FR 2021-00247

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted a request for extending the information collection requirements for specific environmental standards concerning asphalt processing and roofing manufacture. This request is presently under review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), focusing on renewing existing approvals set to expire soon.

Summary of the Document

The EPA has outlined its need to continue collecting data to ensure compliance with the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for asphalt processing and roofing manufacture. The document indicates that the current regulatory framework will remain unchanged, as no significant industry growth has been observed, and therefore, the burden on respondents will largely stay the same. The notice is calling for additional public comments for 30 days, allowing further input from stakeholders before final decisions are made.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several concerns arise upon examining the document in detail:

• Unclear Identification of Respondent Types: While the document states that there are 144 respondents, it does not specify which kinds of facilities or businesses these respondents encompass. This omission can lead to confusion or misinterpretation about which entities are impacted.

• Lack of Regulatory Changes: The document notes that regulations have not changed in the past three years and are not expected to change soon. This could be perceived as a lack of proactive regulatory review or adaptability, which might worry those who expect more dynamic responses to environmental concerns.

• Financial Impact on Small Businesses: The total estimated cost of $9,240,000 per year is presented without a breakdown for individual respondents. This lack of detail can obscure the specific financial implications, particularly for smaller businesses that may bear a disproportionate cost burden.

• Complex Technical References: References to specific regulatory codes (e.g., 40 CFR part 60, subpart UU) are given without context or explanation. For many readers, this makes the document less accessible and harder to understand.

• Justification of Industry Growth Rate: The document states that the industry has a "very low or non-existent" growth rate without providing detailed justification. Stakeholders might find this frustrating, as understanding industry dynamics is crucial for planning and compliance strategies.

Impact on the Public

Broadly speaking, the continuation of information collection seeks to ensure that environmental standards are maintained, benefiting public health and safety by reducing pollution from asphalt processing and roofing manufacture sectors.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For businesses in the asphalt processing and roofing sectors, the document signals stability in regulatory demands, which might be seen as a positive because it avoids additional compliance costs or operational adjustments. However, the document's lack of detail may cause concerns, particularly for smaller businesses or those advocating for regulatory advancement in environmental protection.

In conclusion, while the EPA's submission aims to reinforce existing environmental standards, the document leaves many questions unanswered about its approach to dynamic regulatory adaptation and the specific financial implications for affected entities. As the public comment window remains open, stakeholders have an opportunity to voice concerns and seek clarifications that can lead to more informed decision-making.

The Federal Register notice discusses the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) submission of an information collection request concerning the asphalt processing and roofing manufacture industry. A significant aspect of this notice involves the financial obligations and expectations associated with compliance.

Summary of Financial References:

The document outlines a total estimated cost of $9,240,000 per year for the affected facilities. This cost encompasses both operating expenses and annualized capital and maintenance costs amounting to $5,240,000. Importantly, these financial estimates are linked to the compliance requirements set forth by the EPA, aimed at ensuring that facilities adhere to environmental and operational standards.

Financial Allocations and Related Issues:

While the document provides a broad estimate of costs, the breakdown of these expenses may present challenges for smaller businesses within the industry. The total estimated cost is significant, and without detailed information on how these costs are distributed, smaller entities may face uncertainty regarding their individual financial responsibilities. This lack of clarity can hinder effective financial planning and budgeting, particularly for businesses with limited resources.

Another notable issue is the static nature of the burden estimates, with the document indicating no change in burden since the last information collection request. This statement could suggest that existing cost projections do not account for any potential fluctuations in operational costs or changes in the industry landscape. Moreover, the assertion that the industry's growth rate is "very low or non-existent" raises questions regarding the accuracy and relevance of the cost estimates moving forward.

The document also references technical regulatory standards, such as "40 CFR part 60, subpart UU," without offering an explanation for those unfamiliar with these codes. This technical language might obscure the financial implications for the general audience, limiting accessibility to the information provided. A layperson might struggle to understand how the compliance costs are justified or how they directly relate to the specified regulations.

In summary, while the Federal Register notice does provide important financial data related to regulatory compliance, there are opportunities to enhance transparency and understanding by detailing cost allocations for individual respondents and offering context to the regulatory references made. This would enable businesses, especially smaller ones, to better anticipate their financial obligations and plan accordingly.