Pesticides; tolerances in food, animal feeds, and raw agricultural commodities: 1,3 Benzene dicarboxylic acid, etc.,

[Federal Register: March 7, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 45)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 10983-10987]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr07mr03-11]

[[Page 10983]]

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[OPP-2003-0037; FRL-7290-9]

1,3 Benzene Dicarboxylic Acid, 5-Sulfo-, 1,3-Dimethyl Ester, Sodium Salt, Polymer with 1,3-Benzene Dicarboxylic Acid, 1,4-Benzene Dicarboxylic Acid, Dimethyl 1,4-Benzene Dicarboxylate and 1,2- Ethanediol; Tolerance Exemption

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of 1,3 benzene dicarboxylic acid, 5-sulfo-, 1,3-dimethyl ester, sodium salt, polymer with 1,3-benzene dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid, dimethyl 1,4-benzene dicarboxylate and 1,2-ethanediol; when used as an inert ingredient. Rhodia Inc., submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA) requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of 1,3 benzene dicarboxylic acid, 5-sulfo-, 1,3- dimethyl ester, sodium salt, polymer with 1,3-benzene dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid, dimethyl 1,4-benzene dicarboxylate and 1,2-ethanediol.

DATES: This regulation is effective March 7, 2003. Objections and requests for hearings, identified by docket ID number OPP-2003-0037, must be received on or before May 6, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Written objections and hearing requests may be submitted electronically, by mail, or through hand delivery/courier. Follow the detailed instructions as provided in Unit XI. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bipin Gandhi, Registration Division (7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: 703-308-8380; e-mail address: gandhi.bipin@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. General Information

   1. Does this Action Apply to Me?

      You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an agricultural producer, food manufacturer, pesticide manufacturer, or antimicrobial pesticide manufacturer. Potentially affected entities may include, but are not limited to:-

      [sbull] Industry (NAICS 111), e.g., Crop Production.

      [sbull] Industry (NAICS 112), e.g., Animal Production.

      [sbull] Industry (NAICS 311), e.g., Food manufacturing.

      [sbull] Industry (NAICS 32532), e.g., Pesticide Manufacturing.

      [sbull] Industry (NAICS 32561), e.g., Antimicrobial Pesticide.--

      This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

   2. How Can I Get Copies of This Document and Other Related Information?

      -1. Docket. EPA has established an official public docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number OPP-2003-0037. The official public docket consists of the documents specifically referenced in this action, any public comments received, and other information related to this action. Although a part of the official docket, the public docket does not include Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. The official public docket is the collection of materials that is available for public viewing at the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, Crystal Mall 2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA. This docket facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The docket telephone number is (703) 305-5805.

      2. Electronic access. You may access this Federal Register document electronically through the EPA Internet under the ``Federal Register'' listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/.A frequently updated

      listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/.A frequently updated

      electronic version of 40 CFR part 180 is available at http:// www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfrhtml_00/Title_40/40cfr180_00.html , a

      www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfrhtml_00/Title_40/40cfr180_00.html, a

      beta site currently under development.

      An electronic version of the public docket is available through EPA's electronic public docket and comment system, EPA Dockets. You may use EPA Dockets at http://www.epa.gov/edocket/ to submit or view public

      use EPA Dockets at http://www.epa.gov/edocket/ to submit or view public

      comments, access the index listing of the contents of the official public docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Although not all docket materials may be available electronically, you may still access any of the publicly available docket materials through the docket facility identified in Unit I.B.1. Once in the system, select ``search,'' then key in the appropriate docket ID number. -

2. Background and Statutory Findings-

   In the Federal Register of November 15, 2002 (67 FR 69217) (FRL- 7280-1), EPA issued a notice pursuant to section 408 of the FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a, as amended by the FQPA (Public Law 104 -170), announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP 2E6515) by Rhodia, Inc., CN 7500, Prospect Plains Rd., Cranbury, NJ 08512-7500. That notice included a summary of the petition prepared by the petitioner. There were no comments received in response to the notice of filing. -

   The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.960 be amended by establishing an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of 1,3 benzene dicarboxylic acid, 5-sulfo-, 1,3-dimethyl ester, sodium salt, polymer with 1,3-benzene dicarboxylic acid, 1,4- benzene dicarboxylic acid, dimethyl 1,4-benzene dicarboxylate and 1,2- ethanediol; CAS Reg. No. 212842-88-1.-

   Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of the FFDCA allows EPA to establish an exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section 408(c)(2)(A)(ii) of the FFDCA defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable information.'' This includes exposure through drinking water and in residential settings, but does not include occupational exposure. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of the FFDCA requires EPA to give special consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide chemical residue in establishing an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance and to ``ensure that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue...'' and specifies factors EPA is to consider in establishing an exemption.

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3. Inert Ingredient Definition -

   Inert ingredients are all ingredients that are not active ingredients as defined in 40 CFR 153.125 and include, but are not limited to, the following types of ingredients (except when they have a pesticidal efficacy of their own): Solvents such as alcohols and hydrocarbons; surfactants such as polyoxyethylene polymers and fatty acids; carriers such as clay and diatomaceous earth; thickeners such as carrageenan and modified cellulose; wetting, spreading, and dispersing agents; propellants in aerosol dispensers; microencapsulating agents; and emulsifiers. The term ``inert'' is not intended to imply nontoxicity; the ingredient may or may not be chemically active. Generally, EPA has exempted inert ingredients from the requirement of a tolerance based on the low toxicity of the individual inert ingredients.

4. Risk Assessment and Statutory Findings-

   EPA establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance only in those cases where it can be clearly demonstrated that the risks from aggregate exposure to pesticide chemical residues under reasonably foreseeable circumstances will pose no appreciable risks to human health. In order to determine the risks from aggregate exposure to pesticide inert ingredients, the Agency considers the toxicity of the inert in conjunction with possible exposure to residues of the inert ingredient through food, drinking water, and through other exposures that occur as a result of pesticide use in residential settings. If EPA is able to determine that a finite tolerance is not necessary to ensure that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the inert ingredient, an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance may be established.

   Consistent with section 408(b)(2)(D) of the FFDCA, EPA has reviewed the available scientific data and other relevant information in support of this action and considered its validity, completeness and reliability and the relationship of this information to human risk. EPA has also considered available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and children. In the case of certain chemical substances that are defined as polymers, the Agency has established a set of criteria to identify categories of polymers that should present minimal or no risk. The definition of a polymer is given in 40 CFR 723.250(b). The following exclusion criteria for identifying these low risk polymers are described in 40 CFR 723.250(d).

   1. The polymer, 1,3 benzene dicarboxylic acid, 5-sulfo-, 1,3- dimethyl ester, sodium salt, polymer with 1,3-benzene dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid, dimethyl 1,4-benzene dicarboxylate and 1,2-ethanediol, is not a cationic polymer nor is it reasonably anticipated to become a cationic polymer in a natural aquatic environment.

   2. The polymer does contain as an integral part of its compostion the atomic elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and sulfur.

   3. The polymer does not contain as an integral part of its composition, except as impurities, any element other than those listed in 40 CFR 723.250(d)(2)(ii).

   4. The polymer is neither designed nor can it be reasonably anticipated to substantially degrade, decompose, or depolymerize.

   5. The polymer is manufactured or imported from monomers and/or reactants that are already included on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory or manufactured under an applicable TSCA section 5 exemption.

   6. The polymer is not a water absorbing polymer with a number average molecular weight (MW) greater than or equal to 10,000 daltons.

      Additionally, the polymer, 1,3 benzene dicarboxylic acid, 5-sulfo-, 1,3-dimethyl ester, sodium salt, polymer with 1,3-benzene dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid, dimethyl 1,4-benzene dicarboxylate and 1,2-ethanediol, also meets, as required, the following exemption criteria specified in 40 CFR 723.250(e).

   7. The polymer's minimum number average molecular weight (NAMW) of 2,580 is greater than 1,000 and less than 10,000 daltons. The polymer contains less than 10% oligomeric material below MW 500 and less than 25% oligomeric material below MW 1,000, and the polymer does not contain any reactive functional groups.

      Thus, 1,3 benzene dicarboxylic acid, 5-sulfo-, 1,3-dimethyl ester, sodium salt, polymer with 1,3-benzene dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid, dimethyl 1,4-benzene dicarboxylate and 1,2- ethanediol meet all the criteria for a polymer to be considered low risk under 40 CFR 723.250. Based on its conformance to the above criteria, no mammalian toxicity is anticipated from dietary, inhalation, or dermal exposure to 1,3 benzene dicarboxylic acid, 5- sulfo-, 1,3-dimethyl ester, sodium salt, polymer with 1,3-benzene dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid, dimethyl 1,4-benzene dicarboxylate and 1,2-ethanediol.

5. Aggregate Exposures

   For the purposes of assessing potential exposure under this exemption, EPA considered that 1,3 benzene dicarboxylic acid, 5-sulfo-, 1,3-dimethyl ester, sodium salt, polymer with 1,3-benzene dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid, dimethyl 1,4-benzene dicarboxylate and 1,2-ethanediol could be present in all raw and processed agricultural commodities and drinking water, and that non-occupational, non-dietary exposure was possible. The minimum NAMW of 1,3 benzene dicarboxylic acid, 5-sulfo-, 1,3-dimethyl ester, sodium salt, polymer with 1,3-benzene dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid, dimethyl 1,4-benzene dicarboxylate and 1,2-ethanediol is 2,580 daltons. Generally, a polymer of this size would be poorly absorbed through the intact gastrointestinal tract or through intact human skin. Since 1,3 benzene dicarboxylic acid, 5-sulfo-, 1,3-dimethyl ester, sodium salt, polymer with 1,3-benzene dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid, dimethyl 1,4-benzene dicarboxylate and 1,2-ethanediol conform to the criteria that identify a low risk polymer, there are no concerns for risks associated with any potential exposure scenarios that are reasonably foreseeable. The Agency has determined that a tolerance is not necessary to protect the public health.

6. Cumulative Effects

   Section 408 (b)(2)(D)(v) of the FFDCA requires that, when considering whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance or tolerance exemption, the Agency consider ``available information'' concerning the cumulative effects of a particular chemical's residues and ``other substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity.'' The Agency has not made any conclusions as to whether or not 1,3 benzene dicarboxylic acid, 5-sulfo-, 1,3-dimethyl ester, sodium salt, polymer with 1,3-benzene dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid, dimethyl 1,4-benzene dicarboxylate and 1,2-ethanediol share a common mechanism of toxicity with any other chemicals. However, 1,3 benzene dicarboxylic acid, 5-sulfo-, 1,3-dimethyl ester, sodium salt, polymer with 1,3-benzene dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid, dimethyl 1,4-benzene dicarboxylate and 1,2-ethanediol conform to the criteria that identify a low risk polymer. Due to the expected lack of toxicity based on the above conformance, the Agency has

   [[Page 10985]]

   determined that a cumulative risk assessment is not necessary.

7. Determination of Safety for U.S. Population

   Based on the conformance to the criteria used to identify a low risk polymer, EPA concludes that there is a reasonable certainty of no harm to the U.S. population from aggregate exposure to residues of 1,3 benzene dicarboxylic acid, 5-sulfo-, 1,3-dimethyl ester, sodium salt, polymer with 1,3-benzene dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid, dimethyl 1,4-benzene dicarboxylate and 1,2-ethanediol.

8. Determination of Safety for Infants and Children

   FFDCA section 408 of the FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply an additional tenfold margin of safety for infants and children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal and postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the data base unless EPA concludes that a different margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. Due to the expected low toxicity of 1,3 benzene dicarboxylic acid, 5-sulfo-, 1,3-dimethyl ester, sodium salt, polymer with 1,3- benzene dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid, dimethyl 1,4- benzene dicarboxylate and 1,2-ethanediol, EPA has not used a safety factor analysis to assess the risk. For the same reasons the additional tenfold safety factor is unnecessary.

9. Other Considerations

   1. Endocrine Disruptors

      There is no available evidence that 1,3 benzene dicarboxylic acid, 5-sulfo-, 1,3-dimethyl ester, sodium salt, polymer with 1,3-benzene dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid, dimethyl 1,4-benzene dicarboxylate and 1,2-ethanediol is an endocrine disruptor.

   2. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

      An analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes since the Agency is establishing an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance without any numerical limitation.

   3. International Tolerances

      The Agency is not aware of any country requiring a tolerance for 1,3 benzene dicarboxylic acid, 5-sulfo-, 1,3-dimethyl ester, sodium salt, polymer with 1,3-benzene dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid, dimethyl 1,4-benzene dicarboxylate and 1,2- ethanediol nor have any CODEX Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) been established for any food crops at this time.

10. Conclusion

    Accordingly, EPA finds that exempting residues of 1,3 benzene dicarboxylic acid, 5-sulfo-, 1,3-dimethyl ester, sodium salt, polymer with 1,3-benzene dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid, dimethyl 1,4-benzene dicarboxylate and 1,2-ethanediol from the requirement of a tolerance will be safe.

11. Objections and Hearing Requests

    Under section 408(g) of the FFDCA, as amended by the FQPA, any person may file an objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a hearing on those objections. The EPA procedural regulations which govern the submission of objections and requests for hearings appear in 40 CFR part 178. Although the procedures in those regulations require some modification to reflect the amendments made to the FFDCA by the FQPA, EPA will continue to use those procedures, with appropriate adjustments, until the necessary modifications can be made. The new section 408(g) of the FFDCA provides essentially the same process for persons to ``object'' to a regulation for an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance issued by EPA under new section 408(d) of the FFDCA, as was provided in the old sections 408 and 409 of the FFDCA. However, the period for filing objections is now 60 days, rather than 30 days.

    1. What Do I Need to Do to File an Objection or Request a Hearing?

       You must file your objection or request a hearing on this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided in this unit and in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify docket ID number -OPP-2003-0037 in the subject line on the first page of your submission. All requests must be in writing, and must be mailed or delivered to the Hearing Clerk on or before May 6, 2003.

       1. Filing the request. Your objection must specify the specific provisions in the regulation that you object to, and the grounds for the objections (40 CFR 178.25). If a hearing is requested, the objections must include a statement of the factual issues(s) on which a hearing is requested, the requestor's contentions on such issues, and a summary of any evidence relied upon by the objector (40 CFR 178.27). Information submitted in connection with an objection or hearing request may be claimed confidential by marking any part or all of that information as CBI. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. A copy of the information that does not contain CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public record. Information not marked confidential may be disclosed publicly by EPA without prior notice.

          Mail your written request to: Office of the Hearing Clerk (1900C), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001. You may also deliver your request to the Office of the Hearing Clerk in Rm. 104, Crystal Mall 2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA. The Office of the Hearing Clerk is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Office of the Hearing Clerk is (703) 603-0061.

       2. Tolerance fee payment. If you file an objection or request a hearing, you must also pay the fee prescribed by 40 CFR 180.33(i) or request a waiver of that fee pursuant to 40 CFR 180.33(m). You must mail the fee to: EPA Headquarters Accounting Operations Branch, Office of Pesticide Programs, P.O. Box 360277M, Pittsburgh, PA 15251. Please identify the fee submission by labeling it ``Tolerance Petition Fees.''

          EPA is authorized to waive any fee requirement ``when in the judgement of the Administrator such a waiver or refund is equitable and not contrary to the purpose of this subsection.'' For additional information regarding the waiver of these fees, you may contact James Tompkins by phone at (703) 305-5697, by e-mail at tompkins.jim@epa.gov,

          or by mailing a request for information to Mr. Tompkins at Registration Division (7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460- 0001.

          If you would like to request a waiver of the tolerance objection fees, you must mail your request for such a waiver to: James Hollins, Information Resources and Services Division (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001.

       3. Copies for the Docket. In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the Hearing Clerk as described in Unit XI.A., you should also send a copy of your request to the PIRIB for its inclusion in the official record that is described in Unit I.B.1. Mail your copies, identified by docket ID number-OPP-2003-0037, to: Public Information and Records Integrity Branch, Information Resources and Services Division (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.,

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          Washington, DC 20460-0001. In person or by courier, bring a copy to the location of the PIRIB described in Unit I.B.1. You may also send an electronic copy of your request via e-mail to: opp-docket@epa.gov.

          Please use an ASCII file format and avoid the use of special characters and any form of encryption. Copies of electronic objections and hearing requests will also be accepted on disks in WordPerfect 6.1/8.0 or ASCII file format. Do not include any CBI in your electronic copy. You may also submit an electronic copy of your request at many Federal Depository Libraries.

    2. When Will the Agency Grant a Request for a Hearing?---

       A request for a hearing will be granted if the Administrator determines that the material submitted shows the following: There is a genuine and substantial issue of fact; there is a reasonable possibility that available evidence identified by the requestor would, if established, resolve one or more of such issues in favor of the requestor, taking into account uncontested claims or facts to the contrary; and resolution of the factual issues(s) in the manner sought by the requestor would be adequate to justify the action requested (40 CFR 178.32).

12. Statutory and Executive Order Review

    This final rule establishes an exemption from the tolerance requirement under section 408(d) of the FFDCA in response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from review under Executive Order 12866, entitled Regulatory Planning and Review (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this rule has been exempted from review under Executive Order 12866 due to its lack of significance, this rule is not subject to Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001). This final rule does not contain any information collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., or impose any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (Public Law 104-4). Nor does it require any special considerations under Executive Order 12898, entitled Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994); or OMB review or any Agency action under Executive Order 13045, entitled Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). This action does not involve any technical standards that would require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note). Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis of a petition under section 408(d) of the FFDCA, such as the exemption in this final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) do not apply. In addition, the Agency has determined that this action will not have a substantial direct effect on 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, entitled Federalism (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999). Executive Order 13132 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 final rule directly regulates growers, food processors, food handlers and food retailers, not States. This action does not alter the relationships or distribution of power and responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions of section 408(n)(4) of the FFDCA. For these same reasons, the Agency has determined that this rule does not have any ``tribal implications'' as described in Executive Order 13175, entitled Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (65 FR 67249, November 6, 2000). Executive Order 13175, requires EPA to develop an accountable process to ensure ``meaningful and timely input by tribal officials in the development of regulatory policies that have tribal implications.'' ``Policies that have tribal implications'' is defined in the Executive order to include regulations that have ``substantial direct effects on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and the Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.'' This rule will not have substantial direct effects on tribal governments, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, as specified in Executive Order 13175. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this rule.

13. 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 the 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 this rule in the Federal Register. This rule is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

    -Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: January 30, 2003. Debra Edwards, Acting Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.-

    Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:

    PART 180--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows:-

       Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346(a) and 371.-

    2. In Sec. 180.960 the table is amended by adding alphabetically the following inert ingredient to read as follows:-

       Sec. 180.960 Polymers; exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance.

       * * * * *

       [[Page 10987]]

       Polymers

       CAS No.

       * * * * * 1,3 Benzene dicarboxylic acid, 5-sulfo-, 1,3-

       212842-88-1 dimethyl ester, sodium salt, polymer with 1,3- benzene dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid, dimethyl 1,4-benzene dicarboxylate and 1,2- ethanediol, minimum number average molecular weight (in amu), 2,580 * * * * *

       [FR Doc. 03-5479 Filed 3-6-03; 8:45 am]

       BILLING CODE 6560-50-S