83_FR_14243 83 FR 14179 - Approval of Nebraska Air Quality Implementation Plans; Infrastructure SIP Requirements for the 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide and Sulfur Dioxide and the 2012 Fine Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards

83 FR 14179 - Approval of Nebraska Air Quality Implementation Plans; Infrastructure SIP Requirements for the 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide and Sulfur Dioxide and the 2012 Fine Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 64 (April 3, 2018)

Page Range14179-14183
FR Document2018-06654

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action to approve certain elements of State Implementation Plan (SIP) submissions from the State of Nebraska for the 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO<INF>2</INF>) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO<INF>2</INF>) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the 2012 Fine Particulate Matter (PM<INF>2.5</INF>) NAAQS. States are required to have a SIP that provides for the implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of the NAAQS. Whenever EPA promulgates a new or revised NAAQS, states are required to make a SIP submission to establish that they have, or to add, the provisions necessary to address various requirements to address the new or revised NAAQS. These SIPs are commonly referred to as ``infrastructure'' SIPs. 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 under the Clean Air Act (CAA).

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 64 (Tuesday, April 3, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 3, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14179-14183]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-06654]



[[Page 14179]]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R07-OAR-2017-0477; FRL-9976-09--Region 7]


Approval of Nebraska Air Quality Implementation Plans; 
Infrastructure SIP Requirements for the 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide and 
Sulfur Dioxide and the 2012 Fine Particulate Matter National Ambient 
Air Quality Standards

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final 
action to approve certain elements of State Implementation Plan (SIP) 
submissions from the State of Nebraska for the 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide 
(NO2) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) National Ambient 
Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the 2012 Fine Particulate Matter 
(PM2.5) NAAQS. States are required to have a SIP that 
provides for the implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of the 
NAAQS. Whenever EPA promulgates a new or revised NAAQS, states are 
required to make a SIP submission to establish that they have, or to 
add, the provisions necessary to address various requirements to 
address the new or revised NAAQS. These SIPs are commonly referred to 
as ``infrastructure'' SIPs. 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 under the Clean Air Act (CAA).

DATES: This final rule is effective on May 3, 2018.

ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID 
No. EPA-R07-OAR-2017-0477. All documents in the docket are listed on 
the https://www.regulations.gov website. Although listed in the index, 
some information is not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other 
material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed on the internet 
and will be publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly 
available docket materials are available through https://www.regulations.gov or please contact the person identified in the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section for additional information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Gregory Crable, Environmental 
Protection Agency, Air Planning and Development Branch, 11201 Renner 
Boulevard, Lenexa, Kansas 66219 at (913) 551-7391, or by email at 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document ``we,'' ``us,'' and 
``our'' refer to EPA. This section provides additional information by 
addressing the following:

I. Background
II. What is being addressed in this document?
III. Have the requirements for approval of a SIP revision been met?
IV. EPA's Response to Comments
V. What action is EPA taking?
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

I. Background

    EPA received Nebraska's infrastructure SIP submissions addressing 
the 2010 NO2 NAAQS, the 2010 SO2 
NAAQS, and the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.\1\ On September 20, 2017, 
EPA proposed to approve certain elements of these infrastructure SIP 
submissions from the State of Nebraska. See 82 FR 43926. In conjunction 
with the September 20, 2017, notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR), EPA 
issued a direct final rule (DFR) approving the same elements of the 
2010 NO2, 2010 SO2, and 2012 PM2.5 
NAAQS infrastructure SIP submissions. See 82 FR 43848. However, in the 
DFR, EPA stated that if EPA received adverse comments by October 20, 
2017, the action would be withdrawn and not take effect. EPA received 
one set of adverse comments prior to the close of the comment period. 
EPA withdrew the DFR on November 17, 2017. See 82 FR 54299. This action 
is a final rule based on the NPR. A detailed discussion of Nebraska's 
SIP submissions and EPA's rationale for approving the SIP submissions 
were provided in the DFR and the associated Technical Support Document 
(TSD) in the docket for this rulemaking and will not be restated here, 
except to the extent relevant to our response to the adverse public 
comment we received.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The EPA received the 2010 NO2 infrastructure 
submission on February 7, 2013, the 2010 SO2 
infrastructure submission on August 22, 2013, and the 2012 
PM2.5 infrastructure submission on February 22, 2016.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. What is being addressed in this document?

    EPA is taking final action to approve the infrastructure 
submissions as meeting the applicable submission requirements section 
110(a)(1). EPA is approving certain elements of the 2010 NO2 
and SO2 infrastructure SIP submissions from the State of 
Nebraska received on February 7, 2013, and August 22, 2013, 
respectively. EPA is also taking action to approve certain elements of 
the 2012 PM2.5 infrastructure submission received on 
February 22, 2016. Specifically, in regard to the 2010 NO2 
NAAQS, EPA is approving, the following SIP submission elements related 
to CAA section 110(a)(2): (A) through (C), (D)(i)(I)--Prongs 1 and 2, 
(D)(i)(II)--prong 3, (D)(ii), (E) through (H), and (J) through (M).
    Regarding the 2010 SO2 and 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS, 
EPA is approving the State's SIP submission addressing the following 
infrastructure elements of section 110(a)(2): (A) through (C), (D) (i) 
(II)--Prong 3, (D) (ii), (E) through (H), and (J) through (M). As 
discussed in the TSD, EPA is not acting, at this time, on section 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)-- prongs 1 and 2, as it relates to the 2010 
SO2 NAAQS as those elements were not part of the state SIP 
submission. Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)--prongs 1 and 2, as it relates 
to the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS, were included in the state SIP 
submission. The EPA intends to act on section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)--
prongs 1 and 2, as it relates to the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS in a 
subsequent rulemaking action.
    Regarding the 2010 NO2 and SO2 and the 2012 
PM2.5 infrastructure submissions and as explained in the 
TSD, EPA is not acting, at this time, on section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II)--
prong 4.
    As noted, a TSD is included as part of the docket to discuss the 
details of this action.

III. Have the requirements for approval of a SIP revision been met?

    The state has met the public notice requirements for SIP 
submissions in accordance with 40 CFR 51.102. A public comment period 
was held for the NO2 infrastructure SIP from December 27, 
2012, to January 28, 2013. The only comments were from the EPA, and the 
infrastructure SIP submission was revised to address the comments. A 
public hearing was held on January 28, 2013.
    The state held a public comment period for the SO2 
infrastructure SIP from April 25, 2013, to May 28, 2013. NDEQ received 
comments from the Sierra Club on May 28, 2013. The state addressed the 
Sierra Club's comments with no revisions to its proposed SIP. A public 
hearing was held on May 27, 2013.
    A public comment period was held for the PM2.5 
infrastructure SIP from

[[Page 14180]]

November 23, 2015, to December 29, 2015. A public hearing was held on 
December 29, 2015. No comments were received.
    All three submissions satisfied the completeness criteria of 40 CFR 
part 51, appendix V. As explained in more detail in the TSD, which is 
part of this docket, the revisions meet the substantive SIP 
requirements of the CAA, including section 110 and implementing 
regulations.

IV. EPA's Response to Comments

    The public comment period on EPA's proposed rule opened September 
20, 2017 the date of its publication in the Federal Register and closed 
on October 20, 2017. During this period, EPA received one comment 
letter. No changes were made to the proposals in this final action 
after consideration of the adverse comments received.
    Comment 1: The commenter stated that with regard to 2010 
NO2 NAAQS, EPA has not shown that Nebraska is not 
significantly contributing to downwind problems due to interstate 
transport of NOX. The commenter specifically asserted that 
EPA should have addressed NOX emissions in Nebraska rather 
than only evaluated national level data, and that the lack of a 
requirement for near road monitors for phase 3 is not adequate to show 
no downwind issues. The commenter further contended that EPA must 
analyze all source categories including point sources and conduct 
modeling to show large point sources are not causing downwind 
contribution.
    Response 1: The EPA disagrees with the commenter's assertions. As 
an initial matter, the question of whether emissions from Nebraska 
significantly contribute to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance 
of the NAAQS in violation of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) depends on 
whether there are areas in downwind states having or expected to have 
trouble attaining or maintaining the NAAQS. In the EPA's TSD, the EPA 
analyzed a variety of data and determined that there were no downwind 
areas in other states with air quality concerns with respect to the 
2010 NO2 NAAQS. EPA cited several pieces of data to support 
this conclusion. EPA first explained that at the time of designations 
for NO2 in January of 2012, no areas of the country were 
violating the 2010 NO2 NAAQS. EPA further reviewed 
monitoring and emissions trends since the designations and identified 
no areas that are having problems attaining or maintaining the NAAQS. 
In fact, the highest NO2 near-road monitoring design value 
recorded in Colorado based on the most current available information at 
the time of publication of the proposed rule (e.g. 2013 to 2015 data) 
is 72 parts per billion (ppb). Based on the most current available, 
certified and quality assured information (e.g. 2014 to 2016 data), the 
highest NO2 near-road monitoring design value recorded in 
Colorado is 74 ppb. Both of these design values are well below the 2010 
NO2 NAAQS of 100 ppb. Thus, in the absence of any downwind 
air quality concerns, Nebraska cannot be found to contribute, let alone 
significantly contribute to downwind nonattainment or interfere with 
maintenance of the NAAQS. The commenter does not identify any flaws 
with EPA's assessment of the data.
    Thus, the commenter is incorrect to state that EPA only relied on 
the lack of near-road monitors in Nebraska in concluding that the state 
is in compliance with the requirements of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I). 
Moreover, because neither EPA nor the commenter have identified any 
downwind air quality problems to which Nebraska could contribute, the 
EPA does not agree that it was necessary to evaluate the impact of 
individual point sources in Nebraska, via modeling or any other 
analyses, on air quality in other states.
    Finally, the commenter is incorrect in asserting that EPA failed to 
evaluate NOX emissions in Nebraska. In the TSD, EPA reviewed 
NOX emission trends in the state, which demonstrated that 
NOX emissions in Nebraska have followed a downward trend for 
2011 to 2016.
    EPA has demonstrated that Nebraska is not significantly 
contributing to downwind nonattainment or interfering with maintenance 
of the 2010 NO2 NAAQS. Therefore, the EPA disagrees with the 
commenter's assertions and will approve elements of 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)--Prongs 1 and 2 for Nebraska's NO2 
infrastructure SIP submission.
    Comment 2: The commenter stated that with respect to the 
PM2.5 NAAQS, EPA does not have the discretion to ``act at a 
later date.'' In addition, the commenter states that EPA is mandated by 
statute to act within 18 months of the state's submission, and that 
since the state's submission was received in February 2016, EPA has 
failed to act in a timely manner and does not have the luxury of acting 
at a later date. If EPA cannot approve the state's plan, the EPA must 
disapprove.
    Response 2: EPA acknowledges the commenter's concern for the 
interstate transport of air pollutants. However, EPA disagrees with the 
commenter's argument that EPA cannot approve certain elements of an 
infrastructure SIP submission without also taking action on the 
elements related to interstate transport.
    EPA agrees with the commenter that it has an obligation to take 
action under section 110(k) on SIP submissions. However, EPA disagrees 
with the commenter's argument that the Agency cannot elect to act on 
individual parts or elements of a state's infrastructure SIP submission 
in separate rulemaking actions, as it deems appropriate. Section 
110(k)of the CAA authorizes EPA to approve a SIP submission in full, 
disapprove it in full, or approve it in part and disapprove it in part, 
or conditionally approve it in full or in part, depending on the extent 
to which such plan meets the requirements of the CAA. This authority to 
approve state SIP submissions 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 SIP 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)).
    EPA interprets its authority under section 110(k) of the CAA as 
affording the Agency the discretion to approve, disapprove, or 
conditionally approve, individual elements of Nebraska's infrastructure 
SIP submission for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. EPA views discrete 
infrastructure SIP requirements, such as the requirements of section 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I), as severable from other infrastructure SIP elements 
and interprets section 110(k) as allowing it to act on individual 
severable elements or requirements in a SIP submission. In short, EPA 
believes it has the discretion under section 110(k) of the CAA to act 
upon the various individual elements of the State's infrastructure SIP 
submission, separately or together, as appropriate. EPA will address 
the remaining elements of Nebraska's 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS, 
infrastructure SIP submission in a separate rulemaking action or 
actions.
    Comment 3: The commenter stated that with respect to the 
SO2 NAAQS, since the state has not submitted a plan with 
regards to interstate transport, EPA must make a finding of failure to 
submit. The commenter further stated that acting is on a SIP is not 
discretionary and that EPA had yet to act.
    Response 3: Please refer to Response 2. Additionally, in EPA's 
rulemaking proposing to approve Nebraska's infrastructure SIP for the 
2010 1-hour SO2 NAAQS, EPA stated that it was not

[[Page 14181]]

taking any action with respect to the good neighbor provisions in 
section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for this NAAQS. EPA understands the 
commenter's concern with respect to interstate transport. EPA will 
evaluate whether it is appropriate to make a finding of failure to 
submit in a separate action.
    Comment 4: The commenter stated that for all three NAAQS, EPA does 
not have the discretion to not act on prong 4 and must act within 18 
months of the state's submission. The commenter stated that EPA ``does 
not have the luxury'' of acting on a submission at a later date. If EPA 
cannot approve due to the state not having an approved Regional Haze 
SIP then EPA is required to disapprove.
    Response 4: Please refer to Response 2. EPA is not required to act 
on the prong 4 elements of Nebraska's 2010 NO2, 2010 
SO2, and 2012 PM2.5 infrastructure SIP 
submissions in this particular rulemaking. Like the elements of section 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I), prong 4 is severable from other infrastructure SIP 
elements and EPA interprets section 110(k) as allowing it to act on 
individual severable elements or requirements in a SIP submission.
    With respect to the comment on prong 4, although EPA's evaluation 
of a state's SIP submission can be related to the status of that 
state's regional haze program,\2\ Nebraska's regional haze program \3\ 
is not relevant here because EPA is not taking action on that element 
of Nebraska's 2010 NO2, 2010 SO2, and 2012 
PM2.5 infrastructure SIP submissions in this rulemaking.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ EPA's 2013 Guidance of Infrastructure State Implementation 
Plan (SIP) Elements under Clean Air Act Sections 110(a)(1) and 
110(a)(2) provides that ``[o]ne way in which prong 4 may be 
satisfied for any relevant NAAQS is through an air agency's 
confirmation in its infrastructure SIP submission that it has an 
approved regional haze SIP . . . .'' 2013 Guidance at 33, https://www3.epa.gov/airquality/urbanair/sipstatus/docs/Guidance_on_Infrastructure_SIP_Elements_Multipollutant_FINAL_Sept_2013.pdf.
    \3\ Federal Implementation Plan for Best Available Retrofit 
Technology Determination, 77 FR 40150 (July 6, 2012).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comment 5: Initially in comments 2 through 4, the commenter 
indicated that this was the commenter's official notice of intent to 
EPA for failure to perform its nondiscretionary duty to act on the 
state's submission with respect to element D(i)(II)--prong 4 for the 
2010 NO2, 2010 SO2, and 2012 PM2.5 
NAAQS, failure to perform its nondiscretionary duty to make a finding 
of failure to submit with respect to the interstate transport portions 
of SO2 NAAQS, and for failing to perform its 
nondiscretionary duty to act on the state's submission with regards to 
interstate transport of PM2.5.
    Response 5: A public comment submitted on a proposal does not 
constitute notice of intent to sue the Administrator for failure to 
perform a nondiscretionary duty. Clean Air Act section 304(b)(2) 
requires a 60-day notice of a civil action against the Administrator 
for an alleged failure to perform a non-discretionary duty to the 
Administrator. EPA's regulations require that service of notice to the 
Administrator ``shall be accomplished by certified mail addressed to 
the Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC 
20460.'' 40 CFR 54.2(a). The commenter's public comment submitted via 
regulations.gov does not satisfy the regulatory requirements for 
notices of intent to file suit against the Administrator for failure to 
perform a non-discretionary duty.

V. What action is EPA taking?

    EPA is approving elements the infrastructure SIP submissions from 
Nebraska, which address the requirements of CAA sections 110(a)(1) and 
(2) as applicable to the 2010 NO2 and SO2 and 
2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. As stated in the above preamble, EPA is 
approving certain elements of the state's submission as meeting the 
submission requirements of section 110(a)(1) for all three submissions.
    Regarding the 2010 NO2 NAAQS, EPA is approving the 
following infrastructure elements of 110(a)(2): (A) through (C), 
(D)(i)(I)--Prongs 1 and 2, (D)(i)(II)--prong 3, (D)(ii), (E) through 
(H), and (J) through (M). As explained in the TSD, EPA intends to act 
on section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II)--prong 4, in a subsequent rulemaking.
    EPA is approving the following infrastructure elements of 110(a)(2) 
as it relates to the 2010 SO2 and the 2012 PM2.5 
NAAQS: (A) through (C), (D) (i) (II)--Prong 3, (D) (ii), (E) through 
(H), and (J) through (M). As discussed in the TSD, EPA intends to act 
on section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II)--prong 4, in a subsequent rulemaking and 
is not acting at this time on section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)--prongs 1 and 
2, for both the 2010 SO2 and 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.
    Based upon review of the state's infrastructure SIP submissions for 
the 2010 NO2 and SO2 NAAQS as well as the 2012 
PM2.5 NAAQS, and relevant statutory and regulatory 
authorities and provisions referenced in the submissions or referenced 
in Nebraska's SIP, EPA believes that Nebraska has the infrastructure to 
address all applicable required elements of sections 110(a)(1) and (2) 
(except otherwise noted) to ensure that the 2010 NO2 and 
SO2 NAAQS and the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS are 
implemented in the state.

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP 
submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and applicable 
Federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in 
reviewing SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve state choices, 
provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. Accordingly, this 
action merely approves state law as meeting Federal requirements and 
does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by state 
law. For that reason, this action:
     Is not a significant regulatory action subject to review 
by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Orders 12866 (58 
FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011);
     Is not an Executive Order 13771 (82 FR 9339, February 2, 
2017) regulatory action because SIP approvals are exempted under 
Executive Order 12866.
     Does not impose an information collection burden under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
     Is certified as not having a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
     Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-4);
     Does not have Federalism implications as specified in 
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
     Is not an economically significant regulatory action based 
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 1997);
     Is not a significant regulatory action subject to 
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
     Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the 
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 
note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent 
with the Clean Air Act; and
     Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to 
address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental 
effects, using practicable and legally permissible

[[Page 14182]]

methods, under Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
    In addition, the SIP is not approved to apply on any Indian 
reservation land or in any other area where EPA or an Indian tribe has 
demonstrated that a tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of Indian 
country, the rule does not have tribal implications and will not impose 
substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law as 
specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000).
    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 June 4, 2018. 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, Carbon monoxide, 
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Lead, Nitrogen 
dioxide, Ozone, Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile organic compounds.

    Dated: March 15, 2018.
James B. Gulliford,
Regional Administrator, Region 7.
    For the reasons stated in the preamble, EPA amends 40 CFR part 52 
as set forth below:

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 CC--Nebraska

0
2. Amend Sec.  52.1420(e) by adding entries ``(32)'', ``(33)'' and 
``(34)'' in numerical order to read as follows:


Sec.  52.1420   Identification of Plan.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *

                                                     EPA-Approved Nebraska Nonregulatory Provisions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Applicable geographic or       State
 Name of nonregulatory SIP provision      nonattainment area     submittal date              EPA Approval date                       Explanation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
(32) Section 110(a)(2) Infrastructure  Statewide...............          2/7/13  4/3/2018, [Insert Federal Register         This action addresses the
 Requirements for the 2010 NO2 NAAQS.                                             citation].                                 following CAA elements
                                                                                                                             110(a)(2)(A) through (C),
                                                                                                                             (D)(i)(I)--Prongs 1 and 2,
                                                                                                                             (D)(i)(II)--Prong 3,
                                                                                                                             (D)(ii), (E) through (H),
                                                                                                                             and (J) through (M). [EPA-
                                                                                                                             R07-OAR-2017-0477; FRL-9976-
                                                                                                                             09-Region 7].
(33) Section 110(a)(2) Infrastructure  Statewide...............         8/22/13  4/3/2018, [Insert Federal Register         This action addresses the
 Requirements for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS.                                             citation].                                 following CAA elements
                                                                                                                             110(a)(2)(A) through (C),
                                                                                                                             (D)(i)(II)--Prong 3,
                                                                                                                             (D)(ii), (E) through (H),
                                                                                                                             and (J) through (M). [EPA-
                                                                                                                             R07-OAR-2017-0477; FRL-9976-
                                                                                                                             09-Region 7].
(34) Section 110(a)(2) Infrastructure  Statewide...............         2/22/16  4/3/2018 and [Insert Federal Register      This action addresses the
 Requirements for the 2010 PM2.5                                                  citation].                                 following CAA elements
 NAAQS.                                                                                                                      110(a)(2)(A) through (C),
                                                                                                                             (D)(i)(II)--Prong 3,
                                                                                                                             (D)(ii), (E) through (H),
                                                                                                                             and (J) through (M). [EPA-
                                                                                                                             R07-OAR-2017-0477; FRL-9976-
                                                                                                                             09-Region 7].
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 2018-06654 Filed 4-2-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 64 / Tuesday, April 3, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                         14179

                                              ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION                                Protection Agency, Air Planning and                   received on February 7, 2013, and
                                              AGENCY                                                  Development Branch, 11201 Renner                      August 22, 2013, respectively. EPA is
                                                                                                      Boulevard, Lenexa, Kansas 66219 at                    also taking action to approve certain
                                              40 CFR Part 52                                          (913) 551–7391, or by email at                        elements of the 2012 PM2.5
                                              [EPA–R07–OAR–2017–0477; FRL–9976–                       Crable.Gregory@epa.gov.                               infrastructure submission received on
                                              09—Region 7]                                            SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            February 22, 2016. Specifically, in
                                                                                                      Throughout this document ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’              regard to the 2010 NO2 NAAQS, EPA is
                                              Approval of Nebraska Air Quality                        and ‘‘our’’ refer to EPA. This section                approving, the following SIP submission
                                              Implementation Plans; Infrastructure                    provides additional information by                    elements related to CAA section
                                              SIP Requirements for the 2010                           addressing the following:                             110(a)(2): (A) through (C), (D)(i)(I)—
                                              Nitrogen Dioxide and Sulfur Dioxide                                                                           Prongs 1 and 2, (D)(i)(II)—prong 3,
                                                                                                      I. Background
                                              and the 2012 Fine Particulate Matter                                                                          (D)(ii), (E) through (H), and (J) through
                                                                                                      II. What is being addressed in this document?
                                              National Ambient Air Quality                            III. Have the requirements for approval of a          (M).
                                              Standards                                                     SIP revision been met?
                                                                                                      IV. EPA’s Response to Comments
                                                                                                                                                               Regarding the 2010 SO2 and 2012
                                              AGENCY:  Environmental Protection                                                                             PM2.5 NAAQS, EPA is approving the
                                                                                                      V. What action is EPA taking?
                                              Agency (EPA).                                                                                                 State’s SIP submission addressing the
                                                                                                      VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
                                              ACTION: Final rule.                                                                                           following infrastructure elements of
                                              SUMMARY:    The Environmental Protection                I. Background                                         section 110(a)(2): (A) through (C), (D) (i)
                                              Agency (EPA) is taking final action to                     EPA received Nebraska’s                            (II)—Prong 3, (D) (ii), (E) through (H),
                                              approve certain elements of State                       infrastructure SIP submissions                        and (J) through (M). As discussed in the
                                              Implementation Plan (SIP) submissions                   addressing the 2010 NO2 NAAQS, the                    TSD, EPA is not acting, at this time, on
                                              from the State of Nebraska for the 2010                 2010 SO2 NAAQS, and the 2012 PM2.5                    section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)— prongs 1 and
                                              Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Sulfur                       NAAQS.1 On September 20, 2017, EPA                    2, as it relates to the 2010 SO2 NAAQS
                                              Dioxide (SO2) National Ambient Air                      proposed to approve certain elements of               as those elements were not part of the
                                              Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the                       these infrastructure SIP submissions                  state SIP submission. Section
                                              2012 Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)                    from the State of Nebraska. See 82 FR                 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)—prongs 1 and 2, as it
                                              NAAQS. States are required to have a                    43926. In conjunction with the                        relates to the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS, were
                                              SIP that provides for the                               September 20, 2017, notice of proposed                included in the state SIP submission.
                                              implementation, maintenance, and                        rulemaking (NPR), EPA issued a direct                 The EPA intends to act on section
                                              enforcement of the NAAQS. Whenever                      final rule (DFR) approving the same                   110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)—prongs 1 and 2, as it
                                              EPA promulgates a new or revised                        elements of the 2010 NO2, 2010 SO2, and               relates to the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS in a
                                              NAAQS, states are required to make a                    2012 PM2.5 NAAQS infrastructure SIP                   subsequent rulemaking action.
                                              SIP submission to establish that they                   submissions. See 82 FR 43848.                            Regarding the 2010 NO2 and SO2 and
                                              have, or to add, the provisions necessary               However, in the DFR, EPA stated that if               the 2012 PM2.5 infrastructure
                                              to address various requirements to                      EPA received adverse comments by                      submissions and as explained in the
                                              address the new or revised NAAQS.                       October 20, 2017, the action would be                 TSD, EPA is not acting, at this time, on
                                              These SIPs are commonly referred to as                  withdrawn and not take effect. EPA                    section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II)—prong 4.
                                              ‘‘infrastructure’’ SIPs. The infrastructure             received one set of adverse comments
                                              requirements are designed to ensure that                prior to the close of the comment                        As noted, a TSD is included as part
                                              the structural components of each                       period. EPA withdrew the DFR on                       of the docket to discuss the details of
                                              state’s air quality management program                  November 17, 2017. See 82 FR 54299.                   this action.
                                              are adequate to meet the state’s                        This action is a final rule based on the              III. Have the requirements for approval
                                              responsibilities under the Clean Air Act                NPR. A detailed discussion of                         of a SIP revision been met?
                                              (CAA).                                                  Nebraska’s SIP submissions and EPA’s
                                              DATES: This final rule is effective on                  rationale for approving the SIP                         The state has met the public notice
                                              May 3, 2018.                                            submissions were provided in the DFR                  requirements for SIP submissions in
                                              ADDRESSES: EPA has established a                        and the associated Technical Support                  accordance with 40 CFR 51.102. A
                                              docket for this action under Docket ID                  Document (TSD) in the docket for this                 public comment period was held for the
                                              No. EPA–R07–OAR–2017–0477. All                          rulemaking and will not be restated                   NO2 infrastructure SIP from December
                                              documents in the docket are listed on                   here, except to the extent relevant to our            27, 2012, to January 28, 2013. The only
                                              the https://www.regulations.gov                         response to the adverse public comment                comments were from the EPA, and the
                                              website. Although listed in the index,                  we received.                                          infrastructure SIP submission was
                                              some information is not publicly                                                                              revised to address the comments. A
                                              available, i.e., CBI or other information               II. What is being addressed in this
                                                                                                      document?                                             public hearing was held on January 28,
                                              whose disclosure is restricted by statute.                                                                    2013.
                                              Certain other material, such as                           EPA is taking final action to approve
                                              copyrighted material, is not placed on                  the infrastructure submissions as                        The state held a public comment
                                              the internet and will be publicly                       meeting the applicable submission                     period for the SO2 infrastructure SIP
                                              available only in hard copy form.                       requirements section 110(a)(1). EPA is                from April 25, 2013, to May 28, 2013.
                                              Publicly available docket materials are                 approving certain elements of the 2010                NDEQ received comments from the
                                                                                                                                                            Sierra Club on May 28, 2013. The state
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                                              available through https://                              NO2 and SO2 infrastructure SIP
                                              www.regulations.gov or please contact                   submissions from the State of Nebraska                addressed the Sierra Club’s comments
                                              the person identified in the FOR FURTHER                                                                      with no revisions to its proposed SIP. A
                                              INFORMATION CONTACT section for                           1 The EPA received the 2010 NO infrastructure
                                                                                                                                        2
                                                                                                                                                            public hearing was held on May 27,
                                              additional information.                                 submission on February 7, 2013, the 2010 SO2          2013.
                                                                                                      infrastructure submission on August 22, 2013, and
                                              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.                    the 2012 PM2.5 infrastructure submission on              A public comment period was held
                                              Gregory Crable, Environmental                           February 22, 2016.                                    for the PM2.5 infrastructure SIP from


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                                              14180                Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 64 / Tuesday, April 3, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                              November 23, 2015, to December 29,                      publication of the proposed rule (e.g.                on the elements related to interstate
                                              2015. A public hearing was held on                      2013 to 2015 data) is 72 parts per billion            transport.
                                              December 29, 2015. No comments were                     (ppb). Based on the most current                         EPA agrees with the commenter that
                                              received.                                               available, certified and quality assured              it has an obligation to take action under
                                                All three submissions satisfied the                   information (e.g. 2014 to 2016 data), the             section 110(k) on SIP submissions.
                                              completeness criteria of 40 CFR part 51,                highest NO2 near-road monitoring                      However, EPA disagrees with the
                                              appendix V. As explained in more detail                 design value recorded in Colorado is 74               commenter’s argument that the Agency
                                              in the TSD, which is part of this docket,               ppb. Both of these design values are                  cannot elect to act on individual parts
                                              the revisions meet the substantive SIP                  well below the 2010 NO2 NAAQS of 100                  or elements of a state’s infrastructure
                                              requirements of the CAA, including                      ppb. Thus, in the absence of any                      SIP submission in separate rulemaking
                                              section 110 and implementing                            downwind air quality concerns,                        actions, as it deems appropriate. Section
                                              regulations.                                            Nebraska cannot be found to contribute,               110(k)of the CAA authorizes EPA to
                                                                                                      let alone significantly contribute to                 approve a SIP submission in full,
                                              IV. EPA’s Response to Comments
                                                                                                      downwind nonattainment or interfere                   disapprove it in full, or approve it in
                                                The public comment period on EPA’s                    with maintenance of the NAAQS. The                    part and disapprove it in part, or
                                              proposed rule opened September 20,                      commenter does not identify any flaws                 conditionally approve it in full or in
                                              2017 the date of its publication in the                 with EPA’s assessment of the data.                    part, depending on the extent to which
                                              Federal Register and closed on October                     Thus, the commenter is incorrect to                such plan meets the requirements of the
                                              20, 2017. During this period, EPA                                                                             CAA. This authority to approve state
                                                                                                      state that EPA only relied on the lack of
                                              received one comment letter. No                                                                               SIP submissions in separable parts was
                                                                                                      near-road monitors in Nebraska in
                                              changes were made to the proposals in                                                                         included in the 1990 Amendments to
                                                                                                      concluding that the state is in
                                              this final action after consideration of                                                                      the CAA to overrule a decision in the
                                                                                                      compliance with the requirements of
                                              the adverse comments received.                                                                                Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
                                                Comment 1: The commenter stated                       section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I). Moreover,
                                                                                                      because neither EPA nor the commenter                 holding that EPA could not approve
                                              that with regard to 2010 NO2 NAAQS,                                                                           individual measures in a SIP
                                              EPA has not shown that Nebraska is not                  have identified any downwind air
                                                                                                      quality problems to which Nebraska                    submission without either approving or
                                              significantly contributing to downwind                                                                        disapproving the plan as a whole. See
                                              problems due to interstate transport of                 could contribute, the EPA does not
                                                                                                      agree that it was necessary to evaluate               S. Rep. No. 101–228, at 22, 1990
                                              NOX. The commenter specifically                                                                               U.S.C.C.A.N. 3385, 3408 (discussing the
                                              asserted that EPA should have                           the impact of individual point sources
                                                                                                      in Nebraska, via modeling or any other                express overruling of Abramowitz v.
                                              addressed NOX emissions in Nebraska                                                                           EPA, 832 F.2d 1071 (9th Cir. 1987)).
                                              rather than only evaluated national level               analyses, on air quality in other states.
                                                                                                                                                               EPA interprets its authority under
                                              data, and that the lack of a requirement                   Finally, the commenter is incorrect in
                                                                                                                                                            section 110(k) of the CAA as affording
                                              for near road monitors for phase 3 is not               asserting that EPA failed to evaluate                 the Agency the discretion to approve,
                                              adequate to show no downwind issues.                    NOX emissions in Nebraska. In the TSD,                disapprove, or conditionally approve,
                                              The commenter further contended that                    EPA reviewed NOX emission trends in                   individual elements of Nebraska’s
                                              EPA must analyze all source categories                  the state, which demonstrated that NOX                infrastructure SIP submission for the
                                              including point sources and conduct                     emissions in Nebraska have followed a                 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. EPA views discrete
                                              modeling to show large point sources                    downward trend for 2011 to 2016.                      infrastructure SIP requirements, such as
                                              are not causing downwind contribution.                     EPA has demonstrated that Nebraska                 the requirements of section
                                                Response 1: The EPA disagrees with                    is not significantly contributing to                  110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I), as severable from other
                                              the commenter’s assertions. As an initial               downwind nonattainment or interfering                 infrastructure SIP elements and
                                              matter, the question of whether                         with maintenance of the 2010 NO2                      interprets section 110(k) as allowing it
                                              emissions from Nebraska significantly                   NAAQS. Therefore, the EPA disagrees                   to act on individual severable elements
                                              contribute to nonattainment or interfere                with the commenter’s assertions and                   or requirements in a SIP submission. In
                                              with maintenance of the NAAQS in                        will approve elements of                              short, EPA believes it has the discretion
                                              violation of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)                 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)—Prongs 1 and 2 for                 under section 110(k) of the CAA to act
                                              depends on whether there are areas in                   Nebraska’s NO2 infrastructure SIP                     upon the various individual elements of
                                              downwind states having or expected to                   submission.                                           the State’s infrastructure SIP
                                              have trouble attaining or maintaining                      Comment 2: The commenter stated                    submission, separately or together, as
                                              the NAAQS. In the EPA’s TSD, the EPA                    that with respect to the PM2.5 NAAQS,                 appropriate. EPA will address the
                                              analyzed a variety of data and                          EPA does not have the discretion to ‘‘act             remaining elements of Nebraska’s 2012
                                              determined that there were no                           at a later date.’’ In addition, the                   PM2.5 NAAQS, infrastructure SIP
                                              downwind areas in other states with air                 commenter states that EPA is mandated                 submission in a separate rulemaking
                                              quality concerns with respect to the                    by statute to act within 18 months of the             action or actions.
                                              2010 NO2 NAAQS. EPA cited several                       state’s submission, and that since the                   Comment 3: The commenter stated
                                              pieces of data to support this                          state’s submission was received in                    that with respect to the SO2 NAAQS,
                                              conclusion. EPA first explained that at                 February 2016, EPA has failed to act in               since the state has not submitted a plan
                                              the time of designations for NO2 in                     a timely manner and does not have the                 with regards to interstate transport, EPA
                                              January of 2012, no areas of the country                luxury of acting at a later date. If EPA              must make a finding of failure to
                                              were violating the 2010 NO2 NAAQS.                      cannot approve the state’s plan, the EPA              submit. The commenter further stated
                                              EPA further reviewed monitoring and                     must disapprove.                                      that acting is on a SIP is not
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                                              emissions trends since the designations                    Response 2: EPA acknowledges the                   discretionary and that EPA had yet to
                                              and identified no areas that are having                 commenter’s concern for the interstate                act.
                                              problems attaining or maintaining the                   transport of air pollutants. However,                    Response 3: Please refer to Response
                                              NAAQS. In fact, the highest NO2 near-                   EPA disagrees with the commenter’s                    2. Additionally, in EPA’s rulemaking
                                              road monitoring design value recorded                   argument that EPA cannot approve                      proposing to approve Nebraska’s
                                              in Colorado based on the most current                   certain elements of an infrastructure SIP             infrastructure SIP for the 2010 1-hour
                                              available information at the time of                    submission without also taking action                 SO2 NAAQS, EPA stated that it was not


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                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 64 / Tuesday, April 3, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                         14181

                                              taking any action with respect to the                   state’s submission with regards to                    and (2) (except otherwise noted) to
                                              good neighbor provisions in section                     interstate transport of PM2.5.                        ensure that the 2010 NO2 and SO2
                                              110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for this NAAQS. EPA                    Response 5: A public comment                        NAAQS and the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS are
                                              understands the commenter’s concern                     submitted on a proposal does not                      implemented in the state.
                                              with respect to interstate transport. EPA               constitute notice of intent to sue the
                                                                                                      Administrator for failure to perform a                VI. Statutory and Executive Order
                                              will evaluate whether it is appropriate
                                                                                                      nondiscretionary duty. Clean Air Act                  Reviews
                                              to make a finding of failure to submit in
                                              a separate action.                                      section 304(b)(2) requires a 60-day                      Under the CAA, the Administrator is
                                                 Comment 4: The commenter stated                      notice of a civil action against the                  required to approve a SIP submission
                                              that for all three NAAQS, EPA does not                  Administrator for an alleged failure to               that complies with the provisions of the
                                              have the discretion to not act on prong                 perform a non-discretionary duty to the               Act and applicable Federal regulations.
                                              4 and must act within 18 months of the                  Administrator. EPA’s regulations                      42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a).
                                              state’s submission. The commenter                       require that service of notice to the                 Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions,
                                              stated that EPA ‘‘does not have the                     Administrator ‘‘shall be accomplished                 EPA’s role is to approve state choices,
                                              luxury’’ of acting on a submission at a                 by certified mail addressed to the                    provided that they meet the criteria of
                                              later date. If EPA cannot approve due to                Administrator, Environmental                          the CAA. Accordingly, this action
                                              the state not having an approved                        Protection Agency, Washington, DC                     merely approves state law as meeting
                                              Regional Haze SIP then EPA is required                  20460.’’ 40 CFR 54.2(a). The                          Federal requirements and does not
                                              to disapprove.                                          commenter’s public comment submitted                  impose additional requirements beyond
                                                                                                      via regulations.gov does not satisfy the              those imposed by state law. For that
                                                 Response 4: Please refer to Response                 regulatory requirements for notices of
                                              2. EPA is not required to act on the                                                                          reason, this action:
                                                                                                      intent to file suit against the                          • Is not a significant regulatory action
                                              prong 4 elements of Nebraska’s 2010                     Administrator for failure to perform a
                                              NO2, 2010 SO2, and 2012 PM2.5                                                                                 subject to review by the Office of
                                                                                                      non-discretionary duty.                               Management and Budget under
                                              infrastructure SIP submissions in this
                                              particular rulemaking. Like the elements                V. What action is EPA taking?                         Executive Orders 12866 (58 FR 51735,
                                              of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I), prong 4 is                                                                     October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821,
                                                                                                         EPA is approving elements the
                                              severable from other infrastructure SIP                                                                       January 21, 2011);
                                                                                                      infrastructure SIP submissions from
                                              elements and EPA interprets section                                                                              • Is not an Executive Order 13771 (82
                                                                                                      Nebraska, which address the
                                              110(k) as allowing it to act on individual                                                                    FR 9339, February 2, 2017) regulatory
                                                                                                      requirements of CAA sections 110(a)(1)
                                              severable elements or requirements in a                                                                       action because SIP approvals are
                                                                                                      and (2) as applicable to the 2010 NO2
                                              SIP submission.                                                                                               exempted under Executive Order 12866.
                                                                                                      and SO2 and 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. As
                                                 With respect to the comment on prong                 stated in the above preamble, EPA is                     • Does not impose an information
                                              4, although EPA’s evaluation of a state’s               approving certain elements of the state’s             collection burden under the provisions
                                              SIP submission can be related to the                    submission as meeting the submission                  of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44
                                              status of that state’s regional haze                    requirements of section 110(a)(1) for all             U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
                                              program,2 Nebraska’s regional haze                      three submissions.                                       • Is certified as not having a
                                              program 3 is not relevant here because                     Regarding the 2010 NO2 NAAQS, EPA                  significant economic impact on a
                                              EPA is not taking action on that element                is approving the following infrastructure             substantial number of small entities
                                              of Nebraska’s 2010 NO2, 2010 SO2, and                   elements of 110(a)(2): (A) through (C),               under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5
                                              2012 PM2.5 infrastructure SIP                           (D)(i)(I)—Prongs 1 and 2, (D)(i)(II)—                 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
                                              submissions in this rulemaking.                         prong 3, (D)(ii), (E) through (H), and (J)               • Does not contain any unfunded
                                                                                                      through (M). As explained in the TSD,                 mandate or significantly or uniquely
                                                 Comment 5: Initially in comments 2
                                                                                                      EPA intends to act on section                         affect small governments, as described
                                              through 4, the commenter indicated that
                                                                                                      110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II)—prong 4, in a                     in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
                                              this was the commenter’s official notice
                                                                                                      subsequent rulemaking.                                of 1995 (Public Law 104–4);
                                              of intent to EPA for failure to perform
                                                                                                         EPA is approving the following                        • Does not have Federalism
                                              its nondiscretionary duty to act on the
                                                                                                      infrastructure elements of 110(a)(2) as it            implications as specified in Executive
                                              state’s submission with respect to
                                                                                                      relates to the 2010 SO2 and the 2012                  Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10,
                                              element D(i)(II)—prong 4 for the 2010
                                                                                                      PM2.5 NAAQS: (A) through (C), (D) (i)                 1999);
                                              NO2, 2010 SO2, and 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS,
                                                                                                      (II)—Prong 3, (D) (ii), (E) through (H),                 • Is not an economically significant
                                              failure to perform its nondiscretionary
                                                                                                      and (J) through (M). As discussed in the              regulatory action based on health or
                                              duty to make a finding of failure to
                                                                                                      TSD, EPA intends to act on section                    safety risks subject to Executive Order
                                              submit with respect to the interstate
                                                                                                      110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II)—prong 4, in a                     13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997);
                                              transport portions of SO2 NAAQS, and
                                              for failing to perform its                              subsequent rulemaking and is not acting                  • Is not a significant regulatory action
                                              nondiscretionary duty to act on the                     at this time on section                               subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR
                                                                                                      110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)—prongs 1 and 2, for                28355, May 22, 2001);
                                                 2 EPA’s 2013 Guidance of Infrastructure State
                                                                                                      both the 2010 SO2 and 2012 PM2.5                         • Is not subject to requirements of
                                              Implementation Plan (SIP) Elements under Clean          NAAQS.                                                Section 12(d) of the National
                                              Air Act Sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2) provides          Based upon review of the state’s                   Technology Transfer and Advancement
                                              that ‘‘[o]ne way in which prong 4 may be satisfied      infrastructure SIP submissions for the                Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because
                                              for any relevant NAAQS is through an air agency’s       2010 NO2 and SO2 NAAQS as well as                     application of those requirements would
                                              confirmation in its infrastructure SIP submission
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                                              that it has an approved regional haze SIP . . . .’’     the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS, and relevant                    be inconsistent with the Clean Air Act;
                                              2013 Guidance at 33, https://www3.epa.gov/              statutory and regulatory authorities and              and
                                              airquality/urbanair/sipstatus/docs/Guidance_on_         provisions referenced in the                             • Does not provide EPA with the
                                              Infrastructure_SIP_Elements_Multipollutant_             submissions or referenced in Nebraska’s               discretionary authority to address, as
                                              FINAL_Sept_2013.pdf.
                                                 3 Federal Implementation Plan for Best Available     SIP, EPA believes that Nebraska has the               appropriate, disproportionate human
                                              Retrofit Technology Determination, 77 FR 40150          infrastructure to address all applicable              health or environmental effects, using
                                              (July 6, 2012).                                         required elements of sections 110(a)(1)               practicable and legally permissible


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                                              14182                Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 64 / Tuesday, April 3, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                              methods, under Executive Order 12898                    the Federal Register. A major rule                     matter, Reporting and recordkeeping
                                              (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).                        cannot take effect until 60 days after it              requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile
                                                 In addition, the SIP is not approved                 is published in the Federal Register.                  organic compounds.
                                              to apply on any Indian reservation land                 This action is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as                   Dated: March 15, 2018.
                                              or in any other area where EPA or an                    defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
                                                                                                                                                             James B. Gulliford,
                                              Indian tribe has demonstrated that a                       Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA,
                                              tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of               petitions for judicial review of this                  Regional Administrator, Region 7.
                                              Indian country, the rule does not have                  action must be filed in the United States                For the reasons stated in the
                                              tribal implications and will not impose                 Court of Appeals for the appropriate                   preamble, EPA amends 40 CFR part 52
                                              substantial direct costs on tribal                      circuit by June 4, 2018. Filing a petition             as set forth below:
                                              governments or preempt tribal law as                    for reconsideration by the Administrator
                                              specified by Executive Order 13175 (65                  of this final rule does not affect the                 PART 52—APPROVAL AND
                                              FR 67249, November 9, 2000).                            finality of this action for the purposes of            PROMULGATION OF
                                                 The Congressional Review Act, 5                      judicial review nor does it extend the                 IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
                                              U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small               time within which a petition for judicial
                                              Business Regulatory Enforcement                         review may be filed, and shall not                     ■ 1. The authority citation for part 52
                                              Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides                postpone the effectiveness of such rule                continues to read as follows:
                                              that before a rule may take effect, the                 or action. This action may not be                          Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
                                              agency promulgating the rule must                       challenged later in proceedings to
                                              submit a rule report, which includes a                  enforce its requirements. (See section                 Subpart CC—Nebraska
                                              copy of the rule, to each House of the                  307(b)(2).)
                                              Congress and to the Comptroller General                                                                        ■ 2. Amend § 52.1420(e) by adding
                                              of the United States. EPA will submit a                 List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52                     entries ‘‘(32)’’, ‘‘(33)’’ and ‘‘(34)’’ in
                                              report containing this action and other                   Environmental protection, Air                        numerical order to read as follows:
                                              required information to the U.S. Senate,                pollution control, Carbon monoxide,
                                                                                                                                                             § 52.1420    Identification of Plan.
                                              the U.S. House of Representatives, and                  Incorporation by reference,
                                              the Comptroller General of the United                   Intergovernmental relations, Lead,                     *       *    *      *     *
                                              States prior to publication of the rule in              Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate                       (e) * * *
                                                                                         EPA-APPROVED NEBRASKA NONREGULATORY PROVISIONS
                                                                                                   Applicable
                                                                                                 geographic or        State submittal
                                               Name of nonregulatory SIP provision                                                             EPA Approval date                     Explanation
                                                                                                 nonattainment             date
                                                                                                     area


                                                       *                   *                          *                         *                      *                      *                   *
                                              (32) Section 110(a)(2) Infrastructure         Statewide .............           2/7/13    4/3/2018, [Insert Federal       This action addresses the following
                                                Requirements for the 2010 NO2                                                             Register citation].             CAA       elements     110(a)(2)(A)
                                                NAAQS.                                                                                                                    through (C), (D)(i)(I)—Prongs 1
                                                                                                                                                                          and 2, (D)(i)(II)—Prong 3, (D)(ii),
                                                                                                                                                                          (E) through (H), and (J) through
                                                                                                                                                                          (M). [EPA–R07–OAR–2017–0477;
                                                                                                                                                                          FRL–9976–09–Region 7].
                                              (33) Section 110(a)(2) Infrastructure         Statewide .............          8/22/13    4/3/2018, [Insert Federal       This action addresses the following
                                                Requirements for the 2010 SO2                                                             Register citation].             CAA       elements     110(a)(2)(A)
                                                NAAQS.                                                                                                                    through (C), (D)(i)(II)—Prong 3,
                                                                                                                                                                          (D)(ii), (E) through (H), and (J)
                                                                                                                                                                          through (M). [EPA–R07–OAR–
                                                                                                                                                                          2017–0477; FRL–9976–09–Region
                                                                                                                                                                          7].
                                              (34) Section 110(a)(2) Infrastructure         Statewide .............          2/22/16    4/3/2018 and [Insert Fed-       This action addresses the following
                                                Requirements for the 2010 PM2.5                                                           eral Register citation].        CAA       elements     110(a)(2)(A)
                                                NAAQS.                                                                                                                    through (C), (D)(i)(II)—Prong 3,
                                                                                                                                                                          (D)(ii), (E) through (H), and (J)
                                                                                                                                                                          through (M). [EPA–R07–OAR–
                                                                                                                                                                          2017–0477; FRL–9976–09–Region
                                                                                                                                                                          7].



                                              [FR Doc. 2018–06654 Filed 4–2–18; 8:45 am]
                                              BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
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                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 64 / Tuesday, April 3, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                         14183

                                              DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND                                on the NPRM and no comments were                         Confidential referee and peer reviewer
                                              HUMAN SERVICES                                          received on the SORN. No changes to                   identifying material is contained in
                                                                                                      the proposed exemptions or to the                     records such as reference or
                                              45 CFR Part 5b                                          SORN were made as a result of                         recommendation letters, reviewer
                                              [Docket Number NIH–2016–0001]                           comment received. The NIH research                    critiques, preliminary or final
                                                                                                      and development award programs                        individual overall impact/priority score
                                              RIN 0925–AA63                                           provide funds through contracts,                      records, and/or assignment of peer
                                                                                                      cooperative agreements, and grants to                 reviewers to an application and other
                                              Privacy Act; Implementation                             support biomedical and behavioral                     evaluative materials and data, which
                                              AGENCY:  National Institutes of Health                  research and development projects and                 referees and peer reviewers provide to
                                              (NIH), Department of Health and Human                   centers, training, career development,                the NIH Office of Extramural Research
                                              Services (HHS).                                         small business, and loan repayment and                (OER) under express promises that they
                                              ACTION: Final rule.                                     other research programs. The NIH is                   will not be identified as the sources of
                                                                                                      responsible to Congress and the U.S.                  the information, and which NIH/OER
                                              SUMMARY:    The Department of Health and                taxpayers for carrying out its research               compiles solely for the purpose of
                                              Human Services (HHS or Department),                     and development award programs in a                   determining applicants’ suitability,
                                              through the National Institutes of Health               manner that facilitates research cost-
                                                                                                                                                            eligibility, or qualifications for federal
                                              (NIH), is issuing this final rule to make               effectively and in compliance with
                                                                                                                                                            contracts, grants, or cooperative
                                              effective the exemptions that HHS/NIH                   applicable statutes, rules and
                                                                                                                                                            agreements. To the extent that records
                                              proposed for a subset of records covered                regulations, including 42 U.S.C. 217a,
                                              in a new Privacy Act system of records,                 281, 282, 41 U.S.C. 423 and 45 CFR part               in System No. 09–25–0225 are retrieved
                                              System No. 09–25–0225, NIH Electronic                   75. The NIH uses an award process that                by personal identifiers for individuals
                                              Research Administration (eRA) Records                   relies on checks and balances,                        other than the referees and reviewers
                                              (NIH eRA Records). The new system                       separation of responsibilities, and a two-            (for example, individual applicants), the
                                              covers records used in managing NIH                     level peer review system to ensure that               exemptions for the new system will
                                              research and development applications                   funding applications submitted to the                 enable the agency to prevent, when
                                              and awards throughout the award                         NIH are evaluated in a manner that is                 appropriate, those individual record
                                              lifecycle. The listed exemptions are                    fair, equitable, timely, and free of bias.            subjects from having access to, and
                                              necessary to maintain the integrity of                  The two-level peer review system is                   other rights under the Privacy Act with
                                              the NIH extramural peer review and                      authorized by 42 U.S.C. 216, 42 U.S.C.                respect to, confidential source-
                                              award processes, and will enable the                    282(b)(6), 42 U.S.C. 284(c)(3), and 42                identifying material in the records.
                                              agency to prevent, when appropriate,                    U.S.C. 289a and governed by regulations                  Under the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a),
                                              individual record subjects from having                  at 42 CFR part 52h, ‘‘Scientific Peer                 individuals have a right of access to
                                              access to, and other rights under the                   Review of Research Grant Applications                 records about them in federal agency
                                              Privacy Act with respect to, confidential               and Research and Development Contract                 systems of records, and other rights with
                                              source-identifying material in the                      Projects.’’ The two-level system                      respect to those records (such as
                                              records.                                                separates the scientific assessment of
                                                                                                                                                            notification, amendment, and an
                                              DATES:  This final rule is effective April              proposed projects from policy decisions
                                                                                                                                                            accounting of disclosures), but the Act
                                              3, 2018.                                                about scientific areas to be supported
                                                                                                      and the level of resources to be                      permits certain types of systems of
                                              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                      allocated, which permits a more                       records (identified in section 552a (j)
                                              Celeste Dade-Vinson, NIH Privacy Act                    objective and complete evaluation than                and (k)) to be exempted from certain
                                              Officer, Office of Management                           would result from a single level of                   requirements of the Act. Subsection
                                              Assessment, National Institutes of                      review. The two-level review system is                (k)(5) permits the head of an agency to
                                              Health, 6011 Executive Boulevard, Suite                 designed to provide NIH officials with                promulgate rules to exempt from the
                                              601, MSC 7669, Rockville, Maryland                      the best available advice about scientific            requirements in subsections (c)(3) and
                                              20852, telephone 301–496–4606, fax                      and technical merit as well as program                (d)(1) through (4) of the Act
                                              301–402–0169, email privacy@                            priorities and policy considerations.                 investigatory material compiled solely
                                              mail.nih.gov.                                           The initial or first level review involves            for the purpose of determining
                                              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:      In                      panels of experts established according               suitability, eligibility, or qualifications
                                              accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974                 to scientific disciplines, generally                  for Federal contracts, to the extent that
                                              (Privacy Act), the exemptions were                      referred to as Scientific Review Groups               the disclosure of such material would
                                              described in a Notice of Proposed                       (SRGs), whose primary function is to                  reveal the identity of a source who
                                              Rulemaking (NPRM) published for                         evaluate the scientific merit of grant                furnished information to the
                                              public notice and comment on                            applications. The second level of review              Government under an express promise
                                              December 8, 2016 (81 FR 88637). The                     of grant applications is performed by                 that the identity of the source would be
                                              new system of records was described in                  National Advisory Boards or Councils                  held in confidence.
                                              a System of Records Notice (SORN)                       composed of both scientific and lay
                                              published for public notice and                         representatives. The recommendations                     On December 8, 2016, HHS/NIH
                                              comment the same day (81 FR 88690).                     made by these Boards or Councils are                  published a System of Records Notice
                                              Only certain confidential source-                       based not only on considerations of                   (SORN) describing the new system (81
                                                                                                                                                            FR 88690). On the same date, HHS/NIH
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                                              identifying information was proposed to                 scientific merit as judged by the SRG
                                              be exempted, from the accounting of                     but also on the relevance of a proposed               also published a Notice of Proposed
                                              disclosures, access and amendment, and                  project to the programs and priorities of             Rulemaking (NPRM) (81 FR 88637)
                                              notification provisions in subsections                  the NIH. Referees are those individuals               proposing to exempt a subset of records
                                              (c)(3) and (d)(1) through (4) of the                    who supply reference or other letters of              in the system of records under
                                              Privacy Act, based on subsection (k)(5)                 recommendations for a grant or                        subsection (k)(5) of the Privacy Act from
                                              of the Act. One comment was received                    cooperative agreement applicant.                      requirements pertaining to providing an


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Document Created: 2018-04-03 00:49:38
Document Modified: 2018-04-03 00:49:38
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis final rule is effective on May 3, 2018.
ContactMr. Gregory Crable, Environmental Protection Agency, Air Planning and Development Branch, 11201 Renner Boulevard, Lenexa, Kansas 66219 at (913) 551-7391, or by email at [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 14179 

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