Approval and Disapproval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Colorado; Affirmative Defense Provisions for Startup and Shutdown; Common Provisions Regulation and Regulation No. 1, 8958-8962 [06-1567]
Download as PDF
8958
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 22, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
imposed by a Federal District Court of
competent jurisdiction.
(5) Where a person has been removed
to the United States for a detention
hearing or other judicial proceeding and
a Federal Magistrate Judge orders the
person’s release and permits the person
to return to the overseas location, the
Department of Defense (including the
Military Department originally
sponsoring the person to be employed
or to accompany the Armed Forces
outside the United States) shall not be
responsible for the expenses associated
with the return of the person to the
overseas location, or the person’s
subsequent return travel to the United
States for further court proceedings that
may be required.
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with RULES
Appendix A to Part 153—Guidelines
(a) Civilians employed by the Armed
Forces outside the United States who commit
felony offenses while outside the U.S. are
subject to U.S. criminal jurisdiction under
the Act, and shall be held accountable for
their actions, as appropriate.
(b) Civilians accompanying the Armed
Forces outside the United States who commit
felony offenses while outside the U.S. are
subject to U.S. criminal jurisdiction under
the Act, and shall be held accountable for
their actions, as appropriate.
(c) Former members of the Armed Forces
who commit felony offenses while serving as
a member of the Armed Forces outside the
U.S., but who ceased to be subject to UCMJ
court-martial jurisdiction without having
been tried by court-martial for such offenses,
are subject to U.S. criminal jurisdiction
under the Act and shall be held accountable
for their actions, as appropriate.
(d) The procedures of this part and DoD
actions to implement the Act shall comply
with applicable Status of Forces Agreements,
and other international agreements affecting
relationships and activities between the
respective host nation countries and the U.S.
Armed Forces. These procedures may be
employed outside the United States only if
the foreign country concerned has been
briefed or is otherwise aware of the Act and
has not interposed an objection to the
application of these procedures. Such
awareness may come in various forms,
including but not limited to Status of Forces
Agreements containing relevant language,
Diplomatic Notes or other acknowledgements
of briefings, or case-by-case arrangements,
agreements, or understandings with
appropriate host nation officials.
(e) Consistent with the long-standing
policy of maximizing U.S. jurisdiction over
its citizens, the Act and this part provide a
mechanism for furthering this objective by
closing a jurisdictional gap in U.S. law and
thereby permitting the criminal prosecution
of covered persons for offenses committed
outside the United States. In so doing, the
Act and this part provide, in appropriate
cases, an alternative to a host nation’s
exercise of its criminal jurisdiction should
the conduct that violates U.S. law also violate
the law of the host nation, as well as a means
VerDate Aug<31>2005
13:17 Feb 21, 2006
Jkt 208001
of prosecuting covered persons for crimes
committed in areas in which there is no
effective host nation criminal justice system.
(f) In addition to the limitations imposed
upon prosecutions by section 3261(b) of the
Act, the Act and these procedures should be
reserved generally for serious misconduct for
which administrative or disciplinary
remedies are determined to be inadequate or
inappropriate. Because of the practical
constraints and limitations on the resources
available to bring these cases to successful
prosecution in the United States, initiation of
action under this part would not generally be
warranted unless serious misconduct were
involved.
(g) The procedures set out in the Act and
this part do not apply to cases in which the
return of fugitive offenders is sought through
extradition and similar proceedings, nor are
extradition procedures applicable to cases
under the Act.
Appendix B to Part 153—
Acknowledgment of Limited Legal
Representation (Sample)
1. I, llllll, have been named as a
suspect or defendant in a matter to which I
have been advised is subject to the
jurisdiction of the Military Extraterritorial
Jurisdiction Act of 2000 (section 3261, et
seq., of title 18, United States Code.);
hereinafter referred to as ‘‘the Act’’). I have
also been informed that certain initial
proceedings under 18 U.S.C. 3265 may be
required under this Act, for which I am
entitled to be represented by legal counsel.
2. I acknowledge and understand that the
appointment of military counsel for the
limited purpose of legal representation in
proceedings conducted pursuant to the Act is
dependent upon my being unable to retain
civilian defense counsel representation for
such proceedings, due to my indigent status,
and that qualified military defense counsel
has been made available.
3. Pursuant to the Act, llllll, a
Federal Magistrate Judge, has issued the
attached Order and has directed that that
military counsel be made available:
ll For the limited purpose of representing
me at an initial proceeding to be conducted
outside the United States pursuant to 18
U.S.C. 3265,
ll For the limited purpose of representing
me in an initial detention hearing to be
conducted outside the United States
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 3265(b),
4. llllll, military counsel, has been
made available in accordance with
Department of Defense Instruction 5525.bb,
and as directed by the attached Order of a
Federal Magistrate Judge.
5. I (do) (do not) wish to be represented by
llllll, military counsel ll (initials).
6. I understand that the legal
representation of llllll, military
counsel, is limited to:
a. Representation at the initial proceedings
conducted outside the United States
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 3265.
ll (Initials)
b. The initial detention hearing to be
conducted outside the United States
pursuant to the Military Extraterritorial
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Jurisdiction Act of 2000 (18 U.S.C. 3261, et
seq.).
ll (Initials)
c. Other proceedings (Specify):
llllll. ll (Initials)
lllllllllllllllllllll
Signature of Person To Be Represented By
Military Counsel
lllllllllllllllllllll
Signature of Witness*
Attachment:
Federal Magistrate Judge Order
(*Note: The witness must be a person other
than the defense counsel to be made
available for this limited legal
representation.)
Dated: February 15, 2006.
L.M. Bynum,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison
Officer, DoD
[FR Doc. 06–1605 Filed 2–21–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001–06–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA–R08–OAR–2005–CO–0004; FRL–
8029–7]
Approval and Disapproval and
Promulgation of Air Quality
Implementation Plans; Colorado;
Affirmative Defense Provisions for
Startup and Shutdown; Common
Provisions Regulation and Regulation
No. 1
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: EPA is partially approving
and partially disapproving a State
Implementation Plan (SIP) revision
submitted by the State of Colorado. The
revision establishes affirmative defense
provisions for source owners and
operators for excess emissions during
periods of startup and shutdown. The
affirmative defense provisions are
contained in the State of Colorado’s
Common Provisions regulation. The
intended effect of this action is to
approve those portions of the rule that
are approvable and to disapprove those
portions of the rule that are inconsistent
with the Clean Air Act. This action is
being taken under section 110 of the
Clean Air Act. In addition, EPA is
announcing that it no longer considers
the State of Colorado’s May 27, 1998
submittal of revisions to Regulation No.
1 to be an active SIP submittal. Those
revisions, which we proposed to
disapprove on September 2, 1999 and
October 7, 1999, would have provided
E:\FR\FM\22FER1.SGM
22FER1
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 22, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
exemptions from existing limitations on
opacity and sulfur dioxide (SO2)
emissions for coal-fired electric utility
boilers during periods of startup,
shutdown, and upset. Since our
proposed disapproval, the State of
Colorado has removed or replaced the
provisions in Regulation No. 1 that we
proposed to disapprove, and has instead
pursued adoption of the affirmative
defense provisions in the State of
Colorado’s Common Provisions
regulation that we are approving today.
DATES: This final rule is effective March
24, 2006.
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a
docket for this action under Docket ID
No. EPA–R08–OAR–2005–CO–0004. All
documents in the docket are listed on
the https://www.regulations.gov Web
site. Although listed in the index, some
information is not publicly available,
e.g., Confidential Business Information
(CBI) or other information whose
disclosure is restricted by statute.
Certain other material, such as
copyrighted material, is not placed on
the Internet and will be publicly
available only in hard copy form.
Publicly available docket materials are
available either electronically through
https://www.regulations.gov or in hard
copy at the Air and Radiation Program,
Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), Region 8, 999 18th Street, Suite
300, Denver, Colorado 80202–2466. EPA
requests that if at all possible, you
contact the individual listed in the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to
view the hard copy of the docket. You
may view the hard copy of the docket
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4
p.m., excluding Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Laurie Ostrand, Air and Radiation
Program, Mailcode 8P–AR,
Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), Region 8, 999 18th Street, Suite
200, Denver, Colorado 80202–2466,
(303) 312–6437, ostrand.laurie@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Background of State Submittal
II. EPA Analysis of State Submittal
III. Final Action
IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with RULES
Definitions
For the purpose of this document, we
are giving meaning to certain words as
follows:
(i) The words or initials Act or CAA
mean or refer to the Clean Air Act,
unless the context indicates otherwise.
(ii) The words EPA, we, us or our
mean or refer to the United States
Environmental Protection Agency.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
13:17 Feb 21, 2006
Jkt 208001
(iii) The initials SIP mean or refer to
State Implementation Plan.
(iv) The words State or Colorado
mean the State of Colorado, unless the
context indicates otherwise.
I. Background of State Submittal
On July 31, 2002, the State of
Colorado submitted a SIP revision that
added affirmative defense provisions for
excess emissions during startup and
shutdown. These affirmative defense
provisions are contained in the
Common Provisions Regulation at
section II.J and were adopted by the
Colorado Air Quality Control
Commission (AQCC) on August 16,
2001.
On December 7, 2005 (70 FR 72741),
we proposed to approve sections II.J.1
through II.J.4 of the Common Provisions
regulation and proposed to disapprove
section II.J.5 of the Common Provisions
regulation. No comments were received
on the December 7, 2005 proposal. See
the December 7, 2005 notice of
proposed rulemaking for additional
information.
On December 7, 2005 (70 FR 72741)
we also announced that we no longer
consider Colorado’s May 27, 1998
submittal of revisions to Regulation No.
1 to be an active submittal, and that we
do not intend to finalize our proposed
disapprovals. The May 1998 Regulation
No. 1 submittal would have provided
exemptions from the existing limitations
on opacity and sulfur dioxide (SO2)
emissions for coal-fired electric utility
boilers during periods of startup,
shutdown, and upset. We proposed to
disapprove the May 1998 Regulation
No. 1 submittal on September 2, 1999
(64 FR 48127) and October 7, 1999 (64
FR 54601).
II. EPA Analysis of State Submittal
EPA’s interpretations of the Act
regarding excess emissions during
malfunctions, startup and shutdown are
contained in, among other documents, a
September 20, 1999 memorandum titled
‘‘State Implementation Plans: Policy
Regarding Excess Emissions During
Malfunctions, Startup, and Shutdown,’’
from Steven A. Herman, Assistant
Administrator for Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance, and Robert
Perciasepe, Assistant Administrator for
Air and Radiation.1 That memorandum
1 Earlier expressions of EPA’s interpretations
regarding excess emissions during malfunctions,
startup, and shutdown are contained in two
memoranda, one dated September 28, 1982, the
other February 15, 1983, both titled ‘‘Policy on
Excess Emissions During Startup, Shutdown,
Maintenance, and Malfunctions’’ and signed by
Kathleen M. Bennett. However, the September 1999
memorandum directly addresses the creation of
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
8959
indicates that because excess emissions
might aggravate air quality so as to
prevent attainment and maintenance of
the national ambient air quality
standards (NAAQS) or jeopardize the
prevention of significant deterioration
(PSD) increments, all periods of excess
emissions are considered violations of
the applicable emission limitation.
However, the memorandum recognizes
that in certain circumstances states and
EPA have enforcement discretion to
refrain from taking enforcement action
for excess emissions. In addition, the
memorandum also indicates that states
can include in their SIPs provisions that
would, in the context of an enforcement
action for excess emissions, excuse a
source from penalties (but not
injunctive relief) if the source can
demonstrate that it meets certain
objective criteria (an ‘‘affirmative
defense’’).2 Finally, the memorandum
indicates that EPA does not intend to
approve SIP revisions that would
recognize a state director’s decision to
bar EPA’s or citizens’ ability to enforce
applicable requirements.
We have evaluated Colorado’s
affirmative defense provisions for
startup and shutdown and find that,
except for one paragraph, they are
consistent with our interpretations
under the Act regarding the types of
affirmative defense provisions we can
approve in SIPs. The Affirmative
Defense provisions in the Common
Provisions Regulation, sections II.J.1
through II.J.4 are consistent with the
provisions for startup and shutdown we
suggested in our September 20, 1999
memorandum. Thus, these provisions
will provide sources with appropriate
incentives to comply with their
emissions limitations and help ensure
protection of the NAAQS and
increments and compliance with other
Act requirements.
However, we cannot approve the
provisions in section II.J.5 of the
Common Provisions regulation. Section
II.J.5 reads as follows:
II.J.5. Affirmative Defense Determination:
In making any determination whether a
source established an affirmative defense, the
Division shall consider the information
within the notification required in paragraph
2 of this section and any other information
the division deems necessary, which may
affirmative defenses in SIPs and, therefore, is most
relevant to this action.
2 EPA’s September 20, 1999 memorandum
indicates that the term affirmative defense means,
in the context of an enforcement proceeding, a
response or defense put forward by a defendant,
regarding which the defendant has the burden of
proof, and the merits of which are independently
and objectively evaluated in a judicial or
administrative proceeding. See footnote 4 of the
attachment to the memorandum.
E:\FR\FM\22FER1.SGM
22FER1
8960
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 22, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
include, but is not limited to, physical
inspection of the facility and review of
documentation pertaining to the maintenance
and operation of process and air pollution
control equipment.
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with RULES
Under this language, the Division could
make a determination outside the
context of an enforcement action, or at
any time during an enforcement action,
that a source has established the
affirmative defense. If we were to
approve section II.J.5, a court might
conclude that we had ceded the
authority to the Division to make this
determination, not just for the State, but
on behalf of EPA and citizens as well.
Consequently, a court might also view
the Division’s determination that a
source had established the affirmative
defense as barring an EPA or citizen
action for penalties.
As we stated in the September 1999
memoranda, we do not intend to
approve SIP language that would allow
a state’s decision to constrain our or
citizens’ enforcement discretion. To do
so would be inconsistent with the
regulatory scheme established in Title I
of the Act, which allows independent
EPA and citizen enforcement of
violations, regardless of a state’s
decisions regarding those violations and
any potential defenses.3
Section 110(l) of the Clean Air Act
states that a SIP revision cannot be
approved if the revision would interfere
with any applicable requirement
concerning attainment and reasonable
further progress towards attainment of
the NAAQS or any other applicable
requirements of the Act. The Colorado
SIP revision that is the subject of this
document does not interfere with the
maintenance of the NAAQS or any other
applicable requirement of the Act. The
July 31, 2002 submittal merely adopts
affirmative defense provisions for
source owners and operators for excess
emissions during periods of startup and
shutdown. These provisions provide,
that in the context of an enforcement
action for excess emissions, a source can
be excused from penalties (but not
injunctive relief) if the source can
demonstrate that it meets certain
3 Section II.J.5 may be confusing the concept of
affirmative defense with the concept of enforcement
discretion. By definition, an affirmative defense is
a defense that may be raised in the context of an
enforcement proceeding before an independent trier
of fact. Before pursuing an enforcement action, the
state might evaluate the likelihood that an owner/
operator could prove the elements of the affirmative
defense, but this would go to the state’s exercise of
enforcement discretion. While the state might
decide not to pursue an enforcement action based
on such an evaluation, if EPA or citizens were to
pursue enforcement action, an independent trier of
fact might reach a conclusion different from the
state’s, i.e., that the owner/operator had not proved
the elements of the affirmative defense.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
13:17 Feb 21, 2006
Jkt 208001
objective criteria. Therefore, section
110(l) requirements are satisfied.
III. Final Action
We are approving sections II.J.1
through II.J.4 of the Common Provisions
Regulation submitted on July 31, 2002
for the reasons expressed above. We are
disapproving section II.J.5 of the
Common Provisions Regulation
submitted on July 31, 2002 because this
section is inconsistent with the Clean
Air Act.
IV. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
A. Executive Order 12866, Regulatory
Planning and Review
The Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) has exempted this regulatory
action from Executive Order 12866,
entitled ‘‘Regulatory Planning and
Review.’’
B. Paperwork Reduction Act
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act,
44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., OMB must
approve all ‘‘collections of information’’
by EPA. The Act defines ‘‘collection of
information’’ as a requirement for
‘‘answers to * * * identical reporting or
recordkeeping requirements imposed on
ten or more persons * * *’’ 44 U.S.C.
3502(3)(A). Because this final rule does
not impose an information collection
burden, the Paperwork Reduction Act
does not apply.
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
generally requires an agency to conduct
a regulatory flexibility analysis of any
rule subject to notice and comment
rulemaking requirements unless the
agency certifies that the rule will not
have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities.
Small entities include small businesses,
small not-for-profit enterprises, and
small governmental jurisdictions.
This final rule will not have a
significant impact on a substantial
number of small entities because SIP
approvals and disapprovals under
section 110 and subchapter I, part D of
the Clean Air Act do not create any new
requirements but simply approve or
disapprove requirements that the State
is already imposing. Therefore, because
the Federal SIP approval/disapproval
does not create any new requirements,
I certify that this action will not have a
significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
Moreover, due to the nature of the
Federal-State relationship under the
Clean Air Act, preparation of flexibility
analysis would constitute Federal
inquiry into the economic
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
reasonableness of state action. The
Clean Air Act forbids EPA to base its
actions concerning SIPs on such
grounds. Union Electric Co., v. U.S.
EPA, 427 U.S. 246, 255–66 (1976); 42
U.S.C. 7410(a)(2).
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
Under section 202 of the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act of 1995
(‘‘Unfunded Mandates Act’’), signed
into law on March 22, 1995, EPA must
prepare a budgetary impact statement to
accompany any proposed or final rule
that includes a Federal mandate that
may result in estimated costs to State,
local, or tribal governments in the
aggregate; or to the private sector, of
$100 million or more. Under section
205, EPA must select the most costeffective and least burdensome
alternative that achieves the objectives
of the rule and is consistent with
statutory requirements. Section 203
requires EPA to establish a plan for
informing and advising any small
governments that may be significantly
or uniquely impacted by the rule.
EPA has determined that this final
action does not include a Federal
mandate that may result in estimated
costs of $100 million or more to either
State, local, or tribal governments in the
aggregate, or to the private sector. This
Federal action partially approves and
partially disapproves pre-existing
requirements under State or local law,
and imposes no new requirements.
Accordingly, no additional costs to
State, local, or tribal governments, or to
the private sector, result from this
action.
E. Executive Order 13132, Federalism
Executive Order 13132, Federalism
(64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999), revokes
and replaces Executive Orders 12612
(Federalism) and 12875 (Enhancing the
Intergovernmental Partnership).
Executive Order 13132 requires EPA to
develop an accountable process to
ensure ‘‘meaningful and timely input by
State and local officials in the
development of regulatory policies that
have federalism implications.’’ ‘‘Policies
that have federalism implications’’ is
defined in the Executive Order to
include regulations that have
‘‘substantial direct effects on the States,
on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.’’ Under Executive
Order 13132, EPA may not issue a
regulation that has federalism
implications, that imposes substantial
direct compliance costs, and that is not
required by statute, unless the Federal
E:\FR\FM\22FER1.SGM
22FER1
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 22, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
government provides the funds
necessary to pay the direct compliance
costs incurred by State and local
governments, or EPA consults with
State and local officials early in the
process of developing the proposed
regulation. EPA also may not issue a
regulation that has federalism
implications and that preempts State
law unless the Agency consults with
State and local officials early in the
process of developing the proposed
regulation.
This final rule will not have
substantial direct effects on the States,
on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government, as specified in
Executive Order 13132, because it
merely partially approves and partially
disapproves state rules implementing a
federal standard, and does not alter the
relationship or the distribution of power
and responsibilities established in the
Clean Air Act. Thus, the requirements of
section 6 of the Executive Order do not
apply to this rule.
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with RULES
F. Executive Order 13175, Coordination
With Indian Tribal Governments
Executive Order 13175, entitled
‘‘Consultation and Coordination with
Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR
67249, November 9, 2000), requires EPA
to develop an accountable process to
ensure ‘‘meaningful and timely input by
tribal officials in the development of
regulatory policies that have tribal
implications.’’ This final rule does not
have tribal implications, as specified in
Executive Order 13175. It will not have
substantial direct effects on tribal
governments, on the relationship
between the Federal government and
Indian tribes, or on the distribution of
power and responsibilities between the
Federal government and Indian tribes.
This action does not involve or impose
any requirements that affect Indian
tribes. Thus, Executive Order 13175
does not apply to this rule.
G. Executive Order 13045, Protection of
Children From Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks
Protection of Children From
Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997),
applies to any rule that: (1) Is
determined to be ‘‘economically
significant’’ as defined under Executive
Order 12866, and (2) concerns an
environmental health or safety risk that
EPA has reason to believe may have a
disproportionate effect on children. If
the regulatory action meets both criteria,
the Agency must evaluate the
VerDate Aug<31>2005
13:17 Feb 21, 2006
Jkt 208001
environmental health or safety effects of
the planned rule on children, and
explain why the planned regulation is
preferable to other potentially effective
and reasonably feasible alternatives
considered by the Agency.
This rule is not subject to Executive
Order 13045 because it does not involve
decisions intended to mitigate
environmental health or safety risks.
H. Executive Order 13211, Actions That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use
This rule is not subject to Executive
Order 13211, ‘‘Actions Concerning
Regulations That Significantly Affect
Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use’’ (66
FR 28355, May 22, 2001) because it is
not a significant regulatory action under
Executive Order 12866.
I. National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act
Section 12 of the National Technology
Transfer and Advancement Act
(NTTAA) of 1995 requires Federal
agencies to evaluate existing technical
standards when developing a new
regulation. To comply with NTTAA,
EPA must consider and use ‘‘voluntary
consensus standards’’ (VCS) if available
and applicable when developing
programs and policies unless doing so
would be inconsistent with applicable
law or otherwise impractical.
The EPA believes that VCS are
inapplicable to this action. Today’s
action does not require the public to
perform activities conducive to the use
of VCS.
J. Congressional Review Act
The Congressional Review Act, 5
U.S.C. section 801 et seq., as added by
the Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996,
generally provides that before a rule
may take effect, the agency
promulgating the rule must submit a
rule report, which includes a copy of
the rule, to each House of the Congress
and to the Comptroller General of the
United States. EPA will submit a report
containing this rule and other required
information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S.
House of Representatives, and the
Comptroller General of the United
States prior to publication of the rule in
the Federal Register. A major rule
cannot take effect until 60 days after it
is published in the Federal Register.
This action is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as
defined by 5 U.S.C. section 804(2). This
rule will be effective March 24, 2006.
K. Petitions for Judicial Review
Under section 307(b)(1) of the Clean
Air Act, petitions for judicial review of
PO 00000
Frm 00041
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
8961
this action must be filed in the United
States Court of Appeals for the
appropriate circuit by April 24, 2006.
Filing a petition for reconsideration by
the Administrator of this final rule does
not affect the finality of this rule for the
purposes of judicial review nor does it
extend the time within which a petition
for judicial review may be filed, and
shall not postpone the effectiveness of
such rule or action. This action may not
be challenged later in proceedings to
enforce its requirements. (See section
307(b)(2) of the Clean Air Act.)
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
Environmental protection, Air
pollution control, Carbon monoxide,
Incorporation by reference,
Intergovernmental relations, Lead,
Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate
matter, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile
organic compounds.
Dated: January 30, 2006.
Robert E. Roberts,
Regional Administrator, Region 8.
40 CFR part 52 is amended to read as
follows:
I
PART 52—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 52
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Subpart G—Colorado
2. Section 52.320 is amended by
adding paragraph (c)(109) to read as
follows:
I
§ 52.320
Identification of plan.
*
*
*
*
*
(c) * * *
(109) A revision to the State
Implementation Plan was submitted by
the State of Colorado on July 31, 2002.
The submittal revises the Common
Provisions regulation by adding
affirmative defense provisions for
source owners and operators for excess
emissions during periods of startup and
shutdown.
(i) Incorporation by reference.
(A) Common Provisions Regulation, 5
CCR 1001–2, sections II.J.1 through
II.J.4, adopted August 16, 2001, effective
September 30, 2001.
I 3. Section 52.329 is amended by
adding paragraph (c) to read as follows:
§ 52.329
Rules and regulations.
*
*
*
*
*
(c) A revision to the State
Implementation Plan was submitted by
the State of Colorado on July 31, 2002.
The submittal revises the Common
Provisions regulation by adding
E:\FR\FM\22FER1.SGM
22FER1
8962
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 22, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
affirmative defense provisions for
source owners and operators for excess
emissions during periods of startup and
shutdown. The affirmative defense
provisions are contained in section II.J.
As indicated in 40 CFR 52.320(c)(109),
EPA approved the affirmative defense
provisions contained in sections II.J.1
through II.J.4 of the Common Provisions
regulation, adopted August 16, 2001 and
effective September 30, 2001. Section
II.J.5 of the Common Provisions
regulation, adopted August 16, 2001 and
effective September 30, 2001, is
disapproved.
[FR Doc. 06–1567 Filed 2–21–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA–R06–OAR–2005–TX–0003; FRL–8034–
7]
Approval and Promulgation of State
Implementation Plans; Texas; Revision
to the Rate of Progress Plan for the
Beaumont/Port Arthur Ozone
Nonattainment Area
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Direct final rule.
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with RULES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The EPA is approving
revisions to the Texas State
Implementation Plan (SIP) Post-1996
Rate of Progress (ROP) Plan, the 1990
Base Year Inventory, and the Motor
Vehicle Emissions Budgets (MVEB)
established by the ROP Plan, for the
Beaumont/Port Arthur (BPA) ozone
nonattainment area submitted
November 16, 2004. The intended effect
of this action is to approve revisions
submitted by the State of Texas to
satisfy the reasonable further progress
requirements for 1-hour ozone
nonattainment areas classified as
serious and demonstrate further
progress in reducing ozone precursors.
We are approving these revisions in
accordance with the requirements of the
Federal Clean Air Act (CAA).
DATES: This rule is effective on April 24,
2006 without further notice, unless EPA
receives relevant adverse comment by
March 24, 2006. If EPA receives such
comment, EPA will publish a timely
withdrawal in the Federal Register
informing the public that this rule will
not take effect.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket No. EPA–R06–
OAR–2005–TX–0003, by one of the
following methods:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
13:17 Feb 21, 2006
Jkt 208001
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line
instructions for submitting comments.
• EPA Region 6 ‘‘Contact Us’’ Web
site: https://epa.gov/region6/
r6coment.htm. Please click on ‘‘6PD’’
(Multimedia) and select ‘‘Air’’ before
submitting comments.
• E-mail: Mr. Thomas Diggs at
diggs.thomas@epa.gov. Please also send
a copy by e-mail to the person listed in
the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
section below.
• Fax: Mr. Thomas Diggs, Chief, Air
Planning Section (6PD–L), at fax
number 214–665–7263.
• Mail: Mr. Thomas Diggs, Chief, Air
Planning Section (6PD–L),
Environmental Protection Agency, 1445
Ross Avenue, Suite 1200, Dallas, Texas
75202–2733.
• Hand or Courier Delivery: Mr.
Thomas Diggs, Chief, Air Planning
Section (6PD–L), Environmental
Protection Agency, 1445 Ross Avenue,
Suite 1200, Dallas, Texas 75202–2733.
Such deliveries are accepted only
between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
weekdays except for legal holidays.
Special arrangements should be made
for deliveries of boxed information.
Instructions: Direct your comments to
Docket ID No. EPA–R06–OAR–2005–
TX–0003. EPA’s policy is that all
comments received will be included in
the public docket without change and
may be made available online at https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided, unless
the comment includes information
claimed to be Confidential Business
Information (CBI) or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Do not submit information that you
consider to be CBI or otherwise
protected through https://
www.regulations.gov or e-mail. The
https://www.regulations.gov Web site is
an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which
means EPA will not know your identity
or contact information unless you
provide it in the body of your comment.
If you send an e-mail comment directly
to EPA without going through https://
www.regulations.gov your e-mail
address will be automatically captured
and included as part of the comment
that is placed in the public docket and
made available on the Internet. If you
submit an electronic comment, EPA
recommends that you include your
name and other contact information in
the body of your comment and with any
disk or CD–ROM you submit. If EPA
cannot read your comment due to
technical difficulties and cannot contact
you for clarification, EPA may not be
able to consider your comment.
Electronic files should avoid the use of
PO 00000
Frm 00042
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
special characters, any form of
encryption, and be free of any defects or
viruses.
Docket: All documents in the docket
are listed in the https://
www.regulations.gov index. Although
listed in the index, some information is
not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other
information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Certain other
material, such as copyrighted material,
will be publicly available only in hard
copy. Publicly available docket
materials are available either
electronically in https://
www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at
the Air Planning Section (6PD–L),
Environmental Protection Agency, 1445
Ross Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas
75202–2733. The file will be made
available by appointment for public
inspection in the Region 6 FOIA Review
Room between the hours of 8:30am and
4:30pm weekdays except for legal
holidays. Contact the person listed in
the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
paragraph below or Mr. Bill Deese at
214–665–7253 to make an appointment.
If possible, please make the
appointment at least two working days
in advance of your visit. There will be
a 15 cent per page fee for making
photocopies of documents. On the day
of the visit, please check in at the EPA
Region 6 reception area at 1445 Ross
Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas.
The State submittal is also available
for public inspection at the State Air
Agency listed below during official
business hours by appointment:
Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality, Office of Air Quality, 12124
Park 35 Circle, Austin, Texas 78753.
Carl
Young, Air Planning Section (6PD–L),
EPA Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue,
Dallas, Texas 75202–2733, telephone
214–665–6645, young.carl@epa.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
What Action Are We Taking?
We are approving revisions to the
BPA area post-1996 ROP Plan for the
1997–1999, 2000–2002 and 2003–2005
time periods submitted in a letter dated
November 16, 2004. The post-1996 ROP
plan is designed to achieve an
additional 9 percent reduction in
emissions between 1996 and 1999, a
further 9 percent reduction between
1999 and 2002, and another 9 percent
reduction between 2002 and 2005. We
are also approving revisions to the 1990
base year inventory and the ROP Plan’s
associated Motor Vehicle Emissions
Budgets (MVEB) for 1999, 2002, and
2005.
E:\FR\FM\22FER1.SGM
22FER1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 35 (Wednesday, February 22, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8958-8962]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-1567]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA-R08-OAR-2005-CO-0004; FRL-8029-7]
Approval and Disapproval and Promulgation of Air Quality
Implementation Plans; Colorado; Affirmative Defense Provisions for
Startup and Shutdown; Common Provisions Regulation and Regulation No. 1
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: EPA is partially approving and partially disapproving a State
Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Colorado.
The revision establishes affirmative defense provisions for source
owners and operators for excess emissions during periods of startup and
shutdown. The affirmative defense provisions are contained in the State
of Colorado's Common Provisions regulation. The intended effect of this
action is to approve those portions of the rule that are approvable and
to disapprove those portions of the rule that are inconsistent with the
Clean Air Act. This action is being taken under section 110 of the
Clean Air Act. In addition, EPA is announcing that it no longer
considers the State of Colorado's May 27, 1998 submittal of revisions
to Regulation No. 1 to be an active SIP submittal. Those revisions,
which we proposed to disapprove on September 2, 1999 and October 7,
1999, would have provided
[[Page 8959]]
exemptions from existing limitations on opacity and sulfur dioxide
(SO2) emissions for coal-fired electric utility boilers
during periods of startup, shutdown, and upset. Since our proposed
disapproval, the State of Colorado has removed or replaced the
provisions in Regulation No. 1 that we proposed to disapprove, and has
instead pursued adoption of the affirmative defense provisions in the
State of Colorado's Common Provisions regulation that we are approving
today.
DATES: This final rule is effective March 24, 2006.
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID
No. EPA-R08-OAR-2005-CO-0004. All documents in the docket are listed on
the https://www.regulations.gov Web site. Although listed in the index,
some information is not publicly available, e.g., Confidential Business
Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted
by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, is
not placed on the Internet and will be publicly available only in hard
copy form. Publicly available docket materials are available either
electronically through https://www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at
the Air and Radiation Program, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
Region 8, 999 18th Street, Suite 300, Denver, Colorado 80202-2466. EPA
requests that if at all possible, you contact the individual listed in
the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to view the hard copy of
the docket. You may view the hard copy of the docket Monday through
Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laurie Ostrand, Air and Radiation
Program, Mailcode 8P-AR, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region
8, 999 18th Street, Suite 200, Denver, Colorado 80202-2466, (303) 312-
6437, ostrand.laurie@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Background of State Submittal
II. EPA Analysis of State Submittal
III. Final Action
IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
Definitions
For the purpose of this document, we are giving meaning to certain
words as follows:
(i) The words or initials Act or CAA mean or refer to the Clean Air
Act, unless the context indicates otherwise.
(ii) The words EPA, we, us or our mean or refer to the United
States Environmental Protection Agency.
(iii) The initials SIP mean or refer to State Implementation Plan.
(iv) The words State or Colorado mean the State of Colorado, unless
the context indicates otherwise.
I. Background of State Submittal
On July 31, 2002, the State of Colorado submitted a SIP revision
that added affirmative defense provisions for excess emissions during
startup and shutdown. These affirmative defense provisions are
contained in the Common Provisions Regulation at section II.J and were
adopted by the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) on August
16, 2001.
On December 7, 2005 (70 FR 72741), we proposed to approve sections
II.J.1 through II.J.4 of the Common Provisions regulation and proposed
to disapprove section II.J.5 of the Common Provisions regulation. No
comments were received on the December 7, 2005 proposal. See the
December 7, 2005 notice of proposed rulemaking for additional
information.
On December 7, 2005 (70 FR 72741) we also announced that we no
longer consider Colorado's May 27, 1998 submittal of revisions to
Regulation No. 1 to be an active submittal, and that we do not intend
to finalize our proposed disapprovals. The May 1998 Regulation
No. 1 submittal would have provided exemptions from the existing
limitations on opacity and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions
for coal-fired electric utility boilers during periods of startup,
shutdown, and upset. We proposed to disapprove the May 1998 Regulation
No. 1 submittal on September 2, 1999 (64 FR 48127) and October 7, 1999
(64 FR 54601).
II. EPA Analysis of State Submittal
EPA's interpretations of the Act regarding excess emissions during
malfunctions, startup and shutdown are contained in, among other
documents, a September 20, 1999 memorandum titled ``State
Implementation Plans: Policy Regarding Excess Emissions During
Malfunctions, Startup, and Shutdown,'' from Steven A. Herman, Assistant
Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, and Robert
Perciasepe, Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation.\1\ That
memorandum indicates that because excess emissions might aggravate air
quality so as to prevent attainment and maintenance of the national
ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) or jeopardize the prevention of
significant deterioration (PSD) increments, all periods of excess
emissions are considered violations of the applicable emission
limitation. However, the memorandum recognizes that in certain
circumstances states and EPA have enforcement discretion to refrain
from taking enforcement action for excess emissions. In addition, the
memorandum also indicates that states can include in their SIPs
provisions that would, in the context of an enforcement action for
excess emissions, excuse a source from penalties (but not injunctive
relief) if the source can demonstrate that it meets certain objective
criteria (an ``affirmative defense'').\2\ Finally, the memorandum
indicates that EPA does not intend to approve SIP revisions that would
recognize a state director's decision to bar EPA's or citizens' ability
to enforce applicable requirements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Earlier expressions of EPA's interpretations regarding
excess emissions during malfunctions, startup, and shutdown are
contained in two memoranda, one dated September 28, 1982, the other
February 15, 1983, both titled ``Policy on Excess Emissions During
Startup, Shutdown, Maintenance, and Malfunctions'' and signed by
Kathleen M. Bennett. However, the September 1999 memorandum directly
addresses the creation of affirmative defenses in SIPs and,
therefore, is most relevant to this action.
\2\ EPA's September 20, 1999 memorandum indicates that the term
affirmative defense means, in the context of an enforcement
proceeding, a response or defense put forward by a defendant,
regarding which the defendant has the burden of proof, and the
merits of which are independently and objectively evaluated in a
judicial or administrative proceeding. See footnote 4 of the
attachment to the memorandum.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have evaluated Colorado's affirmative defense provisions for
startup and shutdown and find that, except for one paragraph, they are
consistent with our interpretations under the Act regarding the types
of affirmative defense provisions we can approve in SIPs. The
Affirmative Defense provisions in the Common Provisions Regulation,
sections II.J.1 through II.J.4 are consistent with the provisions for
startup and shutdown we suggested in our September 20, 1999 memorandum.
Thus, these provisions will provide sources with appropriate incentives
to comply with their emissions limitations and help ensure protection
of the NAAQS and increments and compliance with other Act requirements.
However, we cannot approve the provisions in section II.J.5 of the
Common Provisions regulation. Section II.J.5 reads as follows:
II.J.5. Affirmative Defense Determination: In making any
determination whether a source established an affirmative defense,
the Division shall consider the information within the notification
required in paragraph 2 of this section and any other information
the division deems necessary, which may
[[Page 8960]]
include, but is not limited to, physical inspection of the facility
and review of documentation pertaining to the maintenance and
operation of process and air pollution control equipment.
Under this language, the Division could make a determination outside
the context of an enforcement action, or at any time during an
enforcement action, that a source has established the affirmative
defense. If we were to approve section II.J.5, a court might conclude
that we had ceded the authority to the Division to make this
determination, not just for the State, but on behalf of EPA and
citizens as well. Consequently, a court might also view the Division's
determination that a source had established the affirmative defense as
barring an EPA or citizen action for penalties.
As we stated in the September 1999 memoranda, we do not intend to
approve SIP language that would allow a state's decision to constrain
our or citizens' enforcement discretion. To do so would be inconsistent
with the regulatory scheme established in Title I of the Act, which
allows independent EPA and citizen enforcement of violations,
regardless of a state's decisions regarding those violations and any
potential defenses.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ Section II.J.5 may be confusing the concept of affirmative
defense with the concept of enforcement discretion. By definition,
an affirmative defense is a defense that may be raised in the
context of an enforcement proceeding before an independent trier of
fact. Before pursuing an enforcement action, the state might
evaluate the likelihood that an owner/operator could prove the
elements of the affirmative defense, but this would go to the
state's exercise of enforcement discretion. While the state might
decide not to pursue an enforcement action based on such an
evaluation, if EPA or citizens were to pursue enforcement action, an
independent trier of fact might reach a conclusion different from
the state's, i.e., that the owner/operator had not proved the
elements of the affirmative defense.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 110(l) of the Clean Air Act states that a SIP revision
cannot be approved if the revision would interfere with any applicable
requirement concerning attainment and reasonable further progress
towards attainment of the NAAQS or any other applicable requirements of
the Act. The Colorado SIP revision that is the subject of this document
does not interfere with the maintenance of the NAAQS or any other
applicable requirement of the Act. The July 31, 2002 submittal merely
adopts affirmative defense provisions for source owners and operators
for excess emissions during periods of startup and shutdown. These
provisions provide, that in the context of an enforcement action for
excess emissions, a source can be excused from penalties (but not
injunctive relief) if the source can demonstrate that it meets certain
objective criteria. Therefore, section 110(l) requirements are
satisfied.
III. Final Action
We are approving sections II.J.1 through II.J.4 of the Common
Provisions Regulation submitted on July 31, 2002 for the reasons
expressed above. We are disapproving section II.J.5 of the Common
Provisions Regulation submitted on July 31, 2002 because this section
is inconsistent with the Clean Air Act.
IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
A. Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted this
regulatory action from Executive Order 12866, entitled ``Regulatory
Planning and Review.''
B. Paperwork Reduction Act
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., OMB must
approve all ``collections of information'' by EPA. The Act defines
``collection of information'' as a requirement for ``answers to * * *
identical reporting or recordkeeping requirements imposed on ten or
more persons * * *'' 44 U.S.C. 3502(3)(A). Because this final rule does
not impose an information collection burden, the Paperwork Reduction
Act does not apply.
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) generally requires an agency
to conduct a regulatory flexibility analysis of any rule subject to
notice and comment rulemaking requirements unless the agency certifies
that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities. Small entities include small
businesses, small not-for-profit enterprises, and small governmental
jurisdictions.
This final rule will not have a significant impact on a substantial
number of small entities because SIP approvals and disapprovals under
section 110 and subchapter I, part D of the Clean Air Act do not create
any new requirements but simply approve or disapprove requirements that
the State is already imposing. Therefore, because the Federal SIP
approval/disapproval does not create any new requirements, I certify
that this action will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
Moreover, due to the nature of the Federal-State relationship under
the Clean Air Act, preparation of flexibility analysis would constitute
Federal inquiry into the economic reasonableness of state action. The
Clean Air Act forbids EPA to base its actions concerning SIPs on such
grounds. Union Electric Co., v. U.S. EPA, 427 U.S. 246, 255-66 (1976);
42 U.S.C. 7410(a)(2).
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
Under section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
(``Unfunded Mandates Act''), signed into law on March 22, 1995, EPA
must prepare a budgetary impact statement to accompany any proposed or
final rule that includes a Federal mandate that may result in estimated
costs to State, local, or tribal governments in the aggregate; or to
the private sector, of $100 million or more. Under section 205, EPA
must select the most cost-effective and least burdensome alternative
that achieves the objectives of the rule and is consistent with
statutory requirements. Section 203 requires EPA to establish a plan
for informing and advising any small governments that may be
significantly or uniquely impacted by the rule.
EPA has determined that this final action does not include a
Federal mandate that may result in estimated costs of $100 million or
more to either State, local, or tribal governments in the aggregate, or
to the private sector. This Federal action partially approves and
partially disapproves pre-existing requirements under State or local
law, and imposes no new requirements. Accordingly, no additional costs
to State, local, or tribal governments, or to the private sector,
result from this action.
E. Executive Order 13132, Federalism
Executive Order 13132, Federalism (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999),
revokes and replaces Executive Orders 12612 (Federalism) and 12875
(Enhancing the Intergovernmental Partnership). Executive Order 13132
requires EPA to develop an accountable process to ensure ``meaningful
and timely input by State and local officials in the development of
regulatory policies that have federalism implications.'' ``Policies
that have federalism implications'' is defined in the Executive Order
to include regulations that have ``substantial direct effects on the
States, on the relationship between the national government and the
States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government.'' Under Executive Order 13132, EPA may
not issue a regulation that has federalism implications, that imposes
substantial direct compliance costs, and that is not required by
statute, unless the Federal
[[Page 8961]]
government provides the funds necessary to pay the direct compliance
costs incurred by State and local governments, or EPA consults with
State and local officials early in the process of developing the
proposed regulation. EPA also may not issue a regulation that has
federalism implications and that preempts State law unless the Agency
consults with State and local officials early in the process of
developing the proposed regulation.
This final rule will not have substantial direct effects on the
States, on the relationship between the national government and the
States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government, as specified in Executive Order 13132,
because it merely partially approves and partially disapproves state
rules implementing a federal standard, and does not alter the
relationship or the distribution of power and responsibilities
established in the Clean Air Act. Thus, the requirements of section 6
of the Executive Order do not apply to this rule.
F. Executive Order 13175, Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments
Executive Order 13175, entitled ``Consultation and Coordination
with Indian Tribal Governments'' (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000),
requires EPA to develop an accountable process to ensure ``meaningful
and timely input by tribal officials in the development of regulatory
policies that have tribal implications.'' This final rule does not have
tribal implications, as specified in Executive Order 13175. It will not
have substantial direct effects on tribal governments, on the
relationship between the Federal government and Indian tribes, or on
the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal
government and Indian tribes. This action does not involve or impose
any requirements that affect Indian tribes. Thus, Executive Order 13175
does not apply to this rule.
G. Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children From Environmental
Health Risks and Safety Risks
Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997), applies to any rule that: (1) Is
determined to be ``economically significant'' as defined under
Executive Order 12866, and (2) concerns an environmental health or
safety risk that EPA has reason to believe may have a disproportionate
effect on children. If the regulatory action meets both criteria, the
Agency must evaluate the environmental health or safety effects of the
planned rule on children, and explain why the planned regulation is
preferable to other potentially effective and reasonably feasible
alternatives considered by the Agency.
This rule is not subject to Executive Order 13045 because it does
not involve decisions intended to mitigate environmental health or
safety risks.
H. Executive Order 13211, Actions That Significantly Affect Energy
Supply, Distribution, or Use
This rule is not subject to Executive Order 13211, ``Actions
Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use'' (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001) because it is not a
significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.
I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
Section 12 of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
(NTTAA) of 1995 requires Federal agencies to evaluate existing
technical standards when developing a new regulation. To comply with
NTTAA, EPA must consider and use ``voluntary consensus standards''
(VCS) if available and applicable when developing programs and policies
unless doing so would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise
impractical.
The EPA believes that VCS are inapplicable to this action. Today's
action does not require the public to perform activities conducive to
the use of VCS.
J. Congressional Review Act
The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. section 801 et seq., as
added by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of
1996, generally provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency
promulgating the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy
of the rule, to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller
General of the United States. EPA will submit a report containing this
rule and other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House
of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States
prior to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. A major rule
cannot take effect until 60 days after it is published in the Federal
Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C.
section 804(2). This rule will be effective March 24, 2006.
K. Petitions for Judicial Review
Under section 307(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act, petitions for
judicial review of this action must be filed in the United States Court
of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by April 24, 2006. Filing a
petition for reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule
does not affect the finality of this rule for the purposes of judicial
review nor does it extend the time within which a petition for judicial
review may be filed, and shall not postpone the effectiveness of such
rule or action. This action may not be challenged later in proceedings
to enforce its requirements. (See section 307(b)(2) of the Clean Air
Act.)
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Carbon monoxide,
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Lead, Nitrogen
dioxide, Ozone, Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile organic compounds.
Dated: January 30, 2006.
Robert E. Roberts,
Regional Administrator, Region 8.
0
40 CFR part 52 is amended to read as follows:
PART 52--[AMENDED]
0
1. The authority citation for part 52 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Subpart G--Colorado
0
2. Section 52.320 is amended by adding paragraph (c)(109) to read as
follows:
Sec. 52.320 Identification of plan.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(109) A revision to the State Implementation Plan was submitted by
the State of Colorado on July 31, 2002. The submittal revises the
Common Provisions regulation by adding affirmative defense provisions
for source owners and operators for excess emissions during periods of
startup and shutdown.
(i) Incorporation by reference.
(A) Common Provisions Regulation, 5 CCR 1001-2, sections II.J.1
through II.J.4, adopted August 16, 2001, effective September 30, 2001.
0
3. Section 52.329 is amended by adding paragraph (c) to read as
follows:
Sec. 52.329 Rules and regulations.
* * * * *
(c) A revision to the State Implementation Plan was submitted by
the State of Colorado on July 31, 2002. The submittal revises the
Common Provisions regulation by adding
[[Page 8962]]
affirmative defense provisions for source owners and operators for
excess emissions during periods of startup and shutdown. The
affirmative defense provisions are contained in section II.J. As
indicated in 40 CFR 52.320(c)(109), EPA approved the affirmative
defense provisions contained in sections II.J.1 through II.J.4 of the
Common Provisions regulation, adopted August 16, 2001 and effective
September 30, 2001. Section II.J.5 of the Common Provisions regulation,
adopted August 16, 2001 and effective September 30, 2001, is
disapproved.
[FR Doc. 06-1567 Filed 2-21-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P