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Protection of Stratospheric Ozone : Adjustments to the Allowance System for Controlling HCFC Production and Import.

Final Rule - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is allocating production and consumption allowances for specific hydrochlorofluorocarbons , a type of ozone -depleting substance, for the years 2020 through 2029. These hydrochlorofluorocarbons may be used to service certain equipment manufactured before 2020. The EPA is also updating other requirements under the program for controlling production and consumption of ozone -depleting substances, as well as making edits to the regulatory text for improved readability and clarity. These updates include revising the labeling requirements for containers of specific hydrochlorofluorocarbons ; prohibiting the transfer of hydrochlorofluorocarbon allowances allocated through this rulemaking into allowances for hydrochlorofluorocarbons that have already been phased out; requiring the use of an electronic reporting system for producers, importers, exporters, transformers, and destroyers of controlled ozone -depleting substances; revising and removing recordkeeping and reporting requirements; improving the process for petitioning to import used ozone -depleting substances for reuse, including by creating more flexibility for imports of used halon from certain halon banks and exempting imports of aircraft bottles containing halon 1211 for hydrostatic testing from the petition process; creating a certification process for importing both used and virgin ozone -depleting substances for destruction; and restricting the sale of known illegally imported substances. This rule includes clarifications to the certification requirements for methyl bromide quarantine and preshipment uses. The EPA is also adding polyurethane foam systems containing ozone -depleting chlorofluorocarbons to the list of nonessential products. Lastly, the Agency is updating the definition of "destruction" as used in the context of the production and consumption phaseout and removing obsolete provisions.

Protection of the Stratospheric Ozone : Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning System Servicing.

Notice of proposed rulemaking - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to adopt three technical standards developed by SAE International (SAE) for equipment that recovers, recycles , and/or recharges the refrigerant 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (HFO-1234yf or R-1234yf) in motor vehicle air conditioners (MVACs) . The three standards are SAE J2843, SAE J2851, and SAE J3030. This proposed rulemaking would adopt the most current versions of these standards by incorporating them by reference into the regulations related to the protection of stratospheric ozone . This will provide additional flexibility for industry stakeholders that wish to select recovery and recycling equipment certified to these standards.

Modification of Significant New Uses of Certain Chemical Substances.

Proposed rule - EPA is proposing to amend the significant new use rules (SNURs) for chemical substances, which were the subject of a premanufacture notice (PMN) and a significant new use notice (SNUN) . This action would amend the SNURs to allow certain new uses reported in the SNUNs without additional notification requirements and modify the significant new use notification requirements based on the actions and determinations for the SNUN submissions. EPA is proposing this amendment based on review of new and existing data for the chemical substances.

TSCA Chemical Data Reporting Revisions Under TSCA Section 8(a).

Final rule - EPA is finalizing a rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to amend the Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) requirements. The CDR rule requires manufacturers (including importers) of certain chemical substances listed on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory (TSCA Inventory) to report data on chemical manufacturing, processing, and use every four years. EPA is finalizing several changes to the CDR rule to make regulatory updates that align with new statutory requirements of TSCA, to improve the CDR data collected as necessary to support the implementation of TSCA, and potentially to reduce burden for certain CDR reporters. In addition, these regulatory modifications may result in additional information to EPA and the public that is currently not collected; improve the usability and reliability of the reported data; and ensure that data are available in a timely manner.

Energy Labeling Rule.

Notice of proposed rulemaking - The Federal Trade Commission ("FTC" or "Commission") proposes amending the Energy Labeling Rule ("Rule") to require Energy Guide labels for portable air conditioners and seeks comment on these proposed requirements, particularly the proposed effective date. The Commission also proposes conforming amendments to reflect upcoming Department of Energy ("DOE") changes to efficiency descriptors for central air conditioners. In addition, the Commission seeks comment on the labeling requirements in our regulations.

2. Endangered animal and plant species – CITES and Australian native species: Plant and animal species listed under CITES generally require a CITES permit for import or export. Restrictions vary according to the CITES appendix listing (I, II or III). There are some exemptions for exports of personal and household effects (non–live specimens). Australian native animals and plants which are not described in the List of Exempt Native Specimens require an export permit.

4. Toothfish: Exports of toothfish and parts of toothfish whether fresh, frozen, smoked, preserved in containers, or in any other form are prohibited unless a permission in writing has been obtained from the Minister administering the Fisheries Management Act 1991 or an authorized officer from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA). Applies to all fish and fish parts of this species whether fresh, frozen, smoked, preserved in airtight containers or in any other form.

10. Radioactive substances: ARPANSA issues export permits for the exportation from Australia of high activity radioactive sources (...) -The importation of radioactive substances and goods containing radioactive substances is prohibited under the provisions...

Dedicated-Purpose Pool Pumps and Replacement Dedicated-Purpose Pool Pump Motors.

Proposed rule - Establishes rules to increase energy efficiency savings in the state by carrying out our statutory mandate to save energy by memorializing the federal standards for dedicated-purpose pool pumps (DPPP) and providing statewide standards for replacement dedicated-purpose pool pump motors (RDPPPM) in the appliance efficiency regulations.

Notice of proposed rulemaking - PHMSA is soliciting public comment on proposed amendments to the Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations for the safety of hazardous liquid pipelines that would revise the requirements for facility response plans, revise the definition for accidents, and consider repealing, replacing, or modifying other specific regulations. The intent of these changes is to reduce regulatory burdens and improve regulatory clarity without compromising safety and environmental protection.