83_FR_2107 83 FR 2097 - Air Plan Approval; Connecticut; Revision of the Low Emission Vehicles Program

83 FR 2097 - Air Plan Approval; Connecticut; Revision of the Low Emission Vehicles Program

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 10 (January 16, 2018)

Page Range2097-2100
FR Document2018-00477

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Connecticut on December 14, 2015. This SIP revision includes Connecticut's revised regulation for new motor vehicle emission standards. Connecticut has updated its rule to be consistent with various updates made to California's low emission vehicle (LEV) program. The Connecticut LEV regulations also include updates to the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) provision. Connecticut has adopted these revisions to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC), particulate matter (PM), and nitrogen oxides (NO<INF>X</INF>) in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA), as well as to reduce greenhouse gases. The intended effect of this action is to propose approval of Connecticut's December 14, 2015 SIP revision. This action is being taken under the CAA.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 10 (Tuesday, January 16, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 16, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 2097-2100]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-00477]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R01-OAR-2017-0697; FRL-9972-98-Region 1]


Air Plan Approval; Connecticut; Revision of the Low Emission 
Vehicles Program

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to 
approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the 
State of Connecticut on December 14, 2015. This SIP revision includes 
Connecticut's revised regulation for new motor vehicle emission 
standards. Connecticut has updated its rule to be consistent with 
various updates made to California's low emission vehicle (LEV) 
program. The Connecticut LEV regulations also include updates to the 
zero emission vehicle (ZEV) provision. Connecticut has adopted these 
revisions to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC), 
particulate matter (PM), and nitrogen oxides (NOX) in 
accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA), as well as 
to reduce greenhouse gases. The intended effect of this action is to 
propose approval of Connecticut's December 14, 2015 SIP revision. This 
action is being taken under the CAA.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before February 15, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R01-
OAR-2017-0697 at www.regulations.gov, or via email to 
[email protected]. For comments submitted at Regulations.gov, 
follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, 
comments cannot be edited or removed from Regulations.gov. For either 
manner of submission, the EPA may publish any comment received to its 
public docket. Do not submit electronically any information you 
consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Multimedia 
submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written 
comment. The written comment is considered the official comment and 
should include discussion of all points you wish to make. The EPA will 
generally not consider comments or comment contents located outside of 
the primary submission (i.e. on the web, cloud, or other file sharing 
system). For additional submission methods, please contact the person 
identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. For the full 
EPA public comment policy, information about CBI or multimedia 
submissions, and general guidance on making effective comments, please 
visit www.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets. Publicly available 
docket materials are available at www.regulations.gov or at the U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England Regional Office, 
Office of Ecosystem Protection, Air Quality Planning Unit, 5 Post 
Office Square--Suite 100, Boston, MA. EPA requests that if at all 
possible, you contact the contact listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT section to schedule your inspection. The Regional Office's 
official hours of business are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 
p.m., excluding legal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Rackauskas, Air Quality Planning 
Unit, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England Regional 
Office, 5 Post Office Square, Suite 100 (mail code: OEP05-2), Boston, 
MA 02109-3912, telephone number (617) 918-1628, fax number (617) 918-
0628, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document whenever ``we,'' 
``us,'' or ``our'' is used, we mean EPA.

Table of Contents

I. Background and Purpose
II. The California LEV Program
III. Relevant EPA and CAA Requirements
IV. Proposed Action
V. Incorporation by Reference
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

I. Background and Purpose

    On December 14, 2015, the Connecticut Department of Energy and 
Environmental Protection (DEEP) submitted a revision to its SIP 
consisting of the amended Section 22a-174-36b ``Low Emission Vehicle II 
Program'' (LEV II) and the newly adopted Section 22a-174-36c ``Low 
Emission Vehicle III Program'' (LEV III) of the Regulations of 
Connecticut State Agencies (RCSA). This SIP revision proposes to adopt 
regulations to mirror the California Air Resources Board (CARB) 
emission limits for new passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-
duty passenger vehicles sold, leased, imported, delivered, purchased, 
rented, acquired, or received in the State of Connecticut. 
Connecticut's amended LEV II and adopted LEV III programs were 
submitted as part of an overall revision to their ``infrastructure 
SIP'' for the 2012 Fine Particle (PM2.5) National

[[Page 2098]]

Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), as required by section 110(a)(1) 
and (2) of the CAA.
    EPA previously approved RCSA Section 22a-174-36b (LEV II) into the 
Connecticut SIP on March 17, 2015 (80 FR 13768). The SIP revision 
approved on March 17, 2015, adopted the California LEV II program, 
which was effective in Connecticut on December 4, 2004, and 
subsequently amended on December 22, 2005, August 4, 2009, and 
September 10, 2012. The previously SIP-approved LEV II program also 
included all elements of the ZEV program, commencing with 2008 model 
year vehicles. The current version of Connecticut's LEV II program 
regulation, which is being proposed for approval, was amended with an 
effective date of August 1, 2013. The revised Connecticut LEV II 
program, submitted as part of Connecticut's December 14, 2015 SIP 
revision, contains minor updates that place an end date to LEV II 
program standards of model year 2014, for vehicles bought in 
Connecticut. Any 2015 and subsequent model year vehicle is regulated by 
the more stringent RCSA Section 22(a)-174-36c (LEV III), also effective 
in CT on August 1, 2013.
    Connecticut's revised regulations also include updates to the 
California ZEV program. In 2003, CARB finalized modifications to the 
ZEV program that better aligned the requirements with the status of 
then-available technology development. The updated CARB regulations 
require that 10% of vehicles be ZEVs starting in 2005, and allow 
manufacturers to earn and bank credits for those types of vehicles 
produced before 2005. The program also includes an ``alternative 
compliance path'' that allowed advanced technology partial ZEVs (AT 
PZEVs) (e.g. gasoline electric hybrids) to be used to meet ZEV program 
requirements, provided that manufacturers meet a requirement that a 
portion of the motor vehicle fleet be fueled by hydrogen fuel cells. 
The modifications to the ZEV program also broadened the scope of 
vehicles that qualified for meeting a portion of the ZEV sales 
requirement.
    Additionally, Connecticut's LEV III regulation includes the 
California updates to the State's greenhouse gas (GHG) program. This 
update applies to all passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-
duty vehicles for 2017 and subsequent model years. Connecticut 
previously adopted a GHG provision as part of its LEV II regulation, 
which applies to model year 2009-2016 vehicles. The updated Connecticut 
GHG language mirrors the California GHG regulation.

II. The California LEV Program

    CARB adopted the first generation of LEV regulations (LEV I) in 
1990, which impacted vehicles through the 2003 model year. CARB adopted 
California's second generation LEV regulation (LEV II) following a 
November 1998 hearing. Subsequent to the adoption of the California LEV 
II program in February 2000, EPA adopted separate Federal standards 
known as the Tier 2 regulations (February 10, 2000; 65 FR 6698). In 
December 2000, CARB modified the California LEV II program to take 
advantage of some elements of the Federal Tier 2 regulations to ensure 
that only the cleanest vehicle models would continue to be sold in 
California. EPA granted California a waiver for its LEV II program on 
April 22, 2003 (68 FR 19811). In 2012, CARB `packaged' the third 
generation LEV program (LEV III) with updated GHG emission standards 
and ZEV requirements as part of California's Advanced Clean Cars (ACC) 
program. EPA granted California a waiver for the ACC program on January 
9, 2013 (78 FR 2112).
    The LEV II and LEV III regulations expanded the scope of LEV I 
regulations by setting strict fleet-average emission standards for 
light-duty, medium-duty (including sport utility vehicles) and heavy-
duty vehicles. The standards for LEV II began with the 2004 model year 
and increased in stringency with each vehicle model year. The LEV III 
standards began in 2015 and continue to increase emission stringency 
with each progressive vehicle model year through 2025 and beyond.
    An automobile manufacturer must show that the overall vehicle fleet 
for a given model year meets the specified phase-in requirements 
according to the fleet average non-methane hydrocarbon requirement for 
that year. The fleet average non-methane hydrocarbon emission limits 
are progressively lower with each model year. The program also requires 
auto manufacturers to include a ``smog index'' label on each vehicle 
sold, which is intended to inform consumers about the amount of 
pollution produced by that vehicle relative to other vehicles.
    In addition to meeting the LEV II and LEV III requirements, large 
or intermediate volume manufacturers must ensure that a certain 
percentage of the passenger cars and light-duty trucks that they market 
in California are ZEVs. This is referred to as the ZEV mandate. 
California has modified the ZEV mandate several times since it took 
effect. One modification allowed an alternative compliance program 
(ACP) to provide auto manufacturers with several options to meet the 
ZEV mandate. The ACP established ZEV credit multipliers to allow auto 
manufacturers to take credit for meeting the ZEV mandate by selling 
more partial ZEVs (PZEVs) and AT PZEVs than they are otherwise required 
to sell. On December 28, 2006, EPA granted California's request for a 
waiver of Federal preemption to enforce provisions of the ZEV 
regulations through the 2011 vehicle model year. In a letter dated June 
27, 2012, CARB requested that EPA grant a waiver of preemption that 
allowed updated ZEV regulations as part of the ACC program. These 
updated ZEV regulations will require manufacturers to produce 
increasing numbers of ZEVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in 2018 
and subsequent years. EPA granted this waiver on January 9, 2013 (78 FR 
2112).
    On October 15, 2005, California amended its LEV II program to 
include GHG emission standards for passenger cars, light-duty trucks, 
and medium-duty passenger vehicles. On December 21, 2005, California 
requested that EPA grant a waiver of preemption under CAA section 
209(b) for its GHG regulations. On June 30, 2009, EPA granted CARB's 
request for a waiver of CAA preemption to enforce its GHG emission 
standards for new model year 2009 and subsequent model year motor 
vehicles (July 8, 2009; 74 FR 32744-32784). Approval for updated and 
extended GHG emissions standards was granted by EPA as part of the 
January 9, 2013 ACC waiver (78 FR 2112), which includes regulations 
that incrementally reduce GHG emissions though 2025 and beyond.

III. Relevant EPA and CAA Requirements

    Section 209(a) of the CAA prohibits states from adopting or 
enforcing standards relating to the control of emissions from new motor 
vehicles or new motor vehicle engines. However, under section 209(b) of 
the CAA, EPA shall grant a waiver of the section 209(a) prohibition to 
the State of California if EPA makes specified findings, thereby 
allowing California to adopt its own motor vehicle emission standards. 
Furthermore, other states may adopt California's motor vehicle emission 
standards under section 177 of the CAA.
    For additional information regarding California's motor vehicle 
emission standards and adoption by other states, please see EPA's 
``California Waivers and Authorizations'' web page at URL address: 
www.epa.gov/otaq/cafr.htm. This website also lists relevant Federal 
Register notices that have been issued

[[Page 2099]]

by EPA in response to California waiver and authorization requests.

A. Waiver Process

    The CAA allows California to seek a waiver of the preemption which 
prohibits states from enacting emission standards for new motor 
vehicles. EPA must grant this waiver before California's rules may be 
enforced. When California files a waiver request, EPA publishes a 
notice for public hearing and written comment in the Federal Register. 
The written comment period remains open for a period of time after the 
public hearing. Once the comment period expires, EPA reviews the 
comments and the Administrator determines whether the requirements for 
obtaining a waiver have been met.
    According to CAA section 209--State Standards, EPA shall grant a 
waiver unless the Administrator finds that California:

--Was arbitrary and capricious in its finding that its standards are in 
the aggregate at least as protective of public health and welfare as 
applicable Federal standards;
--Does not need such standards to meet compelling and extraordinary 
conditions; or
--Proposes standards and accompanying enforcement procedures that are 
not consistent with section 202(a) of the CAA.

    The most recent EPA waiver relevant to EPA's proposed approval of 
Connecticut's LEV program is ``California State Motor Vehicle Pollution 
Control Standards; Notice of Decision Granting a Waiver of Clean Air 
Act Preemption for California's Advanced Clean Car Program and a Within 
the Scope confirmation for California's Zero Emissions Vehicle 
Amendments for 2017 and Earlier Model Years'' (January 9, 2013; 78 FR 
2112-2145). This final rulemaking allows California to strengthen 
standards for LEV regulations and GHG emissions from passenger cars, 
light-duty trucks and medium-duty vehicles. It also allows for 
continuing ZEV regulations by requiring more ZEV manufacturing and 
sales through 2025 and subsequent years.

B. State Adoption of California Standards

    Section 177 of the CAA allows other states to adopt and enforce 
California's standards for the control of emissions from new motor 
vehicles, provided that, among other things, such state standards are 
identical to the California standards for which a waiver has been 
granted under CAA section 209(b). In addition, the state must adopt 
such standards at least two years prior to the commencement of the 
model year to which the standards will apply. EPA issued guidance 
(CISD-07-16) \1\ regarding its cross-border sales policy for 
California-certified vehicles. This guidance includes a list and map of 
states that have adopted California standards, specific to the 2008-
2010 model years. All SIP revisions submitted to EPA for approval must 
also meet the requirements of CAA section 110(l).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See EPA's October 29, 2007 letter to Manufacturers regarding 
``Sales of California-certified 2008-2010 Model Year Vehicles 
(Cross-Border Sales Policy),'' with attachments. https://iaspub.epa.gov/otaqpub/display_file.jsp?docid=16888&flag=1.
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    The provisions of section 177 of the CAA require Connecticut to 
amend the Connecticut LEV program at such time as the State of 
California amends its California LEV program. Connecticut has 
demonstrated its commitment to maintain a LEV program through the 
continued adoption of regulatory amendments to Connecticut's initial 
LEV program.
    In addition, Connecticut's December 14, 2015 SIP submittal meets 
the requirements of section 110(l) of the CAA because the SIP revision 
would not interfere with any applicable requirement concerning 
attainment and reasonable further progress or any other applicable 
requirement of the CAA. This SIP revision sets new requirements, the 
California LEV III standards, that are more stringent than the 
California LEV I and LEV II standards previously approved into the 
Connecticut SIP, and expands program coverage to model year vehicles 
not covered by the California LEV I and LEV II standards, and by 
extension, not previously included in the Connecticut SIP. Though the 
SIP revision places an end date to model year cars covered under the 
LEV II program, it also adopts the more stringent LEV III program to 
apply to model years immediately following the LEV II regulated 
vehicles. Connecticut's SIP revision also includes increasingly 
stringent GHG emissions and LEV sales requirements that are not 
currently part of the Connecticut SIP.

IV. Proposed Action

    EPA is proposing to approve, and incorporate into the Connecticut 
SIP, Connecticut's revised RCSA Section 22a-174-36b (LEV II) and 
adopted RCSA Section 22a-174-36c (LEV III), effective in the State of 
Connecticut on August 1, 2015, and submitted to EPA on December 14, 
2015. The new and revised regulations include: Ending the California 
LEV II program with model year 2014 vehicles and adopting the 
California LEV III program for model year 2015 and subsequent model 
year vehicles, the updated California GHG provisions, and the updated 
ZEV provisions. EPA is proposing to approve Connecticut's revised RCSA 
Section 22a-174-36b and adopted RCSA Section 22a-174-36c into the 
Connecticut SIP because EPA has found that the requirements are 
consistent with the CAA.
    In addition, EPA is proposing to remove 40 CFR 52.381, which was 
promulgated on January 24, 1995 (60 FR 4737). This section states that 
Connecticut must comply with the requirements of 40 CFR 51.120, which 
are to implement the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) LEV program. As 
noted above, Connecticut subsequently adopted the California LEV and 
LEV II programs. Furthermore, today's proposed approval of 
Connecticut's revised LEV II and adopted LEV III programs, if 
finalized, will add California's even more stringent standards into 
Connecticut's SIP. Thus, Connecticut has satisfied 40 CFR 52.381, and 
therefore, EPA is proposing to remove 40 CFR 52.381 from the Code of 
Federal Regulations. In addition, on March 11, 1997, the U.S. Court of 
Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit vacated the provisions of 
40 CFR. 51.120. See Virginia v. EPA, 108 F.3d 1397. Because of the 
vacatur, EPA concludes that 40 CFR 52.381 is, in any event, obsolete.
    EPA is soliciting public comments on the issues discussed in this 
notice or on other relevant matters. These comments will be considered 
before taking final action. Interested parties may participate in the 
Federal rulemaking procedure by submitting written comments to this 
proposed rule by following the instructions listed in the ADDRESSES 
section of this Federal Register.

V. Incorporation by Reference

    In this rule, the EPA is proposing to include in a final EPA rule 
regulatory text that includes incorporation by reference. In accordance 
with requirements of 1 CFR 51.5, the EPA is proposing to incorporate by 
reference Connecticut's regulations cited in Section IV of this 
proposed rulemaking. The EPA has made, and will continue to make, these 
documents generally available electronically through 
www.regulations.gov and at the appropriate EPA.

[[Page 2100]]

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Under the Clean Air Act, 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 Clean Air Act. 
Accordingly, this proposed action merely approves state law as meeting 
Federal requirements and does not impose additional requirements beyond 
those imposed by state law. For that reason, this proposed action:
     Is not a significant regulatory action subject to review 
by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Orders12866 (58 
FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011);
     Does not impose an information collection burden under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
     Is certified as not having a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
     Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4);
     Does not have Federalism implications as specified in 
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
     Is not an economically significant regulatory action based 
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 1997);
     Is not a significant regulatory action subject to 
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
     Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the 
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 
note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent 
with the 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 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).

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: January 2, 2018.
Ken Moraff,
Acting Regional Administrator, EPA New England.
[FR Doc. 2018-00477 Filed 1-12-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 16, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                              2097

                                                 levels of government. Accordingly, we                   ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION                               additional submission methods, please
                                                 conclude that the rule does not contain                 AGENCY                                                 contact the person identified in the FOR
                                                 policies that have federalism                                                                                  FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.
                                                 implications as defined in the Executive                40 CFR Part 52                                         For the full EPA public comment policy,
                                                 Order and, consequently, a federalism                   [EPA–R01–OAR–2017–0697; FRL–9972–98–                   information about CBI or multimedia
                                                 summary impact statement is not                         Region 1]                                              submissions, and general guidance on
                                                 required.                                                                                                      making effective comments, please visit
                                                                                                         Air Plan Approval; Connecticut;                        www.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-
                                                 VIII. Consultation and Coordination                     Revision of the Low Emission Vehicles                  dockets. Publicly available docket
                                                 With Indian Tribal Governments                          Program                                                materials are available at
                                                                                                                                                                www.regulations.gov or at the U.S.
                                                   We have analyzed this proposed rule                   AGENCY:  Environmental Protection                      Environmental Protection Agency, EPA
                                                 in accordance with the principles set                   Agency (EPA).                                          New England Regional Office, Office of
                                                 forth in Executive Order 13175. We                      ACTION: Proposed rule.                                 Ecosystem Protection, Air Quality
                                                 have tentatively determined that the                                                                           Planning Unit, 5 Post Office Square—
                                                                                                         SUMMARY:    The Environmental Protection
                                                 rule does not contain policies that                                                                            Suite 100, Boston, MA. EPA requests
                                                                                                         Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a
                                                 would have a substantial direct effect on               State Implementation Plan (SIP)                        that if at all possible, you contact the
                                                 one or more Indian Tribes, on the                       revision submitted by the State of                     contact listed in the FOR FURTHER
                                                 relationship between the Federal                        Connecticut on December 14, 2015. This                 INFORMATION CONTACT section to
                                                 Government and Indian Tribes, or on                     SIP revision includes Connecticut’s                    schedule your inspection. The Regional
                                                 the distribution of power and                           revised regulation for new motor vehicle               Office’s official hours of business are
                                                 responsibilities between the Federal                    emission standards. Connecticut has                    Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to
                                                 Government and Indian Tribes. The                       updated its rule to be consistent with                 4:30 p.m., excluding legal holidays.
                                                 Agency solicits comments from tribal                    various updates made to California’s                   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric
                                                 officials on any potential impact on                    low emission vehicle (LEV) program.                    Rackauskas, Air Quality Planning Unit,
                                                 Indian Tribes from this proposed action.                The Connecticut LEV regulations also                   U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
                                                                                                         include updates to the zero emission                   EPA New England Regional Office, 5
                                                 IX. Other Issues for Consideration                      vehicle (ZEV) provision. Connecticut                   Post Office Square, Suite 100 (mail
                                                    This proposed rule would only delay                  has adopted these revisions to reduce                  code: OEP05–2), Boston, MA 02109–
                                                                                                         emissions of volatile organic                          3912, telephone number (617) 918–
                                                 the effective date of the portions of a
                                                                                                         compounds (VOC), particulate matter                    1628, fax number (617) 918–0628, email
                                                 final rule amending the ‘‘intended use’’
                                                                                                         (PM), and nitrogen oxides (NOX) in                     rackauskas.eric@epa.gov.
                                                 regulations for medical products
                                                                                                         accordance with the requirements of the                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                 (§§ 201.128 and 801.4), published in the                Clean Air Act (CAA), as well as to                     Throughout this document whenever
                                                 Federal Register of January 9, 2017.                    reduce greenhouse gases. The intended                  ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ or ‘‘our’’ is used, we mean
                                                 Therefore, comments to this proposed                    effect of this action is to propose                    EPA.
                                                 rule should pertain to this delay of the                approval of Connecticut’s December 14,
                                                 effective date only with respect to such                2015 SIP revision. This action is being                Table of Contents
                                                 provisions.                                             taken under the CAA.                                   I. Background and Purpose
                                                                                                         DATES: Written comments must be                        II. The California LEV Program
                                                 X. Request for Comments                                                                                        III. Relevant EPA and CAA Requirements
                                                                                                         received on or before February 15, 2018.
                                                                                                                                                                IV. Proposed Action
                                                   FDA is proposing to delay, until                      ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,                       V. Incorporation by Reference
                                                 further notice, the effective date of the               identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R01–                   VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
                                                 amendments to §§ 201.128 and 801.4                      OAR–2017–0697 at
                                                 that were published at 82 FR 2193 on                    www.regulations.gov, or via email to                   I. Background and Purpose
                                                 January 9, 2017. FDA had previously                     rackauskas.eric@epa.gov. For comments                     On December 14, 2015, the
                                                 delayed the effective date on February 7,               submitted at Regulations.gov, follow the               Connecticut Department of Energy and
                                                 2017 (82 FR 9501), and on March 20,                     online instructions for submitting                     Environmental Protection (DEEP)
                                                 2017 (82 FR 14319). FDA requests                        comments. Once submitted, comments                     submitted a revision to its SIP
                                                 comment on this proposal to further                     cannot be edited or removed from                       consisting of the amended Section 22a–
                                                 delay the effective date of the                         Regulations.gov. For either manner of                  174–36b ‘‘Low Emission Vehicle II
                                                 amendments to §§ 201.128 and 801.4.                     submission, the EPA may publish any                    Program’’ (LEV II) and the newly
                                                                                                         comment received to its public docket.                 adopted Section 22a–174–36c ‘‘Low
                                                   Dated: January 10, 2018.                              Do not submit electronically any                       Emission Vehicle III Program’’ (LEV III)
                                                 Leslie Kux,                                             information you consider to be                         of the Regulations of Connecticut State
                                                 Associate Commissioner for Policy.                      Confidential Business Information (CBI)                Agencies (RCSA). This SIP revision
                                                 [FR Doc. 2018–00555 Filed 1–12–18; 8:45 am]             or other information whose disclosure is               proposes to adopt regulations to mirror
                                                 BILLING CODE 4164–01–P
                                                                                                         restricted by statute. Multimedia                      the California Air Resources Board
                                                                                                         submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be               (CARB) emission limits for new
                                                                                                         accompanied by a written comment.                      passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                         The written comment is considered the                  medium-duty passenger vehicles sold,
                                                                                                         official comment and should include                    leased, imported, delivered, purchased,
                                                                                                         discussion of all points you wish to                   rented, acquired, or received in the State
                                                                                                         make. The EPA will generally not                       of Connecticut. Connecticut’s amended
                                                                                                         consider comments or comment                           LEV II and adopted LEV III programs
                                                                                                         contents located outside of the primary                were submitted as part of an overall
                                                                                                         submission (i.e. on the web, cloud, or                 revision to their ‘‘infrastructure SIP’’ for
                                                                                                         other file sharing system). For                        the 2012 Fine Particle (PM2.5) National


                                            VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:42 Jan 12, 2018   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00010   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\16JAP1.SGM   16JAP1


                                                 2098                   Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 16, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                 Ambient Air Quality Standards                           II. The California LEV Program                         several options to meet the ZEV
                                                 (NAAQS), as required by section                            CARB adopted the first generation of                mandate. The ACP established ZEV
                                                 110(a)(1) and (2) of the CAA.                           LEV regulations (LEV I) in 1990, which                 credit multipliers to allow auto
                                                    EPA previously approved RCSA                         impacted vehicles through the 2003                     manufacturers to take credit for meeting
                                                 Section 22a–174–36b (LEV II) into the                                                                          the ZEV mandate by selling more partial
                                                                                                         model year. CARB adopted California’s
                                                 Connecticut SIP on March 17, 2015 (80                                                                          ZEVs (PZEVs) and AT PZEVs than they
                                                                                                         second generation LEV regulation (LEV
                                                 FR 13768). The SIP revision approved                                                                           are otherwise required to sell. On
                                                                                                         II) following a November 1998 hearing.
                                                 on March 17, 2015, adopted the                                                                                 December 28, 2006, EPA granted
                                                                                                         Subsequent to the adoption of the
                                                 California LEV II program, which was                                                                           California’s request for a waiver of
                                                                                                         California LEV II program in February
                                                 effective in Connecticut on December 4,                                                                        Federal preemption to enforce
                                                                                                         2000, EPA adopted separate Federal
                                                 2004, and subsequently amended on                                                                              provisions of the ZEV regulations
                                                                                                         standards known as the Tier 2
                                                 December 22, 2005, August 4, 2009, and                                                                         through the 2011 vehicle model year. In
                                                                                                         regulations (February 10, 2000; 65 FR
                                                 September 10, 2012. The previously                                                                             a letter dated June 27, 2012, CARB
                                                                                                         6698). In December 2000, CARB
                                                 SIP-approved LEV II program also                                                                               requested that EPA grant a waiver of
                                                 included all elements of the ZEV                        modified the California LEV II program
                                                                                                         to take advantage of some elements of                  preemption that allowed updated ZEV
                                                 program, commencing with 2008 model                                                                            regulations as part of the ACC program.
                                                 year vehicles. The current version of                   the Federal Tier 2 regulations to ensure
                                                                                                         that only the cleanest vehicle models                  These updated ZEV regulations will
                                                 Connecticut’s LEV II program                                                                                   require manufacturers to produce
                                                 regulation, which is being proposed for                 would continue to be sold in California.
                                                                                                         EPA granted California a waiver for its                increasing numbers of ZEVs and plug-in
                                                 approval, was amended with an                                                                                  hybrid electric vehicles in 2018 and
                                                 effective date of August 1, 2013. The                   LEV II program on April 22, 2003 (68 FR
                                                                                                         19811). In 2012, CARB ‘packaged’ the                   subsequent years. EPA granted this
                                                 revised Connecticut LEV II program,                                                                            waiver on January 9, 2013 (78 FR 2112).
                                                 submitted as part of Connecticut’s                      third generation LEV program (LEV III)
                                                                                                         with updated GHG emission standards                       On October 15, 2005, California
                                                 December 14, 2015 SIP revision,                                                                                amended its LEV II program to include
                                                 contains minor updates that place an                    and ZEV requirements as part of
                                                                                                         California’s Advanced Clean Cars (ACC)                 GHG emission standards for passenger
                                                 end date to LEV II program standards of                                                                        cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-
                                                 model year 2014, for vehicles bought in                 program. EPA granted California a
                                                                                                         waiver for the ACC program on January                  duty passenger vehicles. On December
                                                 Connecticut. Any 2015 and subsequent                                                                           21, 2005, California requested that EPA
                                                 model year vehicle is regulated by the                  9, 2013 (78 FR 2112).
                                                                                                            The LEV II and LEV III regulations                  grant a waiver of preemption under
                                                 more stringent RCSA Section 22(a)–
                                                                                                         expanded the scope of LEV I regulations                CAA section 209(b) for its GHG
                                                 174–36c (LEV III), also effective in CT
                                                                                                         by setting strict fleet-average emission               regulations. On June 30, 2009, EPA
                                                 on August 1, 2013.
                                                    Connecticut’s revised regulations also               standards for light-duty, medium-duty                  granted CARB’s request for a waiver of
                                                 include updates to the California ZEV                   (including sport utility vehicles) and                 CAA preemption to enforce its GHG
                                                 program. In 2003, CARB finalized                        heavy-duty vehicles. The standards for                 emission standards for new model year
                                                 modifications to the ZEV program that                   LEV II began with the 2004 model year                  2009 and subsequent model year motor
                                                 better aligned the requirements with the                and increased in stringency with each                  vehicles (July 8, 2009; 74 FR 32744–
                                                 status of then-available technology                     vehicle model year. The LEV III                        32784). Approval for updated and
                                                 development. The updated CARB                           standards began in 2015 and continue to                extended GHG emissions standards was
                                                 regulations require that 10% of vehicles                increase emission stringency with each                 granted by EPA as part of the January 9,
                                                 be ZEVs starting in 2005, and allow                     progressive vehicle model year through                 2013 ACC waiver (78 FR 2112), which
                                                 manufacturers to earn and bank credits                  2025 and beyond.                                       includes regulations that incrementally
                                                 for those types of vehicles produced                       An automobile manufacturer must                     reduce GHG emissions though 2025 and
                                                 before 2005. The program also includes                  show that the overall vehicle fleet for a              beyond.
                                                 an ‘‘alternative compliance path’’ that                 given model year meets the specified                   III. Relevant EPA and CAA
                                                 allowed advanced technology partial                     phase-in requirements according to the                 Requirements
                                                 ZEVs (AT PZEVs) (e.g. gasoline electric                 fleet average non-methane hydrocarbon
                                                 hybrids) to be used to meet ZEV                         requirement for that year. The fleet                      Section 209(a) of the CAA prohibits
                                                 program requirements, provided that                     average non-methane hydrocarbon                        states from adopting or enforcing
                                                 manufacturers meet a requirement that                   emission limits are progressively lower                standards relating to the control of
                                                 a portion of the motor vehicle fleet be                 with each model year. The program also                 emissions from new motor vehicles or
                                                 fueled by hydrogen fuel cells. The                      requires auto manufacturers to include                 new motor vehicle engines. However,
                                                 modifications to the ZEV program also                   a ‘‘smog index’’ label on each vehicle                 under section 209(b) of the CAA, EPA
                                                 broadened the scope of vehicles that                    sold, which is intended to inform                      shall grant a waiver of the section 209(a)
                                                 qualified for meeting a portion of the                  consumers about the amount of                          prohibition to the State of California if
                                                 ZEV sales requirement.                                  pollution produced by that vehicle                     EPA makes specified findings, thereby
                                                    Additionally, Connecticut’s LEV III                  relative to other vehicles.                            allowing California to adopt its own
                                                 regulation includes the California                         In addition to meeting the LEV II and               motor vehicle emission standards.
                                                 updates to the State’s greenhouse gas                   LEV III requirements, large or                         Furthermore, other states may adopt
                                                 (GHG) program. This update applies to                   intermediate volume manufacturers                      California’s motor vehicle emission
                                                 all passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and              must ensure that a certain percentage of               standards under section 177 of the CAA.
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                                                 medium-duty vehicles for 2017 and                       the passenger cars and light-duty trucks                  For additional information regarding
                                                 subsequent model years. Connecticut                     that they market in California are ZEVs.               California’s motor vehicle emission
                                                 previously adopted a GHG provision as                   This is referred to as the ZEV mandate.                standards and adoption by other states,
                                                 part of its LEV II regulation, which                    California has modified the ZEV                        please see EPA’s ‘‘California Waivers
                                                 applies to model year 2009–2016                         mandate several times since it took                    and Authorizations’’ web page at URL
                                                 vehicles. The updated Connecticut GHG                   effect. One modification allowed an                    address: www.epa.gov/otaq/cafr.htm.
                                                 language mirrors the California GHG                     alternative compliance program (ACP)                   This website also lists relevant Federal
                                                 regulation.                                             to provide auto manufacturers with                     Register notices that have been issued


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                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 16, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                            2099

                                                 by EPA in response to California waiver                 the state must adopt such standards at                 California LEV II program with model
                                                 and authorization requests.                             least two years prior to the                           year 2014 vehicles and adopting the
                                                                                                         commencement of the model year to                      California LEV III program for model
                                                 A. Waiver Process
                                                                                                         which the standards will apply. EPA                    year 2015 and subsequent model year
                                                    The CAA allows California to seek a                  issued guidance (CISD–07–16) 1                         vehicles, the updated California GHG
                                                 waiver of the preemption which                          regarding its cross-border sales policy                provisions, and the updated ZEV
                                                 prohibits states from enacting emission                 for California-certified vehicles. This                provisions. EPA is proposing to approve
                                                 standards for new motor vehicles. EPA                   guidance includes a list and map of                    Connecticut’s revised RCSA Section
                                                 must grant this waiver before                           states that have adopted California                    22a–174–36b and adopted RCSA
                                                 California’s rules may be enforced.                     standards, specific to the 2008–2010                   Section 22a–174–36c into the
                                                 When California files a waiver request,                 model years. All SIP revisions                         Connecticut SIP because EPA has found
                                                 EPA publishes a notice for public                       submitted to EPA for approval must also                that the requirements are consistent
                                                 hearing and written comment in the                      meet the requirements of CAA section                   with the CAA.
                                                 Federal Register. The written comment                   110(l).
                                                 period remains open for a period of time                   The provisions of section 177 of the                  In addition, EPA is proposing to
                                                 after the public hearing. Once the                      CAA require Connecticut to amend the                   remove 40 CFR 52.381, which was
                                                 comment period expires, EPA reviews                     Connecticut LEV program at such time                   promulgated on January 24, 1995 (60 FR
                                                 the comments and the Administrator                      as the State of California amends its                  4737). This section states that
                                                 determines whether the requirements                     California LEV program. Connecticut                    Connecticut must comply with the
                                                 for obtaining a waiver have been met.                   has demonstrated its commitment to                     requirements of 40 CFR 51.120, which
                                                    According to CAA section 209—State                   maintain a LEV program through the                     are to implement the Ozone Transport
                                                 Standards, EPA shall grant a waiver                     continued adoption of regulatory                       Commission (OTC) LEV program. As
                                                 unless the Administrator finds that                     amendments to Connecticut’s initial                    noted above, Connecticut subsequently
                                                 California:                                             LEV program.                                           adopted the California LEV and LEV II
                                                                                                            In addition, Connecticut’s December                 programs. Furthermore, today’s
                                                 —Was arbitrary and capricious in its
                                                                                                         14, 2015 SIP submittal meets the                       proposed approval of Connecticut’s
                                                    finding that its standards are in the
                                                                                                         requirements of section 110(l) of the                  revised LEV II and adopted LEV III
                                                    aggregate at least as protective of
                                                                                                         CAA because the SIP revision would not                 programs, if finalized, will add
                                                    public health and welfare as
                                                                                                         interfere with any applicable                          California’s even more stringent
                                                    applicable Federal standards;
                                                                                                         requirement concerning attainment and                  standards into Connecticut’s SIP. Thus,
                                                 —Does not need such standards to meet
                                                                                                         reasonable further progress or any other               Connecticut has satisfied 40 CFR
                                                    compelling and extraordinary
                                                                                                         applicable requirement of the CAA. This                52.381, and therefore, EPA is proposing
                                                    conditions; or                                       SIP revision sets new requirements, the
                                                 —Proposes standards and                                                                                        to remove 40 CFR 52.381 from the Code
                                                                                                         California LEV III standards, that are
                                                    accompanying enforcement                                                                                    of Federal Regulations. In addition, on
                                                                                                         more stringent than the California LEV
                                                    procedures that are not consistent                                                                          March 11, 1997, the U.S. Court of
                                                                                                         I and LEV II standards previously
                                                    with section 202(a) of the CAA.                                                                             Appeals for the District of Columbia
                                                                                                         approved into the Connecticut SIP, and
                                                    The most recent EPA waiver relevant                  expands program coverage to model                      Circuit vacated the provisions of 40
                                                 to EPA’s proposed approval of                           year vehicles not covered by the                       CFR. 51.120. See Virginia v. EPA, 108
                                                 Connecticut’s LEV program is                            California LEV I and LEV II standards,                 F.3d 1397. Because of the vacatur, EPA
                                                 ‘‘California State Motor Vehicle                        and by extension, not previously                       concludes that 40 CFR 52.381 is, in any
                                                 Pollution Control Standards; Notice of                  included in the Connecticut SIP.                       event, obsolete.
                                                 Decision Granting a Waiver of Clean Air                 Though the SIP revision places an end                    EPA is soliciting public comments on
                                                 Act Preemption for California’s                         date to model year cars covered under                  the issues discussed in this notice or on
                                                 Advanced Clean Car Program and a                        the LEV II program, it also adopts the                 other relevant matters. These comments
                                                 Within the Scope confirmation for                       more stringent LEV III program to apply                will be considered before taking final
                                                 California’s Zero Emissions Vehicle                     to model years immediately following                   action. Interested parties may
                                                 Amendments for 2017 and Earlier                         the LEV II regulated vehicles.                         participate in the Federal rulemaking
                                                 Model Years’’ (January 9, 2013; 78 FR                   Connecticut’s SIP revision also includes               procedure by submitting written
                                                 2112–2145). This final rulemaking                       increasingly stringent GHG emissions                   comments to this proposed rule by
                                                 allows California to strengthen                         and LEV sales requirements that are not                following the instructions listed in the
                                                 standards for LEV regulations and GHG                   currently part of the Connecticut SIP.                 ADDRESSES section of this Federal
                                                 emissions from passenger cars, light-                                                                          Register.
                                                 duty trucks and medium-duty vehicles.                   IV. Proposed Action
                                                 It also allows for continuing ZEV                          EPA is proposing to approve, and                    V. Incorporation by Reference
                                                 regulations by requiring more ZEV                       incorporate into the Connecticut SIP,
                                                 manufacturing and sales through 2025                    Connecticut’s revised RCSA Section                       In this rule, the EPA is proposing to
                                                 and subsequent years.                                   22a–174–36b (LEV II) and adopted                       include in a final EPA rule regulatory
                                                                                                         RCSA Section 22a–174–36c (LEV III),                    text that includes incorporation by
                                                 B. State Adoption of California                                                                                reference. In accordance with
                                                                                                         effective in the State of Connecticut on
                                                 Standards                                                                                                      requirements of 1 CFR 51.5, the EPA is
                                                                                                         August 1, 2015, and submitted to EPA
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                                                    Section 177 of the CAA allows other                  on December 14, 2015. The new and                      proposing to incorporate by reference
                                                 states to adopt and enforce California’s                revised regulations include: Ending the                Connecticut’s regulations cited in
                                                 standards for the control of emissions                                                                         Section IV of this proposed rulemaking.
                                                 from new motor vehicles, provided that,                   1 See EPA’s October 29, 2007 letter to               The EPA has made, and will continue
                                                 among other things, such state standards                Manufacturers regarding ‘‘Sales of California-         to make, these documents generally
                                                                                                         certified 2008–2010 Model Year Vehicles (Cross-
                                                 are identical to the California standards               Border Sales Policy),’’ with attachments. https://
                                                                                                                                                                available electronically through
                                                 for which a waiver has been granted                     iaspub.epa.gov/otaqpub/display_file.jsp?docid=         www.regulations.gov and at the
                                                 under CAA section 209(b). In addition,                  16888&flag=1.                                          appropriate EPA.


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                                                 2100                   Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 16, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                 VI. Statutory and Executive Order                       tribal implications and will not impose                ADDRESSES:   Submit your comments,
                                                 Reviews                                                 substantial direct costs on tribal                     identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
                                                    Under the Clean Air Act, the                         governments or preempt tribal law as                   OLEM–2017–0613, at https://
                                                 Administrator is required to approve a                  specified by Executive Order 13175 (65                 www.regulations.gov or by mail to: EPA
                                                 SIP submission that complies with the                   FR 67249, November 9, 2000).                           Docket Center, Environmental
                                                 provisions of the Act and applicable                                                                           Protection Agency, Mail Code 28221T,
                                                                                                         List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
                                                 Federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k);                                                                        1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW,
                                                                                                           Environmental protection, Air                        Washington, DC 20460. Follow the
                                                 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in reviewing SIP                 pollution control, Carbon monoxide,                    online instructions for submitting
                                                 submissions, EPA’s role is to approve                   Incorporation by reference,                            comments. Once submitted, comments
                                                 state choices, provided that they meet                  Intergovernmental relations, Lead,                     cannot be edited or removed from
                                                 the criteria of the Clean Air Act.                      Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate                   regulations.gov. The EPA may publish
                                                 Accordingly, this proposed action                       matter, Reporting and recordkeeping                    any comment received to its public
                                                 merely approves state law as meeting                    requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile                  docket. Do not submit electronically any
                                                 Federal requirements and does not                       organic compounds.                                     information you consider to be
                                                 impose additional requirements beyond
                                                                                                           Dated: January 2, 2018.                              Confidential Business Information (CBI)
                                                 those imposed by state law. For that
                                                                                                         Ken Moraff,                                            or other information whose disclosure is
                                                 reason, this proposed action:
                                                                                                                                                                restricted by statute. Multimedia
                                                    • Is not a significant regulatory action             Acting Regional Administrator, EPA New
                                                                                                         England.                                               submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be
                                                 subject to review by the Office of
                                                                                                         [FR Doc. 2018–00477 Filed 1–12–18; 8:45 am]            accompanied by a written comment.
                                                 Management and Budget under                                                                                    The written comment is considered the
                                                 Executive Orders12866 (58 FR 51735,                     BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
                                                                                                                                                                official comment and should include
                                                 October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821,                                                                        discussion of all points you wish to
                                                 January 21, 2011);                                                                                             make. The EPA will generally not
                                                    • Does not impose an information                     ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
                                                                                                         AGENCY                                                 consider comments or comment
                                                 collection burden under the provisions                                                                         contents located outside of the primary
                                                 of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44                      40 CFR Part 257                                        submission (i.e. on the web, cloud, or
                                                 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);                                                                                          other file sharing system). For the full
                                                    • Is certified as not having a                       [EPA–HQ–OLEM–2017–0613; FRL–9972–
                                                                                                                                                                EPA public comment policy,
                                                 significant economic impact on a                        95–OLEM]
                                                                                                                                                                information about CBI or multimedia
                                                 substantial number of small entities                                                                           submissions, and general guidance on
                                                 under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5                 Oklahoma: Approval of State Coal
                                                                                                         Combustion Residuals State Permit                      making effective comments, please visit
                                                 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);                                                                                           https://www.epa.gov/dockets/
                                                    • Does not contain any unfunded                      Program
                                                                                                                                                                commenting-epa-dockets.
                                                 mandate or significantly or uniquely                    AGENCY: Environmental Protection
                                                                                                                                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                 affect small governments, as described                  Agency (EPA).
                                                 in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act                                                                            Mary Jackson, Office of Resource
                                                                                                         ACTION: Notice of availability; request
                                                 of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4);                                                                                       Conservation and Recovery,
                                                                                                         for comment.                                           Environmental Protection Agency;
                                                    • Does not have Federalism
                                                 implications as specified in Executive                  SUMMARY:   Pursuant to the Resource                    telephone number: (703) 308–8453;
                                                 Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10,                    Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA                    email address: jackson.mary@epa.gov.
                                                 1999);                                                  or Act), the Environmental Protection                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                    • Is not an economically significant                 Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve                   Throughout this document ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’
                                                 regulatory action based on health or                    the application submitted by the                       and ‘‘our’’ means the EPA.
                                                 safety risks subject to Executive Order                 Oklahoma Department of Environmental                   I. General Information
                                                 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997);                    Quality to allow the Oklahoma Coal
                                                    • Is not a significant regulatory action             Combustion Residuals (CCR) state                       A. Overview of Proposed Actions
                                                 subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR                 permit program to operate in lieu of the                  EPA is proposing to approve
                                                 28355, May 22, 2001);                                   Federal CCR program. EPA has                           Oklahoma’s CCR state permit program
                                                    • Is not subject to requirements of                  preliminarily determined that                          application, pursuant to RCRA
                                                 Section 12(d) of the National                           Oklahoma’s program meets the standard                  4005(d)(1)(B). Oklahoma’s proposed
                                                 Technology Transfer and Advancement                     for approval under RCRA. Once                          program would allow the Oklahoma
                                                 Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because                approved, the State program                            Department of Environmental Quality
                                                 application of those requirements would                 requirements and resulting permit                      (ODEQ) to enforce rules promulgated
                                                 be inconsistent with the Clean Air Act;                 provisions will be subject to EPA’s                    under its solid waste statute related to
                                                 and                                                     inspection and enforcement authorities                 CCR activities in non-Indian Country, as
                                                    • Does not provide EPA with the                      under RCRA and other applicable                        well as to handle permit applications
                                                 discretionary authority to address, as                  statutory and regulatory provisions as                 and to enforce permit violations. If
                                                 appropriate, disproportionate human                     discussed below. This notice also                      approved, Oklahoma’s CCR permit
                                                 health or environmental effects, using                  announces that EPA is seeking comment                  program will operate in lieu of the
                                                 practicable and legally permissible                     on this proposal during a 45-day public                Federal CCR program, codified at 40
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                                                 methods, under Executive Order 12898                    comment period, and is providing an                    CFR part 257, subpart D.
                                                 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).                        opportunity to request a public hearing                   This notice also announces that EPA
                                                    In addition, the SIP is not approved                 within the first 15 days of this comment               is seeking comment on this proposal,
                                                 to apply on any Indian reservation land                 period.                                                and providing an opportunity to request
                                                 or in any other area where EPA or an                    DATES: Comments must be received on                    a public hearing on whether the State’s
                                                 Indian tribe has demonstrated that a                    or before March 2, 2018. In addition, a                program is at least as protective as the
                                                 tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of               public hearing request must be                         federal program. If there is significant
                                                 Indian country, the rule does not have                  submitted on or before January 31, 2018.               interest shown in holding a public


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Document Created: 2018-01-13 02:02:49
Document Modified: 2018-01-13 02:02:49
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionProposed rule.
DatesWritten comments must be received on or before February 15, 2018.
ContactEric Rackauskas, Air Quality Planning Unit, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England Regional Office, 5 Post Office Square, Suite 100 (mail code: OEP05-2), Boston, MA 02109-3912, telephone number (617) 918-1628, fax number (617) 918- 0628, email [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 2097 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Air Pollution Control; Carbon Monoxide; Incorporation by Reference; Intergovernmental Relations; Lead; Nitrogen Dioxide; Ozone; Particulate Matter; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Sulfur Oxides and Volatile Organic Compounds

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