83_FR_3116 83 FR 3101 - Air Plan Approval; AK: Fine Particulate Matter Infrastructure Requirements

83 FR 3101 - Air Plan Approval; AK: Fine Particulate Matter Infrastructure Requirements

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 15 (January 23, 2018)

Page Range3101-3108
FR Document2018-01165

Whenever a new or revised National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) is promulgated, the Clean Air Act (CAA) requires states to submit a plan for the implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of the standard, commonly referred to as infrastructure requirements. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve the Alaska State Implementation Plan (SIP) as meeting specific infrastructure requirements for the fine particulate matter (PM<INF>2.5</INF>) NAAQS.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 15 (Tuesday, January 23, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 23, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3101-3108]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-01165]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R10-OAR-2017-0597; FRL-9973- 22--Region 10]


Air Plan Approval; AK: Fine Particulate Matter Infrastructure 
Requirements

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: Whenever a new or revised National Ambient Air Quality 
Standard (NAAQS) is promulgated, the Clean Air Act (CAA) requires 
states to submit a plan for the implementation, maintenance, and 
enforcement of the standard, commonly referred to as infrastructure 
requirements. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to 
approve the Alaska State Implementation Plan (SIP) as meeting specific 
infrastructure requirements for the fine particulate matter 
(PM2.5) NAAQS.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 22, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R10-
OAR-2017-0597, at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online 
instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot 
be edited or removed from regulations.gov. 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 the disclosure of which is

[[Page 3102]]

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, the full EPA public comment policy, information about CBI or 
multimedia submissions, and general guidance on making effective 
comments, please visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristin Hall, Air Planning Unit, 
Office of Air and Waste (OAW-150), Environmental Protection Agency--
Region 10, 1200 Sixth Ave, Seattle, WA 98101; telephone number: (206) 
553-6357; email address: hall.kristin@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document wherever ``we,'' 
``us,'' or ``our'' is used, it is intended to refer to the EPA.

Table of Contents

I. Background
II. Infrastructure Elements
III. EPA Approach To Review of Infrastructure SIP Submissions
IV. EPA Evaluation
V. Proposed Action
VI. Statutory and Executive Orders Review

I. Background

    On July 18, 1997, the EPA promulgated a new 24-hour and a new 
annual NAAQS for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) (62 FR 
38652). Subsequently, on October 17, 2006, the EPA tightened the 24-
hour PM2.5 NAAQS from 65 micrograms per cubic meter 
([micro]g/m\3\) to 35 [micro]g/m\3\, and retained the annual 
PM2.5 standard at 15 [micro]g/m\3\ (71 FR 61144). More 
recently, on December 14, 2012, the EPA lowered the level of the 
primary annual PM2.5 NAAQS to 12 [mu]g/m\3\ and retained the 
remaining particulate matter standards (January 15, 2013, 78 FR 3086).
    After a new or revised NAAQS is promulgated, the CAA requires 
states to submit infrastructure SIPs to meet basic elements required to 
implement, maintain, and enforce the new or revised NAAQS. On March 10, 
2016, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) 
submitted a SIP revision to meet the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS 
infrastructure requirements, in addition to outstanding 1997 and 2006 
PM2.5 NAAQS infrastructure elements not included in prior 
submissions. Specifically, Alaska's March 10, 2016, submission 
addresses the following infrastructure elements:
     CAA section 110(a)(2)(A) through (M) for the 2012 
PM2.5 NAAQS;
     CAA section 110(a)(2)(G) for the 2006 PM2.5 
NAAQS; and
     CAA section 110(a)(2)(G) for the 1997 PM2.5 
NAAQS.
    We note that Alaska's March 10, 2016, submission addresses other 
program areas, such as regional haze, transportation conformity, and 
nonattainment planning. In this action, we are proposing to approve the 
portion of the March 10, 2016, submission related to PM2.5 
infrastructure requirements only.\1\ We previously approved other 
portions of the submission on August 28, 2017 (82 FR 40712) and 
September 8, 2017 (82 FR 42457), and we intend to address the remainder 
of the submission in separate, future actions.
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    \1\ Consistent with past practice, the EPA intends to act on 
requirements related to the CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) 
interstate transport provisions in a separate action. See 79 FR 
45103 (August 4, 2014).
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II. Infrastructure Elements

    CAA section 110(a)(1) provides the procedure and timing for SIP 
submissions after a new or revised NAAQS is promulgated. CAA section 
110(a)(2) lists specific elements that states must meet related to a 
newly established or revised NAAQS. The EPA has issued guidance to help 
states address these requirements, most recently on September 13, 2013 
(2013 Guidance).\2\ The requirements, with their corresponding CAA 
subsection, are listed below:
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    \2\ Stephen D. Page, Director, Office of Air Quality Planning 
and Standards. ``Guidance on Infrastructure State Implementation 
Plan (SIP) Elements under Clean Air Act Sections 110(a)(1) and 
110(a)(2).'' Memorandum to EPA Air Division Directors, Regions 1-10, 
September 13, 2013.
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     110(a)(2)(A): Emission limits and other control measures.
     110(a)(2)(B): Ambient air quality monitoring/data system.
     110(a)(2)(C): Program for enforcement of control measures.
     110(a)(2)(D): Interstate transport.
     110(a)(2)(E): Adequate resources.
     110(a)(2)(F): Stationary source monitoring system.
     110(a)(2)(G): Emergency episodes.
     110(a)(2)(H): Future SIP revisions.
     110(a)(2)(I): Areas designated nonattainment and 
applicable requirements of part D.
     110(a)(2)(J): Consultation with government officials; 
public notification; and Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) 
and visibility protection.
     110(a)(2)(K): Air quality modeling/data.
     110(a)(2)(L): Permitting fees.
     110(a)(2)(M): Consultation/participation by affected local 
entities.
    The EPA's 2013 Guidance restated our interpretation that two 
elements are not governed by the three-year submission deadline in CAA 
section 110(a)(1) because SIPs incorporating necessary local 
nonattainment area controls are due on separate schedules, pursuant to 
CAA section 172 and the various pollutant-specific subparts 2 through 5 
of part D. These are submissions required by: (i) CAA section 
110(a)(2)(C), to the extent that subsection refers to a permit program 
as required in part D, title I of the CAA, and (ii) CAA section 
110(a)(2)(I). As a result, this action does not address CAA section 
110(a)(2)(C) with respect to nonattainment new source review (NSR) or 
CAA section 110(a)(2)(I). The EPA has also determined that the CAA 
section 110(a)(2)(J) provision on visibility is not triggered by a new 
NAAQS because the visibility requirements in part C, title I of the CAA 
are not changed by a new NAAQS.

III. EPA Approach To Review of Infrastructure Submissions

    The EPA is proposing to approve Alaska's March 10, 2016, submission 
as meeting certain PM2.5 NAAQS infrastructure requirements. 
Our most recent action on an Alaska infrastructure submission was 
published on May 12, 2017 (82 FR 22081). In the preamble of the action, 
we published a discussion of the EPA's overall approach to review of 
these types of submissions. Please see our July 20, 2016, proposed rule 
for this discussion (81 FR 47103, at page 47104).

IV. EPA Evaluation

110(a)(2)(A): Emission Limits and Other Control Measures

    CAA section 110(a)(2)(A) requires SIPs to include enforceable 
emission limits and other control measures, means or techniques 
(including economic incentives such as fees, marketable permits, and 
auctions of emissions rights), as well as schedules and timetables for 
compliance, as may be necessary or appropriate to meet the applicable 
requirements of the CAA.
    State submission: The submission cites regulations set forth at 
Alaska Administrative Code Title 18 Environmental Conservation, Chapter 
50 Air Quality Control (18 AAC 50). The relevant regulations are listed 
below:
     18 AAC 50.010: Ambient Air Quality Standards.
     18 AAC 50.015: Air Quality Designations, Classifications, 
and Control Regions.

[[Page 3103]]

     18 AAC 50.040: Federal Standards Adopted by Reference.
     18 AAC 50.050: Incinerator Emission Standards.
     18 AAC 50.055: Industrial Processes and Fuel Burning 
Equipment.
     18 AAC 50.065: Open Burning.
     18 AAC 50.070: Marine Vessel Visible Emission Standards.
     18 AAC 50.075: Solid Fuel-Fired Heating Device Visible 
Emission Standards.
     18 AAC 50.076: Solid Fuel-Fired Heating Device Fuel 
Requirements; Registration of Commercial Wood Sellers.
     18 AAC 50.077: Standards for Wood-Fired Heating Devices.
     18 AAC 50.301: Permit Continuity.
     18 AAC 50.302: Construction Permits.
     18 AAC 50.306: Prevention of Significant Deterioration 
(PSD) Permits.
     18 AAC 50.345: Construction, Minor and Operating Permits: 
Standard Permit Conditions.
     18 AAC 50.502: Minor Permits for Air Quality Protection.
     18 AAC 50.508: Minor Permits Requested by the Owner or 
Operator.
     18 AAC 50.540: Minor Permit: Application.
     18 AAC 50.542: Minor Permit Review and Issuance.
     18 AAC 50.544: Minor Permits: Content.
     18 AAC 50.546: Minor Permits: Revisions.
     18 AAC 50.560: General Minor Permits.
    EPA analysis: Alaska regulates emissions of PM2.5 (and 
nitrogen oxides (NOX) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) as 
precursors to PM2.5) through its SIP-approved major and 
minor new source review (NSR) permitting programs, and other rules 
described below. The EPA recently approved numerous revisions to the 
Alaska SIP, including updates to 18 AAC 50.010 Ambient Air Quality 
Standards to reflect the most recent NAAQS revisions--the 2012 
PM2.5 and 2015 ozone NAAQS (82 FR 42457, September 8, 2017; 
82 FR 40712, August 28, 2017). As a result, Alaska's ambient air 
quality standards in 18 AAC 50.010 are up-to-date with current NAAQS.
    Alaska has no areas designated nonattainment for the 2012 
PM2.5 NAAQS. We note, however, that the EPA does not 
consider SIP requirements triggered by the nonattainment area mandates 
in part D, title I of the CAA to be governed by the submission deadline 
of CAA section 110(a)(1). Regulations and other control measures for 
purposes of attainment planning under part D, title I of the CAA are 
due on a different schedule than infrastructure SIPs.
    Alaska's major NSR permitting rules in 18 AAC Chapter 50, Article 3 
for attainment and unclassifiable areas, generally rely on the federal 
PSD program regulations at 40 CFR 51.166 and 40 CFR 52.21, which are 
incorporated by reference into the Alaska SIP, to implement its SIP-
approved PSD permitting program. The EPA most recently approved 
revisions to Alaska's PSD rules on August 28, 2017 (82 FR 40712). The 
current Alaska SIP-approved PSD program incorporates by reference 
specific regulations at 40 CFR 52.21 and 40 CFR 51.166 as of December 
28, 2015.
    Alaska regulates minor stationary sources of PM2.5 and 
precursors through its federally-approved minor NSR permitting program. 
Alaska's minor NSR rules in 18 AAC Chapter 50, Article 5 were 
originally approved into the SIP on July 5, 1983, and the state has 
made updates and revisions to the program since then. The EPA most 
recently approved substantive revisions to the Alaska minor NSR rules 
on September 19, 2014 (79 FR 56268) and August 28, 2017 (82 FR 40712).
    In addition to permitting requirements, Alaska's SIP contains rules 
that limit particulate matter emissions. These controls include 
incinerator emission standards, emission limits for specific industrial 
processes and fuel burning equipment, open burning restrictions, 
visible emission limits on marine vessel emissions, and requirements 
for installing and operating solid fuel-fired devices. Therefore, we 
are proposing to approve the Alaska SIP as meeting the requirements of 
CAA section 110(a)(2)(A) for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.

110(a)(2)(B): Ambient Air Quality Monitoring/Data System

    CAA section 110(a)(2)(B) requires SIPs to include provisions to 
provide for the establishment and operation of ambient air quality 
monitors, collecting and analyzing ambient air quality data, and making 
these data available to the EPA upon request.
    State submission: The submission references Alaska statutory and 
regulatory authority to conduct ambient air monitoring investigations. 
Alaska Statutes (AS) 46.03.020 Powers of the department paragraph (5) 
provides authority to undertake studies, inquiries, surveys, or 
analyses essential to the accomplishment of the purposes of ADEC. AS 
46.14.180 Monitoring provides authority to require sources to monitor 
emissions and ambient air quality to demonstrate compliance with 
applicable permit program requirements. 18 AAC 50.201 Ambient Air 
Quality Investigation provides authority to require a source to do 
emissions testing, reduce emissions, and apply controls to sources.
    The submission references ADEC's revised Quality Assurance Project 
Plan for the State of Alaska Air Monitoring and Quality Assurance 
Program, adopted by reference into the State Air Quality Control Plan 
at 18 AAC 50.030(4). Validated State & Local Air Monitoring Stations, 
and Special Purpose Monitoring ambient air quality monitoring data are 
verified, and then electronically reported to the EPA through the Air 
Quality System on a quarterly basis. The submission also references the 
adoption of the federal reference and interpretation methods for 
PM2.5. These methods are used by ADEC in its ambient air 
quality monitoring program to determine compliance with the standards.
    EPA analysis: A comprehensive air quality monitoring plan to meet 
CAA monitoring requirements was originally submitted by Alaska on 
January 18, 1980 (40 CFR 52.70) and approved by the EPA on April 15, 
1981 (46 FR 21994). The plan includes statutory and regulatory 
authority to establish and operate an air quality monitoring network, 
including PM2.5 monitoring. Alaska's SIP-approved 
regulations in 18 AAC 50 Article 2 govern source-specific monitoring 
and emissions testing for PM2.5 in accordance with federal 
reference methods. Alaska regularly assesses the adequacy of the state 
monitoring network and submits that assessment to the EPA for review. 
In practice, Alaska operates a comprehensive PM2.5 
monitoring network, compiles and analyzes collected data, and submits 
the data to the EPA's Air Quality System on a quarterly basis. We are 
therefore proposing to approve the Alaska SIP as meeting the 
requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(B) for the 2012 PM2.5 
NAAQS.

110(a)(2)(C): Program for Enforcement of Control Measures

    CAA section 110(a)(2)(C) requires states to include a program 
providing for enforcement of all SIP measures and the regulation of 
construction of new or modified stationary sources, including a program 
to meet PSD and nonattainment NSR requirements.
    State submission: With respect to enforcement, the submission 
states that a violation of the prohibitions in the regulations above, 
or any permit condition, can result in civil actions (AS 46.03.760 
Civil action for pollution; damages), administrative penalties (AS 
46.03.761 Administrative penalties), or

[[Page 3104]]

criminal penalties (AS 46.03.790 Criminal penalties). In addition, the 
submission references compliance order and enforcement proceeding 
provisions found at 18 AAC Chapter 95 Administrative Enforcement.
    With respect to construction of new and modified stationary 
sources, the submission points to ADEC's statutory authority 
established in AS 46.14 Air Quality Control, Article 01 General 
Regulations and Classifications and Article 02 Emission Control Permit 
Program. The submission states that ADEC's PSD/NSR programs were 
originally approved by the EPA on February 16, 1995 (60 FR 8943), and 
revisions to the program were approved in 2007, 2011, and 2015. 
Alaska's regulations for construction of new and modified major sources 
in attainment and unclassifiable areas (PSD) are found at 18 AAC 
50.306, and those for nonattainment areas (nonattainment NSR) are found 
at 18 AAC 50.311. Minor stationary sources are permitted via minor NSR 
regulations in 18 AAC 50 Article 5.
    EPA analysis: We are proposing to find that Alaska statute provides 
ADEC authority to enforce air quality regulations, permits, and orders 
promulgated pursuant to AS 46.03 and AS 46.14. ADEC staffs and 
maintains an enforcement program to ensure compliance with SIP 
requirements. ADEC has emergency order authority when there is an 
imminent or present danger to health or welfare or potential for 
irreversible or irreparable damage to natural resources or the 
environment. Enforcement cases may be referred to the State Department 
of Law. Therefore, we are proposing to approve the Alaska SIP as 
meeting the requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(C) related to 
enforcement for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.
    To generally meet the requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(C) for 
regulation of construction of new or modified stationary sources, 
states are required to have PSD, nonattainment NSR, and minor NSR 
permitting programs adequate to implement the 2012 PM2.5 
NAAQS. As explained above, we are not evaluating nonattainment related 
provisions, such as the nonattainment NSR program required by part D, 
title I of the CAA.
    For the PSD portion of element 110(a)(2)(C) (as well as for the PSD 
portions of elements (D)(i)(II) and (J)) the EPA interprets the CAA to 
require an infrastructure submission that demonstrates a complete PSD 
permitting program meeting current requirements for all regulated NSR 
pollutants. Alaska has a SIP-approved PSD program that incorporates by 
reference certain federal PSD program requirements at 40 CFR 52.21 and 
40 CFR 51.166. We most recently approved updates to the program on 
August 28, 2017 (82 FR 40712). The Alaska PSD rules meet current 
requirements for all regulated NSR pollutants--we are therefore 
proposing to approve element 110(a)(2)(C) for PSD.
    Turning to the minor NSR requirement, the EPA originally approved 
Alaska's minor NSR program into the SIP on July 5, 1983 as meeting 
federal minor NSR requirements at 40 CFR 51.160 through 40 CFR 51.164 
(48 FR 30623). Over the years, we have approved revisions to the 
program as consistent with the CAA and federal minor NSR requirements, 
most recently on August 28, 2017 (82 FR 40712). We have determined that 
the program regulates construction of new and modified minor sources 
for purposes of the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS consistent with CAA 
requirements. Therefore, we are proposing to approve the Alaska SIP as 
meeting the requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(C) for the 2012 
PM2.5 NAAQS.

110(a)(2)(D)(i): Interstate Transport

    CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i) requires state SIPs to include 
provisions prohibiting any source or other type of emissions activity 
in one state from contributing significantly to nonattainment, or 
interfering with maintenance of the NAAQS in another state (CAA section 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)). Further, this section requires state SIPs to 
include provisions prohibiting any source or other type of emissions 
activity in one state from interfering with measures required to 
prevent significant deterioration (PSD) of air quality, or from 
interfering with measures required to protect visibility (i.e. measures 
to address regional haze) in any state (CAA section 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II)).
    State submission: Alaska's March 10, 2016, submission addresses 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS, however, we 
intend to evaluate the requirement in a separate, future action. For 
purposes of CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II), the submission references 
the Alaska SIP-approved PSD program and the Alaska Regional Haze Plan.
    EPA analysis: CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) requires state SIPs 
to contain adequate provisions prohibiting emissions which will 
interfere with any other state's required measures to prevent 
significant deterioration (PSD) of its air quality (prong 3), and 
adequate provisions prohibiting emissions which will interfere with any 
other state's required measures to protect visibility (prong 4). As 
noted above for section 110(a)(2)(C), Alaska's SIP-approved PSD 
program, last revised on August 28, 2017, incorporates by reference 
current federal PSD requirements (82 FR 40712). We are therefore 
proposing to approve the Alaska SIP as meeting the requirements of CAA 
section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) with respect to PSD (prong 3) for the 2012 
PM2.5 NAAQS.
    To address whether emissions from sources in Alaska interfere with 
any other state's required measures to protect visibility, the 
submission references the Alaska regional haze SIP, submitted on March 
29, 2011, and approved by the EPA on February 14, 2013 (78 FR 10546). 
The EPA believes, as noted in the 2013 Guidance, that with respect to 
the 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II), where a state's regional haze SIP has been 
approved as meeting all current obligations, a state may rely upon 
those provisions in support of its demonstration for the visibility 
sub-element. Because the Alaska regional haze SIP was found to meet 
federal requirements, we are proposing to approve the Alaska SIP as 
meeting the requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) as it 
applies to visibility for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS (prong 4).

110(a)(2)(D)(ii): Interstate and International Transport Provisions

    CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii) requires SIPs to include provisions 
ensuring compliance with the applicable requirements of CAA sections 
126 and 115 (relating to interstate and international pollution 
abatement). CAA section 126 requires notification to neighboring states 
of potential impacts from a new or modified major stationary source, 
and specifies how a state may petition the EPA when a major source or 
group of stationary sources in a state is thought to contribute to 
certain pollution problems in another state. CAA section 115 governs 
the process for addressing air pollutants emitted in the United States 
that cause or contribute to air pollution that may reasonably be 
anticipated to endanger public health or welfare in a foreign country.
    State submission: The submission references Alaska's SIP-approved 
PSD program and certifies that Alaska has no pending obligations under 
CAA section 115 or 126.
    EPA analysis: At 18 AAC 50.306(b), Alaska's PSD program 
incorporates by reference the general provisions of 40 CFR 51.166(q)(2) 
to describe the public participation procedures for PSD permits, 
including requiring notice to states whose lands may be affected by

[[Page 3105]]

the emissions of sources subject to PSD. As a result, Alaska's PSD 
regulations provide for notice consistent with CAA section 126(a) and 
federal requirements. We confirm that Alaska has no pending obligations 
under section 115 or 126(b) of the CAA. Therefore, we are proposing to 
approve the Alaska SIP as meeting the requirements of CAA section 
110(a)(2)(D)(ii) for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.

110(a)(2)(E): Adequate Resources

    CAA section 110(a)(2)(E) requires each state to provide (i) 
necessary assurances that the state will have adequate personnel, 
funding, and authority under state law to carry out the SIP (and is not 
prohibited by any provision of federal or state law from carrying out 
the SIP or portion thereof), (ii) requirements that the state comply 
with the requirements respecting state boards under CAA section 128 and 
(iii) necessary assurances that, where the state has relied on a local 
or regional government, agency, or instrumentality for the 
implementation of any SIP provision, the state has responsibility for 
ensuring adequate implementation of such SIP provision.
    State submission: The submission asserts that ADEC maintains 
adequate personnel, funding, and authority to implement the SIP. The 
submission refers to AS 46.14.030 State Air Quality Control Plan which 
provides ADEC statutory authority to act for the state and adopt 
regulations necessary to implement the state air plan. The submission 
also references 18 AAC 50.030 State Air Quality Control Plan which 
provides regulatory authority to implement and enforce the SIP.
    With respect to CAA section 110(a)(2)(E)(ii), Alaska's regulations 
on conflict of interest are found in Title 2 Administration, Chapter 50 
Alaska Public Offices Commission: Conflict of Interest, Campaign 
Disclosure, Legislative Financial Disclosure, and Regulations of 
Lobbying (2 AAC 50.010-2 AAC 50.920). Regulations concerning financial 
disclosure are found in Title 2, Chapter 50, Article 1--Public Official 
Financial Disclosure. These regulations were previously adopted and 
approved into the SIP. There are no state air quality boards in Alaska. 
The ADEC commissioner, however, as an appointed official and the head 
of an executive agency, is required to file a financial disclosure 
statement annually with the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC). 
These disclosures are publically available through APOC's Anchorage 
office.
    With respect to CAA section 110(a)(2)(E)(iii) and assurances that 
the state has responsibility for ensuring adequate implementation of 
the plan where the state has relied on local or regional government 
agencies, the submission references statutory authority and 
requirements for establishing local air pollution control programs 
found at AS 46.14.400 Local air quality control programs.
    The submission also states that ADEC provides technical assistance 
and regulatory oversight to the Municipality of Anchorage, Fairbanks 
North Star Borough, and other local jurisdictions to ensure that the 
State Air Quality Control Plan and SIP objectives are satisfactorily 
carried out. ADEC has a Memorandum of Understanding with the 
Municipality of Anchorage and Fairbanks North Star Borough that allows 
the local entities to operate air quality control programs in their 
respective jurisdictions. The South Central Clean Air Authority has 
been established to aid the Municipality of Anchorage and the 
Matanuska-Susitna Borough in pursuing joint efforts to control 
emissions and improve air quality in the air-shed common to the two 
jurisdictions.
    EPA analysis: We are proposing to find that the Alaska SIP meets 
the adequate personnel, funding and authority requirements of CAA 
section 110(a)(2)(E)(i). Alaska receives sections 103 and 105 grant 
funds from the EPA and provides matching funds necessary to carry out 
SIP requirements. For purposes of CAA section 110(a)(2)(E)(ii), we 
previously approved Alaska's conflict of interest disclosure and ethics 
regulations as meeting the requirements of CAA section 128 on October 
22, 2012 (77 FR 64427). Finally, we are proposing to find that Alaska 
has provided necessary assurances that, where the state has relied on a 
local or regional government, agency, or instrumentality for the 
implementation of any SIP provision, the state has responsibility for 
ensuring adequate implementation of the SIP as required by CAA section 
110(a)(2)(E)(iii). Therefore, we are proposing to approve the Alaska 
SIP as meeting the requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(E) for the 
2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.

110(a)(2)(F): Stationary Source Monitoring System

    CAA section 110(a)(2)(F) requires (i) the installation, 
maintenance, and replacement of equipment, and the implementation of 
other necessary steps, by owners or operators of stationary sources to 
monitor emissions from such sources, (ii) periodic reports on the 
nature and amounts of emissions and emissions-related data from such 
sources, and (iii) correlation of such reports by the state agency with 
any emission limitations or standards established pursuant to the CAA, 
which reports shall be available at reasonable times for public 
inspection.
    State submission: The submission states that ADEC has general 
statutory authority in AS 46.14 Air Quality Control to regulate 
stationary sources via an air permitting program which includes permit 
reporting requirements, completeness determinations, administrative 
actions, and stack source monitoring requirements. The submission 
states ADEC has regulatory authority to determine compliance with these 
statutes via information requests (18 AAC 50.200) and ambient air 
quality investigations (18 AAC 50.201). Monitoring protocols and test 
methods for stationary sources are adopted by reference, including the 
federal reference and interpretation methods for PM2.5. The 
submission also references the SIP-approved Alaska PSD program. Ambient 
air quality and meteorological data that are collected for PSD purposes 
by stationary sources are reported to ADEC on a quarterly and annual 
basis.
    EPA analysis: The Alaska SIP establishes compliance requirements 
for sources subject to major and minor source permitting to monitor 
emissions, keep and report records, and collect ambient air monitoring 
data. 18 AAC 50.200 Information Requests provides ADEC authority to 
issue information requests to an owner, operator, or permittee for 
purposes of ascertaining compliance. 18 AAC 50.201 Ambient Air Quality 
Investigations provides authority to require an owner, operator, or 
permittee to evaluate the effect emissions from the source have on 
ambient air quality. In addition, 18 AAC 50.306 Prevention of 
Significant Deterioration Permits and 18 AAC 50.544 Minor Permits: 
Content provide for establishing permit conditions to require the 
permittee to install, use and maintain monitoring equipment, sample 
emissions, provide source test reports, monitoring data, emissions 
data, and information from analysis, keep records and make periodic 
reports on process operations and emissions. This information is made 
available to the public through public processes outlined in these SIP-
approved rules.
    Additionally, states are required to submit emissions data to the 
EPA for purposes of the National Emissions Inventory (NEI). The NEI is 
the EPA's central repository for air emissions data. All states are 
required to submit a comprehensive emissions inventory every three 
years and report emissions for certain larger sources annually through 
the EPA's online Emissions

[[Page 3106]]

Inventory System. As required, Alaska reports emissions data for the 
six criteria pollutants and their associated precursors--nitrogen 
oxides, sulfur dioxide, ammonia, lead, carbon monoxide, particulate 
matter, and volatile organic compounds. The EPA compiles the emissions 
data, supplementing it where necessary, and releases it to the general 
public through the website https://www.epa.gov/air-emissions-inventories. Based on the above analysis, we are proposing to approve 
the Alaska SIP as meeting the requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(F) 
for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.

110(a)(2)(G): Emergency Episodes

    CAA section 110(a)(2)(G) requires states to provide for authority 
to address activities causing imminent and substantial endangerment to 
public health, including contingency plans to implement the emergency 
episode provisions in their SIPs.
    State submission: We note that Alaska's submission addresses not 
only the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS for this element, but also the 
1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS. Alaska cites statutory authority 
including AS 46.03.820 Emergency powers which provides ADEC with 
emergency order authority where there is an imminent or present danger 
to the health or welfare of the people of the state or would result in 
or be likely to result in irreversible or irreparable damage to the 
natural resources or environment. The submission references 18 AAC 
50.246 Air Quality Episodes and Advisories for PM2.5 which authorizes 
ADEC to declare an air alert, air warning, or air advisory to notify 
the public and prescribe and publicize curtailment action, including 
restrictions on open burning under 18 AAC 50.065 and limits on visible 
emissions from solid fuel-fired heating devices under 18 AAC 50.075. 
The submission states that ADEC has also worked with the Fairbanks 
North Star Borough (FNSB) to develop an emergency episode plan for 
PM2.5 applicable in the FNSB area. This plan was adopted 
into the state plan at 18 AAC 50.030.
    EPA analysis: Section 303 of the CAA provides authority to the EPA 
Administrator to restrain any source from causing or contributing to 
emissions which present an ``imminent and substantial endangerment to 
public health or welfare, or the environment.'' The EPA finds that AS 
46.03.820 Emergency Powers provides emergency order authority 
comparable to CAA Section 303. We also find that Alaska's emergency 
episode rule at 18 AAC 50.246 Air Quality Episodes and Advisories for 
PM2.5, in conjunction with 18 AAC 50.065 Open Burning and 18 AAC 50.075 
Solid Fuel-Fired Device Visible Emission Standards, most recently 
approved by the EPA on September 8, 2017 (82 FR 40712), are consistent 
with the requirements of 40 CFR part 51 subpart H for PM2.5 
(prevention of air pollution emergency episodes, sections 51.150 
through 51.153). Based on the foregoing, we are proposing to approve 
the Alaska SIP as meeting the requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(G) 
for the 1997, 2006, and 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.

110(a)(2)(H): Future SIP Revisions

    CAA section 110(a)(2)(H) requires that SIPs provide for revision of 
the plan (i) from time to time as may be necessary to take account of 
revisions of a national primary or secondary ambient air quality 
standard or the availability of improved or more expeditious methods of 
attaining the standard, and (ii), except as provided in paragraph 
110(a)(3)(C), whenever the Administrator finds that the SIP is 
substantially inadequate to attain the NAAQS which it implements or to 
otherwise comply with any additional requirements under the CAA.
    State submission: The submission refers to statutory authority to 
adopt regulations in order to implement the CAA and the state air 
quality control program at AS 46.03.020(10)(A) Powers of the Department 
and AS 46.14.010(a) Emission Control Regulations.
    EPA analysis: As cited above, the Alaska SIP provides for 
revisions, and in practice, Alaska regularly submits SIP revisions to 
the EPA to take into account changes to the NAAQS and other 
requirements. We have taken action on revisions to the Alaska SIP on 
many occasions in the past, most recently on September 8, 2017 (82 FR 
42457), August 28, 2017 (82 FR 40712), May 19, 2016 (81 FR 31511), 
March 18, 2015 (80 FR 14038), and September 19, 2014 (79 FR 56268). We 
are proposing to approve the Alaska SIP as meeting the requirements of 
CAA section 110(a)(2)(H) for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.

110(a)(2)(I): Nonattainment Area Plan Revision Under Part D

    EPA analysis: There are two elements identified in CAA section 
110(a)(2) not governed by the three-year submission deadline of CAA 
section 110(a)(1), because SIPs incorporating necessary local 
nonattainment area controls are due on a different timeline, pursuant 
to section 172 and the various pollutant specific subparts 2 through 5 
of part D. As a result, this action does not address CAA section 
110(a)(2)(C) with respect to nonattainment NSR or CAA section 
110(a)(2)(I).

110(a)(2)(J): Consultation With Government Officials

    CAA section 110(a)(2)(J) requires states to provide a process for 
consultation with local governments and federal land managers with 
respect to NAAQS implementation requirements pursuant to section 121. 
CAA section 110(a)(2)(J) further requires states to notify the public 
if NAAQS are exceeded in an area and to enhance public awareness of 
measures that can be taken to prevent exceedances. Lastly, CAA section 
110(a)(2)(J) requires states to meet applicable requirements of part C, 
title I of the CAA related to prevention of significant deterioration 
and visibility protection.
    State submission: The submission refers to statutory authority to 
consult and cooperate with officials of local governments, state and 
federal agencies, and non-profit groups found at AS 46.030.020 Powers 
of the department paragraphs (3) and (8). The submission states that 
municipalities and local air quality districts seeking approval for a 
local air quality control program shall enter into a cooperative 
agreement with ADEC according to AS 46.14.400 Local air quality control 
programs, paragraph (d). ADEC can adopt new CAA regulations only after 
a public hearing as per AS 46.14.010 Emission control regulations, 
paragraph (a). In addition, the submission notes that public notice and 
public hearing regulations for SIP submission and air quality discharge 
permits are found at 18 AAC 15.050 and 18 AAC 15.060. Finally, the 
submission also references the SIP-approved Alaska PSD program.
    EPA analysis: The EPA finds that the Alaska SIP, including the 
Alaska rules for major source permitting, contains provisions for 
consulting with government officials as specified in CAA section 121. 
Alaska's PSD program provides opportunity and procedures for public 
comment and notice to appropriate federal, state and local agencies. We 
most recently approved updates to the Alaska PSD program on August 28, 
2017 (82 FR 40712). In addition, we most recently approved the Alaska 
rules that define transportation conformity consultation on September 
8, 2015 (80 FR 53735) and regional haze interagency planning on 
February 14, 2013, (78 FR 10546).
    ADEC routinely coordinates with local governments, states, federal 
land managers and other stakeholders on air quality issues including 
transportation conformity and regional haze, and provides notice to 
appropriate agencies

[[Page 3107]]

related to permitting actions. Alaska regularly participates in 
regional planning processes including the Western Regional Air 
Partnership, which is a voluntary partnership of states, tribes, 
federal land managers, local air agencies and the EPA, whose purpose is 
to understand current and evolving regional air quality issues in the 
West. Therefore, we are proposing to approve the Alaska SIP as meeting 
the requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(J) for consultation with 
government officials for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.
    Section 110(a)(2)(J) also requires the public to be notified if 
NAAQS are exceeded in an area and to enhance public awareness of 
measures that can be taken to prevent exceedances. ADEC is a partner in 
the EPA's AIRNOW and Enviroflash Air Quality Alert programs, which 
provide air quality information to the public for five major air 
pollutants regulated by the CAA: Ground-level ozone, particulate 
matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Alaska 
also provides real-time air monitoring information to the public on the 
ADEC air quality website, in addition to air advisory information. 
During the summer months, the Fairbanks North Star Borough prepares a 
weekly Air Quality forecast for the Fairbanks area on its website. We 
are proposing to approve the Alaska SIP as meeting the requirements of 
CAA section 110(a)(2)(J) for public notification for the 2012 
PM2.5 NAAQS.
    Turning to the requirement in CAA section 110(a)(2)(J) that the SIP 
meet the applicable requirements of part C of title I of the CAA, we 
have evaluated this requirement in the context of CAA section 
110(a)(2)(C) and permitting. The EPA most recently approved updates to 
Alaska's PSD program on August 28, 2017 (82 FR 40712). As discussed in 
section 110(a)(2)(C), the program meets current federal requirements. 
Therefore, we are proposing to approve the Alaska SIP as meeting the 
requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(J) for PSD for the 2012 
PM2.5 NAAQS.
    With respect to visibility protection under element (J), the EPA 
recognizes that states are subject to visibility and regional haze 
program requirements under part C of the CAA. In the event of the 
establishment of a new NAAQS, however, the visibility and regional haze 
program requirements under part C do not change. Thus we find that 
there is no new applicable requirement related to visibility triggered 
under CAA section 110(a)(2)(J) when a new NAAQS becomes effective. 
Based on the analysis above, we are proposing to approve the Alaska SIP 
as meeting the requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(J) for the 2012 
PM2.5 NAAQS.

110(a)(2)(K): Air Quality Modeling/Data

    CAA section 110(a)(2)(K) requires that SIPs provide for (i) the 
performance of air quality modeling as the Administrator may prescribe 
for the purpose of predicting the effect on ambient air quality of any 
emissions of any air pollutant for which the Administrator has 
established a NAAQS, and (ii) the submission, upon request, of data 
related to such air quality modeling to the Administrator.
    State submission: The submission states that air quality modeling 
is regulated under 18 AAC 50.215(b) Ambient Air Quality Analysis 
Methods. Estimates of ambient concentrations and visibility impairment 
must be based on applicable air quality models, databases, and other 
requirements specified in the EPA's Guideline on Air Quality Models are 
adopted by reference in 18 AAC 50.040 Federal Standards Adopted by 
Reference. Baseline dates and maximum allowable increases are found in 
Table 2 and Table 3, respectively, at 18 AAC 50.020 Baseline Dates and 
Maximum Allowable Increases.
    EPA analysis: On August 28, 2017, we approved revisions to 18 AAC 
50.215 Ambient Air Quality Analysis Methods and 18 AAC 50.040 Federal 
Standards Adopted by Reference (82 FR 40712). 18 AAC 50.040, at 
paragraph (f), incorporates by reference the EPA regulations at 40 CFR 
part 51, Appendix W Guidelines on Air Quality Models revised as of July 
1, 2015. Therefore, we are proposing to approve the Alaska SIP as 
meeting the requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(K) for the 2012 
PM2.5 NAAQS.

110(a)(2)(L): Permitting Fees

    CAA section 110(a)(2)(L) directs SIPs to require each major 
stationary source to pay permitting fees to cover the cost of 
reviewing, approving, implementing and enforcing a permit.
    State submission: The submission states that ADEC's statutory 
authority to assess and collect permit fees is established in AS 
46.14.240 Permit Administration Fees and AS 46.14.250 Emission Fees. 
The permit fees for stationary sources are assessed and collected by 
the Air Permits Program according to 18 AAC 50, Article 4. ADEC is 
required to evaluate emission fee rates at least every four years and 
provide a written evaluation of the findings (AS 46.14.250(g); 18 AAC 
50.410).
    EPA analysis: The EPA fully-approved Alaska's title V program on 
July 26, 2001 (66 FR 38940). While Alaska's operating permit program is 
not formally approved into the SIP, it is a legal mechanism the state 
can use to ensure that ADEC has sufficient resources to support the air 
program, consistent with the requirements of the SIP. Before the EPA 
can grant full title V approval, a state must demonstrate the ability 
to collect adequate fees. The Alaska title V program included a 
demonstration the state will collect a fee from title V sources above 
the presumptive minimum in accordance with 40 CFR 70.9(b)(2)(i).
    In addition, Alaska SIP-approved regulations at 18 AAC 50.306(d)(2) 
and 18 AAC 50.311(d)(2) require fees for purposes of major new source 
permitting as specified in 18 AAC 50.400 through 18 AAC 50.499. 
Therefore, we are proposing to conclude that Alaska has satisfied the 
requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(L) for the 2012 PM2.5 
NAAQS.

110(a)(2)(M): Consultation/Participation by Affected Local Entities

    CAA section 110(a)(2)(M) requires states to provide for 
consultation and participation in SIP development by local political 
subdivisions affected by the SIP.
    State submission: The submission asserts ADEC has authority to 
consult and cooperate with officials and representatives of any 
organization in the state; and persons, organization, and groups, 
public and private using, served by, interested in, or concerned with 
the environment of the state. The submission refers to AS 46.030.020 
Powers of the department paragraphs (3) and (8) which provide authority 
to ADEC to consult and cooperate with affected state and local 
entities.
    EPA analysis: The EPA finds that the Alaska provisions cited above 
provide for local and regional authorities to participate and consult 
in the SIP development process. Therefore, we are proposing to approve 
the Alaska SIP as meeting the requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(M) 
for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.

V. Proposed Action

    We are proposing to approve the Alaska SIP as meeting the following 
CAA section 110(a)(2) infrastructure elements for the 2012 
PM2.5 NAAQS: (A), (B), (C), (D)(i)(II), (D)(ii), (E), (F), 
(H), (J), (K), (L), and (M). We are also proposing to approve the 
Alaska SIP as meeting CAA section 110(a)(2)(G) for the 1997, 2006, and 
2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.

[[Page 3108]]

VI. Statutory and Executive Orders Review

    Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP 
submission that complies with the provisions of the CAA and applicable 
federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in 
reviewing SIP submissions, the EPA's role is to approve state choices, 
provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. Accordingly, this 
proposed action merely approves state law as meeting federal 
requirements and does not impose additional requirements beyond those 
imposed by state law. For that reason, this proposed action:
     Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' subject to 
review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Orders 
12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 
2011);
     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 (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 it does not involve technical standards; and
     Does not provide the 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 the 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, Incorporation by 
reference, Intergovernmental relations, Lead, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, 
Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur 
oxides, Volatile organic compounds.

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

    Dated: January 11, 2018.
Chris Hladick,
Regional Administrator, Region 10.
[FR Doc. 2018-01165 Filed 1-22-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                                    3101

                                                  Availability and Summary of                             established body of technical                            thence to the point of beginning. This Class
                                                  Documents for Incorporation by                          regulations for which frequent and                       D airspace area is effective during the
                                                  Reference                                               routine amendments are necessary to                      specific dates and times established in
                                                                                                                                                                   advance by a Notice to Airmen. The effective
                                                    This document proposes to amend                       keep them operationally current, is non-
                                                                                                                                                                   date and time will thereafter be continuously
                                                  FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace                            controversial and unlikely to result in                  published in the Chart Supplement.
                                                  Designations and Reporting Points,                      adverse or negative comments. It,
                                                                                                          therefore: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant                    Paragraph 6005 Class E Airspace Areas
                                                  dated August 3, 2017, and effective                                                                              Extending Upward From 700 Feet or More
                                                  September 15, 2017. FAA Order                           regulatory action’’ under Executive
                                                                                                                                                                   Above the Surface of the Earth.
                                                  7400.11B is publicly available as listed                Order 12866; (2) is not a ‘‘significant
                                                                                                          rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies                     *       *    *     *      *
                                                  in the ADDRESSES section of this
                                                  document. FAA Order 7400.11B lists                      and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February                    AWP CA E5 Atwater, CA [Amended]
                                                  Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas,                 26, 1979); and (3) does not warrant                      Castle Airport, CA
                                                  air traffic service routes, and reporting               preparation of a regulatory evaluation as                  (Lat. 37°2250 N, long. 120°34′06″ W)
                                                  points.                                                 the anticipated impact is so minimal.                      That airspace extending upward from 700
                                                                                                          Since this is a routine matter that will                 feet above the surface within a 7.2-mile
                                                  The Proposal                                            only affect air traffic procedures and air               radius of Castle Airport.
                                                     The FAA is proposing an amendment                    navigation, it is certified that this                      Issued in Seattle, Washington, on January
                                                  to Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations                 proposed rule, when promulgated,                         11, 2018.
                                                  (14 CFR) part 71 for airspace redesign by               would not have a significant economic                    Shawn M. Kozica,
                                                  modifying Class D airspace to a 4.6-mile                impact on a substantial number of small                  Manager, Operations Support Group, Western
                                                  radius (from a 4.5-mile radius) of the                  entities under the criteria of the                       Service Center.
                                                  airport from the airport 297° bearing                   Regulatory Flexibility Act.                              [FR Doc. 2018–01026 Filed 1–22–18; 8:45 am]
                                                  clockwise to the airport 164° bearing,
                                                                                                          Environmental Review                                     BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                  thence direct to the point of beginning.
                                                  This modification would provide                            This proposal will be subject to an
                                                  additional Class D airspace south of the                environmental analysis in accordance
                                                  airport and would remove Class D                        with FAA Order 1050.1F,                                  ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
                                                  airspace southwest and northwest of the                 ‘‘Environmental Impacts: Policies and                    AGENCY
                                                  airport, thereby containing instrument                  Procedures’’ prior to any FAA final
                                                                                                          regulatory action.                                       40 CFR Part 52
                                                  IFR departure aircraft until reaching 700
                                                  feet above the surface, and removing                    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71                       [EPA–R10–OAR–2017–0597; FRL–9973–
                                                  airspace not required by IFR operations.                                                                         22—Region 10]
                                                  Also, this action would remove the                        Airspace, Incorporation by reference,
                                                  reference to the El Nido VOR/DME in                     Navigation (air).                                        Air Plan Approval; AK: Fine Particulate
                                                  the legal description due to its planned                                                                         Matter Infrastructure Requirements
                                                                                                          The Proposed Amendment
                                                  decommissioning as the FAA transitions                                                                           AGENCY:  Environmental Protection
                                                  from ground-based to satellite-based                      Accordingly, pursuant to the
                                                                                                          authority delegated to me, the Federal                   Agency (EPA).
                                                  navigation.                                                                                                      ACTION: Proposed rule.
                                                     Class E airspace extending upward                    Aviation Administration proposes to
                                                  from 700 feet above the surface would                   amend 14 CFR part 71 as follows:                         SUMMARY:   Whenever a new or revised
                                                  be modified to a 7.2-mile (from a 7-mile)               PART 71—DESIGNATION OF CLASS A,                          National Ambient Air Quality Standard
                                                  radius of the airport, and would remove                                                                          (NAAQS) is promulgated, the Clean Air
                                                                                                          B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR
                                                  the 23-mile extension northwest of the                                                                           Act (CAA) requires states to submit a
                                                                                                          TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND
                                                  airport.                                                                                                         plan for the implementation,
                                                     Additionally, the airport’s geographic               REPORTING POINTS
                                                                                                                                                                   maintenance, and enforcement of the
                                                  coordinates would be updated to match                   ■ 1. The authority citation for 14 CFR                   standard, commonly referred to as
                                                  the FAA’s aeronautical database for the                 part 71 continues to read as follows:                    infrastructure requirements. The
                                                  Class D and Class E airspace areas. An                                                                           Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
                                                                                                            Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103,
                                                  editorial change also would be made to                                                                           is proposing to approve the Alaska State
                                                                                                          40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR,
                                                  the Class E surface area airspace legal                 1959–1963 Comp., p. 389.                                 Implementation Plan (SIP) as meeting
                                                  description replacing ‘‘Airport/Facility                                                                         specific infrastructure requirements for
                                                  Directory’’ with the term ‘‘Chart                       § 71.1       [Amended]                                   the fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
                                                  Supplement’’.                                           ■ 2. The incorporation by reference in                   NAAQS.
                                                     These actions are necessary for the                  14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.11B,
                                                                                                                                                                   DATES: Comments must be received on
                                                  safety and management of IFR                            Airspace Designations and Reporting
                                                  operations at this airport.                                                                                      or before February 22, 2018.
                                                                                                          Points, dated August 3, 2017, and
                                                     Class E airspace designations are                                                                             ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
                                                                                                          effective September 15, 2017, is
                                                  published in paragraph 6002, and 6005,                  amended as follows:                                      identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R10–
                                                  respectively, of FAA Order 7400.11B,                                                                             OAR–2017–0597, at https://
                                                                                                          Paragraph 5000         Class D Airspace.                 www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
                                                  dated August 3, 2017 and effective
                                                                                                          *        *      *       *      *                         instructions for submitting comments.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                  September 15, 2017, which is
                                                  incorporated by reference in 14 CFR                     AWP CA D Atwater, CA [Amended]                           Once submitted, comments cannot be
                                                  71.1. The Class E airspace designation                                                                           edited or removed from regulations.gov.
                                                                                                          Castle Airport, CA
                                                  listed in this document will be                           (Lat. 37°22′50″ N, long. 120°34′06″ W)
                                                                                                                                                                   The EPA may publish any comment
                                                  published subsequently in the Order.                                                                             received to its public docket. Do not
                                                                                                            That airspace extending upward from the
                                                                                                          surface up to but not including 2,000 feet               submit electronically any information
                                                  Regulatory Notices and Analyses                                                                                  you consider to be Confidential
                                                                                                          MSL within a 4.6-mile radius of Castle
                                                    The FAA has determined that this                      Airport beginning at the 297° bearing from               Business Information (CBI), or other
                                                  proposed regulation only involves an                    the airport clockwise to the 164° bearing,               information the disclosure of which is


                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:05 Jan 22, 2018   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00002     Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\23JAP1.SGM   23JAP1


                                                  3102                   Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                  restricted by statute. Multimedia                       Specifically, Alaska’s March 10, 2016,                      • 110(a)(2)(L): Permitting fees.
                                                  submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be                submission addresses the following                          • 110(a)(2)(M): Consultation/
                                                  accompanied by a written comment.                       infrastructure elements:                                  participation by affected local entities.
                                                  The written comment is considered the                      • CAA section 110(a)(2)(A) through                       The EPA’s 2013 Guidance restated our
                                                  official comment and should include                     (M) for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS;                             interpretation that two elements are not
                                                  discussion of all points you wish to                       • CAA section 110(a)(2)(G) for the                     governed by the three-year submission
                                                  make. The EPA will generally not                        2006 PM2.5 NAAQS; and                                     deadline in CAA section 110(a)(1)
                                                  consider comments or comment                               • CAA section 110(a)(2)(G) for the                     because SIPs incorporating necessary
                                                  contents located outside of the primary                 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS.                                         local nonattainment area controls are
                                                  submission (i.e., on the web, cloud, or                    We note that Alaska’s March 10, 2016,                  due on separate schedules, pursuant to
                                                  other file sharing system). For                         submission addresses other program                        CAA section 172 and the various
                                                  additional submission methods, the full                 areas, such as regional haze,                             pollutant-specific subparts 2 through 5
                                                  EPA public comment policy,                              transportation conformity, and                            of part D. These are submissions
                                                  information about CBI or multimedia                     nonattainment planning. In this action,                   required by: (i) CAA section
                                                  submissions, and general guidance on                    we are proposing to approve the portion                   110(a)(2)(C), to the extent that
                                                  making effective comments, please visit                 of the March 10, 2016, submission                         subsection refers to a permit program as
                                                  https://www.epa.gov/dockets/                            related to PM2.5 infrastructure                           required in part D, title I of the CAA,
                                                  commenting-epa-dockets.                                 requirements only.1 We previously                         and (ii) CAA section 110(a)(2)(I). As a
                                                                                                          approved other portions of the                            result, this action does not address CAA
                                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                          submission on August 28, 2017 (82 FR                      section 110(a)(2)(C) with respect to
                                                  Kristin Hall, Air Planning Unit, Office of
                                                                                                          40712) and September 8, 2017 (82 FR                       nonattainment new source review (NSR)
                                                  Air and Waste (OAW–150),
                                                                                                          42457), and we intend to address the                      or CAA section 110(a)(2)(I). The EPA
                                                  Environmental Protection Agency—
                                                                                                          remainder of the submission in separate,                  has also determined that the CAA
                                                  Region 10, 1200 Sixth Ave, Seattle, WA
                                                                                                          future actions.                                           section 110(a)(2)(J) provision on
                                                  98101; telephone number: (206) 553–
                                                  6357; email address: hall.kristin@                      II. Infrastructure Elements                               visibility is not triggered by a new
                                                  epa.gov.                                                                                                          NAAQS because the visibility
                                                                                                             CAA section 110(a)(1) provides the                     requirements in part C, title I of the
                                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              procedure and timing for SIP                              CAA are not changed by a new NAAQS.
                                                  Throughout this document wherever                       submissions after a new or revised
                                                  ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ or ‘‘our’’ is used, it is               NAAQS is promulgated. CAA section                         III. EPA Approach To Review of
                                                  intended to refer to the EPA.                           110(a)(2) lists specific elements that                    Infrastructure Submissions
                                                                                                          states must meet related to a newly                          The EPA is proposing to approve
                                                  Table of Contents                                       established or revised NAAQS. The EPA                     Alaska’s March 10, 2016, submission as
                                                  I. Background                                           has issued guidance to help states                        meeting certain PM2.5 NAAQS
                                                  II. Infrastructure Elements                             address these requirements, most                          infrastructure requirements. Our most
                                                  III. EPA Approach To Review of                          recently on September 13, 2013 (2013                      recent action on an Alaska
                                                        Infrastructure SIP Submissions                    Guidance).2 The requirements, with
                                                  IV. EPA Evaluation                                                                                                infrastructure submission was
                                                  V. Proposed Action
                                                                                                          their corresponding CAA subsection, are                   published on May 12, 2017 (82 FR
                                                  VI. Statutory and Executive Orders Review               listed below:                                             22081). In the preamble of the action,
                                                                                                             • 110(a)(2)(A): Emission limits and                    we published a discussion of the EPA’s
                                                  I. Background                                           other control measures.                                   overall approach to review of these
                                                     On July 18, 1997, the EPA                               • 110(a)(2)(B): Ambient air quality                    types of submissions. Please see our July
                                                  promulgated a new 24-hour and a new                     monitoring/data system.                                   20, 2016, proposed rule for this
                                                  annual NAAQS for fine particulate                          • 110(a)(2)(C): Program for                            discussion (81 FR 47103, at page 47104).
                                                  matter (PM2.5) (62 FR 38652).                           enforcement of control measures.
                                                                                                             • 110(a)(2)(D): Interstate transport.                  IV. EPA Evaluation
                                                  Subsequently, on October 17, 2006, the
                                                                                                             • 110(a)(2)(E): Adequate resources.
                                                  EPA tightened the 24-hour PM2.5                            • 110(a)(2)(F): Stationary source                      110(a)(2)(A): Emission Limits and Other
                                                  NAAQS from 65 micrograms per cubic                      monitoring system.                                        Control Measures
                                                  meter (mg/m3) to 35 mg/m3, and retained                    • 110(a)(2)(G): Emergency episodes.                       CAA section 110(a)(2)(A) requires
                                                  the annual PM2.5 standard at 15 mg/m3                      • 110(a)(2)(H): Future SIP revisions.                  SIPs to include enforceable emission
                                                  (71 FR 61144). More recently, on                           • 110(a)(2)(I): Areas designated                       limits and other control measures,
                                                  December 14, 2012, the EPA lowered                      nonattainment and applicable                              means or techniques (including
                                                  the level of the primary annual PM2.5                   requirements of part D.                                   economic incentives such as fees,
                                                  NAAQS to 12 mg/m3 and retained the                         • 110(a)(2)(J): Consultation with                      marketable permits, and auctions of
                                                  remaining particulate matter standards                  government officials; public                              emissions rights), as well as schedules
                                                  (January 15, 2013, 78 FR 3086).                         notification; and Prevention of                           and timetables for compliance, as may
                                                     After a new or revised NAAQS is                      Significant Deterioration (PSD) and                       be necessary or appropriate to meet the
                                                  promulgated, the CAA requires states to                 visibility protection.                                    applicable requirements of the CAA.
                                                  submit infrastructure SIPs to meet basic                   • 110(a)(2)(K): Air quality modeling/                     State submission: The submission
                                                  elements required to implement,                         data.                                                     cites regulations set forth at Alaska
                                                  maintain, and enforce the new or                                                                                  Administrative Code Title 18
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                                                  revised NAAQS. On March 10, 2016, the                     1 Consistent with past practice, the EPA intends
                                                                                                                                                                    Environmental Conservation, Chapter
                                                  Alaska Department of Environmental                      to act on requirements related to the CAA section
                                                                                                          110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) interstate transport provisions in a   50 Air Quality Control (18 AAC 50). The
                                                  Conservation (ADEC) submitted a SIP                     separate action. See 79 FR 45103 (August 4, 2014).        relevant regulations are listed below:
                                                  revision to meet the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS                     2 Stephen D. Page, Director, Office of Air Quality         • 18 AAC 50.010: Ambient Air
                                                  infrastructure requirements, in addition                Planning and Standards. ‘‘Guidance on                     Quality Standards.
                                                  to outstanding 1997 and 2006 PM2.5                      Infrastructure State Implementation Plan (SIP)
                                                                                                          Elements under Clean Air Act Sections 110(a)(1)
                                                                                                                                                                       • 18 AAC 50.015: Air Quality
                                                  NAAQS infrastructure elements not                       and 110(a)(2).’’ Memorandum to EPA Air Division           Designations, Classifications, and
                                                  included in prior submissions.                          Directors, Regions 1–10, September 13, 2013.              Control Regions.


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                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                             3103

                                                     • 18 AAC 50.040: Federal Standards                      Alaska’s major NSR permitting rules                 Air Quality Investigation provides
                                                  Adopted by Reference.                                   in 18 AAC Chapter 50, Article 3 for                    authority to require a source to do
                                                     • 18 AAC 50.050: Incinerator                         attainment and unclassifiable areas,                   emissions testing, reduce emissions, and
                                                  Emission Standards.                                     generally rely on the federal PSD                      apply controls to sources.
                                                     • 18 AAC 50.055: Industrial Processes                program regulations at 40 CFR 51.166                     The submission references ADEC’s
                                                  and Fuel Burning Equipment.                             and 40 CFR 52.21, which are                            revised Quality Assurance Project Plan
                                                     • 18 AAC 50.065: Open Burning.                       incorporated by reference into the                     for the State of Alaska Air Monitoring
                                                     • 18 AAC 50.070: Marine Vessel                       Alaska SIP, to implement its SIP-                      and Quality Assurance Program,
                                                  Visible Emission Standards.                             approved PSD permitting program. The                   adopted by reference into the State Air
                                                     • 18 AAC 50.075: Solid Fuel-Fired                    EPA most recently approved revisions                   Quality Control Plan at 18 AAC
                                                  Heating Device Visible Emission                         to Alaska’s PSD rules on August 28,                    50.030(4). Validated State & Local Air
                                                  Standards.                                              2017 (82 FR 40712). The current Alaska                 Monitoring Stations, and Special
                                                     • 18 AAC 50.076: Solid Fuel-Fired                    SIP-approved PSD program incorporates                  Purpose Monitoring ambient air quality
                                                  Heating Device Fuel Requirements;                       by reference specific regulations at 40                monitoring data are verified, and then
                                                  Registration of Commercial Wood                         CFR 52.21 and 40 CFR 51.166 as of                      electronically reported to the EPA
                                                  Sellers.                                                December 28, 2015.                                     through the Air Quality System on a
                                                     • 18 AAC 50.077: Standards for                          Alaska regulates minor stationary                   quarterly basis. The submission also
                                                  Wood-Fired Heating Devices.                             sources of PM2.5 and precursors through                references the adoption of the federal
                                                     • 18 AAC 50.301: Permit Continuity.
                                                     • 18 AAC 50.302: Construction                        its federally-approved minor NSR                       reference and interpretation methods for
                                                  Permits.                                                permitting program. Alaska’s minor                     PM2.5. These methods are used by ADEC
                                                     • 18 AAC 50.306: Prevention of                       NSR rules in 18 AAC Chapter 50,                        in its ambient air quality monitoring
                                                  Significant Deterioration (PSD) Permits.                Article 5 were originally approved into                program to determine compliance with
                                                     • 18 AAC 50.345: Construction,                       the SIP on July 5, 1983, and the state has             the standards.
                                                  Minor and Operating Permits: Standard                   made updates and revisions to the                        EPA analysis: A comprehensive air
                                                  Permit Conditions.                                      program since then. The EPA most                       quality monitoring plan to meet CAA
                                                     • 18 AAC 50.502: Minor Permits for                   recently approved substantive revisions                monitoring requirements was originally
                                                  Air Quality Protection.                                 to the Alaska minor NSR rules on                       submitted by Alaska on January 18,
                                                     • 18 AAC 50.508: Minor Permits                       September 19, 2014 (79 FR 56268) and                   1980 (40 CFR 52.70) and approved by
                                                  Requested by the Owner or Operator.                     August 28, 2017 (82 FR 40712).                         the EPA on April 15, 1981 (46 FR
                                                     • 18 AAC 50.540: Minor Permit:                          In addition to permitting                           21994). The plan includes statutory and
                                                  Application.                                            requirements, Alaska’s SIP contains                    regulatory authority to establish and
                                                     • 18 AAC 50.542: Minor Permit                        rules that limit particulate matter                    operate an air quality monitoring
                                                  Review and Issuance.                                    emissions. These controls include                      network, including PM2.5 monitoring.
                                                     • 18 AAC 50.544: Minor Permits:                      incinerator emission standards,                        Alaska’s SIP-approved regulations in 18
                                                  Content.                                                emission limits for specific industrial                AAC 50 Article 2 govern source-specific
                                                     • 18 AAC 50.546: Minor Permits:                      processes and fuel burning equipment,                  monitoring and emissions testing for
                                                  Revisions.                                              open burning restrictions, visible                     PM2.5 in accordance with federal
                                                     • 18 AAC 50.560: General Minor                       emission limits on marine vessel                       reference methods. Alaska regularly
                                                  Permits.                                                emissions, and requirements for                        assesses the adequacy of the state
                                                     EPA analysis: Alaska regulates                       installing and operating solid fuel-fired              monitoring network and submits that
                                                  emissions of PM2.5 (and nitrogen oxides                 devices. Therefore, we are proposing to                assessment to the EPA for review. In
                                                  (NOX) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) as                       approve the Alaska SIP as meeting the                  practice, Alaska operates a
                                                  precursors to PM2.5) through its SIP-                   requirements of CAA section                            comprehensive PM2.5 monitoring
                                                  approved major and minor new source                     110(a)(2)(A) for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.                 network, compiles and analyzes
                                                  review (NSR) permitting programs, and                                                                          collected data, and submits the data to
                                                  other rules described below. The EPA                    110(a)(2)(B): Ambient Air Quality
                                                                                                                                                                 the EPA’s Air Quality System on a
                                                  recently approved numerous revisions                    Monitoring/Data System
                                                                                                                                                                 quarterly basis. We are therefore
                                                  to the Alaska SIP, including updates to                   CAA section 110(a)(2)(B) requires                    proposing to approve the Alaska SIP as
                                                  18 AAC 50.010 Ambient Air Quality                       SIPs to include provisions to provide for              meeting the requirements of CAA
                                                  Standards to reflect the most recent                    the establishment and operation of                     section 110(a)(2)(B) for the 2012 PM2.5
                                                  NAAQS revisions—the 2012 PM2.5 and                      ambient air quality monitors, collecting               NAAQS.
                                                  2015 ozone NAAQS (82 FR 42457,                          and analyzing ambient air quality data,
                                                  September 8, 2017; 82 FR 40712, August                  and making these data available to the                 110(a)(2)(C): Program for Enforcement
                                                  28, 2017). As a result, Alaska’s ambient                EPA upon request.                                      of Control Measures
                                                  air quality standards in 18 AAC 50.010                    State submission: The submission                       CAA section 110(a)(2)(C) requires
                                                  are up-to-date with current NAAQS.                      references Alaska statutory and                        states to include a program providing
                                                     Alaska has no areas designated                       regulatory authority to conduct ambient                for enforcement of all SIP measures and
                                                  nonattainment for the 2012 PM2.5                        air monitoring investigations. Alaska                  the regulation of construction of new or
                                                  NAAQS. We note, however, that the                       Statutes (AS) 46.03.020 Powers of the                  modified stationary sources, including a
                                                  EPA does not consider SIP requirements                  department paragraph (5) provides                      program to meet PSD and
                                                  triggered by the nonattainment area                     authority to undertake studies,                        nonattainment NSR requirements.
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                                                  mandates in part D, title I of the CAA                  inquiries, surveys, or analyses essential                State submission: With respect to
                                                  to be governed by the submission                        to the accomplishment of the purposes                  enforcement, the submission states that
                                                  deadline of CAA section 110(a)(1).                      of ADEC. AS 46.14.180 Monitoring                       a violation of the prohibitions in the
                                                  Regulations and other control measures                  provides authority to require sources to               regulations above, or any permit
                                                  for purposes of attainment planning                     monitor emissions and ambient air                      condition, can result in civil actions (AS
                                                  under part D, title I of the CAA are due                quality to demonstrate compliance with                 46.03.760 Civil action for pollution;
                                                  on a different schedule than                            applicable permit program                              damages), administrative penalties (AS
                                                  infrastructure SIPs.                                    requirements. 18 AAC 50.201 Ambient                    46.03.761 Administrative penalties), or


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                                                  3104                   Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                  criminal penalties (AS 46.03.790                        reference certain federal PSD program                  required measures to protect visibility
                                                  Criminal penalties). In addition, the                   requirements at 40 CFR 52.21 and 40                    (prong 4). As noted above for section
                                                  submission references compliance order                  CFR 51.166. We most recently approved                  110(a)(2)(C), Alaska’s SIP-approved PSD
                                                  and enforcement proceeding provisions                   updates to the program on August 28,                   program, last revised on August 28,
                                                  found at 18 AAC Chapter 95                              2017 (82 FR 40712). The Alaska PSD                     2017, incorporates by reference current
                                                  Administrative Enforcement.                             rules meet current requirements for all                federal PSD requirements (82 FR 40712).
                                                     With respect to construction of new                  regulated NSR pollutants—we are                        We are therefore proposing to approve
                                                  and modified stationary sources, the                    therefore proposing to approve element                 the Alaska SIP as meeting the
                                                  submission points to ADEC’s statutory                   110(a)(2)(C) for PSD.                                  requirements of CAA section
                                                  authority established in AS 46.14 Air                     Turning to the minor NSR                             110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) with respect to PSD
                                                  Quality Control, Article 01 General                     requirement, the EPA originally                        (prong 3) for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.
                                                  Regulations and Classifications and                     approved Alaska’s minor NSR program                      To address whether emissions from
                                                  Article 02 Emission Control Permit                      into the SIP on July 5, 1983 as meeting                sources in Alaska interfere with any
                                                  Program. The submission states that                     federal minor NSR requirements at 40                   other state’s required measures to
                                                  ADEC’s PSD/NSR programs were                            CFR 51.160 through 40 CFR 51.164 (48                   protect visibility, the submission
                                                  originally approved by the EPA on                       FR 30623). Over the years, we have                     references the Alaska regional haze SIP,
                                                  February 16, 1995 (60 FR 8943), and                     approved revisions to the program as                   submitted on March 29, 2011, and
                                                  revisions to the program were approved                  consistent with the CAA and federal                    approved by the EPA on February 14,
                                                  in 2007, 2011, and 2015. Alaska’s                       minor NSR requirements, most recently                  2013 (78 FR 10546). The EPA believes,
                                                  regulations for construction of new and                 on August 28, 2017 (82 FR 40712). We                   as noted in the 2013 Guidance, that with
                                                  modified major sources in attainment                    have determined that the program                       respect to the 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II), where a
                                                  and unclassifiable areas (PSD) are found                regulates construction of new and                      state’s regional haze SIP has been
                                                  at 18 AAC 50.306, and those for                         modified minor sources for purposes of                 approved as meeting all current
                                                  nonattainment areas (nonattainment                      the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS consistent with                   obligations, a state may rely upon those
                                                  NSR) are found at 18 AAC 50.311.                        CAA requirements. Therefore, we are                    provisions in support of its
                                                  Minor stationary sources are permitted                  proposing to approve the Alaska SIP as                 demonstration for the visibility sub-
                                                  via minor NSR regulations in 18 AAC 50                  meeting the requirements of CAA                        element. Because the Alaska regional
                                                  Article 5.                                              section 110(a)(2)(C) for the 2012 PM2.5                haze SIP was found to meet federal
                                                     EPA analysis: We are proposing to                    NAAQS.                                                 requirements, we are proposing to
                                                  find that Alaska statute provides ADEC                                                                         approve the Alaska SIP as meeting the
                                                  authority to enforce air quality                        110(a)(2)(D)(i): Interstate Transport
                                                                                                                                                                 requirements of CAA section
                                                  regulations, permits, and orders                           CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i) requires                110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) as it applies to
                                                  promulgated pursuant to AS 46.03 and                    state SIPs to include provisions                       visibility for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS
                                                  AS 46.14. ADEC staffs and maintains an                  prohibiting any source or other type of                (prong 4).
                                                  enforcement program to ensure                           emissions activity in one state from
                                                  compliance with SIP requirements.                       contributing significantly to                          110(a)(2)(D)(ii): Interstate and
                                                  ADEC has emergency order authority                      nonattainment, or interfering with                     International Transport Provisions
                                                  when there is an imminent or present                    maintenance of the NAAQS in another                       CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii) requires
                                                  danger to health or welfare or potential                state (CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)).                SIPs to include provisions ensuring
                                                  for irreversible or irreparable damage to               Further, this section requires state SIPs              compliance with the applicable
                                                  natural resources or the environment.                   to include provisions prohibiting any                  requirements of CAA sections 126 and
                                                  Enforcement cases may be referred to                    source or other type of emissions                      115 (relating to interstate and
                                                  the State Department of Law. Therefore,                 activity in one state from interfering                 international pollution abatement). CAA
                                                  we are proposing to approve the Alaska                  with measures required to prevent                      section 126 requires notification to
                                                  SIP as meeting the requirements of CAA                  significant deterioration (PSD) of air                 neighboring states of potential impacts
                                                  section 110(a)(2)(C) related to                         quality, or from interfering with                      from a new or modified major stationary
                                                  enforcement for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.                   measures required to protect visibility                source, and specifies how a state may
                                                     To generally meet the requirements of                (i.e. measures to address regional haze)               petition the EPA when a major source
                                                  CAA section 110(a)(2)(C) for regulation                 in any state (CAA section                              or group of stationary sources in a state
                                                  of construction of new or modified                      110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II)).                                  is thought to contribute to certain
                                                  stationary sources, states are required to                 State submission: Alaska’s March 10,                pollution problems in another state.
                                                  have PSD, nonattainment NSR, and                        2016, submission addresses                             CAA section 115 governs the process for
                                                  minor NSR permitting programs                           110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2012 PM2.5                  addressing air pollutants emitted in the
                                                  adequate to implement the 2012 PM2.5                    NAAQS, however, we intend to evaluate                  United States that cause or contribute to
                                                  NAAQS. As explained above, we are not                   the requirement in a separate, future                  air pollution that may reasonably be
                                                  evaluating nonattainment related                        action. For purposes of CAA section                    anticipated to endanger public health or
                                                  provisions, such as the nonattainment                   110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II), the submission                    welfare in a foreign country.
                                                  NSR program required by part D, title I                 references the Alaska SIP-approved PSD                    State submission: The submission
                                                  of the CAA.                                             program and the Alaska Regional Haze                   references Alaska’s SIP-approved PSD
                                                     For the PSD portion of element                       Plan.                                                  program and certifies that Alaska has no
                                                  110(a)(2)(C) (as well as for the PSD                       EPA analysis: CAA section                           pending obligations under CAA section
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                                                  portions of elements (D)(i)(II) and (J))                110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) requires state SIPs to             115 or 126.
                                                  the EPA interprets the CAA to require                   contain adequate provisions prohibiting                   EPA analysis: At 18 AAC 50.306(b),
                                                  an infrastructure submission that                       emissions which will interfere with any                Alaska’s PSD program incorporates by
                                                  demonstrates a complete PSD                             other state’s required measures to                     reference the general provisions of 40
                                                  permitting program meeting current                      prevent significant deterioration (PSD)                CFR 51.166(q)(2) to describe the public
                                                  requirements for all regulated NSR                      of its air quality (prong 3), and adequate             participation procedures for PSD
                                                  pollutants. Alaska has a SIP-approved                   provisions prohibiting emissions which                 permits, including requiring notice to
                                                  PSD program that incorporates by                        will interfere with any other state’s                  states whose lands may be affected by


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                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                             3105

                                                  the emissions of sources subject to PSD.                state has responsibility for ensuring                  reports by the state agency with any
                                                  As a result, Alaska’s PSD regulations                   adequate implementation of the plan                    emission limitations or standards
                                                  provide for notice consistent with CAA                  where the state has relied on local or                 established pursuant to the CAA, which
                                                  section 126(a) and federal requirements.                regional government agencies, the                      reports shall be available at reasonable
                                                  We confirm that Alaska has no pending                   submission references statutory                        times for public inspection.
                                                  obligations under section 115 or 126(b)                 authority and requirements for                           State submission: The submission
                                                  of the CAA. Therefore, we are proposing                 establishing local air pollution control               states that ADEC has general statutory
                                                  to approve the Alaska SIP as meeting                    programs found at AS 46.14.400 Local                   authority in AS 46.14 Air Quality
                                                  the requirements of CAA section                         air quality control programs.                          Control to regulate stationary sources
                                                  110(a)(2)(D)(ii) for the 2012 PM2.5                        The submission also states that ADEC                via an air permitting program which
                                                  NAAQS.                                                  provides technical assistance and                      includes permit reporting requirements,
                                                                                                          regulatory oversight to the Municipality               completeness determinations,
                                                  110(a)(2)(E): Adequate Resources                        of Anchorage, Fairbanks North Star                     administrative actions, and stack source
                                                     CAA section 110(a)(2)(E) requires                    Borough, and other local jurisdictions to              monitoring requirements. The
                                                  each state to provide (i) necessary                     ensure that the State Air Quality Control              submission states ADEC has regulatory
                                                  assurances that the state will have                     Plan and SIP objectives are satisfactorily             authority to determine compliance with
                                                  adequate personnel, funding, and                        carried out. ADEC has a Memorandum                     these statutes via information requests
                                                  authority under state law to carry out                  of Understanding with the Municipality                 (18 AAC 50.200) and ambient air quality
                                                  the SIP (and is not prohibited by any                   of Anchorage and Fairbanks North Star                  investigations (18 AAC 50.201).
                                                  provision of federal or state law from                  Borough that allows the local entities to              Monitoring protocols and test methods
                                                  carrying out the SIP or portion thereof),               operate air quality control programs in                for stationary sources are adopted by
                                                  (ii) requirements that the state comply                 their respective jurisdictions. The South              reference, including the federal
                                                  with the requirements respecting state                  Central Clean Air Authority has been                   reference and interpretation methods for
                                                  boards under CAA section 128 and (iii)                  established to aid the Municipality of                 PM2.5. The submission also references
                                                  necessary assurances that, where the                    Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna                    the SIP-approved Alaska PSD program.
                                                  state has relied on a local or regional                 Borough in pursuing joint efforts to                   Ambient air quality and meteorological
                                                  government, agency, or instrumentality                  control emissions and improve air                      data that are collected for PSD purposes
                                                  for the implementation of any SIP                       quality in the air-shed common to the                  by stationary sources are reported to
                                                  provision, the state has responsibility                 two jurisdictions.                                     ADEC on a quarterly and annual basis.
                                                  for ensuring adequate implementation                       EPA analysis: We are proposing to                     EPA analysis: The Alaska SIP
                                                  of such SIP provision.                                  find that the Alaska SIP meets the                     establishes compliance requirements for
                                                     State submission: The submission                     adequate personnel, funding and                        sources subject to major and minor
                                                  asserts that ADEC maintains adequate                    authority requirements of CAA section                  source permitting to monitor emissions,
                                                  personnel, funding, and authority to                    110(a)(2)(E)(i). Alaska receives sections              keep and report records, and collect
                                                  implement the SIP. The submission                       103 and 105 grant funds from the EPA                   ambient air monitoring data. 18 AAC
                                                  refers to AS 46.14.030 State Air Quality                and provides matching funds necessary                  50.200 Information Requests provides
                                                  Control Plan which provides ADEC                        to carry out SIP requirements. For                     ADEC authority to issue information
                                                  statutory authority to act for the state                purposes of CAA section 110(a)(2)(E)(ii),              requests to an owner, operator, or
                                                  and adopt regulations necessary to                      we previously approved Alaska’s                        permittee for purposes of ascertaining
                                                  implement the state air plan. The                       conflict of interest disclosure and ethics             compliance. 18 AAC 50.201 Ambient
                                                  submission also references 18 AAC                       regulations as meeting the requirements                Air Quality Investigations provides
                                                  50.030 State Air Quality Control Plan                   of CAA section 128 on October 22, 2012                 authority to require an owner, operator,
                                                  which provides regulatory authority to                  (77 FR 64427). Finally, we are proposing               or permittee to evaluate the effect
                                                  implement and enforce the SIP.                          to find that Alaska has provided                       emissions from the source have on
                                                     With respect to CAA section                          necessary assurances that, where the                   ambient air quality. In addition, 18 AAC
                                                  110(a)(2)(E)(ii), Alaska’s regulations on               state has relied on a local or regional                50.306 Prevention of Significant
                                                  conflict of interest are found in Title 2               government, agency, or instrumentality                 Deterioration Permits and 18 AAC
                                                  Administration, Chapter 50 Alaska                       for the implementation of any SIP                      50.544 Minor Permits: Content provide
                                                  Public Offices Commission: Conflict of                  provision, the state has responsibility                for establishing permit conditions to
                                                  Interest, Campaign Disclosure,                          for ensuring adequate implementation                   require the permittee to install, use and
                                                  Legislative Financial Disclosure, and                   of the SIP as required by CAA section                  maintain monitoring equipment, sample
                                                  Regulations of Lobbying (2 AAC 50.010–                  110(a)(2)(E)(iii). Therefore, we are                   emissions, provide source test reports,
                                                  2 AAC 50.920). Regulations concerning                   proposing to approve the Alaska SIP as                 monitoring data, emissions data, and
                                                  financial disclosure are found in Title 2,              meeting the requirements of CAA                        information from analysis, keep records
                                                  Chapter 50, Article 1—Public Official                   section 110(a)(2)(E) for the 2012 PM2.5                and make periodic reports on process
                                                  Financial Disclosure. These regulations                 NAAQS.                                                 operations and emissions. This
                                                  were previously adopted and approved                                                                           information is made available to the
                                                  into the SIP. There are no state air                    110(a)(2)(F): Stationary Source                        public through public processes
                                                  quality boards in Alaska. The ADEC                      Monitoring System                                      outlined in these SIP-approved rules.
                                                  commissioner, however, as an                              CAA section 110(a)(2)(F) requires (i)                  Additionally, states are required to
                                                  appointed official and the head of an                   the installation, maintenance, and                     submit emissions data to the EPA for
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                                                  executive agency, is required to file a                 replacement of equipment, and the                      purposes of the National Emissions
                                                  financial disclosure statement annually                 implementation of other necessary                      Inventory (NEI). The NEI is the EPA’s
                                                  with the Alaska Public Offices                          steps, by owners or operators of                       central repository for air emissions data.
                                                  Commission (APOC). These disclosures                    stationary sources to monitor emissions                All states are required to submit a
                                                  are publically available through APOC’s                 from such sources, (ii) periodic reports               comprehensive emissions inventory
                                                  Anchorage office.                                       on the nature and amounts of emissions                 every three years and report emissions
                                                     With respect to CAA section                          and emissions-related data from such                   for certain larger sources annually
                                                  110(a)(2)(E)(iii) and assurances that the               sources, and (iii) correlation of such                 through the EPA’s online Emissions


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                                                  3106                   Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                  Inventory System. As required, Alaska                   Advisories for PM2.5, in conjunction                   nonattainment NSR or CAA section
                                                  reports emissions data for the six                      with 18 AAC 50.065 Open Burning and                    110(a)(2)(I).
                                                  criteria pollutants and their associated                18 AAC 50.075 Solid Fuel-Fired Device
                                                                                                                                                                 110(a)(2)(J): Consultation With
                                                  precursors—nitrogen oxides, sulfur                      Visible Emission Standards, most
                                                                                                                                                                 Government Officials
                                                  dioxide, ammonia, lead, carbon                          recently approved by the EPA on
                                                  monoxide, particulate matter, and                       September 8, 2017 (82 FR 40712), are                      CAA section 110(a)(2)(J) requires
                                                  volatile organic compounds. The EPA                     consistent with the requirements of 40                 states to provide a process for
                                                  compiles the emissions data,                            CFR part 51 subpart H for PM2.5                        consultation with local governments
                                                  supplementing it where necessary, and                   (prevention of air pollution emergency                 and federal land managers with respect
                                                  releases it to the general public through               episodes, sections 51.150 through                      to NAAQS implementation
                                                  the website https://www.epa.gov/air-                    51.153). Based on the foregoing, we are                requirements pursuant to section 121.
                                                  emissions-inventories. Based on the                     proposing to approve the Alaska SIP as                 CAA section 110(a)(2)(J) further requires
                                                  above analysis, we are proposing to                     meeting the requirements of CAA                        states to notify the public if NAAQS are
                                                  approve the Alaska SIP as meeting the                   section 110(a)(2)(G) for the 1997, 2006,               exceeded in an area and to enhance
                                                  requirements of CAA section                             and 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.                                  public awareness of measures that can
                                                  110(a)(2)(F) for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.                                                                         be taken to prevent exceedances. Lastly,
                                                                                                          110(a)(2)(H): Future SIP Revisions                     CAA section 110(a)(2)(J) requires states
                                                  110(a)(2)(G): Emergency Episodes                                                                               to meet applicable requirements of part
                                                                                                             CAA section 110(a)(2)(H) requires that
                                                     CAA section 110(a)(2)(G) requires                    SIPs provide for revision of the plan (i)              C, title I of the CAA related to
                                                  states to provide for authority to address              from time to time as may be necessary                  prevention of significant deterioration
                                                  activities causing imminent and                         to take account of revisions of a national             and visibility protection.
                                                  substantial endangerment to public                                                                                State submission: The submission
                                                                                                          primary or secondary ambient air
                                                  health, including contingency plans to                                                                         refers to statutory authority to consult
                                                                                                          quality standard or the availability of
                                                  implement the emergency episode                                                                                and cooperate with officials of local
                                                                                                          improved or more expeditious methods
                                                  provisions in their SIPs.                                                                                      governments, state and federal agencies,
                                                                                                          of attaining the standard, and (ii), except
                                                     State submission: We note that                                                                              and non-profit groups found at AS
                                                                                                          as provided in paragraph 110(a)(3)(C),
                                                  Alaska’s submission addresses not only                                                                         46.030.020 Powers of the department
                                                                                                          whenever the Administrator finds that
                                                  the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS for this element,                                                                         paragraphs (3) and (8). The submission
                                                                                                          the SIP is substantially inadequate to
                                                  but also the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5                                                                               states that municipalities and local air
                                                                                                          attain the NAAQS which it implements
                                                  NAAQS. Alaska cites statutory authority                                                                        quality districts seeking approval for a
                                                                                                          or to otherwise comply with any
                                                  including AS 46.03.820 Emergency                                                                               local air quality control program shall
                                                                                                          additional requirements under the CAA.                 enter into a cooperative agreement with
                                                  powers which provides ADEC with
                                                  emergency order authority where there                      State submission: The submission                    ADEC according to AS 46.14.400 Local
                                                  is an imminent or present danger to the                 refers to statutory authority to adopt                 air quality control programs, paragraph
                                                  health or welfare of the people of the                  regulations in order to implement the                  (d). ADEC can adopt new CAA
                                                  state or would result in or be likely to                CAA and the state air quality control                  regulations only after a public hearing
                                                  result in irreversible or irreparable                   program at AS 46.03.020(10)(A) Powers                  as per AS 46.14.010 Emission control
                                                  damage to the natural resources or                      of the Department and AS 46.14.010(a)                  regulations, paragraph (a). In addition,
                                                  environment. The submission references                  Emission Control Regulations.                          the submission notes that public notice
                                                  18 AAC 50.246 Air Quality Episodes                         EPA analysis: As cited above, the                   and public hearing regulations for SIP
                                                  and Advisories for PM2.5 which                          Alaska SIP provides for revisions, and                 submission and air quality discharge
                                                  authorizes ADEC to declare an air alert,                in practice, Alaska regularly submits SIP              permits are found at 18 AAC 15.050 and
                                                  air warning, or air advisory to notify the              revisions to the EPA to take into account              18 AAC 15.060. Finally, the submission
                                                  public and prescribe and publicize                      changes to the NAAQS and other                         also references the SIP-approved Alaska
                                                  curtailment action, including                           requirements. We have taken action on                  PSD program.
                                                  restrictions on open burning under 18                   revisions to the Alaska SIP on many                       EPA analysis: The EPA finds that the
                                                  AAC 50.065 and limits on visible                        occasions in the past, most recently on                Alaska SIP, including the Alaska rules
                                                  emissions from solid fuel-fired heating                 September 8, 2017 (82 FR 42457),                       for major source permitting, contains
                                                  devices under 18 AAC 50.075. The                        August 28, 2017 (82 FR 40712), May 19,                 provisions for consulting with
                                                  submission states that ADEC has also                    2016 (81 FR 31511), March 18, 2015 (80                 government officials as specified in
                                                  worked with the Fairbanks North Star                    FR 14038), and September 19, 2014 (79                  CAA section 121. Alaska’s PSD program
                                                  Borough (FNSB) to develop an                            FR 56268). We are proposing to approve                 provides opportunity and procedures
                                                  emergency episode plan for PM2.5                        the Alaska SIP as meeting the                          for public comment and notice to
                                                  applicable in the FNSB area. This plan                  requirements of CAA section                            appropriate federal, state and local
                                                  was adopted into the state plan at 18                   110(a)(2)(H) for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.                 agencies. We most recently approved
                                                  AAC 50.030.                                             110(a)(2)(I): Nonattainment Area Plan                  updates to the Alaska PSD program on
                                                     EPA analysis: Section 303 of the CAA                                                                        August 28, 2017 (82 FR 40712). In
                                                                                                          Revision Under Part D
                                                  provides authority to the EPA                                                                                  addition, we most recently approved the
                                                  Administrator to restrain any source                      EPA analysis: There are two elements                 Alaska rules that define transportation
                                                  from causing or contributing to                         identified in CAA section 110(a)(2) not                conformity consultation on September
                                                  emissions which present an ‘‘imminent                   governed by the three-year submission                  8, 2015 (80 FR 53735) and regional haze
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                                                  and substantial endangerment to public                  deadline of CAA section 110(a)(1),                     interagency planning on February 14,
                                                  health or welfare, or the environment.’’                because SIPs incorporating necessary                   2013, (78 FR 10546).
                                                  The EPA finds that AS 46.03.820                         local nonattainment area controls are                     ADEC routinely coordinates with
                                                  Emergency Powers provides emergency                     due on a different timeline, pursuant to               local governments, states, federal land
                                                  order authority comparable to CAA                       section 172 and the various pollutant                  managers and other stakeholders on air
                                                  Section 303. We also find that Alaska’s                 specific subparts 2 through 5 of part D.               quality issues including transportation
                                                  emergency episode rule at 18 AAC                        As a result, this action does not address              conformity and regional haze, and
                                                  50.246 Air Quality Episodes and                         CAA section 110(a)(2)(C) with respect to               provides notice to appropriate agencies


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                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                               3107

                                                  related to permitting actions. Alaska                   of CAA section 110(a)(2)(J) for the 2012               Alaska’s operating permit program is
                                                  regularly participates in regional                      PM2.5 NAAQS.                                           not formally approved into the SIP, it is
                                                  planning processes including the                                                                               a legal mechanism the state can use to
                                                                                                          110(a)(2)(K): Air Quality Modeling/Data
                                                  Western Regional Air Partnership,                                                                              ensure that ADEC has sufficient
                                                  which is a voluntary partnership of                        CAA section 110(a)(2)(K) requires that              resources to support the air program,
                                                  states, tribes, federal land managers,                  SIPs provide for (i) the performance of                consistent with the requirements of the
                                                  local air agencies and the EPA, whose                   air quality modeling as the                            SIP. Before the EPA can grant full title
                                                  purpose is to understand current and                    Administrator may prescribe for the                    V approval, a state must demonstrate
                                                  evolving regional air quality issues in                 purpose of predicting the effect on
                                                                                                                                                                 the ability to collect adequate fees. The
                                                  the West. Therefore, we are proposing to                ambient air quality of any emissions of
                                                                                                                                                                 Alaska title V program included a
                                                  approve the Alaska SIP as meeting the                   any air pollutant for which the
                                                                                                          Administrator has established a                        demonstration the state will collect a fee
                                                  requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(J)                                                                       from title V sources above the
                                                  for consultation with government                        NAAQS, and (ii) the submission, upon
                                                                                                          request, of data related to such air                   presumptive minimum in accordance
                                                  officials for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.                                                                            with 40 CFR 70.9(b)(2)(i).
                                                     Section 110(a)(2)(J) also requires the               quality modeling to the Administrator.
                                                  public to be notified if NAAQS are                         State submission: The submission                       In addition, Alaska SIP-approved
                                                  exceeded in an area and to enhance                      states that air quality modeling is                    regulations at 18 AAC 50.306(d)(2) and
                                                  public awareness of measures that can                   regulated under 18 AAC 50.215(b)                       18 AAC 50.311(d)(2) require fees for
                                                  be taken to prevent exceedances. ADEC                   Ambient Air Quality Analysis Methods.                  purposes of major new source
                                                  is a partner in the EPA’s AIRNOW and                    Estimates of ambient concentrations and                permitting as specified in 18 AAC
                                                  Enviroflash Air Quality Alert programs,                 visibility impairment must be based on                 50.400 through 18 AAC 50.499.
                                                  which provide air quality information to                applicable air quality models, databases,              Therefore, we are proposing to conclude
                                                  the public for five major air pollutants                and other requirements specified in the                that Alaska has satisfied the
                                                  regulated by the CAA: Ground-level                      EPA’s Guideline on Air Quality Models                  requirements of CAA section
                                                  ozone, particulate matter, carbon                       are adopted by reference in 18 AAC                     110(a)(2)(L) for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.
                                                  monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen                  50.040 Federal Standards Adopted by
                                                                                                          Reference. Baseline dates and maximum                  110(a)(2)(M): Consultation/Participation
                                                  dioxide. Alaska also provides real-time
                                                                                                          allowable increases are found in Table                 by Affected Local Entities
                                                  air monitoring information to the public
                                                  on the ADEC air quality website, in                     2 and Table 3, respectively, at 18 AAC
                                                                                                          50.020 Baseline Dates and Maximum                         CAA section 110(a)(2)(M) requires
                                                  addition to air advisory information.                                                                          states to provide for consultation and
                                                  During the summer months, the                           Allowable Increases.
                                                                                                             EPA analysis: On August 28, 2017, we                participation in SIP development by
                                                  Fairbanks North Star Borough prepares                                                                          local political subdivisions affected by
                                                                                                          approved revisions to 18 AAC 50.215
                                                  a weekly Air Quality forecast for the                                                                          the SIP.
                                                                                                          Ambient Air Quality Analysis Methods
                                                  Fairbanks area on its website. We are
                                                                                                          and 18 AAC 50.040 Federal Standards                       State submission: The submission
                                                  proposing to approve the Alaska SIP as
                                                                                                          Adopted by Reference (82 FR 40712). 18                 asserts ADEC has authority to consult
                                                  meeting the requirements of CAA
                                                                                                          AAC 50.040, at paragraph (f),                          and cooperate with officials and
                                                  section 110(a)(2)(J) for public
                                                                                                          incorporates by reference the EPA                      representatives of any organization in
                                                  notification for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.
                                                                                                          regulations at 40 CFR part 51, Appendix                the state; and persons, organization, and
                                                     Turning to the requirement in CAA                    W Guidelines on Air Quality Models
                                                  section 110(a)(2)(J) that the SIP meet the                                                                     groups, public and private using, served
                                                                                                          revised as of July 1, 2015. Therefore, we              by, interested in, or concerned with the
                                                  applicable requirements of part C of title              are proposing to approve the Alaska SIP
                                                  I of the CAA, we have evaluated this                                                                           environment of the state. The
                                                                                                          as meeting the requirements of CAA                     submission refers to AS 46.030.020
                                                  requirement in the context of CAA                       section 110(a)(2)(K) for the 2012 PM2.5
                                                  section 110(a)(2)(C) and permitting. The                                                                       Powers of the department paragraphs (3)
                                                                                                          NAAQS.
                                                  EPA most recently approved updates to                                                                          and (8) which provide authority to
                                                  Alaska’s PSD program on August 28,                      110(a)(2)(L): Permitting Fees                          ADEC to consult and cooperate with
                                                  2017 (82 FR 40712). As discussed in                        CAA section 110(a)(2)(L) directs SIPs               affected state and local entities.
                                                  section 110(a)(2)(C), the program meets                 to require each major stationary source                   EPA analysis: The EPA finds that the
                                                  current federal requirements. Therefore,                to pay permitting fees to cover the cost               Alaska provisions cited above provide
                                                  we are proposing to approve the Alaska                  of reviewing, approving, implementing                  for local and regional authorities to
                                                  SIP as meeting the requirements of CAA                  and enforcing a permit.                                participate and consult in the SIP
                                                  section 110(a)(2)(J) for PSD for the 2012                  State submission: The submission                    development process. Therefore, we are
                                                  PM2.5 NAAQS.                                            states that ADEC’s statutory authority to              proposing to approve the Alaska SIP as
                                                     With respect to visibility protection                assess and collect permit fees is                      meeting the requirements of CAA
                                                  under element (J), the EPA recognizes                   established in AS 46.14.240 Permit                     section 110(a)(2)(M) for the 2012 PM2.5
                                                  that states are subject to visibility and               Administration Fees and AS 46.14.250                   NAAQS.
                                                  regional haze program requirements                      Emission Fees. The permit fees for
                                                  under part C of the CAA. In the event                   stationary sources are assessed and                    V. Proposed Action
                                                  of the establishment of a new NAAQS,                    collected by the Air Permits Program
                                                  however, the visibility and regional                    according to 18 AAC 50, Article 4.                       We are proposing to approve the
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                                                  haze program requirements under part C                  ADEC is required to evaluate emission                  Alaska SIP as meeting the following
                                                  do not change. Thus we find that there                  fee rates at least every four years and                CAA section 110(a)(2) infrastructure
                                                  is no new applicable requirement                        provide a written evaluation of the                    elements for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS:
                                                  related to visibility triggered under CAA               findings (AS 46.14.250(g); 18 AAC                      (A), (B), (C), (D)(i)(II), (D)(ii), (E), (F),
                                                  section 110(a)(2)(J) when a new NAAQS                   50.410).                                               (H), (J), (K), (L), and (M). We are also
                                                  becomes effective. Based on the analysis                   EPA analysis: The EPA fully-                        proposing to approve the Alaska SIP as
                                                  above, we are proposing to approve the                  approved Alaska’s title V program on                   meeting CAA section 110(a)(2)(G) for
                                                  Alaska SIP as meeting the requirements                  July 26, 2001 (66 FR 38940). While                     the 1997, 2006, and 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.


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                                                  3108                   Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                  VI. Statutory and Executive Orders                      tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of              DATES:   Comments on Amendment 4
                                                  Review                                                  Indian country, the rule does not have                 must be submitted received by March
                                                     Under the CAA, the Administrator is                  tribal implications and will not impose                26, 2018 to be considered in the
                                                  required to approve a SIP submission                    substantial direct costs on tribal                     decision whether to approve,
                                                  that complies with the provisions of the                governments or preempt tribal law as                   disapprove, or partially approve
                                                  CAA and applicable federal regulations.                 specified by Executive Order 13175 (65                 Amendment 4.
                                                  42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a).                     FR 67249, November 9, 2000).                           ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
                                                  Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, the                 List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52                     on this document, identified by NOAA–
                                                  EPA’s role is to approve state choices,                                                                        NMFS–2017–0138, by any of the
                                                                                                            Environmental protection, Air                        following methods:
                                                  provided that they meet the criteria of                 pollution control, Incorporation by
                                                  the CAA. Accordingly, this proposed                                                                               • Electronic Submission: Submit all
                                                                                                          reference, Intergovernmental relations,                electronic public comments via the
                                                  action merely approves state law as                     Lead, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone,
                                                  meeting federal requirements and does                                                                          Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to
                                                                                                          Particulate matter, Reporting and                      http://www.regulations.gov/#!docket
                                                  not impose additional requirements                      recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur
                                                  beyond those imposed by state law. For                                                                         Detail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2017-0138, click
                                                                                                          oxides, Volatile organic compounds.                    the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete
                                                  that reason, this proposed action:
                                                     • Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.                    the required fields, and enter or attach
                                                  action’’ subject to review by the Office                  Dated: January 11, 2018.                             your comments.
                                                  of Management and Budget under                                                                                    • Mail: Submit written comments to
                                                                                                          Chris Hladick,
                                                  Executive Orders 12866 (58 FR 51735,                                                                           Amber.Rhodes@noaa.gov, NMFS West
                                                                                                          Regional Administrator, Region 10.
                                                  October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821,                                                                        Coast Region Long Beach Office, 501 W
                                                                                                          [FR Doc. 2018–01165 Filed 1–22–18; 8:45 am]            Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach,
                                                  January 21, 2011);
                                                     • Is not an Executive Order 13771 (82
                                                                                                          BILLING CODE 6560–50–P                                 CA 90802. Include the identifier
                                                  FR 9339, February 2, 2017) regulatory                                                                          ‘‘NOAA–NMFS–2017–0138’’ in the
                                                  action because SIP approvals are                                                                               comments.
                                                                                                          DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE                                    Instructions: Comments must be
                                                  exempted under Executive Order 12866;
                                                     • Does not impose an information                                                                            submitted by one of the above methods
                                                                                                          National Oceanic and Atmospheric                       to ensure they are received,
                                                  collection burden under the provisions                  Administration
                                                  of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44                                                                             documented, and considered by NMFS.
                                                  U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);                                                                                          Comments sent by any other method, to
                                                                                                          50 CFR Part 300                                        any other address or individual, or
                                                     • Is certified as not having a
                                                  significant economic impact on a                        RIN 0648–BH36                                          received after the end of the comment
                                                  substantial number of small entities                                                                           period, may not be considered. All
                                                  under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5                 Fisheries off West Coast States; Highly                comments received are a part of the
                                                  U.S.C. 601 et seq.);                                    Migratory Fisheries; Amendment 4 to                    public record and will generally be
                                                     • Does not contain any unfunded                      Fishery Management Plan for West                       posted for public viewing on
                                                  mandate or significantly or uniquely                    Coast Highly Migratory Species                         www.regulations.gov without change.
                                                  affect small governments, as described                  Fisheries (HMS FMP); Revisions to the                  All personal identifying information
                                                  in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act                     Biennial Management Cycle                              (e.g., name, address, etc.) submitted
                                                  of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4);                                                                                       voluntarily by the sender will be
                                                                                                          AGENCY:  National Marine Fisheries
                                                     • Does not have Federalism                                                                                  publicly accessible. Do not submit
                                                                                                          Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
                                                  implications as specified in Executive                                                                         confidential business information, or
                                                                                                          Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
                                                  Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10,                                                                           otherwise sensitive or protected
                                                                                                          Commerce.
                                                  1999);                                                                                                         information. NMFS will accept
                                                                                                          ACTION: Notice of availability of an
                                                     • Is not an economically significant                                                                        anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in
                                                                                                          amendment to a fishery management                      the required fields if you wish to remain
                                                  regulatory action based on health or                    plan; request for comments.
                                                  safety risks subject to Executive Order                                                                        anonymous).
                                                  13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997);                    SUMMARY:   NMFS announces that the                        Copies of the draft Amendment 4 and
                                                     • Is not a significant regulatory action             Pacific Fishery Management Council                     other supporting documents are
                                                  subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR                 (Council) has submitted Amendment 4                    available via the Federal eRulemaking
                                                  28355, May 22, 2001);                                   to the Fishery Management Plan for U.S.                Portal: http://www.regulations.gov,
                                                     • Is not subject to requirements of                  West Coast Fisheries for Highly                        docket NOAA–NMFS–2017–0138, or
                                                  section 12(d) of the National                           Migratory Species (HMS FMP) for                        contact Amber Rhodes, NMFS West
                                                  Technology Transfer and Advancement                     review by the Secretary of Commerce.                   Coast Region, 562–980–3231,
                                                  Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because                The intent of Amendment 4 is to bring                  Amber.Rhodes@noaa.gov or Heidi
                                                  it does not involve technical standards;                descriptions of the management context                 Taylor, NMFS West Coast Region, 562–
                                                  and                                                     for highly migratory species (HMS)                     980–4039, Heidi.Taylor@noaa.gov.
                                                     • Does not provide the EPA with the                  fisheries up to date, better describe the              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                  discretionary authority to address, as                  Council’s role in the process of making                Amber Rhodes, NMFS, 562–980–3231,
                                                  appropriate, disproportionate human                     stock status determinations including                  Amber.Rhodes@noaa.gov or Heidi
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                                                  health or environmental effects, using                  evaluations of the best scientific                     Taylor, NMFS, 562–980–4039,
                                                  practicable and legally permissible                     information available (BSIA), and                      Heidi.Taylor@noaa.gov.
                                                  methods, under Executive Order 12898                    change the schedule of the Council’s                   SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: During the
                                                  (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).                        three-meeting biennial management                      Council’s 2016 biennial management
                                                     In addition, the SIP is not approved                 cycle for HMS stocks. The amendment                    cycle meetings for HMS and
                                                  to apply on any Indian reservation land                 is administrative in nature and is not                 considerations for recent revisions to
                                                  or in any other area where the EPA or                   expected to affect activities authorized               agency guidelines for National Standard
                                                  an Indian tribe has demonstrated that a                 under the FMP or their harvest levels.                 1 (81 FR 71858, October 18, 2016), key


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Document Created: 2018-01-23 01:08:34
Document Modified: 2018-01-23 01:08:34
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.
DatesComments must be received on or before February 22, 2018.
ContactKristin Hall, Air Planning Unit, Office of Air and Waste (OAW-150), Environmental Protection Agency-- Region 10, 1200 Sixth Ave, Seattle, WA 98101; telephone number: (206)
FR Citation83 FR 3101 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Air Pollution Control; 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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