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. To determine whether you or your business may be affected by this action, you should carefully examine the applicability provisions in section 5 of Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the regulations promulgated to carry out that provision of FIFRA (40 CFR part 172). If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

B. How Can I Access Electronic Copies of this Document?

In addition to accessing an electronic copy of this Federal Register document through the electronic docket at http:// www.regulations.gov, you may access this ``Federal Register'' document electronically through the EPA Internet under the ``Federal Register'' listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr. You may also access a frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR part 180 through the Government Printing Office's pilot eCFR site at http:// www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr.

C. Can I File an Objection or Hearing Request?

Under section 408(g) of FFDCA, as amended by 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. You must file your objection or request a hearing on this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify docket ID number EPAHQOPP20080092 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 27, 2008.

In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please submit a copy of the filing that does not contain any CBI for inclusion in the public docket that is described in ADDRESSES. Information not marked confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA without prior notice. Submit your copies, identified by docket ID number EPAHQOPP20080092, by one of the following methods.

II. Background and Statutory Findings

In the Federal Register of April 30, 2007 (72 FR 21263) (FRL8124 7), EPA issued a notice pursuant to section 408(d)(3) of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide tolerance petition (PP 7G7202) by Valent Biosciences Corporation, 870 Technology Way, Libertyville, IL 60048. The petition requested that 40 CFR part 180 be amended by establishing a temporary exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of SAbscisic Acid, (S)5(1 hydroxy2,6,6trimethyl4oxo1cyclohex2enyl)3methylpenta
(2Z,4E)dienoic Acid in or on grapes when used in accordance with the terms set forth in Experimental Use Permit 73049EUP4. Valent has requested an Experimental Use Permit (EUP)EPA Experimental Use Permit Number 73049EUP4, under which it seeks to apply ABA to grapes in the vineyard to enhance color production of the grape berries. The terms of 73049EUP4 provide for a maximum rate of 8.8185 oz. per acre for a maximum annual application of 10.681 oz. per acre. This notice included a summary of the petition prepared by the petitioner, Valent BioSciences Corporation. There were no comments received in response to the notice of filing.

Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of 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 exemption is ``safe.'' Section 408(c)(2)(A)(ii) of 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. Pursuant to section 408(c)(2)(B) of FFDCA, in establishing or maintaining in effect an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance, EPA must take into account the factors set forth in section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA, which require EPA to give special consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide chemical residue in establishing 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....'' Additionally, section 408(b)(2)(D) of FFDCA requires that the Agency consider ``available information concerning the cumulative effects of a particular pesticide's residues'' and ``other substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity.''

EPA performs a number of analyses to determine the risks from aggregate exposure to pesticide residues. First, EPA determines the toxicity of pesticides. Second, EPA examines exposure to the pesticide through food, drinking water, and through other exposures that occur as a result of pesticide use in residential settings.

III. Toxicological Profile

Consistent with section 408(b)(2)(D) of 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.

Acute toxicity for SAbscisic Acid, (S)5(1hydroxy2,6,6 trimethyl4oxo1cyclohex2enyl)3methylpenta(2Z,4E)dienoic Acid (commonly abbreviated as ABA): Acute oral toxicity, acute dermal toxicity, acute inhalation toxicity, and acute dermal irritation are all Toxicity Category IV;
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acute eye irritation is Toxicity Category III; ABA is not a dermal sensitizer.

The LD50 for acute oral toxicity using the rat was greater than 5,000 milligrams/kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight in female rats. The LD50 for acute dermal toxicity using the rat was greater than 5,000 mg/kg body weight in male and female rats. The LC50 for acute inhalation toxicity was greater than 2.06 milligram/liter (mg/L) in male and female rats. Primary eye irritation, tested in rabbits, showed mild irritation to the eye. Iritis and conjunctivitis cleared after 24 hours. Primary skin irritation, tested in the rabbit, showed this material to be slightly irritating. This irritation cleared within 24 hours after treatment. ABA was tested for Sensitization in the Guinea Pig and found not to be a skin sensitizer.

1. Genotoxicity. Three mutagenicity studies determined that ABA was not mutagenic. (The three studies: an Ames test, a mouse micronucleus assay, and an unscheduled DNA synthesis assay in the rat.)

2. Developmental toxicity and subchronic toxicity. The Agency accepted the applicant's request to waive the data requirements for teratogenicity and 90day feeding for the active ingredient based on the rationales, data and public information submitted. The Agency granted a waiver for teratogenicity on the basis of limited exposure for females because of directed applications, a lack of residues, and the preexisting ubiquity of ABA in our diet without issue. Ninety day feeding was waived based on the limited application, virtual non toxicity of oral exposure to ABA, and the commonality of ABA in our diets in excess of what would be present on treated grapes. Waiver requests for 90day feeding emphasized the lack of potential oral exposure, and the relative nontoxicity of ABA through this route of exposure. In short, developmental toxicity and subchronic toxicity are not considered to be of concern.

IV. Aggregate Exposures

In examining aggregate exposure, section 408 of FFDCA directs EPA to consider available information concerning exposures from the pesticide residue in food and all other nonoccupational exposures, including drinking water from ground water or surface water and exposure through pesticide use in gardens, lawns, or buildings (residential and other indoor uses).

A. Dietary Exposure

ABA is a plant regulator present in all vascular plants, algae and some fungi. It is naturally present in fruits and vegetables at various levels, generally not in excess of 10 ppm, and has always been a component of any diet containing plant materials. The proposed uses of this product are not expected to result in residues in or on grapes, above the natural background levels typically found in other commonly consumed fruits or vegetables.

1. Food. Residues of ABA applied to grapes can be expected to rapidly dissipate to levels consistent with those observed naturally. Data submitted by the registrant confirm ABA's dissipation through rapid metabolism, photoisomerization, and rapid degradation. Because of its ability to dissipate rapidly, ABA, when used in accordance with the terms of the EUP 73049EUP4, is not expected to result in residues in or on grapes, above the natural background levels typically found in other commonly consumed fruits or vegetables. As mentioned above, it is noted that ABA is already commonly consumed. It is naturally present in fruits and vegetables at various levels (up to 10 ppm) and has always been a component of any diet containing plant materials.

2. Drinking water exposure. Pursuant to the terms of the EUP 73049 EUP4, applications are expected to be made to grape vineyards using a maximum application rate of 200 ppm per acre (using a maximum of 200 gallons). Due to the low concentration and volume of application solution, leaching into groundwater is unlikely. Applications are directed to the grape fruit clusters; therefore, accidental application to lakes or steams is unlikely. However, even if ABA leached into groundwater, data show that ABA is rapidly metabolized and photo isomerized, further diminishing the likelihood of any extranormal ABA residues being transferred to water. Data submitted to the Agency show ABA is also naturally present in water. The Agency therefore concludes that any residues resulting from the application of ABA to grapes are not expected to result in any significant drinking water exposure beyond natural background levels of ABA already present in water. B. Other NonOccupational Exposure

Potential nonoccupational exposure is considered unlikely for this distinctly agricultural use.

1. Dermal exposure. Nonoccupational dermal exposures to ABA when used as a pesticide are expected to be negligible because it is limited to an agricultural use.

2. Inhalation exposure. Nonoccupational inhalation exposures to ABA when used as a pesticide are expected to be negligible because it is limited to an agricultural use.

V. Cumulative Effects

Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA requires the Agency, when considering whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, to consider ``available information'' concerning the cumulative effects of pesticide residues and ``other substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity.'' These considerations include the cumulative effects of such residues on infants and children. Because there is no indication of mammalian toxicity from ABA, the Agency concludes that ABA cannot share a common mechanism of toxicity with other substances. Therefore, section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) does not apply.
VI. Determination of Safety for U.S. Population, Infants and Children

1. U.S. population. The Agency has determined that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to residues of ABA to the U.S. population. This includes all anticipated dietary exposures and other non occupational exposures for which there is reliable information. The Agency arrived at this conclusion based on the relatively low levels of mammalian dietary toxicity associated with ABA, the natural ubiquity of ABA in our food stuffs, and data indicating that the pesticidal use of ABA on grapes results in residues that approximate natural background levels. For these reasons, the Agency has determined that ABA residues on grapes will be safe, i.e., there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to residues of ABA when used in accordance with the terms of EUP 73049EUP4.

2. Infants and children. FFDCA section 408 provides that EPA shall apply an additional tenfold margin of exposure (safety) for infants and children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal and postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database unless the EPA determines that a different margin of exposure (safety) will be safe for infants and children. Based on all the reliable available information the Agency reviewed on ABA, the Agency concludes that there are no residual uncertainties for prenatal/postnatal toxicity resulting from ABA and that ABA has relatively low toxicity to mammals from a dietary standpoint, including infants and children. Accordingly, there are no threshold effects of concern and an
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additional margin of safety is not necessary to protect infants and children.
VII. Other Considerations

A. Endocrine Disruptors

Based on available data, no endocrine systemrelated effects have been identified with the consumption of SAbscisic Acid, (S)5(1 hydroxy2,6,6trimethyl4oxo1cyclohex2enyl)3methylpenta
(2Z,4E)dienoic Acid.

B. Analytical Method(s)

Through this action, the Agency proposes a temporary exemption from the requirement of a tolerance of ABA when used on grapes without any numerical limitations for residues. It has determined that residues resulting from the pesticidal uses of SAbscisic Acid, (S)5(1 hydroxy2,6,6trimethyl4oxo1cyclohex2enyl)3methylpenta
(2Z,4E)dienoic Acid, would be so low as to be indistinguishable from natural background levels. As a result, the Agency has concluded that an analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes for this proposed use of ABA.

C. Codex Maximum Residue Level

There are no codex maximum residue levels established for residues of SAbscisic Acid, (S)5(1hydroxy2,6,6trimethyl4oxo1cyclohex 2enyl)3methylpenta(2Z,4E)dienoic Acid.

VIII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

This final rule establishes a tolerance under section 408(d) of 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, 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) or Executive Order 13045, entitled Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). 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., nor does it require any special considerations under Executive Order 12898, entitled Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and LowIncome Populations (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).

Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis of a petition under section 408(d) of FFDCA, such as the tolerance 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.

This final rule directly regulates growers, food processors, food handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this action alter the relationships or distribution of power and responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions of section 408(n)(4) of FFDCA. As such, the Agency has determined that this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or tribal governments, on the relationship between the national government and the States or tribal governments, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government or between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined that Executive Order 13132, entitled Federalism (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999) and Executive Order 13175, entitled Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply to this rule. In addition, This rule does not 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 1044).

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 104113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).

IX. Congressional Review Act

The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., generally provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating the rule must submit a rule report 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 final rule in the Federal Register. This final 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: March 20, 2008.
Debra Edwards,
Director, Office of Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:
PART 180AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. Section 180.1281 is added to subpart D to read as follows: Sec. 180.1281 SAbscisic Acid; exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.

SAbscisic Acid, (S)5(1hydroxy2,6,6trimethyl4oxo1cyclohex 2enyl)3methylpenta(2Z,4E)dienoic Acid, is temporarily exempt from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a plant regulator in or on grape in accordance with the Experimental Use Permit 73049EUP4. This temporary exemption from tolerance will expire October 1, 2010. [FR Doc. E86404 Filed 32708; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 656050S

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Chris Pfeifer, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division (7511P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 204600001; telephone number: 7033080031; email address: pfeifer.chris@epa.gov.