Document ID: EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0621-0002
Agency: epa
Document Type: Notice
Title: Access by EPA Contractors to Confidential Business Information Related to the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program
Posted Date: 2012-04-13T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 72 (Friday, April 13, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22312-22315]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-8923]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0621; FRL-9659-6]

Access by EPA Contractors to Confidential Business Information 
Related to the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: EPA's Office of Atmospheric Programs plans to authorize the 
contractors named in this notice to access information submitted to EPA 
under the Greenhouse Gas Reporting

[[Page 22313]]

Program that may be designated or claimed as confidential business 
information. Contractor access to this information will begin no sooner 
than April 19, 2012.

DATES: EPA will accept comments on this Notice through April 18, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. 
EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0621 by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
     Email: MRR_Corrections@epa.gov. Include Docket ID No. 
EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0621 in the subject line of the message.
     Fax: (202) 566-9744.
     Mail: Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center 
(EPA/DC), Mailcode 2822T, Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0621, 
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20004.
     Hand/Courier Delivery: EPA Docket Center, Public Reading 
Room, EPA West Building, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20004. 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-
2011-0621. EPA's policy is that all comments received 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 email. 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 email comment directly to EPA without 
going through http://www.regulations.gov your email 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carole Cook, Climate Change Division, 
Office of Atmospheric Programs (MC-6207J), Environmental Protection 
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone 
number: (202) 343-9263; fax number: (202) 343-2342; email address: 
GHGReportingRule@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background and Comment Information

A. Does this notice apply to me?

    This notice is directed to the general public. However, this action 
may be of particular interest to parties subject to the requirements of 
40 CFR part 98. If you have further questions regarding the 
applicability of this action to a particular party, please contact the 
person listed in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

B. How can I get copies of this document and other related information?

1. Electronically
    EPA has included a public docket for this Federal Register notice 
under Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0621.
    All documents in the docket are identified in the docket index 
available at http://www.regulations.gov. Although listed in the index, 
some information is not publicly available, such as confidential 
business information (CBI) or other information for which disclosure is 
restricted by statute. Certain materials, such as copyrighted material, 
will only be available in hard copy at the EPA Docket Center.
2. EPA Docket Center
    Materials listed under Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0621 will be 
available for public viewing at the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA 
West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20460. 
The EPA Docket Center 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 Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the 
telephone number for the Air Docket is (202) 566-1742.

B. What should I consider as I prepare my comments to EPA?

1. Submitting CBI in Response to This Notice
    Clearly mark the part or all of the comments that you claim to be 
CBI submitted in response to this notice. 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 marked as CBI will not be disclosed except in accordance 
with procedures set forth in 40 CFR Part 2.
    If you have any questions about CBI or the procedures for claiming 
CBI, please consult the person identified in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section.
2. Tips for Preparing Your Comments
    When submitting comments, remember to:
    Identify this Notice by docket number and other identifying 
information (e.g., subject heading, Federal Register date and page 
number).
    Follow directions. EPA may ask you to respond to specific questions 
or organize comments by referencing a CFR part or section number.
    Describe any assumptions and provide any technical information and/
or data that you used.
    Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns and suggest 
alternatives. Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the 
use of profanity or personal threats.
    Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline identified in the 
preceding section titled DATES. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be 
sure to identify the docket ID number assigned to this action in the 
subject line on the first page of your response. You may also provide 
the name, date, and Federal Register citation.

II. Description of Programs and Potential Disclosure of Information 
Claimed as Confidential Business Information to Contractors

    EPA's Office of Atmospheric Programs (OAP) has responsibility for 
protecting public health and the environment by addressing climate 
change, protecting the ozone layer, and improving regional air quality. 
In response to the FY2008 Consolidated

[[Page 22314]]

Appropriations Act (H.R. 2764; Pub. L. 110-161), EPA created the 
Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP), 40 CFR part 98 (Part 98), 
which requires reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) data and other 
relevant information from large sources and suppliers in the United 
States. The purpose of Part 98 is to collect accurate and timely GHG 
data to inform future policy decisions. Some of the information 
submitted is designated or claimed to be CBI. Such information is 
handled in accordance with EPA's regulations in 40 CFR part 2, subpart 
B and in accordance with EPA procedures that are consistent with those 
regulations.
    EPA has, at times, determined that it is necessary to disclose to 
EPA contractors certain information that has been designated or claimed 
as CBI. When this occurs, the corresponding contract must address the 
appropriate use and handling of the information by the contractor. In 
every instance, the contractor must require its personnel who need 
access to information designated or claimed as CBI to sign written 
agreements before they are granted access to the data. In addition to 
contractors' requirement to sign written agreements prior to being 
granted access to CBI, EPA is also required to give notice in 
accordance with 40 CFR 2.301(h)(2)(iii). EPA has determined that the 
contractors, subcontractors, and grantees (collectively referred to as 
``contractors'') listed below may require access to data submitted to 
EPA under the GHGRP that is designated or claimed as CBI. EPA is 
providing notice and an opportunity to comment and is issuing this 
Federal Register notice to inform all reporters of information under 
Part 98 that EPA may grant access to material that may be designated or 
claimed as CBI to the contractors identified below, as needed. EPA may 
also grant access to materials that may be designated or claimed as CBI 
to any of the listed subcontractors, as needed, but does not 
necessarily anticipate granting access to all of the listed 
subcontractors.
    Under Contract Number EP-W-11-052, Science Applications 
International Corporation (SAIC), 1710 SAIC Drive, McLean, VA 22102, 
and its subcontractor, Federal Working Group, 4620 Lee Highway, Suite 
210, Arlington, VA 22207, provide technical support that requires 
access to information designated or claimed as CBI related to the 
GHGRP. Access to data, including information designated or claimed as 
CBI, will commence no sooner than April 19, 2012 and will continue 
until the termination of this contract. If the contract is extended, 
this access will continue for the remainder of the contract and any 
further extensions without further notice.
    Under Contract Number EP-W-11-053, Eastern Research Group (ERG), 
110 Hartwell Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, provides, and any of the 
subcontractors listed below may provide, technical support that 
requires access to information designated or claimed as CBI related to 
the GHGRP. Access to data, including information designated or claimed 
as CBI, will commence no sooner than April 19, 2012 and will continue 
until the termination of this contract. If the contract is extended, 
this access will continue for the remainder of the contract and any 
further extensions without further notice. These provisions also apply 
to the following ERG subcontractors: AEA Technology PLC, 6, New Street 
Square, London, EC4A 3BF, England; Clearstone Engineering, Ltd., 
700, 900--6th Avenue SW., Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2P 3K2; 
Earth Resources Technology, Inc., 6100 Frost Place, Suite A, Laurel, MD 
20707; First Environment, Inc., 91 Fulton Street, Boonton, NJ 07005; 
HCD International, 4390 Parliament Place, Suite A, Lanham, MD 20706; 
LRQA Americas Sustainability, 1216 State Street, 5th Floor, Santa 
Barbara, CA, 93101-2601; National Opinion Research Center, 1155 East 
60th Street, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60637; Project Performance 
Corporation, 1760 Old Meadow Road, McLean, Virginia 22102; Ruby Canyon 
Engineering, Inc., 743 Horizon Court, Suite 385, Grand Junction, CO 
81506; Serafina Technical Consulting, LLC, P.O. Box 77, 41 Rodeo Drive, 
Serafina, NM 87569; Sierra Research, Inc., 1801 J Street, Sacramento, 
CA 95811; Stratus Consulting, Inc., 1881 Ninth Street, Suite 201, 
Boulder, CO 80302; Windsor Solutions, Inc., 4386 SW Macadam Avenue, 
Suite 101, Portland, OR 97239; Dr. Rick Chalaturnyk, 18 Oakmont Drive, 
St. Albert, AB, Canada T8N 6K6; Dr. Lincoln Pratson, 203 Old Chem, Box 
90227, Durham, NC 27708; Dr. Sebastien Raoux, 361 West 36th Street, New 
York, NY 10018; and Dr. Christina Schwerdtfeger, 42 Sawgrass, Coto De 
Caza, CA 92679.
    Under Contract Number EP-W-07-067 Task Order 85, Eastern Research 
Group (ERG), 110 Hartwell Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, provides 
technical support that requires access to information designated or 
claimed as CBI related to the GHGRP, including, but not limited to, 40 
CFR part 98. Access to data, including information designated or 
claimed as CBI, will commence no sooner than April 19, 2012 and will 
continue until the termination of this contract. If the contract is 
extended, this access will continue for the remainder of the contract 
and any further extensions without further notice.
    Under Contract Number EP-W-11-054, RTI International, PO Box 12194, 
3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, provides, and 
any of the subcontractors listed below may provide, technical support 
that requires access to information designated or claimed as CBI 
related to the GHGRP. Access to data, including information designated 
or claimed as CBI, will commence no sooner than April 19, 2012 and will 
continue until the termination of this contract. If the contract is 
extended, this access will continue for the remainder of the contract 
and any further extensions without further notice. These provisions 
also apply to the following RTI International subcontractors: Accenture 
Federal Services, LLC, 800 North Glebe Road, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 
22203; Adasphere Inc., PO Box 81, 11 East Beverley Street, Suite 1, 
Staunton, VA 24402-0081; Carbon Disclosure Project, 6 West 48th Street, 
10th Floor, New York, NY, 10036; EnDyna, Inc., 7926 Jones Branch Drive, 
Suite 620, McLean, VA 22102; LMI Government Consulting, 2000 Corporate 
Ridge 160, McLean, VA 22102; Quasars, Inc., 955 L'Enfant Plaza 
North SW., Suite 1201, Washington, DC 20024; and VEETech PC, 113 
Centrewest Court, Cary, NC 27513.
    Under Contract Number EP-W-11-055, SRA International, Inc., 4300 
Fair Lakes Court, Fairfax, Virginia 22033, and its subcontractor, 
Rabbit Software, LLC, 1657 Old Brook Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901, 
provide, and any of the additional subcontractors listed below may 
provide, technical support that requires access to information 
designated or claimed as CBI related to the GHGRP. Access to data, 
including information designated or claimed as CBI, will commence no 
sooner than April 19, 2012 and will continue until the termination of 
this contract. If the contract is extended, this access will continue 
for the remainder of the contract and any further extensions without 
further notice. These provisions also apply to the following SRA 
International subcontractors: Abt Associates, 55 Wheeler Street, 
Cambridge, MA 02138-1168; AMEC, 4021 Stirrup Creek Drive, Suite 100, 
Durham, NC 27703; AXIS Management Group, LLC, 17311 Quail Creek Circle, 
Hamilton, VA 20158; Booz Allen Hamilton, Hamilton Building, 8283 
Greensboro Drive, McLean, VA 22102; Center for Climate Strategies, 1800 
K Street NW., Suite 714, Washington, DC

[[Page 22315]]

20006; E C/R Inc., 501 Eastowne Drive, Suite 250, Chapel Hill, NC 
27514; Emission Monitoring, Inc., 8901 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 
27617; Noblis, 3150 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042; 
Powersolv, Inc., 1801 Robert Fulton Drive, Reston, VA 20191; V3 
Technical Services, 2210 Award Winning Way, Suite 202, Knoxville, TN 
37932; Melanie LaCount, 9511 Kingsley Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814; and 
Quarles Consulting LLC, 1280 Inglecress Drive, Charlottesville, VA 
22901.
    Under Contract Number EP-W-07-068 Task Order 108, ICF 
International, 9300 Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22031, provides technical 
support that requires access to information designated or claimed as 
CBI related to the GHGRP, including, but not limited to, 40 CFR part 
98, subpart W. Access to data, including information designated or 
claimed as CBI, will commence no sooner than April 19, 2012 and will 
continue until the termination of this contract. If the contract is 
extended, this access will continue for the remainder of the contract 
and any further extensions without further notice.
    Under Contract Number EP-W-07-068 Task Order 91, the 
subcontractors, Transcarbon International, 1 Penn Plaza Suite 6110, New 
York, NY 10119, and Dr. C. Shepherd Burton, 2047 Huckleberry Rd., San 
Rafael, CA 94903, provide technical support that requires access to 
information designated or claimed as CBI related to the GHGRP, 
including, but not limited to, 40 CFR part 98 subpart I. Access to 
data, including information designated or claimed as CBI, will commence 
no sooner than April 19, 2012 and will continue until the termination 
of this contract. If the contract is extended, this access will 
continue for the remainder of the contract and any further extensions 
without further notice.
    Under Contract Number GS-10F-0036K, the subcontractor Transcarbon 
International, 1 Penn Plaza Suite 6110, New York, NY 10119, provides 
technical support that requires access to information designated or 
claimed as CBI related to the GHGRP, including, but not limited to, 40 
CFR part 98 subpart I. Access to data, including information designated 
or claimed as CBI, will commence no sooner than April 19, 2012 and will 
continue until the termination of this contract. If the contract is 
extended, this access will continue for the remainder of the contract 
and any further extensions without further notice.
    Under Contract Number GS-10F-0124J Delivery Order EP11H000308, ICF 
International, 9300 Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22031, provides technical 
support that requires access to information designated or claimed as 
CBI related to the GHGRP, including, but not limited to, 40 CFR part 
98, subparts L, O, OO and QQ. Access to data, including information 
designated or claimed as CBI, will commence no sooner than April 19, 
2012 and will continue until the termination of this contract. If the 
contract is extended, this access will continue for the remainder of 
the contract and any further extensions without further notice.
    Parties who wish further information about this Federal Register 
notice or about OAP's disclosure of information designated or claimed 
as CBI to contactors may contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT.

    Dated: April 5, 2012.
Sarah Dunham,
Director, Office of Atmospheric Programs.
[FR Doc. 2012-8923 Filed 4-12-12; 8:45 am]
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