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EPA/AR RIN: 2060-AO17 Publication ID: Spring 2009 
Title: Air Quality: Revision to Definition of Volatile Organic Compounds--Exclusion of Family of Four Hydrofluoropolyethers (HFPEs) and HFE-347pc-f 
Abstract: Under section 302(s) of the Clean Air Act and 40 CFR 51.100(s), the EPA regulates volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as precursors to ozone formation. While all VOCs have the ability to react in the atmosphere to form ozone, some VOCs react at such a slow rate their contribution to ground-level ozone is negligible. Through regulation, the Agency can exempt negligibly reactive compounds from the definition of VOC. VOCs that are exempted from the CAA definition are no longer part of the controls included in State Implementation Plans for attaining the EPA ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard. In 2005 and 2007, the EPA received petitions to exclude this family of HFPEs and also HFE-347pc-f respectively from the list of VOCs on the basis that, as a precursor, these compounds make a negligible contribution to the formation of tropospheric ozone. These compounds have the potential for use as refrigerants because they are not stratospheric ozone depleters. This is a proposal action by the Agency on the petitions received. 
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 51.100(s)   
Legal Authority: CAA 301   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  11/00/2009    
Final Action  10/00/2010    
Additional Information: SAN No. 5131
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Dave Sanders
Environmental Protection Agency
Air and Radiation
C539-01,
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Phone:919 541-3356
Fax:919 541-0824
Email: sanders.dave@epa.gov

William L. Johnson
Environmental Protection Agency
Air and Radiation
C539-01,
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Phone:919 541-5245
Fax:919 541-0824
Email: johnson.williaml@epamail.epa.gov