81_FR_57624 81 FR 57461 - Extension of Deadline for Action on the July 2016 Section 126 Petition From Delaware

81 FR 57461 - Extension of Deadline for Action on the July 2016 Section 126 Petition From Delaware

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 163 (August 23, 2016)

Page Range57461-57463
FR Document2016-20140

In this action, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is determining that 60 days is insufficient time to complete the technical and other analyses and public notice-and-comment process required for our review of a petition submitted by the state of Delaware pursuant to section 126 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). The petition requests that the EPA make a finding that the Brunner Island Steam Electric Station located in York County, Pennsylvania, emit air pollution that significantly contributes to nonattainment and interferes with maintenance of the 2008 and 2015 ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) in state of Delaware. Under section 307(d)(10) of CAA, the EPA is authorized to grant a time extension for responding to a petition if the EPA determines that the extension is necessary to afford the public, and the agency, adequate opportunity to carry out the purposes of the section 307(d)'s notice-and-comment rulemaking requirements. By this action, the EPA is making that determination. The EPA is therefore extending the deadline for acting on the petition to no later than March 5, 2017.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 163 (Tuesday, August 23, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 163 (Tuesday, August 23, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57461-57463]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20140]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2016-0402; FRL-9951-18-OAR]


Extension of Deadline for Action on the July 2016 Section 126 
Petition From Delaware

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: In this action, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is 
determining that 60 days is insufficient time to complete the technical 
and other analyses and public notice-and-comment process required for 
our review of a petition submitted by the state of Delaware pursuant to 
section 126 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). The petition requests that the 
EPA make a finding that the Brunner Island Steam Electric Station 
located in York County, Pennsylvania, emit air pollution that 
significantly contributes to nonattainment and interferes with 
maintenance of the 2008 and 2015 ozone national ambient air quality 
standards (NAAQS) in state of Delaware. Under section 307(d)(10) of 
CAA, the EPA is authorized to grant a time extension for responding to 
a petition if the EPA determines that the extension is necessary to 
afford the public, and the agency, adequate opportunity to carry out 
the purposes of the section 307(d)'s notice-and-comment rulemaking 
requirements. By this action, the EPA is making that determination. The 
EPA is therefore extending the deadline for acting on the petition to 
no later than March 5, 2017.

DATES: This final rule is effective on August 23, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a docket for this action under 
Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2016-0402. All documents in the docket are 
listed on the http://www.regulations.gov Web site. Although listed in 
the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., 
Confidential Business Information or other information whose disclosure 
is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted 
material, is not placed on the Internet and will be publicly available 
only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket materials are 
available electronically through http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Gobeail McKinley, Office of Air 
Quality Planning and Standards (C504-04), U.S. EPA, Research Triangle 
Park, North Carolina 27709, telephone number (919) 541-5246, email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background and Legal Requirements for Interstate Air Pollution

    This is a procedural action to extend the deadline for the EPA to 
respond to a petition from the state of Delaware filed pursuant to CAA 
section 126(b). The EPA received the petition on July 7, 2016. The 
petition requests that the EPA make a finding under section 126(b) of 
the CAA that the Brunner Island Steam Electric Station located in York 
County, Pennsylvania, is operating in a manner that emits air 
pollutants in violation of the provisions of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) 
of the CAA with respect to the 2008 and 2015 ozone NAAQS.
    Section 126(b) of the CAA authorizes states to petition the EPA to 
find that a major source or group of stationary sources in upwind 
states emits or would emit any air pollutant in violation of the 
prohibition of CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i) \1\ by contributing

[[Page 57462]]

significantly to nonattainment or maintenance problems in downwind 
states. Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) of the CAA prohibits emissions of 
any air pollutant in amounts which will contribute significantly to 
nonattainment in, or interfere with maintenance by, any other state 
with respect to any NAAQS. The petition asserts that emissions from the 
Brunner Island's three major boiler units significantly contribute to 
Delaware's nonattainment of the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS, set at 0.075 
parts per million (ppm), and the revised 2015 8-hour ozone NAAQS, set 
at 0.070 ppm.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The text of CAA section 126 codified in the United States 
Code cross references CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii) instead of CAA 
section 110(a)(2)(D)(i). The courts have confirmed that this is a 
scrivener's error and the correct cross reference is to CAA section 
110(a)(2)(D)(i). See Appalachian Power Co. v. EPA, 249 F.3d 1032, 
1040-44 (D.C. Cir. 2001).
    \2\ On October 1, 2015, the EPA strengthened the ground-level 
ozone NAAQS, based on extensive scientific evidence about ozone's 
effects on public health and welfare. See 80 FR 65291 (October 26, 
2015).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Pursuant to CAA section 126(b), the EPA must make the finding 
requested in the petition, or must deny the petition within 60 days of 
its receipt. Under CAA section 126(c), any existing sources for which 
the EPA makes the requested finding must cease operations within 3 
months of the finding, except that the source may continue to operate 
if it complies with emission limitations and compliance schedules 
(containing increments of progress) that the EPA may provide to bring 
about compliance with the applicable requirements as expeditiously as 
practical but no later than 3 years from the date of the finding.
    CAA section 126(b) further provides that the EPA must hold a public 
hearing on the petition. The EPA's action under section 126 is also 
subject to the procedural requirements of CAA section 307(d). See CAA 
section 307(d)(1)(N). One of these requirements is notice-and-comment 
rulemaking, under section 307(d)(3)-(6).
    In addition, CAA section 307(d)(10) provides for a time extension, 
under certain circumstances, for a rulemaking subject to CAA section 
307(d). Specifically, CAA section 307(d)(10) provides:

    Each statutory deadline for promulgation of rules to which this 
subsection applies which requires promulgation less than six months 
after date of proposal may be extended to not more than six months 
after date of proposal by the Administrator upon a determination 
that such extension is necessary to afford the public, and the 
agency, adequate opportunity to carry out the purposes of the 
subsection.

    CAA section 307(d)(10) may be applied to section 126 rulemakings 
because the 60-day time limit under CAA section 126(b) necessarily 
limits the period for promulgation of a final rule after proposal to 
less than 6 months.

II. Final Rule

A. Rule

    In accordance with CAA section 307(d)(10), the EPA is determining 
that the 60-day period afforded by CAA section 126(b) for responding to 
the petition from the state of Delaware is not adequate to allow the 
public and the agency the opportunity to carry out the purposes of CAA 
section 307(d). Specifically, the 60-day period is insufficient for the 
EPA to complete the necessary technical review, develop an adequate 
proposal, and allow time for notice and comment, including an 
opportunity for public hearing, on a proposed finding regarding whether 
the Brunner Island Steam Electric Station identified in the CAA section 
126 petition contributes significantly to nonattainment or interferes 
with maintenance of the 2008 ozone NAAQS or the 2015 ozone NAAQS in 
Delaware. Moreover, the 60-day period is insufficient for the EPA to 
review and develop response to any public comments on a proposed 
finding, or testimony supplied at a public hearing, and to develop and 
promulgate a final finding in response to the petition. The EPA is in 
the process of determining an appropriate schedule for action on the 
CAA section 126 petition. This schedule must afford the EPA adequate 
time to prepare a proposal that clearly elucidates the issues to 
facilitate public comment, and must provide adequate time for the 
public to comment and for the EPA to review and develop responses to 
those comments prior to issuing the final rule. As a result of this 
extension, the deadline for the EPA to act on the petition is March 5, 
2017.

B. Notice and Comment Under the Administrative Procedures Act (APA)

    This document is a final agency action, but may not be subject to 
the notice-and-comment requirements of the APA, 5 U.S.C. 553(b). The 
EPA believes that, because of the limited time provided to make a 
determination, the deadline for action on the CAA section 126 petition 
should be extended. Congress may not have intended such a determination 
to be subject to notice-and-comment rulemaking. However, to the extent 
that this determination otherwise would require notice and opportunity 
for public comment, there is good cause within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 
553(b)(3)(B) not to apply those requirements here. Providing for notice 
and comment would be impracticable because of the limited time provided 
for making this determination, and would be contrary to the public 
interest because it would divert agency resources from the substantive 
review of the CAA section 126 petition.

C. Effective Date Under the APA

    This action is effective on August 23, 2016. Under the APA, 5 
U.S.C. 553(d)(3), agency rulemaking may take effect before 30 days 
after the date of publication in the Federal Register if the agency has 
good cause to mandate an earlier effective date. This action--a 
deadline extension--must take effect immediately because its purpose is 
to extend by 6 months the deadline for action on the petition. As 
discussed earlier, the EPA intends to use the 6-month extension period 
to develop a proposal on the petition and provide time for public 
comment before issuing the final rule. It would not be possible for the 
EPA to complete the required notice and comment and public hearing 
process within the original 60-day period noted in the statute. These 
reasons support an immediate effective date.

III. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

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

    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. This good cause final action simply extends the date for the 
EPA to take action on a petition and does not impose any new 
obligations or enforceable duties on any state, local or tribal 
governments or the private sector. It does not contain any 
recordkeeping or reporting requirements.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)

    This action is not subject to the RFA. The RFA applies only to 
rules subject to notice-and-comment rulemaking requirements under the 
APA, 5 U.S.C. 553, or any other statute. This rule is not subject to 
notice-and-comment requirements because the agency has invoked the APA 
``good cause'' exemption under 5 U.S.C. 553(b).

[[Page 57463]]

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)

    This action does not contain any unfunded mandate of $100 million 
or more as described in UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1531-1538, and does not 
significantly or uniquely affect small governments. The action imposes 
no enforceable duty on any state, local or tribal governments or the 
private sector.

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: Consultation and Coordination With Indian 
Tribal Governments

    This action does not have tribal implications, as specified in 
Executive Order 13175. This good cause final action simply extends the 
date for the EPA to take action on a petition. Thus, Executive Order 
13175 does not apply to this rule.

G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental 
Health 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 concern an environmental 
health risk or safety risk.

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)

    This rulemaking does not involve technical standards.

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

    The EPA believes that this action is not subject to Executive Order 
12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994) because it does not establish an 
environmental health or safety standard. This good cause final action 
simply extends the date for the EPA to take action on a petition and 
does not have any impact on human health or the environment.

K. Congressional Review Act (CRA)

    This action is subject to the CRA, and the EPA will submit a rule 
report to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of 
the United States. The CRA allows the issuing agency to make a rule 
effective sooner than otherwise provided by the CRA if the agency makes 
a good cause finding that notice-and-comment rulemaking procedures are 
impracticable, unnecessary or contrary to the public interest (5 U.S.C. 
808(2)). The EPA has made a good cause finding for this rule as 
discussed in Section II.B of this document, including the basis for 
that finding.

IV. Statutory Authority

    The statutory authority for this action is provided by sections 
110, 126 and 307 of the CAA as amended (42 U.S.C. 7410, 7426 and 7607).

V. Judicial Review

    Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA, judicial review of this final 
rule is available only by the filing of a petition for review in the 
U.S. Court of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by October 24, 2016. 
Under section 307(b)(2) of the CAA, the requirements that are the 
subject of this final rule may not be challenged later in civil or 
criminal proceedings brought by us to enforce these requirements.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Administrative practices and procedures, 
Air pollution control, Electric utilities, Incorporation by reference, 
Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen oxides, Ozone.

    Dated: August 15, 2016.
Gina McCarthy,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2016-20140 Filed 8-22-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 163 / Tuesday, August 23, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                               57461

                                           U.S.C. 4321–4370f), and have                            (COTP) in the enforcement of the safety               Delaware. Under section 307(d)(10) of
                                           determined that this action is one of a                 zone.                                                 CAA, the EPA is authorized to grant a
                                           category of actions that do not                           (c) Regulations. (1) Under the general              time extension for responding to a
                                           individually or cumulatively have a                     safety zone regulations in subpart C of               petition if the EPA determines that the
                                           significant effect on the human                         this part, you may not enter the safety               extension is necessary to afford the
                                           environment. This rule involves a safety                zone described in paragraph (a) of this               public, and the agency, adequate
                                           zone lasting two hours that will prohibit               section unless authorized by the COTP                 opportunity to carry out the purposes of
                                           entry from mile 180 to 180.5 on the                     or the COTP’s designated representative.              the section 307(d)’s notice-and-
                                           UMR. It is categorically excluded from                    (2) To seek permission to enter,                    comment rulemaking requirements. By
                                           further review under paragraph 34(g) of                 contact the COTP or the COTP’s                        this action, the EPA is making that
                                           Figure 2–1 of the Commandant                            representative via VHF–FM channel 16,                 determination. The EPA is therefore
                                           Instruction. An environmental analysis                  or through Coast Guard Sector Upper                   extending the deadline for acting on the
                                           checklist supporting this determination                 Mississippi River at 314–269–2332.                    petition to no later than March 5, 2017.
                                           and a Categorical Exclusion                             Those in the safety zone must comply                  DATES: This final rule is effective on
                                           Determination are available in the                      with all lawful orders or directions                  August 23, 2016.
                                           docket where indicated under                            given to them by the COTP or the                      ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a
                                           ADDRESSES. We seek any comments or                      COTP’s designated representative.                     docket for this action under Docket ID
                                           information that may lead to the                          (d) Enforcement periods. This section               No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2016–0402. All
                                           discovery of a significant environmental                will be enforced from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30              documents in the docket are listed on
                                           impact from this rule.                                  p.m. on September 3, 2016.                            the http://www.regulations.gov Web
                                                                                                     (e) Informational Broadcasts. The                   site. Although listed in the index, some
                                           G. Protest Activities
                                                                                                   COTP or a designated representative                   information is not publicly available,
                                             The Coast Guard respects the First                    will inform the public through                        e.g., Confidential Business Information
                                           Amendment rights of protesters.                         broadcast notices to mariners of the                  or other information whose disclosure is
                                           Protesters are asked to contact the                     enforcement period for the safety zone                restricted by statute. Certain other
                                           person listed in the FOR FURTHER                        as well as any changes in the dates and               material, such as copyrighted material,
                                           INFORMATION CONTACT section to                          times of enforcement.                                 is not placed on the Internet and will be
                                           coordinate protest activities so that your                Dated: August 17, 2016.                             publicly available only in hard copy
                                           message can be received without                                                                               form. Publicly available docket
                                                                                                   M.L. Malloy
                                           jeopardizing the safety or security of                                                                        materials are available electronically
                                           people, places or vessels.                              Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the
                                                                                                   Port Upper Mississippi River.                         through http://www.regulations.gov.
                                           List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165                     [FR Doc. 2016–20084 Filed 8–22–16; 8:45 am]           FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
                                             Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation                    BILLING CODE 9110–04–P                                Gobeail McKinley, Office of Air Quality
                                           (water), Reporting and recordkeeping                                                                          Planning and Standards (C504–04), U.S.
                                           requirements, Security measures, and                                                                          EPA, Research Triangle Park, North
                                           Waterways.                                              ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION                              Carolina 27709, telephone number (919)
                                             For the reasons discussed in the                      AGENCY                                                541–5246, email: mckinley.gobeail@
                                           preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33                                                                           epa.gov.
                                           CFR part 165 as follows:                                40 CFR Part 52                                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                   [EPA–HQ–OAR–2016–0402; FRL–9951–18-                   I. Background and Legal Requirements
                                           PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION                           OAR]
                                           AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS                                                                                for Interstate Air Pollution
                                                                                                   Extension of Deadline for Action on                      This is a procedural action to extend
                                           ■ 1. The authority citation for part 165                the July 2016 Section 126 Petition                    the deadline for the EPA to respond to
                                           continues to read as follows:                           From Delaware                                         a petition from the state of Delaware
                                             Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191;                                                                   filed pursuant to CAA section 126(b).
                                                                                                   AGENCY:  Environmental Protection
                                           33 CFR 1.05–1, 6.04–1, 6.04–6, and 160.5;                                                                     The EPA received the petition on July
                                           Department of Homeland Security Delegation              Agency (EPA).
                                                                                                                                                         7, 2016. The petition requests that the
                                           No. 0170.1.                                             ACTION: Final rule.                                   EPA make a finding under section
                                           ■ 2. Add § 165.T08–0689 to read as                                                                            126(b) of the CAA that the Brunner
                                           follows:                                                SUMMARY:   In this action, the
                                                                                                                                                         Island Steam Electric Station located in
                                                                                                   Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
                                                                                                                                                         York County, Pennsylvania, is operating
                                           § 165.T08–0689 Safety Zone; Upper                       is determining that 60 days is
                                                                                                                                                         in a manner that emits air pollutants in
                                           Mississippi River between miles 180 and                 insufficient time to complete the
                                           180.5; St. Louis, MO.                                                                                         violation of the provisions of section
                                                                                                   technical and other analyses and public
                                                                                                                                                         110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) of the CAA with
                                             (a) Location. The following area is a                 notice-and-comment process required
                                                                                                                                                         respect to the 2008 and 2015 ozone
                                           safety zone: All waters of the Upper                    for our review of a petition submitted by
                                                                                                                                                         NAAQS.
                                           Mississippi River between miles 180 to                  the state of Delaware pursuant to section
                                                                                                                                                            Section 126(b) of the CAA authorizes
                                           180.5, St. Louis, MO.                                   126 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). The
                                                                                                                                                         states to petition the EPA to find that a
                                             (b) Definitions. As used in this                      petition requests that the EPA make a
                                                                                                                                                         major source or group of stationary
                                           section, designated representative                      finding that the Brunner Island Steam
                                                                                                                                                         sources in upwind states emits or would
                                           means a Coast Guard Patrol                              Electric Station located in York County,
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                                                                                                                         emit any air pollutant in violation of the
                                           Commander, including a Coast Guard                      Pennsylvania, emit air pollution that
                                                                                                                                                         prohibition of CAA section
                                           coxswain, petty officer, or other officer               significantly contributes to
                                                                                                                                                         110(a)(2)(D)(i) 1 by contributing
                                           operating a Coast Guard vessel and a                    nonattainment and interferes with
                                           Federal, State, and local officer                       maintenance of the 2008 and 2015                       1 The text of CAA section 126 codified in the
                                           designated by or assisting the Captain of               ozone national ambient air quality                    United States Code cross references CAA section
                                           the Port Upper Mississippi River                        standards (NAAQS) in state of                                                                  Continued




                                      VerDate Sep<11>2014   14:39 Aug 22, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00023   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\23AUR1.SGM   23AUR1


                                           57462              Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 163 / Tuesday, August 23, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           significantly to nonattainment or                          CAA section 307(d)(10) may be                       is good cause within the meaning of 5
                                           maintenance problems in downwind                         applied to section 126 rulemakings                    U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B) not to apply those
                                           states. Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) of the                because the 60-day time limit under                   requirements here. Providing for notice
                                           CAA prohibits emissions of any air                       CAA section 126(b) necessarily limits                 and comment would be impracticable
                                           pollutant in amounts which will                          the period for promulgation of a final                because of the limited time provided for
                                           contribute significantly to                              rule after proposal to less than 6                    making this determination, and would
                                           nonattainment in, or interfere with                      months.                                               be contrary to the public interest
                                           maintenance by, any other state with                                                                           because it would divert agency
                                                                                                    II. Final Rule
                                           respect to any NAAQS. The petition                                                                             resources from the substantive review of
                                           asserts that emissions from the Brunner                  A. Rule                                               the CAA section 126 petition.
                                           Island’s three major boiler units                           In accordance with CAA section                     C. Effective Date Under the APA
                                           significantly contribute to Delaware’s                   307(d)(10), the EPA is determining that
                                           nonattainment of the 2008 8-hour ozone                   the 60-day period afforded by CAA                        This action is effective on August 23,
                                           NAAQS, set at 0.075 parts per million                    section 126(b) for responding to the                  2016. Under the APA, 5 U.S.C.
                                           (ppm), and the revised 2015 8-hour                       petition from the state of Delaware is                553(d)(3), agency rulemaking may take
                                           ozone NAAQS, set at 0.070 ppm.2                          not adequate to allow the public and the              effect before 30 days after the date of
                                              Pursuant to CAA section 126(b), the                   agency the opportunity to carry out the               publication in the Federal Register if
                                           EPA must make the finding requested in                   purposes of CAA section 307(d).                       the agency has good cause to mandate
                                           the petition, or must deny the petition                  Specifically, the 60-day period is                    an earlier effective date. This action—a
                                           within 60 days of its receipt. Under                     insufficient for the EPA to complete the              deadline extension—must take effect
                                           CAA section 126(c), any existing                         necessary technical review, develop an                immediately because its purpose is to
                                           sources for which the EPA makes the                      adequate proposal, and allow time for                 extend by 6 months the deadline for
                                           requested finding must cease operations                  notice and comment, including an                      action on the petition. As discussed
                                           within 3 months of the finding, except                   opportunity for public hearing, on a                  earlier, the EPA intends to use the 6-
                                           that the source may continue to operate                  proposed finding regarding whether the                month extension period to develop a
                                           if it complies with emission limitations                 Brunner Island Steam Electric Station                 proposal on the petition and provide
                                           and compliance schedules (containing                     identified in the CAA section 126                     time for public comment before issuing
                                           increments of progress) that the EPA                     petition contributes significantly to                 the final rule. It would not be possible
                                           may provide to bring about compliance                    nonattainment or interferes with                      for the EPA to complete the required
                                           with the applicable requirements as                      maintenance of the 2008 ozone NAAQS                   notice and comment and public hearing
                                           expeditiously as practical but no later                  or the 2015 ozone NAAQS in Delaware.                  process within the original 60-day
                                           than 3 years from the date of the                        Moreover, the 60-day period is                        period noted in the statute. These
                                           finding.                                                 insufficient for the EPA to review and                reasons support an immediate effective
                                                                                                    develop response to any public                        date.
                                              CAA section 126(b) further provides
                                           that the EPA must hold a public hearing                  comments on a proposed finding, or                    III. Statutory and Executive Order
                                           on the petition. The EPA’s action under                  testimony supplied at a public hearing,               Reviews
                                           section 126 is also subject to the                       and to develop and promulgate a final
                                                                                                    finding in response to the petition. The              A. Executive Orders 12866: Regulatory
                                           procedural requirements of CAA section
                                                                                                    EPA is in the process of determining an               Planning and Review and Executive
                                           307(d). See CAA section 307(d)(1)(N).
                                                                                                    appropriate schedule for action on the                Order 13563: Improving Regulation and
                                           One of these requirements is notice-and-
                                                                                                    CAA section 126 petition. This schedule               Regulatory
                                           comment rulemaking, under section
                                           307(d)(3)–(6).                                           must afford the EPA adequate time to                    This action is not a significant
                                              In addition, CAA section 307(d)(10)                   prepare a proposal that clearly                       regulatory action and was therefore not
                                           provides for a time extension, under                     elucidates the issues to facilitate public            submitted to the Office of Management
                                           certain circumstances, for a rulemaking                  comment, and must provide adequate                    and Budget (OMB) for review.
                                           subject to CAA section 307(d).                           time for the public to comment and for
                                                                                                                                                          B. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
                                           Specifically, CAA section 307(d)(10)                     the EPA to review and develop
                                           provides:                                                responses to those comments prior to                     This action does not impose an
                                                                                                    issuing the final rule. As a result of this           information collection burden under the
                                             Each statutory deadline for promulgation                                                                     PRA. This good cause final action
                                                                                                    extension, the deadline for the EPA to
                                           of rules to which this subsection applies
                                           which requires promulgation less than six                act on the petition is March 5, 2017.                 simply extends the date for the EPA to
                                           months after date of proposal may be                                                                           take action on a petition and does not
                                                                                                    B. Notice and Comment Under the                       impose any new obligations or
                                           extended to not more than six months after               Administrative Procedures Act (APA)
                                           date of proposal by the Administrator upon                                                                     enforceable duties on any state, local or
                                           a determination that such extension is                     This document is a final agency                     tribal governments or the private sector.
                                           necessary to afford the public, and the                  action, but may not be subject to the                 It does not contain any recordkeeping or
                                           agency, adequate opportunity to carry out the            notice-and-comment requirements of                    reporting requirements.
                                           purposes of the subsection.                              the APA, 5 U.S.C. 553(b). The EPA
                                                                                                    believes that, because of the limited                 C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
                                           110(a)(2)(D)(ii) instead of CAA section                  time provided to make a determination,                  This action is not subject to the RFA.
                                           110(a)(2)(D)(i). The courts have confirmed that this     the deadline for action on the CAA                    The RFA applies only to rules subject to
                                           is a scrivener’s error and the correct cross reference
                                           is to CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i). See Appalachian       section 126 petition should be extended.              notice-and-comment rulemaking
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                                           Power Co. v. EPA, 249 F.3d 1032, 1040-44 (D.C. Cir.      Congress may not have intended such a                 requirements under the APA, 5 U.S.C.
                                           2001).                                                   determination to be subject to notice-                553, or any other statute. This rule is not
                                              2 On October 1, 2015, the EPA strengthened the
                                                                                                    and-comment rulemaking. However, to                   subject to notice-and-comment
                                           ground-level ozone NAAQS, based on extensive
                                           scientific evidence about ozone’s effects on public
                                                                                                    the extent that this determination                    requirements because the agency has
                                           health and welfare. See 80 FR 65291 (October 26,         otherwise would require notice and                    invoked the APA ‘‘good cause’’
                                           2015).                                                   opportunity for public comment, there                 exemption under 5 U.S.C. 553(b).


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                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 163 / Tuesday, August 23, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                       57463

                                           D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act                         health or safety standard. This good                  ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
                                           (UMRA)                                                  cause final action simply extends the                 AGENCY
                                             This action does not contain any                      date for the EPA to take action on a
                                           unfunded mandate of $100 million or                     petition and does not have any impact                 40 CFR Part 52
                                           more as described in UMRA, 2 U.S.C.                     on human health or the environment.                   [EPA–R05–OAR–2015–0075; FRL–9950–86–
                                           1531–1538, and does not significantly or                                                                      Region 5]
                                                                                                   K. Congressional Review Act (CRA)
                                           uniquely affect small governments. The
                                           action imposes no enforceable duty on                                                                         Air Plan Approval; Wisconsin;
                                                                                                      This action is subject to the CRA, and
                                           any state, local or tribal governments or                                                                     Kenosha County 2008 8-Hour Ozone
                                                                                                   the EPA will submit a rule report to
                                           the private sector.                                                                                           Nonattainment Area Reasonable
                                                                                                   each House of the Congress and to the                 Further Progress Plan
                                           E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism                    Comptroller General of the United
                                                                                                   States. The CRA allows the issuing                    AGENCY: Environmental Protection
                                             This action does not have federalism                                                                        Agency (EPA).
                                                                                                   agency to make a rule effective sooner
                                           implications. It will not have substantial                                                                    ACTION: Direct final rule.
                                           direct effects on the states, on the                    than otherwise provided by the CRA if
                                           relationship between the national                       the agency makes a good cause finding
                                                                                                                                                         SUMMARY:   The Environmental Protection
                                           government and the states, or on the                    that notice-and-comment rulemaking                    Agency (EPA) is approving an Early
                                           distribution of power and                               procedures are impracticable,                         Progress Plan and motor vehicle
                                           responsibilities among the various                      unnecessary or contrary to the public                 emissions budgets (MVEBs) for volatile
                                           levels of government.                                   interest (5 U.S.C. 808(2)). The EPA has               organic compounds (VOCs) and oxides
                                                                                                   made a good cause finding for this rule               of nitrogen (NOX) for the Kenosha
                                           F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation                  as discussed in Section II.B of this                  County, Wisconsin 8-hour ozone
                                           and Coordination With Indian Tribal                     document, including the basis for that                nonattainment area. Wisconsin
                                           Governments                                             finding.                                              submitted an Early Progress Plan for
                                             This action does not have tribal                                                                            Kenosha County on January 16, 2015.
                                           implications, as specified in Executive                 IV. Statutory Authority
                                                                                                                                                         This submittal was developed to
                                           Order 13175. This good cause final                         The statutory authority for this action            establish MVEBs for the Kenosha 2008
                                           action simply extends the date for the                                                                        8-hour ozone nonattainment area. This
                                                                                                   is provided by sections 110, 126 and
                                           EPA to take action on a petition. Thus,                                                                       approval of the Early Progress Plan for
                                                                                                   307 of the CAA as amended (42 U.S.C.
                                           Executive Order 13175 does not apply                                                                          the Kenosha 2008 8-hour ozone
                                                                                                   7410, 7426 and 7607).
                                           to this rule.                                                                                                 nonattainment area is based on EPA’s
                                           G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of                 V. Judicial Review                                    determination that Wisconsin has
                                           Children From Environmental Health                                                                            demonstrated that the State
                                                                                                     Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA,                 Implementation Plan (SIP) revision
                                           and Safety Risks                                        judicial review of this final rule is                 containing these MVEBs, when
                                             The EPA interprets Executive Order                    available only by the filing of a petition            considered with the emissions from all
                                           13045 as applying only to those                         for review in the U.S. Court of Appeals               sources, shows progress toward
                                           regulatory actions that concern                         for the appropriate circuit by October                attainment from the 2011 base year
                                           environmental health or safety risks that               24, 2016. Under section 307(b)(2) of the              through a 2015 target year.
                                           the EPA has reason to believe may                       CAA, the requirements that are the                    DATES: This direct final rule will be
                                           disproportionately affect children, per                 subject of this final rule may not be                 effective October 24, 2016, unless EPA
                                           the definition of ‘‘covered regulatory                  challenged later in civil or criminal                 receives adverse comments by
                                           action’’ in section 2–202 of the                        proceedings brought by us to enforce                  September 22, 2016. If adverse
                                           Executive Order. This action is not                     these requirements.                                   comments are received, EPA will
                                           subject to Executive Order 13045                                                                              publish a timely withdrawal of the
                                           because it does not concern an                          List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52                    direct final rule in the Federal Register
                                           environmental health risk or safety risk.                                                                     informing the public that the rule will
                                                                                                     Environmental protection,
                                           H. Executive Order 13211: Actions That                  Administrative practices and                          not take effect.
                                           Significantly Affect Energy Supply,                     procedures, Air pollution control,                    ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
                                           Distribution or Use                                     Electric utilities, Incorporation by                  identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R05–
                                             This action is not subject to Executive               reference, Intergovernmental relations,               OAR–2015–0075 at http://
                                           Order 13211, because it is not a                                                                              www.regulations.gov or via email to
                                                                                                   Nitrogen oxides, Ozone.
                                           significant regulatory action under                                                                           persoon.carolyn@epa.gov. For
                                                                                                     Dated: August 15, 2016.                             comments submitted at Regulations.gov,
                                           Executive Order 12866.
                                                                                                   Gina McCarthy,                                        follow the online instructions for
                                           I. National Technology Transfer and                     Administrator.                                        submitting comments. Once submitted,
                                           Advancement Act (NTTAA)                                                                                       comments cannot be edited or removed
                                                                                                   [FR Doc. 2016–20140 Filed 8–22–16; 8:45 am]
                                              This rulemaking does not involve                                                                           from Regulations.gov. For either manner
                                                                                                   BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
                                           technical standards.                                                                                          of submission, EPA may publish any
                                                                                                                                                         comment received to its public docket.
                                           J. Executive Order 12898: Federal                                                                             Do not submit electronically any
                                           Actions To Address Environmental                                                                              information you consider to be
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                                           Justice in Minority Populations and                                                                           Confidential Business Information (CBI)
                                           Low-Income Populations                                                                                        or other information whose disclosure is
                                              The EPA believes that this action is                                                                       restricted by statute. Multimedia
                                           not subject to Executive Order 12898 (59                                                                      submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be
                                           FR 7629, February 16, 1994) because it                                                                        accompanied by a written comment.
                                           does not establish an environmental                                                                           The written comment is considered the


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Document Created: 2018-02-09 11:40:29
Document Modified: 2018-02-09 11:40:29
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis final rule is effective on August 23, 2016.
ContactMs. Gobeail McKinley, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (C504-04), U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, telephone number (919) 541-5246, email: [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 57461 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Administrative Practices and Procedures; Air Pollution Control; Electric Utilities; Incorporation by Reference; Intergovernmental Relations; Nitrogen Oxides and Ozone

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