81 FR 37170 - Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Idaho: Stationary Source Permitting Revisions

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 111 (June 9, 2016)

Page Range37170-37175
FR Document2016-13693

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to approve, and incorporate by reference, revisions to the Idaho State Implementation Plan submitted on May 21, 2015. In the submission, Idaho revised stationary source permitting rules, including the addition of facility-wide emission limits and nonmetallic mineral processing plant regulations. Idaho also added an alternative method for stationary sources to comply with sulfur content of fuels limits, and updated provisions to account for changes to federal air quality regulations. The EPA proposes to approve the submitted revisions as consistent with the Clean Air Act and the EPA's implementing regulations.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 111 (Thursday, June 9, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 111 (Thursday, June 9, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37170-37175]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-13693]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R10-OAR-2015-0397: FRL-9947-53-Region 10]


Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Idaho: 
Stationary Source Permitting Revisions

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to approve, 
and incorporate by reference, revisions to the Idaho State 
Implementation Plan submitted on May 21, 2015. In the submission, Idaho 
revised stationary source permitting rules, including the addition of 
facility-wide emission limits and nonmetallic mineral processing plant 
regulations. Idaho also added an alternative method for stationary 
sources to comply with sulfur content of fuels limits, and updated 
provisions to account for changes to federal air quality regulations. 
The EPA proposes to approve the submitted revisions as consistent with 
the Clean Air Act and the EPA's implementing regulations.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 11, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R10-
OAR-2015-0397, at http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online 
instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot 
be edited or removed from http://www.regulations.gov. 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 the disclosure of which 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, 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.
    Docket: All documents in the electronic docket are listed in the 
http://www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some 
information is not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other information, 
the disclosure of which is restricted by statute. Certain other 
material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed on the Internet 
and will be publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly 
available docket materials are available either electronically at 
http://www.regulations.gov or in hard copy during normal business hours 
at the Office of Air, Waste and Toxics, EPA Region 10, 1200 Sixth 
Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristin Hall at (206) 553-6357, or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document wherever ``we,'' 
``us,'' or ``our'' is used, it is intended to refer to the EPA.

Table of Contents

I. Background
II. State Submission
III. Analysis of Submitted Revisions
    A. Facility-Wide Emissions Cap Rules
    B. Nonmetallic Mineral Processing Plant Rules
    C. Sulfur Content of Fuels Provision
    D. Definitions and Baselines for Fine Particulate Matter
    E. Incorporation by Reference Updates
    F. Effect of Court Decisions Vacating and Remanding Certain 
Federal Rules
IV. Proposed Action
V. Incorporation by Reference
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

I. Background

    Section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) governs the process by which 
a state submits air quality protection requirements to the EPA for 
approval into the State Implementation Plan (SIP). The SIP is the 
state's plan to implement, maintain and enforce the National Ambient 
Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) set by the EPA. Idaho regularly updates 
the Rules for the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho (IDAPA 58.01.01) to 
reflect changes to the NAAQS and to improve implementation, maintenance 
and enforcement of those standards. We note that Idaho incorporates by 
reference portions of certain federal regulations directly into the 
SIP. The state generally submits an annual update to the EPA to keep 
rules consistent with federal requirements.

II. State Submission

    On May 21, 2015, Idaho submitted revisions to state air quality 
rules at IDAPA 58.01.01 to the EPA for approval into the SIP. Idaho 
adopted these rule changes on November 19 and November

[[Page 37171]]

21, 2014. The state provided notice and an opportunity for public 
comment and hearing on the changes. Notices were published in the Idaho 
Administrative Bulletin and public hearings were held on September 9 
and October 7, 2014. We have evaluated Idaho's submission and propose 
to find the state has met the requirements for reasonable notice and 
public hearing under section 110 of the CAA.

III. Analysis of Submitted Revisions

A. Facility-Wide Emissions Cap Rules

    In the submission, Idaho revised the rules that permit construction 
and operation of stationary sources. Idaho's changes give certain minor 
sources the option to apply for facility-wide emission limitations. 
These limitations, or caps, when incorporated into a minor source 
permit to construct or Tier II operating permit, are intended to allow 
minor sources to operate more flexibly, without having to request 
permit modifications for certain process changes.
    For example, semiconductor manufacturing facilities make many 
equipment and process changes as they develop new products and 
technologies. However, many equipment and process changes do not 
warrant extensive review as a permit modification. The intent of the 
facility-wide emissions cap is to set a cap on emissions from a 
facility, while allowing process changes under certain conditions that 
may increase emissions. As long as facility emissions stay below the 
cap and the process changes do not trigger new requirements, the source 
may be permitted to construct and operate.
    The new Idaho rules for limiting emissions from minor sources are 
called the facility-wide emissions cap rules, or ``FEC'' rules, 
codified at IDAPA 58.01.01.175 through 181. These rules lay out the 
requirements a minor source must meet to request a FEC limit, and the 
method for determining the limit. A FEC limit is expressed as tons per 
year, on a 12-month rolling basis, and may be applied to any criteria 
pollutant or hazardous air pollutant. The FEC rules do not provide for 
issuance of a stand-alone permit. Rather, owners or operators of 
eligible facilities may request a FEC limit be incorporated into a new 
or existing permit to construct or Tier II operating permit. As stated 
above, only minor sources are eligible. These include sources that 
request an emission limit to avoid major source permitting, otherwise 
known as synthetic minor sources.
    In our review, we have evaluated the addition of the FEC option to 
determine if the revised minor source permit to construct and Tier II 
operating permit programs continue to comply with the CAA and the EPA's 
implementing regulations. We propose to find that they do, and that the 
FEC rules are approvable for the reasons stated below.
    First, the FEC rules contain adequate provisions to prevent sources 
operating under a FEC limit from causing or contributing to a violation 
of the NAAQS. CAA section 110(a)(2)(C) requires ``. . . regulation of 
the modification and construction of any stationary source . . . as 
necessary to assure that the [NAAQS] are achieved.'' The EPA's 
implementing regulations for minor sources, set forth in the Code of 
Federal Regulations (CFR) at 40 CFR 51.160 through 164, require a state 
to have procedures to prevent construction or modification of a source 
if it will result in a violation of a pollution control strategy, or if 
it will interfere with the attainment or maintenance of a NAAQS.
    The FEC rules ensure maintenance of the NAAQS by limiting the 
option to obtain a FEC limit to minor sources and requiring the 
applicant to demonstrate that operating under the FEC limit will not 
cause or contribute to a violation of a NAAQS. As stated in IDAPA 
58.01.01.176.02.a, major sources, or sources undergoing a major 
modification, cannot obtain a FEC limit. Moreover, by its terms, the 
FEC limit is set below major source thresholds. The FEC rules at IDAPA 
58.01.01.178.03 through .04 also require recordkeeping and reporting, 
including an annual report, demonstrating compliance with the FEC 
limit(s) and maintenance of the NAAQS.
    Second, the addition of the FEC option does not alleviate any of 
the application requirements for either the minor source permit to 
construct program or the Tier II operating permit program. The EPA has 
already approved Idaho's application procedures for both programs. The 
EPA approved revisions to Idaho's minor source permit to construct 
application procedures most recently on January 16, 2003 (68 FR 
2217).\1\ Similarly, the EPA approved revisions to Idaho's Tier II 
operating permit program most recently on November 26, 2010 (75 FR 
72719).\2\
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    \1\ EPA did not approve section .03 of IDAPA 58.01.01.201 
because it is related to toxic air pollutants and not the criteria 
pollutants or other requirements of CAA section 110 (January 16, 
2003; 68 FR 2217, at page 2221).
    \2\ The EPA did not approve section .01.a and section .04 of 
IDAPA 58.01.01.401, related to alternative emission limits and 
compliance date extensions (November 26, 2010; 75 FR 72719, at page 
72723).
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    In sum, we are proposing to approve and incorporate by reference 
the FEC rules at IDAPA 58.01.01.175 through 181 into the Idaho SIP, 
except as the rules relate to hazardous air pollutants. Hazardous air 
pollutants are regulated under CAA section 112, and are not appropriate 
for approval into the SIP. The SIP includes provisions related to 
attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS, and other specific 
requirements of CAA section 110. We are also proposing to approve and 
incorporate by reference the revisions to IDAPA 58.01.01.201 Permit to 
Construct Required and IDAPA 58.01.01.401 Tier II Operating Permit to 
appropriately cross-reference the FEC rules. However, consistent with 
our previous action on November 26, 2010, we are not approving section 
.01.a and section .04 of IDAPA 58.01.01.401 because the provisions 
allow for unbounded director's discretion (75 FR 72719).

B. Nonmetallic Mineral Processing Plant Rules

    In the submission, Idaho made changes to streamline the permit 
process for rock crushers, asphalt plants, and other portable equipment 
used to process nonmetallic minerals. Instead of continuing to require 
that a regulated rock crusher obtain a permit to construct before 
starting operation, Idaho created a permit by rule that establishes 
controls and other operating parameters that apply to an eligible 
source upon registration with the Idaho Department of Environmental 
Quality.
    These requirements are codified at IDAPA 58.01.01.790 through 799 
Rules for the Control of Nonmetallic Mineral Processing Plants. Sources 
that register and operate in compliance with the rules are considered 
to have a ``permit by rule.'' Only minor sources that operate for less 
than twelve consecutive months at a single location are eligible for 
the permit by rule. Sources covered by the Federal New Source 
Performance Standards (NSPS) at 40 CFR part 60, subpart OOO are not 
eligible, nor are new and modified major sources. By extension, rock 
crushers that are part of a new major source or proposed major 
modification are not eligible for the permit by rule.
    The requirements for eligible nonmetallic mineral processing plants 
specify that obtaining a permit by rule does not relieve the owner or 
operator of an eligible source from the responsibility of complying 
with other federal, state and local applicable laws, regulations, and 
requirements. The rules make clear that sources subject to the NSPS for 
Nonmetallic Mineral Processing Plants, or the NSPS for

[[Page 37172]]

Portland Cement Plants or Hot Mix Asphalt Plants, must continue to 
comply with the NSPS limits and controls, as applicable. Provisions in 
the rules related to NSPS and title V source operating permits (IDAPA 
58.01.01.792 and IDAPA 58.01.01.794.04) are generally not appropriate 
for SIP approval because they are not intended to implement the 
requirements of CAA section 110. Moreover, the NSPS for Nonmetallic 
Mineral Processing Plants, codified at 40 CFR part 60, subpart OOO, 
applies to affected facilities by its terms regardless of Idaho's rule. 
See 40 CFR 60.670.
    The nonmetallic mineral processing plant rules set out the 
registration process and operating parameters for rock crushers and 
other eligible sources, including limits on the hours of operation, 
fuel consumptions rates, best management practices, and general 
controls designed to ensure compliance with the NAAQS. The registration 
procedures for the permit by rule are contained in IDAPA 58.01.01.795 
through 799. Owners and operators may choose to operate an eligible 
plant under the permit by rule by registering the new or modified 
processing plant fifteen days prior to commencing operation or 
modification. As part of the registration, the owner or operator must 
supply information, such as manufacturer, model, and throughput 
capacity, on the rock crushers, screen decks, and electric generators 
proposed to be part of the processing plant.
    Owners and operators who register their nonmetallic mineral 
processing plants are deemed to have a permit by rule if they operate 
the plants in accordance with the applicable substantive requirements. 
In general, the rules prohibit emissions that would be injurious to 
human health or welfare, animal or plant life, or property, or that 
would interfere unreasonably with the enjoyment of life or property. In 
addition, owners and operators of eligible sources must take all 
reasonable precautions to prevent the generation of fugitive dust, in 
addition to meeting specific opacity standards spelled out for 
categories of activities at areas of operation.
    Specific requirements sources must meet include fuel restrictions, 
limits on operating hours, and monitoring and recordkeeping 
requirements for electrical generators at a source. For example, 
electrical generators must run on American Society of Testing and 
Materials (ASTM) Grade 1 or 2 fuel oil and must also meet specific 
sulfur content in fuel restrictions. Sources also must restrict visible 
emissions from various activities to 20% opacity or less, aggregating 
more than three minutes in any sixty minute period. NSPS-regulated 
processing plants are held to stricter opacity limits.
    In addition to meeting opacity limits, sources must use best 
management practices to limit fugitive dust from the operation, 
including controls on paved public roads, unpaved haul roads, transfer 
points, screening operations, stacks and vents, crushers and grinding 
mills, and stockpiles. These best management practices are triggered 
during the course of operations, for instance when observed visible 
emissions from vehicle traffic approaches the opacity limit, or when 
citizen complaints come in that have merit. Sources must maintain a 
daily record of observing the operation, including when events trigger 
required control strategies and the corrective actions taken.
    Idaho also amended IDAPA 58.01.01.011 to include new terms 
supporting the nonmetallic mineral processing plant rules. The new 
definitions include: ``Best Management Practice,'' ``Control Strategy 
Trigger,'' ``Nonmetallic Mineral Processing Plant,'' ``NSPS Regulated 
Facility or Plant,'' ``Permit by Rule,'' ``Progressive Control 
Strategy,'' and ``Site of Operations.''
    The EPA proposes to determine that the permit by rule provisions 
for rock crushers and other nonmetallic mineral processing plants are 
consistent with the types of permit terms and conditions that are 
generally used when issuing source-specific permits to sources in this 
category, and may in fact be more prescriptive. We also propose to 
conclude that the addition of the nonmetallic mineral processing rules 
are consistent with the CAA and the EPA's implementing regulations at 
40 CFR 51.160 through 164. We are therefore proposing to approve IDAPA 
58.01.01.011 and IDAPA 58.01.01.790 through 799 into the Idaho SIP, 
except IDAPA 58.01.01.792, and IDAPA 58.01.01.794.04 because they are 
not related to the requirements of CAA section 110 and are 
inappropriate for SIP approval.

C. Sulfur Content of Fuels Provision

    The Idaho sulfur content of fuels provision regulates the sulfur 
dioxide emissions from stationary sources by setting limits on the 
sulfur content of residual fuel oil, distillate fuel oil, and coal that 
is sold, distributed, used, or made available in Idaho. The provision 
is located in IDAPA 58.01.01.725 Rules for Sulfur Content of Fuels. In 
the submission, Idaho revised the rule provision to allow a stationary 
source--when applying for a permit to construct or operate--to request 
an alternative method to comply with sulfur in fuel limits. The 
revision specifies that the alternative may only be allowed if the 
applicant demonstrates that sulfur dioxide emissions would be equal to 
or less than emissions would be under the prescribed sulfur content of 
fuel limits. In other words, to get approval to use a fuel with higher 
sulfur content, a stationary source must show that, by installing a 
control device, the source can reduce hourly controlled emissions to 
less than the maximum hourly emissions from combusting complying fuels.
    If a demonstration meets the rule requirements, the Idaho 
Department of Environmental Quality may approve the alternative 
compliance method into a stationary source permit to construct or 
operating permit. Any permit issued must contain the appropriate source 
monitoring, record-keeping and reporting requirements, for ensuring 
compliance, in accordance with Idaho's federally-approved permit to 
construct and operating permit programs.
    We note that this rule revision alone does not allow the Idaho 
Department of Environmental Quality to relax any existing permit limits 
or conditions without also ensuring compliance with existing permit 
rules. In addition, any modification required for a stationary source 
to combust higher sulfur fuels, even without increasing allowable 
emissions, may be subject to preconstruction permitting rules.
    Based on the information above, we conclude that the rule change is 
designed to protect the NAAQS, and we propose to approve and 
incorporate by reference the revision to IDAPA 58.01.01.725 Rules for 
Sulfur Content of Fuels.

D. Definitions and Baselines for Fine Particulate Matter

    In the submission, Idaho revised IDAPA 58.01.01.006 General 
Definitions to clarify that the definition of ``Criteria Air 
Pollutant'' includes fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and 
added specific definitions for PM2.5 and PM2.5 
emissions. Idaho also updated the Baselines for Prevention of 
Significant Deterioration rule section to add major and minor source 
baseline dates for PM2.5. We propose to approve these 
revisions as consistent with the CAA, the EPA's fine particulate matter 
standards set forth at 40 CFR 50.18, and major and minor source 
baseline dates and area requirements detailed at 40 CFR 51.166(b)(14) 
and (15). We note that, consistent with our previous action on March 3, 
2014, we are not approving

[[Page 37173]]

the terms defined in sections .49, .50, .51, .66, .67, .68.b, .114, and 
.116 because these terms relate to toxic air pollutants, not the 
criteria pollutants and the requirements of CAA section 110 (79 FR 
11711).

E. Incorporation by Reference Updates

    Idaho revised section .03 of IDAPA 58.01.01.107 Incorporations by 
Reference by updating the citation dates that incorporate federal 
provisions effective as of that date. Paragraph .a incorporates by 
reference the Requirements for Preparation, Adoption, and Submittal of 
Implementation Plans, 40 CFR part 51, with the exception of certain 
visibility-related provisions, effective July 1, 2014. We note that 
Idaho did not submit updates to the incorporation of federal provisions 
relied on as part of the State's nonattainment area major stationary 
source preconstruction permitting program.
    Paragraphs .b, .d, and .e of the same section incorporate the 
following provisions effective July 1, 2014: .b National Primary and 
Secondary Ambient Air Quality Standards, 40 CFR part 50; .d Ambient Air 
Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods, 40 CFR part 53; and .e 
Ambient Air Quality Surveillance, 40 CFR part 58. We propose to find 
that paragraphs .b, .d, and .e are consistent with CAA requirements. 
Idaho did not submit paragraphs .f through .n for approval because the 
provisions are not related to CAA section 110 and the criteria 
pollutants, and are inappropriate for SIP approval.
    Paragraph .c incorporates the Approval and Promulgation of 
Implementation Plans, 40 CFR part 52 subparts A and N, and appendices D 
and E. This includes the Federal Prevention of Significant 
Deterioration (PSD) permitting rules at 40 CFR 52.21, effective July 1, 
2014. We propose to find that paragraph .c is consistent with CAA 
requirements. We note that specific federal PSD permitting rules have 
been vacated and remanded by the courts to the EPA. Idaho has responded 
by submitting rule changes to align the Idaho SIP with the court 
decisions. Please see Section III. F. below.

F. Effect of Court Decisions Vacating and Remanding Certain Federal 
Rules

1. PM2.5 PSD Provisions
    As discussed above, Idaho incorporates by reference federal PSD 
permitting requirements. The current Idaho SIP incorporates these 
rules, codified at 40 CFR 52.21, as of July 1, 2012, except revisions 
to 40 CFR 52.21(i) (relating to the significant monitoring 
concentration (SMC)) and 40 CFR 52.21(k) (relating to the significant 
impact level (SIL)) that added a SMC and SIL for PM2.5 as 
part of the 2010 PSD PM2.5 Implementation Rule (October 20, 
2010, 75 FR 64864). We partially disapproved Idaho's previous submittal 
incorporating these provisions because they were vacated by a court 
after Idaho had already adopted and submitted them to the EPA (April 7, 
2015, 80 FR 18526).
    On January 22, 2013, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of 
Columbia, in Sierra Club v. EPA,\3\ issued, with respect to the SMC, a 
judgment that, among other things, vacated the provisions adding the 
PM2.5 SMC to the federal regulations at 40 CFR 
51.166(i)(5)(i)(c) and 52.21(i)(5)(i)(c). In its decision, the Court 
held that the EPA did not have the authority to use SMCs to exempt 
permit applicants from the statutory requirement in section 165(e)(2) 
of the CAA that ambient monitoring data for PM2.5 be 
included in all PSD permit applications. Thus, although the 
PM2.5 SMC was not a required element of a state's PSD 
program, where a state PSD program contains such a provision and allows 
issuance of new permits without requiring ambient PM2.5 
monitoring data, such application of the vacated SMC would be 
inconsistent with the Court's opinion and the requirements of section 
165(e)(2) of the CAA.
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    \3\ 703 F.3d 458 (D.C. Cir. 2013).
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    At the EPA's request, the decision also vacated and remanded the 
portions of the 2010 PSD PM2.5 Implementation Rule that 
revised 40 CFR 51.166 and 40 CFR 52.21 related to SILs for 
PM2.5. The EPA requested this vacatur and remand of two of 
the three provisions in the EPA regulations that contain SILs for 
PM2.5 because the wording of these two SIL provisions (40 
CFR 51.166(k)(2) and 40 CFR 52.21(k)(2)) is inconsistent with the 
explanation of when and how SILs should be used by permitting 
authorities that we provided in the preamble to the Federal Register 
publication when we promulgated these provisions. The third SIL 
provision (40 CFR 51.165(b)(2)) was not vacated and remains in effect. 
We also note that the Court's decision does not affect the PSD 
increments for PM2.5 promulgated as part of the 2010 PSD 
PM2.5 Implementation Rule.
    On December 9, 2013, the EPA amended its regulations to remove the 
vacated PM2.5 SILs and SMC provisions from the federal PSD 
regulations (78 FR 73698). In response, Idaho updated the incorporation 
by reference of federal PSD regulations to July 1, 2014, capturing the 
EPA's removal of the vacated provisions. Idaho also revised the ambient 
air quality analysis requirements for major sources seeking PSD permits 
(IDAPA 58.01.01.202 Permit to Construct, at section .01) to clarify the 
appropriate use of a SIL and reference the federal PSD regulation 
listing SILs. We propose to find that these revisions are consistent 
with the Court's opinion and current EPA PSD regulations.
2. PSD Deferral of Certain Emissions From Biogenic Sources
    In 2011, the EPA revised the definition of ``subject to 
regulation'' at 40 CFR 52.21(b)(49)(ii)(a). The intent was to defer for 
three years (until July 21, 2014) PSD permitting for carbon dioxide 
(CO2) emissions from bioenergy and other biogenic stationary 
sources (Deferral for CO2 Emissions from Bioenergy and Other 
Biogenic Sources under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration 
(PSD) and Title V Programs; Final Rule (July 20, 2011, 76 FR 43490) 
(Biogenic CO2 Deferral Rule)). Idaho's SIP incorporates by 
reference federal PSD permitting rules and includes this deferral 
provision.
    On July 12, 2013, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of 
Columbia, in Center for Biological Diversity v. EPA,\4\ vacated the 
Biogenic CO2 Deferral Rule. The deferral expired on July 21, 
2014, and by its terms is no longer in effect.
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    \4\ 722 F.3d 401 (D.C. Cir. 2013).
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3. PSD Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule
    On June 23, 2014, the United States Supreme Court, in Utility Air 
Regulatory Group v. Environmental Protection Agency,\5\ issued a 
decision addressing the application of PSD permitting to greenhouse gas 
(GHG) emissions. The Supreme Court said that the EPA may not treat GHGs 
as an air pollutant for purposes of determining whether a source is a 
major source (or modification thereof) required to obtain a PSD permit. 
The Court also said that the EPA could continue to require that PSD 
permits, otherwise required based on emissions of pollutants other than 
GHGs, contain limits on GHG emissions based on the application of Best 
Available Control Technology (BACT).
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    \5\ 134 S.Ct. 2427 (2014).
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    In order to act consistently with its understanding of the Court's 
decision, pending further judicial action before the U.S. Court of 
Appeals for the District of Columbia to effectuate the decision, the 
EPA is not continuing to apply the EPA regulations that would require 
SIPs to include permitting requirements that the Supreme Court found

[[Page 37174]]

impermissible. Specifically, the EPA is not applying the requirement 
that a state's SIP-approved PSD program require that sources obtain PSD 
permits when GHGs are the only pollutant (i) that the source emits or 
has the potential to emit above the major source thresholds, or (ii) 
for which there is a significant emissions increase and a significant 
net emissions increase from a modification (e.g., 40 CFR 
51.166(b)(48)(v)).
    The EPA recently revised federal PSD rules in light of the Supreme 
Court decision (May 7, 2015, 80 FR 26183). In addition, we anticipate 
that many states will revise their existing SIP-approved PSD programs 
in light of the Supreme Court's decision. We do not expect that all 
states have revised their existing PSD program regulations yet, 
however, we are evaluating submitted PSD program revision to ensure 
that the state's program correctly addresses GHGs, consistent with the 
Court's decision.
    Idaho's current SIP contains the GHG permitting requirements 
reflected in 40 CFR 52.21, as amended in the Tailoring Rule. As a 
result, the PSD permitting program in Idaho, previously approved into 
the SIP, continues to require that PSD permits (otherwise required 
based on emissions of pollutants other than GHGs) contain limits on GHG 
emissions, based on the application of BACT, when sources emit or 
increase GHGs in the amount of 75,000 tons per year (measured as carbon 
dioxide equivalent).
    Although the approved Idaho PSD permitting program may also 
currently contain provisions that are no longer necessary in light of 
the Supreme Court decision, this does not prevent the EPA from 
approving this SIP submission. Idaho's submission does not add any GHG 
permitting requirements that are inconsistent with the Supreme Court 
decision. While Idaho's submission incorporates all of 40 CFR 52.21 for 
completeness, the submission reincorporates PSD requirements for GHGs 
already in the Idaho SIP.

IV. Proposed Action

    We propose to approve, and incorporate by reference into the Idaho 
SIP, changes to the following provisions submitted on May 21, 2015:
     IDAPA 58.01.01.006 General Definitions, except .49, .50, 
.51, .66, .67, .68.b, .114, and .116 (State effective 4/11/2014);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.011 Definitions for the Purposes of 
Sections 790 through 799 (State effective 3/15/2002);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.107 Incorporations by Reference, except 
.03.f through .n, and with respect to .a, the incorporation by 
reference of 40 CFR 51.165 (State effective 4/11/2015);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.157 Test Methods and Procedures (State 
effective 4/11/2015);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.175 Procedures and Requirements for Permits 
Establishing a Facility Emissions Cap (State effective 4/11/2015);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.176 Facility Emissions Cap, except for 
provisions relating to hazardous air pollutants (State effective 4/11/
2015);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.177 Application Procedures (State effective 
4/11/2015);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.178 Standard Contents of Permits 
Establishing a Facility Emissions Cap (State effective 4/11/2015);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.179 Procedures for Issuing Permits 
Establishing a Facility Emissions Cap (State effective 4/11/2015);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.180 Revisions to Permits Establishing a 
Facility Emissions Cap (State effective 4/11/2015);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.181 Notice and Record-Keeping of Estimates 
of Ambient Concentrations (State effective 4/11/2015);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.201 Permit to Construct Required (State 
effective 4/11/2006);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.202 Application Procedures (State effective 
4/11/2015);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.401 Tier II Operating Permit, except .01.a 
and .04, (State effective 4/11/2006);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.579 Baselines for Prevention of Significant 
Deterioration (State effective 4/11/2015);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.725 Rules for Sulfur Content of Fuels 
(State effective 4/11/2015);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.790 Rules for the Control of Nonmetallic 
Mineral Processing Plants (State effective 3/15/2002);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.791 General Control Requirements, (State 
effective 3/15/2002);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.793 Emissions Standards for Nonmetallic 
Mineral Processing Plants not Subject to 40 CFR 60, Subpart OOO (State 
effective 3/15/2002);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.794 Permit Requirements, except .04 (State 
effective 4/11/2015);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.795 Permit by Rule Requirements (State 
effective 3/15/2002);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.796 Applicability (State effective 3/15/
2002);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.797 Registration for Permit by Rule (State 
effective 3/15/2002);
     IDAPA 58.01.01.798 Electrical Generators (State effective 
3/15/2002); and
     IDAPA 58.01.01.799 Nonmetallic Mineral Processing Plan 
Fugitive Dust Best Management Practice (State effective 3/15/2002).

V. Incorporation by Reference

    In this rule, we are proposing to include in a final rule 
regulatory text that includes incorporation by reference. In accordance 
with requirements of 1 CFR 51.5, we are proposing to incorporate by 
reference the provisions described above in Section IV. Proposed 
Action. The EPA has made, and will continue to make, these documents 
generally available electronically through http://www.regulations.gov 
and/or in hard copy at the appropriate EPA office (see the ADDRESSES 
section of this preamble for more information).

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP 
submission that complies with the provisions of the CAA and applicable 
federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in 
reviewing SIP submissions, the EPA's role is to approve state choices, 
provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. Accordingly, this 
proposed action merely approves state law as meeting federal 
requirements and does not impose additional requirements beyond those 
imposed by state law. For that reason, this proposed action:
     Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' subject to 
review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Orders 
12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 
2011);
     does not impose an information collection burden under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
     is certified as not having a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
     does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-4);
     does not have Federalism implications as specified in 
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
     is not an economically significant regulatory action based 
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 1997);

[[Page 37175]]

     is not a significant regulatory action subject to 
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
     is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the 
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 
note) because it does not involve technical standards; and
     does not provide the EPA with the discretionary authority 
to address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or 
environmental effects, using practicable and legally permissible 
methods, under Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
    In addition, 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. In those areas of 
Indian country, the rule does not have tribal implications as specified 
by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), nor will it 
impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal 
law.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

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

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

    Dated: May 26, 2016.
Dennis J. McLerran,
Regional Administrator, Region 10.
[FR Doc. 2016-13693 Filed 6-8-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


Current View
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 be received on or before July 11, 2016.
ContactKristin Hall at (206) 553-6357, or [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 37170 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Air Pollution Control; Incorporation by Reference; Intergovernmental Relations; Particulate Matter; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements and Sulfur Oxides

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