80_FR_30115 80 FR 30015 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Delaware; Nonattainment New Source Review; Emission Offset Provisions

80 FR 30015 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Delaware; Nonattainment New Source Review; Emission Offset Provisions

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 100 (May 26, 2015)

Page Range30015-30019
FR Document2015-12487

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to disapprove a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) for the State of Delaware on October 15, 2013. EPA is proposing this action because the submittal does not satisfy the requirements of Clean Air Act (CAA) or the Federal implementing regulations, which establish the criteria under which the owner or operator of a new or modified major stationary source must obtain the required emission offsets ``from the same source or other sources in the same nonattainment area'' with limited exceptions, for Delaware's nonattainment New Source Review (NSR) preconstruction permitting program. In addition, EPA is proposing disapproval of the SIP revision because Delaware exercises authorities that are reserved for EPA under section 107 of the CAA. This action is being taken under the CAA.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 100 (Tuesday, May 26, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 100 (Tuesday, May 26, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 30015-30019]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-12487]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R03-OAR-2013-0816; FRL-9928-23-Region 3]


Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; 
Delaware; Nonattainment New Source Review; Emission Offset Provisions

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to 
disapprove a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the 
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control 
(DNREC) for the State of Delaware on October 15, 2013. EPA is proposing 
this action because the submittal does not satisfy the requirements of 
Clean Air Act (CAA) or the Federal implementing regulations, which 
establish the criteria under which the owner or operator of a new or 
modified major stationary source must obtain the required emission 
offsets ``from the same source or other sources in the same 
nonattainment area'' with limited exceptions, for Delaware's 
nonattainment New Source Review (NSR) preconstruction permitting 
program. In addition, EPA is proposing disapproval of the SIP revision 
because Delaware exercises authorities that are reserved for EPA under 
section 107 of the CAA. This action is being taken under the CAA.

[[Page 30016]]


DATES: Written comments must be received on or before June 25, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID Number EPA-
R03-OAR-2013-0816 by one of the following methods:
    A. www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for 
submitting comments.
    B. Email: [email protected].
    C. Mail: EPA-R03-OAR-2013-0816, David Campbell, Associate Director, 
Office of Permits and Air Toxics, 3AP10, U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency, Region III, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.
    D. Hand Delivery: At the previously-listed EPA Region III address. 
Such deliveries are only accepted during the Docket's normal hours of 
operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of 
boxed information.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-R03-OAR-
2013-0816. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included 
in the public docket without change, and may be made available online 
at www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, 
unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential 
Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is 
restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to 
be CBI or otherwise protected through www.regulations.gov or email. The 
www.regulations.gov Web site is an ``anonymous access'' system, which 
means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you 
provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an email comment 
directly to EPA without going through www.regulations.gov, your email 
address will be automatically captured and included as part of the 
comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the 
Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you 
include your name and other contact information in the body of your 
comment and with any disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your 
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for 
clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic 
files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of 
encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses.
    Docket: All documents in the electronic docket are listed in the 
www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some 
information is not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other information 
whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such 
as copyrighted material, is not placed on the Internet and will be 
publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket 
materials are available either electronically in www.regulations.gov or 
in hard copy during normal business hours at the Air Protection 
Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, 1650 Arch 
Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103. Copies of the State submittal 
are available at the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and 
Environmental Control, 89 Kings Highway, P.O. Box 1401, Dover, Delaware 
19903.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Johansen, (215)814-2156, or by 
email at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

A. CAA Sections 172(c)(5) and 173(c)(1)

    Under section 172(c)(5) of the CAA, a SIP is required to include 
provisions which require permits for the construction and operation of 
new or modified major stationary sources anywhere in a nonattainment 
area in accordance with the requirements of section 173 of the CAA.\1\ 
Section 173, in turn, sets forth a series of requirements for the 
issuance of permits for the owners or operators of new or modified 
major stationary sources within nonattainment areas. Specifically, 
section 173 provides inter alia that construction and operating permits 
may only be issued if: (a) Sufficient offsetting emission reductions 
have been obtained to reduce total emissions from existing sources and 
the proposed source to the point where reasonable further progress 
towards meeting the ambient air standards is maintained; and (b) the 
proposed source is required to comply with the lowest achievable 
emission rate (LAER).\2\
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    \1\ A nonattainment area is the air quality control region 
designated by EPA under CAA section 107 as not attaining a 
particular National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for any of 
the six criteria air pollutants.
    \2\ See CAA section 171(3), 42 U.S.C. 7501(3) (defining LAER).
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    Relevant to Delaware's SIP revision, CAA section 173(c) spells out 
the offset requirements for the owners and operators of new or modified 
major stationary sources. Specifically, section 173(c)(1) requires 
``the owner or operator of a new or modified major source may comply 
with any offset requirement in effect under this part for increased 
emissions of any air pollutant only by obtaining emission reductions of 
such air pollutant from the same source or other sources in the same 
nonattainment area, except that the State may allow the owner or 
operator of a source to obtain such emission reductions in another 
nonattainment area if (A) the other area has an equal or higher 
nonattainment classification than the area in which the source is 
located and (B) emissions from such other area contribute to a 
violation of the national ambient air quality standard in the 
nonattainment area in which the source is located'' (emphasis added).

B. 40 CFR 51.165 and Appendix S to Part 51, the Emission Offsets 
Interpretive Ruling

    40 CFR 51.165 contains the SIP requirements for nonattainment NSR 
permit programs. Pursuant to 40 CFR 51.165(a)(3)(ii)(F), SIPs must 
contain provisions relating to the permissible location of offsetting 
emissions which are at least as stringent as those set out in appendix 
S, section IV.D. Appendix S sets forth EPA's interpretive ruling for 
preconstruction review requirements for stationary sources of air 
pollution under 40 CFR subpart I and section 129 of the CAA Amendments 
of 1977. Appendix S specifies that, ``a major new source or major 
modification which would locate in any area designated under section 
107(d) of the Act as attainment or unclassifiable for ozone that is 
located in an ozone transport region or which would locate in an area 
designated in 40 CFR part 81, subpart C, as nonattainment for a 
pollutant for which the source or modification would be major may be 
allowed to construct only if the stringent conditions . . . are met.'' 
The goal of this section is to ensure there is progress towards 
achievement of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). 
Section IV.D of appendix S, ``Location of Offsetting Emissions,'' 
proscribes the acceptable areas from which a new or modified source can 
obtain the required emissions offsets. The offsets must come from the 
same source or other sources in the same nonattainment area. However, 
the section provides that reviewing authorities may allow sources to 
obtain offsets from other nonattainment areas provided that two 
conditions are met: The nonattainment area from which the offsets are 
obtained must be of equal or higher nonattainment classification, and 
emissions from the area in which the offsets are obtained must 
contribute to a violation of the NAAQS in the area in which the source 
is located. These requirements are identical to the requirements in CAA 
section 173(c).

[[Page 30017]]

    Delaware's SIP revision submittal, 7 DE Admin Code 1125 sections 
2.5.5 and 2.5.6, which were revised by Delaware effective September 11, 
2013, does not meet the requirements in CAA section 173(c), 40 CFR 
51.165(a)(3)(ii)(F) and appendix S, section IV.D.1, because the 
identified sections allow emissions offsets to be used from areas not 
designated by EPA pursuant to CAA section 107 as an area of equal or 
higher nonattainment classification for any ozone NAAQS and do not 
address contribution requirements in the CAA and its implementing 
regulations.

C. CAA Section 107

    Under CAA section 107(c), the Administrator of the EPA is given the 
authority to designate as an air quality control region any interstate 
area or major intrastate area which she deems appropriate for the 
attainment and maintenance of ambient air quality standards. CAA 
section 107(d) provides the process for the Administrator of EPA, with 
recommendations from Governors, to designate areas or portions of areas 
within states as nonattainment, attainment, or unclassifiable upon 
promulgation or revision of a NAAQS.
    Pursuant to section 107 of the CAA, New Castle and Sussex Counties, 
Delaware were designated by EPA for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS as 
``marginal'' nonattainment under 40 CFR part 81, while Kent County was 
designated as ``unclassifiable/attainment.'' See 77 FR 30088 (May 21, 
2012). New Castle County is a portion of the Philadelphia-Wilmington-
Atlantic City marginal nonattainment area (Philadelphia Area) for the 
2008 8-Hour ozone NAAQS.
    Upon designation, a nonattainment area for ozone is required to 
meet the plan submission requirements under section 182 of the CAA (in 
subpart 2 of Part D of Title I of the CAA) for each nonattainment area 
classification (marginal, moderate, serious, severe, and extreme) as 
well as the general SIP planning requirements in sections 172 and 173 
of subpart 1 of Part D of Title I. The State of Delaware is unique 
because it is part of the Ozone Transport Region (OTR), as established 
in CAA section 184(a). Therefore, at a minimum, the entire State of 
Delaware is required to meet the plan submission requirements for a 
moderate nonattainment area classification as specified in CAA sections 
182(b) and 184(b). Moderate area classification plan requirements 
include the emissions offset provisions within section 173 of the CAA 
and within its implementing regulations.

D. Delaware's Approved 7 DE Admin. Code 1125--Requirements for 
Preconstruction Review

    For purposes of satisfying CAA sections 172 and 173, Delaware 
presently has a fully-approved nonattainment NSR preconstruction 
permitting program. See 77 FR 60053 (October 2, 2012). Typically, 
disapproval of a Part D NSR SIP revision would trigger sanctions under 
section 179 of the CAA and a requirement for EPA to impose a Federal 
Implementation Plan (FIP) in lieu of an approved SIP pursuant to 
section 110(c) of the CAA. However, in this case, Delaware's existing 
nonattainment NSR SIP is fully approved as meeting CAA requirements and 
there are no SIP deficiencies. Therefore, sanctions under CAA section 
179 and FIP provisions under CAA section 110(c) are not triggered by 
the disapproval of this SIP revision. Delaware remains obligated to 
implement its Federally-approved nonattainment NSR preconstruction 
permitting program in accordance with CAA section 173.

II. Summary of SIP Revision and EPA Analysis

    On October 15, 2013, DNREC submitted a proposed revision to 
Delaware's SIP to EPA for approval. The proposed revision is to 7 DE 
Admin. Code 1125, Requirements for Preconstruction Review, sections 
2.5.5 and 2.5.6, Emission Offset Provisions.\3\ EPA has reviewed 
Delaware's proposed SIP revision and determined that it does not comply 
with the requirements of CAA sections 172(c)(5) and 173(c)(1) or the 
Federal implementing regulations in 40 CFR 51.165 and part 51, appendix 
S, section IV.D for several reasons. In addition, in the proposed 
revisions to 7 DE Admin. Code 1125, sections 2.5.5 and 2.5.6, Delaware 
exercises authorities that are reserved solely for EPA in CAA section 
107 by treating certain areas as ozone nonattainment areas regardless 
of EPA's classification of those states for attainment of the ozone 
NAAQS, and therefore EPA proposes to disapprove this SIP revision 
submittal as not in accordance with the CAA.
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    \3\ DNREC's revised 7 DE Admin. Code 1125, section 2.5.5 and 
2.5.6 became effective September 11, 2013.
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    First, the revised regulation enables sources in Delaware seeking 
NSR permits to obtain emission offsets from sources located in other 
areas, including areas outside of the State of Delaware, irrespective 
of the area's nonattainment status as compared to Delaware's 
nonattainment status for the same NAAQS.\4\ CAA section 173 and its 
implementing regulations clearly require emission offsets for NSR 
permits to come from the same area where a source is located or from an 
area with the same or higher nonattainment classification as the area 
where a source is locating or located.
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    \4\ 7 DE Admin. Code 1125, section 2.5.5, as revised September 
11, 2013, provides that Delaware may consider certain states as 
having the same nonattainment classifications as the area of 
Delaware where offsets are to be used including Connecticut, 
Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, 
New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, 
Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. EPA notes that several of 
these states have no areas classified by EPA under CAA section 107 
as nonattainment for the ozone NAAQS. In addition, several of the 
specified states are not part of the OTR established pursuant to CAA 
section 184 which would treat areas within those states as Moderate 
nonattainment of an ozone NAAQS.
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    Second, the revised regulation also permits sources seeking NSR 
permits in Delaware to obtain emissions offsets from areas without a 
determination that the other areas ``contribute to violation'' of the 
NAAQS in Delaware where a source seeking a NSR permit would be located 
as required in CAA section 173 and its implementing regulations. The 
language in section 2.5.6 in 7 DE Admin. Code 1125 provides that 
sources can obtain emission offsets ``in the nonattainment area which 
the source is located which shall specifically include any area in the 
States of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, 
Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, 
Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.'' \5\
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    \5\ Delaware's October 15, 2013 SIP revision claims contribution 
from these specified states to ozone nonattainment or interference 
with maintenance of ozone NAAQS in Delaware is supported by EPA 
modeling conducted for the Cross State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) 
(76 FR 48208 (August 8, 2011)). However, EPA notes that the EPA 
CSAPR modeling was conducted to determine contribution to 
nonattainment or interference with maintenance for the 1997 ozone 
NAAQS and the 1997 and 2006 fine particulate matter 
(PM2.5) NAAQS. Delaware's SIP revision did not include 
any information supporting ``contribution to violation'' for the 
2008 ozone NAAQS to meet requirements in section 173(c)(1) that 
emission offsets come from an area which contributes to violation of 
the NAAQS where the source seeking a permit is located.
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    Finally, the revised regulation language allows Delaware to 
exercise authorities that are reserved solely for EPA in CAA section 
107 by allowing ``the Department'' to determine the areas in which 
owners or operators can acquire emission offsets, regardless of the 
attainment status of the area. Specifically, Delaware is proposing 
language for the SIP that ``the Department may consider any area in the 
following states as having the same nonattainment classification as the 
area

[[Page 30018]]

of Delaware where the offsets are used: Connecticut, Delaware, 
Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, 
New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West 
Virginia and Wisconsin.'' See 7 DE Admin. Code 1125 section 2.5.5. As 
discussed in the Background Section of this proposal, under CAA section 
107(c), only the Administrator of the EPA is given the authority to 
designate as an air quality control region any interstate area or major 
intrastate area which she deems appropriate for the attainment and 
maintenance of ambient air quality standards. The State of Delaware has 
no such authority under the CAA to designate areas for nonattainment 
with the NAAQS to meet requirements in CAA section 173(c)(1) that 
emission offsets must be from areas in the same or higher attainment 
classification for a NAAQS. Therefore, Delaware's regulation does not 
meet the requirements in CAA 173(c)(1) or its implementing regulations 
in 40 CFR 51.165 and in appendix S as Delaware lacks authority to 
designate areas ``nonattainment'' for emission offset requirements.
    Thus, because Delaware's revised regulation 7 DE Admin. Code 1125, 
sections 2.5.5 and 2.5.6 does not comply with requirements in CAA 
section 172(c)(5) and 173(c)(1) and the implementing regulations in 40 
CFR 51.165 and appendix S, EPA finds the revision does not meet CAA 
requirements in the statute or in its implementing regulations. In 
addition, Delaware's revision to 7 DE Admin. Code 1125, section 2.5.5 
inappropriately allows Delaware to treat areas as nonattainment for 
emission offset requirements when only EPA possesses such authority 
under the CAA to designate areas nonattainment, and thus EPA 
additionally finds the revision does not meet requirements in the CAA. 
Therefore, EPA proposes to disapprove the October 15, 2013 SIP 
revision.

III. Proposed Action

    Pursuant to CAA section 110(k)(3), EPA is proposing to disapprove 
Delaware's October 15, 2013 SIP revision related to nonattainment NSR 
preconstruction permit program requirements for emission offsets. 
Specifically, Delaware's October 15, 2013 proposed SIP revision seeks 
to expand the geographical area in which owners and operators of new or 
modified major stationary sources may obtain emissions offsets, 
regardless of the area's attainment classification for the ozone NAAQS 
and without specific requirements that the area ``contribute to 
violation'' of the ozone NAAQS in the area in which a new or modified 
source is locating or located. EPA proposes to disapprove this SIP 
revision for two reasons: (1) Delaware's proposed emissions offset 
provision language does not comport with the specific requirements 
under CAA sections 172(c)(5) and 173(c)(1) or the Federal implementing 
regulations in 40 CFR 51.165 and appendix S; and (2) Delaware lacks 
legal authority to designate an area as nonattainment under CAA section 
107(c) and (d).
    Under CAA section 179(a)(2), final disapproval pursuant to CAA 
section 110(k) of a submission that addresses a requirement of a Part D 
Plan (CAA sections 171-193), starts a sanction clock. While Delaware's 
SIP revision addresses the Part D Plan requirement for a NSR permitting 
program, Delaware presently has a fully-approved NSR permit program. 
See 77 FR 60053. Thus, there is no deficiency in Delaware's SIP. 
Therefore, if EPA takes final action to disapprove this SIP submission, 
no sanctions under CAA section 179 will be triggered.
    The full or partial disapproval of a SIP revision in general also 
triggers the requirement under CAA section 110(c) that EPA promulgate a 
FIP no later than two years from the date of the disapproval unless the 
State corrects the deficiency, and the Administrator approves the plan 
or plan revision before the Administrator promulgates such FIP. As 
previously discussed, Delaware's SIP is not deficient as Delaware has a 
fully-approved NSR preconstruction permit program. Therefore, if EPA 
takes final action to disapprove this submission, no FIP requirements 
for EPA under CAA section 110(c) will be triggered.
    EPA is soliciting public comments only on the issues discussed in 
this document. These comments will be considered before taking final 
action. Sources in Delaware are reminded that they remain subject to 
the requirements of Delaware's Federally-approved nonattainment NSR 
preconstruction permit program in 7 DE Admin. Code 1125 (approved by 
EPA on October 2, 2012) and are subject to potential enforcement for 
violations of the SIP including failure to comply with NSR permit 
requirements and specifically with emission offset requirements in CAA 
section 173 and in the Federally-enforceable Delaware SIP. See EPA's 
Revised Guidance on Enforcement During Pending SIP Revisions (March 1, 
1991).

IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP 
submission that complies with the provisions of the CAA and applicable 
Federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in 
reviewing SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve state choices, 
provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. In this case, EPA is 
proposing to disapprove Delaware's October 15, 2013 SIP submittal 
because it does not meet Federal requirements. For that reason, this 
proposed action:
     Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' subject to 
review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 
12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993);
     does not impose an information collection burden under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
     is certified as not having a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
     does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4);
     does not have Federalism implications as specified in 
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
     is not an economically significant regulatory action based 
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 1997);
     is not a significant regulatory action subject to 
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
     is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the 
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 
note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent 
with the CAA; and
     does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to 
address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental 
effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under 
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
    In addition, this proposed rule, to disapprove Delaware's October 
15, 2013 SIP revision related to emission offset provisions, does not 
have tribal implications as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 
67249, November 9, 2000), because the SIP is not approved to apply in 
Indian country located in the state, and EPA notes that it will not 
impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal 
law.

[[Page 30019]]

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Carbon monoxide, 
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen 
dioxide, Ozone, Volatile organic compounds.

    Authority:  42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.

    Dated: May 13, 2015.
Shawn M. Garvin,
Regional Administrator, Region III.
[FR Doc. 2015-12487 Filed 5-22-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 100 / Tuesday, May 26, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                                 30015

                                                      Management and Budget (OMB).                            techniques to quantify anticipated                    and the Code of Federal Regulations is
                                                      Section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866                   present and future benefits and costs as              available via the Federal Digital System
                                                      defines a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’             accurately as possible.’’ The Office of               at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site you
                                                      as an action likely to result in a rule that            Information and Regulatory Affairs of                 can view this document, as well as all
                                                      may—                                                    OMB has emphasized that these                         other documents of this Department
                                                         (1) Have an annual effect on the                     techniques may include ‘‘identifying                  published in the Federal Register, in
                                                      economy of $100 million or more, or                     changing future compliance costs that                 text or Adobe Portable Document
                                                      adversely affect a sector of the economy,               might result from technological                       Format (PDF). To use PDF you must
                                                      productivity, competition, jobs, the                    innovation or anticipated behavioral                  have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is
                                                      environment, public health or safety, or                changes.’’                                            available free at the site.
                                                      State, local, or tribal governments or                     We are issuing this proposed priority                 You may also access documents of the
                                                      communities in a material way (also                     only on a reasoned determination that                 Department published in the Federal
                                                      referred to as an ‘‘economically                        its benefits would justify its costs. In              Register by using the article search
                                                      significant’’ rule);                                    choosing among alternative regulatory                 feature at: www.federalregister.gov.
                                                         (2) Create serious inconsistency or                  approaches, we selected those                         Specifically, through the advanced
                                                      otherwise interfere with an action taken                approaches that would maximize net                    search feature at this site, you can limit
                                                      or planned by another agency;                           benefits. Based on the analysis that                  your search to documents published by
                                                         (3) Materially alter the budgetary                   follows, the Department believes that                 the Department.
                                                      impacts of entitlement grants, user fees,               this regulatory action is consistent with
                                                                                                                                                                      Dated: May 18, 2015.
                                                      or loan programs or the rights and                      the principles in Executive Order 13563.
                                                      obligations of recipients thereof; or                      We also have determined that this                  Sue Swenson,
                                                         (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues               regulatory action would not unduly                    Acting Assistant Secretary for Special
                                                      arising out of legal mandates, the                      interfere with State, local, and tribal               Education and Rehabilitative Services.
                                                      President’s priorities, or the principles               governments in the exercise of their                  [FR Doc. 2015–12510 Filed 5–22–15; 8:45 am]
                                                      stated in the Executive order.                          governmental functions.                               BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
                                                         This proposed regulatory action is not                  In accordance with both Executive
                                                      a significant regulatory action subject to              orders, the Department has assessed the
                                                      review by OMB under section 3(f) of                     potential costs and benefits, both                    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
                                                      Executive Order 12866.                                  quantitative and qualitative, of this                 AGENCY
                                                         We have also reviewed this proposed                  regulatory action. The potential costs
                                                      regulatory action under Executive Order                 are those resulting from statutory                    40 CFR Part 52
                                                      13563, which supplements and                            requirements and those we have                        [EPA–R03–OAR–2013–0816; FRL–9928–23–
                                                      explicitly reaffirms the principles,                    determined as necessary for                           Region 3]
                                                      structures, and definitions governing                   administering the Department’s
                                                      regulatory review established in                        programs and activities.                              Approval and Promulgation of Air
                                                      Executive Order 12866. To the extent                       We propose to fund through this                    Quality Implementation Plans;
                                                      permitted by law, Executive Order                       priority TA to State VR agencies to                   Delaware; Nonattainment New Source
                                                      13563 requires that an agency—                          improve the quality of VR services and                Review; Emission Offset Provisions
                                                         (1) Propose or adopt regulations only                ultimately the number and quality of
                                                      on a reasoned determination that their                  their employment outcomes. This                       AGENCY:  Environmental Protection
                                                      benefits justify their costs (recognizing               proposed priority would promote the                   Agency (EPA).
                                                      that some benefits and costs are difficult              efficient and effective use of Federal                ACTION: Proposed rule.
                                                      to quantify);                                           funds.
                                                         (2) Tailor its regulations to impose the                Intergovernmental Review: This                     SUMMARY:    The Environmental Protection
                                                      least burden on society, consistent with                program is subject to Executive Order                 Agency (EPA) is proposing to
                                                      obtaining regulatory objectives and                     12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR                   disapprove a State Implementation Plan
                                                      taking into account—among other things                  part 79. One of the objectives of the                 (SIP) revision submitted by the
                                                      and to the extent practicable—the costs                 Executive order is to foster an                       Delaware Department of Natural
                                                      of cumulative regulations;                              intergovernmental partnership and a                   Resources and Environmental Control
                                                         (3) In choosing among alternative                    strengthened federalism. The Executive                (DNREC) for the State of Delaware on
                                                      regulatory approaches, select those                     order relies on processes developed by                October 15, 2013. EPA is proposing this
                                                      approaches that maximize net benefits                   State and local governments for                       action because the submittal does not
                                                      (including potential economic,                          coordination and review of proposed                   satisfy the requirements of Clean Air
                                                      environmental, public health and safety,                Federal financial assistance.                         Act (CAA) or the Federal implementing
                                                      and other advantages; distributive                         This document provides early                       regulations, which establish the criteria
                                                      impacts; and equity);                                   notification of our specific plans and                under which the owner or operator of a
                                                         (4) To the extent feasible, specify                  actions for this program.                             new or modified major stationary source
                                                      performance objectives, rather than the                    Accessible Format: Individuals with                must obtain the required emission
                                                      behavior or manner of compliance a                      disabilities can obtain this document in              offsets ‘‘from the same source or other
                                                      regulated entity must adopt; and                        an accessible format (e.g., braille, large            sources in the same nonattainment
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                                                         (5) Identify and assess available                    print, audiotape, or compact disc) on                 area’’ with limited exceptions, for
                                                      alternatives to direct regulation,                      request to the program contact person                 Delaware’s nonattainment New Source
                                                      including economic incentives—such as                   listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION                  Review (NSR) preconstruction
                                                      user fees or marketable permits—to                      CONTACT.                                              permitting program. In addition, EPA is
                                                      encourage the desired behavior, or                         Electronic Access to This Document:                proposing disapproval of the SIP
                                                      provide information that enables the                    The official version of this document is              revision because Delaware exercises
                                                      public to make choices.                                 the document published in the Federal                 authorities that are reserved for EPA
                                                         Executive Order 13563 also requires                  Register. Free Internet access to the                 under section 107 of the CAA. This
                                                      an agency ‘‘to use the best available                   official edition of the Federal Register              action is being taken under the CAA.


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                                                      30016                    Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 100 / Tuesday, May 26, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                      DATES:   Written comments must be                       restricted by statute. Certain other                  source or other sources in the same
                                                      received on or before June 25, 2015.                    material, such as copyrighted material,               nonattainment area, except that the
                                                      ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,                        is not placed on the Internet and will be             State may allow the owner or operator
                                                      identified by Docket ID Number EPA–                     publicly available only in hard copy                  of a source to obtain such emission
                                                      R03–OAR–2013–0816 by one of the                         form. Publicly available docket                       reductions in another nonattainment
                                                      following methods:                                      materials are available either                        area if (A) the other area has an equal
                                                         A. www.regulations.gov. Follow the                   electronically in www.regulations.gov or              or higher nonattainment classification
                                                      on-line instructions for submitting                     in hard copy during normal business                   than the area in which the source is
                                                      comments.                                               hours at the Air Protection Division,                 located and (B) emissions from such
                                                         B. Email: campbell.dave@epa.gov.                     U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,                 other area contribute to a violation of
                                                         C. Mail: EPA–R03–OAR–2013–0816,                      Region III, 1650 Arch Street,                         the national ambient air quality
                                                      David Campbell, Associate Director,                     Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.                     standard in the nonattainment area in
                                                      Office of Permits and Air Toxics,                       Copies of the State submittal are                     which the source is located’’ (emphasis
                                                      3AP10, U.S. Environmental Protection                    available at the Delaware Department of               added).
                                                      Agency, Region III, 1650 Arch Street,                   Natural Resources and Environmental
                                                                                                              Control, 89 Kings Highway, P.O. Box                   B. 40 CFR 51.165 and Appendix S to
                                                      Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.                                                                             Part 51, the Emission Offsets
                                                         D. Hand Delivery: At the previously-                 1401, Dover, Delaware 19903.
                                                                                                                                                                    Interpretive Ruling
                                                      listed EPA Region III address. Such                     FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                      deliveries are only accepted during the                 Amy Johansen, (215)814–2156, or by                       40 CFR 51.165 contains the SIP
                                                      Docket’s normal hours of operation, and                 email at johansen.amy@epa.gov.                        requirements for nonattainment NSR
                                                      special arrangements should be made                     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            permit programs. Pursuant to 40 CFR
                                                      for deliveries of boxed information.                    I. Background                                         51.165(a)(3)(ii)(F), SIPs must contain
                                                         Instructions: Direct your comments to                                                                      provisions relating to the permissible
                                                      Docket ID No. EPA–R03–OAR–2013–                         A. CAA Sections 172(c)(5) and 173(c)(1)               location of offsetting emissions which
                                                      0816. EPA’s policy is that all comments                   Under section 172(c)(5) of the CAA, a               are at least as stringent as those set out
                                                      received will be included in the public                 SIP is required to include provisions                 in appendix S, section IV.D. Appendix
                                                      docket without change, and may be                       which require permits for the                         S sets forth EPA’s interpretive ruling for
                                                      made available online at                                construction and operation of new or                  preconstruction review requirements for
                                                      www.regulations.gov, including any                      modified major stationary sources                     stationary sources of air pollution under
                                                      personal information provided, unless                   anywhere in a nonattainment area in                   40 CFR subpart I and section 129 of the
                                                      the comment includes information                        accordance with the requirements of                   CAA Amendments of 1977. Appendix S
                                                      claimed to be Confidential Business                     section 173 of the CAA.1 Section 173, in              specifies that, ‘‘a major new source or
                                                      Information (CBI) or other information                  turn, sets forth a series of requirements             major modification which would locate
                                                      whose disclosure is restricted by statute.              for the issuance of permits for the                   in any area designated under section
                                                      Do not submit information that you                      owners or operators of new or modified                107(d) of the Act as attainment or
                                                      consider to be CBI or otherwise                         major stationary sources within                       unclassifiable for ozone that is located
                                                      protected through www.regulations.gov                   nonattainment areas. Specifically,                    in an ozone transport region or which
                                                      or email. The www.regulations.gov Web                   section 173 provides inter alia that                  would locate in an area designated in 40
                                                      site is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system,                 construction and operating permits may                CFR part 81, subpart C, as
                                                      which means EPA will not know your                      only be issued if: (a) Sufficient offsetting          nonattainment for a pollutant for which
                                                      identity or contact information unless                  emission reductions have been obtained                the source or modification would be
                                                      you provide it in the body of your                      to reduce total emissions from existing               major may be allowed to construct only
                                                      comment. If you send an email                           sources and the proposed source to the                if the stringent conditions . . . are met.’’
                                                      comment directly to EPA without going                   point where reasonable further progress               The goal of this section is to ensure
                                                      through www.regulations.gov, your                       towards meeting the ambient air                       there is progress towards achievement
                                                      email address will be automatically                     standards is maintained; and (b) the                  of the National Ambient Air Quality
                                                      captured and included as part of the                    proposed source is required to comply                 Standard (NAAQS). Section IV.D of
                                                      comment that is placed in the public                    with the lowest achievable emission rate              appendix S, ‘‘Location of Offsetting
                                                      docket and made available on the                        (LAER).2                                              Emissions,’’ proscribes the acceptable
                                                      Internet. If you submit an electronic                     Relevant to Delaware’s SIP revision,                areas from which a new or modified
                                                      comment, EPA recommends that you                        CAA section 173(c) spells out the offset              source can obtain the required
                                                      include your name and other contact                     requirements for the owners and                       emissions offsets. The offsets must come
                                                      information in the body of your                         operators of new or modified major                    from the same source or other sources
                                                      comment and with any disk or CD–ROM                     stationary sources. Specifically, section             in the same nonattainment area.
                                                      you submit. If EPA cannot read your                     173(c)(1) requires ‘‘the owner or                     However, the section provides that
                                                      comment due to technical difficulties                   operator of a new or modified major                   reviewing authorities may allow sources
                                                      and cannot contact you for clarification,               source may comply with any offset                     to obtain offsets from other
                                                      EPA may not be able to consider your                    requirement in effect under this part for             nonattainment areas provided that two
                                                      comment. Electronic files should avoid                  increased emissions of any air pollutant              conditions are met: The nonattainment
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                                                      the use of special characters, any form                 only by obtaining emission reductions                 area from which the offsets are obtained
                                                      of encryption, and be free of any defects               of such air pollutant from the same                   must be of equal or higher
                                                      or viruses.                                                                                                   nonattainment classification, and
                                                         Docket: All documents in the                           1 A nonattainment area is the air quality control   emissions from the area in which the
                                                      electronic docket are listed in the                     region designated by EPA under CAA section 107        offsets are obtained must contribute to
                                                      www.regulations.gov index. Although                     as not attaining a particular National Ambient Air    a violation of the NAAQS in the area in
                                                                                                              Quality Standard (NAAQS) for any of the six
                                                      listed in the index, some information is                criteria air pollutants.                              which the source is located. These
                                                      not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other                2 See CAA section 171(3), 42 U.S.C. 7501(3)         requirements are identical to the
                                                      information whose disclosure is                         (defining LAER).                                      requirements in CAA section 173(c).


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                                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 100 / Tuesday, May 26, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                                    30017

                                                         Delaware’s SIP revision submittal, 7                 D. Delaware’s Approved 7 DE Admin.                    NAAQS.4 CAA section 173 and its
                                                      DE Admin Code 1125 sections 2.5.5 and                   Code 1125—Requirements for                            implementing regulations clearly
                                                      2.5.6, which were revised by Delaware                   Preconstruction Review                                require emission offsets for NSR permits
                                                      effective September 11, 2013, does not                     For purposes of satisfying CAA                     to come from the same area where a
                                                      meet the requirements in CAA section                    sections 172 and 173, Delaware                        source is located or from an area with
                                                      173(c), 40 CFR 51.165(a)(3)(ii)(F) and                  presently has a fully-approved                        the same or higher nonattainment
                                                      appendix S, section IV.D.1, because the                 nonattainment NSR preconstruction                     classification as the area where a source
                                                      identified sections allow emissions                     permitting program. See 77 FR 60053                   is locating or located.
                                                      offsets to be used from areas not                       (October 2, 2012). Typically,                            Second, the revised regulation also
                                                      designated by EPA pursuant to CAA                       disapproval of a Part D NSR SIP revision              permits sources seeking NSR permits in
                                                      section 107 as an area of equal or higher               would trigger sanctions under section                 Delaware to obtain emissions offsets
                                                      nonattainment classification for any                    179 of the CAA and a requirement for                  from areas without a determination that
                                                      ozone NAAQS and do not address                          EPA to impose a Federal                               the other areas ‘‘contribute to violation’’
                                                      contribution requirements in the CAA                    Implementation Plan (FIP) in lieu of an               of the NAAQS in Delaware where a
                                                      and its implementing regulations.                       approved SIP pursuant to section 110(c)               source seeking a NSR permit would be
                                                                                                              of the CAA. However, in this case,                    located as required in CAA section 173
                                                      C. CAA Section 107                                                                                            and its implementing regulations. The
                                                                                                              Delaware’s existing nonattainment NSR
                                                         Under CAA section 107(c), the                                                                              language in section 2.5.6 in 7 DE
                                                                                                              SIP is fully approved as meeting CAA
                                                      Administrator of the EPA is given the                                                                         Admin. Code 1125 provides that sources
                                                                                                              requirements and there are no SIP
                                                      authority to designate as an air quality                                                                      can obtain emission offsets ‘‘in the
                                                                                                              deficiencies. Therefore, sanctions under
                                                      control region any interstate area or                                                                         nonattainment area which the source is
                                                                                                              CAA section 179 and FIP provisions
                                                      major intrastate area which she deems                                                                         located which shall specifically include
                                                                                                              under CAA section 110(c) are not
                                                      appropriate for the attainment and                                                                            any area in the States of Connecticut,
                                                                                                              triggered by the disapproval of this SIP
                                                      maintenance of ambient air quality                                                                            Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky,
                                                                                                              revision. Delaware remains obligated to
                                                      standards. CAA section 107(d) provides                                                                        Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New
                                                                                                              implement its Federally-approved
                                                      the process for the Administrator of                                                                          Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio,
                                                                                                              nonattainment NSR preconstruction
                                                      EPA, with recommendations from                                                                                Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West
                                                                                                              permitting program in accordance with
                                                      Governors, to designate areas or                                                                              Virginia and Wisconsin.’’ 5
                                                                                                              CAA section 173.
                                                      portions of areas within states as                                                                               Finally, the revised regulation
                                                      nonattainment, attainment, or                           II. Summary of SIP Revision and EPA                   language allows Delaware to exercise
                                                      unclassifiable upon promulgation or                     Analysis                                              authorities that are reserved solely for
                                                      revision of a NAAQS.                                       On October 15, 2013, DNREC                         EPA in CAA section 107 by allowing
                                                         Pursuant to section 107 of the CAA,                  submitted a proposed revision to                      ‘‘the Department’’ to determine the areas
                                                      New Castle and Sussex Counties,                         Delaware’s SIP to EPA for approval. The               in which owners or operators can
                                                      Delaware were designated by EPA for                     proposed revision is to 7 DE Admin.                   acquire emission offsets, regardless of
                                                      the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS as                          Code 1125, Requirements for                           the attainment status of the area.
                                                      ‘‘marginal’’ nonattainment under 40                     Preconstruction Review, sections 2.5.5                Specifically, Delaware is proposing
                                                      CFR part 81, while Kent County was                      and 2.5.6, Emission Offset Provisions.3               language for the SIP that ‘‘the
                                                      designated as ‘‘unclassifiable/                         EPA has reviewed Delaware’s proposed                  Department may consider any area in
                                                      attainment.’’ See 77 FR 30088 (May 21,                  SIP revision and determined that it does              the following states as having the same
                                                      2012). New Castle County is a portion                   not comply with the requirements of                   nonattainment classification as the area
                                                      of the Philadelphia-Wilmington-Atlantic                 CAA sections 172(c)(5) and 173(c)(1) or
                                                      City marginal nonattainment area                        the Federal implementing regulations in                  4 7 DE Admin. Code 1125, section 2.5.5, as

                                                      (Philadelphia Area) for the 2008 8-Hour                 40 CFR 51.165 and part 51, appendix S,                revised September 11, 2013, provides that Delaware
                                                      ozone NAAQS.                                                                                                  may consider certain states as having the same
                                                                                                              section IV.D for several reasons. In                  nonattainment classifications as the area of
                                                         Upon designation, a nonattainment
                                                                                                              addition, in the proposed revisions to 7              Delaware where offsets are to be used including
                                                      area for ozone is required to meet the                                                                        Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky,
                                                                                                              DE Admin. Code 1125, sections 2.5.5
                                                      plan submission requirements under                                                                            Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New
                                                                                                              and 2.5.6, Delaware exercises
                                                      section 182 of the CAA (in subpart 2 of                                                                       York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania,
                                                                                                              authorities that are reserved solely for              Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
                                                      Part D of Title I of the CAA) for each
                                                                                                              EPA in CAA section 107 by treating                    EPA notes that several of these states have no areas
                                                      nonattainment area classification                                                                             classified by EPA under CAA section 107 as
                                                                                                              certain areas as ozone nonattainment
                                                      (marginal, moderate, serious, severe,                                                                         nonattainment for the ozone NAAQS. In addition,
                                                                                                              areas regardless of EPA’s classification
                                                      and extreme) as well as the general SIP                                                                       several of the specified states are not part of the
                                                                                                              of those states for attainment of the                 OTR established pursuant to CAA section 184
                                                      planning requirements in sections 172
                                                                                                              ozone NAAQS, and therefore EPA                        which would treat areas within those states as
                                                      and 173 of subpart 1 of Part D of Title                                                                       Moderate nonattainment of an ozone NAAQS.
                                                                                                              proposes to disapprove this SIP revision
                                                      I. The State of Delaware is unique                                                                               5 Delaware’s October 15, 2013 SIP revision claims
                                                                                                              submittal as not in accordance with the
                                                      because it is part of the Ozone Transport                                                                     contribution from these specified states to ozone
                                                                                                              CAA.                                                  nonattainment or interference with maintenance of
                                                      Region (OTR), as established in CAA                        First, the revised regulation enables              ozone NAAQS in Delaware is supported by EPA
                                                      section 184(a). Therefore, at a minimum,                sources in Delaware seeking NSR                       modeling conducted for the Cross State Air
                                                      the entire State of Delaware is required                permits to obtain emission offsets from               Pollution Rule (CSAPR) (76 FR 48208 (August 8,
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                                                      to meet the plan submission                             sources located in other areas, including
                                                                                                                                                                    2011)). However, EPA notes that the EPA CSAPR
                                                      requirements for a moderate                                                                                   modeling was conducted to determine contribution
                                                                                                              areas outside of the State of Delaware,               to nonattainment or interference with maintenance
                                                      nonattainment area classification as                    irrespective of the area’s nonattainment              for the 1997 ozone NAAQS and the 1997 and 2006
                                                      specified in CAA sections 182(b) and                    status as compared to Delaware’s                      fine particulate matter (PM2.5) NAAQS. Delaware’s
                                                      184(b). Moderate area classification plan               nonattainment status for the same
                                                                                                                                                                    SIP revision did not include any information
                                                      requirements include the emissions                                                                            supporting ‘‘contribution to violation’’ for the 2008
                                                                                                                                                                    ozone NAAQS to meet requirements in section
                                                      offset provisions within section 173 of                   3 DNREC’s revised 7 DE Admin. Code 1125,            173(c)(1) that emission offsets come from an area
                                                      the CAA and within its implementing                     section 2.5.5 and 2.5.6 became effective September    which contributes to violation of the NAAQS where
                                                      regulations.                                            11, 2013.                                             the source seeking a permit is located.



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                                                      30018                    Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 100 / Tuesday, May 26, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                      of Delaware where the offsets are used:                 to violation’’ of the ozone NAAQS in the              IV. Statutory and Executive Order
                                                      Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana,               area in which a new or modified source                Reviews
                                                      Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan,                           is locating or located. EPA proposes to                  Under the CAA, the Administrator is
                                                      Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North                   disapprove this SIP revision for two                  required to approve a SIP submission
                                                      Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania,                           reasons: (1) Delaware’s proposed                      that complies with the provisions of the
                                                      Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and                  emissions offset provision language                   CAA and applicable Federal regulations.
                                                      Wisconsin.’’ See 7 DE Admin. Code                       does not comport with the specific                    42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a).
                                                      1125 section 2.5.5. As discussed in the                 requirements under CAA sections                       Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions,
                                                      Background Section of this proposal,                    172(c)(5) and 173(c)(1) or the Federal                EPA’s role is to approve state choices,
                                                      under CAA section 107(c), only the                      implementing regulations in 40 CFR                    provided that they meet the criteria of
                                                      Administrator of the EPA is given the                   51.165 and appendix S; and (2)                        the CAA. In this case, EPA is proposing
                                                      authority to designate as an air quality                Delaware lacks legal authority to                     to disapprove Delaware’s October 15,
                                                      control region any interstate area or                   designate an area as nonattainment                    2013 SIP submittal because it does not
                                                      major intrastate area which she deems                   under CAA section 107(c) and (d).                     meet Federal requirements. For that
                                                      appropriate for the attainment and                                                                            reason, this proposed action:
                                                      maintenance of ambient air quality                         Under CAA section 179(a)(2), final
                                                                                                                                                                       • Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                                      standards. The State of Delaware has no                 disapproval pursuant to CAA section
                                                                                                                                                                    action’’ subject to review by the Office
                                                      such authority under the CAA to                         110(k) of a submission that addresses a
                                                                                                                                                                    of Management and Budget under
                                                      designate areas for nonattainment with                  requirement of a Part D Plan (CAA                     Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735,
                                                      the NAAQS to meet requirements in                       sections 171–193), starts a sanction                  October 4, 1993);
                                                      CAA section 173(c)(1) that emission                     clock. While Delaware’s SIP revision                     • does not impose an information
                                                      offsets must be from areas in the same                  addresses the Part D Plan requirement                 collection burden under the provisions
                                                      or higher attainment classification for a               for a NSR permitting program, Delaware                of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44
                                                      NAAQS. Therefore, Delaware’s                            presently has a fully-approved NSR                    U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
                                                      regulation does not meet the                            permit program. See 77 FR 60053. Thus,                   • is certified as not having a
                                                      requirements in CAA 173(c)(1) or its                    there is no deficiency in Delaware’s SIP.             significant economic impact on a
                                                      implementing regulations in 40 CFR                      Therefore, if EPA takes final action to               substantial number of small entities
                                                      51.165 and in appendix S as Delaware                    disapprove this SIP submission, no                    under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5
                                                      lacks authority to designate areas                      sanctions under CAA section 179 will                  U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
                                                      ‘‘nonattainment’’ for emission offset                   be triggered.                                            • does not contain any unfunded
                                                      requirements.                                                                                                 mandate or significantly or uniquely
                                                         Thus, because Delaware’s revised                        The full or partial disapproval of a SIP
                                                                                                                                                                    affect small governments, as described
                                                      regulation 7 DE Admin. Code 1125,                       revision in general also triggers the
                                                                                                                                                                    in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
                                                      sections 2.5.5 and 2.5.6 does not comply                requirement under CAA section 110(c)
                                                                                                                                                                    of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4);
                                                      with requirements in CAA section                        that EPA promulgate a FIP no later than                  • does not have Federalism
                                                      172(c)(5) and 173(c)(1) and the                         two years from the date of the                        implications as specified in Executive
                                                      implementing regulations in 40 CFR                      disapproval unless the State corrects the             Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10,
                                                      51.165 and appendix S, EPA finds the                    deficiency, and the Administrator                     1999);
                                                      revision does not meet CAA                              approves the plan or plan revision                       • is not an economically significant
                                                      requirements in the statute or in its                   before the Administrator promulgates                  regulatory action based on health or
                                                      implementing regulations. In addition,                  such FIP. As previously discussed,                    safety risks subject to Executive Order
                                                      Delaware’s revision to 7 DE Admin.                      Delaware’s SIP is not deficient as                    13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997);
                                                      Code 1125, section 2.5.5 inappropriately                Delaware has a fully-approved NSR                        • is not a significant regulatory action
                                                      allows Delaware to treat areas as                       preconstruction permit program.                       subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR
                                                      nonattainment for emission offset                       Therefore, if EPA takes final action to               28355, May 22, 2001);
                                                      requirements when only EPA possesses                    disapprove this submission, no FIP                       • is not subject to requirements of
                                                      such authority under the CAA to                         requirements for EPA under CAA                        Section 12(d) of the National
                                                      designate areas nonattainment, and thus                 section 110(c) will be triggered.                     Technology Transfer and Advancement
                                                      EPA additionally finds the revision does                                                                      Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because
                                                                                                                 EPA is soliciting public comments
                                                      not meet requirements in the CAA.                                                                             application of those requirements would
                                                                                                              only on the issues discussed in this
                                                      Therefore, EPA proposes to disapprove                                                                         be inconsistent with the CAA; and
                                                                                                              document. These comments will be                         • does not provide EPA with the
                                                      the October 15, 2013 SIP revision.                      considered before taking final action.                discretionary authority to address, as
                                                      III. Proposed Action                                    Sources in Delaware are reminded that                 appropriate, disproportionate human
                                                         Pursuant to CAA section 110(k)(3),                   they remain subject to the requirements               health or environmental effects, using
                                                      EPA is proposing to disapprove                          of Delaware’s Federally-approved                      practicable and legally permissible
                                                      Delaware’s October 15, 2013 SIP                         nonattainment NSR preconstruction                     methods, under Executive Order 12898
                                                      revision related to nonattainment NSR                   permit program in 7 DE Admin. Code                    (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
                                                      preconstruction permit program                          1125 (approved by EPA on October 2,                      In addition, this proposed rule, to
                                                      requirements for emission offsets.                      2012) and are subject to potential                    disapprove Delaware’s October 15, 2013
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                                                      Specifically, Delaware’s October 15,                    enforcement for violations of the SIP                 SIP revision related to emission offset
                                                      2013 proposed SIP revision seeks to                     including failure to comply with NSR                  provisions, does not have tribal
                                                      expand the geographical area in which                   permit requirements and specifically                  implications as specified by Executive
                                                      owners and operators of new or                          with emission offset requirements in                  Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9,
                                                      modified major stationary sources may                   CAA section 173 and in the Federally-                 2000), because the SIP is not approved
                                                      obtain emissions offsets, regardless of                 enforceable Delaware SIP. See EPA’s                   to apply in Indian country located in the
                                                      the area’s attainment classification for                Revised Guidance on Enforcement                       state, and EPA notes that it will not
                                                      the ozone NAAQS and without specific                    During Pending SIP Revisions (March 1,                impose substantial direct costs on tribal
                                                      requirements that the area ‘‘contribute                 1991).                                                governments or preempt tribal law.


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                                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 100 / Tuesday, May 26, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                                 30019

                                                      List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52                         1. www.regulations.gov: Follow the                   Dated: May 13, 2015.
                                                        Environmental protection, Air                         on-line instructions for submitting                   Susan Hedman,
                                                      pollution control, Carbon monoxide,                     comments.                                             Regional Administrator, Region 5.
                                                                                                                 2. Email: aburano.douglas@epa.gov.                 [FR Doc. 2015–12499 Filed 5–22–15; 8:45 am]
                                                      Incorporation by reference,
                                                                                                                 3. Fax: (312) 408–2279.
                                                      Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen                      4. Mail: Douglas Aburano, Chief,
                                                                                                                                                                    BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
                                                      dioxide, Ozone, Volatile organic                        Attainment Planning and Maintenance
                                                      compounds.                                              Section, Air Programs Branch (AR–18J),                ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
                                                         Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.                    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,                 AGENCY
                                                        Dated: May 13, 2015.                                  77 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago,
                                                      Shawn M. Garvin,                                        Illinois 60604.                                       40 CFR Part 52
                                                      Regional Administrator, Region III.
                                                                                                                 5. Hand Delivery: Douglas Aburano,
                                                                                                              Chief, Attainment Planning and                        [EPA–R05–OAR–2014–0659; FRL–9927–97-
                                                      [FR Doc. 2015–12487 Filed 5–22–15; 8:45 am]                                                                   Region-5]
                                                                                                              Maintenance Section, Air Programs
                                                      BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
                                                                                                              Branch (AR–18J), U.S. Environmental
                                                                                                                                                                    Approval and Promulgation of Air
                                                                                                              Protection Agency, 77 West Jackson
                                                                                                                                                                    Quality Implementation Plans; Ohio;
                                                                                                              Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604.
                                                      ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION                                                                                      Removal of General Conformity
                                                                                                              Such deliveries are only accepted
                                                      AGENCY                                                                                                        Regulations
                                                                                                              during the Regional Office normal hours
                                                      40 CFR Part 52                                          of operation, and special arrangements                AGENCY:  Environmental Protection
                                                                                                              should be made for deliveries of boxed                Agency (EPA).
                                                      [EPA–R05–OAR–2015–0192; FRL- 9927–95-                   information. The Regional Office official             ACTION: Proposed rule.
                                                      Region-5]                                               hours of business are Monday through
                                                                                                              Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding             SUMMARY:    The Environmental Protection
                                                      Approval and Promulgation of Air
                                                                                                              Federal holidays.                                     Agency (EPA) is approving the removal
                                                      Quality Implementation Plans; Ohio:                        Please see the direct final rule which             of general conformity regulations from
                                                      Cleveland and Delta; Determination of                   is located in the Rules section of this               the Ohio state implementation plan
                                                      Attainment for the 2008 Lead Standard                   Federal Register for detailed                         (SIP) under the Clean Air Act. These
                                                      AGENCY:  Environmental Protection                       instructions on how to submit                         regulations are no longer necessary
                                                      Agency (EPA).                                           comments.                                             since the establishment of the Safe,
                                                      ACTION: Proposed rule.                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
                                                                                                              Sarah Arra, Environmental Scientist,                  Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
                                                      SUMMARY:   On February 20, 2015, the                    Attainment Planning and Maintenance                   Users transportation act removed the
                                                      Ohio Environmental Protection Agency                    Section, Air Programs Branch (AR–18J),                requirement for states to maintain
                                                      (Ohio EPA) submitted a request to the                   Environmental Protection Agency,                      general conformity regulations.
                                                      Environmental Protections Agency                        Region 5, 77 West Jackson Boulevard,                  DATES: Comments must be received on
                                                      (EPA) to make a determination under                     Chicago, Illinois 60604, (312) 886–9401,              or before June 25, 2015
                                                      the Clean Air Act that the Cleveland and                arra.sarah@epa.gov.                                   ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
                                                      Delta nonattainment areas have attained                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the                     identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R05–
                                                      the 2008 lead (Pb) national ambient air                 Final Rules section of this Federal                   OAR–2014–0659, by one of the
                                                      quality standards (NAAQS). In this                      Register, EPA is making an attainment                 following methods:
                                                      action, EPA is proposing to determine                   determination as a direct final rule                     1. www.regulations.gov: Follow the
                                                      that the Cleveland and Delta                            without prior proposal because the                    on-line instructions for submitting
                                                      nonattainment areas (areas) have                        Agency views this as a noncontroversial               comments.
                                                      attained the 2008 Pb NAAQS. These                       submittal and anticipates no adverse                     2. Email: blakley.pamela@epa.gov.
                                                      determinations of attainment are based                  comments. A detailed rationale for the                   3. Fax: (312) 692–2450.
                                                      upon complete, quality-assured and                      action is set forth in the direct final rule.            4. Mail: Pamela Blakley, Chief,
                                                      certified ambient air monitoring data for               If no adverse comments are received in                Control Strategies Section, Air Programs
                                                      the 2012–2014 design period showing                     response to this rule, no further activity            Branch (AR–18J), U.S. Environmental
                                                      that the areas have monitored                           is contemplated. If EPA receives adverse              Protection Agency, 77 West Jackson
                                                      attainment of the 2008 Pb NAAQS.                        comments, the direct final rule will be               Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604.
                                                      Additionally, as a result of this                       withdrawn and all public comments                        5. Hand Delivery: Pamela Blakley,
                                                      proposed determination, EPA is                          received will be addressed in a                       Chief, Control Strategies Section, Air
                                                      proposing to suspend the requirements                   subsequent final rule based on this                   Programs Branch (AR–18J), U.S.
                                                      for the areas to submit attainment                      proposed rule. EPA will not institute a               Environmental Protection Agency, 77
                                                      demonstrations, together with                           second comment period. Any parties                    West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago,
                                                      reasonably available control measures, a                interested in commenting on this action               Illinois 60604. Such deliveries are only
                                                      reasonable further progress (RFP) plans,                should do so at this time. Please note                accepted during the Regional Office
                                                      and contingency measures for failure to                 that if EPA receives adverse comment                  normal hours of operation, and special
                                                      meet RFP and attainment deadlines for
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                              on an amendment, paragraph, or section                arrangements should be made for
                                                      as long as the areas continue to attain                 of this rule and if that provision may be             deliveries of boxed information. The
                                                      the 2008 Pb NAAQS.                                      severed from the remainder of the rule,               Regional Office official hours of
                                                      DATES: Comments must be received on                     EPA may adopt as final those provisions               business are Monday through Friday,
                                                      or before June 25, 2015.                                of the rule that are not the subject of an            8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding
                                                      ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,                        adverse comment. For additional                       Federal holidays.
                                                      identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R05–                    information, see the direct final rule                   Please see the direct final rule which
                                                      OAR–2015–0192, by one of the                            which is located in the Rules section of              is located in the Rules section of this
                                                      following methods:                                      this Federal Register.                                Federal Register for detailed


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Document Created: 2018-02-21 10:31:29
Document Modified: 2018-02-21 10:31:29
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionProposed rule.
DatesWritten comments must be received on or before June 25, 2015.
ContactAmy Johansen, (215)814-2156, or by email at [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 30015 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Air Pollution Control; Carbon Monoxide; Incorporation by Reference; Intergovernmental Relations; Nitrogen Dioxide; Ozone and Volatile Organic Compounds

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