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EPA/OEI RIN: 2025-AA02 Publication ID: Spring 2009 
Title: Public Information and Confidentiality Regulations 
Abstract: EPA regulations at 40 CFR part 2, subpart B, provide procedures for handling and disclosing information claimed as confidential business information (CBI). Although the current regulations have succeeded in protecting CBI, changes in Agency workload, practice, and statutory authority have made it difficult to handle CBI activities as expeditiously as desired. EPA is examining its CBI regulations to determine whether changes are needed to make them more efficient and effective. Provision 40 CFR 2.205(c), which automatically protects CBI substantiations claimed as confidential, is being examined individually and as part of the CBI regulations as a whole. EPA undertook this rulemaking in conjunction with a court action whereby the plaintiff challenged EPA's confidentiality regulations. Litigation was stayed while EPA proposed this rule. This rulemaking was entered into the system subject to possible withdrawal or amendment pending the Court's determination. The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia determined that the Agency’s determination that the substantiation was entitled to confidential treatment was based on Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act and not on 2.205. Pursuant to OGC's determination, this rule may be withdrawn in accordance with the Court's holding. 
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Completed Actions 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 2    40 CFR 57    40 CFR 122    40 CFR 123    40 CFR 145    40 CFR 233    40 CFR 260    40 CFR 270    40 CFR 271    40 CFR 281    40 CFR 350    40 CFR 403    40 CFR 85    40 CFR 86   
Legal Authority: 15 USC 2005    15 USC 2601 et seq    21 USC 346    33 USC 1251 et seq    33 USC 1414    42 USC 11001 et seq    42 USC 300(f) et seq    42 USC 4912    42 USC 6901 et seq    42 USC 7401 et seq    42 USC 9601 et seq    5 USC 552    7 USC 136 et seq   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM 1  11/23/1994  59 FR 60446   
NPRM 2  10/25/1999  64 FR 57421   
NPRM 3  12/21/1999  64 FR 71366   
NPRM 4  08/30/2000  65 FR 52684   
ANPRM  12/21/2000  65 FR 80394   
Withdrawn  02/26/2009    
Additional Information: SAN No. 3240;
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: Federal 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Sara Hisel-McCoy
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Environmental Information
2822-T,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 566-1649
Fax:202 566-1639
Email: Hisel-Mccoy.Sara@epamail.epa.gov

Joe Sierra
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Environmental Information
2822-T,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 566-1683
Fax:202 566-1639
Email: Sierra.Joe@epamail.epa.gov