Document ID: EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0558-0001
Agency: epa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Regulation of Fuel and Fuel Additives: Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Test Methods
Posted Date: 2008-12-08T05:00Z

[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 (65 FR 67249, 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).

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.

0
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

0
1. The authority citation for part 80 continues to read as follows:

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

0
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. 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]

0
3. Section 80.46 is amended as follows:
0
a. By revising paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(3)(i), (a)(3)(ii), (a)(3)(iii) 
and (a)(3)(iv).
0
b. Revising paragraph (b).

[[Page 74356]]

0
c. Revising paragraph (c).
0
d. Revising paragraph (d).
0
e. Revising paragraph (e)(1).
0
f. Revising paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(3)(i).
0
g. Revising paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2)(i).
0
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.
    (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]

0
4. Section 80.580 is amended as follows:
0
a. By revising paragraph (b)(2)
0
b. By revising paragraph (c)(2)(i).
0
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.
    (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