Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

AGENCY:

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

ACTION:

Semiannual regulatory agenda.

SUMMARY:

In this document, the Commission publishes its semiannual regulatory flexibility agenda. In addition, this document includes an agenda of regulatory actions that the Commission expects to be under development or review by the agency during the next year. This document meets the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 12866. The Commission welcomes comments on the agenda and on the individual agenda entries.

DATES:

Comments should be received in the Office of the Secretary on or before September 25, 2017.

ADDRESSES:

Comments on the regulatory flexibility agenda should be captioned, “Regulatory Flexibility Agenda,” and submitted by email to cpsc-os@cpsc.gov. Comments may also be mailed or delivered to the Office of the Secretary, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Room 820, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814-4408.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For further information on the agenda in general, contact Charu Krishnan, Directorate for Economic Analysis, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814-4408; ckrishnan@cpsc.gov. For further information regarding a particular item on the agenda, consult the individual listed in the column headed “Contact” for that particular item.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 to 612) contains several provisions intended to reduce unnecessary and disproportionate regulatory requirements on small businesses, small governmental organizations, and other small entities. Section 602 of the RFA (5 U.S.C. 602) requires each agency to publish, twice each year, a regulatory flexibility agenda containing a brief description of the subject area of any rule expected to be proposed or promulgated, which is likely to have a “significant economic impact” on a “substantial number” of small entities. The agency must also provide a summary of the nature of the rule and a schedule for acting on each rule for which the agency has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking.

The regulatory flexibility agenda also is required to contain the name and address of the agency official knowledgeable about the items listed. Furthermore, agencies are required to provide notice of their agendas to small entities and to solicit their comments by direct notification or by inclusion in publications likely to be obtained by such entities.

Additionally, Executive Order 12866 requires each agency to publish, twice each year, a regulatory agenda of regulations under development or review during the next year, and the executive order states that such an agenda may be combined with the agenda published in accordance with the RFA. The regulatory flexibility agenda lists the regulatory activities expected to be under development or review during the next 12 months. It includes all such activities, whether or not they may have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This agenda also includes regulatory activities that appeared in the fall 2016 agenda and have been completed by the Commission prior to publication of this agenda. Although CPSC, as an independent regulatory agency, is not required to comply with Executive Orders, the Commission does follow Executive Order 12866 with respect to the publication of its regulatory agenda.

The agenda contains a brief description and summary of each regulatory activity, including the objectives and legal basis for each; an approximate schedule of target dates, subject to revision, for the development or completion of each activity; and the name and telephone number of a knowledgeable agency official concerning particular items on the agenda.

The Internet is the basic means through which the Unified Agenda is disseminated. The complete Unified Agenda will be available online at: www.reginfo.gov,, in a format that offers users the ability to obtain information from the Agenda database.

Because publication in the Federal Register is mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), the Commission's printed agenda entries include only:

(1) Rules that are in the agency's regulatory flexibility agenda, in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act because they are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; and

(2) Rules that the agency has identified for periodic review under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Printing of these entries is limited to fields that contain information required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act's agenda requirements. Additional information on these entries is available in the Unified Agenda published on the Internet.

The agenda reflects an assessment of the likelihood that the specified event will occur during the next year; the precise dates for each rulemaking are uncertain. New information, changes of circumstances, or changes in law may alter anticipated timing. In addition, no final determination by staff or the Commission regarding the need for, or the substance of, any rule or regulation should be inferred from this agenda.

CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC)

Proposed Rule Stage

269. Regulatory Options for Table Saws

Legal Authority: 5 U.S.C. 553(e); 15 U.S.C. 2051

Abstract: On July 11, 2006, the Commission voted to grant a petition requesting that the Commission issue a rule prescribing performance standards for a system to reduce or prevent injuries from contacting the blade of a table saw. The Commission also directed CPSC staff to prepare an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) initiating a rulemaking proceeding under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) to: (1) Identify the risk of injury associated with table saw blade-contact injuries; (2) summarize regulatory alternatives, and (3) invite comments from the public. An ANPRM was published on October 11, 2011. The comment period ended on February 10, 2012. Staff participated in the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) working group development of performance requirements for table saws, conducted performance tests on sample table saws, conducted survey work on blade guard use, and evaluated comments to the ANPRM. Staff prepared a briefing package with a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) and submitted the package to the Commission on January 17, 2017. The Commission voted to publish the NPRM and the comment period for the NPRM is closing on July 26, 2017.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Caroleene Paul, Project Manager, Directorate for Engineering Sciences, Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Product Testing and Evaluation Center, 5 Research Place, Rockville, MD 20850, Phone: 301 987-2225, Email: cpaul@cpsc.gov.

RIN: 3041-AC31

CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC)

Final Rule Stage

270. Determinations Regarding Third Party Testing of Phthalates in Four Specified Plastics

Legal Authority: Sec 3, Pub. L. 110-314, 122 Stat. 3016; 15 U.S.C. 2063(d)(3)(B)

Abstract: Section 14(i)(3) of the Consumer Product Safety Act requires the Commission to seek opportunities to reduce the cost of third party testing requirements consistent with assuring compliance with any applicable children's product safety rule. Staff prepared for Commission consideration a briefing package with a draft notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) regarding third party testing of phthalates in four specified plastics. The Commission approved the NPRM on August 9, 2016. After reviewing submitted comments, staff will prepare a final rule briefing package for Commission consideration.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Randy Butturini, Project Manager, Office of Hazard Identification and Reduction, Consumer Product Safety Commission, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814, Phone: 301 504-7562, Email: rbutturini@cpsc.gov.

RIN: 3041-AD59

CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC)

Long-Term Actions

271. Flammability Standard for Upholstered Furniture

Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1193; 5 U.S.C. 801

Abstract: In October 2003, the Commission issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to address the risk of fire associated with cigarette and small open-flame ignitions of upholstered furniture. The Commission published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in March 2008, and received public comments. The Commission's proposed rule would require that upholstered furniture have cigarette-resistant fabrics or cigarette-and open flame-resistant barriers. The proposed rule would not require flame-resistant chemicals in fabrics or fillings. Since the Commission published the NPRM, CPSC staff has conducted testing of upholstered furniture, using both full-scale furniture and bench-scale models, as proposed in the NPRM. In FY 2016, staff was directed to prepare a briefing package summarizing the feasibility of adopting California's Technical Bulletin 117-2013 (TB 117-2013) as a mandatory standard. Currently, staff is working with voluntary standards organizations, both ASTM and NFPA, and the California Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation (BEARHFTI) to evaluate new provisions and improve the existing consensus standards related to upholstered furniture flammability. Staff intends to prepare a package with options for Commission consideration that includes terminating rulemaking and pursuing alternative approaches to address the hazard.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Andrew Lock, Project Manager, Directorate for Laboratory Sciences, Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Product Testing and Evaluation Center, 5 Research Place, Rockville, MD 20850, Phone: 301 987-2099, Email: alock@cpsc.gov.

RIN: 3041-AB35

272. Portable Generators

Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2051

Abstract: On December 5, 2006, the Commission voted to issue an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) concerning portable generators. The ANPRM discusses regulatory options that could reduce deaths and injuries related to portable generators, particularly those involving carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The ANPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 12, 2006. Staff reviewed public comments and conducted technical activities. In FY 2006, staff awarded a contract to develop a prototype generator engine with reduced CO in the exhaust. Also in FY 2006, staff entered into an interagency agreement (IAG) with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to conduct tests with a generator, in both off-the-shelf and prototype configurations, operating in the garage attached to NIST's test house. NIST's test house, a double-wide manufactured home, is designed for conducting residential indoor air quality (IAQ) studies, and the scenarios tested are typical of those involving consumer fatalities. These tests provide empirical data on CO accumulation in the garage and infiltration into the house; staff used these data to evaluate the efficacy of the prototype in reducing the risk of fatal or severe CO poisoning. Under this IAG, NIST also modeled the CO infiltration from the garage under a variety of other conditions, including different ambient conditions and longer generator run times. In FY 2009, staff entered into a second IAG with NIST with the goal of developing CO emission performance requirements for a possible proposed regulation that would be based on health effects criteria. In 2011, staff prepared a package containing staff and contractor reports on the technology demonstration of the low CO emission prototype portable generator. This included, among other staff reports, a summary of the prototype development and durability results, as well as end-of-life emission test results performed on it by an independent emissions laboratory. Staff's assessment of the ability of the prototype to reduce the CO poisoning hazard was also included. In September 2012, staff released this package and solicited comments from stakeholders. In October 2016, staff delivered a briefing package with a draft notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to the Commission. In November 2016, the Commission voted to approve the NPRM. The notice was published in the Federal Register on November 21, 2016, with a comment period deadline of February 6, 2017. In December 2016, the Commission voted to extend the comment period until April 24, 2017 in response to a request to extend the comment period an additional 75 days. The Commission held a public hearing on March 8, 2017 to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to present oral comments on the NPRM. Staff will review the comments on the NPRM and begin to prepare a final rule briefing package for Commission consideration.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Janet L. Buyer, Project Manager, Directorate for Engineering Sciences, Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Product Testing and Evaluation Center, 5 Research Place, Rockville, MD 20850, Phone: 301 987-2293, Email: jbuyer@cpsc.gov.

RIN: 3041-AC36

273. Recreational Off-Road Vehicles

Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2056; 15 U.S.C. 2058

Abstract: The Commission is considering whether recreational off-road vehicles (ROVs) present an unreasonable risk of injury that should be regulated. ROVs are motorized vehicles having four or more low-pressure tires designed for off-road use and intended by the manufacturer primarily for recreational use by one or more persons. The salient characteristics of an ROV include a steering wheel for steering control, foot controls for throttle and braking, bench or bucket seats, a roll-over protective structure, and a maximum speed greater than 30 mph. On October 21, 2009, the Commission voted to publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) in the Federal Register. The ANPRM was published in the Federal Register on October 28, 2009, and the comment period ended December 28, 2009. The Commission received two letters requesting an extension of the comment period. The Commission extended the comment period until March 15, 2010. Staff conducted testing and evaluation programs to develop performance requirements addressing vehicle stability, vehicle handling, and occupant protection. On October 29, 2014, the Commission voted to publish an NPRM proposing standards addressing vehicle stability, vehicle handling, and occupant protection. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on November 19, 2014. On January 23, 2015, the Commission published a notice of extension of the comment period for the NPRM, extending the comment period to April 8, 2015. The Omnibus Appropriations Bill provides that during fiscal year 2016, none of the amounts made available by the Appropriations Bill may be used to finalize or implement the Safety Standard for Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles published by the CPSC in the Federal Register on November 19, 2014 (79 FR 68964) (ROV NPRM) until after the National Academy of Sciences completes a study to determine specific information as set forth in the Appropriations Bill. Staff ceased work on a Final Rule briefing package in FY 15 and instead engaged the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) and Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) in the development of voluntary standards for ROVs. Staff conducted dynamic and static tests on ROVs, shared test results with ROHVA and OPEI, and participated in the development of revised voluntary standards to address staff's concerns with vehicle stability, vehicle handling, and occupant protection. The voluntary standards for ROVs were revised and published in 2016 (ANSI/ROHVA 1-2016 and ANSI/OPEI B71.9-2016). Staff assessed the new voluntary standard requirements and prepared a termination of rulemaking briefing package that was submitted to the Commission on November 22, 2016. The Commission voted not to terminate the rulemaking associated with ROVs.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Caroleene Paul, Project Manager, Directorate for Engineering Sciences, Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Product Testing and Evaluation Center, 5 Research Place, Rockville, MD 20850, Phone: 301 987-2225, Email: cpaul@cpsc.gov.

RIN: 3041-AC78

CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC)

Completed Actions

274. Standard for Sling Carriers

Legal Authority: Pub. L. 110-314, sec. 104

Abstract: Section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) requires the Commission to issue consumer product safety standards for durable infant or toddler products. The Commission is directed to assess the effectiveness of applicable voluntary standards, and in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, promulgate consumer product safety standards that are substantially the same as the voluntary standard, or more stringent than the voluntary standard if the Commission determines that more stringent standards would further reduce the risk of injury associated with the product. The CPSIA requires that not later than August 14, 2009, the Commission begin rulemaking for at least two categories of durable infant or toddler products and promulgate two such standards every six months thereafter. The Commission proposed a consumer product safety standard for infant sling carriers as part of this series of standards for durable infant and toddler products. On June 13, 2014, staff sent an NPRM briefing package to the Commission. The Commission voted to approve publication of the NPRM in the Federal Register. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on July 23, 2014. Following review of the comments, staff prepared a Final Rule briefing package for the Commission's consideration. On January 11, 2017, the Commission voted to publish a Final Rule. The Final Rule was published in the Federal Register on January 30, 2017 (82 FR 8671).

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Alice Thaler, Project Manager, Directorate for Engineering Sciences, Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Product Testing and Evaluation Center, 5 Research Place, Rockville, MD 20850, Phone: 301 987-2240, Email: athaler@cpsc.gov.

RIN: 3041-AD28

275. Standard for Infant Bath Tubs

Legal Authority: Pub. L. 110-314 sec. 104

Abstract: Section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) requires the Commission to issue consumer product safety standards for durable infant or toddler products. The Commission is directed to assess the effectiveness of applicable voluntary standards and, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, promulgate consumer product safety standards that are substantially the same as the voluntary standard or more stringent than the voluntary standard if the Commission determines that more stringent standards would further reduce the risk of injury associated with the product. The CPSIA requires that not later than August 14, 2009, the Commission begin rulemaking for at least two categories of durable infant or toddler products and promulgate two such standards every 6 months thereafter. The Commission proposed a consumer product safety standard for infant baths as part of this series of standards for durable infant and toddler products. Staff submitted an NPRM briefing package for Commission consideration on July 31, 2015. The Commission approved publication of the draft NPRM in the Federal Register, and the NPRM was published on August 14, 2015. Staff submitted a Final Rule briefing package to the Commission on March 15, 2017 for consideration. On March 24, 2017, the Commission voted to approve publication of the final rule. The Final Rule was published on March 30, 2017, and becomes effective on October 2, 2017.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Celestine Kish, Project Manager, Directorate for Engineering Sciences, Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Product Testing and Evaluation Center, 5 Research Place, Rockville, MD 20850, Phone: 301 987-2547, Email: ckish@cpsc.gov.

RIN: 3041-AD37

276. Rule Review of: Standard for the Flammability (Open Flame) of Mattress Sets (Completion of a Section 610 Review)

Legal Authority: 5 U.S.C. 1193, Flammable Fabrics Act; 5 U.S.C. 610, Regulatory Flexibility Act

Abstract: The Commission published the Standard for the Flammability (Open Flame) of Mattress Sets in March 2006. The Standard sets open flame performance measures on all mattress sets entered into commerce on or after the effective date in July 2007. The purpose of the rule review is to assess the impact of the rule on small entities and to determine whether the rule should be continued without change, or should be amended or rescinded to make the rule more effective or less burdensome while still maintaining safety objectives. CPSC staff solicited comments on the rule through a Federal Register Notice. Staff also conducted economic and fire loss data analyses to review the impact and effectiveness of the rule. Staff submitted a briefing package to the Commission on November 9, 2016. A Notice of Availability of the rule review was published in the Federal Register on December 19, 2016.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No.

Agency Contact: Lisa Scott, Project Manager, Directorate for Laboratory Sciences, Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Product Testing and Evaluation Center, 5 Research Place, Rockville, MD 20850, Phone: 301 987-2064, Email: lscott@cpsc.gov.

RIN: 3041-AD47