83 FR 4617 - Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Louisiana; Interstate Transport Requirements for the 2012 PM2.5
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 22 (February 1, 2018)
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 22 (February 1, 2018)
| Page Range | 4617-4620 | |
| FR Document | 2018-01955 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 22 (Thursday, February 1, 2018)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 4617-4620] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-01955] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA-R06-OAR-2015-0851; FRL-9973-16-Region 6] Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Louisiana; Interstate Transport Requirements for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA or Act), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve portions of the Louisiana State Implementation Plan (SIP) submittal and a technical supplement addressing the CAA requirement that SIPs address the potential for interstate transport of air pollution to significantly contribute to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the 2012 fine particulate matter (PM2.5 ) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in other states. EPA is proposing to determine that emissions from Louisiana sources do not contribute significantly to nonattainment in, or interfere with maintenance by, any other state with regard to the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before March 5, 2018. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket Number EPA-R06- OAR-2015-0851, at http://www.regulations.gov or via email to [email protected]. 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 whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Multimedia submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written comment. The written comment is considered the official comment and should include discussion of all points you wish to make. The EPA will generally not consider comments or comment contents located outside of the primary submission (i.e. on the web, cloud, or other file sharing system). For additional submission methods, please contact Sherry Fuerst, 214-665- 6454, [email protected]. For the full EPA public comment policy, information about CBI or multimedia submissions, and general guidance on making effective comments, please visit http://www2.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets. Docket: The index to the docket for this action is available electronically at www.regulations.gov and in hard copy at the EPA Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas. While all documents in the docket are listed in the index, some information may be publicly available only at the hard copy location (e.g., copyrighted material), and some may not be publicly available at either location (e.g., CBI). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sherry Fuerst, 214-665-6454, [email protected]. To inspect the hard copy materials, please schedule an appointment with Ms. Fuerst or Mr. Bill Deese at 214-665- 7253. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document wherever ``we,'' ``us,'' or ``our'' is used, we mean the EPA. I. Background A. The PM2.5 NAAQS and Interstate Transport of Air Pollution Under section 109 of the CAA, we establish NAAQS to protect human health and public welfare. In 2012, we established a new annual NAAQS for PM2.5 of 12 micrograms per cubic meter ([mu]g/m\3\), (78 FR 3085, January 15, 2013). The CAA requires states to submit, within three years after promulgation of a new or revised standard, SIPs meeting the applicable ``infrastructure'' elements of sections 110(a)(1) and (2). One of these applicable infrastructure elements, CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i), requires SIPs to contain provisions to prohibit certain adverse air quality effects on neighboring states due to interstate transport of pollution. There are four sub-elements within CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i). This action reviews how the first two sub-elements, contained in CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I), were addressed in an infrastructure SIP submission from Louisiana for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. These sub-elements require that each SIP for a new or revised NAAQS contain adequate provisions to prohibit any source or other type of emissions activity in one state that will ``contribute significantly to nonattainment'' or ``interfere with maintenance'' of the applicable air quality standard in any other state. The EPA has addressed the interstate transport requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) with respect to PM2.5 in several past regulatory actions. In 2011, we promulgated the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR, 76 FR 48208, August 8, 2011) in order to address the obligations of states--and of the EPA when states have not met their obligations--under CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) to prohibit air pollution contributing significantly to nonattainment in, or interfering with maintenance by, any other state with regard to several NAAQS, including the 1997 annual and 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS.\1\ In that rule, we considered states linked to downwind receptors if they were projected to contribute more than the threshold amount (1% of the standard) of PM2.5 pollution for the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS (76 FR 48208, 48239-43). The EPA has not established a threshold amount for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. In 2016 we provided an informational memorandum (the memo) about the steps states should follow as they develop and review SIPs that address this provision of the CAA for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.\2\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Federal Implementation Plans; Interstate Transport of Fine Particulate Matter and Ozone and Correction of SIP Approvals, 76 FR 48207 (August 8, 2011) (codified as amended at 40 CFR 52.38 and 52.39 and 40 CFR part 97). \2\ Information on the Interstate Transport ``Good Neighbor'' Provision for the 2012 Fine Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards under Clean Air Act Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) March 17, 2016 from Stephen D. Page. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- B. Louisiana SIP Submittal Pertaining to the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS and Interstate Transport of Air Pollution On December 11, 2015, Louisiana submitted a SIP revision to address the requirements of CAA section 110(a)(1) and (2) including a section to address the requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. The submittal stated that the State had adequate provisions to prohibit air pollutant emissions from within the State that significantly contribute to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS stating, ``Air quality modeling evaluating interstate transport for the 2006 PM2.5 supported the conclusion that Louisiana did not impact on either downwind nonattainment or maintenance receptors. The air quality modeling performed for the Transport Rule found that the impact was less than the 1 percent threshold (79 FR 4436, January 28, 2014). Currently Louisiana is in compliance with the new standard.'' On July 7, 2017, the State submitted a letter to EPA serving [[Page 4618]] as a technical supplement for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. The letter stated that ``(b)ecause more recent and improved air quality modeling data evaluated transport for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS conducted by EPA for the Cross State Air Pollution Rule is now available and supports the conclusion that emissions in Louisiana do not significantly contribute to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS in any other state, we submit it as basis for our conclusions in lieu of the previous technical information provided''. We propose to approve the December 11, 2015 submittal and the July 7, 2017 technical supplement submittal that intended to demonstrate that the SIP met the requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. II. The EPA's Evaluation As stated above, Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i) requires SIPS to include adequate provisions prohibiting any source or other type of emissions activity in one state that will (I) contribute significantly to nonattainment, or interfere with maintenance of the NAAAQS in another state, and (II) interfering with measures required to prevent significant deterioration of air quality, or to protect visibility in another state. This action addresses only CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I). EPA issued an information memo on March 17, 2016, titled, ``Information on the Interstate Transport ``Good Neighbor'' Provision for the 2012 Fine Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards under Clean Air Act Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)'' (the memo). We will be following the framework outlined in the memo. The memo outlined the four step framework EPA has historically used to evaluate interstate transport under section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I), including the EPA's CSAPR. (1) Identification of potential downwind nonattainment and maintenance receptors; (2) Identification of upwind states contributing to downwind nonattainment and maintenance receptors; (3) For states identified as contributing to downwind air quality problem, identification of upwind emissions reductions necessary to prevent upwind states from significantly contributing to nonattainment or interfering with maintenance of receptors, and; (4) For states that are found to have emissions that significantly contribute to non-attainment or interfere with maintenance downwind, reducing the identified upwind emissions through adoption of permanent and enforceable measures. Based on this approach, the potential receptors are outlined in Table 1 in the memo. Most of the potential receptors are in California, located in the San Joaquin Valley or South Coast nonattainment areas. However, there is also one potential receptor in Shoshone County, Idaho, and one potential receptor in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The memo did note that because of data quality problems nonattainment and maintenance projections were not done for all or portions of Florida, Illinois, Idaho, Tennessee and Kentucky. After issuance of the memo, data quality problems were resolved for Idaho, Tennessee, Kentucky and portions of Florida, identifying no additional potential receptors, with those areas having design values (DV) below the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS and expected to maintain the NAAQS due to downward emission trends for NOX and SO2 (www.epa.gov/air-trends/air-quality-design-values and www.epa.gov/air-emissions-inventories/air-pollutant-emissions-trends-data). As of December, 2017, the areas that still have data quality issues preventing projections of nonattainment and maintenance receptors are all of Illinois and four counties in Florida. For this evaluation these areas will be considered potential receptors for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. Therefore, for ``Step 1'' of this evaluation, the areas identified as ``potential downwind nonattainment and maintenance receptors'' are:Seventeen potential receptors in California, located in the San Joaquin Valley or South Coast nonattainment areas; Shoshone County, Idaho; Allegheny County, Pennsylvania; Miami-Dade, Gilchrist, Broward, and Alachua Counties in Florida; and, All of Illinois As stated above, ``Step 2'' is the identification of states contributing to downwind nonattainment and maintenance receptors, such that further analysis is required to identify necessary upwind reductions. For this step, we will be specifically determining if Louisiana emissions contribute to downwind nonattainment and maintenance receptors. Each of the potential receptors is discussed below, with a more in depth discussion provided in the Technical Support Document (TSD) for this notice. For additional information, links to the documents relied upon for this analysis can be found throughout the document, more information is available in the TSD and the documents can be found in the docket for this action. California As described in our TSD, our analysis shows that Louisiana's PM 2.5 emissions and/or PM2.5 precursors do not significantly impact the California potential receptors identified in the memo. In our analysis we found specifically that the majority of the emissions impacting PM2.5 levels in California are directly emitted PM2.5 and/or PM2.5 precursors from within the state, and that meteorological and topographic conditions serve as barriers to transport from Louisiana. We note that air quality designations are not relevant to our evaluation of interstate transport, however, the analysis developed for the 2012 annual PM2.5 NAAQS designations process provides an in depth evaluation of factors critical in evaluating transport of PM2.5 and PM2.5 precursors, including evaluation of local emissions, wind speed and direction, topographical and meteorological conditions and seasonal variations recorded at the monitors, which all support the conclusion that Louisiana's PM2.5 and PM2.5 precursors do not significantly contribute to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the California potential receptors. Furthermore, Louisiana is more than 1,300 miles to the east and generally downwind of the California receptors.\3\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \3\ California: Imperial County, Los Angeles-South Coast Air Basin, Plumas County, San Joaquin Valley Area Designations for the 2012 Primary Annual PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standard Technical Support Document https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OAR-2012-0918-0330. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- For these reasons, we propose to find that Louisiana does not significantly contribute to nonattainment, nor will it interfere with maintenance of the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS for California. Shoshone County, Idaho As discussed in the TSD, our analysis shows that Louisiana's PM2.5 emissions and/or PM2.5 precursors do not significantly impact the Idaho potential receptor identified in the memo. In our analysis, we found specifically that the majority of the emissions impacting PM2.5 levels, came during the winter time and could be attributed to residential wood combustion. We note that air quality designations are not relevant to our evaluation of interstate transport; however, the analysis developed for the 2012 annual PM2.5 NAAQS designations process provide [[Page 4619]] an in depth evaluation of factors critical in evaluating transport of PM2.5 and PM2.5 precursors, including evaluation of local emissions, wind speed and direction, topographical and meteorological conditions and seasonal variations recorded at the monitor, which all support the conclusion that Louisiana PM2.5 and PM2.5 precursors do not significantly contribute to nonattainment nor interfere with maintenance of the Idaho potential receptor.\4\ Furthermore, Louisiana is more than 1,100 miles to the southeast and downwind of this receptor. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \4\ Idaho: West Silver Valley Nonattainment Area--2012 Primary Annual PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standard Technical Support Document. Prepared by EPA Region 10. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- For these reasons, we propose to find that Louisiana does not significantly contribute to nonattainment, nor will it interfere with maintenance of the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS for Shoshone, Idaho. Allegheny County, Pennsylvania As discussed in the TSD, our analysis shows that Louisiana's PM2.5 emissions and/or PM2.5 precursors do not significantly impact the Allegheny County, Pennsylvania (Liberty monitor) potential receptor identified in the memo. In our analysis we found that there were strong local influences throughout Allegheny County and contributions from nearby states that contributed to its nonattainment for both the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS. Contributors to the Liberty monitor in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania in recent years, have taken steps to improve air quality which will likely bring the monitor into compliance with the 2012 PM2.5 annual NAAQS by the 2021 attainment date. Another compelling fact is that in previous modeling, nonattainment in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania was linked to significant contributions from other states.\5\ Louisiana was analyzed in this modeling, and Louisiana emissions was not linked to Allegheny County. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \5\ Air Quality Modeling for 2011 Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) (76 FR 48207, August 8, 2011). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- For these reasons, we propose to find that Louisiana does not significantly contribute to nonattainment, nor will it interfere with maintenance of the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS for Allegany County, Pennsylvania. Miami/Dade, Gilchrist, Broward, Alachua Counties, Florida As discussed in more detail in the TSD, Florida did not have any potential nonattainment or maintenance receptors identified for the 1997 or 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS. At this time, it is anticipated that this trend will continue under the 2012 standard, however, as there are ambient monitoring data gaps in the 2009-2013 data that could have been used to identify potential PM2.5 nonattainment and maintenance receptors for Miami/Dade, Gilchrist, Broward and Alachua counties in Florida, the modeling analysis of potential receptors was not complete for these counties. In addition, the most recent ambient data (2014-2016) is still incomplete and therefore these areas are currently considered unclassifiable, so we are evaluating potential of linkages between Florida and Louisiana. Both Louisiana and Florida were analyzed in the CSAPR modeling and there were no linkages shown at any monitor between these two state. Additionally, Louisiana is located 650 miles from Gilchrist County (the most western of the unclassifiable Florida counties) and is unlikely to impact air quality in Florida. For these reasons, we propose to find that Louisiana does not significantly contribute to nonattainment, nor will it interfere with maintenance of the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS for any of the four Florida counties. Illinois As with the counties in Florida, due to ambient monitoring data gaps in the 2009-2013 data that should have been used to identify potential PM2.5 nonattainment and maintenance receptors in Illinois and the modeling analysis of potential receptors could not be completed for the state, therefore entire state is considered unclassifiable. Unlike Florida, Illinois did have a nonattainment receptor identified through the CSAPR modeling analysis for the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS. The receptor was in Madison, Illinois, located near St. Louis, Missouri. As stated above, Louisiana was included in the CSAPR modeling analysis for the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS. The modeling did not show a linkage for nonattainment or maintenance between Louisiana and Illinois. Recent DV for the monitors in Madison, Illinois have shown downward trends. There are three active monitors in Madison. The DVs for the monitors are shown in Table 1 below. Table 1--Annual Standard Design Values ([mu]g/m\3\) for Madison, Illinois Monitors ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monitor No. 2012-2014 2013-2015 2014-2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 171191007....................................................... 12.9 11.6 10.8 171192009....................................................... 10.4 9.7 9.4 171193007....................................................... 12.5 10.8 10.1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For these reasons, we propose that Louisiana will not significantly contribute to nonattainment, nor will it interfere with maintenance of the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS in Illinois. Since we determined that Louisiana's SIP includes provisions prohibiting any source or other type of emissions activity from contributing significantly to nonattainment in, or interfering with maintenance of the NAAQS, in another state, steps 3 and 4 of this evaluation are not necessary. In conclusion, based on our review of the potential receptors presented in the March 17, 2016 informational memo, an evaluation identifying likely emission sources affecting these potential receptors, and the 2014 base case modeling in CSAPR final rule, we propose to determine that emissions from Louisiana sources will not contribute significantly to nonattainment in, nor interfere with maintenance by, any other state with regard to the 2012 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. III. Proposed Action EPA is proposing to approve the December 11, 2015 SIP revision as supplemented on July 7, 2015 as part of the SIP for Louisiana pursuant to the requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)I as applicable to the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. For the reasons discussed above and in the TSD, we are proposing to approve the portion of the Louisiana SIP submittal as supplemented, pertaining to interstate transport of air pollution demonstrating emissions from Louisiana will not [[Page 4620]] significantly contribute to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS in any other state. IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and applicable Federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, the EPA's role is to approve state choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. Accordingly, this action merely proposes to approve state law as meeting Federal requirements and does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law. For that reason, this action:Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Orders 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011); Is not an Executive Order 13771 (82 FR 9339, February 2, 2017) regulatory action because SIP approvals are exempted under Executive Order 12866; Does not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.); Is certified as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4); Does not have Federalism implications as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999); Is not an economically significant regulatory action based on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997); Is not a significant regulatory action subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001); Is not subject to requirements of section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent with the CAA; and Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). In addition, the SIP is not approved to apply on any Indian reservation land or in any other area where EPA or an Indian tribe has demonstrated that a tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of Indian country, the proposed 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, Particulate matter. Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. Dated: January 24, 2018. Anne Idsal, Regional Administrator, Region 6. [FR Doc. 2018-01955 Filed 1-31-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 22 / Thursday, February 1, 2018 / Proposed Rules 4617
Dated: January 24, 2018. other file sharing system). For The EPA has addressed the interstate
Debra H. Thomas, additional submission methods, please transport requirements of CAA section
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 8. contact Sherry Fuerst, 214–665–6454, 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) with respect to PM2.5 in
[FR Doc. 2018–01853 Filed 1–31–18; 8:45 am] fuerst.sherry@epa.gov. For the full EPA several past regulatory actions. In 2011,
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P public comment policy, information we promulgated the Cross-State Air
about CBI or multimedia submissions, Pollution Rule (CSAPR, 76 FR 48208,
and general guidance on making August 8, 2011) in order to address the
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION effective comments, please visit http:// obligations of states—and of the EPA
AGENCY www2.epa.gov/dockets/commenting- when states have not met their
epa-dockets. obligations—under CAA section
40 CFR Part 52 Docket: The index to the docket for 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) to prohibit air pollution
[EPA–R06–OAR–2015–0851; FRL–9973–16– this action is available electronically at contributing significantly to
Region 6] www.regulations.gov and in hard copy nonattainment in, or interfering with
at the EPA Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue, maintenance by, any other state with
Approval and Promulgation of Suite 700, Dallas, Texas. While all regard to several NAAQS, including the
Implementation Plans; Louisiana; documents in the docket are listed in 1997 annual and 2006 24-hour PM2.5
Interstate Transport Requirements for the index, some information may be NAAQS.1 In that rule, we considered
the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS publicly available only at the hard copy states linked to downwind receptors if
AGENCY: Environmental Protection location (e.g., copyrighted material), and they were projected to contribute more
Agency (EPA). some may not be publicly available at than the threshold amount (1% of the
either location (e.g., CBI). standard) of PM2.5 pollution for the 1997
ACTION: Proposed rule.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS (76 FR 48208,
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Clean Sherry Fuerst, 214–665–6454, 48239–43). The EPA has not established
Air Act (CAA or Act), the fuerst.sherry@epa.gov. To inspect the a threshold amount for the 2012 PM2.5
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hard copy materials, please schedule an NAAQS. In 2016 we provided an
is proposing to approve portions of the appointment with Ms. Fuerst or Mr. Bill informational memorandum (the memo)
Louisiana State Implementation Plan Deese at 214–665–7253. about the steps states should follow as
(SIP) submittal and a technical they develop and review SIPs that
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: address this provision of the CAA for
supplement addressing the CAA
requirement that SIPs address the Throughout this document wherever the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.2
potential for interstate transport of air ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ or ‘‘our’’ is used, we mean
the EPA. B. Louisiana SIP Submittal Pertaining to
pollution to significantly contribute to the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS and Interstate
nonattainment or interfere with I. Background Transport of Air Pollution
maintenance of the 2012 fine particulate
matter (PM2.5) National Ambient Air A. The PM2.5 NAAQS and Interstate On December 11, 2015, Louisiana
Quality Standards (NAAQS) in other Transport of Air Pollution submitted a SIP revision to address the
states. EPA is proposing to determine Under section 109 of the CAA, we requirements of CAA section 110(a)(1)
that emissions from Louisiana sources establish NAAQS to protect human and (2) including a section to address
do not contribute significantly to health and public welfare. In 2012, we the requirements of CAA section
nonattainment in, or interfere with established a new annual NAAQS for 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2012 PM2.5
maintenance by, any other state with PM2.5 of 12 micrograms per cubic meter NAAQS. The submittal stated that the
regard to the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. (mg/m3), (78 FR 3085, January 15, 2013). State had adequate provisions to
DATES: Written comments must be The CAA requires states to submit, prohibit air pollutant emissions from
received on or before March 5, 2018. within three years after promulgation of within the State that significantly
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, a new or revised standard, SIPs meeting contribute to nonattainment or interfere
identified by Docket Number EPA–R06– the applicable ‘‘infrastructure’’ elements with maintenance of the 2012 PM2.5
OAR–2015–0851, at http:// of sections 110(a)(1) and (2). One of NAAQS stating, ‘‘Air quality modeling
www.regulations.gov or via email to these applicable infrastructure elements, evaluating interstate transport for the
fuerst.sherry@epa.gov. Follow the CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i), requires 2006 PM2.5 supported the conclusion
online instructions for submitting SIPs to contain provisions to prohibit that Louisiana did not impact on either
comments. Once submitted, comments certain adverse air quality effects on downwind nonattainment or
cannot be edited or removed from neighboring states due to interstate maintenance receptors. The air quality
Regulations.gov. The EPA may publish transport of pollution. There are four modeling performed for the Transport
any comment received to its public sub-elements within CAA section Rule found that the impact was less
docket. Do not submit electronically any 110(a)(2)(D)(i). This action reviews how than the 1 percent threshold (79 FR
information you consider to be the first two sub-elements, contained in 4436, January 28, 2014). Currently
Confidential Business Information (CBI) CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I), were Louisiana is in compliance with the
or other information whose disclosure is addressed in an infrastructure SIP new standard.’’ On July 7, 2017, the
restricted by statute. Multimedia submission from Louisiana for the 2012 State submitted a letter to EPA serving
submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be PM2.5 NAAQS. These sub-elements
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
1 Federal Implementation Plans; Interstate
accompanied by a written comment. require that each SIP for a new or
Transport of Fine Particulate Matter and Ozone and
The written comment is considered the revised NAAQS contain adequate Correction of SIP Approvals, 76 FR 48207 (August
official comment and should include provisions to prohibit any source or 8, 2011) (codified as amended at 40 CFR 52.38 and
discussion of all points you wish to other type of emissions activity in one 52.39 and 40 CFR part 97).
2 Information on the Interstate Transport ‘‘Good
make. The EPA will generally not state that will ‘‘contribute significantly
Neighbor’’ Provision for the 2012 Fine Particulate
consider comments or comment to nonattainment’’ or ‘‘interfere with Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards
contents located outside of the primary maintenance’’ of the applicable air under Clean Air Act Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) March
submission (i.e. on the web, cloud, or quality standard in any other state. 17, 2016 from Stephen D. Page.
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:25 Jan 31, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\01FEP1.SGM 01FEP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_4639/page/1.svg)
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significantly contribute to In addition, the SIP is not approved 2017, at 82 FR 48035, will be held
nonattainment or interfere with to apply on any Indian reservation land Wednesday, February 21, 2018, in
maintenance of the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS or in any other area where EPA or an Kansas City, Missouri; the second
in any other state. Indian tribe has demonstrated that a session will be held Wednesday,
tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of February 28, 2018, in San Francisco,
IV. Statutory and Executive Order
Indian country, the proposed rule does California; and the third session will be
Reviews
not have tribal implications and will not held Tuesday, March 27, 2018, in
Under the CAA, the Administrator is impose substantial direct costs on tribal Gillette, Wyoming. The EPA is
required to approve a SIP submission governments or preempt tribal law as reopening the public comment period
that complies with the provisions of the specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 until April 26, 2018.
Act and applicable Federal regulations. FR 67249, November 9, 2000). ADDRESSES: The first listening session
42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). will be held Wednesday, February 21,
Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, the List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
2018, at the U.S. Department of
EPA’s role is to approve state choices, Environmental protection, Air Agriculture Beacon Complex, 6501
provided that they meet the criteria of pollution control, Incorporation by Beacon Drive, Kansas City, Missouri
the CAA. Accordingly, this action reference, Particulate matter. 64133, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., Central
merely proposes to approve state law as Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. Standard Time (CST). Because this
meeting Federal requirements and does listening session is being held at a U.S.
Dated: January 24, 2018.
not impose additional requirements government facility, individuals
Anne Idsal,
beyond those imposed by state law. For planning to attend should be prepared
that reason, this action: Regional Administrator, Region 6.
to show a current, valid state- or federal-
• Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory [FR Doc. 2018–01955 Filed 1–31–18; 8:45 am]
approved picture identification to the
action’’ subject to review by the Office BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
security staff in order to gain access to
of Management and Budget under the meeting room. An expired form of
Executive Orders 12866 (58 FR 51735, identification will not be permitted.
October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY Please note that the Real ID Act, passed
January 21, 2011); by Congress in 2005, established new
• Is not an Executive Order 13771 (82
40 CFR Part 60 requirements for entering federal
FR 9339, February 2, 2017) regulatory
facilities. If your driver’s license is
action because SIP approvals are [EPA–HQ–OAR–2017–0355; FRL–9973–28–
OAR] issued by a noncompliant state, you
exempted under Executive Order 12866;
• Does not impose an information must present an additional form of
RIN 2060–AT55 identification to enter the federal
collection burden under the provisions
of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 building in Kansas City where the
Repeal of Carbon Pollution Emission listening session will be held.
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.); Guidelines for Existing Stationary
• Is certified as not having a Acceptable alternative forms of
Sources: Electric Utility Generating identification include: Federal
significant economic impact on a Units
substantial number of small entities employee badges, passports, enhanced
under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 AGENCY: Environmental Protection driver’s licenses, and military
U.S.C. 601 et seq.); Agency (EPA). identification cards.
• Does not contain any unfunded ACTION: Notice of three public listening Additional information on the Real ID
mandate or significantly or uniquely sessions and that the public comment Act is available at https://www.dhs.gov/
affect small governments, as described period will be reopened. real-id-frequently-asked-questions. In
in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act addition, you will need to obtain a
of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4); SUMMARY: On October 16, 2017, the visitor pass for any personal belongings
• Does not have Federalism Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) you bring with you. No backpacks will
implications as specified in Executive published a proposal to announce its be allowed into the building, but purses
Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, intention to repeal the Carbon Pollution will be allowed.
1999); Emission Guidelines for Existing Also, vehicles should only enter the
• Is not an economically significant Stationary Sources: Electric Utility West ‘‘C’’ Gate, identified with orange
regulatory action based on health or Generating Units, commonly referred to traffic cones and all vehicles must park
safety risks subject to Executive Order as the Clean Power Plan, as promulgated in a designated area. Demonstrations
13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997); on October 23, 2015. The proposal also will not be allowed on federal property
• Is not a significant regulatory action requested public comment on the for security reasons. The second
subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR proposed rule. The EPA held public listening session will be held
28355, May 22, 2001); hearings on November 28 and 29, 2017, Wednesday, February 28, 2018, at the
• Is not subject to requirements of in Charleston, West Virginia, and San Francisco Main Library, Koret
section 12(d) of the National extended the public comment period Auditorium, 30 Grove Street entrance,
Technology Transfer and Advancement until January 16, 2018. In response to San Francisco, California 94102, from
Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because numerous requests for additional 8:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m., Pacific
application of those requirements would opportunities for the public to provide Standard Time (PST). And the third
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
be inconsistent with the CAA; and oral testimony on the proposed rule in listening session will be held Tuesday,
• Does not provide EPA with the more than one location, the EPA is March 27, 2018, at the Gillette College
discretionary authority to address, as announcing that three listening sessions Technical Education Center, 3251 South
appropriate, disproportionate human will be held. In addition, the EPA will 4–J Road, Gillette, Wyoming 82718,
health or environmental effects, using reopen the public comment period until from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., Mountain
practicable and legally permissible April 26, 2018. Daylight Time (MDT). The EPA will
methods, under Executive Order 12898 DATES: The first listening session for the make every effort to accommodate all
(59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). proposed rule published October 16, speakers.
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:25 Jan 31, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\01FEP1.SGM 01FEP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_4639/page/4.svg)
Document Created: 2018-10-26 13:47:16
Document Modified: 2018-10-26 13:47:16
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Proposed rule. | |
| Dates | Written comments must be received on or before March 5, 2018. | |
| Contact | Sherry Fuerst, 214-665-6454, [email protected] To inspect the hard copy materials, please schedule an appointment with Ms. Fuerst or Mr. Bill Deese at 214-665- 7253. | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 4617 | |
| CFR Associated | Environmental Protection; Air Pollution Control; Incorporation by Reference and Particulate Matter |
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