %.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (c) Reid vapor pressure (RVP). Reid vapor pressure must be
determined using ASTM standard test method ASTM D5191 (incorporated by
reference, see paragraph (h) of this section), except that the
following correlation equation must be used:
    RVP psi = (0.956 * X)-0.347
    RVP kPa = (0.956 * X)-2.39
    (d) Distillation. Distillation parameters must be determined using
ASTM standard test method D86 (incorporated by reference, see paragraph
(h) of this section).
    (e) Benzene. (1) Benzene content must be determined using ASTM
standard test method ASTM D3606-07 (incorporated by reference, see
paragraph (h) of this section), except that.
* * * * *
    (f)(1) Aromatic content must be determined using ASTM D5769
(incorporated by reference, see paragraph (h) of this section), except
that the sample chilling requirements in section 8 of this standard
method are optional.
* * * * *
    (3)(i) Any refiner or importer may determine aromatics content
using ASTM standard method D1319 (incorporated by reference, see
paragraph (h) of this section) for purposes of meeting any testing
requirement involving aromatics content; provided that
* * * * *
    (g) Oxygen and oxygenate content analysis. (1) Oxygen and oxygenate
content must be determined using ASTM standard method D5599
(incorporated by reference, see paragraph (h) of this section).
    (2)(i) When oxygenates present are limited to MTBE, ETBE, TAME,
DIPE, tertiary-amyl alcohol and C1 to C4
alcohols, any refiner, importer, or oxygenate blender may determine
oxygen and oxygen content using ASTM standard method D4815
(incorporated by reference, see paragraph (h) of this section) for
purposes of meeting any testing requirement; provided that:
* * * * *
    (h) Materials Incorporated by reference. The Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the
documents listed in this section as prescribed in 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1
CFR 51. Anyone may inspect copies at the U.S. EPA, Air and Radiation
Docket and Information Center, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Room B102,
EPA West Building, Washington, DC, 20460, under EPA docket ID Number
EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0558, or at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). The telephone number for the Air Docket Public
Reading Room is (202) 566-1742. For information on the availability of
this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030 or go to: 
http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_
locations.html. For further information on these test methods, please
contact the Environmental Protection Agency at 734-214-4582.
    (1) ASTM material. Anyone may purchase copies of these materials
from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr
Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, or by contacting ASTM
customer service at 610-832-9585, or by contacting the email address of
service@astm.org from the ASTM Web site of http://www.astm.org. Exit Disclaimer
    (i) ASTM standard method D3606-07 (``ASTM D3606''), Standard Test
Method for Determination of Benzene and Toluene in Finished Motor and
Aviation Gasoline by Gas Chromatography, approved November 1, 2007.
    (ii) ASTM standard method D1319-03 [epsiv]\1\ (``ASTM D1319''),
Standard Test Method for Hydrocarbon Types in Liquid Petroleum Products
by Fluorescent Indicator Adsorption, approved November 1, 2003.
    (iii) ASTM standard method D6550-05 (``ASTM D6550''), Standard Test
Method for Determination of Olefin Content of Gasolines by
Supercritical-Fluid Chromatography, approved November 1, 2005.
    (iv) ASTM standard method D4815-04 (``ASTM D4815''), Standard Test
Method for Determination of MTBE, ETBE, TAME, DIPE, tertiary-Amyl
Alcohol and C1 to C4 Alcohols in Gasoline by Gas
Chromatography, approved November 1, 2004.
    (v) ASTM standard method D2622-05 (``ASTM D2622''), Standard Test
Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray
Fluorescence Spectrometry, approved November 1, 2005.
    (vi) ASTM standard method D3246-96 (``ASTM D3246''), Standard Test
Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Gas by Oxidative Microcoulometry.
    (vii) ASTM standard method D5191-07 (``ASTM D5191''), Standard Test
Method for Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products (Mini Method), approved
May 1, 2007.
    (viii) ASTM standard method D5599-00(2005) (``ASTM D5599''),
Standard Test Method for Determination of Oxygenates in Gasoline by Gas
Chromatography and Oxygen Selective Flame Ionization Detection,
approved November 1, 2005.
    (ix) ASTM standard method D5769-04 (``ASTM D5769''), Standard Test
Method for Determination of Benzene, Toluene, and Total Aromatics in
Finished Gasolines by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry, approved
May 1, 2004.
    (x) ASTM standard method D86-07b (``ASTM D86''), Standard Test
Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products at Atmospheric Pressure,
approved November 15, 2007.

[[Page 74357]]

    (xi) ASTM standard method D5453-08a (``ASTM D5453''), Standard Test
Method for Determination of Total Sulfur in Light Hydrocarbons, Spark
Ignition Engine Fuel, Diesel Engine Fuel, and Engine Oil by Ultraviolet
Fluorescence, approved February 1, 2008.
    (xii) ASTM standard method D6920-07 (``ASTM D6920''), Standard Test
Method for Total Sulfur in Naphthas, Distillates, Reformulated
Gasolines, Diesels, Biodiesels, and Motor Fuels by Oxidative Combustion
and Electrochemical Detection, approved December 1, 2007.
    (xiii) ASTM standard method D3120-06[epsiv]\1\ (``ASTM D3120''),
Standard Test Method for Trace Quantities of Sulfur in Light Petroleum
Hydrocarbons by Oxidative Microcoulometry, approved December 1, 2006.
    (xiv) ASTM standard method D7039-07 (``ASTM D7039''), Standard Test
Method for Sulfur in Gasoline and Diesel Fuel by Monochromatic Wavelength
Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry, approved May 1, 2007.
    (xv) ASTM standard method D6667-01 (``ASTM D6667''), Standard Test
Method for Determination of Total Volatile Sulfur in Gaseous
Hydrocarbons and Liquefied Petroleum Gases by Ultraviolet Fluorescence.
    (xvi) ASTM standard method D4468-85 (reapproved 2000) (``ASTM
D4468''), Standard Test Method for Total Sulfur in Gaseous Fuels by
Hydrogenolysis and Rateometric Colorimetry.
    (2) [Reserved]

Subpart I--[Amended]

• 4. Section 80.580 is amended as follows:
• a. By revising paragraph (b)(2)
• b. By revising paragraph (c)(2)(i).
• c. By revising paragraphs (e).

Sec.  80.580  What are the sampling and testing methods for sulfur?

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) For motor vehicle diesel fuel and diesel fuel additives subject
to the 500 ppm sulfur standard of Sec.  80.520(c), and NRLM diesel fuel
subject to the 500 ppm sulfur standard of Sec.  80.510(a)(1), sulfur
content may be determined using ASTM D2622 (incorporated by reference,
see paragraph (e) of this section).
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) For motor vehicle diesel fuel and diesel fuel additives subject
to the 500 ppm sulfur standard of Sec.  80.520(c), and for NRLM diesel
fuel subject to the 500 ppm sulfur standard of Sec.  80.510(a), sulfur
content may be determined using ASTM D4294, ASTM D5453, or ASTM D6920
(all incorporated by reference, see paragraph (e) of this section),
provided that the refiner or importer test result is correlated with
the appropriate method specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section;
or
* * * * *
    (e) Materials incorporated by reference. The Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the
document listed in this section as prescribed in 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1
CFR part 51. Anyone may inspect copies at the U.S. EPA, Air and
Radiation Docket and Information Center, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW.,
Room B102, EPA West Building, Washington, DC 20460, under EPA docket ID
Number EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0558, or at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). The telephone number for the Air Docket Public
Reading Room is (202) 566-1742. For information on the availability of
this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030 or go to: 
http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_
locations.html. For further information on these test methods, please
contact the Environmental Protection Agency at 734-214-4582.
    (1) ASTM material. Anyone may purchase copies of these materials
from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr
Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, or by contacting ASTM
customer service at 610-832-9585, or by contacting the e-mail address
of service@astm.org from the ASTM Web site of http://www.astm.org. Exit Disclaimer
    (i) ASTM standard method D2622-05 (``ASTM D2622''), Standard Test
Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray
Fluorescence Spectrometry, approved November 1, 2005.
    (ii) [Reserved].
    (iii) ASTM standard method D4294-03 (``ASTM D4294), Standard Test
Method for Sulfur in Petroleum and Petroleum Products by Energy
Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry, approved November 1, 2003.
    (iv) ASTM standard method D5453-08a (``ASTM D5453''), Standard Test
Method for Determination of Total Sulfur in Light Hydrocarbons, Spark
Ignition Engine Fuel, Diesel Engine Fuel, and Engine Oil by Ultraviolet
Fluorescence, approved February 1, 2008.
    (v) ASTM standard method D6920-07 (``ASTM D6920''), Standard Test
Method for Total Sulfur in Naphthas, Distillates, Reformulated
Gasolines, Diesels, Biodiesels, and Motor Fuels by Oxidative Combustion
and Electrochemical Detection, approved December 1, 2007.
    (2) [Reserved]

[FR Doc. E8-28370 Filed 12-5-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

 
 


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