81 FR 68322 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Louisiana; Infrastructure State Implementation Plan Requirements for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 192 (October 4, 2016)
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 192 (October 4, 2016)
| Page Range | 68322-68335 | |
| FR Document | 2016-24036 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 192 (Tuesday, October 4, 2016)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 68322-68335] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-24036] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA-R06-OAR-2013-0465; FRL-9952-82-Region 6] Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Louisiana; Infrastructure State Implementation Plan Requirements for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving elements of State Implementation Plan (SIP) submittals from Louisiana which address the requirements of Clean Air Act (CAA) sections 110(a)(1) and (2) regarding the infrastructure requirements for the 2006 fine particulate matter (PM2.5 ), 2008 Lead (Pb), 2008 Ozone (O3 ), 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2 ), 2010 Sulfur Dioxide (SO2 ) and 2012 PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The infrastructure requirements are designed to ensure that the structural components of each state's air quality management program are adequate to meet the state's responsibilities as defined by the CAA. These infrastructure SIP (i- SIP) submittals address how the existing SIP provides for implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of the NAAQS. DATES: This rule is effective on November 3, 2016. ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID No. EPA-R06-OAR-2013-0465. All documents in the docket are listed on the http://www.regulations.gov Web site. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., Confidential Business Information or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed on the Internet and will be publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically through http://www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at EPA Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75202- 2733. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sherry Fuerst 214-665-6454, [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document, ``we,'' ``us,'' and ``our'' means the EPA. [[Page 68323]] I. Background The background for this action is discussed in detail in our June 3, 2016 proposal (81 FR 35674). In that rulemaking action, we proposed to approve portions of Louisiana's SIP submittals pertaining to requirements of CAA sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2) of the 2006 PM2.5 , 2008 Pb, 2008 O3 , 2010 NO2 , 2010 SO2 and 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. CAA Section 110(a)(1) requires states to submit a revised i-SIP within three years after the promulgation of a new or revised NAAQS. The submission must provide for the ``implementation, maintenance, and enforcement'' of the NAAQS. We received substantive comments from the Sierra Club during the comment period on our Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPR). A synopsis of the comments and our responses are provided below. II. Response to Comments A. Background Comments 1. The Plain Language of the CAA Comment 1: Sierra Club states that the plain language of section 110(a)(2)(A) of the CAA, legislative history of the CAA, case law, EPA regulations, and legislative and regulatory interpretations made previously by EPA in rulemakings require the inclusion of enforceable emission limits in an i-SIP to prevent NAAQS exceedances in areas not designated nonattainment. Sierra Club asserts that EPA must disapprove Louisiana's proposed i-SIP because it is in violation of CAA section 110(a)(2)(A) in that the i-SIP fails to include enforceable emission limitations necessary to ensure attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS. The Commenter also states that the Louisiana i-SIP revision fails to comport with CAA requirements for SIPs to establish enforceable emission limits that are adequate to prohibit NAAQS exceedances in areas not designated nonattainment. The Commenter also states that, on its face, the CAA requires i- SIPs ``to be adequate to prevent exceedances of the NAAQS.'' In support, the Commenter quotes the language in section 110(a)(1) which requires states to adopt a plan for implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of the NAAQS and the language in section 110(a)(2)(A) which the Commenter interprets to require i-SIPs to include enforceable emissions limitations that are sufficient to ensure maintenance of the NAAQS. Sierra Club notes the CAA definition of emission limit and reads these provisions together to require ``enforceable emission limits on source emissions sufficient to ensure maintenance of the NAAQS.'' Response 1: EPA disagrees that section 110 is clear ``on its face'' and must be read in the manner suggested by Sierra Club in the context of i-SIP submissions. As we have previously explained in response to Sierra Club's similar comments in our previous actions on Virginia's 2008 ozone NAAQS i-SIP (see, 79 FR 17043, 17047 March 27, 2014), Virginia's 2010 SO2 NAAQS i-SIP (see, 80 FR 11557 March 4, 2015), West Virginia's 2010 SO2 i-SIP (see, 79 FR 62022 October 16, 2014), Pennsylvania's 2008 Ozone and 2010 SO2 NAAQS i-SIP (see, 80 FR 46494 August 5, 2015), and New Hampshire's SO2 NAAQS i-SIP (see, 81 FR 44542 July 8, 2016), CAA Section 110 is only one provision that is part of the multi-faceted structure governing implementation of the NAAQS program under the CAA, as amended in 1990, and it must be read in the context of not only that structure, but also of the historical evolution of that structure. Infrastructure SIPs are general planning SIPs, consistent with the CAA as understood in light of its history and structure. When Congress enacted the CAA in 1970, it did not include provisions requiring states and the EPA to label areas as attainment or nonattainment. Rather, states were required to include all areas of the state in ``air quality control regions'' (AQCRs) and section 110 set forth the core substantive planning provisions for these AQCRs. At that time, Congress anticipated that states would be able to address air pollution quickly by complying with the very general planning provisions in section 110 and bring all areas into compliance with a new NAAQS within five years. Moreover, at that time, section 110(a)(2)(A)(i) specified that the section 110 plan provide for ``attainment'' of the NAAQS and section 110(a)(2)(B) specified that the plan must include ``emission limitations, schedules, and timetables for compliance with such limitations, and such other measures as may be necessary to insure attainment and maintenance [of the NAAQS].'' In 1977, Congress recognized that the existing structure was not sufficient and many areas were still violating the NAAQS. At that time, Congress for the first time added provisions requiring that states and EPA identify whether areas of a state were violating the NAAQS (i.e., were nonattainment) or were meeting the NAAQS (i.e., were attainment/ unclassifiable) and established specific planning requirements in section 172 for areas not meeting the NAAQS. In 1990, many areas still had air quality not meeting the NAAQS and Congress again amended the CAA and added yet another layer of more prescriptive planning requirements for each of the NAAQS. At that same time, Congress modified section 110 to remove references to the section 110 SIP providing for attainment, including removing pre-existing section 110(a)(2)(A) in its entirety and renumbering subparagraph (B) as section 110(a)(2)(A). Additionally, Congress replaced the clause ``as may be necessary to insure attainment and maintenance [of the NAAQS]'' with ``as may be necessary or appropriate to meet the applicable requirements of this chapter.'' Thus, the CAA has significantly evolved in the more than 40 years since it was originally enacted. While at one time section 110 of the CAA did provide the only detailed SIP planning provisions for states and specified that such plans must provide for attainment of the NAAQS, under the structure of the current CAA, section 110 is only the initial stepping-stone in the planning process for a specific NAAQS. More detailed, later-enacted provisions govern the substantive planning process, including planning for attainment of the NAAQS. CAA section 110 is only one provision that is part of the multi-faceted structure governing implementation of the NAAQS program under the CAA, as amended in 1990, and it must be read in the context of that structure and the historical evolution of that structure. In light of the revisions to section 110 since 1970 and the later- promulgated and more specific planning requirements of the CAA, the requirement in section 110(a)(2)(A) of the CAA that the plan provide for ``implementation, maintenance and enforcement'' means that the state must demonstrate that it has the necessary tools to implement and enforce a NAAQS, such as adequate state personnel and the legal authority for an enforcement program. It is Part D of title I of the CAA that contains numerous requirements for the NAAQS attainment planning process, including the requirement for enforceable emissions limitations, and such other control measures, means or techniques, as well as schedules and timetables for compliance, as may be necessary or appropriate to provide for the attainment of the NAAQS. After a nonattainment designation is made, the Administrator establishes a plan submission schedule with which the state must comply. The schedule may include submission dates up to three [[Page 68324]] years after the nonattainment designation has been made. The state must, within the schedule provided by the Administrator, submit a plan that meets Part D's requirements. The general requirements of CAA section 110(a)(1) and the listing of elements in CAA section 110(a)(2) require review of each and every provision of a state's existing SIP against all requirements in the CAA and the 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. The requirement for emission limitations in section 110 means that the state may rely on measures already in place to address the pollutant at issue or any new control measures that the state may choose to submit to meet the requirements in section 110. Finally, as EPA has stated in the 2013 Infrastructure SIP Guidance \1\ which specifically provides guidance to states in addressing the 2010 SO2 NAAQS, ``[t]he conceptual purpose of an i-SIP submission is to assure that the air agency's SIP contains the necessary structural requirements for the new or revised NAAQS, whether by establishing that the SIP already contains the necessary provisions, by making a substantive SIP revision to update the SIP, or both.'' Infrastructure SIP Guidance at p. 1-2.\2\ Infrastructure SIP submissions are not required to include enforceable emissions limitations and schedules for compliance with the NAAQS, as suggested by the Commenter. Louisiana appropriately demonstrated that it has the ``structural requirements'' to implement the NAAQS for the pollutants addressed in this rule in its infrastructure SIP submission. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ ``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. \2\ Thus, EPA disagrees with Sierra Club's general assertion that the main objective of infrastructure SIPs is to ensure all areas of the country meet the NAAQS, as the infrastructure SIP process is the opportunity to review the structural requirements of a state's air program. EPA, however, does agree with Sierra Club that the NAAQS are the foundation upon which emission limitations are set, as explained in responses to subsequent comments, these emission limitations are generally set in the attainment planning process envisioned by part D of title I of the CAA, including, but not limited to, CAA sections 172 and 191-192. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. The Legislative History of the CAA Comment 2: Sierra Club cites two excerpts from the legislative history of the 1970 CAA claiming they support an interpretation that SIP revisions under CAA Section 110 must include emissions limitations sufficient to show maintenance of the NAAQS in all areas of Louisiana. Sierra Club also contends that the legislative history of the CAA supports the interpretation that i-SIPs under section 110(a)(2) must include enforceable emission limitations, citing the Senate Committee Report and the subsequent Senate Conference Report accompanying the 1970 CAA. Response 2: As noted above, the CAA, as enacted in 1970, including its legislative history, cannot be read in isolation from the later amendments that refined that structure and deleted relevant language from CAA Section 110 concerning demonstrating attainment. See also, 79 FR at 17043, 80 FR 11557, 79 FR 62022, 80 FR 46494 (responding to comments on various other i-SIPs). In any event, the two excerpts of legislative history the Sierra Club cites merely provide that states should include enforceable emission limits in their SIPs and they do not mention or otherwise address whether states are required to impose additional emission limitations or control measures as part of the i- SIP submission, as opposed to requirements for other types of SIP submissions such as attainment plans required under section 110(a)(2)(I). The proposed rule and the Technical Support Document (TSD) for it explain why the Louisiana SIP includes sufficient enforceable emissions limitations for the purposes of the infrastructure SIP submission. 3. Case Law Comment 3: Sierra Club also cites to several cases which have interpreted various parts of the CAA. Sierra Club claims these cases support their contention that section 110(a)(2)(A) requires i-SIPs submissions to contain enforceable emissions limits in order to prevent exceedances of the NAAQS in areas not designated nonattainment. Sierra Club first cites to language in Train v. NRDC, 421 U.S. 60, 78 (1975), addressing the requirement for ``emission limitations'' and stating that emission limitations ``are specific rules to which operators of pollution sources are subject, and which, if enforced, should result in ambient air which meet the national standards.'' Sierra Club also cites to Pennsylvania Dept. of Envtl. Resources v. EPA, 932 F.2d 269, 272 (3d Cir. 1991) for the proposition that the CAA directs EPA to withhold approval of a SIP where it does not ensure maintenance of the NAAQS, and to Mision Industrial, Inc. v. EPA, 547 F.2d 123, 129 (1st Cir. 1976), which quoted section 110(a)(2)(B) of the CAA of 1970. The commenter states that the 1990 Amendments do not alter how courts have interpreted the requirements of section 110, quoting Alaska Dept. of Envtl. Conservation v. EPA, 540 U.S. 461, 470 (2004) which in turn quoted section 110(a)(2)(A) of the CAA and also stated that ``SIPs must include certain measures Congress specified'' to ensure attainment of the NAAQS. The Commenter also quotes several additional opinions in this vein. Mont. Sulphur & Chem. Co. v. EPA, 666 F.3d 1174, 1180 (9th Cir. 2012) (``The Clean Air Act directs states to develop implementation plans--SIPs--that `assure' attainment and maintenance of [NAAQS] through enforceable emissions limitations''); Hall v. EPA 273 F.3d 1146, 1153 (9th Cir. 2001) (``Each State must submit a [SIP] that specif[ies] the manner in which [NAAQS] will be achieved and maintained within each air quality control region in the State''); Conn. Fund for Env't, Inc. v. EPA, 696 F.2d 169, 172 (D.C. Cir. 1982) (CAA requires SIPs to contain ``measures necessary to ensure attainment and maintenance of NAAQS''). Finally, Sierra Club cites Mich. Dept. of Envtl. Quality v. Browner, 230 F.3d 181 (6th Cir. 2000) for the proposition that EPA may not approve a SIP revision that does not demonstrate how the rules would not interfere with attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS. Response 3: None of the cases Sierra Club cites support its contention that section 110(a)(2)(A) requires i-SIP submissions to include detailed plans providing for attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS in all areas of the state, nor do they shed light on the present day requirements of section 110(a)(2)(A). With the exception of Train, none of the cases the Commenter cites specifically concerned the interpretation of CAA section 110(a)(2)(A) (or section 110(a)(2)(B) of the pre-1990 Act). Rather, the courts reference section 110(a)(2)(A) (or section 110(a)(2)(B) of the pre-1990 CAA) in the background sections of decisions in the context of a challenge to an EPA action on revisions to a SIP that were required and approved as meeting other provisions of the CAA or in the context of an enforcement action. In Train, the Court was addressing a state revision to an attainment plan submission made pursuant to section 110 of the CAA, the sole statutory provision at that time addressing such submissions. The issue in that case concerned whether changes to requirements that would occur before attainment was required were variances that should be addressed pursuant to the provision governing SIP revisions or were ``postponements'' that must be addressed under section 110(f) of the CAA of 1970, which contained prescriptive criteria. The Court [[Page 68325]] concluded that EPA reasonably interpreted section 110(f) not to restrict a state's choice of the mix of control measures needed to attain the NAAQS, so long as the state met other applicable requirements of the CAA, and that revisions to SIPs that would not impact attainment of the NAAQS by the attainment date were not subject to the limits of section 110(f). Thus the issue was not whether the specific SIP at issue needs to provide for attainment or whether emissions limits are needed as part of the SIP; rather the issue was which statutory provision governed when the state wanted to revise the emission limits in its SIP if such revision would not impact attainment or maintenance of the NAAQS. Pennsylvania Dept. of Envtl. Resources was also decided based on the pre-1990 provision of the CAA. At issue was whether EPA properly rejected a revision to an approved SIP where the inventories relied on by the state for the updated submission had gaps. The Court quoted section 110(a)(2)(B) of the pre-1990 CAA in support of EPA's disapproval, but did not provide any interpretation of that provision. This decision did not address the question at issue in this action, i.e., what a state must include in an i-SIP submission for the purposes of section 110(a)(2)(A).Yet, even if the Court had interpreted that provision, EPA notes that it was modified by Congress in 1990; thus, this decision has little bearing on the present issue here. At issue in Mision Industrial, was the definition of ``emissions limitation'', not whether section 110 requires the State to demonstrate how all areas of the State will attain and maintain the NAAQS as part of the State's i-SIP submission. The language from the opinion the Commenter quotes does not interpret but rather merely describes section 110(a)(2)(A). Sierra Club does not raise any concerns about whether the measures relied on by the State in the i-SIP submission are ``emissions limitations'' within the definition provided by the Act and the decision in this case has no bearing here.\3\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \3\ While Sierra Club does contend that the State shouldn't be allowed to rely on emission reductions that were developed for the prior SO2 standards (which we address herein), it does not claim that any of the measures are not ``emissions limitations'' within the definition of the CAA. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Mont. Sulphur & Chem. Co., 666 F.3d 1174, the Court was reviewing a federal implementation plan (FIP) that EPA promulgated after a long history of the State failing to submit an adequate SIP in response to EPA's finding under section 110(k)(5) that the previously approved SIP was substantially inadequate to attain or maintain the NAAQS, which triggered the State's duty to submit a new SIP detailing how it would remedy that deficiency and the measures that would be put in place to attain the NAAQS. The Court cited generally to sections 107 and 110(a)(2)(A) of the CAA for the proposition that SIPs should assure attainment and maintenance of NAAQS through emission limitations, but this language was not part of the Court's holding in the case. The holding in Mont. Sulphur focused on whether EPA's finding of SIP inadequacy, disapproval of the State's responsive attainment demonstration, and adoption of a remedial FIP were lawful. The Commenter suggests that Alaska Dept. of Envtl. Conservation, 540 U.S. 461, stands for the proposition that the 1990 CAA Amendments do not alter how courts interpret section 110. This claim is inaccurate. Rather, the Court quoted section 110(a)(2)(A), which, as noted previously, differs from the pre-1990 version of that provision and the court makes no mention of the changed language. Furthermore, Sierra Club also quotes the Court's statement that ``SIPs must include certain measures Congress specified,'' but that statement specifically referenced the requirement in section 110(a)(2)(C), which requires an enforcement program and a program for the regulation of the modification and construction of any stationary sources. Notably, at issue in that case was the State's ``new source'' permitting program, not what is required for an i-SIP submission for purposes of CAA section 110(a)(2)(A). Two of the cases Sierra Club cites, Mich. Dept. of Envtl. Quality, 230 F.3d 181, 183, 185 and Hall, 273 F.3d 1146, 1153 interpret CAA section 110(l), the provision governing ``revisions'' to plans, and not the initial plan submission requirement under section 110(a)(2) for a new or revised NAAQS, such as the i-SIP submissions at issue in this instance. Neither case, however, addressed the question at issue here, i.e., what states are required to address for purposes of an infrastructure SIP submission for purposes of section 110(a)(2)(A). Finally, in Conn. Fund for Env't, Inc. v. EPA, the D.C. Circuit was reviewing EPA action on a control measure SIP provision which adjusted the percent of sulfur permissible in fuel oil. 696 F.2d 169 (D.C. Cir. 1982). The D.C. Circuit focused on whether EPA needed to evaluate effects of the SIP revision on one pollutant or effects of changes on all possible pollutants; therefore, the D.C. Circuit did not address required measures for i-SIPs and nothing in the opinion addressed whether i-SIP submissions need to contain measures to ensure attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS. EPA's position is that none of these court cases addressed required measures for i-SIP submission and therefore nothing in the opinions addressed whether the state's i-SIP submission must contain measures to ensure attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS. 4. EPA Regulations, Such as 40 CFR 51.112(a) Comment 4: Sierra Club cites to 40 CFR 51.112(a), which provides that ``[e]ach plan must demonstrate that the measures, rules and regulations contained in it are adequate to provide for the timely attainment and maintenance of the [NAAQS].'' Sierra Club asserts that this regulation requires all SIPs to include emissions limits necessary to ensure attainment of the NAAQS. Sierra Club states that ``[a]lthough these regulations were developed before the Clean Air Act separated i- SIPs from nonattainment SIPs--a process that began with the 1977 amendments and was completed by the 1990 amendments--the regulations apply to [i]-SIPs.'' Sierra Club relies on a statement in the preamble to the 1986 action restructuring and consolidating provisions in part 51, in which EPA stated that ``[i]t is beyond the scope of th[is] rulemaking to address the provisions of Part D of the Act . . .'' 51 FR 40656, 40656 (November 7, 1986). Response 4: Sierra Club's reliance on 40 CFR 51.112 to support its argument that i-SIPs must contain emission limits ``adequate to prohibit NAAQS exceedances'' and adequate or sufficient to ensure the maintenance of the NAAQS is incorrect. As an initial matter, EPA notes and the Sierra Club recognizes this regulatory provision was initially promulgated and ``restructured and consolidated'' prior to the CAA Amendments of 1990, in which Congress removed all references to ``attainment'' in section 110(a)(2)(A). And, it is clear that 40 CFR 51.112 directly applies to state SIP submissions that are specifically required to attain the NAAQS in nonattainment areas. These regulatory requirements apply when states are developing ``control strategy'' SIPs under other provisions of the CAA, such as attainment plans required for various NAAQS in Part D and maintenance plans required in section 175A. Sierra Club's suggestion that these provisions must apply to section 110 i-SIPs because in the preamble to EPA's action ``restructuring [[Page 68326]] and consolidating'' provisions in part 51, we stated that the new attainment demonstration provisions in the 1977 Amendments to the CAA were ``beyond the scope'' of the rulemaking.\4\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \4\ It is important to note, however, that EPA's action in 1986 was not to establish new substantive planning requirements, but rather was meant merely to consolidate and restructure provisions that had previously been promulgated. EPA noted that it had already issued guidance addressing the new ``Part D'' nonattainment planning obligations. Also, as to maintenance regulations, EPA expressly stated that it was not making any revisions other than to re-number those provisions. 51 FR at 40657. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Although EPA was explicit that it was not establishing requirements interpreting the provisions of new ``Part D'' of the CAA, it is clear that the regulations being restructured and consolidated were intended to address control strategy plans. In the preamble, EPA clearly stated that 40 CFR 51.112 was replacing 40 CFR 51.13 (``Control strategy: SOX and PM (portion)''), 51.14 (``Control strategy: CO, HC, OX and NO2 (portion)''), 51.80 (``Demonstration of attainment: Pb (portion)''), and 51.82 (``Air quality data (portion)''). Id. at 40660. Thus, the present-day 40 CFR 51.112 contains consolidated provisions that are focused on control strategy SIPs, and the i-SIP is not such a plan. 5. EPA Interpretations in Other Rulemakings Comment 5: Sierra Club also references two prior EPA rulemaking actions where EPA disapproved or proposed to disapprove SIPs and claimed these were actions in which EPA relied on section 110(a)(2)(A) and 40 CFR 51.112 to reject i-SIPs. The Sierra Club first points to a 2006 partial approval and partial disapproval of revisions to Missouri's existing plan addressing the SO2 NAAQS. In that action, EPA cited section 110(a)(2)(A) as the basis disapproving a revision to the state plan on the basis that the State failed to demonstrate the SIP was sufficient to ensure maintenance of the SO2 NAAQS after revision of an emission limit. EPA also cited to 40 CFR 51.112, stating it requires that a plan demonstrates the rules in a SIP are adequate to attain the NAAQS. Second, Sierra Club cites a 2013 disapproval of a revision to the SO2 SIP for Indiana, where the revision removed an emission limit that applied to a specific emissions source at a facility in the State. See, 78 FR 17157, 17158 (March 20, 2013) (proposed rule on Indiana SO2 SIP) and 78 FR 78720, 78721 (December 27, 2013) (final rule on Indiana SO2 SIP). In its proposed disapproval, EPA relied on 40 CFR 51.112(a) in proposing to reject the revision, stating that the State had not demonstrated that the emission limit was ``redundant, unnecessary, or that its removal would not result in or allow an increase in actual SO2 emissions.'' EPA further stated in that proposed disapproval that the State had not demonstrated that removal of the limit would not ``affect the validity of the emission rates used in the existing attainment demonstration.'' Response 5: EPA does not agree that the two prior actions referenced by Sierra Club establish how EPA reviews i-SIP submissions. It is clear from both the final Missouri rule and the proposed and final Indiana rule that EPA was not reviewing initial i-SIP submissions under section 110 of the CAA, but rather reviewing revisions that would make an already approved SIP designed to demonstrate attainment of the NAAQS less stringent. EPA's partial approval and partial disapproval of revisions to restrictions on emissions of sulfur compounds for the Missouri SIP in 71 FR 12623 addressed a control strategy SIP submission, and not an i-SIP submission. The Indiana action provides even less support for the Sierra Club's position since the EPA was reviewing a completely different requirement than that listed in CAA section 110(a)(2)(A). Rather, in that case, the State had an approved SO2 attainment plan which already included a specific emissions limitation for sources and was seeking to remove provisions from the SIP that it relied on as part of the modeled attainment demonstration. See, 78 FR 78720. EPA proposed that the State had failed to demonstrate under section 110(l) of the CAA that the SIP revision would not result in increased SO2 emissions and thus would interfere with attainment of the NAAQS. See, 78 FR 17157. Nothing in that proposed or final rulemaking addresses the necessary content of the initial i-SIP submission for a new or revised NAAQS. Rather, it is simply applying the clear statutory requirement that a state must demonstrate why a revision to an approved attainment plan will not interfere with attainment of the NAAQS. As discussed in detail in the TSD and proposed rule, EPA finds the Louisiana SIP meets the appropriate and relevant structural requirements of section 110(a)(2) of the CAA, that it will aid in attaining and/or maintaining the NAAQS, and that the State demonstrated that it has the necessary tools to implement and enforce the NAAQS. Comments on Louisiana SIP Emission Limits Comment 6: Citing section 110(a)(2)(A) of the CAA, Sierra Club contends that EPA may not approve Louisiana's proposed i-SIP because it does not include enforceable NAAQS, including a 1-hour SO2 emission limit, for sources that they claim are currently allowed to cause ``NAAQS exceedances.'' Sierra Club also asserts the proposed i- SIP fails to include other required measures to ensure attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS in areas not designated nonattainment as Sierra Club claims is required by section 110(a)(2)(A). Sierra Club argues that an i-SIP must ensure, through state-wide regulations or source specific requirements, proper mass limitations and short term averaging on specific large sources of pollutants such as power plants. Sierra Club states that emission limits are especially important for meeting the 1-hour SO2 NAAQS because SO2 impacts are strongly source-oriented. Sierra Club states coal-fired electric generating units (EGUs) are large contributors to SO2 emissions, but contends Louisiana did not demonstrate that emissions allowed by the proposed i-SIP from such large sources of SO2 will ensure compliance with the 2010 1-hour SO2 NAAQS. They stated that the proposed i-SIP would allow major sources to continue operating with present emission limits. Sierra Club then refers to air dispersion modeling it conducted for two coal-fired EGUs in Louisiana, Cleco Power's Dolet Hills Power Station and Entergy's Big Cajun II Generating Station. Further, Sierra Club claims that the results of the air dispersion modeling it conducted employing EPA's AERMOD program for modeling used the plants' allowable and maximum emissions and showed the plants could cause exceedances of the 2010 SO2 NAAQS with either allowable or maximum emissions.\5\ Based on the modeling, Sierra Club claims the Louisiana's SO2 i-SIP submittal authorizes the two EGUs to cause exceedances of the NAAQS with allowable and maximum emission rates and therefore the i-SIP fails to include adequate enforceable emission limitations or other required measures for sources of SO2 sufficient to ensure attainment and maintenance of the 2010 SO2 NAAQS. Sierra Club therefore asserts EPA must disapprove Louisiana's proposed SIP revision. In addition, Sierra Club asserts ``EPA must impose additional emission limits on the plants that ensure attainment and [[Page 68327]] maintenance of the NAAQS at all times.'' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \5\ Sierra Club asserts its modeling followed protocols pursuant to 40 CFR part 50, Appendix W and EPA's 2011 Guideline on implementing the one-hour SO2 NAAQS. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Response 6: As explained in previous responses above, section 110(a)(2)(A) of the CAA requires states to submit i-SIPs that reflect the first step in their planning for attainment and maintenance of a new or revised NAAQS. These i-SIP revisions should contain a demonstration that the state has the available tools and authority to develop and implement plans to attain and maintain the NAAQS and show that the SIP has enforceable control measures. In light of the structure of the CAA, EPA's long-standing position regarding i-SIPs is that they are general planning SIPs to ensure that the state has adequate resources and authority to implement a NAAQS in general throughout the state. These i-SIP submissions are not detailed attainment and maintenance plans for each individual area of the state. States may rely on measures already in place to address the pollutant at issue or any new control measures that the state may choose to submit. As stated in response to a previous comment, EPA asserts that section 110 of the CAA is only one provision that is part of the multi- faceted structure governing implementation of the NAAQS program under the CAA, as amended in 1990, and it must be read in the context of not only that structure, but also of the historical evolution of that structure. In light of the revisions to CAA section 110 since 1970 and the later-promulgated and more specific planning requirements of the CAA, section 110(a)(2)(A) does not require that an i-SIP contain enforceable emissions limits that will aid in attaining and/or maintaining the NAAQS. The i-SIPs required by CAA section 110(a) are not the appropriate place to require emission limits demonstrating future attainment with a NAAQS. Part D of title I of the CAA contains numerous requirements for the NAAQS attainment planning process. These requirements include enforceable emissions limitations, and such other control measures, means or techniques, as well as schedules and timetables for compliance, as may be necessary or appropriate to provide for the attainment of the NAAQS. States have up to three years from the date of a nonattainment designation to submit a SIP meeting Part D's requirements. Louisiana's submittal was submitted to comply with the requirements outlined in CAA section 110(a), not Part D. As discussed above, the state may rely on measures already in place to address the pollutant at issue or any new control measures that the state may choose to submit. Finally, as EPA stated in the Infrastructure SIP Guidance, which specifically provides guidance to states in addressing the NAAQS, ``[t]he conceptual purpose of an i-SIP submission is to assure that the air agency's SIP contains the necessary structural requirements for the new or revised NAAQS, whether by establishing that the SIP already contains the necessary provisions, by making a substantive SIP revision to update the SIP, or both.'' 2013 Infrastructure SIP Guidance at p. 2. On April 12, 2012, EPA explained its expectations regarding the 2010 SO2 NAAQS via letters to each of the states. EPA communicated in the April 2012 letters that all states were expected to submit SIPs meeting the ``infrastructure'' SIP requirements under section 110(a)(2) of the CAA by June 2013. At the time, EPA was undertaking a stakeholder outreach process to continue to develop possible approaches for determining attainment status under the SO2 NAAQS and implementing this NAAQS. EPA was abundantly clear in the April 2012 letters that EPA did not expect states to submit substantive attainment demonstrations or modeling demonstrations showing attainment for areas not designated nonattainment in i-SIP submission due in June 2013. Although EPA had previously suggested in its 2010 SO2 NAAQS preamble and in prior draft implementation guidance in 2011 that states should, in the unique SO2 context, use the section 110(a) SIP process as the vehicle for demonstrating attainment of the NAAQS, this approach was never adopted as a binding requirement and was subsequently discarded in the April 2012 letters to states. The April 2012 letters recommended states focus i-SIPs due in June 2013, such as Louisiana's SO2 i-SIP submission, on traditional ``infrastructure elements'' in section 110(a)(1) and (2), rather than on modeling demonstrations for future attainment for areas not designated as nonattainment. In February of 2016, EPA issued non-binding guidance for states to use in conducting, if they choose, additional analysis to support designations for the 2010 1-hour SO2 NAAQS. SO2 NAAQS Designations Modeling Technical Assistance Document, EPA Office of Air and Radiation and Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, February 2016, available at https://www.epa.gov/so2-pollution/technical-assistance-documents-implementing-2010-sulfur-dioxide-standard. Therefore, EPA asserts that SIP revisions for SO2 nonattainment areas including measures and modeling demonstrating attainment are due by the dates statutorily prescribed under subpart 5 under part D of Title I of CAA. Those submissions are due no later than 18 months after an area is designed nonattainment for SO2 , under CAA section 191(a). Thus, the CAA directs states to submit these SIP requirements for nonattainment areas on a separate schedule from the ``structural requirements'' of 110(a)(2) which are due within three years of adoption or revision of a NAAQS. The i-SIP submission requirement does not move up the date for any required submission of a CAA Title I part D plan for areas designated nonattainment for the new NAAQS. Thus, elements relating to demonstrating attainment for areas not attaining the NAAQS are not required for i-SIP submissions, and the CAA does not provide explicit requirements for demonstrating attainment for areas that have not yet been designated regarding attainment with a particular NAAQS. The proper inquiry at this juncture is whether Louisiana has met the basic structural SIP requirements applicable at the point in time that the SIP was submitted. Emissions limitations and other control measures needed to attain the NAAQS in areas designated nonattainment for that NAAQS are due on a different schedule from the section 110 infrastructure elements. A state, like Louisiana, may choose to reference pre-existing SIP emission limits approved by EPA as meeting CAA Title I of part D plans for previous NAAQS in an i-SIP submission for purposes of CAA section 110(a)(2)(A). The requirements for emission reduction measures for an area designated nonattainment for the 2010 primary SO2 NAAQS are in sections 172 and 191-192 of the CAA, and therefore, the appropriate avenue for implementing requirements for necessary emission limitations for demonstrating attainment with the 2010 SO2 NAAQS is through the attainment planning process contemplated by those sections of the CAA. LDEQ is required to bring St. Bernard Parish into compliance with the 1-hour standard as expeditiously as practicable, but no later than, October 4, 2018. The appropriate time for examining necessity of emission limits on specific sources is within the attainment planning process. When the St. Bernard Parish SO2 attainment demonstration is submitted by the State, EPA will take action on it in a separate rulemaking. In separate future actions, EPA intends to address the designations for all other areas for which EPA has yet to issue designations. See, e.g., 79 FR 27446 [[Page 68328]] (May 13, 2014) (proposing process and timetables by which state air agencies would characterize air quality around SO2 sources through ambient monitoring and/or air quality modeling techniques and submit such data to the EPA). As previously stated, EPA's position is that the submitted i-SIPs should be evaluated on whether Louisiana has met the basic structural SIP requirements applicable at the point in time that the SIP was submitted. Utilizing the i-SIP process to require the substantive elements contained elsewhere in the CAA, as detailed above, would be disruptive and premature absent exceptional circumstances and would interfere with a state's planning process. See, In the Matter of EME Homer City Generation LP and First Energy Generation Corp., Order on Petitions Numbers III-2012-06, III-2012-07, and III-2013-01 (July 30, 2014) (hereafter, Homer City/Mansfield Order) at 10-19 (finding Pennsylvania SIP did not require imposition of SO2 emission limits on sources independent of the part D nonattainment planning process contemplated by the CAA). The history of the CAA, and intent of Congress for the CAA as described above, demonstrate clearly that it is within the section 172 and general part D nonattainment planning process that Louisiana must include additional SO2 emission limits on sources in order to demonstrate future attainment, where needed, for any areas in Louisiana or other states that may be designated nonattainment now or in the future, in order to attain the 2010 1-hour SO2 or other NAAQS. Sierra Club's reliance on 40 CFR 51.112 to support its argument that i-SIPs must contain emission limits adequate to provide for timely attainment and maintenance of the standard is also unsupported. As explained above, EPA notes this regulatory provision clearly applies to plans specifically designed to attain the NAAQS and not to i-SIPs which show the states have in place structural requirements necessary to implement the NAAQS. Therefore, EPA finds 40 CFR 51.112 inapplicable to its analysis of Louisiana's i-SIP submission. Regarding the air dispersion modeling conducted by Sierra Club pursuant to AERMOD for the coal-fired EGUs, including Cleco Power's Dolet Hills Power Station and Entergy's Big Cajun II Generating Station, EPA is not in this action making a determination regarding the air quality status in the area where these EGUs are located, and is not evaluating whether emissions applicable to these EGUs are adequate to attain and maintain the NAAQS. Consequently, EPA does not find the modeling information relevant for review of an infrastructure SIP for purposes of section 110(a)(2)(A). When additional areas in Louisiana are designated under the 2010 1-hour SO2 NAAQS, and if any additional areas in Louisiana are designated nonattainment in the future, any potential future modeling submitted by the State with designations or attainment demonstrations would need to account for any new emissions limitations Louisiana develops to support such designation or demonstration. While EPA has extensively discussed the use of modeling for attainment demonstration purposes and for designations, EPA has recommended that such modeling was not needed for the SO2 infrastructure SIPs for the 2010 1-hour SO2 NAAQS for purposes of section 110(a)(2)(A), which are not actions in which EPA makes determinations regarding current air quality status.\6\ See April 12, 2012, letters to states and 2012 Draft White Paper. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \6\ See, for example, EPA recently discussed modeling for characterizing air quality in the Agency's August 21, 2015, final rule at 80 FR 51052 and for nonattainment planning in the April 23, 2014, Guidance for 1-Hour SO2 Nonattainment Area SIP Submissions, Stephen D. Page, Director, EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, to Regional Air Division Directors Regions 1-10, April 23, 2014, available at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-06/documents/20140423guidance_nonattainment_sip.pdf. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In conclusion, EPA disagrees with Sierra Club's assertions that EPA must disapprove Louisiana's i-SIP submission because it does not establish specific enforceable NAAQS emission limits, and specifically enforceable emission limits for SO2 , either on coal-fired EGUs or other large SO2 sources, in order to demonstrate attainment and maintenance with the NAAQS. Comment 7: Sierra Club asserts that modeling is the appropriate tool for evaluating adequacy of i-SIPs and ensuring attainment and maintenance of the 2010 SO2 NAAQS. The Commenter refers to EPA's historic use of air dispersion modeling for attainment designations as well as ``SIP revisions.'' The Commenter states that in prior EPA statements the Agency has said it used modeling for designations and attainment demonstrations, including statements in the 2010 SO2 NAAQS preamble, EPA's 2012 Draft White Paper for Discussion on Implementing the 2010 SO2 NAAQS, and a 1994 SO2 Guideline Document, as modeling could better address the source-specific impacts of SO2 emissions and historic challenges from monitoring SO2 emissions. The Commenter discusses statements made by EPA staff regarding (1) the use of modeling and monitoring in setting emission limitations, (2) determining ambient concentrations as a result of a source's emissions, (3) discussing performance of AERMOD as a model, including if AERMOD is capable of predicting whether the NAAQS is attained, and (4) whether individual sources contribute to SO2 NAAQS violations. Sierra Club cites to EPA's history of employing air dispersion modeling for increment compliance verifications in the permitting process for the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program which is required in part C of title I of the CAA. Sierra Club asserts EPA's use of air dispersion modeling was upheld in GenOn REMA, LLC v. EPA, 722 F.3d 513 (3rd Cir. 2013) where an EGU challenged EPA's use of CAA section 126 to impose SO2 emission limits on a source due to cross-state impacts. The Commenter claims the Third Circuit in GenOn REMA upheld EPA's actions after examining the record which included EPA's air dispersion modeling of the one source as well as other data. The Commenter cites to Vehicle Mfrs. Ass'n v. State Farm Mut. Auto Ins. Co., 463 U.S. 29, 43 (1983) and NRDC v. EPA, 571 F.3d 1245, 1254 (D.C. Cir. 2009) for the general proposition that it would be arbitrary and capricious for an agency to ignore an aspect of an issue placed before it and that an agency must consider information presented during notice-and-comment rulemaking. Finally, Sierra Club claims that Louisiana's proposed i-SIP lacks emission limitations informed by air dispersion modeling and therefore fails to ensure Louisiana will achieve and maintain the SO2 NAAQS. Sierra Club claims EPA must require adequate, 1-hour SO2 emission limits in the i-SIP that show no exceedances of NAAQS when modeled. Response 7: EPA agrees with Sierra Club that air dispersion modeling, including the use of AERMOD, can be an important tool for SO2 designations under CAA section 107, and also as part of attainment planning under CAA sections 172 and 191-192. EPA agrees that prior EPA statements, EPA guidance, and case law support the use of air dispersion modeling in the SO2 designations process and attainment demonstration SIP process, as well as in analyses of whether existing approved SIPs remain adequate to show attainment and maintenance of the SO2 NAAQS. However, EPA disagrees with the Commenter that EPA must [[Page 68329]] disapprove the Louisiana i-SIP for its alleged failure to include source-specific SO2 emission limits that show no exceedances of the NAAQS when modeled. As discussed above and in the 2013 Infrastructure SIP Guidance, the conceptual purpose of an i-SIP submission is to assure that the air agency's SIP contains the necessary structural requirements for the new or revised NAAQS and that the i-SIP submission process provides an opportunity to review the basic structural requirements of the Agency's air quality management program in light of the new or revised NAAQS. See, Infrastructure SIP Guidance at p. 2. The attainment planning process detailed in part D of the CAA, including sections 172 and 191- 192, is the appropriate place for the state to evaluate measures needed to bring SO2 nonattainment areas into attainment with the 2010 SO2 NAAQS and to impose additional emission limitations such as SO2 emission limits on specific sources. EPA had initially recommended that states submit substantive attainment demonstration SIPs based on air quality modeling in the final 2010 SO2 NAAQS preamble (75 FR 35520) and in subsequent draft guidance issued in September 2011 for the section 110(a) SIPs due in June 2013 in order to show how areas expected to be designated as unclassifiable would attain and maintain the NAAQS. These initial statements in the preamble and 2011 draft guidance were based on EPA's expectation at the time; that by June 2012, most areas would initially be designated as unclassifiable due to limitations in the scope of the ambient monitoring network and the short time available before which states could conduct modeling to support designations recommendations in 2011. However, after conducting extensive stakeholder outreach and receiving comments from the states regarding these initial statements and the timeline for implementing the NAAQS, EPA subsequently stated in the April 12, 2012 letters and in the 2012 Draft White Paper that EPA was clarifying its implementation position and was no longer requiring such attainment demonstrations supported by air dispersion modeling for unclassifiable areas (which had not yet been designated) to be included in the June 2013 i-SIPs. EPA then reaffirmed this position in the February 6, 2013 memorandum, ``Next Steps for Area Designations and Implementation of the Sulfur Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standard.'' As previously mentioned, EPA had stated in the preamble to the NAAQS and in the prior 2011 draft guidance that EPA intended to develop and seek public comment on guidance for modeling and development of SO2 SIPs for sections 110, 172 and 191-192 of the CAA. After receiving such further comment, EPA has now issued guidance for the SO2 nonattainment area SIPs due pursuant to sections 172 and 191-192 and proposed a process for further characterization of areas with larger SO2 sources, which could include use of air dispersion modeling. See, April 23, 2014 Guidance for 1-Hour SO2 Nonattainment Area SIP Submissions and 79 FR 27446 (proposing process and timetables for gathering additional information on impacts from larger SO2 sources informed through ambient monitoring and/or air quality modeling). EPA issued non-binding guidance for states to use in conducting, if they choose, additional analysis to support designations for the 2010 1-hour SO2 NAAQS. SO2 NAAQS Designations Modeling Technical Assistance Document, EPA Office of Air and Radiation and Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, February 2016, available at https://www.epa.gov/so2-pollution/technical-assistance-documents-implementing-2010-sulfur-dioxide-standard. While EPA guidance for SO2 attainment SIPs and the proposed process for further characterizing SO2 emissions from larger sources both discuss the use of air dispersion modeling, EPA's 2013 Infrastructure SIP Guidance did not suggest that states use air dispersion modeling to inform emission limitations for section 110(a)(2)(A) to ensure no exceedances of the NAAQS when sources are modeled, nor does the CAA or Code of Federal Regulations require that they do. Therefore, as discussed previously, the Louisiana i-SIP submittal contains the structural requirements to address elements in section 110(a)(2) as discussed in detail in the TSD accompanying the proposed approval. I-SIPs are general planning SIPs that ensure that a state has adequate resources and authority to implement a new or revised NAAQS. I-SIP submissions are not intended to act or fulfill the obligations of a detailed attainment and/or maintenance plan for each individual area of the state that is not attaining the NAAQS. While i- SIPs must address modeling authorities in general for section 110(a)(2)(K), this section requires i-SIPs to provide the state's authority for air quality modeling and for submission of modeling data to EPA, not specific air dispersion modeling. In the TSD for this rulemaking action, EPA provided a detailed explanation of Louisiana's ability and authority to conduct air quality modeling when required and its authority to submit modeling data to EPA. EPA finds Sierra Club's discussion of case law, guidance, and EPA staff statements regarding advantages of AERMOD as an air dispersion model to be irrelevant to the analysis of Louisiana's i-SIP as this is not an attainment SIP required to demonstrate attainment of the 2010 SO2 NAAQS pursuant to sections 172 or 192. In addition, Sierra Club's comments relating to EPA's use of AERMOD or modeling in general in SO2 designations pursuant to section 107 are likewise irrelevant as EPA's present approval of Louisiana's i-SIP is unrelated to the section 107 designations process nor is EPA's action on this i-SIP related to any nonattainment new source review (NNSR) or PSD permit program issue. As outlined in the August 23, 2010 clarification memo, ``Applicability of Appendix W Modeling Guidance for the 1-hour SO2 National Ambient Air Quality Standard'' (U.S. EPA, 2010a), AERMOD is the preferred model for single source modeling to address the 2010 1-hour SO2 NAAQS as part of the NNSR/PSD permit programs. Therefore, as attainment SIPs, designations, and NNSR/ PSD actions are outside the scope of a required i-SIP submission for SO2 NAAQS for section 110(a), EPA provides no further response to the Commenter's discussion of air dispersion modeling for these applications. If Sierra Club resubmits its SO2 air dispersion modeling for the Louisiana's EGUs, or updated modeling information in the appropriate context, e.g., for designations, attainment SIPs, major source permitting, EPA will address the resubmitted modeling or updated modeling in the appropriate future context. The Commenter correctly noted that the Third Circuit upheld EPA's Section 126 Order imposing SO2 emissions limitations on an EGU pursuant to CAA section 126. GenOn REMA, LLC v. EPA, 722 F.3d 513. Pursuant to CAA section 126, any state or political subdivision may petition EPA for a finding that any major source or group of stationary sources emits, or would emit, any air pollutant in violation of the prohibition of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) which relates to significant contributions to nonattainment or maintenance in another state. The Third Circuit upheld EPA's authority under CAA section 126 and found EPA's actions neither arbitrary nor capricious after reviewing [[Page 68330]] EPA's supporting docket which included air dispersion modeling as well as ambient air monitoring data showing violations of the NAAQS. The Sierra Club appears to have cited to this matter to demonstrate EPA's use of modeling for certain aspects of the CAA. EPA agrees with the Commenter regarding the appropriate role air dispersion modeling has for SO2 NAAQS designations, attainment SIPs, and demonstrating significant contributions to interstate transport. However, EPA's approval of Louisiana's i-SIP submission is based on our determination that Louisiana has the required structural requirements pursuant to CAA section 110(a)(2) in accordance with our explanation of the intent for i-SIP submissions as discussed in the 2013 Infrastructure SIP Guidance. Therefore, while air dispersion modeling may be appropriate for consideration in certain circumstances, EPA does not find air dispersion modeling of the NAAQS to be a required element before approval of i-SIP submission for CAA section 110(a) or specifically for 110(a)(2)(A) of the Act. Thus, EPA disagrees with the Commenter that EPA must require additional emission limitations in this Louisiana or other i-SIPs informed by air dispersion modeling and demonstrating attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS. In its comments, Sierra Club relies on Motor Vehicle Mfrs. Ass'n and NRDC v. EPA to support its comments that EPA must consider the Sierra Club's modeling data on the Dolet Hills Power Station and Big Cajun II Generating Station based on administrative law principles regarding consideration of comments provided during a rulemaking process. EPA asserts that it has considered the modeling as well as all the submitted comments of Sierra Club. However, as discussed in detail in the responses above, the i-SIPs required by CAA section 110(a) are not the appropriate place to require emission limits demonstrating future attainment with a NAAQS, and as such EPA is not explicitly considering the modeling results provided by the Sierra Club insofar as they support the contention that enforceable emissions limitations are a required part of an i-SIP submission. While i-SIP submissions are not required to contain emission limits, as suggested by the Commenter, EPA does recognize that in the past, states have used i-SIP submittals as a `vehicle' for incorporating regulatory revisions or source-specific emission limits into the state's plan. See, 78 FR 73442 (December 6, 2013) (approving regulations Maryland submitted for incorporation into the SIP along with the 2008 Ozone i-SIP to address ethics requirements for State Boards in sections 128 and 110(a)(2)(E)(ii)). While these SIP revisions are intended to help the state meet the requirements of section 110(a)(2), these ``ride-along'' SIP revisions are not intended to signify that all i-SIP submittals should have similar regulatory revisions or source-specific emission limits. Rather, the regulatory provisions and source-specific emission limits the state relies on when showing compliance with CAA section 110(a)(2) have likely already been incorporated into the state's SIP prior to each new i-SIP submission; in some cases this was done for entirely separate CAA requirements, such as attainment plans required under section 172, or for previous NAAQS. Comment 8: Sierra Club asserts that EPA may not approve the Louisiana proposed i-SIP submission because it fails to include enforceable emission limitations with a 1-hour averaging time that applies at all times. The Sierra Club cite to CAA section 302(k) which requires emission limits to apply on a continuous basis. The Commenter claims EPA has stated that 1-hour averaging times are necessary for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS citing to a February 3, 2011, EPA Region 7 letter to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment regarding the need for 1-hour SO2 emission limits in a PSD permit, an EPA Environmental Hearing Board (EHB) decision rejecting use of a 3-hour averaging time for a SO2 limit in a PSD permit, and EPA's disapproval of a Missouri SIP which relied on annual averaging for SO2 emission rates.\7\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \7\ Sierra Club cited to In re: Mississippi Lime Co., PSDAPLPEAL 11-01, 2011 WL 3557194, at *26-27 (EPA Aug. 9, 2011) and 71 FR 12623, 12624 (March 13, 2006) (EPA disapproval of a control strategy SO2 SIP). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sierra Club also contends that i-SIPs approved by EPA must include monitoring of SO2 emission limits on a continuous basis using a continuous emission monitor system or systems (CEMS) and cites to section 110(a)(2)(F) which requires a SIP to establish a system to monitor emissions from stationary sources and to require submission of periodic emission reports. Sierra Club contends i-SIPs must require such SO2 CEMS to monitor SO2 sources regardless of whether sources have control technology installed to ensure limits are protective of the NAAQS. Thus, Sierra Club contends EPA must require enforceable emission limits, applicable at all times, with 1- hour averaging periods, monitored continuously with CEMS of large sources of SO2 emissions, and therefore must disapprove Louisiana's i-SIP which Sierra Club claims fails to require emission limits with adequate averaging times. Response 8: St. Bernard Parish was designated nonattainment effective October 4, 2013. LDEQ is required to bring St. Bernard Parish into compliance with the 1-hour standard as expeditiously as practicable, but no later than October 4, 2018. When the attainment demonstration SIP is submitted by the State, we will take action on it in a separate rulemaking action. The appropriate time for examining necessity of 1-hour SO2 emission limits on specific sources is within the attainment planning SIP rulemaking process. As such, EPA disagrees that we must disapprove the proposed Louisiana i-SIP because the submittal does not contain enforceable SO2 emission limitations with 1-hour averaging periods that apply at all times, along with requiring CEMS, as the State has addressed its SO2 nonattainment designation in another more appropriate document pursuant to section 107 of the CAA.\8\ As explained in detail in previous responses, the purpose of the i-SIP is to ensure that a state has the structural capability to attain and maintain the NAAQS and thus, additional SO2 emission limitations demonstrating future attainment and maintenance of the 2010 NAAQS are not required for such i-SIPs.\9\ Likewise, EPA need not address, for the purpose of approving Louisiana's i-SIP, whether CEMS or some other appropriate monitoring of SO2 emissions is necessary to demonstrate compliance with emission limits in order to show future attainment of the 2010 SO2 NAAQS as such SO2 emission limits and an attainment demonstration are not a prerequisite to EPA's approval of [[Page 68331]] this or most other i-SIP submissions.\10\ Therefore, because EPA finds Louisiana's i-SIP submission approvable without the additional SO2 emission limitations showing future attainment of the NAAQS, EPA finds the issues of appropriate averaging periods and monitoring requirements for such future limitations not relevant at this time. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \8\ See, http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/Portals/0/AirQualityAssessment/Planning/SIP/SO2%20SIP%20with%20Appendices%20-%20Final.pdf. \9\ For a discussion on emission averaging times for emissions limitations for SO2 attainment SIPs, see the April 23, 2014 Guidance for 1-Hour SO2 Nonattainment Area SIP Submissions. EPA explained that it is possible, in specific cases, for states to develop control strategies that account for variability in 1-hour emissions rates through emission limits with averaging times that are longer than 1-hour, using averaging times as long as 30-days, but still provide for attainment of the 2010 SO2 NAAQS as long as the limits are of at least comparable stringency to a 1-hour limit at the critical emission value. EPA has not yet evaluated any specific submission of such a limit, and so is not at this time prepared to take final action to implement this concept. If and when a state submits an attainment demonstration that relies upon a limit with such a longer averaging time, EPA will evaluate it then. \10\ The appropriate time for application of monitoring requirements to demonstrate continuous compliance by specific sources is when such 1-hour emission limits are set for specific sources whether in permits issued by Louisiana pursuant to the SIP or in attainment SIPs submitted in the part D planning process. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sierra Club has cited to prior EPA discussion on emission limitations required in PSD permits (from an EAB decision and EPA's letter to Kansas' permitting authority) pursuant to part C of the CAA, which is neither relevant nor applicable to section 110 i-SIPs. In addition, as previously discussed, EPA disapproval of the 2006 Missouri SIP was a disapproval relating to a control strategy SIP required pursuant to part D attainment planning and is likewise not relevant to the analysis of i-SIP requirements. EPA has explained in the TSD supporting this rulemaking action how the Louisiana SIP meets requirements in section 110(a)(2)(F) related to monitoring. Thus, EPA finds Louisiana has the authority and responsibility to monitor air quality for the relevant NAAQS pollutants at appropriate locations and to submit data to EPA in a timely manner in accordance with 110(a)(2)(F) and the Infrastructure SIP Guidance.\11\ See, Infrastructure SIP Guidance at p. 45-46. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \11\ While monitoring pursuant to NSPS requirements in 40 CFR part 60 may not be sufficient for 1-hour SO2 emission limits, Sierra Club's comment regarding NSPS monitoring provisions is not relevant at this time because EPA finds 1-hour SO2 emission limits and associated monitoring and averaging periods are not required for our approval of Louisiana's i-SIP. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Comment 9: The Commenter alleges the Louisiana SIP contains exemption provisions for periods of startup and ``operating adjustments'' as well as variance provisions for ``exceptional circumstances'' which would cause undue hardship. See LAC 33:III.1507, 917, and 1505 (2012), respectively. The Commenter notes that NAAQS must be enforced at all times and sources cannot be granted variances under any circumstances, even startup, shutdown and malfunction, and cites EPA's recent SIP Call to 39 states. See State Implementation Plans: Response to Petition for Rulemaking; Findings of Substantial Inadequacy; and SIP Calls to Amend Provisions Applying to Excess Emissions During Periods of Startup, Shutdown, and Malfunctions; Final Rule, 80 FR 33840 (June 12, 2015). The Commenter claims that LDEQ must remove such provisions from the existing Louisiana SIP rules in order to properly comply with the infrastructure requirements for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS. Response 9: EPA disagrees with the Commenter that EPA is required to address all potential deficiencies that may exist in the Louisiana SIP in the context of evaluating an infrastructure SIP submission. In particular, an action on a state's infrastructure SIP submission is not necessarily the appropriate type of action in which to address possible deficiencies in a state's existing SIP rules related to excess emissions from sources during periods of startup, shutdown, or malfunction. It is not reasonable to read the general requirements of CAA section 110(a)(1) and the listing of elements in CAA section 110(a)(2) as requiring review of each and every provision of a state's existing SIP against all requirements in the CAA and the 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. In addition, EPA notes that the CAA provides other avenues and mechanisms to address specific substantive deficiencies in existing SIPs. For example, CAA section 110(k)(5) authorizes EPA to issue a SIP call whenever EPA determines a state's SIP is substantially inadequate to attain or maintain the NAAQS, to mitigate interstate transport, or to otherwise comply with the CAA. As noted by the Commenter, EPA has recently issued a SIP call to Louisiana requiring the removal of the exemption provision in LAC 33:III.1507. EPA is working closely with LDEQ to addressing the substantial inadequacies EPA identified in specific Louisiana SIP rules. See 80 FR 33967 (June 12, 2015). LDEQ is required to submit a revised SIP addressing the substantial inadequacies by November 22, 2016. EPA emphasizes that by approving Louisiana's i-SIP submission, EPA is not approving or reapproving any potentially deficient provisions that exist in the current SIP that relate to excess emissions. Furthermore, 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 CAA section 110(a)(2) as part of the basis for action to correct those deficiencies at a later time. Comment 10: The Sierra Club claims EPA must disapprove the proposed i-SIP for the 2008 ozone NAAQS for its failure to include enforceable measures on sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOX ) to ensure attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS in areas not designated nonattainment and to ensure compliance with section 110(a)(2)(A) for the 2008 and future ozone NAAQS. The commenter specifically mentions EGUs as well as the oil and gas production industry as sources needing additional controls as they are major sources of ozone precursors. The Sierra Club claims stringent emission limits must apply at all times to ensure all areas in Louisiana attain and maintain the ozone NAAQS. The Commenter claims the ozone precursors can be reduced cost-effectively through installation of selective catalytic reductions (``SCR'') technology at EGUs. The commenter claims that Louisiana's EGUs do not use SCRs adequately to prevent ozone exceedances. In addition, the Commenter asserts that the Louisiana i-SIP must contain emission limits that include mass limitations and short term averaging periods on certain large sources of NOX such as power plants. These emission limits must apply at all times, to ensure that all areas of Louisiana attain and maintain the 2008 t8-hour ozone NAAQS. The Commenter also contends that adding control devices and emission limits on EGUs are a ``cost effective option to reduce NOX pollution and attain and maintain the 2008 ozone NAAQS.'' Finally, the Commenter states``[d]espite knowing that Louisiana is on the precipice of exceeding the ozone NAAQS, LDEQ is taking insufficient action to limit ozone concentrations and fails to demonstrate how it plans to address these significant ozone and ozone precursors. Consequently, EPA must disapprove the state's i-SIP.'' Response 10: EPA has addressed in detail in prior responses above the Commenter's general arguments that the statutory language, legislative history, case law, EPA regulations, and prior rulemaking actions by EPA mandate the interpretation it advocates--i.e., that i- SIPs must ensure attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS. EPA's position is that the i-SIP submissions required by CAA section 110(a) are not the appropriate place to require emission limits demonstrating future attainment with a NAAQS as is explained more thoroughly in an above response. Moreover, the CAA recognizes and has provisions to address changes in air quality over time. These include provisions providing for redesignation in CAA section 107(d) and provisions in [[Page 68332]] CAA section 110(k)(5) allowing EPA to call on the state to revise its SIP, as appropriate. Finally, EPA appreciates the Commenter's information regarding EGU NOX control measures and reduction efficiencies as well as emissions limitations applicable to new or modified EGUs which were set during the PSD or NSR permit process. Additional NOX regulations on emissions from the EGUs would likely reduce ozone levels further in one or more areas in Louisiana. Congress established the CAA such that each state has primary responsibility for assuring air quality within the state and each state is first given the opportunity to determine an emission reduction program for its areas subject to EPA approval, with such approval dependent upon whether the SIP as a whole meets the applicable requirements of the CAA. See Virginia v. EPA, 108 F.3d at 1410. The State could choose to consider additional control measures for NOX at EGUs to ensure attainment and maintenance of the ozone NAAQS as Louisiana moves forward to meet the more prescriptive planning requirements of the CAA in the future. However, as we have explained, the State is not required to regulate such sources for the purposes of meeting the i-SIP requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2). In addition, emission limits with the shorter-term averaging rates suggested by the Commenter could be considered within the CAA Title I part D planning process to ensure attainment and maintenance of the 2008 NAAQS. As EPA finds Louisiana's NOX and VOC provisions presently in the SIP sufficient for infrastructure SIP purposes and specifically for CAA section 110(a)(2)(A), further consideration of the averaging times is not appropriate or relevant at this time. Thus, EPA disagrees with the Commenter that Louisiana's i-SIP must be disapproved for failure to contain sufficient measures to ensure attainment and maintenance of the 2008 ozone NAAQS. Comment 11: The Sierra Club alleges that the proposed i-SIP does not address sources significantly contributing to nonattainment or interfering with maintenance of the NAAQS in other states as required by section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) of the CAA, and states EPA must therefore disapprove the i-SIP. Sierra Club claims its modeling shows that emissions from Dolet Hills and Big Cajun II are contributing to exceedances in other states. Sierra Club states that the CAA requires i-SIPs to address cross-state air pollution. The Commenter argues that Louisiana has not done so and that EPA must disapprove the proposed infrastructure. The Commenter references the recent Supreme Court decision, EPA v. EME Homer City Generation, L.P. et al, 134 S. Ct. 1584 (2014), which supports the states' mandatory duty to address cross- state pollution under section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I). Response 11: The Sierra Club commented that Louisiana's i-SIP fails to address any cross-state impacts that are due to sources within the State. However in the proposed rulemaking for this final rule, EPA did address and propose to approve the good neighbor provisions in section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2008 Pb and 2010 NO2 NAAQS,\12\ and we are finalizing those provisions in this rulemaking. The portion of the State's SIP addressing the good neighbor provision for the 2006 PM2.5 was approved on April 15, 2014 (79 FR 21142) and the 2008 ozone was disapproved August 12, 2016 (81 FR 53308). EPA will be addressing 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for 2010 SO2 and the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS in future actions. Thus, the comments relating to the substance and approvability of Louisiana's good neighbor provision in its 2010 SO2 and the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS i-SIP submission are not relevant to this rulemaking action. As stated herein and in the NPR, EPA will take later, separate action on Louisiana's 2010 SO2 and the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS i- SIP submissions to address section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \12\ 81 FR 35674. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The statutory language in the CAA supports our ability to approve Louisiana's NAAQS i-SIP submissions while taking later, separate action on the portion of the SIP submittals which address Louisiana's obligation to address section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I). Section 110(k)(3) of the CAA authorizes EPA to approve a plan in full, disapprove it in full, or approve it in part and disapprove it in part, depending on the extent to which such plan meets the requirements of the CAA. This authority to approve the states' SIP revisions in separable parts was included in the 1990 Amendments to the CAA to overrule a decision in the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit holding that EPA could not approve individual measures in a plan submission without either approving or disapproving the plan as a whole. See, S. Rep. No. 101- 228, at 22, 1990 U.S.C.C.A.N. 3385, 3408 (discussing the express overruling of Abramowitz v. EPA, 832 F.2d 1071 (9th Cir. 1987)). As such, EPA has the authority under section 110(k)(3), to use our discretion to approve or conditionally approve individual elements of Louisiana's infrastructure submission for NAAQS, separate and apart from any action with respect to the requirements of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I). EPA views discrete i-SIP requirements, such as the requirements of 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I), as severable from the other infrastructure elements and section 110(k)(3) allows us to act on individual severable measures in a plan submission. The commenter raises no compelling legal or environmental rationale for an alternate interpretation. Nothing in the Supreme Court's April 2014 decision in EME Homer City alters our interpretation that we may act on individual severable measures including the requirements of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) in a SIP submission. See, EPA v. EME Homer City Generation, L.P.,134 S. Ct. 1584 (2014) (affirming a state's obligation to submit a SIP revision addressing section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) independent of EPA's action finding significant contribution or interference with maintenance). EPA's proposed approval of the Louisiana's i-SIP submission for NAAQS for the portions described in the NPR was therefore appropriate. III. Final Action EPA is approving i-SIP submissions from Louisiana submitted on May 16, 2011, October 10, 2011, June 4, 2013, and December 17, 2015, certifying that the State's current i-SIP is sufficient to meet the required infrastructure elements under sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2) for the 2006 PM2.5 , 2008 Pb, 2008 ozone, 2010 NO2 , 2010 SO2 and 2012 PM2.5 with exception of certain aspects relating to CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2008 ozone, 2010 SO2 and 2012 PM2.5 and disapproval for the visibility protection portion of CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) for all pollutants except the 2008 Pb NAAQS. The elements in which no action is taken, or for which disapproval was given will be or have been addressed in other actions. Please see the Table 1 below. [[Page 68333]] Table 1--Final Action on Louisiana Infrastructure SIP Submittal for Various NAAQS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Element 2006 PM2.5 2008 Pb 2008 Ozone 2010 NO2 2010 SO2 2012 PM2.5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (A): Emission limits and A A A A A A other control measures..... (B): Ambient air quality A A A A A A monitoring and data system. (C)(i): Enforcement of SIP A A A A A A measures................... (C)(ii): PSD program for A A A A A A major sources and major modifications.............. (C)(iii): Permitting program A A A A A A for minor sources and minor modifications.............. (D)(i)(I): Contribute to A* A No action A No action No action nonattainment/interfere with maintenance of NAAQS (requirements 1 and 2)..... (D)(i)(II): PSD (requirement A A A A A A 3)......................... (D)(i)(II): Visibility D A D D D D Protection (requirement 4). (D)(ii): Interstate and A A A A A A International Pollution Abatement.................. (E)(i): Adequate resources.. A A A A A A (E)(ii): State boards....... A A A A A A (E)(iii): Necessary A A A A A A assurances with respect to local agencies............. (F): Stationary source A A A A A A monitoring system.......... (G): Emergency power........ A A A A A A (H): Future SIP revisions... A A A A A A (I): Nonattainment area plan + + + + + + or plan revisions under part D..................... (J)(i): Consultation with A A A A A A government officials....... (J)(ii): Public notification A A A A A A (J)(iii): PSD............... A A A A A A (J)(iv): Visibility + + + + + + protection................. (K): Air quality modeling A A A A A A and data................... (L): Permitting fees........ A A A A A A (M): Consultation and A A A A A A participation by affected local entities............. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Key to Table 1: Proposed action on LA infrastructure SIP submittals for various NAAQS. A--Approve. A*--Approved at an earlier date. +--Not germane to infrastructure SIPs. No action--EPA is taking no action on this infrastructure requirements. D--Disapprove. IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review This final action is not a ``significant regulatory action'' and was therefore not submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for review. B. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) This final action does not impose an information collection burden under the PRA because it does not contain any information collection activities. C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) I certify that this action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the RFA. This action merely approves or disapproves a SIP submission as not meeting the CAA. D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) This action does not contain any unfunded mandate as described in UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1531-1538, and does not significantly or uniquely affect small governments. The action imposes no enforceable duty on any state, local or tribal governments or the private sector. E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism This action does not have federalism implications. It will not have substantial direct effects on the states, on the relationship between the national government and the states, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments This action does not have tribal implications as specified in Executive Order 13175. This action does not apply on any Indian reservation land, any other area where EPA or an Indian tribe has demonstrated that a tribe has jurisdiction, or non-reservation areas of Indian country. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this action. G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks EPA interprets Executive Order 13045 as applying only to those regulatory actions that concern environmental health or safety risks that EPA has reason to believe may disproportionately affect children, per the definition of ``covered regulatory action'' in section 2-202 of the Executive Order. This action is not subject to Executive Order 13045 because it merely approves or disapproves a SIP submission as not meeting the CAA. H. Executive Order 13211: Actions That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution or Use This action is not subject to Executive Order 13211, because it is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act This rulemaking does not involve technical standards. [[Page 68334]] J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations EPA believes the human health or environmental risk addressed by this action will not have potential disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority, low-income or indigenous populations. This action merely approves or disapproves a SIP submission as not meeting the CAA requirements. The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United States. EPA will submit a report containing this action and other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. A major rule cannot take effect until 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA, petitions for judicial review of this action must be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by December 5, 2016. Filing a petition for reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule does not affect the finality of this action for the purposes of judicial review nor does it extend the time within which a petition for judicial review may be filed, and shall not postpone the effectiveness of such rule or action. This action may not be challenged later in proceedings to enforce its requirements. (See section 307(b)(2).) List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52 Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Interstate transport of pollution, Lead, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur oxides. Dated: September 29, 2016. Samuel Coleman, Acting Regional Administrator, Region 6. 40 CFR part 52 is amended as follows: PART 52--APPROVAL AND PROMULGATION OF IMPLEMENTATION PLANS 0 1. The authority citation for part 52 continues to read as follows: Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. Subpart T--Louisiana 0 2. Section 52.970(e) is amended by adding six entries at the end of the second table titled ``EPA Approved Louisiana Provisions and Quasi- Regulatory Measures'' to read as follows: Sec. 52.970 Identification of plan. * * * * * (e) * * * EPA Approved Louisiana Nonregulatory Provisions and Quasi-Regulatory Measures ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Applicable State Name of SIP provision geographic or submittal/ EPA approval date Explanation nonattainment area effective date ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * * * * * * * Infrastructure for the 2006 PM2.5 Statewide.......... 5/16/11 10/4/16 [Insert Approval for NAAQS. Federal Register 110(a)(2)(A), (B), citation]. (C), (D)(i) (portion pertaining to PSD), D(ii), (E), (F), (G), (H), (J), (K), (L) and (M). Infrastructure for the 2008 Pb Statewide.......... 10/10/11 10/4/16 [Insert Approval for NAAQS. Federal Register 110(a)(2)(A), (B), citation]. (C), (D), (E), (F), (G), (H), (J), (K), (L) and (M). Infrastructure for the 2008 O3 Statewide.......... 6/4/13 10/4/16 [Insert Approval for NAAQS. Federal Register 110(a)(2)(A), (B), citation]. (C), (D)(i) (portion pertaining to PSD), D(ii), (E), (F), (G), (H), (J), (K), (L) and (M). Infrastructure for the 2010 NO2 Statewide.......... 6/4/13 10/4/16 [Insert Approval for NAAQS. Federal Register 110(a)(2)(A), (B), citation]. (C), (D)(i) (portions pertaining to nonattainment, interference with maintenance and PSD), D(ii), (E), (F), (G), (H), (J), (K), (L) and (M). Infrastructure for the 2010 SO2 Statewide.......... 6/4/13 10/4/16 [Insert Approval for NAAQS. Federal Register 110(a)(2)(A), (B), citation]. (C), (D)(i) (portion pertaining PSD), D(ii), (E), (F), (G), (H), (J), (K), (L) and (M). Infrastructure for the 2012 PM2.5 Statewide.......... 12/17/15 10/4/16 [Insert Approval for NAAQS. Federal Register 110(a)(2)(A), (B), citation]. (C), (D)(i) (portion pertaining to PSD), D(ii), (E), (F), (G), (H), (J), (K), (L) and (M). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0 3. Section 52.996 is amended by adding paragraph (b) to read as follows: Sec. 52.996 Disapprovals. * * * * * (b) The portions of the SIP submitted on May 16, 2011, June 4, 2013, and [[Page 68335]] December 17, 2015 addressing noninterference with measures required to protect visibility in any other state (Clean Air Act section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II)) are disapproved for the following National Ambient Air Quality Standards: 2006 PM2.5 , 2008 Ozone, 2010 NO2 , 2010 SO2 and 2012 PM2.5 . [FR Doc. 2016-24036 Filed 10-3-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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an Indian tribe has demonstrated that a Dated: August 24, 2016. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of Alexis Strauss, AGENCY
Indian country, the rule does not have Acting Regional Administrator, Region IX.
tribal implications and will not impose 40 CFR Part 52
Part 52, chapter I, title 40 of the Code
substantial direct costs on tribal of Federal Regulations is amended as [EPA–R06–OAR–2013–0465; FRL–9952–82-
governments or preempt tribal law as follows: Region 6]
specified by Executive Order 13175 (65
FR 67249, November 9, 2000). PART 52—APPROVAL AND Approval and Promulgation of Air
PROMULGATION OF Quality Implementation Plans;
The Congressional Review Act, 5 Louisiana; Infrastructure State
U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
Implementation Plan Requirements for
Business Regulatory Enforcement the National Ambient Air Quality
Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides ■ 1. The authority citation for part 52
continues to read as follows: Standards
that before a rule may take effect, the
agency promulgating the rule must Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. AGENCY: Environmental Protection
submit a rule report, which includes a Agency (EPA).
copy of the rule, to each House of the Subpart F—California ACTION: Final rule.
Congress and to the Comptroller General
■ 2. Section 52.220 is amended by SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection
of the United States. The EPA will Agency (EPA) is approving elements of
submit a report containing this action adding paragraphs (c)(255)(i)(A)(7),
(c)(354)(i)(F)(4), (c)(472)(i)(C), and State Implementation Plan (SIP)
and other required information to the submittals from Louisiana which
(c)(474)(i)(B) to read as follows:
U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of address the requirements of Clean Air
Representatives, and the Comptroller § 52.220 Identification of plan. Act (CAA) sections 110(a)(1) and (2)
General of the United States prior to * * * * * regarding the infrastructure
publication of the rule in the Federal requirements for the 2006 fine
(c) * * *
Register. A major rule cannot take effect particulate matter (PM2.5), 2008 Lead
until 60 days after it is published in the (255) * * * (Pb), 2008 Ozone (O3), 2010 Nitrogen
Federal Register. This action is not a (i) * * * Dioxide (NO2), 2010 Sulfur Dioxide
‘‘major rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. (A) * * * (SO2) and 2012 PM2.5 National Ambient
804(2). Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The
(7) Previously approved on November
Under section 307(b)(1) of the Clean infrastructure requirements are designed
9, 1998, in paragraph (c)(255)(i)(A)(2) of
Air Act, petitions for judicial review of to ensure that the structural components
this section and now deleted with
this action must be filed in the United of each state’s air quality management
replacement in paragraph
program are adequate to meet the state’s
States Court of Appeals for the (c)(474)(i)(B)(1) of this section, Rule 442,
responsibilities as defined by the CAA.
appropriate circuit by December 5, adopted on September 5, 1996.
These infrastructure SIP (i-SIP)
2016. Filing a petition for * * * * * submittals address how the existing SIP
reconsideration by the Administrator of (354) * * * provides for implementation,
this final rule does not affect the finality maintenance, and enforcement of the
of this action for the purposes of judicial (i) * * *
NAAQS.
review nor does it extend the time (F) * * *
within which a petition for judicial DATES: This rule is effective on
(4) Previously approved on June 20,
review may be filed, and shall not November 3, 2016.
2013, in paragraph (c)(354)(i)(F)(3) of
postpone the effectiveness of such rule ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a
this section and now deleted without
or action. Parties with objections to this replacement, Rule 67.0, ‘‘Architectural docket for this action under Docket ID
direct final rule are encouraged to file a Coatings,’’ adopted on December 12, No. EPA–R06–OAR–2013–0465. All
comment in response to the parallel 2001. documents in the docket are listed on
the http://www.regulations.gov Web
notice of proposed rulemaking for this * * * * * site. Although listed in the index, some
action published in the Proposed Rules (472) * * * information is not publicly available,
section of this Federal Register, rather e.g., Confidential Business Information
than file an immediate petition for (i) * * *
(C) San Diego Air Pollution Control or other information whose disclosure is
judicial review of this direct final rule, restricted by statute. Certain other
so that the EPA can withdraw this direct District.
material, such as copyrighted material,
final rule and address the comment in (1) Rule 67.0.1, ‘‘Architectural is not placed on the Internet and will be
the proposed rulemaking. This action Coatings,’’ adopted on June 24, 2015. publicly available only in hard copy.
may not be challenged later in * * * * * Publicly available docket materials are
proceedings to enforce its requirements (474) * * * available either electronically through
(see section 307(b)(2)). http://www.regulations.gov or in hard
(i) * * *
copy at EPA Region 6, 1445 Ross
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52 (B) Sacramento Metropolitan Air
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75202–
Environmental protection, Air Quality Management District. 2733.
pollution control, Incorporation by (1) Rule 442, ‘‘Architectural FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
reference, Particulate matter, Reporting Coatings,’’ amended on September 24, Sherry Fuerst 214–665–6454,
and recordkeeping requirements, 2015. fuerst.sherry@epa.gov.
Volatile organic compounds. * * * * * SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[FR Doc. 2016–23837 Filed 10–3–16; 8:45 am] Throughout this document, ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P and ‘‘our’’ means the EPA.
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I. Background sufficient to ensure maintenance of the areas still had air quality not meeting
The background for this action is NAAQS.’’ the NAAQS and Congress again
Response 1: EPA disagrees that amended the CAA and added yet
discussed in detail in our June 3, 2016
section 110 is clear ‘‘on its face’’ and another layer of more prescriptive
proposal (81 FR 35674). In that
must be read in the manner suggested planning requirements for each of the
rulemaking action, we proposed to
by Sierra Club in the context of i-SIP NAAQS. At that same time, Congress
approve portions of Louisiana’s SIP
submissions. As we have previously modified section 110 to remove
submittals pertaining to requirements of
explained in response to Sierra Club’s references to the section 110 SIP
CAA sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2) of
similar comments in our previous providing for attainment, including
the 2006 PM2.5, 2008 Pb, 2008 O3, 2010
actions on Virginia’s 2008 ozone removing pre-existing section
NO2, 2010 SO2 and 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.
NAAQS i-SIP (see, 79 FR 17043, 17047 110(a)(2)(A) in its entirety and
CAA Section 110(a)(1) requires states to
March 27, 2014), Virginia’s 2010 SO2 renumbering subparagraph (B) as
submit a revised i-SIP within three years
NAAQS i-SIP (see, 80 FR 11557 March section 110(a)(2)(A). Additionally,
after the promulgation of a new or 4, 2015), West Virginia’s 2010 SO2 i-SIP
revised NAAQS. The submission must Congress replaced the clause ‘‘as may be
(see, 79 FR 62022 October 16, 2014), necessary to insure attainment and
provide for the ‘‘implementation, Pennsylvania’s 2008 Ozone and 2010
maintenance, and enforcement’’ of the maintenance [of the NAAQS]’’ with ‘‘as
SO2 NAAQS i-SIP (see, 80 FR 46494 may be necessary or appropriate to meet
NAAQS. We received substantive August 5, 2015), and New Hampshire’s
comments from the Sierra Club during the applicable requirements of this
SO2 NAAQS i-SIP (see, 81 FR 44542 chapter.’’ Thus, the CAA has
the comment period on our Notice of July 8, 2016), CAA Section 110 is only
Proposed Rulemaking (NPR). A synopsis significantly evolved in the more than
one provision that is part of the multi-
of the comments and our responses are 40 years since it was originally enacted.
faceted structure governing
provided below. While at one time section 110 of the
implementation of the NAAQS program
CAA did provide the only detailed SIP
II. Response to Comments under the CAA, as amended in 1990,
planning provisions for states and
and it must be read in the context of not
A. Background Comments specified that such plans must provide
only that structure, but also of the
for attainment of the NAAQS, under the
1. The Plain Language of the CAA historical evolution of that structure.
Infrastructure SIPs are general structure of the current CAA, section
Comment 1: Sierra Club states that the planning SIPs, consistent with the CAA 110 is only the initial stepping-stone in
plain language of section 110(a)(2)(A) of as understood in light of its history and the planning process for a specific
the CAA, legislative history of the CAA, structure. When Congress enacted the NAAQS. More detailed, later-enacted
case law, EPA regulations, and CAA in 1970, it did not include provisions govern the substantive
legislative and regulatory interpretations provisions requiring states and the EPA planning process, including planning
made previously by EPA in rulemakings to label areas as attainment or for attainment of the NAAQS. CAA
require the inclusion of enforceable nonattainment. Rather, states were section 110 is only one provision that is
emission limits in an i-SIP to prevent required to include all areas of the state part of the multi-faceted structure
NAAQS exceedances in areas not in ‘‘air quality control regions’’ (AQCRs) governing implementation of the
designated nonattainment. Sierra Club and section 110 set forth the core NAAQS program under the CAA, as
asserts that EPA must disapprove substantive planning provisions for amended in 1990, and it must be read
Louisiana’s proposed i-SIP because it is these AQCRs. At that time, Congress in the context of that structure and the
in violation of CAA section 110(a)(2)(A) anticipated that states would be able to historical evolution of that structure. In
in that the i-SIP fails to include address air pollution quickly by light of the revisions to section 110
enforceable emission limitations complying with the very general since 1970 and the later-promulgated
necessary to ensure attainment and planning provisions in section 110 and and more specific planning
maintenance of the NAAQS. The bring all areas into compliance with a requirements of the CAA, the
Commenter also states that the new NAAQS within five years. requirement in section 110(a)(2)(A) of
Louisiana i-SIP revision fails to comport Moreover, at that time, section the CAA that the plan provide for
with CAA requirements for SIPs to 110(a)(2)(A)(i) specified that the section ‘‘implementation, maintenance and
establish enforceable emission limits 110 plan provide for ‘‘attainment’’ of the enforcement’’ means that the state must
that are adequate to prohibit NAAQS NAAQS and section 110(a)(2)(B) demonstrate that it has the necessary
exceedances in areas not designated specified that the plan must include tools to implement and enforce a
nonattainment. ‘‘emission limitations, schedules, and NAAQS, such as adequate state
The Commenter also states that, on its timetables for compliance with such personnel and the legal authority for an
face, the CAA requires i-SIPs ‘‘to be limitations, and such other measures as enforcement program. It is Part D of title
adequate to prevent exceedances of the may be necessary to insure attainment I of the CAA that contains numerous
NAAQS.’’ In support, the Commenter and maintenance [of the NAAQS].’’ requirements for the NAAQS attainment
quotes the language in section 110(a)(1) In 1977, Congress recognized that the planning process, including the
which requires states to adopt a plan for existing structure was not sufficient and requirement for enforceable emissions
implementation, maintenance, and many areas were still violating the limitations, and such other control
enforcement of the NAAQS and the NAAQS. At that time, Congress for the measures, means or techniques, as well
language in section 110(a)(2)(A) which first time added provisions requiring as schedules and timetables for
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
the Commenter interprets to require i- that states and EPA identify whether compliance, as may be necessary or
SIPs to include enforceable emissions areas of a state were violating the appropriate to provide for the
limitations that are sufficient to ensure NAAQS (i.e., were nonattainment) or attainment of the NAAQS. After a
maintenance of the NAAQS. Sierra Club were meeting the NAAQS (i.e., were nonattainment designation is made, the
notes the CAA definition of emission attainment/unclassifiable) and Administrator establishes a plan
limit and reads these provisions established specific planning submission schedule with which the
together to require ‘‘enforceable requirements in section 172 for areas state must comply. The schedule may
emission limits on source emissions not meeting the NAAQS. In 1990, many include submission dates up to three
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years after the nonattainment maintenance of the NAAQS in all areas Envtl. Conservation v. EPA, 540 U.S.
designation has been made. The state of Louisiana. Sierra Club also contends 461, 470 (2004) which in turn quoted
must, within the schedule provided by that the legislative history of the CAA section 110(a)(2)(A) of the CAA and also
the Administrator, submit a plan that supports the interpretation that i-SIPs stated that ‘‘SIPs must include certain
meets Part D’s requirements. The under section 110(a)(2) must include measures Congress specified’’ to ensure
general requirements of CAA section enforceable emission limitations, citing attainment of the NAAQS. The
110(a)(1) and the listing of elements in the Senate Committee Report and the Commenter also quotes several
CAA section 110(a)(2) require review of subsequent Senate Conference Report additional opinions in this vein. Mont.
each and every provision of a state’s accompanying the 1970 CAA. Sulphur & Chem. Co. v. EPA, 666 F.3d
existing SIP against all requirements in Response 2: As noted above, the CAA, 1174, 1180 (9th Cir. 2012) (‘‘The Clean
the CAA and the EPA regulations as enacted in 1970, including its Air Act directs states to develop
merely for purposes of assuring that the legislative history, cannot be read in implementation plans—SIPs—that
state in question has the basic structural isolation from the later amendments ‘assure’ attainment and maintenance of
elements for a functioning SIP for a new that refined that structure and deleted [NAAQS] through enforceable emissions
or revised NAAQS. The requirement for relevant language from CAA Section 110 limitations’’); Hall v. EPA 273 F.3d
emission limitations in section 110 concerning demonstrating attainment. 1146, 1153 (9th Cir. 2001) (‘‘Each State
means that the state may rely on See also, 79 FR at 17043, 80 FR 11557, must submit a [SIP] that specif[ies] the
measures already in place to address the 79 FR 62022, 80 FR 46494 (responding manner in which [NAAQS] will be
pollutant at issue or any new control to comments on various other i-SIPs). In achieved and maintained within each
measures that the state may choose to any event, the two excerpts of legislative air quality control region in the State’’);
submit to meet the requirements in history the Sierra Club cites merely Conn. Fund for Env’t, Inc. v. EPA, 696
section 110. Finally, as EPA has stated provide that states should include F.2d 169, 172 (D.C. Cir. 1982) (CAA
in the 2013 Infrastructure SIP enforceable emission limits in their SIPs requires SIPs to contain ‘‘measures
Guidance 1 which specifically provides and they do not mention or otherwise necessary to ensure attainment and
guidance to states in addressing the address whether states are required to maintenance of NAAQS’’). Finally,
2010 SO2 NAAQS, ‘‘[t]he conceptual impose additional emission limitations Sierra Club cites Mich. Dept. of Envtl.
purpose of an i-SIP submission is to or control measures as part of the i-SIP Quality v. Browner, 230 F.3d 181 (6th
assure that the air agency’s SIP contains submission, as opposed to requirements Cir. 2000) for the proposition that EPA
the necessary structural requirements for other types of SIP submissions such may not approve a SIP revision that
for the new or revised NAAQS, whether as attainment plans required under does not demonstrate how the rules
by establishing that the SIP already section 110(a)(2)(I). The proposed rule would not interfere with attainment and
contains the necessary provisions, by and the Technical Support Document maintenance of the NAAQS.
making a substantive SIP revision to (TSD) for it explain why the Louisiana Response 3: None of the cases Sierra
update the SIP, or both.’’ Infrastructure SIP includes sufficient enforceable Club cites support its contention that
SIP Guidance at p. 1–2.2 Infrastructure emissions limitations for the purposes section 110(a)(2)(A) requires i-SIP
SIP submissions are not required to of the infrastructure SIP submission. submissions to include detailed plans
include enforceable emissions providing for attainment and
3. Case Law
limitations and schedules for maintenance of the NAAQS in all areas
compliance with the NAAQS, as Comment 3: Sierra Club also cites to of the state, nor do they shed light on
suggested by the Commenter. Louisiana several cases which have interpreted the present day requirements of section
appropriately demonstrated that it has various parts of the CAA. Sierra Club 110(a)(2)(A). With the exception of
the ‘‘structural requirements’’ to claims these cases support their Train, none of the cases the Commenter
implement the NAAQS for the contention that section 110(a)(2)(A) cites specifically concerned the
pollutants addressed in this rule in its requires i-SIPs submissions to contain interpretation of CAA section
infrastructure SIP submission. enforceable emissions limits in order to 110(a)(2)(A) (or section 110(a)(2)(B) of
prevent exceedances of the NAAQS in the pre-1990 Act). Rather, the courts
2. The Legislative History of the CAA areas not designated nonattainment. reference section 110(a)(2)(A) (or section
Comment 2: Sierra Club cites two Sierra Club first cites to language in 110(a)(2)(B) of the pre-1990 CAA) in the
excerpts from the legislative history of Train v. NRDC, 421 U.S. 60, 78 (1975), background sections of decisions in the
the 1970 CAA claiming they support an addressing the requirement for context of a challenge to an EPA action
interpretation that SIP revisions under ‘‘emission limitations’’ and stating that on revisions to a SIP that were required
CAA Section 110 must include emission limitations ‘‘are specific rules and approved as meeting other
emissions limitations sufficient to show to which operators of pollution sources provisions of the CAA or in the context
are subject, and which, if enforced, of an enforcement action.
1 ‘‘Guidance on Infrastructure State should result in ambient air which meet In Train, the Court was addressing a
Implementation Plan (SIP) Elements under Clean the national standards.’’ Sierra Club also state revision to an attainment plan
Air Act sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2),’’ cites to Pennsylvania Dept. of Envtl. submission made pursuant to section
Memorandum from Stephen D. Page, September 13, Resources v. EPA, 932 F.2d 269, 272 (3d
2013.
110 of the CAA, the sole statutory
2 Thus, EPA disagrees with Sierra Club’s general Cir. 1991) for the proposition that the provision at that time addressing such
assertion that the main objective of infrastructure CAA directs EPA to withhold approval submissions. The issue in that case
SIPs is to ensure all areas of the country meet the of a SIP where it does not ensure concerned whether changes to
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NAAQS, as the infrastructure SIP process is the maintenance of the NAAQS, and to requirements that would occur before
opportunity to review the structural requirements of
a state’s air program. EPA, however, does agree with
Mision Industrial, Inc. v. EPA, 547 F.2d attainment was required were variances
Sierra Club that the NAAQS are the foundation 123, 129 (1st Cir. 1976), which quoted that should be addressed pursuant to
upon which emission limitations are set, as section 110(a)(2)(B) of the CAA of 1970. the provision governing SIP revisions or
explained in responses to subsequent comments, The commenter states that the 1990 were ‘‘postponements’’ that must be
these emission limitations are generally set in the
attainment planning process envisioned by part D
Amendments do not alter how courts addressed under section 110(f) of the
of title I of the CAA, including, but not limited to, have interpreted the requirements of CAA of 1970, which contained
CAA sections 172 and 191–192. section 110, quoting Alaska Dept. of prescriptive criteria. The Court
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concluded that EPA reasonably inadequate to attain or maintain the opinion addressed whether i-SIP
interpreted section 110(f) not to restrict NAAQS, which triggered the State’s submissions need to contain measures
a state’s choice of the mix of control duty to submit a new SIP detailing how to ensure attainment and maintenance
measures needed to attain the NAAQS, it would remedy that deficiency and the of the NAAQS.
so long as the state met other applicable measures that would be put in place to EPA’s position is that none of these
requirements of the CAA, and that attain the NAAQS. The Court cited court cases addressed required measures
revisions to SIPs that would not impact generally to sections 107 and for i-SIP submission and therefore
attainment of the NAAQS by the 110(a)(2)(A) of the CAA for the nothing in the opinions addressed
attainment date were not subject to the proposition that SIPs should assure whether the state’s i-SIP submission
limits of section 110(f). Thus the issue attainment and maintenance of NAAQS must contain measures to ensure
was not whether the specific SIP at through emission limitations, but this attainment and maintenance of the
issue needs to provide for attainment or language was not part of the Court’s NAAQS.
whether emissions limits are needed as holding in the case. The holding in 4. EPA Regulations, Such as 40 CFR
part of the SIP; rather the issue was Mont. Sulphur focused on whether 51.112(a)
which statutory provision governed EPA’s finding of SIP inadequacy,
when the state wanted to revise the disapproval of the State’s responsive Comment 4: Sierra Club cites to 40
emission limits in its SIP if such attainment demonstration, and adoption CFR 51.112(a), which provides that
revision would not impact attainment or of a remedial FIP were lawful. ‘‘[e]ach plan must demonstrate that the
maintenance of the NAAQS. The Commenter suggests that Alaska measures, rules and regulations
Pennsylvania Dept. of Envtl. Dept. of Envtl. Conservation, 540 U.S. contained in it are adequate to provide
Resources was also decided based on 461, stands for the proposition that the for the timely attainment and
the pre-1990 provision of the CAA. At 1990 CAA Amendments do not alter maintenance of the [NAAQS].’’ Sierra
issue was whether EPA properly how courts interpret section 110. This Club asserts that this regulation requires
rejected a revision to an approved SIP claim is inaccurate. Rather, the Court all SIPs to include emissions limits
where the inventories relied on by the quoted section 110(a)(2)(A), which, as necessary to ensure attainment of the
state for the updated submission had noted previously, differs from the pre- NAAQS. Sierra Club states that
gaps. The Court quoted section 1990 version of that provision and the ‘‘[a]lthough these regulations were
110(a)(2)(B) of the pre-1990 CAA in court makes no mention of the changed developed before the Clean Air Act
support of EPA’s disapproval, but did language. Furthermore, Sierra Club also separated i-SIPs from nonattainment
not provide any interpretation of that quotes the Court’s statement that ‘‘SIPs SIPs—a process that began with the
provision. This decision did not address must include certain measures Congress 1977 amendments and was completed
the question at issue in this action, i.e., specified,’’ but that statement by the 1990 amendments—the
what a state must include in an i-SIP specifically referenced the requirement regulations apply to [i]-SIPs.’’ Sierra
submission for the purposes of section in section 110(a)(2)(C), which requires Club relies on a statement in the
110(a)(2)(A).Yet, even if the Court had an enforcement program and a program preamble to the 1986 action
interpreted that provision, EPA notes for the regulation of the modification restructuring and consolidating
that it was modified by Congress in and construction of any stationary provisions in part 51, in which EPA
1990; thus, this decision has little sources. Notably, at issue in that case stated that ‘‘[i]t is beyond the scope of
bearing on the present issue here. was the State’s ‘‘new source’’ permitting th[is] rulemaking to address the
At issue in Mision Industrial, was the program, not what is required for an i- provisions of Part D of the Act . . .’’ 51
definition of ‘‘emissions limitation’’, not SIP submission for purposes of CAA FR 40656, 40656 (November 7, 1986).
whether section 110 requires the State section 110(a)(2)(A). Response 4: Sierra Club’s reliance on
to demonstrate how all areas of the State Two of the cases Sierra Club cites, 40 CFR 51.112 to support its argument
will attain and maintain the NAAQS as Mich. Dept. of Envtl. Quality, 230 F.3d that i-SIPs must contain emission limits
part of the State’s i-SIP submission. The 181, 183, 185 and Hall, 273 F.3d 1146, ‘‘adequate to prohibit NAAQS
language from the opinion the 1153 interpret CAA section 110(l), the exceedances’’ and adequate or sufficient
Commenter quotes does not interpret provision governing ‘‘revisions’’ to to ensure the maintenance of the
but rather merely describes section plans, and not the initial plan NAAQS is incorrect. As an initial
110(a)(2)(A). Sierra Club does not raise submission requirement under section matter, EPA notes and the Sierra Club
any concerns about whether the 110(a)(2) for a new or revised NAAQS, recognizes this regulatory provision was
measures relied on by the State in the such as the i-SIP submissions at issue in initially promulgated and ‘‘restructured
i-SIP submission are ‘‘emissions this instance. Neither case, however, and consolidated’’ prior to the CAA
limitations’’ within the definition addressed the question at issue here, Amendments of 1990, in which
provided by the Act and the decision in i.e., what states are required to address Congress removed all references to
this case has no bearing here.3 for purposes of an infrastructure SIP ‘‘attainment’’ in section 110(a)(2)(A).
In Mont. Sulphur & Chem. Co., 666 submission for purposes of section And, it is clear that 40 CFR 51.112
F.3d 1174, the Court was reviewing a 110(a)(2)(A). directly applies to state SIP submissions
federal implementation plan (FIP) that Finally, in Conn. Fund for Env’t, Inc. that are specifically required to attain
EPA promulgated after a long history of v. EPA, the D.C. Circuit was reviewing the NAAQS in nonattainment areas.
the State failing to submit an adequate EPA action on a control measure SIP These regulatory requirements apply
SIP in response to EPA’s finding under provision which adjusted the percent of when states are developing ‘‘control
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section 110(k)(5) that the previously sulfur permissible in fuel oil. 696 F.2d strategy’’ SIPs under other provisions of
approved SIP was substantially 169 (D.C. Cir. 1982). The D.C. Circuit the CAA, such as attainment plans
focused on whether EPA needed to required for various NAAQS in Part D
3 While Sierra Club does contend that the State evaluate effects of the SIP revision on and maintenance plans required in
shouldn’t be allowed to rely on emission reductions one pollutant or effects of changes on all section 175A. Sierra Club’s suggestion
that were developed for the prior SO2 standards
(which we address herein), it does not claim that
possible pollutants; therefore, the D.C. that these provisions must apply to
any of the measures are not ‘‘emissions limitations’’ Circuit did not address required section 110 i-SIPs because in the
within the definition of the CAA. measures for i-SIPs and nothing in the preamble to EPA’s action ‘‘restructuring
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maintenance of the NAAQS at all submit. Finally, as EPA stated in the including measures and modeling
times.’’ Infrastructure SIP Guidance, which demonstrating attainment are due by the
Response 6: As explained in previous specifically provides guidance to states dates statutorily prescribed under
responses above, section 110(a)(2)(A) of in addressing the NAAQS, ‘‘[t]he subpart 5 under part D of Title I of CAA.
the CAA requires states to submit i-SIPs conceptual purpose of an i-SIP Those submissions are due no later than
that reflect the first step in their submission is to assure that the air 18 months after an area is designed
planning for attainment and agency’s SIP contains the necessary nonattainment for SO2, under CAA
maintenance of a new or revised structural requirements for the new or section 191(a). Thus, the CAA directs
NAAQS. These i-SIP revisions should revised NAAQS, whether by states to submit these SIP requirements
contain a demonstration that the state establishing that the SIP already for nonattainment areas on a separate
has the available tools and authority to contains the necessary provisions, by schedule from the ‘‘structural
develop and implement plans to attain making a substantive SIP revision to requirements’’ of 110(a)(2) which are
and maintain the NAAQS and show that update the SIP, or both.’’ 2013 due within three years of adoption or
the SIP has enforceable control Infrastructure SIP Guidance at p. 2. revision of a NAAQS. The i-SIP
measures. In light of the structure of the On April 12, 2012, EPA explained its submission requirement does not move
CAA, EPA’s long-standing position expectations regarding the 2010 SO2 up the date for any required submission
regarding i-SIPs is that they are general NAAQS via letters to each of the states. of a CAA Title I part D plan for areas
planning SIPs to ensure that the state EPA communicated in the April 2012 designated nonattainment for the new
has adequate resources and authority to letters that all states were expected to NAAQS. Thus, elements relating to
implement a NAAQS in general submit SIPs meeting the demonstrating attainment for areas not
throughout the state. These i-SIP ‘‘infrastructure’’ SIP requirements under attaining the NAAQS are not required
submissions are not detailed attainment section 110(a)(2) of the CAA by June for i-SIP submissions, and the CAA does
and maintenance plans for each 2013. At the time, EPA was undertaking not provide explicit requirements for
individual area of the state. States may a stakeholder outreach process to demonstrating attainment for areas that
rely on measures already in place to continue to develop possible have not yet been designated regarding
address the pollutant at issue or any approaches for determining attainment attainment with a particular NAAQS.
new control measures that the state may status under the SO2 NAAQS and The proper inquiry at this juncture is
choose to submit. implementing this NAAQS. EPA was whether Louisiana has met the basic
As stated in response to a previous abundantly clear in the April 2012 structural SIP requirements applicable
comment, EPA asserts that section 110 letters that EPA did not expect states to at the point in time that the SIP was
of the CAA is only one provision that submit substantive attainment submitted. Emissions limitations and
is part of the multi-faceted structure demonstrations or modeling other control measures needed to attain
governing implementation of the demonstrations showing attainment for the NAAQS in areas designated
NAAQS program under the CAA, as areas not designated nonattainment in i- nonattainment for that NAAQS are due
amended in 1990, and it must be read SIP submission due in June 2013. on a different schedule from the section
in the context of not only that structure, Although EPA had previously suggested 110 infrastructure elements. A state, like
but also of the historical evolution of in its 2010 SO2 NAAQS preamble and Louisiana, may choose to reference pre-
that structure. In light of the revisions in prior draft implementation guidance existing SIP emission limits approved
to CAA section 110 since 1970 and the in 2011 that states should, in the unique by EPA as meeting CAA Title I of part
later-promulgated and more specific SO2 context, use the section 110(a) SIP D plans for previous NAAQS in an i-SIP
planning requirements of the CAA, process as the vehicle for demonstrating submission for purposes of CAA section
section 110(a)(2)(A) does not require attainment of the NAAQS, this approach 110(a)(2)(A).
that an i-SIP contain enforceable was never adopted as a binding The requirements for emission
emissions limits that will aid in requirement and was subsequently reduction measures for an area
attaining and/or maintaining the discarded in the April 2012 letters to designated nonattainment for the 2010
NAAQS. The i-SIPs required by CAA states. The April 2012 letters primary SO2 NAAQS are in sections 172
section 110(a) are not the appropriate recommended states focus i-SIPs due in and 191–192 of the CAA, and therefore,
place to require emission limits June 2013, such as Louisiana’s SO2 i-SIP the appropriate avenue for
demonstrating future attainment with a submission, on traditional implementing requirements for
NAAQS. Part D of title I of the CAA ‘‘infrastructure elements’’ in section necessary emission limitations for
contains numerous requirements for the 110(a)(1) and (2), rather than on demonstrating attainment with the 2010
NAAQS attainment planning process. modeling demonstrations for future SO2 NAAQS is through the attainment
These requirements include enforceable attainment for areas not designated as planning process contemplated by those
emissions limitations, and such other nonattainment. In February of 2016, sections of the CAA. LDEQ is required
control measures, means or techniques, EPA issued non-binding guidance for to bring St. Bernard Parish into
as well as schedules and timetables for states to use in conducting, if they compliance with the 1-hour standard as
compliance, as may be necessary or choose, additional analysis to support expeditiously as practicable, but no later
appropriate to provide for the designations for the 2010 1-hour SO2 than, October 4, 2018. The appropriate
attainment of the NAAQS. States have NAAQS. SO2 NAAQS Designations time for examining necessity of
up to three years from the date of a Modeling Technical Assistance emission limits on specific sources is
nonattainment designation to submit a Document, EPA Office of Air and within the attainment planning process.
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SIP meeting Part D’s requirements. Radiation and Office of Air Quality When the St. Bernard Parish SO2
Louisiana’s submittal was submitted to Planning and Standards, February 2016, attainment demonstration is submitted
comply with the requirements outlined available at https://www.epa.gov/so2- by the State, EPA will take action on it
in CAA section 110(a), not Part D. As pollution/technical-assistance- in a separate rulemaking. In separate
discussed above, the state may rely on documents-implementing-2010-sulfur- future actions, EPA intends to address
measures already in place to address the dioxide-standard. the designations for all other areas for
pollutant at issue or any new control Therefore, EPA asserts that SIP which EPA has yet to issue
measures that the state may choose to revisions for SO2 nonattainment areas designations. See, e.g., 79 FR 27446
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this or most other i-SIP submissions.10 Shutdown, and Malfunctions; Final failure to include enforceable measures
Therefore, because EPA finds Rule, 80 FR 33840 (June 12, 2015). The on sources of volatile organic
Louisiana’s i-SIP submission approvable Commenter claims that LDEQ must compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides
without the additional SO2 emission remove such provisions from the (NOX) to ensure attainment and
limitations showing future attainment of existing Louisiana SIP rules in order to maintenance of the NAAQS in areas not
the NAAQS, EPA finds the issues of properly comply with the infrastructure designated nonattainment and to ensure
appropriate averaging periods and requirements for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS. compliance with section 110(a)(2)(A) for
monitoring requirements for such future Response 9: EPA disagrees with the the 2008 and future ozone NAAQS. The
limitations not relevant at this time. Commenter that EPA is required to commenter specifically mentions EGUs
Sierra Club has cited to prior EPA address all potential deficiencies that as well as the oil and gas production
discussion on emission limitations may exist in the Louisiana SIP in the industry as sources needing additional
required in PSD permits (from an EAB context of evaluating an infrastructure controls as they are major sources of
decision and EPA’s letter to Kansas’ SIP submission. In particular, an action ozone precursors. The Sierra Club
permitting authority) pursuant to part C on a state’s infrastructure SIP claims stringent emission limits must
of the CAA, which is neither relevant submission is not necessarily the apply at all times to ensure all areas in
nor applicable to section 110 i-SIPs. In appropriate type of action in which to Louisiana attain and maintain the ozone
addition, as previously discussed, EPA address possible deficiencies in a state’s NAAQS. The Commenter claims the
disapproval of the 2006 Missouri SIP existing SIP rules related to excess ozone precursors can be reduced cost-
was a disapproval relating to a control emissions from sources during periods effectively through installation of
strategy SIP required pursuant to part D of startup, shutdown, or malfunction. It selective catalytic reductions (‘‘SCR’’)
attainment planning and is likewise not is not reasonable to read the general technology at EGUs. The commenter
relevant to the analysis of i-SIP requirements of CAA section 110(a)(1) claims that Louisiana’s EGUs do not use
requirements. and the listing of elements in CAA SCRs adequately to prevent ozone
EPA has explained in the TSD section 110(a)(2) as requiring review of exceedances.
supporting this rulemaking action how each and every provision of a state’s In addition, the Commenter asserts
the Louisiana SIP meets requirements in existing SIP against all requirements in that the Louisiana i-SIP must contain
section 110(a)(2)(F) related to the CAA and the EPA regulations emission limits that include mass
monitoring. Thus, EPA finds Louisiana merely for purposes of assuring that the limitations and short term averaging
has the authority and responsibility to state in question has the basic structural periods on certain large sources of NOX
monitor air quality for the relevant elements for a functioning SIP for a new such as power plants. These emission
NAAQS pollutants at appropriate or revised NAAQS. In addition, EPA limits must apply at all times, to ensure
locations and to submit data to EPA in notes that the CAA provides other that all areas of Louisiana attain and
a timely manner in accordance with avenues and mechanisms to address maintain the 2008 t8-hour ozone
110(a)(2)(F) and the Infrastructure SIP specific substantive deficiencies in NAAQS. The Commenter also contends
Guidance.11 See, Infrastructure SIP existing SIPs. For example, CAA section that adding control devices and
Guidance at p. 45–46. 110(k)(5) authorizes EPA to issue a SIP emission limits on EGUs are a ‘‘cost
Comment 9: The Commenter alleges call whenever EPA determines a state’s effective option to reduce NOX pollution
the Louisiana SIP contains exemption SIP is substantially inadequate to attain and attain and maintain the 2008 ozone
provisions for periods of startup and or maintain the NAAQS, to mitigate NAAQS.’’
interstate transport, or to otherwise Finally, the Commenter
‘‘operating adjustments’’ as well as
comply with the CAA. As noted by the states‘‘[d]espite knowing that Louisiana
variance provisions for ‘‘exceptional
Commenter, EPA has recently issued a is on the precipice of exceeding the
circumstances’’ which would cause ozone NAAQS, LDEQ is taking
SIP call to Louisiana requiring the
undue hardship. See LAC 33:III.1507, insufficient action to limit ozone
removal of the exemption provision in
917, and 1505 (2012), respectively. The concentrations and fails to demonstrate
LAC 33:III.1507. EPA is working closely
Commenter notes that NAAQS must be how it plans to address these significant
with LDEQ to addressing the substantial
enforced at all times and sources cannot ozone and ozone precursors.
inadequacies EPA identified in specific
be granted variances under any Consequently, EPA must disapprove the
Louisiana SIP rules. See 80 FR 33967
circumstances, even startup, shutdown state’s i-SIP.’’
(June 12, 2015). LDEQ is required to
and malfunction, and cites EPA’s recent submit a revised SIP addressing the Response 10: EPA has addressed in
SIP Call to 39 states. See State substantial inadequacies by November detail in prior responses above the
Implementation Plans: Response to 22, 2016. EPA emphasizes that by Commenter’s general arguments that the
Petition for Rulemaking; Findings of approving Louisiana’s i-SIP submission, statutory language, legislative history,
Substantial Inadequacy; and SIP Calls to EPA is not approving or reapproving case law, EPA regulations, and prior
Amend Provisions Applying to Excess any potentially deficient provisions that rulemaking actions by EPA mandate the
Emissions During Periods of Startup, exist in the current SIP that relate to interpretation it advocates—i.e., that i-
excess emissions. Furthermore, EPA’s SIPs must ensure attainment and
10 The appropriate time for application of
determination that an action on a state’s maintenance of the NAAQS. EPA’s
monitoring requirements to demonstrate continuous
compliance by specific sources is when such 1-hour infrastructure SIP submission is not the position is that the i-SIP submissions
emission limits are set for specific sources whether appropriate time and place to address required by CAA section 110(a) are not
in permits issued by Louisiana pursuant to the SIP all potential existing SIP deficiencies the appropriate place to require
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or in attainment SIPs submitted in the part D emission limits demonstrating future
planning process.
does not preclude EPA’s subsequent
11 While monitoring pursuant to NSPS reliance on provisions in CAA section attainment with a NAAQS as is
requirements in 40 CFR part 60 may not be 110(a)(2) as part of the basis for action explained more thoroughly in an above
sufficient for 1-hour SO2 emission limits, Sierra to correct those deficiencies at a later response. Moreover, the CAA recognizes
Club’s comment regarding NSPS monitoring time. and has provisions to address changes
provisions is not relevant at this time because EPA
finds 1-hour SO2 emission limits and associated
Comment 10: The Sierra Club claims in air quality over time. These include
monitoring and averaging periods are not required EPA must disapprove the proposed i- provisions providing for redesignation
for our approval of Louisiana’s i-SIP. SIP for the 2008 ozone NAAQS for its in CAA section 107(d) and provisions in
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J. Executive Order 12898: Federal States prior to publication of the rule in Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate
Actions To Address Environmental the Federal Register. A major rule matter, Reporting and recordkeeping
Justice in Minority Populations and cannot take effect until 60 days after it requirements, Sulfur oxides.
Low-Income Populations is published in the Federal Register. Dated: September 29, 2016.
EPA believes the human health or This action is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as Samuel Coleman,
environmental risk addressed by this defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 6.
action will not have potential Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA,
disproportionately high and adverse petitions for judicial review of this 40 CFR part 52 is amended as follows:
human health or environmental effects action must be filed in the United States
PART 52—APPROVAL AND
on minority, low-income or indigenous Court of Appeals for the appropriate
PROMULGATION OF
populations. This action merely circuit by December 5, 2016. Filing a
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
approves or disapproves a SIP petition for reconsideration by the
submission as not meeting the CAA Administrator of this final rule does not ■ 1. The authority citation for part 52
requirements. affect the finality of this action for the continues to read as follows:
The Congressional Review Act, 5 purposes of judicial review nor does it
extend the time within which a petition Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement for judicial review may be filed, and
Subpart T—Louisiana
Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides shall not postpone the effectiveness of
that before a rule may take effect, the such rule or action. This action may not ■ 2. Section 52.970(e) is amended by
agency promulgating the rule must be challenged later in proceedings to adding six entries at the end of the
submit a rule report, which includes a enforce its requirements. (See section second table titled ‘‘EPA Approved
copy of the rule, to each House of the 307(b)(2).) Louisiana Provisions and Quasi-
Congress and to the Comptroller General List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52 Regulatory Measures’’ to read as
of the United States. EPA will submit a follows:
report containing this action and other Environmental protection, Air
required information to the U.S. Senate, pollution control, Incorporation by § 52.970 Identification of plan.
the U.S. House of Representatives, and reference, Intergovernmental relations, * * * * *
the Comptroller General of the United Interstate transport of pollution, Lead, (e) * * *
EPA APPROVED LOUISIANA NONREGULATORY PROVISIONS AND QUASI-REGULATORY MEASURES
State
Applicable geographic or
Name of SIP provision submittal/ EPA approval date Explanation
nonattainment area effective date
* * * * * * *
Infrastructure for the 2006 Statewide ............................... 5/16/11 10/4/16 [Insert Federal Reg- Approval for 110(a)(2)(A), (B),
PM2.5 NAAQS. ister citation]. (C), (D)(i) (portion per-
taining to PSD), D(ii), (E),
(F), (G), (H), (J), (K), (L)
and (M).
Infrastructure for the 2008 Pb Statewide ............................... 10/10/11 10/4/16 [Insert Federal Reg- Approval for 110(a)(2)(A), (B),
NAAQS. ister citation]. (C), (D), (E), (F), (G), (H),
(J), (K), (L) and (M).
Infrastructure for the 2008 O3 Statewide ............................... 6/4/13 10/4/16 [Insert Federal Reg- Approval for 110(a)(2)(A), (B),
NAAQS. ister citation]. (C), (D)(i) (portion per-
taining to PSD), D(ii), (E),
(F), (G), (H), (J), (K), (L)
and (M).
Infrastructure for the 2010 Statewide ............................... 6/4/13 10/4/16 [Insert Federal Reg- Approval for 110(a)(2)(A), (B),
NO2 NAAQS. ister citation]. (C), (D)(i) (portions per-
taining to nonattainment, in-
terference with mainte-
nance and PSD), D(ii), (E),
(F), (G), (H), (J), (K), (L)
and (M).
Infrastructure for the 2010 Statewide ............................... 6/4/13 10/4/16 [Insert Federal Reg- Approval for 110(a)(2)(A), (B),
SO2 NAAQS. ister citation]. (C), (D)(i) (portion per-
taining PSD), D(ii), (E), (F),
(G), (H), (J), (K), (L) and
(M).
Infrastructure for the 2012 Statewide ............................... 12/17/15 10/4/16 [Insert Federal Reg- Approval for 110(a)(2)(A), (B),
PM2.5 NAAQS. ister citation]. (C), (D)(i) (portion per-
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
taining to PSD), D(ii), (E),
(F), (G), (H), (J), (K), (L)
and (M).
■ 3. Section 52.996 is amended by § 52.996 Disapprovals. (b) The portions of the SIP submitted
adding paragraph (b) to read as follows: * * * * * on May 16, 2011, June 4, 2013, and
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![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 192 / Tuesday, October 4, 2016 / Rules and Regulations 68335
December 17, 2015 addressing Contract GSAR clauses 552.219–71, IV. Regulatory Flexibility Act
noninterference with measures required Notice to Offerors of Subcontracting The Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
to protect visibility in any other state Plan Requirements, and 552.219–72, does not apply to this rule because this
(Clean Air Act section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II)) Preparation, Submission and final rule does not constitute a
are disapproved for the following Negotiation of Subcontracting Plans, are significant GSAR revision and 41 U.S.C.
National Ambient Air Quality updated to remove reference to the 1707 does not require publication for
Standards: 2006 PM2.5, 2008 Ozone, acquisition threshold of $650,000 and public comment.
2010 NO2, 2010 SO2 and 2012 PM2.5. the language is restructured to no longer
[FR Doc. 2016–24036 Filed 10–3–16; 8:45 am] state the threshold but rather direct the V. Paperwork Reduction Act
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P reader to FAR 52.219–9 which clearly The final rule does not contain any
addresses the thresholds for information collection requirements that
subcontracting plans. By referencing require approval of the Office of
GENERAL SERVICES back to the FAR, future inflation Management and Budget under the
ADMINISTRATION updates will not require amendments to Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
the GSAR. chapter 35).
48 CFR Parts 503 and 552 GSAR clause 552.270–13, Proposals List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 503 and
[GSAR Change 76; GSAR Case 2016–G501; for Adjustment, is updated to replace 552
Docket No. 2016–0018; Sequence No. 1] ‘‘$500,000’’ with ‘‘$750,000.’’ Government procurement.
Referencing the FAR for the threshold to
RIN 3090–AJ78 Dated: September 29, 2016.
prevent future updates was not an
alternative. Jeffrey A. Koses,
General Services Administration
Senior Procurement Executive, Office of
Acquisition Regulation (GSAR); II. Public Comments Not Required Acquisition Policy, Office of Government-
Inflation of Acquisition-Related wide Policy.
Thresholds 41 U.S.C. 1707, Publication of Therefore, GSA is amending 48 CFR
proposed regulations, applies to the parts 503 and 552 as set forth below:
AGENCY: Office of Acquisition Policy, publication of the General Services
General Services Administration (GSA). ■ 1. The authority citation for 48 CFR
Administration Acquisition Regulation.
ACTION: Final rule. parts 503 and 552 continues to read as
Paragraph (a)(1) of the statute requires
follows:
that a procurement policy, regulation,
SUMMARY: The General Services Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c).
procedure or form including
Administration (GSA) is amending the
General Services Administration amendment or modification thereof
must be published for public comment PART 503—IMPROPER BUSINESS
Acquisition Regulation (GSAR) to make PRACTICES AND PERSONAL
editorial changes. This case updates if it has either a significant effect
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
acquisition-related thresholds to align beyond the internal operating
with the Federal Acquisition Regulation procedures of the agency issuing the ■ 2. Amend section 503.1004 by
(FAR). policy, regulation, procedure, or form or revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:
has a significant cost or administrative
DATES: Effective: October 4, 2016. 503.1004 Contract clauses.
impact on contractor or offerors. This
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For final rule is not required to be published (a) GSA has exercised the authority
clarification of content, contact Ms. for public comment because it contains provided at FAR 3.1004(b)(1)(i) to
Janet Fry, Procurement Analyst, General minor editorial updates without establish a lower threshold for inclusion
Services Acquisition Policy Division, changing the meaning of content. The of clause 52.203–14, Display of Hotline
GSA, at 703–605–3167. For information changes do not have a significant impact Poster(s). When the contract or order is
pertaining to status or publication on the public. funded with disaster assistance funds,
schedules, contact the Regulatory the threshold is $1,000,000.
Secretariat at 202–501–4755. Please cite III. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
* * * * *
GSAR case 2016–G501.
Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PART 552—SOLICITATION
13563 direct agencies to assess all costs
I. Discussion of Changes and benefits of available regulatory PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT
CLAUSES
The General Services Administration alternatives and, if regulation is
(GSA) is amending the General Services necessary, to select regulatory ■ 3. Amend section 552.219–71 by
Administration Acquisition Regulation approaches that maximize net benefits revising the date of the provision and
(GSAR) to make editorial changes to (including potential economic, the provision to read as follows:
align acquisition thresholds with the environmental, public health and safety
effects, distributive impacts, and 552.219–71 Notice to Offerrors of
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
equity). E.O. 13563 emphasizes the Subcontracting Plan Requirements.
There are no significant content changes
resulting from this case. importance of quantifying both costs * * * * *
GSAR section 503.1004(a) is updated and benefits, of reducing costs, of
Notice to Offerrors of Subcontracting Plan
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
to remove the duplicative and harmonizing rules, and of promoting
Requirements (Oct 2016)
unnecessary language regarding the flexibility. This is not a significant
outdated $5,000,000 FAR threshold for regulatory action and, therefore, was not The General Services Administration
(GSA) is committed to assuring that
including FAR 52.203–14, Display of subject to review under Section 6(b) of
maximum practicable opportunity is
Hotline Poster(s). The remaining text E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning and provided to small, HUBZone small, small
regarding the $1,000,000 threshold for Review, dated September 30, 1993. This disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-
disaster assistance funds is retained rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned
with minor edits. 804. small business concerns to participate in the
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Document Created: 2016-10-04 03:04:16
Document Modified: 2016-10-04 03:04:16
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule. | |
| Dates | This rule is effective on November 3, 2016. | |
| Contact | Sherry Fuerst 214-665-6454, [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 68322 | |
| CFR Associated | Environmental Protection; Air Pollution Control; Incorporation by Reference; Intergovernmental Relations; Interstate Transport of Pollution; Lead; Nitrogen Dioxide; Ozone; Particulate Matter; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements and Sulfur Oxides |
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