Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Georgia: Approval of Revisions to the State Implementation Plan, 13551-13556 [06-2479]
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Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
(Pub. L. 104–4).
This rule also does not have tribal
implications because it will not have a
substantial direct effect on one or more
Indian tribes, 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,
as specified by Executive Order 13175
(65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000). This
action also does not have Federalism
implications because it does 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 (64 FR 43255,
August 10, 1999). This action merely
approves a state rule implementing a
Federal standard, and does not alter the
relationship or the distribution of power
and responsibilities established in the
Clean Air Act. This rule also is not
subject to Executive Order 13045
‘‘Protection of Children from
Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks’’ (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997),
because it is not economically
significant.
In reviewing SIP submissions, EPA’s
role is to approve state choices,
provided that they meet the criteria of
the Clean Air Act. In this context, in the
absence of a prior existing requirement
for the State to use voluntary consensus
standards (VCS), EPA has no authority
to disapprove a SIP submission for
failure to use VCS. It would thus be
inconsistent with applicable law for
EPA, when it reviews a SIP submission,
to use VCS in place of a SIP submission
that otherwise satisfies the provisions of
the Clean Air Act. Thus, the
requirements of section 12(d) of the
National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C.
272 note) do not apply. This rule does
not impose an information collection
burden under the provisions of the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
The Congressional Review Act, 5
U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides
that before a rule may take effect, the
agency promulgating the rule must
submit a rule report, which includes a
copy of the rule, to each House of the
Congress and to the Comptroller General
of the United States. EPA will submit a
report containing this rule and other
required information to the U.S. Senate,
the U.S. House of Representatives, and
the Comptroller General of the United
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States prior to publication of the rule in
the Federal Register. A major rule
cannot take effect until 60 days after it
is published in the Federal Register.
This action is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as
defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
Under section 307(b)(1) of the 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 May 15, 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).)
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
Environmental protection, Air
pollution control, Carbon monoxide,
Intergovernmental relations, Lead,
Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate
matter, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile
organic compounds.
Dated: March 6, 2006.
Richard E. Greene,
Regional Administrator, Region 6.
I
40 CFR part 52 is amended as follows:
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 SS—Texas
§ 52.2270
[Amended]
2. The table in § 52.2270(c) entitled
‘‘EPA Approved Regulations in the
Texas SIP’’ is amended under Chapter
106, Subchapter A, by removing the
entry for section 106.5, ‘‘Public Notice.’’
I
[FR Doc. 06–2478 Filed 3–15–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA–R04–OAR–2005–GA–0005–200601;
FRL–8045–4]
Approval and Promulgation of
Implementation Plans; Georgia:
Approval of Revisions to the State
Implementation Plan
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
AGENCY:
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ACTION:
13551
Final rule.
SUMMARY: EPA is correcting the State
Implementation Plan (SIP) for the State
of Georgia to remove a provision
relating to a Georgia general ‘‘nuisance’’
rule. EPA has determined that this
provision relating to Georgia Rule 391–
3–1.02(2)(a)1, was erroneously
incorporated into the SIP. EPA is
removing this rule from the approved
Georgia SIP because the Georgia rule is
not related to the attainment and
maintenance of the national ambient air
quality standards (NAAQS). This final
rule addresses comments made on the
proposed rulemaking EPA previously
published for this action.
DATES: Effective Date: This rule will be
effective April 17, 2006.
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a
docket for this action under Docket
Identification No. EPA–R04–OAR–
2005–GA–0005. 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, i.e., Confidential
Business Information 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 Regulatory Development Section,
Air Planning Branch, Air, Pesticides and
Toxics Management Division, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency,
Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street, SW.,
Atlanta, Georgia 30303–8960. EPA
requests that if at all possible, you
contact the person listed in the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to
schedule your inspection. The Regional
Office’s official hours of business are
Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30,
excluding legal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sean Lakeman, Regulatory Development
Section, Air Planning Branch, Air,
Pesticides and Toxics Management
Division, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street,
SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303–8960. The
telephone number is (404) 562–9043.
Mr. Lakeman can also be reached via
electronic mail at
lakeman.sean@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. What Action Is EPA Taking?
II. What Is the Background for the Action?
III. Response to Comments
IV. Final Action
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V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
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I. What Action Is EPA Taking?
EPA is taking final action to remove
Georgia Rule 391–3–1.02(2)(a)1, a
general ‘‘nuisance’’ provision, from the
Georgia SIP. EPA has determined that
this rule was erroneously incorporated
into the SIP. EPA is removing this rule
from the approved Georgia SIP, because
the rule is not related to the attainment
and maintenance of the NAAQS.
II. What Is the Background for the
Action?
The first significant amendments to
the Clean Air Act (CAA) occurred in
1970 and 1977. Following these
amendments, a large number of SIPs
were submitted to EPA to fulfill new
Federal requirements. In many cases,
states and districts submitted their
entire programs, including many
elements not required pursuant to the
CAA. Due to resource constraints during
this timeframe, EPA’s review of these
submittals focused primarily on the
required technical, legal, and
enforcement elements of the submittals.
At the time, EPA did not perform a
detailed review of the numerous
provisions submitted to determine if
each provision was related to the
attainment and maintenance of the
NAAQS. However, provisions approved
by EPA as part of states’ SIPs should
generally be related to attainment and
maintenance of the NAAQS, consistent
with the authority in section 110 of the
CAA under which these plans are
approved by EPA.
During the process of responding to a
recent citizen petition of a title V
operating permit in Georgia, EPA
determined that a provision of the
State’s rules, approved as part of the SIP
on January 3, 1980 (45 FR 780), is not
related to the attainment and
maintenance of the NAAQS. This State
rule, ‘‘Georgia Air Quality Control Rule
391–3–1.02(2)(a)1,’’ is a general
nuisance provision. Georgia has never
used this rule as part of a Federal air
quality standard attainment or
maintenance plan. Georgia has also not
relied on or attributed any emission
reductions from this rule to any such
plans (October 31, 2005, e-mail from
Ron Methier, Georgia Environmental
Protection Division, to Dick Schutt, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency.) For
these reasons, EPA’s 1980 approval of
this provision into the Georgia SIP was
in error. EPA is therefore removing the
provision from the approved SIP under
the authority of section 110(k)(6) of the
CAA. Section 110(k)(6) provides:
‘‘Whenever the Administrator
determines that the Administrator’s
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action approving, disapproving, or
promulgating any plan or plan revision
(or part thereof), area designation,
redesignation, classification, or
reclassification was in error, the
Administrator may in the same manner
as the approval, disapproval, or
promulgation, revise such action as
appropriate without requiring any
further submission from the State. Such
determination and the basis thereof
shall be provided to the State and
public.’’
On November 29, 2005 (70 FR 71446),
EPA proposed to remove the provision
from the approved SIP under the
authority of section 110(k)(6) of the
CAA. EPA subsequently received both
supporting and adverse comments. At
the request of several commenters, EPA
reopened and extended the comment
period through January 23, 2006 (71 FR
2177, January 13, 2006). In this action,
EPA is addressing the adverse
comments received and taking final
action as described in Section I and
Section IV.
III. Response to Comments
EPA received comments from three
commenters who were in favor of the
proposed change, five commenters who
asked general questions, and two
commenters who opposed the proposed
change to the Georgia SIP. A summary
of the adverse comments received on
the proposed rule, published November
29, 2005 (70 FR 71446) and EPA’s
response to these comments is
presented below.
Comment: The commenter asserts that
the purpose of the rule change proposed
in the November 29, 2005 Federal
Register notice (70 FR 71446) is to
thwart citizen efforts to end hazardous
air releases that they assert are a threat
to their children, health, and economy.
Response: The purpose of SIPs,
approved pursuant to section 110 of the
CAA, is to implement a program to
attain and maintain the NAAQS. The
Georgia nuisance rule is not directed at
either attainment or maintenance of any
NAAQS. Therefore, through this action
EPA is removing it from the federally
approved Georgia SIP. The effect of this
action is to remove the Georgia Rule for
Air Quality Control, 391–3–1.02(2)(a)1,
as a federally enforceable element of the
state program to attain and maintain the
NAAQs. However, EPA’s action does
not affect the enforceability of the rule
as a matter of state law. Nothing in
today’s action affects citizens’ ability to
use state law provisions to enforce the
rule in state court.
Comment: The commenter asserts that
‘‘EPA did not provide any supporting
documentation in the Federal Register
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to support their contention that the
Georgia Rule for Air Quality Control,
391–3–1.02(2)(a)1 is reiterated in
Georgia Code Title 41-Nuisance Rule, or
that the same protections from the
release of hazardous air pollutants listed
in CAA Title 1, section 112 can be
obtained under the Georgia Nuisance
Rule.’’
Response: The commenter seems to
show some confusion over the two
different provisions of the CAA (section
110 and section 112). The commenter
also seems to misunderstand the focus
of SIPs and section 110 of the CAA.
Section 110 focuses on attainment and
maintenance of the NAAQS, while
section 112 focuses on hazardous air
pollutants. A SIP is a mechanism
provided under the Act to ensure states
attain and maintain national ambient air
quality standards. Other provisions of
the Act, such as section 112 provide for
the direct Federal regulation of
hazardous air pollutants. Whether the
Georgia rule provides the same or
similar protections against hazardous air
pollutants as provided under the
Federal program provided under section
112 of the Act is not relevant for EPA’s
determination that the rule should not
be included as part of a plan to address
the NAAQS.
Comment: Several commenters assert
the CAA requires state SIPs to contain
enforceable emissions limitations and
other control measures as may be
necessary or appropriate to meet the
applicable requirements and that the
intent of the CAA was to provide states
flexibility in creating their SIPs, as long
as the state’s rules and regulations were
at least as stringent as the CAA.
Furthermore, the commenters assert the
proposed rule seeks to overturn the
Georgia Rule for Air Quality Control,
391–3–1.02(2)(a)1, which could be
interpreted to be more protective of
human health than provisions in the
CAA.
Response: Section 116 of the CAA
states that, ‘‘Nothing in this Act shall
preclude or deny the right of any State
or political subdivision thereof to adopt
or enforce (1) any standard or limitation
respecting emissions of air pollutants or
(2) any requirement respecting control
or abatement of air pollution; except
that if an emission standard or
limitation is in effect under an
applicable implementation plan or
under section 111 or 112, such State or
political subdivision may not adopt or
enforce any emission standard or
limitation which is less stringent than
the standard or limitation under such
plan or section.’’ Section 116 of the
CAA thus explains that unless preempted under one of several
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enumerated provisions of the Act, the
state may adopt regulations more
stringent than those required under the
Act. It does not, however, as the
commenter suggests, require that any
‘‘more stringent’’ state regulations be
included as part of the federally
enforceable SIP. EPA policy is that
nuisance provisions unrelated to
attainment and maintenance of the
NAAQS should not be included as part
of the SIP. (see 64 FR 7790, 66 FR 53657
and 69 FR 54006.)
Comment: Several commenters
asserted that ‘‘EPA is overstepping its
authority when proposing a rule change
without a vote from the governing body,
the Georgia Board of Natural Resources,
which would also include the public
participation provisions in CAA section
110.’’
Response: Although the commenters
are correct in their assertion that public
participation is a prerequisite to SIP
revision submissions under the CAA
section 110(a)(2), this stipulation
applies to implementation plans
submitted by a State under the CAA.
The proposed correction invokes CAA
section 110(k)(6), which states,
‘‘Whenever the Administrator
determines that the Administrator’s
action approving, disapproving, or
promulgating any plan or plan revision
(or part thereof), area designation,
redesignation, classification, or
reclassification was in error, the
Administrator may in the same manner
as the approval, disapproval, or
promulgation revise such action as
appropriate without requiring any
further submission from the State. Such
determination and the basis thereof
shall be provided to the State and
public.’’ Since the approval of the
Georgia Rule for Air Quality Control
391–3–1.02(2)(a)1 into the State of
Georgia’s SIP was in error, EPA is well
within its authority to remove this
component from the Georgia SIP
without first requiring a SIP submission
from the State. On November 29, 2005,
notice of the proposed removal of the
rule from the state SIP, including a 30day comment period, was published in
the Federal Register. On January 13,
2006, the comment period was extended
through January 23, 2006.
Comment: The commenter asserts that
the proposed rule, published on
November 29, 2005 (70 FR 71446), is not
supported by documentation of EPA’s
determination that the Georgia Rule for
Air Quality Control, 391–3–1.02(2)(a)1,
was erroneously incorporated into the
State of Georgia’s SIP.
Response: The proposed rule
published on November 29, 2005 (70 FR
71446), states, ‘‘since the State’s
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‘‘nuisance’’ provision is not directed at
the attainment and maintenance of the
NAAQS, EPA has found that its prior
approval of this particular rule (into the
SIP) was in error.’’ This statement was
supported by an examination of the SIP
and an email exchange with the State,
which confirmed that the provision at
issue had not been relied on for
purposes of attainment or maintenance
of any NAAQS. EPA’s exclusion from
the SIP of a nuisance provision
unrelated to attainment and
maintenance of the NAAQS is
consistent with previous Agency
practice. EPA removed nuisance
provisions from the SIPs of the State of
Michigan, 64 FR 7790, Commonwealth
of Kentucky (Jefferson County portion),
66 FR 53657, and the State of Nevada,
69 FR 54006. Additionally, EPA has
issued final rules declining to approve
nuisance provisions into SIPs. (see 45
FR 73696, 46 FR 11843, 46 FR 26303
and 63 FR 51833.)
Comment: The commenter asserts that
the ‘‘rule change proposed in EPA–R04–
OAR–2005–GA–0005–0001 is intended
to circumvent agency responsibility to
implement strategies to address
disproportionately high and adverse
human health and environmental effects
of its programs, policies, and activities
on minority populations and lowincome population in Brunswick,
Georgia,’’ Executive Order 12898—
Environmental Justice and Executive
Order 13045—Protection of Children
from Environmental Health Risks and
Safety Risks.
Response: The CAA aims to ‘‘protect
and enhance the quality of the Nation’s
air resources so as to promote the public
health and welfare and the productive
capacity of its population * * * and to
encourage and assist the development
and operation of regional air pollution
prevention control programs.’’ 42 U.S.C.
7401(b)(1). Section 110 of the CAA
requires states to adopt a plan which
provides for implementation,
maintenance, and enforcement of the
national ambient air quality standards,
including carbon monoxide, lead,
nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particulate
matter and sulfur oxides. The purpose
of this rulemaking action is to remove
Georgia Air Quality Control Rule 391–
3–1.02(2)(a)1 from the Georgia SIP,
because it does not support the
attainment and maintenance of the
NAAQS. This rulemaking action does
not invalidate the Georgia law or affect
its applicability to Georgia sources.
Facilities located in Georgia are still
subject to the state nuisance provision.
EPA supports programs and activities
that promote enforcement of health and
environmental statutes in areas with
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13553
minority populations and low-income
populations and the protection of
children. The purpose of the SIP is to
address attainment and maintenance of
the NAAQS in all areas of the country.
Other programs under the CAA address
hazardous air pollutants (see CAA
section 112). The State of Georgia has
adopted Maximum Achievable Control
Technology (MACT) and National
Emission Standards for Hazardous Air
Pollutants (NESHAP) standards that
reflect the federal standards, and these
standards are enforceable through other
mechanisms that do not include the
Georgia SIP, which is affected by this
rulemaking.
Comment: The commenter asserts that
the ‘‘rule change proposed in EPA–R04–
OAR–2005–GA–0005–0001, is intended
to circumvent Executive Order 12866—
Regulatory Planning and Review by not
allowing for a comment period of at
least 60 days.’’ Several commenters
requested that the comment period be
extended. One commenter requested an
extension of 60 days from the date the
EPA ‘‘formally notified its legal counsel
of the proposed rule,’’ which it asserts
was on December 15, 2005.
Response: SIPs are rulemakings under
the Administrative Procedure Act,
which does not specify a period for
public comment. However, a 30-day
period is consistent with most SIP
actions proposed by EPA. Under
Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735,
October 4, 1993), this action is not a
‘‘significant regulatory action’’ and
therefore is not subject to review by the
Office of Management and Budget. The
Office of Management and Budget has
exempted this regulatory action from
Executive Order 12866, entitled
‘‘Regulatory Planning and Review.’’ We
note that in response to comments
received, EPA extended the comment
period for the proposed rule change
through January 23, 2006. See 71 FR
2177. It should be noted that EPA is not
required to notify any entity of its
rulemaking actions; notification of all
parties is accomplished through
publications in the Federal Register.
Comment: The commenter asserts that
it followed the public participation
requirements set forth for the title V
permitting process and that through this
action to remove 391–3–1–.02(2)(a)1
from the Georgia SIP, EPA is frustrating
that process. A commenter further
asserts that the purpose of the rule
change proposed in EPA–OAR–2005–
GA–0005–0001 is to thwart citizen
efforts to end hazardous air releases that
it claims are a ‘‘threat to our children,
our health, and our economy.’’
Response: Although title V permits
are required to contain conditions that
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are necessary to assure compliance with
all the applicable requirements of the
CAA, including the requirements of the
applicable SIP, the title V permit may
also contain state-only enforceable
requirements. Once the final rule takes
effect, Georgia Rule 391–3–1–.02(2)(a)1
will become a state-only enforceable
rule that will continue to be applicable
to facilities in Georgia. For the reasons
provided above, however, EPA believes
this action to remove the nuisance
provision from the SIP is appropriate.
Comment: The commenter asserts that
‘‘proposed rule R04–OAR–2005–GA–
0005–0001 is not supported by
documentation of EPA’s determination
that the rule, Georgia Rule for Air
Quality Control, 391–3–1.02(2)(a)1, was
erroneously incorporated into the
Georgia SIP.’’ Furthermore, the
commenter alleges that ‘‘without
supporting documentation, the EPA’s
action in adopting this rule is arbitrary
and capricious, and violates every
aspect of the Administrative Procedures
Act.’’
Response: In support of its decision to
remove Georgia Air Quality Control
Rule 391–3–1–.02(2)(a)1 from the
Georgia SIP, EPA determined that this is
a general nuisance provision that is not
related to the attainment and
maintenance of the NAAQS. Georgia has
never used this rule as part of a federal
air quality standard attainment or
maintenance plan. In addition, Georgia
has not relied on or attributed any
emission reductions from this rule to
any such plans. 70 FR 71447 (November
29, 2005). In support of these
conclusions, EPA relied on an email
from Georgia that indicated it had
checked its records and made these
findings. As explained above, EPA’s
action to exclude from the SIP a
nuisance provision unrelated to
attainment or maintenance of any
NAAQS is consistent with prior Agency
practice.
Comment: The commenter asserts that
the Georgia Environmental Protection
Division (EPD) has a history of allowing
unregulated and unpermitted hazardous
air releases from certain facilities.
Furthermore, the commenter alleges that
some permit applications had remained
un-acted upon by the Georgia EPD since
1986, and that without valid permits,
emission control equipment operations
are not enforceable by either the Georgia
EPD or the EPA.
Response: Our action to exclude the
nuisance provision from the Georgia SIP
does not affect the enforceability of the
rule as a matter of state law. The issue
of whether Georgia adequately enforces
or permits hazardous air pollutants has
no bearing on whether the nuisance
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provision should be part of a plan to
attain and maintain standards for
NAAQS.
Comment: The commenter questions
the legal basis of the proposed action
and whether there is a compelling
reason to change the rule.
Response: In the Federal Register
Notice proposing to remove the Georgia
nuisance rule, 391–3–1.02(2)(a)1, from
the Georgia SIP, 70 FR 71446, EPA cited
the basis for its action. First, the Agency
explained that the purpose of the SIP is
to provide for how the state will attain
and maintain the NAAQS. EPA then
explained that because the nuisance
rule is unrelated to attainment and
maintenance of the NAAQS, ‘‘EPA’s
1980 approval of this provision into the
Georgia SIP was in error and EPA is,
therefore, proposing to remove the
provision from the approved SIP under
the authority of section 110(k)(6) of the
CAA. Section 110(k)(6) provides:
‘Whenever the Administrator
determines that the Administrator’s
action approving, disapproving, or
promulgating any plan or plan revision
(or part thereof), area designation,
redesignation, classification, or
reclassification was in error, the
Administrator may in the same manner
as the approval, disapproval, or
promulgation revise such action as
appropriate without requiring any
further submission from the State. Such
determination and the basis thereof
shall be provided to the State and
public.’ ’’ 70 FR 71447 (Nov. 29, 2005).
Comment: The commenter alleges that
a ‘‘reasonable person could easily find
that the EPA blatantly misrepresented
the purpose of the proposed rule
change. At a minimum, the EPA is
misusing their powers to propose rule
changes in the Federal Register, and the
case might actually be that the
information presented in the Federal
Register is fraudulent.’’
Response: EPA vigorously disagrees
with the commenter’s allegation that the
Agency misrepresented, misused, or
engaged in any other fraudulent practice
in proposing this rule change. As
provided above, EPA has an established
history of removing and excluding state
nuisance rules, which are unrelated to
attaining or maintaining the NAAQS,
from the SIP.
Comment: The commenter asked how
the citizen’s petition of a Title V
operating permit in Georgia led EPA to
find an erroneously approved rule.
Response: The citizen’s petition of the
Title V operating permit for the
Hercules Corporation, in the State of
Georgia, specifically cites the Georgia
Rule for Air Quality Control, 391–3–
1.02(2)(a)1 as a rule of which the
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Hercules Corporation is in violation.
Hence, through this petition, it was
brought to EPA’s attention that this
particular rule was incorporated into the
Georgia SIP. Because EPA has
concluded that this rule is unrelated to
attainment or maintenance of any
NAAQS and thus was erroneously
approved into the SIP, EPA is using
section 110(k)(6), error correction, to
remove the rule from the approved SIP.
Comment: A commenter asked
whether EPA had done any research to
determine how many erroneous laws
were approved by the EPA in their rush
to approve SIPs.
Response: EPA has many rulemaking
and other activities that are required
under the CAA or that are otherwise a
priority under the Act, and thus has not
had the time or resources to perform an
extensive review of the SIPs to
determine if any rules are erroneously
incorporated. However where, through
other means errors in the SIPs come to
light, it is appropriate for EPA to correct
the errors.
Comment: The commenter asserts that
the CAA requires states to hold public
hearings when revising a SIP and that
EPA should hold a public hearing on
the removal of the ‘‘nuisance’’ rule from
the SIP. The commenter also asserts that
this is ‘‘particularly troublesome given
that the SIP contained the nuisance rule
for over 25 years and the proposed
elimination was prompted only after a
lawsuit was filed regarding the nuisance
rule.’’
Response: As outlined above, section
110(k)(6) does not require a public
hearing when making a correction to a
SIP. Section 110(k)(6) of the CAA states
that ‘‘whenever’’ the Administrator
determines that the Administrator’s
action approving any plan ‘‘was in
error,’’ the Administrator may in the
same manner as the approval, revise
such action as appropriate. By this
action EPA is removing the provision
from the Georgia SIP in the same
manner as EPA approves SIPs.
IV. Final Action
Since Georgia Rule 391–3–1–
.02(2)(a)1 is not directed at the
attainment and maintenance of the
NAAQS, EPA has found that its prior
approval of this particular rule (into the
SIP) was in error. Consequently, in
order to correct this error, EPA is
removing Georgia Rule 391–3–1–
.02(2)(a)1 from the approved Georgia
SIP pursuant to section 110(k)(6) of the
CAA, and codifying this deletion by
revising the appropriate paragraph
under 40 CFR part 52, subpart L, section
52.570 (Identification of Plan).
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 51 / Thursday, March 16, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
V. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
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Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR
51735, October 4, 1993), this action is
not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ and
therefore is not subject to review by the
Office of Management and Budget. For
this reason, this action is also not
subject to Executive Order 13211,
‘‘Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use’’ (66 FR 28355, May
22, 2001). This action merely corrects an
error and imposes no additional
requirements beyond those imposed by
state law. Accordingly, the
Administrator certifies that this rule
will not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small
entities under the Regulatory Flexibility
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). Because this
rule corrects an error and does not
impose any additional enforceable duty
beyond that required by state law, it
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).
This rule also does not have tribal
implications because it will not have a
substantial direct effect on one or more
Indian tribes, 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,
as specified by Executive Order 13175
(65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000). This
action also does not have Federalism
implications because it does 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 (64 FR 43255,
August 10, 1999). This action merely
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corrects an error, and does not alter the
relationship or the distribution of power
and responsibilities established in the
CAA. This rule also is not subject to
Executive Order 13045 ‘‘Protection of
Children from Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885,
April 23, 1997), because it is not
economically significant.
Section 12(d) of the National
Technology Transfer Advancement Act
of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 104–113,
section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note)
directs EPA to use voluntary consensus
standards (VCS) in its regulatory
activities unless to do so would be
inconsistent with applicable law or
otherwise impractical. Voluntary
consensus standards are technical
standards (e.g., materials specifications,
test methods, sampling procedures, and
business practices) that are developed or
adopted by VCS bodies. The NTTAA
directs EPA to provide Congress,
through the Office of Management and
Budget, explanations when the Agency
decides not to use available and
applicable VCS. This action does not
involve technical standards. Therefore,
EPA did not consider the use of any
VCS. This rule does not impose an
information collection burden under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
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
PO 00000
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13555
the Federal Register. A major rule
cannot take effect until 60 days after it
is published in the Federal Register.
This action is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as
defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA,
petitions for judicial review of this
action must be filed in the United States
Court of Appeals for the appropriate
circuit by May 15, 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).)
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
Environmental protection, Air
pollution control, Carbon monoxide,
Lead, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone,
Particulate matter, Sulfur oxides,
Volatile organic compounds.
Dated: March 6, 2006.
A. Stanley Meiburg,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 4.
I
40 CFR part 52 is amended as follows:
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 L—Georgia
2. Section 52.570 is amended in the
table to paragraph (c) by revising the
entry for ‘‘391–3–1–.02(2)(a) General
Provisions’’ to read as follows:
I
§ 52.570
*
Identification of plan.
*
*
(c) * * *
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*
*
13556
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 51 / Thursday, March 16, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
EPA-APPROVED GEORGIA REGULATIONS
State effective
date
State citation
Title/subject
*
391–3–1–.02(2)(a) .....
*
*
*
General Provisions ................................................
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
01/09/91
EPA approval date
*
*
3/16/06 [Insert first page
of publication].
*
*
*
[FR Doc. 06–2479 Filed 3–15–06; 8:45 am]
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Explanation
*
Except for paragraph
391–3–1–.02(2)(a)1.
*
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 51 (Thursday, March 16, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13551-13556]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-2479]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA-R04-OAR-2005-GA-0005-200601; FRL-8045-4]
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Georgia:
Approval of Revisions to the State Implementation Plan
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: EPA is correcting the State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the
State of Georgia to remove a provision relating to a Georgia general
``nuisance'' rule. EPA has determined that this provision relating to
Georgia Rule 391-3-1.02(2)(a)1, was erroneously incorporated into the
SIP. EPA is removing this rule from the approved Georgia SIP because
the Georgia rule is not related to the attainment and maintenance of
the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). This final rule
addresses comments made on the proposed rulemaking EPA previously
published for this action.
DATES: Effective Date: This rule will be effective April 17, 2006.
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket
Identification No. EPA-R04-OAR-2005-GA-0005. 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, i.e.,
Confidential Business Information 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 Regulatory Development Section, Air Planning
Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street, SW.,
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960. EPA requests that if at all possible, you
contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
section to schedule your inspection. The Regional Office's official
hours of business are Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30, excluding
legal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sean Lakeman, Regulatory Development
Section, Air Planning Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management
Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth
Street, SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960. The telephone number is (404)
562-9043. Mr. Lakeman can also be reached via electronic mail at
lakeman.sean@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. What Action Is EPA Taking?
II. What Is the Background for the Action?
III. Response to Comments
IV. Final Action
[[Page 13552]]
V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
I. What Action Is EPA Taking?
EPA is taking final action to remove Georgia Rule 391-3-
1.02(2)(a)1, a general ``nuisance'' provision, from the Georgia SIP.
EPA has determined that this rule was erroneously incorporated into the
SIP. EPA is removing this rule from the approved Georgia SIP, because
the rule is not related to the attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS.
II. What Is the Background for the Action?
The first significant amendments to the Clean Air Act (CAA)
occurred in 1970 and 1977. Following these amendments, a large number
of SIPs were submitted to EPA to fulfill new Federal requirements. In
many cases, states and districts submitted their entire programs,
including many elements not required pursuant to the CAA. Due to
resource constraints during this timeframe, EPA's review of these
submittals focused primarily on the required technical, legal, and
enforcement elements of the submittals. At the time, EPA did not
perform a detailed review of the numerous provisions submitted to
determine if each provision was related to the attainment and
maintenance of the NAAQS. However, provisions approved by EPA as part
of states' SIPs should generally be related to attainment and
maintenance of the NAAQS, consistent with the authority in section 110
of the CAA under which these plans are approved by EPA.
During the process of responding to a recent citizen petition of a
title V operating permit in Georgia, EPA determined that a provision of
the State's rules, approved as part of the SIP on January 3, 1980 (45
FR 780), is not related to the attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS.
This State rule, ``Georgia Air Quality Control Rule 391-3-
1.02(2)(a)1,'' is a general nuisance provision. Georgia has never used
this rule as part of a Federal air quality standard attainment or
maintenance plan. Georgia has also not relied on or attributed any
emission reductions from this rule to any such plans (October 31, 2005,
e-mail from Ron Methier, Georgia Environmental Protection Division, to
Dick Schutt, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.) For these reasons,
EPA's 1980 approval of this provision into the Georgia SIP was in
error. EPA is therefore removing the provision from the approved SIP
under the authority of section 110(k)(6) of the CAA. Section 110(k)(6)
provides: ``Whenever the Administrator determines that the
Administrator's action approving, disapproving, or promulgating any
plan or plan revision (or part thereof), area designation,
redesignation, classification, or reclassification was in error, the
Administrator may in the same manner as the approval, disapproval, or
promulgation, revise such action as appropriate without requiring any
further submission from the State. Such determination and the basis
thereof shall be provided to the State and public.''
On November 29, 2005 (70 FR 71446), EPA proposed to remove the
provision from the approved SIP under the authority of section
110(k)(6) of the CAA. EPA subsequently received both supporting and
adverse comments. At the request of several commenters, EPA reopened
and extended the comment period through January 23, 2006 (71 FR 2177,
January 13, 2006). In this action, EPA is addressing the adverse
comments received and taking final action as described in Section I and
Section IV.
III. Response to Comments
EPA received comments from three commenters who were in favor of
the proposed change, five commenters who asked general questions, and
two commenters who opposed the proposed change to the Georgia SIP. A
summary of the adverse comments received on the proposed rule,
published November 29, 2005 (70 FR 71446) and EPA's response to these
comments is presented below.
Comment: The commenter asserts that the purpose of the rule change
proposed in the November 29, 2005 Federal Register notice (70 FR 71446)
is to thwart citizen efforts to end hazardous air releases that they
assert are a threat to their children, health, and economy.
Response: The purpose of SIPs, approved pursuant to section 110 of
the CAA, is to implement a program to attain and maintain the NAAQS.
The Georgia nuisance rule is not directed at either attainment or
maintenance of any NAAQS. Therefore, through this action EPA is
removing it from the federally approved Georgia SIP. The effect of this
action is to remove the Georgia Rule for Air Quality Control, 391-3-
1.02(2)(a)1, as a federally enforceable element of the state program to
attain and maintain the NAAQs. However, EPA's action does not affect
the enforceability of the rule as a matter of state law. Nothing in
today's action affects citizens' ability to use state law provisions to
enforce the rule in state court.
Comment: The commenter asserts that ``EPA did not provide any
supporting documentation in the Federal Register to support their
contention that the Georgia Rule for Air Quality Control, 391-3-
1.02(2)(a)1 is reiterated in Georgia Code Title 41-Nuisance Rule, or
that the same protections from the release of hazardous air pollutants
listed in CAA Title 1, section 112 can be obtained under the Georgia
Nuisance Rule.''
Response: The commenter seems to show some confusion over the two
different provisions of the CAA (section 110 and section 112). The
commenter also seems to misunderstand the focus of SIPs and section 110
of the CAA. Section 110 focuses on attainment and maintenance of the
NAAQS, while section 112 focuses on hazardous air pollutants. A SIP is
a mechanism provided under the Act to ensure states attain and maintain
national ambient air quality standards. Other provisions of the Act,
such as section 112 provide for the direct Federal regulation of
hazardous air pollutants. Whether the Georgia rule provides the same or
similar protections against hazardous air pollutants as provided under
the Federal program provided under section 112 of the Act is not
relevant for EPA's determination that the rule should not be included
as part of a plan to address the NAAQS.
Comment: Several commenters assert the CAA requires state SIPs to
contain enforceable emissions limitations and other control measures as
may be necessary or appropriate to meet the applicable requirements and
that the intent of the CAA was to provide states flexibility in
creating their SIPs, as long as the state's rules and regulations were
at least as stringent as the CAA. Furthermore, the commenters assert
the proposed rule seeks to overturn the Georgia Rule for Air Quality
Control, 391-3-1.02(2)(a)1, which could be interpreted to be more
protective of human health than provisions in the CAA.
Response: Section 116 of the CAA states that, ``Nothing in this Act
shall preclude or deny the right of any State or political subdivision
thereof to adopt or enforce (1) any standard or limitation respecting
emissions of air pollutants or (2) any requirement respecting control
or abatement of air pollution; except that if an emission standard or
limitation is in effect under an applicable implementation plan or
under section 111 or 112, such State or political subdivision may not
adopt or enforce any emission standard or limitation which is less
stringent than the standard or limitation under such plan or section.''
Section 116 of the CAA thus explains that unless pre-empted under one
of several
[[Page 13553]]
enumerated provisions of the Act, the state may adopt regulations more
stringent than those required under the Act. It does not, however, as
the commenter suggests, require that any ``more stringent'' state
regulations be included as part of the federally enforceable SIP. EPA
policy is that nuisance provisions unrelated to attainment and
maintenance of the NAAQS should not be included as part of the SIP.
(see 64 FR 7790, 66 FR 53657 and 69 FR 54006.)
Comment: Several commenters asserted that ``EPA is overstepping its
authority when proposing a rule change without a vote from the
governing body, the Georgia Board of Natural Resources, which would
also include the public participation provisions in CAA section 110.''
Response: Although the commenters are correct in their assertion
that public participation is a prerequisite to SIP revision submissions
under the CAA section 110(a)(2), this stipulation applies to
implementation plans submitted by a State under the CAA. The proposed
correction invokes CAA section 110(k)(6), which states, ``Whenever the
Administrator determines that the Administrator's action approving,
disapproving, or promulgating any plan or plan revision (or part
thereof), area designation, redesignation, classification, or
reclassification was in error, the Administrator may in the same manner
as the approval, disapproval, or promulgation revise such action as
appropriate without requiring any further submission from the State.
Such determination and the basis thereof shall be provided to the State
and public.'' Since the approval of the Georgia Rule for Air Quality
Control 391-3-1.02(2)(a)1 into the State of Georgia's SIP was in error,
EPA is well within its authority to remove this component from the
Georgia SIP without first requiring a SIP submission from the State. On
November 29, 2005, notice of the proposed removal of the rule from the
state SIP, including a 30-day comment period, was published in the
Federal Register. On January 13, 2006, the comment period was extended
through January 23, 2006.
Comment: The commenter asserts that the proposed rule, published on
November 29, 2005 (70 FR 71446), is not supported by documentation of
EPA's determination that the Georgia Rule for Air Quality Control, 391-
3-1.02(2)(a)1, was erroneously incorporated into the State of Georgia's
SIP.
Response: The proposed rule published on November 29, 2005 (70 FR
71446), states, ``since the State's ``nuisance'' provision is not
directed at the attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS, EPA has found
that its prior approval of this particular rule (into the SIP) was in
error.'' This statement was supported by an examination of the SIP and
an email exchange with the State, which confirmed that the provision at
issue had not been relied on for purposes of attainment or maintenance
of any NAAQS. EPA's exclusion from the SIP of a nuisance provision
unrelated to attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS is consistent with
previous Agency practice. EPA removed nuisance provisions from the SIPs
of the State of Michigan, 64 FR 7790, Commonwealth of Kentucky
(Jefferson County portion), 66 FR 53657, and the State of Nevada, 69 FR
54006. Additionally, EPA has issued final rules declining to approve
nuisance provisions into SIPs. (see 45 FR 73696, 46 FR 11843, 46 FR
26303 and 63 FR 51833.)
Comment: The commenter asserts that the ``rule change proposed in
EPA-R04-OAR-2005-GA-0005-0001 is intended to circumvent agency
responsibility to implement strategies to address disproportionately
high and adverse human health and environmental effects of its
programs, policies, and activities on minority populations and low-
income population in Brunswick, Georgia,'' Executive Order 12898--
Environmental Justice and Executive Order 13045--Protection of Children
from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks.
Response: The CAA aims to ``protect and enhance the quality of the
Nation's air resources so as to promote the public health and welfare
and the productive capacity of its population * * * and to encourage
and assist the development and operation of regional air pollution
prevention control programs.'' 42 U.S.C. 7401(b)(1). Section 110 of the
CAA requires states to adopt a plan which provides for implementation,
maintenance, and enforcement of the national ambient air quality
standards, including carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone,
particulate matter and sulfur oxides. The purpose of this rulemaking
action is to remove Georgia Air Quality Control Rule 391-3-1.02(2)(a)1
from the Georgia SIP, because it does not support the attainment and
maintenance of the NAAQS. This rulemaking action does not invalidate
the Georgia law or affect its applicability to Georgia sources.
Facilities located in Georgia are still subject to the state nuisance
provision. EPA supports programs and activities that promote
enforcement of health and environmental statutes in areas with minority
populations and low-income populations and the protection of children.
The purpose of the SIP is to address attainment and maintenance of the
NAAQS in all areas of the country. Other programs under the CAA address
hazardous air pollutants (see CAA section 112). The State of Georgia
has adopted Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) and National
Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) standards that
reflect the federal standards, and these standards are enforceable
through other mechanisms that do not include the Georgia SIP, which is
affected by this rulemaking.
Comment: The commenter asserts that the ``rule change proposed in
EPA-R04-OAR-2005-GA-0005-0001, is intended to circumvent Executive
Order 12866--Regulatory Planning and Review by not allowing for a
comment period of at least 60 days.'' Several commenters requested that
the comment period be extended. One commenter requested an extension of
60 days from the date the EPA ``formally notified its legal counsel of
the proposed rule,'' which it asserts was on December 15, 2005.
Response: SIPs are rulemakings under the Administrative Procedure
Act, which does not specify a period for public comment. However, a 30-
day period is consistent with most SIP actions proposed by EPA. Under
Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), this action is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' and therefore is not subject to
review by the Office of Management and Budget. The Office of Management
and Budget has exempted this regulatory action from Executive Order
12866, entitled ``Regulatory Planning and Review.'' We note that in
response to comments received, EPA extended the comment period for the
proposed rule change through January 23, 2006. See 71 FR 2177. It
should be noted that EPA is not required to notify any entity of its
rulemaking actions; notification of all parties is accomplished through
publications in the Federal Register.
Comment: The commenter asserts that it followed the public
participation requirements set forth for the title V permitting process
and that through this action to remove 391-3-1-.02(2)(a)1 from the
Georgia SIP, EPA is frustrating that process. A commenter further
asserts that the purpose of the rule change proposed in EPA-OAR-2005-
GA-0005-0001 is to thwart citizen efforts to end hazardous air releases
that it claims are a ``threat to our children, our health, and our
economy.''
Response: Although title V permits are required to contain
conditions that
[[Page 13554]]
are necessary to assure compliance with all the applicable requirements
of the CAA, including the requirements of the applicable SIP, the title
V permit may also contain state-only enforceable requirements. Once the
final rule takes effect, Georgia Rule 391-3-1-.02(2)(a)1 will become a
state-only enforceable rule that will continue to be applicable to
facilities in Georgia. For the reasons provided above, however, EPA
believes this action to remove the nuisance provision from the SIP is
appropriate.
Comment: The commenter asserts that ``proposed rule R04-OAR-2005-
GA-0005-0001 is not supported by documentation of EPA's determination
that the rule, Georgia Rule for Air Quality Control, 391-3-1.02(2)(a)1,
was erroneously incorporated into the Georgia SIP.'' Furthermore, the
commenter alleges that ``without supporting documentation, the EPA's
action in adopting this rule is arbitrary and capricious, and violates
every aspect of the Administrative Procedures Act.''
Response: In support of its decision to remove Georgia Air Quality
Control Rule 391-3-1-.02(2)(a)1 from the Georgia SIP, EPA determined
that this is a general nuisance provision that is not related to the
attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS. Georgia has never used this
rule as part of a federal air quality standard attainment or
maintenance plan. In addition, Georgia has not relied on or attributed
any emission reductions from this rule to any such plans. 70 FR 71447
(November 29, 2005). In support of these conclusions, EPA relied on an
email from Georgia that indicated it had checked its records and made
these findings. As explained above, EPA's action to exclude from the
SIP a nuisance provision unrelated to attainment or maintenance of any
NAAQS is consistent with prior Agency practice.
Comment: The commenter asserts that the Georgia Environmental
Protection Division (EPD) has a history of allowing unregulated and
unpermitted hazardous air releases from certain facilities.
Furthermore, the commenter alleges that some permit applications had
remained un-acted upon by the Georgia EPD since 1986, and that without
valid permits, emission control equipment operations are not
enforceable by either the Georgia EPD or the EPA.
Response: Our action to exclude the nuisance provision from the
Georgia SIP does not affect the enforceability of the rule as a matter
of state law. The issue of whether Georgia adequately enforces or
permits hazardous air pollutants has no bearing on whether the nuisance
provision should be part of a plan to attain and maintain standards for
NAAQS.
Comment: The commenter questions the legal basis of the proposed
action and whether there is a compelling reason to change the rule.
Response: In the Federal Register Notice proposing to remove the
Georgia nuisance rule, 391-3-1.02(2)(a)1, from the Georgia SIP, 70 FR
71446, EPA cited the basis for its action. First, the Agency explained
that the purpose of the SIP is to provide for how the state will attain
and maintain the NAAQS. EPA then explained that because the nuisance
rule is unrelated to attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS, ``EPA's
1980 approval of this provision into the Georgia SIP was in error and
EPA is, therefore, proposing to remove the provision from the approved
SIP under the authority of section 110(k)(6) of the CAA. Section
110(k)(6) provides: `Whenever the Administrator determines that the
Administrator's action approving, disapproving, or promulgating any
plan or plan revision (or part thereof), area designation,
redesignation, classification, or reclassification was in error, the
Administrator may in the same manner as the approval, disapproval, or
promulgation revise such action as appropriate without requiring any
further submission from the State. Such determination and the basis
thereof shall be provided to the State and public.' '' 70 FR 71447
(Nov. 29, 2005).
Comment: The commenter alleges that a ``reasonable person could
easily find that the EPA blatantly misrepresented the purpose of the
proposed rule change. At a minimum, the EPA is misusing their powers to
propose rule changes in the Federal Register, and the case might
actually be that the information presented in the Federal Register is
fraudulent.''
Response: EPA vigorously disagrees with the commenter's allegation
that the Agency misrepresented, misused, or engaged in any other
fraudulent practice in proposing this rule change. As provided above,
EPA has an established history of removing and excluding state nuisance
rules, which are unrelated to attaining or maintaining the NAAQS, from
the SIP.
Comment: The commenter asked how the citizen's petition of a Title
V operating permit in Georgia led EPA to find an erroneously approved
rule.
Response: The citizen's petition of the Title V operating permit
for the Hercules Corporation, in the State of Georgia, specifically
cites the Georgia Rule for Air Quality Control, 391-3-1.02(2)(a)1 as a
rule of which the Hercules Corporation is in violation. Hence, through
this petition, it was brought to EPA's attention that this particular
rule was incorporated into the Georgia SIP. Because EPA has concluded
that this rule is unrelated to attainment or maintenance of any NAAQS
and thus was erroneously approved into the SIP, EPA is using section
110(k)(6), error correction, to remove the rule from the approved SIP.
Comment: A commenter asked whether EPA had done any research to
determine how many erroneous laws were approved by the EPA in their
rush to approve SIPs.
Response: EPA has many rulemaking and other activities that are
required under the CAA or that are otherwise a priority under the Act,
and thus has not had the time or resources to perform an extensive
review of the SIPs to determine if any rules are erroneously
incorporated. However where, through other means errors in the SIPs
come to light, it is appropriate for EPA to correct the errors.
Comment: The commenter asserts that the CAA requires states to hold
public hearings when revising a SIP and that EPA should hold a public
hearing on the removal of the ``nuisance'' rule from the SIP. The
commenter also asserts that this is ``particularly troublesome given
that the SIP contained the nuisance rule for over 25 years and the
proposed elimination was prompted only after a lawsuit was filed
regarding the nuisance rule.''
Response: As outlined above, section 110(k)(6) does not require a
public hearing when making a correction to a SIP. Section 110(k)(6) of
the CAA states that ``whenever'' the Administrator determines that the
Administrator's action approving any plan ``was in error,'' the
Administrator may in the same manner as the approval, revise such
action as appropriate. By this action EPA is removing the provision
from the Georgia SIP in the same manner as EPA approves SIPs.
IV. Final Action
Since Georgia Rule 391-3-1-.02(2)(a)1 is not directed at the
attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS, EPA has found that its prior
approval of this particular rule (into the SIP) was in error.
Consequently, in order to correct this error, EPA is removing Georgia
Rule 391-3-1-.02(2)(a)1 from the approved Georgia SIP pursuant to
section 110(k)(6) of the CAA, and codifying this deletion by revising
the appropriate paragraph under 40 CFR part 52, subpart L, section
52.570 (Identification of Plan).
[[Page 13555]]
V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), this
action is not a ``significant regulatory action'' and therefore is not
subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget. For this
reason, this action is also not subject to Executive Order 13211,
``Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy
Supply, Distribution, or Use'' (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001). This action
merely corrects an error and imposes no additional requirements beyond
those imposed by state law. Accordingly, the Administrator certifies
that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). Because this rule corrects an error and
does not impose any additional enforceable duty beyond that required by
state law, it 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).
This rule also does not have tribal implications because it will
not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, 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, as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65
FR 67249, November 9, 2000). This action also does not have Federalism
implications because it does 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 (64
FR 43255, August 10, 1999). This action merely corrects an error, and
does not alter the relationship or the distribution of power and
responsibilities established in the CAA. This rule also is not subject
to Executive Order 13045 ``Protection of Children from Environmental
Health Risks and Safety Risks'' (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997), because
it is not economically significant.
Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer Advancement Act
of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note)
directs EPA to use voluntary consensus standards (VCS) in its
regulatory activities unless to do so would be inconsistent with
applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards
are technical standards (e.g., materials specifications, test methods,
sampling procedures, and business practices) that are developed or
adopted by VCS bodies. The NTTAA directs EPA to provide Congress,
through the Office of Management and Budget, explanations when the
Agency decides not to use available and applicable VCS. This action
does not involve technical standards. Therefore, EPA did not consider
the use of any VCS. This rule does not impose an information collection
burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
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.
804(2).
Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA, petitions for judicial review
of this action must be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for
the appropriate circuit by May 15, 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).)
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Carbon monoxide,
Lead, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate matter, Sulfur oxides,
Volatile organic compounds.
Dated: March 6, 2006.
A. Stanley Meiburg,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 4.
0
40 CFR part 52 is amended 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 L--Georgia
0
2. Section 52.570 is amended in the table to paragraph (c) by revising
the entry for ``391-3-1-.02(2)(a) General Provisions'' to read as
follows:
Sec. 52.570 Identification of plan.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
[[Page 13556]]
EPA-Approved Georgia Regulations
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State
State citation Title/subject effective date EPA approval date Explanation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
391-3-1-.02(2)(a)................ General Provisions......... 01/09/91 3/16/06 [Insert first page of Except for paragraph 391-3-1-
publication]. .02(2)(a)1.
* * * * * * *
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* * * * *
[FR Doc. 06-2479 Filed 3-15-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P