81_FR_26269 81 FR 26185 - Limited Disapproval of Air Plan Revisions; Arizona; New Source Review; PM2.5

81 FR 26185 - Limited Disapproval of Air Plan Revisions; Arizona; New Source Review; PM2.5

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 84 (May 2, 2016)

Page Range26185-26188
FR Document2016-10219

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a limited disapproval of a revision to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) portion of the Arizona State Implementation Plan (SIP) under the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act). This ADEQ-submitted SIP revision primarily was intended to serve as a replacement of ADEQ's SIP-approved rules for the issuance of New Source Review (NSR) permits for stationary sources, including but not limited to the rules governing the review and permitting of major sources and major modifications under the Act. This action concerns only the major nonattainment NSR provisions in ADEQ's submittal as they pertain to the Nogales and West Central Pinal nonattainment areas for particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less (PM<INF>2.5</INF>). The EPA previously finalized a limited approval for these PM<INF>2.5</INF> nonattainment areas related to certain major nonattainment NSR permitting requirements for PM<INF>2.5</INF> under the CAA, and is now also proposing a limited disapproval to set the stage for remedying certain deficiencies related to these requirements.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 84 (Monday, May 2, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 84 (Monday, May 2, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26185-26188]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-10219]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R09-OAR-2015-0187; FRL-9945-96-Region 9]


Limited Disapproval of Air Plan Revisions; Arizona; New Source 
Review; PM2.5

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a 
limited disapproval of a revision to the Arizona Department of 
Environmental Quality (ADEQ) portion of the Arizona State 
Implementation Plan (SIP) under the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act). This 
ADEQ-submitted SIP revision primarily was intended to serve as a 
replacement of ADEQ's SIP-approved rules for the issuance of New Source 
Review (NSR) permits for stationary sources, including but not limited 
to the rules governing the review and permitting of major sources and 
major modifications under the Act. This action concerns only the major 
nonattainment NSR provisions in ADEQ's submittal as they pertain to the 
Nogales and West Central Pinal nonattainment areas for particulate 
matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less (PM2.5). 
The EPA previously finalized a limited approval for these 
PM2.5 nonattainment areas related to certain major 
nonattainment NSR permitting requirements for PM2.5 under 
the CAA, and is now also proposing a limited disapproval to set the 
stage for remedying certain deficiencies related to these requirements.

DATES: Comments must arrive by June 1, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R09-
OAR-2015-0187 at http://www.regulations.gov, or via email to 
[email protected]. For comments submitted at Regulations.gov, follow 
the online instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, 
comments cannot be edited or removed from Regulations.gov. For either 
manner of submission, the EPA may publish any comment received to its 
public docket. Do not submit electronically any information you 
consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Multimedia 
submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written 
comment. The written comment is considered the official comment and 
should include discussion of all points you wish to make. The EPA will 
generally not consider comments or comment contents located outside of 
the primary submission (i.e., on the web, cloud, or other file sharing 
system). For additional submission methods, please contact the person 
identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. For the full 
EPA public comment policy, information about CBI or multimedia 
submissions, and general guidance on making effective comments, please 
visit http://www2.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa Beckham, EPA Region IX, (415) 
972-3811, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document, ``we,'' ``us,'' 
and ``our'' refer to the EPA.

Table of Contents

I. The State's Submittal
    A. What did the State submit?
    B. What is the purpose of this proposed rule?
II. The EPA's Evaluation and Action
    A. How is the EPA evaluating the submittal?
    B. Does the submittal meet the evaluation criteria?
    C. Proposed Action and Public Comment
III. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

I. The State's Submittal

A. What did the State submit?

    On July 28, 2011 and October 29, 2012, ADEQ submitted revisions to 
the ADEQ portion of the Arizona SIP for EPA approval under the CAA. On 
May 16, 2014, ADEQ supplemented the July 28, 2011 submittal. On 
September 6, 2013, July 2, 2014, and February 16, 2015, ADEQ 
supplemented the October 29, 2012 submittal. Collectively, these 
submittals generally comprise ADEQ's current program for 
preconstruction review and permitting of new or modified stationary 
sources under ADEQ's jurisdiction in Arizona. On November 2, 2015, the 
EPA finalized a limited approval and limited disapproval, and other 
actions, for these submittals. See our final rule at 80 FR 67319 (Nov. 
2, 2015) and proposed rule at 80 FR 14044 (Mar. 18, 2015). The EPA is 
now taking further action related to these submittals. The specific 
rules that were reviewed as part of these submittals and our previous 
action, and which are the subject of this action, can be found in Table 
1 of the preamble to our November 2, 2015 final rule (80 FR 67320).
    The SIP submittals that are the subject of this action and our 2015 
proposed and final rules, referred to herein as the

[[Page 26186]]

``NSR SIP submittal,'' represent a comprehensive revision to ADEQ's 
preconstruction review and permitting program and were intended to 
satisfy the requirements under both part C (prevention of significant 
deterioration) (PSD) and part D (nonattainment new source review) of 
title I of the Act for major sources as well as the general 
preconstruction review requirements under section 110(a)(2)(C) of the 
Act. The Act's preconstruction review and permitting programs are often 
collectively referred to as ``New Source Review''.
    Please see our previous proposed and final actions for the NSR SIP 
submittal--Revisions to Air Plan; Arizona; Stationary Sources; New 
Source Review--for a detailed description of the actions taken to date 
related to these submittals, including the docket for these actions 
(Docket ID No. EPA-R09-OAR-2015-0187 at www.regulations.gov) where 
other supplementary materials are available.
    On December 28, 2012, April 29, 2013, and December 2, 2014, ADEQ's 
July 28, 2011, October 29, 2012, and July 2, 2014 submittals, 
respectively, were deemed complete by operation of law to meet the 
completeness criteria in 40 CFR part 51, appendix V, which must be met 
before formal EPA review. Each of these submittals includes evidence of 
public notice and adoption of the relevant ADEQ regulations.

B. What is the purpose of this proposed rule?

    The purpose of this EPA rulemaking is solicit comment on whether 
the major nonattainment NSR portion of ADEQ's NSR SIP submittal fully 
meets the permitting requirements for PM2.5 precursors under 
section 189(e) of the CAA. In the EPA's March 2015 proposed action on 
ADEQ's NSR SIP Submittal, we explained that we were not evaluating at 
that time whether the NSR SIP submittal would require additional 
revisions related to PM2.5 to satisfy CAA section 189(e) 
requirements, and we finalized our action accordingly in November 2015. 
We are now proposing a limited disapproval of the major nonattainment 
NSR portion of ADEQ's NSR SIP submittal for PM2.5 as it 
pertains to the statutory requirements of section 189(e).

II. The EPA's Evaluation and Action

A. How is the EPA evaluating the submittal?

    At this time the EPA is evaluating whether ADEQ's NSR SIP submittal 
meets certain permitting requirements for PM2.5 
nonattainment areas under title I, part D, subpart 4 of the CAA 
(subpart 4). At the time of our 2015 action, we did not determine that 
the submittal fully addressed section 189(e) in subpart 4, related to 
NSR permitting requirements for PM2.5 for major stationary 
sources in PM2.5 nonattainment areas, and instead finalized 
a limited approval related to subpart 4 based on this issue. For 
PM2.5 nonattainment areas, section 189(e) requires that the 
control requirements applicable under plans in effect under part D of 
the CAA for major stationary sources of PM2.5 also apply to 
major stationary sources of PM2.5 precursors, except where 
the Administrator determines that such sources do not contribute 
significantly to PM2.5 levels which exceed the standards in 
the area.

B. Does the submittal meet the evaluation criteria?

    As explained further below, in order to meet the evaluation 
criteria in CAA section 189(e) for PM2.5 as discussed above, 
ADEQ's NSR SIP submittal would need to (1) require major stationary 
sources of PM2.5 precursors (nitrogen oxides 
(NOX), sulfur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic 
compounds (VOC), and ammonia) in areas designated nonattainment for the 
PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to meet 
the same control requirements as those applicable to major stationary 
sources of PM2.5, or (2) if not including such requirements 
for any of these precursors, provide a demonstration that the 
particular precursor does not contribute significantly to 
PM2.5 levels that exceed the standard in the relevant 
PM2.5 nonattainment area. As explained in our March 2015 
proposed action on the ADEQ NSR SIP submittal, the rules in that 
submittal regulate NOX and SO2 as 
PM2.5 precursors (see 80 FR 14057). As a result, the only 
remaining element for evaluation is whether the submittal appropriately 
addresses VOC and ammonia as PM2.5 precursors.
1. Background
    On January 4, 2013, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of 
Columbia Circuit, in Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) v. EPA, 
issued a decision that remanded the EPA's 2007 and 2008 rules 
implementing the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS. See 706 F.3d 428 (D.C. 
Cir. 2013). The 2008 EPA implementation rule addressed by the court 
decision, ``Implementation of New Source Review (NSR) Program for 
Particulate Matter Less Than 2.5 Micrometers (PM2.5)'' (the 
2008 NSR PM2.5 Rule),\1\ promulgated NSR requirements for 
implementation of PM2.5 in both nonattainment areas (under 
the nonattainment NSR program) and attainment/unclassifiable areas 
(under the PSD program). The Court of Appeals found that the EPA had 
erred in implementing the PM2.5 NAAQS in these rules for 
nonattainment areas solely pursuant to the general implementation 
provisions of subpart 1 of part D of title I of the CAA, rather than 
pursuant to the additional implementation provisions specific to 
particulate matter nonattainment areas in subpart 4 of part D of title 
I. The Court of Appeals ordered the EPA to ``repromulgate these rules 
pursuant to Subpart 4 consistent with this opinion.'' 706 F.3d at 437. 
The EPA issued a proposed rule to promulgate new generally applicable 
implementation regulations for the PM2.5 NAAQS in accordance 
with the requirements of subpart 4 and the Court's remand decision, see 
80 FR 15340 (March 23, 2015), but the EPA has not yet issued the final 
implementation rule. In the interim, however, states and the EPA still 
need to proceed with implementation of the PM2.5 NAAQS in a 
timely and effective fashion in order to meet statutory obligations 
under the CAA and to assure the protection of public health intended by 
those NAAQS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 73 FR 28321 (May 16, 2008).
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2. ADEQ's NSR SIP Submittal for PM2.5 Nonattainment Areas
    ADEQ's NSR SIP submittal generally includes requirements for the 
PM2.5 nonattainment NSR program for major sources consistent 
with the provisions promulgated in the EPA's 2008 NSR PM2.5 
Rule. Specifically, ADEQ's NSR SIP submittal includes the 
PM2.5 significant emission rates at R18-2-101(130), 
regulation of certain PM2.5 precursors (SO2 and 
NOX) at R18-2-101(130), the regulation of PM10 
and PM2.5 condensable emissions at R18-2-101(122)(f), and 
the emissions offset requirements at R18-2-403(A)(3). The EPA approved 
these provisions into ADEQ's SIP as part of a limited approval and 
limited disapproval, and other actions, on November 2, 2015 (80 FR 
67319).
    Although ADEQ's NSR SIP submittal does include regulation of major 
sources of SO2 and NOX as PM2.5 
precursors under the major source nonattainment NSR program, it does 
not include rules regulating VOCs or ammonia in this manner. Nor does 
the NSR SIP submittal include a demonstration showing that

[[Page 26187]]

the regulation of VOCs and ammonia is not necessary under section 
189(e).
    The evaluation of which precursors need to be controlled to achieve 
a NAAQS in a particular nonattainment area is typically conducted in 
the context of the state's preparing and the EPA's reviewing an area's 
attainment plan SIP. In this case, there are two designated 
PM2.5 nonattainment areas in Arizona, the Nogales (portion 
of Santa Cruz County, AZ) and West Central Pinal (portion of Pinal 
County, AZ) areas. Both are designated nonattainment for the 2006 
annual PM2.5 NAAQS. However, on January 7, 2013 and 
September 4, 2013, the EPA finalized determinations of attainment for 
these areas, respectively (78 FR 887 and 78 FR 54394), which suspended 
the requirement for the state to submit, among other things, an 
attainment plan SIP for the areas.\2\ Accordingly, PM2.5 
attainment plans for SIP approval are not before EPA Region 9 for these 
areas, nor were they at the time of the EPA's proposed or final 2015 
actions on the NSR SIP submittal. In 2015, as the EPA did not have 
before it the state's analysis as to which precursors needed to be 
controlled in these areas pursuant to section 189(e) of the Act, we 
determined that we could not fully approve as complying with the Act a 
nonattainment NSR SIP that addressed only a subset of the scientific 
PM2.5 precursors recognized by the EPA. We determined that 
while ADEQ's NSR SIP submittal may not contain all of the elements 
necessary to satisfy the CAA requirements when evaluated under subpart 
4, the major source nonattainment NSR portion of the submittal 
represented a considerable strengthening of the previously approved 
Arizona SIP, which did not previously address NSR permitting for 
PM2.5 at all. Therefore, in our 2015 action, the EPA granted 
limited approval to the PM2.5 major nonattainment NSR 
provisions in ADEQ's NSR SIP submittal for the Nogales and West Central 
Pinal PM2.5 nonattainment areas based on the subpart 4 
requirements, and indicated that we would consider whether a limited 
disapproval was appropriate pertaining to these requirements when the 
EPA re-promulgated its PM2.5 regulations with respect to 
major nonattainment NSR permitting in response to the Court of Appeals' 
remand decision in the NRDC case.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Prior to the NRDC Court's decision, the EPA would not have 
reviewed PM2.5 attainment plan submittals for compliance 
with Section 189.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Although the EPA has not yet re-promulgated these PM2.5 
regulations in response to the remand decision, the EPA is now 
proposing to determine that ADEQ's NSR SIP submittal does not fully 
satisfy the major nonattainment NSR requirements for PM2.5 
under section 189(e) of the Act for the Nogales and West Central Pinal 
PM2.5 nonattainment areas, based on our finding that the 
submittal does not include rules regulating VOCs or ammonia as 
PM2.5 precursors under the major source nonattainment NSR 
program, nor does it include a demonstration showing that the 
regulation of VOCs and ammonia is not necessary under section 189(e). 
We find it is appropriate to take action now in order to proceed with 
implementation of the major source nonattainment NSR program for the 
PM2.5 NAAQS in a timely and effective fashion to address 
statutory obligations under the CAA and to assure the protection of 
public health as intended by the Act based on those NAAQS. Therefore, 
we are proposing a limited disapproval of the major source 
nonattainment NSR provisions in ADEQ's NSR SIP submittal for the 
Nogales and West Central Pinal PM2.5 nonattainment areas 
based on our finding that the submittal does not fully satisfy section 
189(e) of the Act as it relates to PM2.5 precursors. To 
address this limited disapproval, ADEQ must revise its major source 
nonattainment NSR permitting program to include VOC and ammonia as 
PM2.5 precursors, or provide a demonstration satisfying the 
requirement in section 189(e) that a particular precursor does not 
contribute significantly to PM2.5 levels that exceed the 
standard in the Nogales and/or West Central Pinal PM2.5 
nonattainment areas.

C. Proposed Action and Public Comment

    Pursuant to Section 110(k) of the Act, and for the reasons provided 
above, we are proposing a limited disapproval of the major source 
nonattainment NSR provisions of ADEQ's NSR SIP submittal for the 
Nogales and West Central Pinal PM2.5 nonattainment areas 
under section 189(e) of the Act related to PM2.5 precursors. 
The EPA is proposing this action because, although we found that the 
NSR SIP submittal met most of the applicable NSR permitting 
requirements for PM2.5 nonattainment areas, we have found 
certain deficiencies that prevent full approval. The intended effect of 
our limited disapproval action is to set the stage for remedying 
deficiencies in these regulations in a timely fashion.
    If finalized as proposed, our limited disapproval action will 
trigger an obligation on the EPA to promulgate a Federal Implementation 
Plan unless Arizona corrects the deficiencies that are the bases for 
this limited disapproval, and the EPA approves the related plan 
revisions, within two years of the final action. Additionally, the 
offset sanction in CAA section 179(b)(2) would apply in the 
nonattainment areas at issue 18 months after the effective date of a 
final limited disapproval, and the highway funding sanctions in CAA 
section 179(b)(1) would apply in these areas six months after the 
offset sanction is imposed. However, neither sanction will be imposed 
under the CAA if Arizona submits, and we approve, prior to the 
implementation of the sanctions, SIP revisions that correct the 
deficiencies that we identify in a final action. The EPA is working 
with ADEQ to correct the deficiencies identified in this action in a 
timely manner.
    We will accept comments from the public on the proposed disapproval 
for the next 30 days.

III. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Additional information about these statutes and Executive Orders 
can be found at http://www2.epa.gov/laws-regulations/laws-and-executive-orders.

A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive 
Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review

    This action is not a significant regulatory action and was 
therefore not submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
for review.

B. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)

    This action does not impose an information collection burden under 
the PRA because this action does not impose additional requirements 
beyond those imposed by state law.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)

    I certify that this action will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities under the RFA. This 
action will not impose any requirements on small entities beyond those 
imposed by state law.

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)

    This action does not contain any unfunded mandate as described in 
UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1531-1538, and does not significantly or uniquely affect 
small governments. This action does not impose additional requirements 
beyond those imposed by state law. Accordingly, no additional costs to 
State, local, or tribal governments, or to the private sector, will 
result from this action.

[[Page 26188]]

E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism

    This action does not have federalism implications. It will not have 
substantial direct effects on the states, on the relationship between 
the national government and the states, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.

F. Executive Order 13175: Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments

    This action does not have tribal implications, as specified in 
Executive Order 13175, because the SIP is not approved to apply on any 
Indian reservation land or in any other area where the EPA or an Indian 
tribe has demonstrated that a tribe has jurisdiction, and will not 
impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal 
law. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this action.

G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental 
Health Risks and Safety Risks

    The EPA interprets Executive Order 13045 as applying only to those 
regulatory actions that concern environmental health or safety risks 
that the EPA has reason to believe may disproportionately affect 
children, per the definition of ``covered regulatory action'' in 
section 2-202 of the Executive Order. This action is not subject to 
Executive Order 13045 because it does not impose additional 
requirements beyond those imposed by state law.

H. Executive Order 13211: Actions That Significantly Affect Energy 
Supply, Distribution, or Use

    This action is not subject to Executive Order 13211, because it is 
not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.

I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA)

    Section 12(d) of the NTTAA directs the EPA to use voluntary 
consensus standards in its regulatory activities unless to do so would 
be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. The EPA 
believes that this action is not subject to the requirements of section 
12(d) of the NTTAA because application of those requirements would be 
inconsistent with the CAA.

J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental 
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Population

    The EPA lacks the discretionary authority to address environmental 
justice in this rulemaking.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by 
reference, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen dioxide, Particulate 
matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur oxides, 
Volatile organic compounds.

    Dated: April 21, 2016.
Jared Blumenfeld,
Regional Administrator, Region IX.
[FR Doc. 2016-10219 Filed 4-29-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 84 / Monday, May 2, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                               26185

                                                    disproportionately affect children, per                 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION                              official comment and should include
                                                    the definition of ‘‘covered regulatory                  AGENCY                                                discussion of all points you wish to
                                                    action’’ in section 2–202 of the                                                                              make. The EPA will generally not
                                                    Executive Order. This action is not                     40 CFR Part 52                                        consider comments or comment
                                                    subject to Executive Order 13045                        [EPA–R09–OAR–2015–0187; FRL–9945–96–                  contents located outside of the primary
                                                    because it merely proposes to approve                   Region 9]                                             submission (i.e., on the web, cloud, or
                                                    state permitting provisions that are                                                                          other file sharing system). For
                                                    consistent with the CAA and disapprove                  Limited Disapproval of Air Plan                       additional submission methods, please
                                                    state permitting provisions that are                    Revisions; Arizona; New Source                        contact the person identified in the FOR
                                                    inconsistent with the CAA.                              Review; PM2.5                                         FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.
                                                                                                                                                                  For the full EPA public comment policy,
                                                    H. Executive Order 13211: Actions                       AGENCY:  Environmental Protection                     information about CBI or multimedia
                                                    Concerning Regulations That                             Agency (EPA).                                         submissions, and general guidance on
                                                    Significantly Affect Energy Supply,                     ACTION: Proposed rule.                                making effective comments, please visit
                                                    Distribution or Use                                                                                           http://www2.epa.gov/dockets/
                                                                                                            SUMMARY:   The Environmental Protection               commenting-epa-dockets.
                                                      This action is not subject to Executive               Agency (EPA) is proposing a limited
                                                                                                                                                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa
                                                    Order 13211, because it is not a                        disapproval of a revision to the Arizona
                                                                                                                                                                  Beckham, EPA Region IX, (415) 972–
                                                    significant regulatory action under                     Department of Environmental Quality
                                                                                                                                                                  3811, beckham.lisa@epa.gov.
                                                    Executive Order 12866.                                  (ADEQ) portion of the Arizona State
                                                                                                            Implementation Plan (SIP) under the                   SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                    I. National Technology Transfer and                     Clean Air Act (CAA or Act). This ADEQ-                Throughout this document, ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’
                                                    Advancement Act (NTTAA)                                 submitted SIP revision primarily was                  and ‘‘our’’ refer to the EPA.
                                                                                                            intended to serve as a replacement of                 Table of Contents
                                                      This rulemaking does not involve                      ADEQ’s SIP-approved rules for the
                                                    technical standards.                                                                                          I. The State’s Submittal
                                                                                                            issuance of New Source Review (NSR)                      A. What did the State submit?
                                                    J. Executive Order 12898: Federal                       permits for stationary sources, including                B. What is the purpose of this proposed
                                                    Actions To Address Environmental                        but not limited to the rules governing                      rule?
                                                    Justice in Minority Populations and                     the review and permitting of major                    II. The EPA’s Evaluation and Action
                                                    Low-Income Populations                                  sources and major modifications under                    A. How is the EPA evaluating the
                                                                                                            the Act. This action concerns only the                      submittal?
                                                                                                            major nonattainment NSR provisions in                    B. Does the submittal meet the evaluation
                                                      The EPA believes the human health or
                                                                                                                                                                        criteria?
                                                    environmental risk addressed by this                    ADEQ’s submittal as they pertain to the
                                                                                                                                                                     C. Proposed Action and Public Comment
                                                    action will not have potential                          Nogales and West Central Pinal                        III. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
                                                    disproportionately high and adverse                     nonattainment areas for particulate
                                                    human health or environmental effects                   matter with a diameter of 2.5                         I. The State’s Submittal
                                                    on minority, low-income or indigenous                   micrometers or less (PM2.5). The EPA                  A. What did the State submit?
                                                    populations. This action merely                         previously finalized a limited approval
                                                                                                            for these PM2.5 nonattainment areas                      On July 28, 2011 and October 29,
                                                    proposes to approve state permitting                                                                          2012, ADEQ submitted revisions to the
                                                    provisions that are consistent with the                 related to certain major nonattainment
                                                                                                            NSR permitting requirements for PM2.5                 ADEQ portion of the Arizona SIP for
                                                    CAA and disapprove state permitting                                                                           EPA approval under the CAA. On May
                                                                                                            under the CAA, and is now also
                                                    provisions that are inconsistent with the                                                                     16, 2014, ADEQ supplemented the July
                                                                                                            proposing a limited disapproval to set
                                                    CAA.                                                    the stage for remedying certain                       28, 2011 submittal. On September 6,
                                                                                                            deficiencies related to these                         2013, July 2, 2014, and February 16,
                                                    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
                                                                                                            requirements.                                         2015, ADEQ supplemented the October
                                                      Environmental protection, Air                                                                               29, 2012 submittal. Collectively, these
                                                                                                            DATES:    Comments must arrive by June 1,             submittals generally comprise ADEQ’s
                                                    pollution control, Carbon monoxide,
                                                                                                            2016.                                                 current program for preconstruction
                                                    Incorporation by reference,
                                                    Intergovernmental relations, Lead,                      ADDRESSES:   Submit your comments,                    review and permitting of new or
                                                    Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate                    identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R09–                  modified stationary sources under
                                                                                                            OAR–2015–0187 at http://                              ADEQ’s jurisdiction in Arizona. On
                                                    matter, Reporting and recordkeeping
                                                                                                            www.regulations.gov, or via email to                  November 2, 2015, the EPA finalized a
                                                    requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile
                                                                                                            R9AirPermits@epa.gov. For comments                    limited approval and limited
                                                    organic compounds.
                                                                                                            submitted at Regulations.gov, follow the              disapproval, and other actions, for these
                                                       Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.                    online instructions for submitting                    submittals. See our final rule at 80 FR
                                                      Dated: April 22, 2016.                                comments. Once submitted, comments                    67319 (Nov. 2, 2015) and proposed rule
                                                                                                            cannot be edited or removed from                      at 80 FR 14044 (Mar. 18, 2015). The EPA
                                                    Ron Curry,
                                                                                                            Regulations.gov. For either manner of                 is now taking further action related to
                                                    Regional Administrator, Region 6.                       submission, the EPA may publish any                   these submittals. The specific rules that
                                                    [FR Doc. 2016–10225 Filed 4–29–16; 8:45 am]             comment received to its public docket.                were reviewed as part of these
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                    BILLING CODE 6560–50–P                                  Do not submit electronically any                      submittals and our previous action, and
                                                                                                            information you consider to be                        which are the subject of this action, can
                                                                                                            Confidential Business Information (CBI)               be found in Table 1 of the preamble to
                                                                                                            or other information whose disclosure is              our November 2, 2015 final rule (80 FR
                                                                                                            restricted by statute. Multimedia                     67320).
                                                                                                            submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be                 The SIP submittals that are the subject
                                                                                                            accompanied by a written comment.                     of this action and our 2015 proposed
                                                                                                            The written comment is considered the                 and final rules, referred to herein as the


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                                                    26186                      Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 84 / Monday, May 2, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                    ‘‘NSR SIP submittal,’’ represent a                      title I, part D, subpart 4 of the CAA                 PM2.5 Rule),1 promulgated NSR
                                                    comprehensive revision to ADEQ’s                        (subpart 4). At the time of our 2015                  requirements for implementation of
                                                    preconstruction review and permitting                   action, we did not determine that the                 PM2.5 in both nonattainment areas
                                                    program and were intended to satisfy                    submittal fully addressed section 189(e)              (under the nonattainment NSR program)
                                                    the requirements under both part C                      in subpart 4, related to NSR permitting               and attainment/unclassifiable areas
                                                    (prevention of significant deterioration)               requirements for PM2.5 for major                      (under the PSD program). The Court of
                                                    (PSD) and part D (nonattainment new                     stationary sources in PM2.5                           Appeals found that the EPA had erred
                                                    source review) of title I of the Act for                nonattainment areas, and instead                      in implementing the PM2.5 NAAQS in
                                                    major sources as well as the general                    finalized a limited approval related to               these rules for nonattainment areas
                                                    preconstruction review requirements                     subpart 4 based on this issue. For PM2.5              solely pursuant to the general
                                                    under section 110(a)(2)(C) of the Act.                  nonattainment areas, section 189(e)                   implementation provisions of subpart 1
                                                    The Act’s preconstruction review and                    requires that the control requirements                of part D of title I of the CAA, rather
                                                    permitting programs are often                           applicable under plans in effect under                than pursuant to the additional
                                                    collectively referred to as ‘‘New Source                part D of the CAA for major stationary                implementation provisions specific to
                                                    Review’’.                                               sources of PM2.5 also apply to major                  particulate matter nonattainment areas
                                                       Please see our previous proposed and                 stationary sources of PM2.5 precursors,               in subpart 4 of part D of title I. The
                                                    final actions for the NSR SIP                           except where the Administrator                        Court of Appeals ordered the EPA to
                                                    submittal—Revisions to Air Plan;                        determines that such sources do not                   ‘‘repromulgate these rules pursuant to
                                                    Arizona; Stationary Sources; New                        contribute significantly to PM2.5 levels              Subpart 4 consistent with this opinion.’’
                                                    Source Review—for a detailed                            which exceed the standards in the area.               706 F.3d at 437. The EPA issued a
                                                    description of the actions taken to date                                                                      proposed rule to promulgate new
                                                    related to these submittals, including                  B. Does the submittal meet the                        generally applicable implementation
                                                    the docket for these actions (Docket ID                 evaluation criteria?                                  regulations for the PM2.5 NAAQS in
                                                    No. EPA–R09–OAR–2015–0187 at                                                                                  accordance with the requirements of
                                                                                                               As explained further below, in order
                                                    www.regulations.gov) where other                                                                              subpart 4 and the Court’s remand
                                                                                                            to meet the evaluation criteria in CAA
                                                    supplementary materials are available.                                                                        decision, see 80 FR 15340 (March 23,
                                                       On December 28, 2012, April 29,                      section 189(e) for PM2.5 as discussed
                                                                                                                                                                  2015), but the EPA has not yet issued
                                                    2013, and December 2, 2014, ADEQ’s                      above, ADEQ’s NSR SIP submittal
                                                                                                                                                                  the final implementation rule. In the
                                                    July 28, 2011, October 29, 2012, and                    would need to (1) require major
                                                                                                                                                                  interim, however, states and the EPA
                                                    July 2, 2014 submittals, respectively,                  stationary sources of PM2.5 precursors                still need to proceed with
                                                    were deemed complete by operation of                    (nitrogen oxides (NOX), sulfur dioxide                implementation of the PM2.5 NAAQS in
                                                    law to meet the completeness criteria in                (SO2), volatile organic compounds                     a timely and effective fashion in order
                                                    40 CFR part 51, appendix V, which                       (VOC), and ammonia) in areas                          to meet statutory obligations under the
                                                    must be met before formal EPA review.                   designated nonattainment for the PM2.5                CAA and to assure the protection of
                                                    Each of these submittals includes                       National Ambient Air Quality Standards                public health intended by those
                                                    evidence of public notice and adoption                  (NAAQS) to meet the same control                      NAAQS.
                                                    of the relevant ADEQ regulations.                       requirements as those applicable to
                                                                                                            major stationary sources of PM2.5, or (2)             2. ADEQ’s NSR SIP Submittal for PM2.5
                                                    B. What is the purpose of this proposed                 if not including such requirements for                Nonattainment Areas
                                                    rule?                                                   any of these precursors, provide a                      ADEQ’s NSR SIP submittal generally
                                                       The purpose of this EPA rulemaking                   demonstration that the particular                     includes requirements for the PM2.5
                                                    is solicit comment on whether the major                 precursor does not contribute                         nonattainment NSR program for major
                                                    nonattainment NSR portion of ADEQ’s                     significantly to PM2.5 levels that exceed             sources consistent with the provisions
                                                    NSR SIP submittal fully meets the                       the standard in the relevant PM2.5                    promulgated in the EPA’s 2008 NSR
                                                    permitting requirements for PM2.5                       nonattainment area. As explained in our               PM2.5 Rule. Specifically, ADEQ’s NSR
                                                    precursors under section 189(e) of the                  March 2015 proposed action on the                     SIP submittal includes the PM2.5
                                                    CAA. In the EPA’s March 2015                            ADEQ NSR SIP submittal, the rules in                  significant emission rates at R18–2–
                                                    proposed action on ADEQ’s NSR SIP                       that submittal regulate NOX and SO2 as                101(130), regulation of certain PM2.5
                                                    Submittal, we explained that we were                    PM2.5 precursors (see 80 FR 14057). As                precursors (SO2 and NOX) at R18–2–
                                                    not evaluating at that time whether the                 a result, the only remaining element for              101(130), the regulation of PM10 and
                                                    NSR SIP submittal would require                         evaluation is whether the submittal                   PM2.5 condensable emissions at R18–2–
                                                    additional revisions related to PM2.5 to                appropriately addresses VOC and                       101(122)(f), and the emissions offset
                                                    satisfy CAA section 189(e)                              ammonia as PM2.5 precursors.                          requirements at R18–2–403(A)(3). The
                                                    requirements, and we finalized our                                                                            EPA approved these provisions into
                                                                                                            1. Background
                                                    action accordingly in November 2015.                                                                          ADEQ’s SIP as part of a limited approval
                                                    We are now proposing a limited                            On January 4, 2013, the U.S. Court of               and limited disapproval, and other
                                                    disapproval of the major nonattainment                  Appeals for the District of Columbia                  actions, on November 2, 2015 (80 FR
                                                    NSR portion of ADEQ’s NSR SIP                           Circuit, in Natural Resources Defense                 67319).
                                                    submittal for PM2.5 as it pertains to the               Council (NRDC) v. EPA, issued a                         Although ADEQ’s NSR SIP submittal
                                                    statutory requirements of section 189(e).               decision that remanded the EPA’s 2007                 does include regulation of major sources
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                                                    II. The EPA’s Evaluation and Action                     and 2008 rules implementing the 1997                  of SO2 and NOX as PM2.5 precursors
                                                                                                            PM2.5 NAAQS. See 706 F.3d 428 (D.C.                   under the major source nonattainment
                                                    A. How is the EPA evaluating the                        Cir. 2013). The 2008 EPA                              NSR program, it does not include rules
                                                    submittal?                                              implementation rule addressed by the                  regulating VOCs or ammonia in this
                                                      At this time the EPA is evaluating                    court decision, ‘‘Implementation of New               manner. Nor does the NSR SIP submittal
                                                    whether ADEQ’s NSR SIP submittal                        Source Review (NSR) Program for                       include a demonstration showing that
                                                    meets certain permitting requirements                   Particulate Matter Less Than 2.5
                                                    for PM2.5 nonattainment areas under                     Micrometers (PM2.5)’’ (the 2008 NSR                     1 73   FR 28321 (May 16, 2008).



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                                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 84 / Monday, May 2, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                              26187

                                                    the regulation of VOCs and ammonia is                   response to the remand decision, the                  are the bases for this limited
                                                    not necessary under section 189(e).                     EPA is now proposing to determine that                disapproval, and the EPA approves the
                                                       The evaluation of which precursors                   ADEQ’s NSR SIP submittal does not                     related plan revisions, within two years
                                                    need to be controlled to achieve a                      fully satisfy the major nonattainment                 of the final action. Additionally, the
                                                    NAAQS in a particular nonattainment                     NSR requirements for PM2.5 under                      offset sanction in CAA section 179(b)(2)
                                                    area is typically conducted in the                      section 189(e) of the Act for the Nogales             would apply in the nonattainment areas
                                                    context of the state’s preparing and the                and West Central Pinal PM2.5                          at issue 18 months after the effective
                                                    EPA’s reviewing an area’s attainment                    nonattainment areas, based on our                     date of a final limited disapproval, and
                                                    plan SIP. In this case, there are two                   finding that the submittal does not                   the highway funding sanctions in CAA
                                                    designated PM2.5 nonattainment areas in                 include rules regulating VOCs or                      section 179(b)(1) would apply in these
                                                    Arizona, the Nogales (portion of Santa                  ammonia as PM2.5 precursors under the                 areas six months after the offset sanction
                                                    Cruz County, AZ) and West Central                       major source nonattainment NSR                        is imposed. However, neither sanction
                                                    Pinal (portion of Pinal County, AZ)                     program, nor does it include a                        will be imposed under the CAA if
                                                    areas. Both are designated                              demonstration showing that the                        Arizona submits, and we approve, prior
                                                    nonattainment for the 2006 annual                       regulation of VOCs and ammonia is not                 to the implementation of the sanctions,
                                                    PM2.5 NAAQS. However, on January 7,                     necessary under section 189(e). We find               SIP revisions that correct the
                                                    2013 and September 4, 2013, the EPA                     it is appropriate to take action now in               deficiencies that we identify in a final
                                                    finalized determinations of attainment                  order to proceed with implementation                  action. The EPA is working with ADEQ
                                                    for these areas, respectively (78 FR 887                of the major source nonattainment NSR                 to correct the deficiencies identified in
                                                    and 78 FR 54394), which suspended the                   program for the PM2.5 NAAQS in a                      this action in a timely manner.
                                                    requirement for the state to submit,                    timely and effective fashion to address                  We will accept comments from the
                                                    among other things, an attainment plan                  statutory obligations under the CAA and               public on the proposed disapproval for
                                                    SIP for the areas.2 Accordingly, PM2.5                  to assure the protection of public health             the next 30 days.
                                                    attainment plans for SIP approval are                   as intended by the Act based on those
                                                    not before EPA Region 9 for these areas,                NAAQS. Therefore, we are proposing a                  III. Statutory and Executive Order
                                                    nor were they at the time of the EPA’s                  limited disapproval of the major source               Reviews
                                                    proposed or final 2015 actions on the                   nonattainment NSR provisions in                          Additional information about these
                                                    NSR SIP submittal. In 2015, as the EPA                  ADEQ’s NSR SIP submittal for the                      statutes and Executive Orders can be
                                                    did not have before it the state’s analysis             Nogales and West Central Pinal PM2.5                  found at http://www2.epa.gov/laws-
                                                    as to which precursors needed to be                     nonattainment areas based on our                      regulations/laws-and-executive-orders.
                                                    controlled in these areas pursuant to                   finding that the submittal does not fully
                                                    section 189(e) of the Act, we determined                satisfy section 189(e) of the Act as it               A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory
                                                    that we could not fully approve as                      relates to PM2.5 precursors. To address               Planning and Review and Executive
                                                    complying with the Act a nonattainment                  this limited disapproval, ADEQ must                   Order 13563: Improving Regulation and
                                                    NSR SIP that addressed only a subset of                 revise its major source nonattainment                 Regulatory Review
                                                    the scientific PM2.5 precursors                         NSR permitting program to include VOC                   This action is not a significant
                                                    recognized by the EPA. We determined                    and ammonia as PM2.5 precursors, or                   regulatory action and was therefore not
                                                    that while ADEQ’s NSR SIP submittal                     provide a demonstration satisfying the                submitted to the Office of Management
                                                    may not contain all of the elements                     requirement in section 189(e) that a                  and Budget (OMB) for review.
                                                    necessary to satisfy the CAA                            particular precursor does not contribute
                                                                                                                                                                  B. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
                                                    requirements when evaluated under                       significantly to PM2.5 levels that exceed
                                                    subpart 4, the major source                             the standard in the Nogales and/or West                 This action does not impose an
                                                    nonattainment NSR portion of the                        Central Pinal PM2.5 nonattainment areas.              information collection burden under the
                                                    submittal represented a considerable                                                                          PRA because this action does not
                                                                                                            C. Proposed Action and Public                         impose additional requirements beyond
                                                    strengthening of the previously                         Comment
                                                    approved Arizona SIP, which did not                                                                           those imposed by state law.
                                                    previously address NSR permitting for                     Pursuant to Section 110(k) of the Act,
                                                                                                            and for the reasons provided above, we                C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
                                                    PM2.5 at all. Therefore, in our 2015
                                                    action, the EPA granted limited                         are proposing a limited disapproval of                   I certify that this action will not have
                                                    approval to the PM2.5 major                             the major source nonattainment NSR                    a significant economic impact on a
                                                    nonattainment NSR provisions in                         provisions of ADEQ’s NSR SIP submittal                substantial number of small entities
                                                    ADEQ’s NSR SIP submittal for the                        for the Nogales and West Central Pinal                under the RFA. This action will not
                                                    Nogales and West Central Pinal PM2.5                    PM2.5 nonattainment areas under section               impose any requirements on small
                                                    nonattainment areas based on the                        189(e) of the Act related to PM2.5                    entities beyond those imposed by state
                                                    subpart 4 requirements, and indicated                   precursors. The EPA is proposing this                 law.
                                                    that we would consider whether a                        action because, although we found that
                                                                                                            the NSR SIP submittal met most of the                 D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
                                                    limited disapproval was appropriate                                                                           (UMRA)
                                                    pertaining to these requirements when                   applicable NSR permitting requirements
                                                                                                            for PM2.5 nonattainment areas, we have                  This action does not contain any
                                                    the EPA re-promulgated its PM2.5
                                                                                                            found certain deficiencies that prevent               unfunded mandate as described in
                                                    regulations with respect to major
                                                                                                            full approval. The intended effect of our             UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1531–1538, and does
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                                                    nonattainment NSR permitting in
                                                                                                            limited disapproval action is to set the              not significantly or uniquely affect small
                                                    response to the Court of Appeals’
                                                                                                            stage for remedying deficiencies in these             governments. This action does not
                                                    remand decision in the NRDC case.
                                                                                                            regulations in a timely fashion.                      impose additional requirements beyond
                                                       Although the EPA has not yet re-
                                                                                                              If finalized as proposed, our limited               those imposed by state law.
                                                    promulgated these PM2.5 regulations in
                                                                                                            disapproval action will trigger an                    Accordingly, no additional costs to
                                                      2 Prior to the NRDC Court’s decision, the EPA         obligation on the EPA to promulgate a                 State, local, or tribal governments, or to
                                                    would not have reviewed PM2.5 attainment plan           Federal Implementation Plan unless                    the private sector, will result from this
                                                    submittals for compliance with Section 189.             Arizona corrects the deficiencies that                action.


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                                                    26188                      Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 84 / Monday, May 2, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                    E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism                    J. Executive Order 12898: Federal                     follow the online instructions for
                                                                                                            Actions To Address Environmental                      submitting comments. Once submitted,
                                                      This action does not have federalism                  Justice in Minority Populations and                   comments cannot be edited or removed
                                                    implications. It will not have substantial              Low-Income Population                                 from Regulations.gov. For either manner
                                                    direct effects on the states, on the                                                                          of submission, EPA may publish any
                                                                                                               The EPA lacks the discretionary
                                                    relationship between the national                                                                             comment received to its public docket.
                                                                                                            authority to address environmental
                                                    government and the states, or on the                                                                          Do not submit electronically any
                                                                                                            justice in this rulemaking.
                                                    distribution of power and                                                                                     information you consider to be
                                                    responsibilities among the various                      List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52                    confidential business information (CBI)
                                                    levels of government.                                     Environmental protection, Air                       or other information whose disclosure is
                                                                                                            pollution control, Incorporation by                   restricted by statute. Multimedia
                                                    F. Executive Order 13175: Coordination                                                                        submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be
                                                                                                            reference, Intergovernmental relations,
                                                    With Indian Tribal Governments                                                                                accompanied by a written comment.
                                                                                                            Nitrogen dioxide, Particulate matter,
                                                      This action does not have tribal                      Reporting and recordkeeping                           The written comment is considered the
                                                    implications, as specified in Executive                 requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile                 official comment and should include
                                                    Order 13175, because the SIP is not                     organic compounds.                                    discussion of all points you wish to
                                                                                                                                                                  make. EPA will generally not consider
                                                    approved to apply on any Indian                           Dated: April 21, 2016.
                                                                                                                                                                  comments or comment contents located
                                                    reservation land or in any other area                   Jared Blumenfeld,
                                                                                                                                                                  outside of the primary submission (i.e.,
                                                    where the EPA or an Indian tribe has                    Regional Administrator, Region IX.                    on the web, cloud, or other file sharing
                                                    demonstrated that a tribe has                           [FR Doc. 2016–10219 Filed 4–29–16; 8:45 am]           system). For additional submission
                                                    jurisdiction, and will not impose                       BILLING CODE 6560–50–P                                methods, please contact the person
                                                    substantial direct costs on tribal                                                                            identified in the FOR FURTHER
                                                    governments or preempt tribal law.                                                                            INFORMATION CONTACT section. For the
                                                    Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not                    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION                              full EPA public comment policy,
                                                    apply to this action.                                   AGENCY                                                information about CBI or multimedia
                                                    G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of                                                                       submissions, and general guidance on
                                                                                                            40 CFR Part 52
                                                    Children From Environmental Health                                                                            making effective comments, please visit
                                                    Risks and Safety Risks
                                                                                                            [EPA–R03–OAR–2015–0788; FRL–9945–80–                  http://www2.epa.gov/dockets/
                                                                                                            Region 3]                                             commenting-epa-dockets.
                                                      The EPA interprets Executive Order                                                                          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                            Approval and Promulgation of Air
                                                    13045 as applying only to those                                                                               Maria A. Pino, (215) 814–2181, or by
                                                                                                            Quality Implementation Plans;
                                                    regulatory actions that concern                                                                               email at pino.maria@epa.gov.
                                                                                                            Maryland; Reasonable Further
                                                    environmental health or safety risks that               Progress Plan, Contingency Measures,                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                    the EPA has reason to believe may                       Motor Vehicle Emissions Budgets for                   I. Background
                                                    disproportionately affect children, per                 the Baltimore 1997 8-Hour Ozone
                                                    the definition of ‘‘covered regulatory                  Serious Nonattainment Area                            A. The Baltimore Area
                                                    action’’ in section 2–202 of the                                                                                 In 1997, EPA revised the health-based
                                                    Executive Order. This action is not                     AGENCY:  Environmental Protection
                                                                                                                                                                  NAAQS for ozone, setting it at 0.08
                                                    subject to Executive Order 13045                        Agency (EPA).
                                                                                                                                                                  parts per million (ppm) averaged over
                                                    because it does not impose additional                   ACTION: Proposed rule.
                                                                                                                                                                  an 8-hour time frame.1 EPA set the 8-
                                                    requirements beyond those imposed by                    SUMMARY:   The Environmental Protection               hour ozone standard based on scientific
                                                    state law.                                              Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve                  evidence demonstrating that ozone
                                                                                                            the serious nonattainment area                        causes adverse health effects at lower
                                                    H. Executive Order 13211: Actions That                                                                        ozone concentrations and over longer
                                                    Significantly Affect Energy Supply,                     reasonable further progress (RFP) plan
                                                                                                            for the Baltimore serious nonattainment               periods of time than was understood
                                                    Distribution, or Use                                                                                          when the pre-existing 1-hour ozone
                                                                                                            area for the 1997 8-hour ozone national
                                                      This action is not subject to Executive               ambient air quality standard (NAAQS).                 standard was set. EPA determined that
                                                    Order 13211, because it is not a                        The SIP revision includes 2011 and                    the 8-hour standard would be more
                                                    significant regulatory action under                     2012 RFP milestones, contingency                      protective of human health, especially
                                                                                                            measures for failure to meet RFP, and                 children and adults who are active
                                                    Executive Order 12866.
                                                                                                            updates to the 2002 base year inventory               outdoors, and individuals with a pre-
                                                    I. National Technology Transfer and                     and the 2008 reasonable RFP plan                      existing respiratory disease, such as
                                                    Advancement Act (NTTAA)                                 previously approved by EPA. EPA is                    asthma.
                                                                                                            also proposing to approve the                            On April 30, 2004, EPA finalized its
                                                      Section 12(d) of the NTTAA directs                    transportation conformity motor vehicle               attainment/nonattainment designations
                                                    the EPA to use voluntary consensus                      emissions budgets (MVEBs) associated                  for areas across the country with respect
                                                    standards in its regulatory activities                  with this revision. This action is being              to the 1997 8-hour ozone standard. 69
                                                    unless to do so would be inconsistent                   taken under the Clean Air Act (CAA).                  FR 23858. These actions became
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                                                    with applicable law or otherwise                        DATES: Written comments must be
                                                                                                                                                                  effective on June 15, 2004. Among those
                                                    impractical. The EPA believes that this                 received on or before June 1, 2016.
                                                    action is not subject to the requirements                                                                        1 EPA revoked the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS,
                                                                                                            ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,                      effective April 6, 2015. See 80 FR 12264 (March 06,
                                                    of section 12(d) of the NTTAA because                   identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R03–                  2015). EPA revised the ozone NAAQS in both 2008
                                                    application of those requirements would                 OAR–2015–0788 at http://                              and 2015. EPA lowered the level of the 8-hour
                                                    be inconsistent with the CAA.                           www.regulations.gov, or via email to                  NAAQS to 0.075 ppm and then 0.070 ppm. See 73
                                                                                                                                                                  FR 16483 (March 27, 2008) and 80 FR 65291
                                                                                                            fernandez.cristina@epa.gov. For                       (October 26, 2015). This SIP revision does not
                                                                                                            comments submitted at Regulations.gov,                address the 2008 and 2015 ozone NAAQS.



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Document Created: 2016-04-30 13:35:31
Document Modified: 2016-04-30 13:35:31
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.
DatesComments must arrive by June 1, 2016.
ContactLisa Beckham, EPA Region IX, (415) 972-3811, [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 26185 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Air Pollution Control; Incorporation by Reference; Intergovernmental Relations; Nitrogen Dioxide; Particulate Matter; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Sulfur Oxides and Volatile Organic Compounds

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