80 FR 31030 - Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 104 (June 1, 2015)

Page Range		31030-31031
FR Document		2015-13131

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Fine Particulate Matter (PM<INF>2.5</INF>) NAAQS Implementation Rule (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 2258.04, OMB Control No. 2060-0611), to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Before doing so, the EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. This is a proposed renewal of a currently approved information collection which was originally approved in conjunction with the EPA's now-remanded 2007 final rule addressing implementation-related requirements for the 1997 PM<INF>2.5</INF> National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and renewed twice since then. On March 23, 2015, the EPA also proposed a new ICR associated with its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would replace the remanded 2007 PM<INF>2.5</INF> NAAQS Implementation Rule. Until that ICR is approved, the existing ICR will remain in effect, subject to approval of this proposed renewal.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 104 (Monday, June 1, 2015)

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 104 (Monday, June 1, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31030-31031]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-13131]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2007-0265; FRL-9928-64-OAR]


Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Fine 
Particulate Matter (PM2.5) NAAQS Implementation Rule (Renewal)

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to 
submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Fine Particulate 
Matter (PM2.5) NAAQS Implementation Rule (Renewal)'' (EPA 
ICR No. 2258.04, OMB Control No. 2060-0611), to the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with 
the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Before 
doing so, the EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of 
the proposed information collection as described below. This is a 
proposed renewal of a currently approved information collection which 
was originally approved in conjunction with the EPA's now-remanded 2007 
final rule addressing implementation-related requirements for the 1997 
PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and 
renewed twice since then. On March 23, 2015, the EPA also proposed a 
new ICR associated with its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would 
replace the remanded 2007 PM2.5 NAAQS Implementation Rule. 
Until that ICR is approved, the existing ICR will remain in effect, 
subject to approval of this proposed renewal.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before July 31, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2007-0265, online using http://www.regulations.gov (our preferred 
method), or by mail to: EPA Docket Center, Environmental Protection 
Agency, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 
20460.
    The EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in 
the public docket without change including any personal information 
provided, unless the comment includes profanity, threats, information 
claimed to be Confidential Business Information, or other information 
whose disclosure is restricted by statute.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Cecil (Butch) Stackhouse, Office 
of Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency, by phone at (919) 541-5208 or by email at 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supporting documents which explain in detail 
the information that the EPA will be collecting are available in the 
public docket for this ICR. The docket can be viewed online at http://www.regulations.gov, or in person at the EPA Docket Center, WJC West, 
Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC. The telephone 
number for the Docket Center is (202) 566-1744. For additional 
information about EPA's public docket, visit http://www.epa.gov/dockets.
    Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, the EPA is soliciting 
comments and information to enable it to: (i) Evaluate whether the 
proposed collection of information is necessary

[[Page 31031]]

for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including 
whether the information will have practical utility; (ii) evaluate the 
accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed 
collection of information, including the validity of the methodology 
and assumptions used; (iii) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity 
of the information to be collected; and (iv) minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on those who are to respond, including 
through the use of appropriate automated electronic, mechanical, or 
other technological collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. The 
EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as 
appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for 
review and approval. At that time, the EPA will issue another Federal 
Register notice to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the 
opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB. An agency may not 
conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a 
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB 
control number.
    Abstract: The final implementation rule for the 1997 
PM2.5 NAAQS (2007 PM2.5 NAAQS Implementation 
Rule) was promulgated on April 25, 2007 (79 FR 20586). This rule 
provided the framework of Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements for air 
agencies to meet in attainment plans to achieve the 1997 
PM2.5 NAAQS in designated nonattainment areas. States also 
applied this framework to develop attainment plans for areas designated 
nonattainment for the 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS revised by the 
agency in 2006 (74 FR 58688, November 13, 2009; 76 FR 6056; February 3, 
2011).
    The ICR originally finalized with the 2007 PM2.5 NAAQS 
Implementation Rule had estimated, for the 3 years following the ICR 
approval date, the burden to air agencies to develop and submit, and 
the burden to the EPA to review and to approve or disapprove, 
attainment plans to meet the requirements prescribed in CAA sections 
110 and part D, subpart 1 of title I. A PM2.5 attainment 
plan contains rules and other measures designed to improve air quality 
and achieve the NAAQS by the deadlines established under the CAA. It 
also must address several additional CAA requirements related to 
demonstrating timely attainment, and must contain contingency measures 
in the event the nonattainment area does not achieve reasonable further 
progress throughout the attainment period or in the event the area does 
not attain the NAAQS by its attainment date. After a state submits an 
attainment plan, the CAA requires the EPA to approve or disapprove the 
plan. Tribes may develop or submit attainment plans, but are not 
required to do so.
    On January 4, 2013, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of 
Columbia Circuit (DC Circuit) remanded the 2007 PM2.5 NAAQS 
Implementation Rule, concluding that the agency had erred in 
implementing the PM2.5 NAAQS according to only the general 
nonattainment area planning provisions of subpart 1, part D, title I of 
the CAA, rather than in accordance with the PM-specific planning 
requirements of subpart 4, part D, title I of the CAA and certain 
general planning provisions in subpart 1. On March 23, 2015, the EPA 
proposed a new implementation rule (80 FR 15340) consistent with the 
attainment planning requirements under CAA subparts 1 and 4 of part D, 
title I, that would apply to ongoing implementation efforts by air 
agencies in areas designated nonattainment for the 1997 and 2006 
PM2.5 NAAQS, as well as to new efforts in areas recently 
designated nonattainment for the most recent 2012 PM2.5 
NAAQS. As part of its proposed implementation rule, the EPA also 
proposed a new ICR to cover the 3-year period after the ICR is approved 
by OMB, which would account for both the burden associated with plan 
revisions related to ongoing implementation efforts for the 1997 and 
2006 PM2.5 NAAQS as well as the additional cost burden to 
air agencies developing attainment plans for areas designated 
nonattainment for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. Once final, the new 
ICR will supersede the existing ICR--for which the EPA is proposing 
renewal in this action--for purposes of PM2.5 NAAQS 
implementation. In the meantime, while the EPA completes its current 
rulemaking and finalizes the new ICR, the agency is hereby proposing a 
renewal of the existing ICR that would continue to apply during this 
interim period.
    Respondents/affected entities: State and local governments.
    Respondent's obligation to respond: Mandatory.
    Currently approved estimated number of respondents: 95 (total).
    Frequency of response: Once per triggering event [i.e., each air 
agency with a newly-designated nonattainment area or an area 
reclassified to a higher classification is required to revise its State 
Implementation Plan (SIP)].
    Currently approved total estimated burden: 175,400 hours (per 
year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.03(b).
    Total estimated cost: $0 annualized capital or operation & 
maintenance costs.
    Changes in estimates: The EPA expects there to be a reduction in 
excess of 50 percent in the total estimated respondent burden compared 
with the information collection that is currently approved by OMB. This 
decrease is due to the fact that the EPA estimates that only six areas 
may be candidates for reclassification triggering new submittal 
requirements for the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS, as compared to 31 
nonattainment areas initially designated for that NAAQS. In addition, 
one of the six areas (San Joaquin Valley, CA) remains nonattainment for 
the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS. The burden estimate, detailed in the 
supporting statement located in the docket for this proposed renewal, 
accounts for new SIP revisions from states with nonattainment areas 
potentially subject to reclassification.

    Dated: May 21, 2015.
Stephen D. Page,
Director, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Office of Air 
and Radiation.
[FR Doc. 2015-13131 Filed 5-29-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

31030 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 104 / Monday, June 1, 2015 / Notices

Filings Instituting Proceedings Any person desiring to intervene or review and approval in accordance with
Docket Numbers: RP15–984–000. protest in any of the above proceedings the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44
Applicants: White River Hub, LLC. must file in accordance with Rules 211 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Before doing so, the
Description: Annual Report of Fuel and 214 of the Commission’s EPA is soliciting public comments on
Gas Reimbursement Percentage for 2015 Regulations (18 CFR 385.211 and specific aspects of the proposed
of White River Hub, LLC. 385.214) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern information collection as described
Filed Date: 5/12/15. time on the specified comment date. below. This is a proposed renewal of a
Accession Number: 20150512–5094. Protests may be considered, but currently approved information
Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 5/26/15. intervention is necessary to become a collection which was originally
party to the proceeding. approved in conjunction with the EPA’s
Docket Numbers: RP15–985–000. now-remanded 2007 final rule
Applicants: Questar Southern Trails Filings in Existing Proceedings addressing implementation-related
Pipeline Company. Docket Numbers: RP15–956–001. requirements for the 1997 PM2.5
Description: Annual Report of Fuel Applicants: Gulf South Pipeline National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Gas Reimbursement Percentage for 2015 Company, LP. (NAAQS) and renewed twice since then.
of Questar Southern Trails Pipeline Description: Tariff Amendment per On March 23, 2015, the EPA also
Company. 154.205(b): Amendment to Filing in proposed a new ICR associated with its
Filed Date: 5/12/15. RP15–956–000 to be effective 5/1/2015. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that
Accession Number: 20150512–5097. Filed Date: 5/20/15. would replace the remanded 2007 PM2.5
Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 5/26/15. Accession Number: 20150520–5112. NAAQS Implementation Rule. Until
Docket Numbers: RP15–996–000. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 6/1/15. that ICR is approved, the existing ICR
Applicants: Gulf South Pipeline Any person desiring to protest in any will remain in effect, subject to approval
Company, LP. of the above proceedings must file in of this proposed renewal.
Description: Section 4(d) rate filing accordance with Rule 211 of the DATES: Comments must be submitted on
per 154.204: Cap Rel Neg Rate Agmts Commission’s Regulations (18 CFR or before July 31, 2015.
(Atlanta Gas 8438 to various eff 5/1/15) 385.211) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
to be effective 5/1/2015. time on the specified comment date. referencing Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
Filed Date: 5/21/15. The filings are accessible in the OAR–2007–0265, online using http://
Accession Number: 20150521–5066. Commission’s eLibrary system by www.regulations.gov (our preferred
Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 6/2/15. clicking on the links or querying the method), or by mail to: EPA Docket
Docket Numbers: RP15–997–000. docket number. Center, Environmental Protection
Applicants: Natural Gas Pipeline eFiling is encouraged. More detailed Agency, Mail Code 28221T, 1200
Company of America. information relating to filing Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,
Description: Section 4(d) rate filing requirements, interventions, protests, DC 20460.
per 154.204: Substitute Published Index service, and qualifying facilities filings The EPA’s policy is that all comments
Prices to be effective 7/1/2015. can be found at: http://www.ferc.gov/ received will be included in the public
Filed Date: 5/21/15. docs-filing/efiling/filing-req.pdf. For docket without change including any
Accession Number: 20150521–5224. other information, call (866) 208–3676 personal information provided, unless
Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 6/2/15. (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502–8659. the comment includes profanity, threats,
Docket Numbers: RP15–998–000. Dated: May 26, 2015. information claimed to be Confidential
Applicants: Texas Eastern Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., Business Information, or other
Transmission, LP. Deputy Secretary. information whose disclosure is
Description: Section 4(d) rate filing restricted by statute.
[FR Doc. 2015–13084 Filed 5–29–15; 8:45 am]
per 154.204: Negotiated Rate—Chevron FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
Jun2014 TEAM2014 Release to be Cecil (Butch) Stackhouse, Office of Air
effective 6/1/2015. Quality Planning and Standards, U.S.
Filed Date: 5/22/15. Environmental Protection Agency, by
Accession Number: 20150522–5143. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
phone at (919) 541–5208 or by email at
Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 6/3/15. AGENCY
stackhouse.butch@epa.gov.
Docket Numbers: RP15–999–000. [EPA–HQ–OAR–2007–0265; FRL–9928–64– SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Applicants: Algonquin Gas OAR] Supporting documents which explain in
Transmission, LLC. detail the information that the EPA will
Description: Section 4(d) rate filing Proposed Information Collection
be collecting are available in the public
per 154.204: Negotiated Rates Request; Comment Request; Fine
docket for this ICR. The docket can be
Cleanup—Contract 789456 to be Particulate Matter (PM2.5) NAAQS
viewed online at http://
effective 6/1/2015. Implementation Rule (Renewal)
www.regulations.gov, or in person at the
Filed Date: 5/22/15. AGENCY: Environmental Protection EPA Docket Center, WJC West, Room
Accession Number: 20150522–5147. Agency (EPA). 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW.,
Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 6/3/15. Washington, DC. The telephone number
ACTION: Notice.
Docket Numbers: RP15–1000–000. for the Docket Center is (202) 566–1744.
Applicants: Rockies Express Pipeline SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental For additional information about EPA’s
Lhorne on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

LLC. Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to public docket, visit http://www.epa.gov/
Description: Section 4(d) rate filing submit an information collection dockets.
per 154.204: Neg Rate 2015–05–15 E2W request (ICR), ‘‘Fine Particulate Matter Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of
to be effective 7/1/2015. (PM2.5) NAAQS Implementation Rule the PRA, the EPA is soliciting comments
Filed Date: 5/22/15. (Renewal)’’ (EPA ICR No. 2258.04, OMB and information to enable it to: (i)
Accession Number: 20150522–5234. Control No. 2060–0611), to the Office of Evaluate whether the proposed
Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 6/3/15. Management and Budget (OMB) for collection of information is necessary

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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 104 / Monday, June 1, 2015 / Notices 31031

for the proper performance of the the attainment period or in the event the Currently approved total estimated
functions of the agency, including area does not attain the NAAQS by its burden: 175,400 hours (per year).
whether the information will have attainment date. After a state submits an Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.03(b).
practical utility; (ii) evaluate the attainment plan, the CAA requires the Total estimated cost: $0 annualized
accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the EPA to approve or disapprove the plan. capital or operation & maintenance
burden of the proposed collection of Tribes may develop or submit costs.
information, including the validity of attainment plans, but are not required to Changes in estimates: The EPA
the methodology and assumptions used; do so. expects there to be a reduction in excess
(iii) enhance the quality, utility, and On January 4, 2013, the U.S. Court of of 50 percent in the total estimated
clarity of the information to be Appeals for the District of Columbia respondent burden compared with the
collected; and (iv) minimize the burden Circuit (DC Circuit) remanded the 2007 information collection that is currently
of the collection of information on those PM2.5 NAAQS Implementation Rule, approved by OMB. This decrease is due
who are to respond, including through concluding that the agency had erred in to the fact that the EPA estimates that
the use of appropriate automated implementing the PM2.5 NAAQS only six areas may be candidates for
electronic, mechanical, or other according to only the general reclassification triggering new submittal
technological collection techniques or nonattainment area planning provisions requirements for the 2006 PM2.5
other forms of information technology, of subpart 1, part D, title I of the CAA, NAAQS, as compared to 31
e.g., permitting electronic submission of rather than in accordance with the PM- nonattainment areas initially designated
responses. The EPA will consider the specific planning requirements of for that NAAQS. In addition, one of the
comments received and amend the ICR subpart 4, part D, title I of the CAA and six areas (San Joaquin Valley, CA)
as appropriate. The final ICR package certain general planning provisions in remains nonattainment for the 1997
will then be submitted to OMB for subpart 1. On March 23, 2015, the EPA PM2.5 NAAQS. The burden estimate,
review and approval. At that time, the detailed in the supporting statement
proposed a new implementation rule
EPA will issue another Federal Register located in the docket for this proposed
(80 FR 15340) consistent with the
notice to announce the submission of renewal, accounts for new SIP revisions
attainment planning requirements under
the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to from states with nonattainment areas
CAA subparts 1 and 4 of part D, title I,
submit additional comments to OMB. potentially subject to reclassification.
that would apply to ongoing
An agency may not conduct or sponsor
implementation efforts by air agencies Dated: May 21, 2015.
and a person is not required to respond
in areas designated nonattainment for Stephen D. Page,
to a collection of information unless it
the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS, as Director, Office of Air Quality Planning and
displays a currently valid OMB control
well as to new efforts in areas recently Standards, Office of Air and Radiation.
number.
Abstract: The final implementation designated nonattainment for the most [FR Doc. 2015–13131 Filed 5–29–15; 8:45 am]
rule for the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS (2007 recent 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. As part of its BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
PM2.5 NAAQS Implementation Rule) proposed implementation rule, the EPA
was promulgated on April 25, 2007 (79 also proposed a new ICR to cover the 3-
FR 20586). This rule provided the year period after the ICR is approved by ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
framework of Clean Air Act (CAA) OMB, which would account for both the AGENCY
requirements for air agencies to meet in burden associated with plan revisions
related to ongoing implementation [FRL–9928–46–OGC]
attainment plans to achieve the 1997
PM2.5 NAAQS in designated efforts for the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 Proposed Settlement Agreement
nonattainment areas. States also applied NAAQS as well as the additional cost
this framework to develop attainment burden to air agencies developing AGENCY: Environmental Protection
plans for areas designated attainment plans for areas designated Agency (EPA).
nonattainment for the 24-hour PM2.5 nonattainment for the 2012 PM2.5 ACTION: Notice of proposed settlement
NAAQS revised by the agency in 2006 NAAQS. Once final, the new ICR will agreement; request for public comment.
(74 FR 58688, November 13, 2009; 76 supersede the existing ICR—for which
FR 6056; February 3, 2011). the EPA is proposing renewal in this SUMMARY: In accordance with section
The ICR originally finalized with the action—for purposes of PM2.5 NAAQS 113(g) of the Clean Air Act (the ‘‘Act’’),
2007 PM2.5 NAAQS Implementation implementation. In the meantime, while 42 U.S.C. 7413(g), notice is hereby given
Rule had estimated, for the 3 years the EPA completes its current of a proposed settlement agreement to
following the ICR approval date, the rulemaking and finalizes the new ICR, address a lawsuit filed by National
burden to air agencies to develop and the agency is hereby proposing a Parks Conservation Association,
submit, and the burden to the EPA to renewal of the existing ICR that would Minnesota Center for Environmental
review and to approve or disapprove, continue to apply during this interim Advocacy, Friends of the Boundary
attainment plans to meet the period. Waters, Voyageurs National Park
requirements prescribed in CAA Respondents/affected entities: State Association, Fresh Energy, and the
sections 110 and part D, subpart 1 of and local governments. Sierra Club (collectively, ‘‘Plaintiffs’’)
title I. A PM2.5 attainment plan contains and Intervenor Defendant Northern
Respondent’s obligation to respond:
rules and other measures designed to States Power Company Minnesota, d/b/
Mandatory.
improve air quality and achieve the a Xcel Energy in the United States
NAAQS by the deadlines established Currently approved estimated number District Court for the District of
Lhorne on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

under the CAA. It also must address of respondents: 95 (total). Minnesota: National Parks Conservation
several additional CAA requirements Frequency of response: Once per Association, et al. v. EPA, Civ. No. 12–
related to demonstrating timely triggering event [i.e., each air agency 3043 (D. Minn.). On December 5, 2012,
attainment, and must contain with a newly-designated nonattainment Plaintiffs filed a complaint alleging that
contingency measures in the event the area or an area reclassified to a higher the Administrator of the United States
nonattainment area does not achieve classification is required to revise its Environmental Protection Agency
reasonable further progress throughout State Implementation Plan (SIP)]. (‘‘EPA’’) had failed to perform a

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Document Created: 2015-12-15 15:18:48
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 15:18:48

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Notice.
Dates		Comments must be submitted on or before July 31, 2015.
Contact		Mr. Cecil (Butch) Stackhouse, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, by phone at (919) 541-5208 or by email at [email protected]
FR Citation		80 FR 31030