81_FR_57707 81 FR 57544 - Air Plan Approval; GA; Infrastructure Requirements for the 2012 PM2.5

81 FR 57544 - Air Plan Approval; GA; Infrastructure Requirements for the 2012 PM2.5

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

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

Page Range57544-57554
FR Document2016-20139

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve portions of the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submission, submitted by the State of Georgia, through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Environmental Protection Division (EPD), on December 14, 2015, to demonstrate that the State meets the infrastructure requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) for the 2012 Annual Fine Particulate Matter (PM<INF>2.5</INF>) national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS). The CAA requires that each state adopt and submit a SIP for the implementation, maintenance and enforcement of each NAAQS promulgated by EPA, which is commonly referred to as an ``infrastructure'' SIP. EPD certified that the Georgia SIP contains provisions to ensure the 2012 Annual PM<INF>2.5</INF> NAAQS is implemented, enforced, and maintained in Georgia. EPA is proposing to determine that portions of Georgia's infrastructure submission, submitted to EPA on December 14, 2015, satisfy certain required infrastructure elements for the 2012 Annual PM<INF>2.5</INF> NAAQS.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 163 (Tuesday, August 23, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 163 (Tuesday, August 23, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57544-57554]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20139]


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

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R04-OAR-2014-0425; FRL-9951-15-Region 4]


Air Plan Approval; GA; Infrastructure Requirements for the 2012 
PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standard

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.

[[Page 57545]]


ACTION: Proposed rule.

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

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to 
approve portions of the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submission, 
submitted by the State of Georgia, through the Georgia Department of 
Natural Resources (DNR), Environmental Protection Division (EPD), on 
December 14, 2015, to demonstrate that the State meets the 
infrastructure requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) for the 
2012 Annual Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) national ambient 
air quality standard (NAAQS). The CAA requires that each state adopt 
and submit a SIP for the implementation, maintenance and enforcement of 
each NAAQS promulgated by EPA, which is commonly referred to as an 
``infrastructure'' SIP. EPD certified that the Georgia SIP contains 
provisions to ensure the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS is 
implemented, enforced, and maintained in Georgia. EPA is proposing to 
determine that portions of Georgia's infrastructure submission, 
submitted to EPA on December 14, 2015, satisfy certain required 
infrastructure elements for the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before September 22, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R04-
OAR-2014-0425 at http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online 
instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot 
be edited or removed from Regulations.gov. EPA may publish any comment 
received to its public docket. Do not submit electronically any 
information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) 
or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. 
Multimedia submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a 
written comment. The written comment is considered the official comment 
and should include discussion of all points you wish to make. 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tiereny Bell, Air Regulatory 
Management Section, Air Planning and Implementation Branch, Air, 
Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW., Atlanta, Georgia 
30303-8960. Ms. Bell can be reached via telephone at (404) 562-9088 or 
via electronic mail at [email protected].

I. Background and Overview

    On December 14, 2012 (78 FR 3086, January 15, 2013), EPA 
promulgated a revised primary annual PM2.5 NAAQS. The 
standard was strengthened from 15.0 micrograms per cubic meter ([mu]g/
m\3\) to 12.0 [mu]g/m\3\. Pursuant to section 110(a)(1) of the CAA, 
states are required to submit SIPs meeting the applicable requirements 
of section 110(a)(2) within three years after promulgation of a new or 
revised NAAQS or within such shorter period as EPA may prescribe. 
Section 110(a)(2) requires states to address basic SIP elements such as 
requirements for monitoring, basic program requirements and legal 
authority that are designed to assure attainment and maintenance of the 
NAAQS. States were required to submit such SIPs for the 2012 Annual 
PM2.5 NAAQS to EPA no later than December 14, 2015.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ In these infrastructure SIP submissions States generally 
certify evidence of compliance with sections 110(a)(1) and (2) of 
the CAA through a combination of state regulations and statutes, 
some of which have been incorporated into the federally-approved 
SIP. In addition, certain federally-approved, non-SIP regulations 
may also be appropriate for demonstrating compliance with sections 
110(a)(1) and (2). Throughout this rulemaking, unless otherwise 
indicated, the term ``State rules'' or ``State regulations'' 
indicate that the cited regulation has been approved into Georgia's 
federally-approved SIP. The term ``Georgia Air Quality Act'' 
indicates cited Georgia State statutes, which are not a part of the 
SIP unless otherwise indicated.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This rulemaking is proposing to approve portions of Georgia's 
PM2.5 infrastructure SIP submissions \2\ for the applicable 
requirements of the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS, with the 
exception of the interstate transport requirements of section 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) and (II) (prongs 1, 2, and 4), for which EPA is not 
proposing any action in this rulemaking regarding these requirements. 
For the aspects of Georgia's submittal proposed for approval in this 
rulemaking, EPA notes that the Agency is not approving any specific 
rule, but rather proposing that Georgia's already approved SIP meets 
certain CAA requirements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Georgia's 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS infrastructure 
SIP submission dated December 14, 2015, is referred to as 
``Georgia's PM2.5 infrastructure SIP'' in this action.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. What elements are required under Sections 110(a)(1) and (2)?

    Section 110(a) of the CAA requires states to submit SIPs to provide 
for the implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of a new or 
revised NAAQS within three years following the promulgation of such 
NAAQS, or within such shorter period as EPA may prescribe. Section 
110(a) imposes the obligation upon states to make a SIP submission to 
EPA for a new or revised NAAQS, but the contents of that submission may 
vary depending upon the facts and circumstances. In particular, the 
data and analytical tools available at the time the state develops and 
submits the SIP for a new or revised NAAQS affect the content of the 
submission. The contents of such SIP submissions may also vary 
depending upon what provisions the state's existing SIP already 
contains.
    More specifically, section 110(a)(1) provides the procedural and 
timing requirements for SIPs. Section 110(a)(2) lists specific elements 
that states must meet for ``infrastructure'' SIP requirements related 
to a newly established or revised NAAQS. As mentioned previously, these 
requirements include basic SIP elements such as requirements for 
monitoring, basic program requirements and legal authority that are 
designed to assure attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS. The 
requirements are summarized later on in this preamble and in EPA's 
September 13, 2013, memorandum entitled ``Guidance on Infrastructure 
State Implementation Plan (SIP) Elements under Clean Air Act Sections 
110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2).'' \3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Two elements identified in section 110(a)(2) are not 
governed by the three year submission deadline of section 110(a)(1) 
because SIPs incorporating necessary local nonattainment area 
controls are not due within three years after promulgation of a new 
or revised NAAQS, but rather are due at the time the nonattainment 
area plan requirements are due pursuant to section 172. These 
requirements are: (1) Submissions required by section 110(a)(2)(C) 
to the extent that subsection refers to a permit program as required 
in part D, title I of the CAA; and (2) submissions required by 
section 110(a)(2)(I) which pertain to the nonattainment planning 
requirements of part D, title I of the CAA. This proposed rulemaking 
does not address infrastructure elements related to section 
110(a)(2)(I) or the nonattainment planning requirements of 
110(a)(2)(C).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     110(a)(2)(A): Emission Limits and Other Control Measures
     110(a)(2)(B): Ambient Air Quality Monitoring/Data System
     110(a)(2)(C): Programs for Enforcement of Control Measures 
and for Construction or Modification of Stationary Sources \4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ This rulemaking only addresses requirements for this element 
as they relate to attainment areas.

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

[[Page 57546]]

     110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) and (II): Interstate Pollution 
Transport
     110(a)(2)(D)(ii): Interstate Pollution Abatement and 
International Air Pollution
     110(a)(2)(E): Adequate Resources and Authority, Conflict 
of Interest, and Oversight of Local Governments and Regional Agencies
     110(a)(2)(F): Stationary Source Monitoring and Reporting
     110(a)(2)(G): Emergency Powers
     110(a)(2)(H): SIP Revisions
     110(a)(2)(I): Plan Revisions for Nonattainment Areas \5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ As mentioned previously, this element is not relevant to 
this proposed rulemaking.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     110(a)(2)(J): Consultation with Government Officials, 
Public Notification, and Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) 
and Visibility Protection
     110(a)(2)(K): Air Quality Modeling and Submission of 
Modeling Data
     110(a)(2)(L): Permitting fees
     110(a)(2)(M): Consultation and Participation by Affected 
Local Entities

III. What is EPA's approach to the review of infrastructure SIP 
submissions?

    EPA is acting upon the SIP submission from Georgia that addresses 
the infrastructure requirements of CAA sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2) 
for the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS. The requirement for states 
to make a SIP submission of this type arises out of CAA section 
110(a)(1). Pursuant to section 110(a)(1), states must make SIP 
submissions ``within 3 years (or such shorter period as the 
Administrator may prescribe) after the promulgation of a national 
primary ambient air quality standard (or any revision thereof),'' and 
these SIP submissions are to provide for the ``implementation, 
maintenance, and enforcement'' of such NAAQS. The statute directly 
imposes on states the duty to make these SIP submissions, and the 
requirement to make the submissions is not conditioned upon EPA's 
taking any action other than promulgating a new or revised NAAQS. 
Section 110(a)(2) includes a list of specific elements that ``[e]ach 
such plan'' submission must address.
    EPA has historically referred to these SIP submissions made for the 
purpose of satisfying the requirements of CAA sections 110(a)(1) and 
110(a)(2) as ``infrastructure SIP'' submissions. Although the term 
``infrastructure SIP'' does not appear in the CAA, EPA uses the term to 
distinguish this particular type of SIP submission from submissions 
that are intended to satisfy other SIP requirements under the CAA, such 
as ``nonattainment SIP'' or ``attainment plan SIP'' submissions to 
address the nonattainment planning requirements of part D of title I of 
the CAA, ``regional haze SIP'' submissions required by EPA rule to 
address the visibility protection requirements of CAA section 169A, and 
nonattainment new source review (NNSR) permit program submissions to 
address the permit requirements of CAA, title I, part D.
    Section 110(a)(1) addresses the timing and general requirements for 
infrastructure SIP submissions, and section 110(a)(2) provides more 
details concerning the required contents of these submissions. The list 
of required elements provided in section 110(a)(2) contains a wide 
variety of disparate provisions, some of which pertain to required 
legal authority, some of which pertain to required substantive program 
provisions, and some of which pertain to requirements for both 
authority and substantive program provisions.\6\ EPA therefore believes 
that while the timing requirement in section 110(a)(1) is unambiguous, 
some of the other statutory provisions are ambiguous. In particular, 
EPA believes that the list of required elements for infrastructure SIP 
submissions provided in section 110(a)(2) contains ambiguities 
concerning what is required for inclusion in an infrastructure SIP 
submission.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ For example: Section 110(a)(2)(E)(i) provides that states 
must provide assurances that they have adequate legal authority 
under state and local law to carry out the SIP; section 110(a)(2)(C) 
provides that states must have a SIP-approved program to address 
certain sources as required by part C of title I of the CAA; and 
section 110(a)(2)(G) provides that states must have legal authority 
to address emergencies as well as contingency plans that are 
triggered in the event of such emergencies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The following examples of ambiguities illustrate the need for EPA 
to interpret some section 110(a)(1) and section 110(a)(2) requirements 
with respect to infrastructure SIP submissions for a given new or 
revised NAAQS. One example of ambiguity is that section 110(a)(2) 
requires that ``each'' SIP submission must meet the list of 
requirements therein, while EPA has long noted that this literal 
reading of the statute is internally inconsistent and would create a 
conflict with the nonattainment provisions in part D of title I of the 
Act, which specifically address nonattainment SIP requirements.\7\ 
Section 110(a)(2)(I) pertains to nonattainment SIP requirements and 
part D addresses when attainment plan SIP submissions to address 
nonattainment area requirements are due. For example, section 172(b) 
requires EPA to establish a schedule for submission of such plans for 
certain pollutants when the Administrator promulgates the designation 
of an area as nonattainment, and section 107(d)(1)(B) allows up to two 
years, or in some cases three years, for such designations to be 
promulgated.\8\ This ambiguity illustrates that rather than apply all 
the stated requirements of section 110(a)(2) in a strict literal sense, 
EPA must determine which provisions of section 110(a)(2) are applicable 
for a particular infrastructure SIP submission.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ See, e.g., ``Rule To Reduce Interstate Transport of Fine 
Particulate Matter and Ozone (Clean Air Interstate Rule); Revisions 
to Acid Rain Program; Revisions to the NOx SIP Call; Final Rule,'' 
70 FR 25162, at 25163-65 (May 12, 2005) (explaining relationship 
between timing requirement of section 110(a)(2)(D) versus section 
110(a)(2)(I)).
    \8\ EPA notes that this ambiguity within section 110(a)(2) is 
heightened by the fact that various subparts of part D set specific 
dates for submission of certain types of SIP submissions in 
designated nonattainment areas for various pollutants. Note, e.g., 
that section 182(a)(1) provides specific dates for submission of 
emissions inventories for the ozone NAAQS. Some of these specific 
dates are necessarily later than three years after promulgation of 
the new or revised NAAQS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Another example of ambiguity within sections 110(a)(1) and 
110(a)(2) with respect to infrastructure SIPs pertains to whether 
states must meet all of the infrastructure SIP requirements in a single 
SIP submission, and whether EPA must act upon such SIP submission in a 
single action. Although section 110(a)(1) directs states to submit ``a 
plan'' to meet these requirements, EPA interprets the CAA to allow 
states to make multiple SIP submissions separately addressing 
infrastructure SIP elements for the same NAAQS. If states elect to make 
such multiple SIP submissions to meet the infrastructure SIP 
requirements, EPA can elect to act on such submissions either 
individually or in a larger combined action.\9\ Similarly, EPA 
interprets the CAA to allow it to take action on the individual parts 
of one larger, comprehensive infrastructure SIP submission for a given 
NAAQS without concurrent action on the entire submission. For example, 
EPA has sometimes elected to act at different times on various

[[Page 57547]]

elements and sub-elements of the same infrastructure SIP 
submission.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ See, e.g., ``Approval and Promulgation of Implementation 
Plans; New Mexico; Revisions to the New Source Review (NSR) State 
Implementation Plan (SIP); Prevention of Significant Deterioration 
(PSD) and Nonattainment New Source Review (NNSR) Permitting,'' 78 FR 
4339 (January 22, 2013) (EPA's final action approving the structural 
PSD elements of the New Mexico SIP submitted by the State separately 
to meet the requirements of EPA's 2008 PM2.5 NSR rule), 
and ``Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; 
New Mexico; Infrastructure and Interstate Transport Requirements for 
the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS,'' (78 FR 4337) (January 22, 2013) 
(EPA's final action on the infrastructure SIP for the 2006 
PM2.5 NAAQS).
    \10\ For example, on December 14, 2007, the State of Tennessee, 
through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, 
made a SIP revision to EPA demonstrating that the State meets the 
requirements of sections 110(a)(1) and (2). EPA proposed action for 
infrastructure SIP elements (C) and (J) on January 23, 2012 (77 FR 
3213) and took final action on March 14, 2012 (77 FR 14976). On 
April 16, 2012 (77 FR 22533) and July 23, 2012 (77 FR 42997), EPA 
took separate proposed and final actions on all other section 
110(a)(2) infrastructure SIP elements of Tennessee's December 14, 
2007, submittal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Ambiguities within sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2) may also arise 
with respect to infrastructure SIP submission requirements for 
different NAAQS. Thus, EPA notes that not every element of section 
110(a)(2) would be relevant, or as relevant, or relevant in the same 
way, for each new or revised NAAQS. The states' attendant 
infrastructure SIP submissions for each NAAQS therefore could be 
different. For example, the monitoring requirements that a state might 
need to meet in its infrastructure SIP submission for purposes of 
section 110(a)(2)(B) could be very different for different pollutants 
because the content and scope of a state's infrastructure SIP 
submission to meet this element might be very different for an entirely 
new NAAQS than for a minor revision to an existing NAAQS.\11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ For example, implementation of the 1997 PM2.5 
NAAQS required the deployment of a system of new monitors to measure 
ambient levels of that new indicator species for the new NAAQS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA notes that interpretation of section 110(a)(2) is also 
necessary when EPA reviews other types of SIP submissions required 
under the CAA. Therefore, as with infrastructure SIP submissions, EPA 
also has to identify and interpret the relevant elements of section 
110(a)(2) that logically apply to these other types of SIP submissions. 
For example, section 172(c)(7) requires that attainment plan SIP 
submissions required by part D have to meet the ``applicable 
requirements'' of section 110(a)(2). Thus, for example, attainment plan 
SIP submissions must meet the requirements of section 110(a)(2)(A) 
regarding enforceable emission limits and control measures and section 
110(a)(2)(E)(i) regarding air agency resources and authority. By 
contrast, it is clear that attainment plan SIP submissions required by 
part D would not need to meet the portion of section 110(a)(2)(C) that 
pertains to the PSD program required in part C of title I of the CAA, 
because PSD does not apply to a pollutant for which an area is 
designated nonattainment and is thus subject to part D planning 
requirements. As this example illustrates, each type of SIP submission 
may implicate some elements of section 110(a)(2) but not others.
    Given the potential for ambiguity in some of the statutory language 
of section 110(a)(1) and section 110(a)(2), EPA believes that it is 
appropriate to interpret the ambiguous portions of section 110(a)(1) 
and section 110(a)(2) in the context of acting on a particular SIP 
submission. In other words, EPA assumes that Congress could not have 
intended that each and every SIP submission, regardless of the NAAQS in 
question or the history of SIP development for the relevant pollutant, 
would meet each of the requirements, or meet each of them in the same 
way. Therefore, EPA has adopted an approach under which it reviews 
infrastructure SIP submissions against the list of elements in section 
110(a)(2), but only to the extent each element applies for that 
particular NAAQS.
    Historically, EPA has elected to use guidance documents to make 
recommendations to states for infrastructure SIPs, in some cases 
conveying needed interpretations on newly arising issues and in some 
cases conveying interpretations that have already been developed and 
applied to individual SIP submissions for particular elements.\12\ EPA 
most recently issued guidance for infrastructure SIPs on September 13, 
2013 (2013 Guidance).\13\ EPA developed this document to provide states 
with up-to-date guidance for infrastructure SIPs for any new or revised 
NAAQS. Within this guidance, EPA describes the duty of states to make 
infrastructure SIP submissions to meet basic structural SIP 
requirements within three years of promulgation of a new or revised 
NAAQS. EPA also made recommendations about many specific subsections of 
section 110(a)(2) that are relevant in the context of infrastructure 
SIP submissions.\14\ The guidance also discusses the substantively 
important issues that are germane to certain subsections of section 
110(a)(2). Significantly, EPA interprets sections 110(a)(1) and 
110(a)(2) such that infrastructure SIP submissions need to address 
certain issues and need not address others. Accordingly, EPA reviews 
each infrastructure SIP submission for compliance with the applicable 
statutory provisions of section 110(a)(2), as appropriate.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ EPA notes, however, that nothing in the CAA requires EPA to 
provide guidance or to promulgate regulations for infrastructure SIP 
submissions. The CAA directly applies to states and requires the 
submission of infrastructure SIP submissions, regardless of whether 
or not EPA provides guidance or regulations pertaining to such 
submissions. EPA elects to issue such guidance in order to assist 
states, as appropriate.
    \13\ ``Guidance on Infrastructure State Implementation Plan 
(SIP) Elements under Clean Air Act sections 110(a)(1) and 
110(a)(2),'' Memorandum from Stephen D. Page, September 13, 2013.
    \14\ EPA's September 13, 2013, guidance did not make 
recommendations with respect to infrastructure SIP submissions to 
address section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I). EPA issued the guidance shortly 
after the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review the D.C. Circuit 
decision in EME Homer City, 696 F.3d7 (D.C. Cir. 2012) which had 
interpreted the requirements of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I). In light 
of the uncertainty created by ongoing litigation, EPA elected not to 
provide additional guidance on the requirements of section 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) at that time. As the guidance is neither binding 
nor required by statute, whether EPA elects to provide guidance on a 
particular section has no impact on a state's CAA obligations. On 
March 17, 2016, EPA released a memorandum titled, ``Information on 
the Interstate Transport `Good Neighbor' Provision for the 2012 Fine 
Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards under 
Clean Air Act Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)'' to provide guidance to 
states for interstate transport requirements specific to the 
PM2.5 NAAQS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As an example, section 110(a)(2)(E)(ii) is a required element of 
section 110(a)(2) for infrastructure SIP submissions. Under this 
element, a state must meet the substantive requirements of section 128, 
which pertain to state boards that approve permits or enforcement 
orders and heads of executive agencies with similar powers. Thus, EPA 
reviews infrastructure SIP submissions to ensure that the state's 
implementation plan appropriately addresses the requirements of section 
110(a)(2)(E)(ii) and section 128. The 2013 Guidance explains EPA's 
interpretation that there may be a variety of ways by which states can 
appropriately address these substantive statutory requirements, 
depending on the structure of an individual state's permitting or 
enforcement program (e.g., whether permits and enforcement orders are 
approved by a multi-member board or by a head of an executive agency). 
However they are addressed by the state, the substantive requirements 
of section 128 are necessarily included in EPA's evaluation of 
infrastructure SIP submissions because section 110(a)(2)(E)(ii) 
explicitly requires that the state satisfy the provisions of section 
128.
    As another example, EPA's review of infrastructure SIP submissions 
with respect to the PSD program requirements in sections 110(a)(2)(C), 
(D)(i)(II), and (J) focuses upon the structural PSD program 
requirements contained in part C and EPA's PSD regulations. Structural 
PSD program requirements include provisions necessary for the PSD 
program to address all regulated sources and new source review (NSR) 
pollutants, including greenhouse gases (GHGs). By

[[Page 57548]]

contrast, structural PSD program requirements do not include provisions 
that are not required under EPA's regulations at 40 CFR 51.166 but are 
merely available as an option for the state, such as the option to 
provide grandfathering of complete permit applications with respect to 
the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS. Accordingly, the latter 
optional provisions are types of provisions EPA considers irrelevant in 
the context of an infrastructure SIP action.
    For other section 110(a)(2) elements, however, EPA's review of a 
state's infrastructure SIP submission focuses on assuring that the 
state's implementation plan meets basic structural requirements. For 
example, section 110(a)(2)(C) includes, inter alia, the requirement 
that states have a program to regulate minor new sources. Thus, EPA 
evaluates whether the state has an EPA-approved minor NSR program and 
whether the program addresses the pollutants relevant to that NAAQS. In 
the context of acting on an infrastructure SIP submission, however, EPA 
does not think it is necessary to conduct a review of each and every 
provision of a state's existing minor source program (i.e., already in 
the existing SIP) for compliance with the requirements of the CAA and 
EPA's regulations that pertain to such programs.
    With respect to certain other issues, EPA does not believe that an 
action on a state's infrastructure SIP submission is necessarily the 
appropriate type of action in which to address possible deficiencies in 
a state's existing SIP. These issues include: (i) Existing provisions 
related to excess emissions from sources during periods of startup, 
shutdown, or malfunction that may be contrary to the CAA and EPA's 
policies addressing such excess emissions (``SSM''); (ii) existing 
provisions related to ``director's variance'' or ``director's 
discretion'' that may be contrary to the CAA because they purport to 
allow revisions to SIP-approved emissions limits while limiting public 
process or not requiring further approval by EPA; and (iii) existing 
provisions for PSD programs that may be inconsistent with current 
requirements of EPA's ``Final NSR Improvement Rule,'' 67 FR 80186 
(December 31, 2002), as amended by 72 FR 32526 (June 13, 2007) (``NSR 
Reform''). Thus, EPA believes it may approve an infrastructure SIP 
submission without scrutinizing the totality of the existing SIP for 
such potentially deficient provisions and may approve the submission 
even if it is aware of such existing provisions.\15\ It is important to 
note that EPA's approval of a state's infrastructure SIP submission 
should not be construed as explicit or implicit re-approval of any 
existing potentially deficient provisions that relate to the three 
specific issues just described.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ By contrast, EPA notes that if a state were to include a 
new provision in an infrastructure SIP submission that contained a 
legal deficiency, such as a new exemption for excess emissions 
during SSM events, then EPA would need to evaluate that provision 
for compliance against the rubric of applicable CAA requirements in 
the context of the action on the infrastructure SIP.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA's approach to review of infrastructure SIP submissions is to 
identify the CAA requirements that are logically applicable to that 
submission. EPA believes that this approach to the review of a 
particular infrastructure SIP submission is appropriate, because it 
would not be reasonable to read the general requirements of section 
110(a)(1) and the list of elements in 110(a)(2) as requiring review of 
each and every provision of a state's existing SIP against all 
requirements in the CAA and EPA regulations merely for purposes of 
assuring that the state in question has the basic structural elements 
for a functioning SIP for a new or revised NAAQS. Because SIPs have 
grown by accretion over the decades as statutory and regulatory 
requirements under the CAA have evolved, they may include some outmoded 
provisions and historical artifacts. These provisions, while not fully 
up to date, nevertheless may not pose a significant problem for the 
purposes of ``implementation, maintenance, and enforcement'' of a new 
or revised NAAQS when EPA evaluates adequacy of the infrastructure SIP 
submission. EPA believes that a better approach is for states and EPA 
to focus attention on those elements of section 110(a)(2) of the CAA 
most likely to warrant a specific SIP revision due to the promulgation 
of a new or revised NAAQS or other factors.
    For example, EPA's 2013 Guidance gives simpler recommendations with 
respect to carbon monoxide than other NAAQS pollutants to meet the 
visibility requirements of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II), because carbon 
monoxide does not affect visibility. As a result, an infrastructure SIP 
submission for any future new or revised NAAQS for carbon monoxide need 
only state this fact in order to address the visibility prong of 
section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II).
    Finally, EPA believes that its approach with respect to 
infrastructure SIP requirements is based on a reasonable reading of 
sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2) because the CAA provides other avenues 
and mechanisms to address specific substantive deficiencies in existing 
SIPs. These other statutory tools allow EPA to take appropriately 
tailored action, depending upon the nature and severity of the alleged 
SIP deficiency. Section 110(k)(5) authorizes EPA to issue a ``SIP 
call'' whenever the Agency determines that a state's implementation 
plan is substantially inadequate to attain or maintain the NAAQS, to 
mitigate interstate transport, or to otherwise comply with the CAA.\16\ 
Section 110(k)(6) authorizes EPA to correct errors in past actions, 
such as past approvals of SIP submissions.\17\ Significantly, EPA's 
determination that an action on a state's infrastructure SIP submission 
is not the appropriate time and place to address all potential existing 
SIP deficiencies does not preclude EPA's subsequent reliance on 
provisions in section 110(a)(2) as part of the basis for action to 
correct those deficiencies at a later time. For example, although it 
may not be appropriate to require a state to eliminate all existing 
inappropriate director's discretion provisions in the course of acting 
on an infrastructure SIP submission, EPA believes that section 
110(a)(2)(A) may be among the statutory bases that EPA relies upon in 
the course of addressing such deficiency in a subsequent action.\18\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ For example, EPA issued a SIP call to Utah to address 
specific existing SIP deficiencies related to the treatment of 
excess emissions during SSM events. See ``Finding of Substantial 
Inadequacy of Implementation Plan; Call for Utah State 
Implementation Plan Revisions,'' 74 FR 21639 (April 18, 2011).
    \17\ EPA has used this authority to correct errors in past 
actions on SIP submissions related to PSD programs. See ``Limitation 
of Approval of Prevention of Significant Deterioration Provisions 
Concerning Greenhouse Gas Emitting-Sources in State Implementation 
Plans; Final Rule,'' 75 FR 82536 (December 30, 2010). EPA has 
previously used its authority under CAA section 110(k)(6) to remove 
numerous other SIP provisions that the Agency determined it had 
approved in error. See, e.g., 61 FR 38664 (July 25, 1996) and 62 FR 
34641 (June 27, 1997) (corrections to American Samoa, Arizona, 
California, Hawaii, and Nevada SIPs); 69 FR 67062 (November 16, 
2004) (corrections to California SIP); and 74 FR 57051 (November 3, 
2009) (corrections to Arizona and Nevada SIPs).
    \18\ See, e.g., EPA's disapproval of a SIP submission from 
Colorado on the grounds that it would have included a director's 
discretion provision inconsistent with CAA requirements, including 
section 110(a)(2)(A). See, e.g., 75 FR 42342 at 42344 (July 21, 
2010) (proposed disapproval of director's discretion provisions); 76 
FR 4540 (Jan. 26, 2011) (final disapproval of such provisions).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. What is EPA's analysis of how Georgia addressed the elements of 
sections 110(a)(1) and (2) ``infrastructure'' provisions?

    The Georgia 2012 Annual PM2.5 infrastructure submission 
addresses the

[[Page 57549]]

provisions of sections 110(a)(1) and (2) as described below.
    1. 110(a)(2)(A): Emission Limits and Other Control Measures: 
Section 110(a)(2)(A) requires that each implementation plan include 
enforceable emission limitations and other control measures, means, or 
techniques (including economic incentives such as fees, marketable 
permits, and auctions of emissions rights), as well as schedules and 
timetables for compliance, as may be necessary or appropriate to meet 
the applicable requirements. Several regulations within Georgia's SIP 
are relevant to air quality control regulations. The following State 
regulations include enforceable emission limitations and other control 
measures: 391-3-1-.01, ``Definitions. Amended.'', 391-3-1-.02, 
``Provisions. Amended.'', and 391-3-1-.03, ``Permits. Amended.'' These 
regulations collectively establish enforceable emissions limitations 
and other control measures, means or techniques for activities that 
contribute to PM2.5 concentrations in the ambient air, and 
provide authority for EPD to establish such limits and measures as well 
as schedules for compliance through SIP-approved permits to meet the 
applicable requirements of the CAA. EPA has made the preliminary 
determination that the provisions contained in these State rules are 
adequate to satisfy section 110(a)(2)(A) for the 2012 Annual 
PM2.5 NAAQS in the State.
    In this action, EPA is not proposing to approve or disapprove any 
existing state provisions with regard to excess emissions during SSM 
operations at a facility. EPA believes that a number of states have SSM 
provisions which are contrary to the CAA and existing EPA guidance, 
``State Implementation Plans: Policy Regarding Excess Emissions During 
Malfunctions, Startup, and Shutdown'' (September 20, 1999), and the 
Agency is addressing such state regulations in a separate action.\19\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ On June 12, 2015, EPA published a final action entitled, 
``State Implementation Plans: Response to Petition for Rulemaking; 
Restatement and Update of EPA's SSM Policy Applicable to SIPs; 
Findings of Substantial Inadequacy; and SIP Calls to Amend 
Provisions Applying to Excess Emissions During Periods of Startup, 
Shutdown, and Malfunction.'' See 80 FR 33840.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additionally, in this action, EPA is not proposing to approve or 
disapprove any existing state rules with regard to director's 
discretion or variance provisions. EPA believes that a number of states 
have such provisions which are contrary to the CAA and existing EPA 
guidance (52 FR 45109 (November 24, 1987)), and the Agency plans to 
take action in the future to address such state regulations. In the 
meantime, EPA encourages any state having a director's discretion or 
variance provision which is contrary to the CAA and EPA guidance to 
take steps to correct the deficiency as soon as possible.
    2. 110(a)(2)(B) Ambient Air Quality Monitoring/Data System: Section 
110(a)(2)(B) requires SIPs to provide for establishment and operation 
of appropriate devices, methods, systems, and procedures necessary to: 
(i) Monitor, compile, and analyze data on ambient air quality, and (ii) 
upon request, make such data available to the Administrator. Georgia's 
authority to monitor ambient air quality is found in the Georgia Air 
Quality Act Article 1: Air Quality (O.C.G.A. Section 12-9-6(b)(13)). 
Annually, states develop and submit to EPA for approval statewide 
ambient monitoring network plans consistent with the requirements of 40 
CFR parts 50, 53, and 58. The annual network plan involves an 
evaluation of any proposed changes to the monitoring network, includes 
the annual ambient monitoring network design plan, and includes a 
certified evaluation of the agency's ambient monitors and auxiliary 
support equipment.\20\ On June 15, 2015, EPA received Georgia's plan 
for FY 2016. On October 13, 2015, EPA approved Georgia's monitoring 
network plan. Georgia's approved monitoring network plan can be 
accessed at www.regulations.gov using Docket ID No. EPA-R04-OAR-2014-
0425. This State statute, along with Georgia's Ambient Air Monitoring 
Network Plan, provide for the establishment and operation of ambient 
air quality monitors, the compilation and analysis of ambient air 
quality data, and the submission of these data to EPA upon request. EPD 
states that no specific statutory or regulatory authority is necessary 
for EPD to authorize data analysis or the submission of such data to 
EPA, or to provide data submissions in response to federal regulations. 
EPA has made the preliminary determination that Georgia's SIP and 
practices are adequate for the ambient air quality monitoring and data 
system requirements related to the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ On occasion, proposed changes to the monitoring network are 
evaluated outside of the network plan approval process in accordance 
with 40 CFR part 58.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    3. 110(a)(2)(C) Programs for Enforcement of Control Measures and 
for Construction or Modification of Stationary Sources: This element 
consists of three sub-elements: Enforcement, state-wide regulation of 
new and modified minor sources and minor modifications of major 
sources, and preconstruction permitting of major sources and major 
modifications in areas designated attainment or unclassifiable for the 
subject NAAQS as required by CAA title I part C (i.e., the major source 
PSD program).
    Enforcement: Georgia's Enforcement Program covers mobile and 
stationary sources, consumer products, and fuels. The enforcement 
requirements are met through two Georgia Rules for Air Quality: 391-3-
1-.07--``Inspections and Investigations. Amended.'' and 391-3-1-.09--
``Enforcement. Amended.'' Georgia also cites to enforcement authority 
found in Georgia Air Quality Act Article 1: Air Quality (O.C.G.A. 
Section 12-9-13) in its submittal. Collectively, these regulations and 
State statute provide for enforcement of PM2.5 emission 
limits and control measures.
    PSD Permitting for Major Sources: EPA interprets the PSD sub-
element to require that a state's infrastructure SIP submission for a 
particular NAAQS demonstrate that the state has a complete PSD 
permitting program in place covering the structural PSD requirements 
for all regulated NSR pollutants. A state's PSD permitting program is 
complete for this sub-element (and prong 3 of D(i) and J related to 
PSD) if EPA has already approved or is simultaneously approving the 
state's implementation plan with respect to all structural PSD 
requirements that are due under the EPA regulations or the CAA on or 
before the date of the EPA's proposed action on the infrastructure SIP 
submission. The following Georgia Rules for Air Quality collectively 
establish a preconstruction, new source permitting program in the State 
that meets the PSD requirements of the CAA for PM2.5 
emissions sources: 391-3-1-.02.--``Provisions. Amended,'' which 
includes PSD requirements under 391-3-1-.02(7), and 391-3-1-.03.--
``Permits. Amended,'' which includes NNSR requirements under 391-3-
l-.03(8)(c) and (g). Georgia's infrastructure SIP demonstrates that new 
major sources and major modifications in areas of the State designated 
attainment or unclassifiable for the specified NAAQS are subject to a 
federally-approved PSD permitting program meeting all the current 
structural requirements of part C of title I of the CAA to satisfy the 
infrastructure SIP PSD elements.\21\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ For more information on the structural PSD program 
requirements that are relevant to EPA's review of infrastructure 
SIPs in connection with the current PSD-related infrastructure SIP 
requirements, see the technical support document in the docket for 
this rulemaking.

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

[[Page 57550]]

    Regulation of minor sources and modifications: Section 110(a)(2)(C) 
also requires the SIP to include provisions that govern the minor 
source program that regulates emissions of the 2012 Annual 
PM2.5 NAAQS. Georgia's SIP approved Air Quality Control Rule 
391-3-1-.03(1)--``Construction (SIP) Permit.'' governs the 
preconstruction permitting of modifications, construction of minor 
stationary sources, and minor modifications of major stationary 
sources. EPA has made the preliminary determination that Georgia's SIP 
is adequate for program enforcement of control measures, PSD permitting 
for major sources, and regulation of new minor sources and 
modifications related to the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS.
    4. 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) and (II) Interstate Pollution Transport: 
Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i) has two components: 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) and 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II). Each of these components has two subparts 
resulting in four distinct components, commonly referred to as 
``prongs,'' that must be addressed in infrastructure SIP submissions. 
The first two prongs, which are codified in section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I), 
are provisions that prohibit any source or other type of emissions 
activity in one state from contributing significantly to nonattainment 
of the NAAQS in another state (``prong 1''), and interfering with 
maintenance of the NAAQS in another state (``prong 2''). The third and 
fourth prongs, which are codified in section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II), are 
provisions that prohibit emissions activity in one state from 
interfering with measures required to prevent significant deterioration 
of air quality in another state (``prong 3''), or to protect visibility 
in another state (``prong 4'').
    110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)--prongs 1 and 2: EPA is not proposing any action 
related to the provisions that prohibit any source or other type of 
emissions activity in one state from contributing significantly to 
nonattainment of the NAAQS in another state (``prong 1''), and 
interfering with maintenance of the NAAQS in another state (``prong 
2'') of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) (prongs 1 and 2). EPA will consider 
these requirements in relation to Georgia's 2012 Annual 
PM2.5 NAAQS infrastructure submission in a separate 
rulemaking.
    110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II)--prong 3: With regard to section 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II), the PSD element, referred to as prong 3, this 
requirement may be met by a state's confirmation in an infrastructure 
SIP submission that new major sources and major modifications in the 
state are subject to: A PSD program meeting all the current structural 
requirements of part C of title I of the CAA, or (if the state contains 
a nonattainment area that has the potential to impact PSD in another 
state) to a NNSR program. As discussed in more detail previously under 
section 110(a)(2)(C), Georgia's SIP contains provisions for the State's 
PSD program that reflects the required structural PSD requirements to 
satisfy the requirement of prong 3 of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II). 
Georgia addresses prong 3 through rules 391-3-1-.02.--``Provisions. 
Amended,'' and 391-3-1-.03.--``Permits. Amended,'' which include the 
PSD and NNSR requirements, respectively. EPA has made the preliminary 
determination that Georgia's SIP is adequate for interstate transport 
for PSD permitting of major sources and major modifications related to 
the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS for section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) 
(prong 3).
    110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II)--prong 4: EPA is not proposing any action in 
this rulemaking related to provisions pertaining to visibility 
protection in other states of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) (prong 4) and 
will consider this requirement in relation to Georgia's 2012 Annual 
PM2.5 NAAQS infrastructure submission in a separate 
rulemaking.
    5. 110(a)(2)(D)(ii) Interstate Pollution Abatement and 
International Air Pollution: Section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii) requires SIPs to 
include provisions ensuring compliance with sections 115 and 126 of the 
Act, relating to interstate and international pollution abatement. The 
following two Georgia Rules for Air Quality provide Georgia the 
authority to conduct certain actions in support of this infrastructure 
element: 391-3-1-.02(7) for the State's PSD regulation and 391-3-1-.03 
for the State's permitting regulations. As described previously, 
Georgia Rules for Air Quality 391-3-1-.02.--``Provisions. Amended,'' 
and 391-3-1-.03.--``Permits. Amended,'' collectively require any new 
major source or major modification to undergo PSD or nonattainment new 
source review (NNSR) permitting and thereby provide notification to 
other potentially affected Federal, state, and local government 
agencies.
    Additionally, Georgia does not have any pending obligation under 
section 115 and 126 of the CAA. EPA has made the preliminary 
determination that Georgia's SIP and practices are adequate for 
ensuring compliance with the applicable requirements relating to 
interstate and international pollution abatement for the 2012 Annual 
PM2.5 NAAQS.
    6. 110(a)(2)(E) Adequate Resources and Authority, Conflict of 
Interest, and Oversight of Local Governments and Regional Agencies: 
Section 110(a)(2)(E) requires that each implementation plan provide: 
(i) Necessary assurances that the state will have adequate personnel, 
funding, and authority under state law to carry out its implementation 
plan, (ii) that the state comply with the requirements respecting state 
boards pursuant to section 128 of the Act, and (iii) necessary 
assurances that, where the state has relied on a local or regional 
government, agency, or instrumentality for the implementation of any 
plan provision, the state has responsibility for ensuring adequate 
implementation of such plan provisions. EPA's analysis of sub-elements 
110(a)(2)(E)(i), (ii), and (iii) is described below.
    In support of EPA's proposal to approve sub-elements 
110(a)(2)(E)(i) and (iii), Georgia's infrastructure SIP demonstrates 
that it is responsible for promulgating rules and regulations for the 
NAAQS, emissions standards and general policies, a system of permits, 
fee schedules for the review of plans, and other planning needs. In its 
SIP submittal, Georgia describes its authority for section 
110(a)(2)(E)(i) as the CAA section 105 grant process, the Georgia Air 
Quality Act Article 1: Air Quality (O.C.G.A. 12-9-10), and Georgia Rule 
for Air Quality 391-3-1-.03(9) which establishes Georgia's Air Permit 
Fee System. For section 110(a)(2)(E)(iii), the State does not rely on 
localities in Georgia for specific SIP implementation. As evidence of 
the adequacy of EPD's resources with respect to sub-elements (i) and 
(iii), EPA submitted a letter to Georgia on April 19, 2016, outlining 
CAA section 105 grant commitments and the current status of these 
commitments for fiscal year 2015. The letter EPA submitted to EPD can 
be accessed at www.regulations.gov using Docket ID No. EPA-R04-OAR-
2014-0425. Annually, states update these grant commitments based on 
current SIP requirements, air quality planning, and applicable 
requirements related to the NAAQS. There were no outstanding issues in 
relation to the SIP for fiscal year 2015, therefore, EPD's grants were 
finalized and closed out. In addition, the requirements of 
110(a)(2)(E)(i) and (iii) are evaluated when EPA performs a 
completeness determination for each SIP submittal. This determination 
ensures that each submittal includes information addressing the 
adequacy of personnel, funding, and legal authority under state law 
used to carry out the state's implementation plan and related

[[Page 57551]]

issues. Georgia's authority is included in all prehearing and final SIP 
submittal packages for approval by EPA. EPD is responsible for 
submitting all revisions to the Georgia SIP to EPA for approval. EPA 
has made the preliminary determination that Georgia has adequate 
resources for implementation of the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS.
    Section 110(a)(2)(E)(ii) requires that the state comply with 
section 128 of the CAA. Section 128 requires that the SIP provide: (1) 
The majority of members of the state board or body which approves 
permits or enforcement orders represent the public interest and do not 
derive any significant portion of their income from persons subject to 
permitting or enforcement orders under the CAA; and (2) any potential 
conflicts of interest by such board or body, or the head of an 
executive agency with similar powers be adequately disclosed. With 
respect to the requirements of section 110(a)(2)(E)(ii) pertaining the 
state board requirements of CAA section 128, Georgia's infrastructure 
SIP submission cites Georgia Air Quality Act Article 1: Air Quality 
(O.C.G.A. Section 12-9-5) Powers and duties of Board of Natural 
Resources as to air quality generally) which provides the powers and 
duties of the Board of Natural Resources as to air quality and provides 
that at least a majority of members of this board represent the public 
interest and not derive any significant portion of income from persons 
subject to permits or enforcement orders and that potential conflicts 
of interest will be adequately disclosed. This provision has been 
incorporated into the federally-approved SIP.
    EPA has made the preliminary determination that the State has 
adequately addressed the requirements of section 128(a), and 
accordingly has met the requirements of section 110(a)(2)(E)(ii) with 
respect to infrastructure SIP requirements. Therefore, EPA is proposing 
to approve Georgia's infrastructure SIP submission as meeting the 
requirements of sub-elements 110(a)(2)(E)(i), (ii) and (iii).
    7. 110(a)(2)(F) Stationary Source Monitoring and Reporting: Section 
110(a)(2)(F) requires SIPs to meet applicable requirements addressing: 
(i) The installation, maintenance, and replacement of equipment, and 
the implementation of other necessary steps, by owners or operators of 
stationary sources to monitor emissions from such sources, (ii) 
periodic reports on the nature and amounts of emissions and emissions 
related data from such sources, and (iii) correlation of such reports 
by the state agency with any emission limitations or standards 
established pursuant to this section, which reports shall be available 
at reasonable times for public inspection. Georgia's SIP submission 
identifies how the major source and minor source emission inventory 
programs collect emission data throughout the State and ensure the 
quality of such data. These data are used to compare against current 
emission limits and to meet requirements of EPA's Air Emissions 
Reporting Rule (AERR). The following State rules enable Georgia to meet 
the requirements of this element: Georgia Rule for Air Quality 391-3-
1-.02(3)--``Sampling.''; \22\ 391-3-1-.02(6)(b)--``Source 
Monitoring.''; 391-3-1-.02(7)--``Prevention of Significant 
Deterioration of Air Quality.''; 391-3-1-.02(8)--``New Source 
Performance Standards.''; 391-3-1-.02(9)--``Emission Standards for 
Hazardous Air Pollutants.''; 391-3-1-.02(11)--``Compliance Assurance 
Monitoring.''; and 391-3-1-.03--``Permits. Amended.'' Also, the Georgia 
Air Quality Act Article I: Air Quality (O.C.G.A. 12-9-5(b)(6)) provides 
the State with the authority to conduct actions regarding stationary 
source emissions monitoring and reporting in support of this 
infrastructure element. These rules collectively require emissions 
monitoring and reporting for activities that contribute to 
PM2.5 concentrations in the air, including requirements for 
the installation, calibration, maintenance, and operation of equipment 
for continuously monitoring or recording emissions, and provide 
authority for EPD to establish such emissions monitoring and reporting 
requirements through SIP-approved permits and require reporting of 2012 
Annual PM2.5 emissions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ Georgia Rule for Air Quality 391-3-1-.02(3)--``Sampling.'' 
is not approved into Georgia's federally-approved SIP.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additionally, Georgia is required to submit emissions data to EPA 
for purposes of the National Emissions Inventory (NEI). The NEI is 
EPA's central repository for air emissions data. EPA published the AERR 
on December 5, 2008, which modified the requirements for collecting and 
reporting air emissions data (73 FR 76539). The AERR shortened the time 
states had to report emissions data from 17 to 12 months, giving states 
one calendar year to submit emissions data. All states are required to 
submit a comprehensive emissions inventory every three years and report 
emissions for certain larger sources annually through EPA's online 
Emissions Inventory System. States report emissions data for the six 
criteria pollutants and their associated precursors--nitrogen oxides, 
sulfur dioxide, ammonia, lead, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and 
volatile organic compounds. Many states also voluntarily report 
emissions of hazardous air pollutants. Georgia made its latest update 
to the 2011 NEI on December 12, 2014. EPA compiles the emissions data, 
supplementing it where necessary, and releases it to the general public 
through the Web site http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/eiinformation.html. 
EPA has made the preliminary determination that Georgia's SIP and 
practices are adequate for the stationary source monitoring systems 
related to the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS. Accordingly, EPA is 
proposing to approve Georgia's infrastructure SIP submission with 
respect to section 110(a)(2)(F).
    Georgia Rule for Air Quality 391-3-1-.02(3), ``Sampling,'' \23\ 
specifically, in ``Procedures for Testing and Monitoring Sources of Air 
Pollutants'' under Compliance with Standards and Maintenance 
Requirements allows the use of all available information to determine 
compliance, and EPA is unaware of any provision preventing the use of 
credible evidence in the Georgia SIP.\24\ EPA is unaware of any 
provision preventing the use of credible evidence in the Georgia SIP.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ Georgia Rule for Air Quality 391-3-1-.02(3)--``Sampling.'' 
is not approved into Georgia's federally-approved SIP.
    \24\ ``Credible Evidence,'' makes allowances for owners and/or 
operators to utilize ``any credible evidence or information 
relevant'' to demonstrate compliance with applicable requirements if 
the appropriate performance or compliance test had been performed, 
for the purpose of submitting compliance certification, and can be 
used to establish whether or not an owner or operator has violated 
or is in violation of any rule or standard.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    8. 110(a)(2)(G) Emergency Powers: Section 110(a)(2)(G) of the Act 
requires that states demonstrate authority comparable with section 303 
of the CAA and adequate contingency plans to implement such authority. 
Georgia's infrastructure SIP submission cites air pollution emergency 
episodes and preplanned abatement strategies in the Georgia Air Quality 
Act: Article 1: Air Quality (O.C.G.A. Sections 12-9-2 Declaration of 
public policy, 12-9-6 Powers and duties of director as to air quality 
generally, 12-9-12 Injunctive relief, 12-9-13 Proceedings for 
enforcement, and 12-9-14 Powers of director in situations involving 
imminent and substantial danger to public health), and Rule 391-3-1-.04 
``Air Pollution Episodes.'' O.C.G.A. Section 12-9-2 provides ``[i]t is 
declared to be the public policy of the state of Georgia to preserve, 
protect, and improve air quality . . . to attain and

[[Page 57552]]

maintain ambient air quality standards so as to safeguard the public 
health, safety, and welfare.'' O.C.G.A. Section 12-9-6(b)(10) provides 
the Director of EPD authority to ``issue orders as may be necessary to 
enforce compliance with [the Georgia Air Quality Act Article 1: Air 
Quality (O.C.G.A)] and all rules and regulations of this article.'' 
O.C.G.A. Section 12-9-12 provides that ``[w]henever in the judgment of 
the director any person has engaged in or is about to engage in any act 
or practice which constitutes or will constitute an unlawful action 
under [the Georgia Air Quality Act Article 1: Air Quality (O.C.G.A)], 
he may make application to the superior court of the county in which 
the unlawful act or practice has been or is about to be engaged in, or 
in which jurisdiction is appropriate, for an order enjoining such act 
or practice or for an order requiring compliance with this article. 
Upon a showing by the director that such person has engaged in or is 
about to engage in any such act or practice, a permanent or temporary 
injunction, restraining order, or other order shall be granted without 
the necessity of showing lack of an adequate remedy of law.'' O.C.G.A. 
Section 12-19-13 specifically pertains to enforcement proceedings when 
the Director of EPD has reason to believe that a violation of any 
provision of the Georgia Air Quality Act Article 1: Air Quality 
(O.C.G.A), or environmental rules, regulations or orders have occurred. 
O.C.G.A. Section 12-9-14 also provides that the Governor may issue 
orders as necessary to protect the health of persons who are, or may 
be, affected by a pollution source or facility after ``consult[ation] 
with local authorities in order to confirm the correctness of the 
information on which action proposed to be taken is based and to 
ascertain the action which such authorities are or will be taking.''
    Rule 391-3-1-.04 ``Air Pollution Episodes'' provides that the 
Director of EPD ``will proclaim that an Air Pollution Alert, Air 
Pollution Warning, or Air Pollution Emergency exists when the 
meteorological conditions are such that an air stagnation condition is 
in existence and/or the accumulation of air contaminants in any place 
is attaining or has attained levels which could, if such levels are 
sustained or exceeded, lead to a substantial threat to the health of 
persons in the specific area affected.'' Collectively the cited 
provisions provide that Georgia demonstrates authority comparable with 
section 303 of the CAA and adequate contingency plans to implement such 
authority in the State. EPA has made the preliminary determination that 
Georgia's SIP, and State laws are adequate for emergency powers related 
to the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS. Accordingly, EPA is 
proposing to approve Georgia's infrastructure SIP submission with 
respect to section 110(a)(2)(G).
    9. 110(a)(2)(H) SIP Revisions: Section 110(a)(2)(H), in summary, 
requires each SIP to provide for revisions of such plan: (i) As may be 
necessary to take account of revisions of such national primary or 
secondary ambient air quality standard or the availability of improved 
or more expeditious methods of attaining such standard, and (ii) 
whenever the Administrator finds that the plan is substantially 
inadequate to attain the NAAQS or to otherwise comply with any 
additional applicable requirements. EPD is responsible for adopting air 
quality rules and revising SIPs as needed to attain or maintain the 
NAAQS in Georgia. The State has the ability and authority to respond to 
calls for SIP revisions, and has provided a number of SIP revisions 
over the years for implementation of the NAAQS. Initially, eight areas 
in Georgia were designated deferred for the 2012 Annual 
PM2.5 NAAQS. See 80 FR 2205 (January 15, 2015). As of March 
31, 2015, five areas in Georgia were designated unclassifiable/
attainment. See 80 FR 18535 (April 7, 2015). Currently, based on early 
quality-assured, certified air quality monitoring data for 2013-2015, 
it appears that the remaining areas are attaining the 2012 Annual 
PM2.5 NAAQS.
    The Georgia Air Quality Act Article 1: Air Quality (O.C.G.A. 
Section 12-9-6(b)(12) and 12-9-6(b)(13)) provide Georgia the authority 
to conduct certain actions in support of this infrastructure element. 
Section 12-9-6(b)(12) of the Georgia Air Quality Act requires EPD to 
submit SIP revisions whenever revised air quality standards are 
promulgated by EPA. EPA has made the preliminary determination that 
Georgia adequately demonstrates a commitment to provide future SIP 
revisions related to the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS when 
necessary. Accordingly, EPA is proposing to approve Georgia's 
infrastructure SIP submission for the 2012 Annual PM2.5 
NAAQS with respect to section 110(a)(2)(H).
    10. 110(a)(2)(J) Consultation With Government Officials, Public 
Notification, and PSD and Visibility Protection: EPA is proposing to 
approve Georgia's infrastructure SIP submission for the 2012 Annual 
PM2.5 NAAQS with respect to the general requirement in 
section 110(a)(2)(J) to include a program in the SIP that complies with 
the applicable consultation requirements of section 121, the public 
notification requirements of section 127, PSD and visibility 
protection. EPA's rationale for applicable consultation requirements of 
section 121, the public notification requirements of section 127, PSD, 
and visibility is described below.
    Consultation with government officials (121 consultation): Section 
110(a)(2)(J) of the CAA requires states to provide a process for 
consultation with local governments, designated organizations, and 
Federal Land Managers (FLMs) carrying out NAAQS implementation 
requirements pursuant to section 121 relative to consultation. The 
following State rules and statutes, as well as the State's Regional 
Haze Implementation Plan (which allows for consultation between 
appropriate state, local, and tribal air pollution control agencies as 
well as the corresponding FLMs), provide for consultation with 
government officials whose jurisdictions might be affected by SIP 
development activities: Georgia Air Quality Act Article 1: Air Quality 
(O.C.G.A. Section 12-9-5(b)(17)); Georgia Administrative Procedures Act 
(O.C.G.A. Sec.  50-13-4); and Georgia Rule 391-3-1-.02(7) as it relates 
to Class I areas. Section 12-9-5(b)(17) of the Georgia Air Quality Act 
states that the DNR Board is to ``establish satisfactory processes of 
consultation and cooperation with local governments or other designated 
organizations of elected officials or federal agencies for the purpose 
of planning, implementing, and determining requirements under this 
article to the extent required by the federal act.''
    Additionally, Georgia adopted state-wide consultation procedures 
for the implementation of transportation conformity which includes the 
development of mobile inventories for SIP development.\25\ Required 
partners covered by Georgia's consultation procedures include federal, 
state and local transportation and air quality agency officials. EPA 
has made the preliminary determination that Georgia's SIP and practices 
adequately demonstrate consultation with government officials related 
to the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS when necessary. Accordingly, 
EPA is proposing to approve Georgia's infrastructure SIP submission 
with respect to section 110(a)(2)(J) consultation with government 
officials.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ Georgia rule 391-3-1-.15, Georgia Transportation Conformity 
and Consultation Interagency Rule, is approved into the State's SIP. 
See 77 FR 35866.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Public notification (127 public notification): EPD has public 
notice

[[Page 57553]]

mechanisms in place to notify the public of instances or areas 
exceeding the NAAQS along with associated health effects through the 
Air Quality Index reporting system in required areas. EPD's Ambient 
Monitoring Web page (www.georgiaair.org/amp) provides information 
regarding current and historical air quality across the State. Daily 
air quality forecasts may be disseminated to the public in Atlanta 
through the Georgia Department of Transportation's electronic 
billboards. In its SIP submission, Georgia also notes that the non-
profit organization in Georgia, ``Clean Air Campaign,'' disseminates 
statewide air quality information and ways to reduce air pollution. 
Georgia rule 391-3-1-.04 ``Air Pollution Episodes'' enables the State 
to conduct certain actions in support of this infrastructure element. 
In addition, the following State statutes provide Georgia the authority 
to make public declarations about air pollution episodes in support of 
this infrastructure element. OCGA 12-9-6(b)(8) provides authority to 
the Georgia Board of Natural Resources ``To collect and disseminate 
information and to provide for public notification in matters relating 
to air quality . . .''. EPA has made the preliminary determination that 
Georgia's SIP and practices adequately demonstrate the State's ability 
to provide public notification related to the 2012 Annual 
PM2.5 NAAQS when necessary. Accordingly, EPA is proposing to 
approve Georgia's infrastructure SIP submission with respect to section 
110(a)(2)(J) public notification.
    PSD: With regard to the PSD element of section 110(a)(2)(J), this 
requirement is met by a state's confirmation in an infrastructure SIP 
submission that it has a SIP-approved PSD program meeting all the 
current structural requirements of part C of title I of the CAA for all 
regulated NSR pollutants. As discussed in more detail previously in 
this preamble under section 110(a)(2)(C), Georgia's SIP contains 
provisions for the State's PSD program that reflect the required 
structural PSD requirements to satisfy the PSD element of section 
110(a)(2)(J). EPA has made the preliminary determination that Georgia's 
SIP and practices are adequate for the 2012 Annual PM2.5 
NAAQS for the PSD element of section 110(a)(2)(J).
    Visibility protection: EPA's 2013 Guidance notes that it does not 
treat the visibility protection aspects of section 110(a)(2)(J) as 
applicable for purposes of the infrastructure SIP approval process. EPA 
recognizes that states are subject to visibility protection and 
regional haze program requirements under part C of the Act (which 
includes sections 169A and 169B). However, there are no newly 
applicable visibility protection obligations after the promulgation of 
a new or revised NAAQS. Thus, EPA has determined that states do not 
need to address the visibility component of 110(a)(2)(J) in 
infrastructure SIP submittals to fulfill its obligations under section 
110(a)(2)(J). As such, EPA has made the preliminary determination that 
it does not need to address the visibility protection element of 
section 110(a)(2)(J) in Georgia's infrastructure SIP submission related 
to the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS.
    11. 110(a)(2)(K) Air Quality Modeling and Submission of Modeling 
Data: Section 110(a)(2)(K) of the CAA requires that SIPs provide for 
performing air quality modeling so that effects on air quality of 
emissions from NAAQS pollutants can be predicted and submission of such 
data to the EPA can be made. The Georgia Air Quality Act Article 1: Air 
Quality (O.C.G.A. Section 12-9-6(b)(13)) provides EPD the authority to 
conduct modeling actions and to submit air quality modeling data to EPA 
in support of this element. EPD maintains personnel with training and 
experience to conduct source-oriented dispersion modeling with models 
such as AERMOD that would likely be used for modeling PM2.5 
emissions from sources. The State also notes that its SIP-approved PSD 
program, which includes specific (dispersion) modeling provisions, 
provides further support of Georgia's ability to address this element. 
All such modeling is conducted in accordance with the provisions of 40 
CFR part 51, Appendix W, ``Guideline on Air Quality Models.''
    Additionally, Georgia supports a regional effort to coordinate the 
development of emissions inventories and conduct regional modeling for 
several NAAQS, including the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS, for 
the Southeastern states. Taken as a whole, Georgia's air quality 
regulations and practices demonstrate that Georgia has the authority to 
provide relevant data for the purpose of predicting the effect on 
ambient air quality of the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS. EPA has 
made the preliminary determination that Georgia's SIP and practices 
adequately demonstrate the State's ability to provide for air quality 
and modeling, along with analysis of the associated data, related to 
the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS. Accordingly, EPA is proposing 
to approve Georgia's infrastructure SIP submission with respect to 
section 110(a)(2)(K).
    12. 110(a)(2)(L) Permitting Fees: Section 110(a)(2)(L) requires the 
owner or operator of each major stationary source to pay to the 
permitting authority, as a condition of any permit required under the 
CAA, a fee sufficient to cover: (i) The reasonable costs of reviewing 
and acting upon any application for such a permit, and (ii) if the 
owner or operator receives a permit for such source, the reasonable 
costs of implementing and enforcing the terms and conditions of any 
such permit (not including any court costs or other costs associated 
with any enforcement action), until such fee requirement is superseded 
with respect to such sources by the Administrator's approval of a fee 
program under title V.
    Georgia's PSD and NNSR permitting programs are funded with title V 
fees. The Georgia Rule for Air Quality 391-3-1-.03(9) ``Permit Fees.'' 
incorporates the EPA-approved title V fee program and fees for 
synthetic minor sources. Georgia's authority to mandate funding for 
processing PSD and NNSR permits is found in Georgia Air Quality Act 
Article 1: Air Quality (O.C.G.A. 12-9-10). The State notes that these 
title V operating program fees cover the reasonable cost of 
implementation and enforcement of PSD and NNSR permits after they have 
been issued. EPA has made the preliminary determination that Georgia's 
SIP and practices adequately provide for permitting fees related to the 
2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS, when necessary. Accordingly, EPA is 
proposing to approve Georgia's infrastructure SIP submission with 
respect to section 110(a)(2)(L).
    13. 110(a)(2)(M) Consultation/participation by affected local 
entities: Section 110(a)(2)(M) of the Act requires states to provide 
for consultation and participation in SIP development by local 
political subdivisions affected by the SIP. Consultation and 
participation by affected local entities is authorized by the Georgia 
Air Quality Act: Article 1: Air Quality (O.C.G.A. 12-9-5(b)(17)) and 
the Georgia Rule for Air Quality 391-3-1-.15--``Transportation 
Conformity'', which defines the consultation procedures for areas 
subject to transportation conformity. Furthermore, EPD has demonstrated 
consultation with, and participation by, affected local entities 
through its work with local political subdivisions during the 
developing of its Transportation Conformity SIP and has worked with the 
FLMs as a requirement of the regional haze rule. EPA has made the 
preliminary determination that Georgia's SIP and practices adequately 
demonstrate consultation with affected local entities related to the 
2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS when necessary.

[[Page 57554]]

V. Proposed Action

    With the exception of interstate transport provisions pertaining to 
the contribution to nonattainment or interference with maintenance in 
other states and visibility protection requirements of section 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) and (II) (prongs 1, 2, and 4), EPA is proposing to 
approve Georgia's December 14, 2015, SIP submission, for the 2012 
Annual PM2.5 NAAQS for the above described infrastructure 
SIP requirements. EPA is proposing to approve Georgia's infrastructure 
SIP submission for the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS because the 
submission is consistent with section 110 of the CAA.

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 Act and applicable 
Federal regulations. See 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in 
reviewing SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve state choices, 
provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. 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 (Pub. L. 104-4);
     does not have Federalism implications as specified in 
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
     is not an economically significant regulatory action based 
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 1997);
     is not a significant regulatory action subject to 
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
     is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the 
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 
note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent 
with the CAA; and
     does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to 
address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental 
effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under 
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
    In addition, the SIP is not approved to apply on any Indian 
reservation land or in any other area where 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, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, 
Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Volatile 
organic compounds.

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

    Dated: August 9, 2016.
 Heather McTeer Toney,
Regional Administrator, Region 4.
[FR Doc. 2016-20139 Filed 8-22-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                                  57544                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 163 / Tuesday, August 23, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                  appropriate operational changes needed                  with actual emissions from the                        under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5
                                                  to expeditiously to prevent any future                  WestRock source, has already provided                 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
                                                  violation of the NAAQS. Explicit                        for an attaining design value of 58 ppb                  • does not contain any unfunded
                                                  measures addressed in Florida’s April 3,                considering 2013–2015 data, and in fact               mandate or significantly or uniquely
                                                  2015, SIP submittal are:                                exhibited attaining data since 2011–                  affect small governments, as described
                                                     • Fuel switching to reduce or                        2013 with a design value of 70 ppb.25                 in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
                                                  eliminate the use of sulfur-containing                  The recent design value is well under                 of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4);
                                                  fuels;                                                  the NAAQS, and the ongoing                               • does not have Federalism
                                                     • combustion air system                              compliance schedule for WestRock                      implications as specified in Executive
                                                  enhancement;                                            control measures will help to assure that             Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10,
                                                     • vent gas scrubber enhancement;                     the area maintains the NAAQS in the                   1999);
                                                     • white liquor scrubber enhancement;                 future. Therefore, the area is expected to               • is not an economically significant
                                                  and/or                                                  attain the NAAQS by the attainment                    regulatory action based on health or
                                                     • physical or operational reduction of               date.                                                 safety risks subject to Executive Order
                                                  production capacity.                                                                                          13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997);
                                                     Florida may consider other options                   V. Proposed Action                                       • is not a significant regulatory action
                                                  for additional controls if these measures                                                                     subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR
                                                                                                            EPA is proposing to approve Florida’s
                                                  are not deemed to be the most                                                                                 28355, May 22, 2001);
                                                                                                          SO2 attainment plan for the Nassau                       • is not subject to requirements of
                                                  appropriate to address air quality issues
                                                                                                          Area. EPA has preliminarily determined                Section 12(d) of the National
                                                  in the Area.
                                                     Florida would implement the most                     that the SIP meets the applicable                     Technology Transfer and Advancement
                                                  appropriate control strategy to address                 requirements of the CAA. Specifically,                Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because
                                                  the exceedances. If a permit                            EPA is proposing to approve Florida’s                 application of those requirements would
                                                  modification might be required to                       April 3, 2015, SIP submission, which                  be inconsistent with the CAA; and
                                                  conform to applicable air quality                       includes the base year emissions                         • does not provide EPA with the
                                                  standards, Florida will make use of the                 inventory, a modeling demonstration of                discretionary authority to address, as
                                                  State’s authority in Rule 62–4.080,                     SO2 attainment, an analysis of RACM/                  appropriate, disproportionate human
                                                  F.A.C. to require permittees to comply                  RACT, a RFP plan, and contingency                     health or environmental effects, using
                                                  with new or additional conditions. This                 measures for the Nassau Area.                         practicable and legally permissible
                                                  authority would allow Florida to work                   Additionally, EPA is proposing to                     methods, under Executive Order 12898
                                                  directly with the source(s) expeditiously               approve into the Florida SIP specific                 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
                                                  to make changes to permits.                             SO2 emission limits and compliance                       The SIP is not approved to apply on
                                                  Subsequently, Florida would submit                      parameters established for the two SO2                any Indian reservation land or in any
                                                  any relevant permit change to EPA as a                  point sources impacting the Nassau                    other area where EPA or an Indian tribe
                                                  source-specific SIP revision to make the                Area.                                                 has demonstrated that a tribe has
                                                  change permanent and enforceable. EPA                   VI. Statutory and Executive Order                     jurisdiction. In those areas of Indian
                                                  recognizes this strategy as an acceptable               Reviews                                               country, the rule does not have tribal
                                                  additional step, but according to CAA                                                                         implications as specified by Executive
                                                  section 172(c)(9), a measure requiring                    Under the CAA, the Administrator is                 Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9,
                                                  further action by FL DEP or EPA (e.g.,                  required to approve a SIP submission                  2000), nor will it impose substantial
                                                  necessitating a revised permit and SIP                  that complies with the provisions of the              direct costs on tribal governments or
                                                  revision) could not serve as the primary                Act and applicable federal regulations.               preempt tribal law.
                                                  contingency measure.                                    See 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a).
                                                                                                          Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions,                   List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
                                                     EPA is proposing to find that Florida’s
                                                  April 3, 2015, SIP submittal includes a                 EPA’s role is to approve state choices,                 Environmental protection, Air
                                                  comprehensive program to                                provided that they meet the criteria of               pollution control, Incorporation by
                                                  expeditiously identify the source of any                the CAA. Accordingly, this proposed                   reference, Reporting and recordkeeping
                                                  violation of the SO2 NAAQS and for                      action merely approves state law as                   requirements, Sulfur oxides.
                                                  aggressive follow-up. Therefore, EPA                    meeting federal requirements and does                   Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
                                                  proposes that the contingency measures                  not impose additional requirements
                                                                                                                                                                  Dated: August 15, 2016.
                                                  submitted by Florida follow the 2014                    beyond those imposed by state law. For
                                                                                                          that reason, this proposed action:                    Heather McTeer Toney,
                                                  SO2 Nonattainment Guidance and meet                                                                           Regional Administrator, Region 4.
                                                  the section 172(c)(9) . EPA notes that                    • Is not a significant regulatory action
                                                                                                          subject to review by the Office of                    [FR Doc. 2016–20119 Filed 8–22–16; 8:45 am]
                                                  Florida has further committed to pursue
                                                  additional actions that may require a                   Management and Budget under                           BILLING CODE 6560–50–P

                                                  SIP revision if needed to address the                   Executive Orders 12866 (58 FR 51735,
                                                  exceedances.                                            October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821,
                                                                                                          January 21, 2011);                                    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
                                                  G. Attainment Date                                                                                            AGENCY
                                                                                                            • does not impose an information
                                                    Florida’s modeling indicates that the                 collection burden under the provisions                40 CFR Part 52
                                                  Nassau Area will begin attaining the                    of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44
srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                  2010 SO2 NAAQS by January 1, 2018,                      U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);                                 [EPA–R04–OAR–2014–0425; FRL–9951–15–
                                                  once the control strategy is completely                                                                       Region 4]
                                                                                                            • is certified as not having a
                                                  implemented. This modeling does not                     significant economic impact on a                      Air Plan Approval; GA; Infrastructure
                                                  provide for an attaining three-year                     substantial number of small entities                  Requirements for the 2012 PM2.5
                                                  design value by the proposed attainment
                                                                                                                                                                National Ambient Air Quality Standard
                                                  date of October 4, 2018. However,                         25 The most recent quality-assured design values
                                                  expeditious implementation of RACM/                     for each NAAQS are publicly available at https://     AGENCY:    Environmental Protection
                                                  RACT for the Rayonier source, coupled                   www.epa.gov/air-trends/air-quality-design-values.     Agency.


                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:24 Aug 22, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00052   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\23AUP1.SGM   23AUP1


                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 163 / Tuesday, August 23, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                                         57545

                                                  ACTION:   Proposed rule.                                Implementation Branch, Air, Pesticides                       II. What elements are required under
                                                                                                          and Toxics Management Division, U.S.                         Sections 110(a)(1) and (2)?
                                                  SUMMARY:    The Environmental Protection                Environmental Protection Agency,
                                                  Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve                                                                                    Section 110(a) of the CAA requires
                                                                                                          Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW.,                             states to submit SIPs to provide for the
                                                  portions of the State Implementation
                                                                                                          Atlanta, Georgia 30303–8960. Ms. Bell                        implementation, maintenance, and
                                                  Plan (SIP) submission, submitted by the
                                                                                                          can be reached via telephone at (404)                        enforcement of a new or revised
                                                  State of Georgia, through the Georgia
                                                                                                          562–9088 or via electronic mail at                           NAAQS within three years following
                                                  Department of Natural Resources (DNR),
                                                  Environmental Protection Division                       bell.tiereny@epa.gov.                                        the promulgation of such NAAQS, or
                                                  (EPD), on December 14, 2015, to                                                                                      within such shorter period as EPA may
                                                                                                          I. Background and Overview
                                                  demonstrate that the State meets the                                                                                 prescribe. Section 110(a) imposes the
                                                  infrastructure requirements of the Clean                   On December 14, 2012 (78 FR 3086,                         obligation upon states to make a SIP
                                                  Air Act (CAA or Act) for the 2012                       January 15, 2013), EPA promulgated a                         submission to EPA for a new or revised
                                                  Annual Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)                  revised primary annual PM2.5 NAAQS.                          NAAQS, but the contents of that
                                                  national ambient air quality standard                   The standard was strengthened from                           submission may vary depending upon
                                                  (NAAQS). The CAA requires that each                     15.0 micrograms per cubic meter (mg/                         the facts and circumstances. In
                                                  state adopt and submit a SIP for the                    m3) to 12.0 mg/m3. Pursuant to section                       particular, the data and analytical tools
                                                  implementation, maintenance and                         110(a)(1) of the CAA, states are required                    available at the time the state develops
                                                  enforcement of each NAAQS                                                                                            and submits the SIP for a new or revised
                                                                                                          to submit SIPs meeting the applicable
                                                  promulgated by EPA, which is                                                                                         NAAQS affect the content of the
                                                                                                          requirements of section 110(a)(2) within
                                                  commonly referred to as an                                                                                           submission. The contents of such SIP
                                                                                                          three years after promulgation of a new
                                                  ‘‘infrastructure’’ SIP. EPD certified that                                                                           submissions may also vary depending
                                                                                                          or revised NAAQS or within such
                                                  the Georgia SIP contains provisions to                                                                               upon what provisions the state’s
                                                                                                          shorter period as EPA may prescribe.                         existing SIP already contains.
                                                  ensure the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS                      Section 110(a)(2) requires states to                            More specifically, section 110(a)(1)
                                                  is implemented, enforced, and                           address basic SIP elements such as                           provides the procedural and timing
                                                  maintained in Georgia. EPA is                           requirements for monitoring, basic                           requirements for SIPs. Section 110(a)(2)
                                                  proposing to determine that portions of                 program requirements and legal                               lists specific elements that states must
                                                  Georgia’s infrastructure submission,                    authority that are designed to assure                        meet for ‘‘infrastructure’’ SIP
                                                  submitted to EPA on December 14,                        attainment and maintenance of the                            requirements related to a newly
                                                  2015, satisfy certain required                          NAAQS. States were required to submit                        established or revised NAAQS. As
                                                  infrastructure elements for the 2012                    such SIPs for the 2012 Annual PM2.5                          mentioned previously, these
                                                  Annual PM2.5 NAAQS.
                                                                                                          NAAQS to EPA no later than December                          requirements include basic SIP elements
                                                  DATES: Written comments must be
                                                                                                          14, 2015.1                                                   such as requirements for monitoring,
                                                  received on or before September 22,                                                                                  basic program requirements and legal
                                                  2016.                                                      This rulemaking is proposing to
                                                                                                          approve portions of Georgia’s PM2.5                          authority that are designed to assure
                                                  ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,                                                                                     attainment and maintenance of the
                                                                                                          infrastructure SIP submissions 2 for the
                                                  identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R04–                                                                                 NAAQS. The requirements are
                                                                                                          applicable requirements of the 2012
                                                  OAR–2014–0425 at http://                                                                                             summarized later on in this preamble
                                                                                                          Annual PM2.5 NAAQS, with the
                                                  www.regulations.gov. Follow the online                                                                               and in EPA’s September 13, 2013,
                                                                                                          exception of the interstate transport
                                                  instructions for submitting comments.                                                                                memorandum entitled ‘‘Guidance on
                                                                                                          requirements of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)
                                                  Once submitted, comments cannot be                                                                                   Infrastructure State Implementation
                                                                                                          and (II) (prongs 1, 2, and 4), for which
                                                  edited or removed from Regulations.gov.                                                                              Plan (SIP) Elements under Clean Air Act
                                                  EPA may publish any comment received                    EPA is not proposing any action in this
                                                                                                                                                                       Sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2).’’ 3
                                                                                                          rulemaking regarding these
                                                  to its public docket. Do not submit                                                                                     • 110(a)(2)(A): Emission Limits and
                                                  electronically any information you                      requirements. For the aspects of                             Other Control Measures
                                                  consider to be Confidential Business                    Georgia’s submittal proposed for                                • 110(a)(2)(B): Ambient Air Quality
                                                  Information (CBI) or other information                  approval in this rulemaking, EPA notes                       Monitoring/Data System
                                                  whose disclosure is restricted by statute.              that the Agency is not approving any                            • 110(a)(2)(C): Programs for
                                                  Multimedia submissions (audio, video,                   specific rule, but rather proposing that                     Enforcement of Control Measures and
                                                  etc.) must be accompanied by a written                  Georgia’s already approved SIP meets                         for Construction or Modification of
                                                  comment. The written comment is                         certain CAA requirements.                                    Stationary Sources 4
                                                  considered the official comment and
                                                                                                             1 In these infrastructure SIP submissions States            3 Two elements identified in section 110(a)(2) are
                                                  should include discussion of all points
                                                                                                          generally certify evidence of compliance with                not governed by the three year submission deadline
                                                  you wish to make. EPA will generally                    sections 110(a)(1) and (2) of the CAA through a              of section 110(a)(1) because SIPs incorporating
                                                  not consider comments or comment                        combination of state regulations and statutes, some          necessary local nonattainment area controls are not
                                                  contents located outside of the primary                 of which have been incorporated into the federally-          due within three years after promulgation of a new
                                                  submission (i.e., on the web, cloud, or                 approved SIP. In addition, certain federally-                or revised NAAQS, but rather are due at the time
                                                                                                          approved, non-SIP regulations may also be                    the nonattainment area plan requirements are due
                                                  other file sharing system). For                         appropriate for demonstrating compliance with                pursuant to section 172. These requirements are: (1)
                                                  additional submission methods, the full                 sections 110(a)(1) and (2). Throughout this                  Submissions required by section 110(a)(2)(C) to the
                                                  EPA public comment policy,                              rulemaking, unless otherwise indicated, the term             extent that subsection refers to a permit program as
srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                  information about CBI or multimedia                     ‘‘State rules’’ or ‘‘State regulations’’ indicate that the   required in part D, title I of the CAA; and (2)
                                                                                                          cited regulation has been approved into Georgia’s            submissions required by section 110(a)(2)(I) which
                                                  submissions, and general guidance on                    federally-approved SIP. The term ‘‘Georgia Air               pertain to the nonattainment planning requirements
                                                  making effective comments, please visit                 Quality Act’’ indicates cited Georgia State statutes,        of part D, title I of the CAA. This proposed
                                                  http://www2.epa.gov/dockets/                            which are not a part of the SIP unless otherwise             rulemaking does not address infrastructure
                                                  commenting-epa-dockets.                                 indicated.                                                   elements related to section 110(a)(2)(I) or the
                                                                                                             2 Georgia’s 2012 Annual PM
                                                                                                                                            2.5 NAAQS                  nonattainment planning requirements of
                                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                                                                                     110(a)(2)(C).
                                                                                                          infrastructure SIP submission dated December 14,
                                                  Tiereny Bell, Air Regulatory                            2015, is referred to as ‘‘Georgia’s PM2.5                      4 This rulemaking only addresses requirements

                                                  Management Section, Air Planning and                    infrastructure SIP’’ in this action.                         for this element as they relate to attainment areas.



                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:24 Aug 22, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00053    Fmt 4702    Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\23AUP1.SGM       23AUP1


                                                  57546                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 163 / Tuesday, August 23, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                    • 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) and (II): Interstate             such as ‘‘nonattainment SIP’’ or                         pertains to nonattainment SIP
                                                  Pollution Transport                                     ‘‘attainment plan SIP’’ submissions to                   requirements and part D addresses
                                                    • 110(a)(2)(D)(ii): Interstate Pollution              address the nonattainment planning                       when attainment plan SIP submissions
                                                  Abatement and International Air                         requirements of part D of title I of the                 to address nonattainment area
                                                  Pollution                                               CAA, ‘‘regional haze SIP’’ submissions                   requirements are due. For example,
                                                    • 110(a)(2)(E): Adequate Resources                    required by EPA rule to address the                      section 172(b) requires EPA to establish
                                                  and Authority, Conflict of Interest, and                visibility protection requirements of                    a schedule for submission of such plans
                                                  Oversight of Local Governments and                      CAA section 169A, and nonattainment                      for certain pollutants when the
                                                  Regional Agencies                                       new source review (NNSR) permit                          Administrator promulgates the
                                                    • 110(a)(2)(F): Stationary Source                     program submissions to address the                       designation of an area as nonattainment,
                                                  Monitoring and Reporting                                permit requirements of CAA, title I, part                and section 107(d)(1)(B) allows up to
                                                    • 110(a)(2)(G): Emergency Powers                      D.                                                       two years, or in some cases three years,
                                                    • 110(a)(2)(H): SIP Revisions                            Section 110(a)(1) addresses the timing                for such designations to be
                                                    • 110(a)(2)(I): Plan Revisions for                    and general requirements for                             promulgated.8 This ambiguity illustrates
                                                  Nonattainment Areas 5                                   infrastructure SIP submissions, and                      that rather than apply all the stated
                                                    • 110(a)(2)(J): Consultation with                     section 110(a)(2) provides more details                  requirements of section 110(a)(2) in a
                                                  Government Officials, Public                            concerning the required contents of                      strict literal sense, EPA must determine
                                                  Notification, and Prevention of                         these submissions. The list of required                  which provisions of section 110(a)(2)
                                                  Significant Deterioration (PSD) and                     elements provided in section 110(a)(2)                   are applicable for a particular
                                                  Visibility Protection                                   contains a wide variety of disparate                     infrastructure SIP submission.
                                                    • 110(a)(2)(K): Air Quality Modeling                  provisions, some of which pertain to                        Another example of ambiguity within
                                                  and Submission of Modeling Data                         required legal authority, some of which                  sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2) with
                                                    • 110(a)(2)(L): Permitting fees                       pertain to required substantive program                  respect to infrastructure SIPs pertains to
                                                    • 110(a)(2)(M): Consultation and                      provisions, and some of which pertain                    whether states must meet all of the
                                                  Participation by Affected Local Entities                to requirements for both authority and                   infrastructure SIP requirements in a
                                                  III. What is EPA’s approach to the                      substantive program provisions.6 EPA                     single SIP submission, and whether EPA
                                                  review of infrastructure SIP                            therefore believes that while the timing                 must act upon such SIP submission in
                                                                                                          requirement in section 110(a)(1) is                      a single action. Although section
                                                  submissions?
                                                                                                          unambiguous, some of the other                           110(a)(1) directs states to submit ‘‘a
                                                     EPA is acting upon the SIP                           statutory provisions are ambiguous. In                   plan’’ to meet these requirements, EPA
                                                  submission from Georgia that addresses                  particular, EPA believes that the list of                interprets the CAA to allow states to
                                                  the infrastructure requirements of CAA                  required elements for infrastructure SIP                 make multiple SIP submissions
                                                  sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2) for the                submissions provided in section                          separately addressing infrastructure SIP
                                                  2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS. The                            110(a)(2) contains ambiguities                           elements for the same NAAQS. If states
                                                  requirement for states to make a SIP                    concerning what is required for                          elect to make such multiple SIP
                                                  submission of this type arises out of                   inclusion in an infrastructure SIP                       submissions to meet the infrastructure
                                                  CAA section 110(a)(1). Pursuant to                      submission.                                              SIP requirements, EPA can elect to act
                                                  section 110(a)(1), states must make SIP                    The following examples of                             on such submissions either individually
                                                  submissions ‘‘within 3 years (or such                   ambiguities illustrate the need for EPA                  or in a larger combined action.9
                                                  shorter period as the Administrator may                 to interpret some section 110(a)(1) and                  Similarly, EPA interprets the CAA to
                                                  prescribe) after the promulgation of a                  section 110(a)(2) requirements with                      allow it to take action on the individual
                                                  national primary ambient air quality                    respect to infrastructure SIP                            parts of one larger, comprehensive
                                                  standard (or any revision thereof),’’ and               submissions for a given new or revised                   infrastructure SIP submission for a
                                                  these SIP submissions are to provide for                NAAQS. One example of ambiguity is                       given NAAQS without concurrent
                                                  the ‘‘implementation, maintenance, and                  that section 110(a)(2) requires that                     action on the entire submission. For
                                                  enforcement’’ of such NAAQS. The                        ‘‘each’’ SIP submission must meet the                    example, EPA has sometimes elected to
                                                  statute directly imposes on states the                  list of requirements therein, while EPA                  act at different times on various
                                                  duty to make these SIP submissions,                     has long noted that this literal reading
                                                  and the requirement to make the                         of the statute is internally inconsistent                  8 EPA notes that this ambiguity within section

                                                  submissions is not conditioned upon                     and would create a conflict with the                     110(a)(2) is heightened by the fact that various
                                                                                                                                                                   subparts of part D set specific dates for submission
                                                  EPA’s taking any action other than                      nonattainment provisions in part D of                    of certain types of SIP submissions in designated
                                                  promulgating a new or revised NAAQS.                    title I of the Act, which specifically                   nonattainment areas for various pollutants. Note,
                                                  Section 110(a)(2) includes a list of                    address nonattainment SIP                                e.g., that section 182(a)(1) provides specific dates
                                                                                                          requirements.7 Section 110(a)(2)(I)                      for submission of emissions inventories for the
                                                  specific elements that ‘‘[e]ach such                                                                             ozone NAAQS. Some of these specific dates are
                                                  plan’’ submission must address.                                                                                  necessarily later than three years after promulgation
                                                                                                             6 For example: Section 110(a)(2)(E)(i) provides
                                                     EPA has historically referred to these                                                                        of the new or revised NAAQS.
                                                                                                          that states must provide assurances that they have
                                                  SIP submissions made for the purpose                    adequate legal authority under state and local law
                                                                                                                                                                     9 See, e.g., ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of

                                                  of satisfying the requirements of CAA                                                                            Implementation Plans; New Mexico; Revisions to
                                                                                                          to carry out the SIP; section 110(a)(2)(C) provides      the New Source Review (NSR) State
                                                  sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2) as                     that states must have a SIP-approved program to          Implementation Plan (SIP); Prevention of
                                                  ‘‘infrastructure SIP’’ submissions.                     address certain sources as required by part C of title   Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Nonattainment
                                                                                                          I of the CAA; and section 110(a)(2)(G) provides that
srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                  Although the term ‘‘infrastructure SIP’’                                                                         New Source Review (NNSR) Permitting,’’ 78 FR
                                                                                                          states must have legal authority to address              4339 (January 22, 2013) (EPA’s final action
                                                  does not appear in the CAA, EPA uses                    emergencies as well as contingency plans that are        approving the structural PSD elements of the New
                                                  the term to distinguish this particular                 triggered in the event of such emergencies.              Mexico SIP submitted by the State separately to
                                                  type of SIP submission from                                7 See, e.g., ‘‘Rule To Reduce Interstate Transport
                                                                                                                                                                   meet the requirements of EPA’s 2008 PM2.5 NSR
                                                  submissions that are intended to satisfy                of Fine Particulate Matter and Ozone (Clean Air          rule), and ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Air
                                                                                                          Interstate Rule); Revisions to Acid Rain Program;        Quality Implementation Plans; New Mexico;
                                                  other SIP requirements under the CAA,                   Revisions to the NOx SIP Call; Final Rule,’’ 70 FR       Infrastructure and Interstate Transport
                                                                                                          25162, at 25163–65 (May 12, 2005) (explaining            Requirements for the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS,’’ (78 FR
                                                    5 As mentioned previously, this element is not        relationship between timing requirement of section       4337) (January 22, 2013) (EPA’s final action on the
                                                  relevant to this proposed rulemaking.                   110(a)(2)(D) versus section 110(a)(2)(I)).               infrastructure SIP for the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS).



                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:24 Aug 22, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00054   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\23AUP1.SGM     23AUP1


                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 163 / Tuesday, August 23, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                                         57547

                                                  elements and sub-elements of the same                     elements of section 110(a)(2) but not                     discusses the substantively important
                                                  infrastructure SIP submission.10                          others.                                                   issues that are germane to certain
                                                     Ambiguities within sections 110(a)(1)                    Given the potential for ambiguity in                    subsections of section 110(a)(2).
                                                  and 110(a)(2) may also arise with                         some of the statutory language of section                 Significantly, EPA interprets sections
                                                  respect to infrastructure SIP submission                  110(a)(1) and section 110(a)(2), EPA                      110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2) such that
                                                  requirements for different NAAQS.                         believes that it is appropriate to                        infrastructure SIP submissions need to
                                                  Thus, EPA notes that not every element                    interpret the ambiguous portions of                       address certain issues and need not
                                                  of section 110(a)(2) would be relevant,                   section 110(a)(1) and section 110(a)(2)                   address others. Accordingly, EPA
                                                  or as relevant, or relevant in the same                   in the context of acting on a particular                  reviews each infrastructure SIP
                                                  way, for each new or revised NAAQS.                       SIP submission. In other words, EPA                       submission for compliance with the
                                                  The states’ attendant infrastructure SIP                  assumes that Congress could not have                      applicable statutory provisions of
                                                  submissions for each NAAQS therefore                      intended that each and every SIP                          section 110(a)(2), as appropriate.
                                                  could be different. For example, the                      submission, regardless of the NAAQS in                       As an example, section 110(a)(2)(E)(ii)
                                                  monitoring requirements that a state                      question or the history of SIP                            is a required element of section
                                                  might need to meet in its infrastructure                  development for the relevant pollutant,                   110(a)(2) for infrastructure SIP
                                                  SIP submission for purposes of section                    would meet each of the requirements, or                   submissions. Under this element, a state
                                                  110(a)(2)(B) could be very different for                  meet each of them in the same way.                        must meet the substantive requirements
                                                  different pollutants because the content                  Therefore, EPA has adopted an                             of section 128, which pertain to state
                                                  and scope of a state’s infrastructure SIP                 approach under which it reviews                           boards that approve permits or
                                                  submission to meet this element might                     infrastructure SIP submissions against                    enforcement orders and heads of
                                                  be very different for an entirely new                     the list of elements in section 110(a)(2),                executive agencies with similar powers.
                                                  NAAQS than for a minor revision to an                     but only to the extent each element                       Thus, EPA reviews infrastructure SIP
                                                  existing NAAQS.11                                         applies for that particular NAAQS.                        submissions to ensure that the state’s
                                                     EPA notes that interpretation of                         Historically, EPA has elected to use                    implementation plan appropriately
                                                  section 110(a)(2) is also necessary when                  guidance documents to make                                addresses the requirements of section
                                                  EPA reviews other types of SIP                            recommendations to states for                             110(a)(2)(E)(ii) and section 128. The
                                                  submissions required under the CAA.                       infrastructure SIPs, in some cases                        2013 Guidance explains EPA’s
                                                  Therefore, as with infrastructure SIP                     conveying needed interpretations on                       interpretation that there may be a
                                                  submissions, EPA also has to identify                     newly arising issues and in some cases                    variety of ways by which states can
                                                  and interpret the relevant elements of                    conveying interpretations that have                       appropriately address these substantive
                                                  section 110(a)(2) that logically apply to                 already been developed and applied to                     statutory requirements, depending on
                                                  these other types of SIP submissions.                     individual SIP submissions for                            the structure of an individual state’s
                                                  For example, section 172(c)(7) requires                   particular elements.12 EPA most                           permitting or enforcement program (e.g.,
                                                  that attainment plan SIP submissions                      recently issued guidance for                              whether permits and enforcement
                                                  required by part D have to meet the                       infrastructure SIPs on September 13,                      orders are approved by a multi-member
                                                  ‘‘applicable requirements’’ of section                    2013 (2013 Guidance).13 EPA developed                     board or by a head of an executive
                                                  110(a)(2). Thus, for example, attainment                  this document to provide states with up-                  agency). However they are addressed by
                                                  plan SIP submissions must meet the                        to-date guidance for infrastructure SIPs                  the state, the substantive requirements
                                                  requirements of section 110(a)(2)(A)                      for any new or revised NAAQS. Within                      of section 128 are necessarily included
                                                  regarding enforceable emission limits                     this guidance, EPA describes the duty of                  in EPA’s evaluation of infrastructure SIP
                                                  and control measures and section                          states to make infrastructure SIP                         submissions because section
                                                  110(a)(2)(E)(i) regarding air agency                      submissions to meet basic structural SIP                  110(a)(2)(E)(ii) explicitly requires that
                                                  resources and authority. By contrast, it                  requirements within three years of                        the state satisfy the provisions of section
                                                  is clear that attainment plan SIP                         promulgation of a new or revised                          128.
                                                  submissions required by part D would                      NAAQS. EPA also made                                         As another example, EPA’s review of
                                                  not need to meet the portion of section                   recommendations about many specific                       infrastructure SIP submissions with
                                                  110(a)(2)(C) that pertains to the PSD                     subsections of section 110(a)(2) that are                 respect to the PSD program
                                                  program required in part C of title I of                  relevant in the context of infrastructure                 requirements in sections 110(a)(2)(C),
                                                  the CAA, because PSD does not apply                       SIP submissions.14 The guidance also                      (D)(i)(II), and (J) focuses upon the
                                                  to a pollutant for which an area is                                                                                 structural PSD program requirements
                                                  designated nonattainment and is thus                         12 EPA notes, however, that nothing in the CAA
                                                                                                                                                                      contained in part C and EPA’s PSD
                                                  subject to part D planning requirements.                  requires EPA to provide guidance or to promulgate
                                                                                                            regulations for infrastructure SIP submissions. The       regulations. Structural PSD program
                                                  As this example illustrates, each type of                 CAA directly applies to states and requires the           requirements include provisions
                                                  SIP submission may implicate some                         submission of infrastructure SIP submissions,             necessary for the PSD program to
                                                                                                            regardless of whether or not EPA provides guidance        address all regulated sources and new
                                                     10 For example, on December 14, 2007, the State        or regulations pertaining to such submissions. EPA
                                                  of Tennessee, through the Tennessee Department of         elects to issue such guidance in order to assist          source review (NSR) pollutants,
                                                  Environment and Conservation, made a SIP revision         states, as appropriate.                                   including greenhouse gases (GHGs). By
                                                  to EPA demonstrating that the State meets the                13 ‘‘Guidance on Infrastructure State

                                                  requirements of sections 110(a)(1) and (2). EPA           Implementation Plan (SIP) Elements under Clean            elected not to provide additional guidance on the
                                                  proposed action for infrastructure SIP elements (C)       Air Act sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2),’’               requirements of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) at that
                                                  and (J) on January 23, 2012 (77 FR 3213) and took         Memorandum from Stephen D. Page, September 13,            time. As the guidance is neither binding nor
srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                  final action on March 14, 2012 (77 FR 14976). On          2013.                                                     required by statute, whether EPA elects to provide
                                                  April 16, 2012 (77 FR 22533) and July 23, 2012 (77           14 EPA’s September 13, 2013, guidance did not          guidance on a particular section has no impact on
                                                  FR 42997), EPA took separate proposed and final           make recommendations with respect to                      a state’s CAA obligations. On March 17, 2016, EPA
                                                  actions on all other section 110(a)(2) infrastructure     infrastructure SIP submissions to address section         released a memorandum titled, ‘‘Information on the
                                                  SIP elements of Tennessee’s December 14, 2007,            110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I). EPA issued the guidance shortly       Interstate Transport ‘Good Neighbor’ Provision for
                                                  submittal.                                                after the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review the         the 2012 Fine Particulate Matter National Ambient
                                                     11 For example, implementation of the 1997 PM          D.C. Circuit decision in EME Homer City, 696 F.3d7        Air Quality Standards under Clean Air Act Section
                                                                                                      2.5
                                                  NAAQS required the deployment of a system of              (D.C. Cir. 2012) which had interpreted the                110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)’’ to provide guidance to states for
                                                  new monitors to measure ambient levels of that new        requirements of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I). In light of   interstate transport requirements specific to the
                                                  indicator species for the new NAAQS.                      the uncertainty created by ongoing litigation, EPA        PM2.5 NAAQS.



                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014    17:24 Aug 22, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00055    Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\23AUP1.SGM      23AUP1


                                                  57548                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 163 / Tuesday, August 23, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                  contrast, structural PSD program                        aware of such existing provisions.15 It is            and 110(a)(2) because the CAA provides
                                                  requirements do not include provisions                  important to note that EPA’s approval of              other avenues and mechanisms to
                                                  that are not required under EPA’s                       a state’s infrastructure SIP submission               address specific substantive deficiencies
                                                  regulations at 40 CFR 51.166 but are                    should not be construed as explicit or                in existing SIPs. These other statutory
                                                  merely available as an option for the                   implicit re-approval of any existing                  tools allow EPA to take appropriately
                                                  state, such as the option to provide                    potentially deficient provisions that                 tailored action, depending upon the
                                                  grandfathering of complete permit                       relate to the three specific issues just              nature and severity of the alleged SIP
                                                  applications with respect to the 2012                   described.                                            deficiency. Section 110(k)(5) authorizes
                                                  Annual PM2.5 NAAQS. Accordingly, the                       EPA’s approach to review of                        EPA to issue a ‘‘SIP call’’ whenever the
                                                  latter optional provisions are types of                 infrastructure SIP submissions is to                  Agency determines that a state’s
                                                  provisions EPA considers irrelevant in                  identify the CAA requirements that are                implementation plan is substantially
                                                  the context of an infrastructure SIP                    logically applicable to that submission.              inadequate to attain or maintain the
                                                  action.                                                 EPA believes that this approach to the                NAAQS, to mitigate interstate transport,
                                                                                                          review of a particular infrastructure SIP             or to otherwise comply with the CAA.16
                                                     For other section 110(a)(2) elements,                submission is appropriate, because it                 Section 110(k)(6) authorizes EPA to
                                                  however, EPA’s review of a state’s                      would not be reasonable to read the                   correct errors in past actions, such as
                                                  infrastructure SIP submission focuses                   general requirements of section                       past approvals of SIP submissions.17
                                                  on assuring that the state’s                            110(a)(1) and the list of elements in                 Significantly, EPA’s determination that
                                                  implementation plan meets basic                         110(a)(2) as requiring review of each                 an action on a state’s infrastructure SIP
                                                  structural requirements. For example,                   and every provision of a state’s existing             submission is not the appropriate time
                                                  section 110(a)(2)(C) includes, inter alia,              SIP against all requirements in the CAA               and place to address all potential
                                                  the requirement that states have a                      and EPA regulations merely for                        existing SIP deficiencies does not
                                                  program to regulate minor new sources.                  purposes of assuring that the state in                preclude EPA’s subsequent reliance on
                                                  Thus, EPA evaluates whether the state                   question has the basic structural                     provisions in section 110(a)(2) as part of
                                                  has an EPA-approved minor NSR                           elements for a functioning SIP for a new              the basis for action to correct those
                                                  program and whether the program                         or revised NAAQS. Because SIPs have                   deficiencies at a later time. For example,
                                                  addresses the pollutants relevant to that               grown by accretion over the decades as                although it may not be appropriate to
                                                  NAAQS. In the context of acting on an                   statutory and regulatory requirements                 require a state to eliminate all existing
                                                  infrastructure SIP submission, however,                 under the CAA have evolved, they may                  inappropriate director’s discretion
                                                  EPA does not think it is necessary to                   include some outmoded provisions and                  provisions in the course of acting on an
                                                  conduct a review of each and every                      historical artifacts. These provisions,               infrastructure SIP submission, EPA
                                                  provision of a state’s existing minor                   while not fully up to date, nevertheless              believes that section 110(a)(2)(A) may be
                                                  source program (i.e., already in the                    may not pose a significant problem for                among the statutory bases that EPA
                                                  existing SIP) for compliance with the                   the purposes of ‘‘implementation,                     relies upon in the course of addressing
                                                  requirements of the CAA and EPA’s                       maintenance, and enforcement’’ of a                   such deficiency in a subsequent
                                                  regulations that pertain to such                        new or revised NAAQS when EPA                         action.18
                                                  programs.                                               evaluates adequacy of the infrastructure              IV. What is EPA’s analysis of how
                                                     With respect to certain other issues,                SIP submission. EPA believes that a                   Georgia addressed the elements of
                                                  EPA does not believe that an action on                  better approach is for states and EPA to              sections 110(a)(1) and (2)
                                                  a state’s infrastructure SIP submission is              focus attention on those elements of                  ‘‘infrastructure’’ provisions?
                                                  necessarily the appropriate type of                     section 110(a)(2) of the CAA most likely
                                                                                                          to warrant a specific SIP revision due to                The Georgia 2012 Annual PM2.5
                                                  action in which to address possible                                                                           infrastructure submission addresses the
                                                  deficiencies in a state’s existing SIP.                 the promulgation of a new or revised
                                                  These issues include: (i) Existing                      NAAQS or other factors.                                  16 For example, EPA issued a SIP call to Utah to
                                                  provisions related to excess emissions                     For example, EPA’s 2013 Guidance                   address specific existing SIP deficiencies related to
                                                  from sources during periods of startup,                 gives simpler recommendations with                    the treatment of excess emissions during SSM
                                                  shutdown, or malfunction that may be                    respect to carbon monoxide than other                 events. See ‘‘Finding of Substantial Inadequacy of
                                                                                                          NAAQS pollutants to meet the visibility               Implementation Plan; Call for Utah State
                                                  contrary to the CAA and EPA’s policies                                                                        Implementation Plan Revisions,’’ 74 FR 21639
                                                  addressing such excess emissions                        requirements of section                               (April 18, 2011).
                                                  (‘‘SSM’’); (ii) existing provisions related             110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II), because carbon                      17 EPA has used this authority to correct errors in

                                                  to ‘‘director’s variance’’ or ‘‘director’s              monoxide does not affect visibility. As               past actions on SIP submissions related to PSD
                                                                                                          a result, an infrastructure SIP                       programs. See ‘‘Limitation of Approval of
                                                  discretion’’ that may be contrary to the                                                                      Prevention of Significant Deterioration Provisions
                                                  CAA because they purport to allow                       submission for any future new or                      Concerning Greenhouse Gas Emitting-Sources in
                                                  revisions to SIP-approved emissions                     revised NAAQS for carbon monoxide                     State Implementation Plans; Final Rule,’’ 75 FR
                                                  limits while limiting public process or                 need only state this fact in order to                 82536 (December 30, 2010). EPA has previously
                                                                                                          address the visibility prong of section               used its authority under CAA section 110(k)(6) to
                                                  not requiring further approval by EPA;                                                                        remove numerous other SIP provisions that the
                                                  and (iii) existing provisions for PSD                   110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II).                                  Agency determined it had approved in error. See,
                                                  programs that may be inconsistent with                     Finally, EPA believes that its                     e.g., 61 FR 38664 (July 25, 1996) and 62 FR 34641
                                                  current requirements of EPA’s ‘‘Final                   approach with respect to infrastructure               (June 27, 1997) (corrections to American Samoa,
                                                                                                          SIP requirements is based on a                        Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada SIPs); 69
                                                  NSR Improvement Rule,’’ 67 FR 80186                                                                           FR 67062 (November 16, 2004) (corrections to
srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                  (December 31, 2002), as amended by 72                   reasonable reading of sections 110(a)(1)              California SIP); and 74 FR 57051 (November 3,
                                                  FR 32526 (June 13, 2007) (‘‘NSR                                                                               2009) (corrections to Arizona and Nevada SIPs).
                                                                                                            15 By contrast, EPA notes that if a state were to      18 See, e.g., EPA’s disapproval of a SIP submission
                                                  Reform’’). Thus, EPA believes it may                    include a new provision in an infrastructure SIP      from Colorado on the grounds that it would have
                                                  approve an infrastructure SIP                           submission that contained a legal deficiency, such    included a director’s discretion provision
                                                  submission without scrutinizing the                     as a new exemption for excess emissions during        inconsistent with CAA requirements, including
                                                  totality of the existing SIP for such                   SSM events, then EPA would need to evaluate that      section 110(a)(2)(A). See, e.g., 75 FR 42342 at 42344
                                                                                                          provision for compliance against the rubric of        (July 21, 2010) (proposed disapproval of director’s
                                                  potentially deficient provisions and may                applicable CAA requirements in the context of the     discretion provisions); 76 FR 4540 (Jan. 26, 2011)
                                                  approve the submission even if it is                    action on the infrastructure SIP.                     (final disapproval of such provisions).



                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:24 Aug 22, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00056   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\23AUP1.SGM   23AUP1


                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 163 / Tuesday, August 23, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                                  57549

                                                  provisions of sections 110(a)(1) and (2)                action in the future to address such state            new and modified minor sources and
                                                  as described below.                                     regulations. In the meantime, EPA                     minor modifications of major sources,
                                                     1. 110(a)(2)(A): Emission Limits and                 encourages any state having a director’s              and preconstruction permitting of major
                                                  Other Control Measures: Section                         discretion or variance provision which                sources and major modifications in
                                                  110(a)(2)(A) requires that each                         is contrary to the CAA and EPA                        areas designated attainment or
                                                  implementation plan include                             guidance to take steps to correct the                 unclassifiable for the subject NAAQS as
                                                  enforceable emission limitations and                    deficiency as soon as possible.                       required by CAA title I part C (i.e., the
                                                  other control measures, means, or                          2. 110(a)(2)(B) Ambient Air Quality                major source PSD program).
                                                  techniques (including economic                          Monitoring/Data System: Section                          Enforcement: Georgia’s Enforcement
                                                  incentives such as fees, marketable                     110(a)(2)(B) requires SIPs to provide for             Program covers mobile and stationary
                                                  permits, and auctions of emissions                      establishment and operation of                        sources, consumer products, and fuels.
                                                  rights), as well as schedules and                       appropriate devices, methods, systems,                The enforcement requirements are met
                                                  timetables for compliance, as may be                    and procedures necessary to: (i)                      through two Georgia Rules for Air
                                                  necessary or appropriate to meet the                    Monitor, compile, and analyze data on                 Quality: 391–3–1–.07—‘‘Inspections and
                                                  applicable requirements. Several                        ambient air quality, and (ii) upon                    Investigations. Amended.’’ and 391–3–
                                                  regulations within Georgia’s SIP are                    request, make such data available to the              1–.09—‘‘Enforcement. Amended.’’
                                                  relevant to air quality control                         Administrator. Georgia’s authority to                 Georgia also cites to enforcement
                                                  regulations. The following State                        monitor ambient air quality is found in               authority found in Georgia Air Quality
                                                  regulations include enforceable                         the Georgia Air Quality Act Article 1:                Act Article 1: Air Quality (O.C.G.A.
                                                  emission limitations and other control                  Air Quality (O.C.G.A. Section 12–9–                   Section 12–9–13) in its submittal.
                                                  measures: 391–3–1–.01, ‘‘Definitions.                   6(b)(13)). Annually, states develop and               Collectively, these regulations and State
                                                  Amended.’’, 391–3–1–.02, ‘‘Provisions.                  submit to EPA for approval statewide                  statute provide for enforcement of PM2.5
                                                  Amended.’’, and 391–3–1–.03, ‘‘Permits.                 ambient monitoring network plans                      emission limits and control measures.
                                                  Amended.’’ These regulations                            consistent with the requirements of 40                   PSD Permitting for Major Sources:
                                                  collectively establish enforceable                      CFR parts 50, 53, and 58. The annual                  EPA interprets the PSD sub-element to
                                                  emissions limitations and other control                 network plan involves an evaluation of                require that a state’s infrastructure SIP
                                                  measures, means or techniques for                       any proposed changes to the monitoring                submission for a particular NAAQS
                                                  activities that contribute to PM2.5                     network, includes the annual ambient                  demonstrate that the state has a
                                                  concentrations in the ambient air, and                  monitoring network design plan, and                   complete PSD permitting program in
                                                  provide authority for EPD to establish                  includes a certified evaluation of the                place covering the structural PSD
                                                  such limits and measures as well as                     agency’s ambient monitors and auxiliary               requirements for all regulated NSR
                                                  schedules for compliance through SIP-                   support equipment.20 On June 15, 2015,                pollutants. A state’s PSD permitting
                                                  approved permits to meet the applicable                 EPA received Georgia’s plan for FY                    program is complete for this sub-
                                                  requirements of the CAA. EPA has made                   2016. On October 13, 2015, EPA                        element (and prong 3 of D(i) and J
                                                  the preliminary determination that the                  approved Georgia’s monitoring network                 related to PSD) if EPA has already
                                                  provisions contained in these State rules               plan. Georgia’s approved monitoring                   approved or is simultaneously
                                                  are adequate to satisfy section                         network plan can be accessed at                       approving the state’s implementation
                                                  110(a)(2)(A) for the 2012 Annual PM2.5                  www.regulations.gov using Docket ID                   plan with respect to all structural PSD
                                                  NAAQS in the State.                                     No. EPA–R04–OAR–2014–0425. This                       requirements that are due under the
                                                     In this action, EPA is not proposing to              State statute, along with Georgia’s                   EPA regulations or the CAA on or before
                                                  approve or disapprove any existing state                Ambient Air Monitoring Network Plan,                  the date of the EPA’s proposed action on
                                                  provisions with regard to excess                        provide for the establishment and                     the infrastructure SIP submission. The
                                                  emissions during SSM operations at a                    operation of ambient air quality                      following Georgia Rules for Air Quality
                                                  facility. EPA believes that a number of                 monitors, the compilation and analysis                collectively establish a preconstruction,
                                                  states have SSM provisions which are                    of ambient air quality data, and the                  new source permitting program in the
                                                  contrary to the CAA and existing EPA                    submission of these data to EPA upon                  State that meets the PSD requirements
                                                  guidance, ‘‘State Implementation Plans:                 request. EPD states that no specific                  of the CAA for PM2.5 emissions sources:
                                                  Policy Regarding Excess Emissions                       statutory or regulatory authority is                  391–3–1–.02.—‘‘Provisions. Amended,’’
                                                  During Malfunctions, Startup, and                       necessary for EPD to authorize data                   which includes PSD requirements under
                                                  Shutdown’’ (September 20, 1999), and                    analysis or the submission of such data               391–3–1–.02(7), and 391–3–1–.03.—
                                                  the Agency is addressing such state                     to EPA, or to provide data submissions                ‘‘Permits. Amended,’’ which includes
                                                  regulations in a separate action.19                     in response to federal regulations. EPA               NNSR requirements under 391–3–l–
                                                     Additionally, in this action, EPA is                 has made the preliminary determination                .03(8)(c) and (g). Georgia’s infrastructure
                                                  not proposing to approve or disapprove                  that Georgia’s SIP and practices are                  SIP demonstrates that new major
                                                  any existing state rules with regard to                 adequate for the ambient air quality                  sources and major modifications in
                                                  director’s discretion or variance                       monitoring and data system                            areas of the State designated attainment
                                                  provisions. EPA believes that a number                  requirements related to the 2012 Annual               or unclassifiable for the specified
                                                  of states have such provisions which are                PM2.5 NAAQS.                                          NAAQS are subject to a federally-
                                                  contrary to the CAA and existing EPA                       3. 110(a)(2)(C) Programs for                       approved PSD permitting program
                                                  guidance (52 FR 45109 (November 24,                     Enforcement of Control Measures and                   meeting all the current structural
srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                  1987)), and the Agency plans to take                    for Construction or Modification of                   requirements of part C of title I of the
                                                                                                          Stationary Sources: This element                      CAA to satisfy the infrastructure SIP
                                                    19 On June 12, 2015, EPA published a final action
                                                                                                          consists of three sub-elements:                       PSD elements.21
                                                  entitled, ‘‘State Implementation Plans: Response to
                                                  Petition for Rulemaking; Restatement and Update of      Enforcement, state-wide regulation of
                                                  EPA’s SSM Policy Applicable to SIPs; Findings of                                                                21 For more information on the structural PSD

                                                  Substantial Inadequacy; and SIP Calls to Amend            20 Onoccasion, proposed changes to the              program requirements that are relevant to EPA’s
                                                  Provisions Applying to Excess Emissions During          monitoring network are evaluated outside of the       review of infrastructure SIPs in connection with the
                                                  Periods of Startup, Shutdown, and Malfunction.’’        network plan approval process in accordance with      current PSD-related infrastructure SIP
                                                  See 80 FR 33840.                                        40 CFR part 58.                                                                                  Continued




                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:24 Aug 22, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00057   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\23AUP1.SGM   23AUP1


                                                  57550                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 163 / Tuesday, August 23, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                     Regulation of minor sources and                      submission that new major sources and                 abatement for the 2012 Annual PM2.5
                                                  modifications: Section 110(a)(2)(C) also                major modifications in the state are                  NAAQS.
                                                  requires the SIP to include provisions                  subject to: A PSD program meeting all                    6. 110(a)(2)(E) Adequate Resources
                                                  that govern the minor source program                    the current structural requirements of                and Authority, Conflict of Interest, and
                                                  that regulates emissions of the 2012                    part C of title I of the CAA, or (if the              Oversight of Local Governments and
                                                  Annual PM2.5 NAAQS. Georgia’s SIP                       state contains a nonattainment area that              Regional Agencies: Section 110(a)(2)(E)
                                                  approved Air Quality Control Rule 391–                  has the potential to impact PSD in                    requires that each implementation plan
                                                  3–1–.03(1)—‘‘Construction (SIP)                         another state) to a NNSR program. As                  provide: (i) Necessary assurances that
                                                  Permit.’’ governs the preconstruction                   discussed in more detail previously                   the state will have adequate personnel,
                                                  permitting of modifications,                            under section 110(a)(2)(C), Georgia’s SIP             funding, and authority under state law
                                                  construction of minor stationary                        contains provisions for the State’s PSD               to carry out its implementation plan, (ii)
                                                  sources, and minor modifications of                     program that reflects the required                    that the state comply with the
                                                  major stationary sources. EPA has made                  structural PSD requirements to satisfy                requirements respecting state boards
                                                  the preliminary determination that                      the requirement of prong 3 of section                 pursuant to section 128 of the Act, and
                                                  Georgia’s SIP is adequate for program                   110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II). Georgia addresses                (iii) necessary assurances that, where
                                                  enforcement of control measures, PSD                    prong 3 through rules 391–3–1–.02.—                   the state has relied on a local or regional
                                                  permitting for major sources, and                       ‘‘Provisions. Amended,’’ and 391–3–1–                 government, agency, or instrumentality
                                                  regulation of new minor sources and                     .03.—‘‘Permits. Amended,’’ which                      for the implementation of any plan
                                                  modifications related to the 2012                       include the PSD and NNSR                              provision, the state has responsibility
                                                  Annual PM2.5 NAAQS.                                     requirements, respectively. EPA has                   for ensuring adequate implementation
                                                     4. 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) and (II) Interstate            made the preliminary determination                    of such plan provisions. EPA’s analysis
                                                  Pollution Transport: Section                            that Georgia’s SIP is adequate for                    of sub-elements 110(a)(2)(E)(i), (ii), and
                                                  110(a)(2)(D)(i) has two components:                     interstate transport for PSD permitting               (iii) is described below.
                                                  110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) and 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II).             of major sources and major                               In support of EPA’s proposal to
                                                  Each of these components has two                        modifications related to the 2012                     approve sub-elements 110(a)(2)(E)(i) and
                                                  subparts resulting in four distinct                     Annual PM2.5 NAAQS for section                        (iii), Georgia’s infrastructure SIP
                                                  components, commonly referred to as                     110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) (prong 3).                        demonstrates that it is responsible for
                                                  ‘‘prongs,’’ that must be addressed in                                                                         promulgating rules and regulations for
                                                                                                             110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II)—prong 4: EPA is not
                                                  infrastructure SIP submissions. The first                                                                     the NAAQS, emissions standards and
                                                                                                          proposing any action in this rulemaking
                                                  two prongs, which are codified in                                                                             general policies, a system of permits, fee
                                                                                                          related to provisions pertaining to
                                                  section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I), are provisions                                                                    schedules for the review of plans, and
                                                                                                          visibility protection in other states of
                                                  that prohibit any source or other type of                                                                     other planning needs. In its SIP
                                                                                                          section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) (prong 4) and
                                                  emissions activity in one state from                                                                          submittal, Georgia describes its
                                                                                                          will consider this requirement in
                                                  contributing significantly to                                                                                 authority for section 110(a)(2)(E)(i) as
                                                                                                          relation to Georgia’s 2012 Annual PM2.5
                                                  nonattainment of the NAAQS in another                                                                         the CAA section 105 grant process, the
                                                                                                          NAAQS infrastructure submission in a                  Georgia Air Quality Act Article 1: Air
                                                  state (‘‘prong 1’’), and interfering with
                                                                                                          separate rulemaking.                                  Quality (O.C.G.A. 12–9–10), and Georgia
                                                  maintenance of the NAAQS in another
                                                                                                             5. 110(a)(2)(D)(ii) Interstate Pollution           Rule for Air Quality 391–3–1–.03(9)
                                                  state (‘‘prong 2’’). The third and fourth
                                                                                                          Abatement and International Air                       which establishes Georgia’s Air Permit
                                                  prongs, which are codified in section
                                                                                                          Pollution: Section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii)                   Fee System. For section 110(a)(2)(E)(iii),
                                                  110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II), are provisions that
                                                                                                          requires SIPs to include provisions                   the State does not rely on localities in
                                                  prohibit emissions activity in one state
                                                                                                          ensuring compliance with sections 115                 Georgia for specific SIP implementation.
                                                  from interfering with measures required
                                                                                                          and 126 of the Act, relating to interstate            As evidence of the adequacy of EPD’s
                                                  to prevent significant deterioration of air
                                                                                                          and international pollution abatement.                resources with respect to sub-elements
                                                  quality in another state (‘‘prong 3’’), or
                                                                                                          The following two Georgia Rules for Air               (i) and (iii), EPA submitted a letter to
                                                  to protect visibility in another state
                                                                                                          Quality provide Georgia the authority to              Georgia on April 19, 2016, outlining
                                                  (‘‘prong 4’’).
                                                     110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)—prongs 1 and 2:                   conduct certain actions in support of                 CAA section 105 grant commitments
                                                  EPA is not proposing any action related                 this infrastructure element: 391–3–1–                 and the current status of these
                                                  to the provisions that prohibit any                     .02(7) for the State’s PSD regulation and             commitments for fiscal year 2015. The
                                                  source or other type of emissions                       391–3–1–.03 for the State’s permitting                letter EPA submitted to EPD can be
                                                  activity in one state from contributing                 regulations. As described previously,                 accessed at www.regulations.gov using
                                                  significantly to nonattainment of the                   Georgia Rules for Air Quality 391–3–1–                Docket ID No. EPA–R04–OAR–2014–
                                                  NAAQS in another state (‘‘prong 1’’),                   .02.—‘‘Provisions. Amended,’’ and 391–                0425. Annually, states update these
                                                  and interfering with maintenance of the                 3–1–.03.—‘‘Permits. Amended,’’                        grant commitments based on current SIP
                                                  NAAQS in another state (‘‘prong 2’’) of                 collectively require any new major                    requirements, air quality planning, and
                                                  section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) (prongs 1 and                source or major modification to undergo               applicable requirements related to the
                                                  2). EPA will consider these                             PSD or nonattainment new source                       NAAQS. There were no outstanding
                                                  requirements in relation to Georgia’s                   review (NNSR) permitting and thereby                  issues in relation to the SIP for fiscal
                                                  2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS                                 provide notification to other potentially             year 2015, therefore, EPD’s grants were
                                                  infrastructure submission in a separate                 affected Federal, state, and local                    finalized and closed out. In addition,
                                                                                                          government agencies.                                  the requirements of 110(a)(2)(E)(i) and
srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                  rulemaking.
                                                     110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II)—prong 3: With                       Additionally, Georgia does not have                (iii) are evaluated when EPA performs a
                                                  regard to section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II), the              any pending obligation under section                  completeness determination for each
                                                  PSD element, referred to as prong 3, this               115 and 126 of the CAA. EPA has made                  SIP submittal. This determination
                                                  requirement may be met by a state’s                     the preliminary determination that                    ensures that each submittal includes
                                                  confirmation in an infrastructure SIP                   Georgia’s SIP and practices are adequate              information addressing the adequacy of
                                                                                                          for ensuring compliance with the                      personnel, funding, and legal authority
                                                  requirements, see the technical support document        applicable requirements relating to                   under state law used to carry out the
                                                  in the docket for this rulemaking.                      interstate and international pollution                state’s implementation plan and related


                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:24 Aug 22, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00058   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\23AUP1.SGM   23AUP1


                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 163 / Tuesday, August 23, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                                   57551

                                                  issues. Georgia’s authority is included                 established pursuant to this section,                 precursors—nitrogen oxides, sulfur
                                                  in all prehearing and final SIP submittal               which reports shall be available at                   dioxide, ammonia, lead, carbon
                                                  packages for approval by EPA. EPD is                    reasonable times for public inspection.               monoxide, particulate matter, and
                                                  responsible for submitting all revisions                Georgia’s SIP submission identifies how               volatile organic compounds. Many
                                                  to the Georgia SIP to EPA for approval.                 the major source and minor source                     states also voluntarily report emissions
                                                  EPA has made the preliminary                            emission inventory programs collect                   of hazardous air pollutants. Georgia
                                                  determination that Georgia has adequate                 emission data throughout the State and                made its latest update to the 2011 NEI
                                                  resources for implementation of the                     ensure the quality of such data. These                on December 12, 2014. EPA compiles
                                                  2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS.                                data are used to compare against current              the emissions data, supplementing it
                                                     Section 110(a)(2)(E)(ii) requires that               emission limits and to meet                           where necessary, and releases it to the
                                                  the state comply with section 128 of the                requirements of EPA’s Air Emissions                   general public through the Web site
                                                  CAA. Section 128 requires that the SIP                  Reporting Rule (AERR). The following                  http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/
                                                  provide: (1) The majority of members of                 State rules enable Georgia to meet the                eiinformation.html. EPA has made the
                                                  the state board or body which approves                  requirements of this element: Georgia                 preliminary determination that
                                                  permits or enforcement orders represent                 Rule for Air Quality 391–3–1–.02(3)—                  Georgia’s SIP and practices are adequate
                                                  the public interest and do not derive                   ‘‘Sampling.’’; 22 391–3–1–.02(6)(b)—                  for the stationary source monitoring
                                                  any significant portion of their income                 ‘‘Source Monitoring.’’; 391–3–1–.02(7)—               systems related to the 2012 Annual
                                                  from persons subject to permitting or                   ‘‘Prevention of Significant Deterioration             PM2.5 NAAQS. Accordingly, EPA is
                                                  enforcement orders under the CAA; and                   of Air Quality.’’; 391–3–1–.02(8)—‘‘New               proposing to approve Georgia’s
                                                  (2) any potential conflicts of interest by              Source Performance Standards.’’; 391–                 infrastructure SIP submission with
                                                  such board or body, or the head of an                   3–1–.02(9)—‘‘Emission Standards for                   respect to section 110(a)(2)(F).
                                                  executive agency with similar powers be                 Hazardous Air Pollutants.’’; 391–3–1–                    Georgia Rule for Air Quality 391–3–1–
                                                  adequately disclosed. With respect to                   .02(11)—‘‘Compliance Assurance                        .02(3), ‘‘Sampling,’’ 23 specifically, in
                                                  the requirements of section                             Monitoring.’’; and 391–3–1–.03—                       ‘‘Procedures for Testing and Monitoring
                                                  110(a)(2)(E)(ii) pertaining the state board             ‘‘Permits. Amended.’’ Also, the Georgia               Sources of Air Pollutants’’ under
                                                  requirements of CAA section 128,                        Air Quality Act Article I: Air Quality                Compliance with Standards and
                                                  Georgia’s infrastructure SIP submission                 (O.C.G.A. 12–9–5(b)(6)) provides the                  Maintenance Requirements allows the
                                                  cites Georgia Air Quality Act Article 1:                State with the authority to conduct                   use of all available information to
                                                  Air Quality (O.C.G.A. Section 12–9–5)                   actions regarding stationary source                   determine compliance, and EPA is
                                                  Powers and duties of Board of Natural                   emissions monitoring and reporting in                 unaware of any provision preventing the
                                                  Resources as to air quality generally)                  support of this infrastructure element.               use of credible evidence in the Georgia
                                                  which provides the powers and duties                    These rules collectively require                      SIP.24 EPA is unaware of any provision
                                                  of the Board of Natural Resources as to                 emissions monitoring and reporting for                preventing the use of credible evidence
                                                  air quality and provides that at least a                activities that contribute to PM2.5                   in the Georgia SIP.
                                                  majority of members of this board                       concentrations in the air, including                     8. 110(a)(2)(G) Emergency Powers:
                                                  represent the public interest and not                   requirements for the installation,                    Section 110(a)(2)(G) of the Act requires
                                                  derive any significant portion of income                calibration, maintenance, and operation               that states demonstrate authority
                                                  from persons subject to permits or                      of equipment for continuously                         comparable with section 303 of the CAA
                                                  enforcement orders and that potential                   monitoring or recording emissions, and                and adequate contingency plans to
                                                  conflicts of interest will be adequately                provide authority for EPD to establish                implement such authority. Georgia’s
                                                  disclosed. This provision has been                      such emissions monitoring and                         infrastructure SIP submission cites air
                                                  incorporated into the federally-                        reporting requirements through SIP-                   pollution emergency episodes and
                                                  approved SIP.                                           approved permits and require reporting                preplanned abatement strategies in the
                                                     EPA has made the preliminary                         of 2012 Annual PM2.5 emissions.                       Georgia Air Quality Act: Article 1: Air
                                                  determination that the State has                           Additionally, Georgia is required to               Quality (O.C.G.A. Sections 12–9–2
                                                  adequately addressed the requirements                   submit emissions data to EPA for                      Declaration of public policy, 12–9–6
                                                  of section 128(a), and accordingly has                  purposes of the National Emissions                    Powers and duties of director as to air
                                                  met the requirements of section                         Inventory (NEI). The NEI is EPA’s                     quality generally, 12–9–12 Injunctive
                                                  110(a)(2)(E)(ii) with respect to                        central repository for air emissions data.            relief, 12–9–13 Proceedings for
                                                  infrastructure SIP requirements.                        EPA published the AERR on December                    enforcement, and 12–9–14 Powers of
                                                  Therefore, EPA is proposing to approve                  5, 2008, which modified the                           director in situations involving
                                                  Georgia’s infrastructure SIP submission                 requirements for collecting and                       imminent and substantial danger to
                                                  as meeting the requirements of sub-                     reporting air emissions data (73 FR                   public health), and Rule 391–3–1-.04
                                                  elements 110(a)(2)(E)(i), (ii) and (iii).               76539). The AERR shortened the time                   ‘‘Air Pollution Episodes.’’ O.C.G.A.
                                                     7. 110(a)(2)(F) Stationary Source                    states had to report emissions data from              Section 12–9–2 provides ‘‘[i]t is
                                                  Monitoring and Reporting: Section                       17 to 12 months, giving states one                    declared to be the public policy of the
                                                  110(a)(2)(F) requires SIPs to meet                      calendar year to submit emissions data.               state of Georgia to preserve, protect, and
                                                  applicable requirements addressing: (i)                 All states are required to submit a                   improve air quality . . . to attain and
                                                  The installation, maintenance, and                      comprehensive emissions inventory
                                                  replacement of equipment, and the                       every three years and report emissions
                                                                                                                                                                   23 Georgia Rule for Air Quality 391–3–1–.02(3)—

                                                  implementation of other necessary                                                                             ‘‘Sampling.’’ is not approved into Georgia’s
srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                          for certain larger sources annually                   federally-approved SIP.
                                                  steps, by owners or operators of                        through EPA’s online Emissions                           24 ‘‘Credible Evidence,’’ makes allowances for
                                                  stationary sources to monitor emissions                 Inventory System. States report                       owners and/or operators to utilize ‘‘any credible
                                                  from such sources, (ii) periodic reports                emissions data for the six criteria                   evidence or information relevant’’ to demonstrate
                                                  on the nature and amounts of emissions                  pollutants and their associated
                                                                                                                                                                compliance with applicable requirements if the
                                                  and emissions related data from such                                                                          appropriate performance or compliance test had
                                                                                                                                                                been performed, for the purpose of submitting
                                                  sources, and (iii) correlation of such                     22 Georgia Rule for Air Quality 391–3–1–.02(3)—    compliance certification, and can be used to
                                                  reports by the state agency with any                    ‘‘Sampling.’’ is not approved into Georgia’s          establish whether or not an owner or operator has
                                                  emission limitations or standards                       federally-approved SIP.                               violated or is in violation of any rule or standard.



                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:24 Aug 22, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00059   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\23AUP1.SGM   23AUP1


                                                  57552                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 163 / Tuesday, August 23, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                  maintain ambient air quality standards                  determination that Georgia’s SIP, and                 section 121, the public notification
                                                  so as to safeguard the public health,                   State laws are adequate for emergency                 requirements of section 127, PSD and
                                                  safety, and welfare.’’ O.C.G.A. Section                 powers related to the 2012 Annual PM2.5               visibility protection. EPA’s rationale for
                                                  12–9–6(b)(10) provides the Director of                  NAAQS. Accordingly, EPA is proposing                  applicable consultation requirements of
                                                  EPD authority to ‘‘issue orders as may                  to approve Georgia’s infrastructure SIP               section 121, the public notification
                                                  be necessary to enforce compliance with                 submission with respect to section                    requirements of section 127, PSD, and
                                                  [the Georgia Air Quality Act Article 1:                 110(a)(2)(G).                                         visibility is described below.
                                                  Air Quality (O.C.G.A)] and all rules and                   9. 110(a)(2)(H) SIP Revisions: Section                Consultation with government
                                                  regulations of this article.’’ O.C.G.A.                 110(a)(2)(H), in summary, requires each               officials (121 consultation): Section
                                                  Section 12–9–12 provides that                           SIP to provide for revisions of such                  110(a)(2)(J) of the CAA requires states to
                                                  ‘‘[w]henever in the judgment of the                     plan: (i) As may be necessary to take                 provide a process for consultation with
                                                  director any person has engaged in or is                account of revisions of such national                 local governments, designated
                                                  about to engage in any act or practice                  primary or secondary ambient air                      organizations, and Federal Land
                                                  which constitutes or will constitute an                 quality standard or the availability of               Managers (FLMs) carrying out NAAQS
                                                  unlawful action under [the Georgia Air                  improved or more expeditious methods                  implementation requirements pursuant
                                                  Quality Act Article 1: Air Quality                      of attaining such standard, and (ii)                  to section 121 relative to consultation.
                                                  (O.C.G.A)], he may make application to                  whenever the Administrator finds that                 The following State rules and statutes,
                                                  the superior court of the county in                     the plan is substantially inadequate to               as well as the State’s Regional Haze
                                                  which the unlawful act or practice has                  attain the NAAQS or to otherwise                      Implementation Plan (which allows for
                                                  been or is about to be engaged in, or in                comply with any additional applicable                 consultation between appropriate state,
                                                  which jurisdiction is appropriate, for an               requirements. EPD is responsible for                  local, and tribal air pollution control
                                                  order enjoining such act or practice or                 adopting air quality rules and revising               agencies as well as the corresponding
                                                  for an order requiring compliance with                  SIPs as needed to attain or maintain the              FLMs), provide for consultation with
                                                  this article. Upon a showing by the                     NAAQS in Georgia. The State has the                   government officials whose jurisdictions
                                                  director that such person has engaged in                ability and authority to respond to calls             might be affected by SIP development
                                                  or is about to engage in any such act or                for SIP revisions, and has provided a                 activities: Georgia Air Quality Act
                                                  practice, a permanent or temporary                      number of SIP revisions over the years                Article 1: Air Quality (O.C.G.A. Section
                                                  injunction, restraining order, or other                 for implementation of the NAAQS.                      12–9–5(b)(17)); Georgia Administrative
                                                  order shall be granted without the                      Initially, eight areas in Georgia were                Procedures Act (O.C.G.A. § 50–13–4);
                                                  necessity of showing lack of an adequate                designated deferred for the 2012 Annual               and Georgia Rule 391–3–1–.02(7) as it
                                                  remedy of law.’’ O.C.G.A. Section 12–                   PM2.5 NAAQS. See 80 FR 2205 (January                  relates to Class I areas. Section 12–9–
                                                  19–13 specifically pertains to                          15, 2015). As of March 31, 2015, five                 5(b)(17) of the Georgia Air Quality Act
                                                  enforcement proceedings when the                        areas in Georgia were designated                      states that the DNR Board is to
                                                  Director of EPD has reason to believe                   unclassifiable/attainment. See 80 FR                  ‘‘establish satisfactory processes of
                                                  that a violation of any provision of the                18535 (April 7, 2015). Currently, based               consultation and cooperation with local
                                                  Georgia Air Quality Act Article 1: Air                  on early quality-assured, certified air               governments or other designated
                                                  Quality (O.C.G.A), or environmental                     quality monitoring data for 2013–2015,                organizations of elected officials or
                                                  rules, regulations or orders have                       it appears that the remaining areas are               federal agencies for the purpose of
                                                  occurred. O.C.G.A. Section 12–9–14 also                 attaining the 2012 Annual PM2.5                       planning, implementing, and
                                                                                                          NAAQS.                                                determining requirements under this
                                                  provides that the Governor may issue
                                                                                                             The Georgia Air Quality Act Article 1:
                                                  orders as necessary to protect the health                                                                     article to the extent required by the
                                                                                                          Air Quality (O.C.G.A. Section 12–9–
                                                  of persons who are, or may be, affected                                                                       federal act.’’
                                                                                                          6(b)(12) and 12–9–6(b)(13)) provide
                                                  by a pollution source or facility after                                                                          Additionally, Georgia adopted state-
                                                                                                          Georgia the authority to conduct certain
                                                  ‘‘consult[ation] with local authorities in                                                                    wide consultation procedures for the
                                                                                                          actions in support of this infrastructure
                                                  order to confirm the correctness of the                                                                       implementation of transportation
                                                                                                          element. Section 12–9–6(b)(12) of the
                                                  information on which action proposed                                                                          conformity which includes the
                                                                                                          Georgia Air Quality Act requires EPD to
                                                  to be taken is based and to ascertain the                                                                     development of mobile inventories for
                                                                                                          submit SIP revisions whenever revised
                                                  action which such authorities are or will                                                                     SIP development.25 Required partners
                                                                                                          air quality standards are promulgated by
                                                  be taking.’’                                                                                                  covered by Georgia’s consultation
                                                                                                          EPA. EPA has made the preliminary
                                                     Rule 391–3–1–.04 ‘‘Air Pollution                                                                           procedures include federal, state and
                                                                                                          determination that Georgia adequately
                                                  Episodes’’ provides that the Director of                                                                      local transportation and air quality
                                                                                                          demonstrates a commitment to provide
                                                  EPD ‘‘will proclaim that an Air                         future SIP revisions related to the 2012              agency officials. EPA has made the
                                                  Pollution Alert, Air Pollution Warning,                 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS when necessary.                    preliminary determination that
                                                  or Air Pollution Emergency exists when                  Accordingly, EPA is proposing to                      Georgia’s SIP and practices adequately
                                                  the meteorological conditions are such                  approve Georgia’s infrastructure SIP                  demonstrate consultation with
                                                  that an air stagnation condition is in                  submission for the 2012 Annual PM2.5                  government officials related to the 2012
                                                  existence and/or the accumulation of air                NAAQS with respect to section                         Annual PM2.5 NAAQS when necessary.
                                                  contaminants in any place is attaining                  110(a)(2)(H).                                         Accordingly, EPA is proposing to
                                                  or has attained levels which could, if                     10. 110(a)(2)(J) Consultation With                 approve Georgia’s infrastructure SIP
                                                  such levels are sustained or exceeded,                  Government Officials, Public                          submission with respect to section
srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                  lead to a substantial threat to the health              Notification, and PSD and Visibility                  110(a)(2)(J) consultation with
                                                  of persons in the specific area affected.’’             Protection: EPA is proposing to approve               government officials.
                                                  Collectively the cited provisions                       Georgia’s infrastructure SIP submission                  Public notification (127 public
                                                  provide that Georgia demonstrates                       for the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS with                  notification): EPD has public notice
                                                  authority comparable with section 303                   respect to the general requirement in                   25 Georgia rule 391–3–1–.15, Georgia
                                                  of the CAA and adequate contingency                     section 110(a)(2)(J) to include a program             Transportation Conformity and Consultation
                                                  plans to implement such authority in                    in the SIP that complies with the                     Interagency Rule, is approved into the State’s SIP.
                                                  the State. EPA has made the preliminary                 applicable consultation requirements of               See 77 FR 35866.



                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:24 Aug 22, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00060   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\23AUP1.SGM   23AUP1


                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 163 / Tuesday, August 23, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                          57553

                                                  mechanisms in place to notify the                       the Act (which includes sections 169A                 or operator of each major stationary
                                                  public of instances or areas exceeding                  and 169B). However, there are no newly                source to pay to the permitting
                                                  the NAAQS along with associated                         applicable visibility protection                      authority, as a condition of any permit
                                                  health effects through the Air Quality                  obligations after the promulgation of a               required under the CAA, a fee sufficient
                                                  Index reporting system in required                      new or revised NAAQS. Thus, EPA has                   to cover: (i) The reasonable costs of
                                                  areas. EPD’s Ambient Monitoring Web                     determined that states do not need to                 reviewing and acting upon any
                                                  page (www.georgiaair.org/amp) provides                  address the visibility component of                   application for such a permit, and (ii) if
                                                  information regarding current and                       110(a)(2)(J) in infrastructure SIP                    the owner or operator receives a permit
                                                  historical air quality across the State.                submittals to fulfill its obligations under           for such source, the reasonable costs of
                                                  Daily air quality forecasts may be                      section 110(a)(2)(J). As such, EPA has                implementing and enforcing the terms
                                                  disseminated to the public in Atlanta                   made the preliminary determination                    and conditions of any such permit (not
                                                  through the Georgia Department of                       that it does not need to address the                  including any court costs or other costs
                                                  Transportation’s electronic billboards.                 visibility protection element of section              associated with any enforcement
                                                  In its SIP submission, Georgia also notes               110(a)(2)(J) in Georgia’s infrastructure              action), until such fee requirement is
                                                  that the non-profit organization in                     SIP submission related to the 2012                    superseded with respect to such sources
                                                  Georgia, ‘‘Clean Air Campaign,’’                        Annual PM2.5 NAAQS.                                   by the Administrator’s approval of a fee
                                                  disseminates statewide air quality                        11. 110(a)(2)(K) Air Quality Modeling               program under title V.
                                                  information and ways to reduce air                      and Submission of Modeling Data:                         Georgia’s PSD and NNSR permitting
                                                  pollution. Georgia rule 391–3–1–.04                     Section 110(a)(2)(K) of the CAA requires              programs are funded with title V fees.
                                                  ‘‘Air Pollution Episodes’’ enables the                  that SIPs provide for performing air                  The Georgia Rule for Air Quality 391–
                                                  State to conduct certain actions in                     quality modeling so that effects on air               3–1–.03(9) ‘‘Permit Fees.’’ incorporates
                                                  support of this infrastructure element.                 quality of emissions from NAAQS                       the EPA-approved title V fee program
                                                  In addition, the following State statutes               pollutants can be predicted and                       and fees for synthetic minor sources.
                                                  provide Georgia the authority to make                   submission of such data to the EPA can                Georgia’s authority to mandate funding
                                                  public declarations about air pollution                 be made. The Georgia Air Quality Act                  for processing PSD and NNSR permits is
                                                  episodes in support of this                             Article 1: Air Quality (O.C.G.A. Section              found in Georgia Air Quality Act Article
                                                  infrastructure element. OCGA 12–9–                      12–9–6(b)(13)) provides EPD the                       1: Air Quality (O.C.G.A. 12–9–10). The
                                                  6(b)(8) provides authority to the Georgia               authority to conduct modeling actions                 State notes that these title V operating
                                                  Board of Natural Resources ‘‘To collect                 and to submit air quality modeling data               program fees cover the reasonable cost
                                                  and disseminate information and to                      to EPA in support of this element. EPD
                                                                                                                                                                of implementation and enforcement of
                                                  provide for public notification in                      maintains personnel with training and
                                                                                                                                                                PSD and NNSR permits after they have
                                                  matters relating to air quality . . .’’. EPA            experience to conduct source-oriented
                                                                                                                                                                been issued. EPA has made the
                                                  has made the preliminary determination                  dispersion modeling with models such
                                                                                                                                                                preliminary determination that
                                                  that Georgia’s SIP and practices                        as AERMOD that would likely be used
                                                                                                                                                                Georgia’s SIP and practices adequately
                                                  adequately demonstrate the State’s                      for modeling PM2.5 emissions from
                                                                                                                                                                provide for permitting fees related to the
                                                  ability to provide public notification                  sources. The State also notes that its
                                                                                                                                                                2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS, when
                                                  related to the 2012 Annual PM2.5                        SIP-approved PSD program, which
                                                                                                                                                                necessary. Accordingly, EPA is
                                                  NAAQS when necessary. Accordingly,                      includes specific (dispersion) modeling
                                                                                                                                                                proposing to approve Georgia’s
                                                  EPA is proposing to approve Georgia’s                   provisions, provides further support of
                                                                                                          Georgia’s ability to address this element.            infrastructure SIP submission with
                                                  infrastructure SIP submission with
                                                                                                          All such modeling is conducted in                     respect to section 110(a)(2)(L).
                                                  respect to section 110(a)(2)(J) public
                                                  notification.                                           accordance with the provisions of 40                     13. 110(a)(2)(M) Consultation/
                                                     PSD: With regard to the PSD element                  CFR part 51, Appendix W, ‘‘Guideline                  participation by affected local entities:
                                                  of section 110(a)(2)(J), this requirement               on Air Quality Models.’’                              Section 110(a)(2)(M) of the Act requires
                                                  is met by a state’s confirmation in an                    Additionally, Georgia supports a                    states to provide for consultation and
                                                  infrastructure SIP submission that it has               regional effort to coordinate the                     participation in SIP development by
                                                  a SIP-approved PSD program meeting                      development of emissions inventories                  local political subdivisions affected by
                                                  all the current structural requirements                 and conduct regional modeling for                     the SIP. Consultation and participation
                                                  of part C of title I of the CAA for all                 several NAAQS, including the 2012                     by affected local entities is authorized
                                                  regulated NSR pollutants. As discussed                  Annual PM2.5 NAAQS, for the                           by the Georgia Air Quality Act: Article
                                                  in more detail previously in this                       Southeastern states. Taken as a whole,                1: Air Quality (O.C.G.A. 12–9–5(b)(17))
                                                  preamble under section 110(a)(2)(C),                    Georgia’s air quality regulations and                 and the Georgia Rule for Air Quality
                                                  Georgia’s SIP contains provisions for the               practices demonstrate that Georgia has                391–3–1–.15—‘‘Transportation
                                                  State’s PSD program that reflect the                    the authority to provide relevant data                Conformity’’, which defines the
                                                  required structural PSD requirements to                 for the purpose of predicting the effect              consultation procedures for areas
                                                  satisfy the PSD element of section                      on ambient air quality of the 2012                    subject to transportation conformity.
                                                  110(a)(2)(J). EPA has made the                          Annual PM2.5 NAAQS. EPA has made                      Furthermore, EPD has demonstrated
                                                  preliminary determination that                          the preliminary determination that                    consultation with, and participation by,
                                                  Georgia’s SIP and practices are adequate                Georgia’s SIP and practices adequately                affected local entities through its work
                                                  for the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS for                     demonstrate the State’s ability to                    with local political subdivisions during
                                                  the PSD element of section 110(a)(2)(J).                provide for air quality and modeling,                 the developing of its Transportation
srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                     Visibility protection: EPA’s 2013                    along with analysis of the associated                 Conformity SIP and has worked with
                                                  Guidance notes that it does not treat the               data, related to the 2012 Annual PM2.5                the FLMs as a requirement of the
                                                  visibility protection aspects of section                NAAQS. Accordingly, EPA is proposing                  regional haze rule. EPA has made the
                                                  110(a)(2)(J) as applicable for purposes of              to approve Georgia’s infrastructure SIP               preliminary determination that
                                                  the infrastructure SIP approval process.                submission with respect to section                    Georgia’s SIP and practices adequately
                                                  EPA recognizes that states are subject to               110(a)(2)(K).                                         demonstrate consultation with affected
                                                  visibility protection and regional haze                   12. 110(a)(2)(L) Permitting Fees:                   local entities related to the 2012 Annual
                                                  program requirements under part C of                    Section 110(a)(2)(L) requires the owner               PM2.5 NAAQS when necessary.


                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:24 Aug 22, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00061   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\23AUP1.SGM   23AUP1


                                                  57554                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 163 / Tuesday, August 23, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                  V. Proposed Action                                      Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because              the frequency and impact of this issue
                                                     With the exception of interstate                     application of those requirements would               from the public. We believe this practice
                                                  transport provisions pertaining to the                  be inconsistent with the CAA; and                     not only could raise overall health
                                                  contribution to nonattainment or                           • does not provide EPA with the                    system costs, but could potentially be
                                                  interference with maintenance in other                  discretionary authority to address, as                harmful to patient care and service
                                                  states and visibility protection                        appropriate, disproportionate human                   coordination because of changes to
                                                  requirements of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)              health or environmental effects, using                provider networks and drug formularies,
                                                  and (II) (prongs 1, 2, and 4), EPA is                   practicable and legally permissible                   result in higher out-of-pocket costs for
                                                  proposing to approve Georgia’s                          methods, under Executive Order 12898                  enrollees, and have a negative impact on
                                                  December 14, 2015, SIP submission, for                  (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).                      the individual market single risk pool
                                                  the 2012 Annual PM2.5 NAAQS for the                        In addition, the SIP is not approved               (or the combined risk pool in states that
                                                  above described infrastructure SIP                      to apply on any Indian reservation land               have chosen to merge their risk pools).
                                                  requirements. EPA is proposing to                       or in any other area where EPA or an                  We are seeking input from stakeholders
                                                  approve Georgia’s infrastructure SIP                    Indian tribe has demonstrated that a                  and the public regarding the frequency
                                                  submission for the 2012 Annual PM2.5                    tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of             and impact of this practice, and options
                                                  NAAQS because the submission is                         Indian country, the rule does not have                to limit this practice.
                                                  consistent with section 110 of the CAA.                 tribal implications as specified by                   DATES: To be assured consideration,
                                                                                                          Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249,                   comments must be received at one of
                                                  VI. Statutory and Executive Order                       November 9, 2000), nor will it impose                 the addresses provided below, no later
                                                  Reviews                                                 substantial direct costs on tribal                    than 5 p.m. on September 22, 2016.
                                                     Under the CAA, the Administrator is                  governments or preempt tribal law.                    ADDRESSES: In commenting, refer to file
                                                  required to approve a SIP submission                    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52                    code CMS–6074–NC. Because of staff
                                                  that complies with the provisions of the                                                                      and resource limitations, we cannot
                                                  Act and applicable Federal regulations.                   Environmental protection, Air                       accept comments by facsimile (FAX)
                                                  See 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a).                 pollution control, Incorporation by                   transmission.
                                                  Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions,                     reference, Intergovernmental relations,                  You may submit comments in one of
                                                  EPA’s role is to approve state choices,                 Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate                  four ways (please choose only one of the
                                                  provided that they meet the criteria of                 matter, Reporting and recordkeeping                   ways listed):
                                                  the CAA. Accordingly, this proposed                     requirements, Volatile organic                           1. Electronically. You may submit
                                                  action merely approves state law as                     compounds.                                            electronic comments on this regulation
                                                  meeting federal requirements and does                     Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.                   to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow
                                                  not impose additional requirements                        Dated: August 9, 2016.                              the ‘‘Submit a comment’’ instructions.
                                                  beyond those imposed by state law. For                                                                           2. By regular mail. You may mail
                                                                                                          Heather McTeer Toney,
                                                  that reason, this proposed action:                                                                            written comments to the following
                                                                                                          Regional Administrator, Region 4.
                                                     • Is not a significant regulatory action                                                                   address ONLY: Centers for Medicare &
                                                                                                          [FR Doc. 2016–20139 Filed 8–22–16; 8:45 am]           Medicaid Services, Department of
                                                  subject to review by the Office of
                                                  Management and Budget under                             BILLING CODE 6560–50–P                                Health and Human Services, Attention:
                                                  Executive Orders 12866 (58 FR 51735,                                                                          CMS–6074–NC, P.O. Box 8010,
                                                  October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821,                                                                       Baltimore, MD 21244–8010.
                                                  January 21, 2011);                                      DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND                                 Please allow sufficient time for mailed
                                                     • does not impose an information                     HUMAN SERVICES                                        comments to be received before the
                                                  collection burden under the provisions                                                                        close of the comment period.
                                                  of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44                      Centers for Medicare & Medicaid                          3. By express or overnight mail. You
                                                  U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);                                   Services                                              may send written comments to the
                                                     • is certified as not having a                                                                             following address ONLY: Centers for
                                                  significant economic impact on a                        42 CFR Part 402, 420, and, 455                        Medicare & Medicaid Services,
                                                  substantial number of small entities                    [CMS–6074–NC]                                         Department of Health and Human
                                                  under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5                                                                       Services, Attention: CMS–6074–NC,
                                                  U.S.C. 601 et seq.);                                    RIN 0938–ZB31                                         Mail Stop C4–26–05, 7500 Security
                                                     • does not contain any unfunded                                                                            Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244–1850.
                                                                                                          Request for Information: Inappropriate                   4. By hand or courier. Alternatively,
                                                  mandate or significantly or uniquely                    Steering of Individuals Eligible for or
                                                  affect small governments, as described                                                                        you may deliver (by hand or courier)
                                                                                                          Receiving Medicare and Medicaid                       your written comments ONLY to the
                                                  in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act                     Benefits to Individual Market Plans
                                                  of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4);                                                                                      following addresses:
                                                     • does not have Federalism                           AGENCY:  Centers for Medicare &                          a. For delivery in Washington, DC—
                                                  implications as specified in Executive                  Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.                         Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
                                                  Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10,                    ACTION: Request for information.
                                                                                                                                                                   Services, Department of Health and
                                                  1999);                                                                                                           Human Services, Room 445–G, Hubert
                                                     • is not an economically significant                 SUMMARY:   This request for information                  H. Humphrey Building, 200
                                                  regulatory action based on health or                    seeks public comment regarding                           Independence Avenue SW.,
srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                  safety risks subject to Executive Order                 concerns about health care providers                     Washington, DC 20201.
                                                  13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997);                    and provider-affiliated organizations                    (Because access to the interior of the
                                                     • is not a significant regulatory action             steering people eligible for or receiving             Hubert H. Humphrey Building is not
                                                  subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR                 Medicare and/or Medicaid benefits to an               readily available to persons without
                                                  28355, May 22, 2001);                                   individual market plan for the purpose                Federal government identification,
                                                     • is not subject to requirements of                  of obtaining higher payment rates. CMS                commenters are encouraged to leave
                                                  Section 12(d) of the National                           is concerned about reports of this                    their comments in the CMS drop slots
                                                  Technology Transfer and Advancement                     practice and is requesting comments on


                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   19:01 Aug 22, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00062   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\23AUP1.SGM   23AUP1



Document Created: 2018-02-09 11:40:05
Document Modified: 2018-02-09 11:40:05
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionProposed rule.
DatesWritten comments must be received on or before September 22, 2016.
ContactTiereny Bell, Air Regulatory Management Section, Air Planning and Implementation Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960. Ms. Bell can be reached via telephone at (404) 562-9088 or via electronic mail at [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 57544 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Air Pollution Control; Incorporation by Reference; Intergovernmental Relations; Nitrogen Dioxide; Ozone; Particulate Matter; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements and Volatile Organic Compounds

2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR