Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Ohio; Control of Gasoline Volatility, 29269-29273 [E7-10054]
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Neva R. Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.
[FR Doc. E7–10139 Filed 5–24–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710–12–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA–R05–OAR–2006–0976; FRL–8318–3]
Approval and Promulgation of Air
Quality Implementation Plans; Ohio;
Control of Gasoline Volatility
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: EPA is approving a State
Implementation Plan (SIP) revision
submitted by the State of Ohio on
February 14, 2006, and October 6, 2006,
establishing a lower Reid Vapor
Pressure (RVP) fuel requirement for
gasoline distributed in the Cincinnati
and Dayton 8-hour ozone nonattainment
areas. Ohio has developed this fuel
requirement to reduce emissions of
volatile organic compounds (VOC) in
accordance with the requirements of the
Clean Air Act (CAA). EPA is approving
Ohio’s fuel requirement into the Ohio
SIP because EPA has found that the
requirement is necessary for the
Cincinnati and Dayton areas to achieve
the 8-hour ozone national ambient air
quality standard (NAAQS). This action
is being taken under section 110 of the
CAA. On March 29, 2007, the EPA
published a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to
approve the SIP revision. During the
comment period EPA received a number
of comments both supporting and
opposing the approval of the fuel
requirement.
This document summarizes the
comments received, EPA’s responses,
and finalizes the approval of Ohio’s SIP
revision to establish a RVP limit of 7.8
pounds per square inch (psi) for
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gasoline sold in the Cincinnati and
Dayton 8-hour ozone nonattainment
areas.
This final rule is effective on
May 31, 2007.
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a
docket for this action under Docket ID
No. EPA–R05–OAR–2006–0976. All
documents in the docket are listed on
the www.regulations.gov Web site.
Although listed in the index, some
information is not publicly available,
i.e., 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
www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at
the Environmental Protection Agency,
Region 5, Air and Radiation Division, 77
West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago,
Illinois 60604. This facility is open from
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday, excluding Federal holidays. We
recommend that you telephone
Francisco J. Acevedo, Environmental
Protection Specialist, at (312) 886–6061
before visiting the Region 5 office.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Francisco J. Acevedo, Environmental
Protection Specialist, Criteria Pollutant
Section, Air Programs Branch (AR–18J),
Environmental Protection Agency,
Region 5, 77 West Jackson Boulevard,
Chicago, Illinois 60604, (312) 886–6061,
acevedo.francisco@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Throughout this document whenever
‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ or ‘‘our’’ is used, we mean
EPA. This supplementary information
section is arranged as follows:
DATES:
I. What is the background for this action?
II. What is our response to comments
received on the notice of proposed
rulemaking?
III. What action is EPA taking?
IV. Statutory and Executive Order Review
I. What is the background for this
action?
On April 15, 2004, the EPA
designated 5 counties in the Cincinnati,
Ohio area (Hamilton, Butler, Clinton,
Warren and Clermont counties—
Cincinnati-Hamilton, OH–KY–IN) and 4
counties in the Dayton, Ohio area
(Clark, Greene, Miami, and Montgomery
counties—Dayton-Springfield, OH) as
nonattainment for the 8-hour ozone
standard. Both areas have been
designated Basic nonattainment with
respect to the 8-hour ozone standard
and they are required to attain the
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standard as expeditiously as practicable,
but no later than June 2009.
As part of the State of Ohio’s (Ohio)
efforts to bring these areas into
attainment, the State is adopting and
implementing a broad range of ozone
control measures including control of
emissions from auto refinishing
operations, the reduction of VOC
emission from portable fuel containers,
the adoption of industrial solvent
degreasing rules, and the
implementation of a 7.8 pound per
square inch (psi) RVP fuel program.
Ohio originally proposed to replace
the State’s vehicle inspection and
maintenance (I/M) program in
Cincinnati and Dayton, which was
discontinued by the State on December
31, 2005, with the requirement to
supply 7.8 psi RVP gasoline to these
areas starting in 2006. However, the
State modified its original request and
asked that EPA act on the state’s fuel
waiver request to allow the use of 7.8
psi RVP gasoline in both areas. On
February 14, 2006, Ohio submitted the
fuel waiver request as a SIP revision.
The submittal included adopted
amended rules under Ohio
Administrative Code Chapter 3745–72
‘‘Low Reid Vapor Pressure Fuel
Requirements’’ to require the use of 7.8
psi RVP gasoline in the Cincinnati and
Dayton areas beginning on June 1, 2006.
Soon after the State’s February 14,
2006 submittal, the American Petroleum
Institute (API) appealed the State’s 7.8
psi RVP rule on the basis that there was
insufficient time to implement the rule
and that EPA had not yet issued a
waiver under section 211(c)(4)(C) of the
CAA, as amended. EPA conducted an
informal survey of gasoline suppliers
and determined that there was not
enough 7.8 psi RVP gasoline to supply
the Cincinnati and Dayton
nonattainment areas during the 2006
ozone season. As part of the State’s
settlement with API on its appeal, Ohio
agreed to revise the rule to delay the
effective date of the rule until twelve
months following the approval of a fuel
waiver by EPA in order to ensure that
there is sufficient time for the regulated
community to prepare for the change.
On July 10, 2006, the Ohio
Environmental Protection Agency
(OEPA) adopted amended rules under
the Ohio Administrative Code Chapter
3745–72 ‘‘Low Reid Vapor Pressure Fuel
Requirements’’ to modify the
implementation date for the required
use of 7.8 psi RVP gasoline in the
Cincinnati and Dayton areas to be one
year after the approval of a fuel waiver
under CAA amendments section
211(c)(4)(C). Public hearings on the
amended rules were held on June 2,
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2006, in Columbus, Ohio and the rules
became effective at the state level on
July 17, 2006.
The OEPA submitted these amended
low-RVP rules to EPA as a revision to
the SIP on October 6, 2006. As part of
the October 6, 2006 submittal, OEPA
included additional technical support
for the SIP revision, including
documentation supporting the State’s
request to waive the CAA preemption of
State fuel controls pursuant to section
211(c)(4) of the CAA.
On March 29, 2007, EPA proposed
approval of the State’s SIP revision to
establish a 7.8 psi low-RVP fuel program
in the Cincinnati and Dayton 8-hour
ozone nonattainment areas. (See 72 FR
14729). As detailed in the proposed
approval, EPA found the low-RVP fuel
program necessary pursuant to Section
211(c)(4)(C) of the CAA. In addition,
EPA also proposed approval of the
State’s SIP revision as consistent with
the provisions of the Energy Policy Act
(EPAct).
II. What is our response to comments
received on the notice of proposed
rulemaking?
During the comment period for the
March 29, 2007, proposal we received
several comments from 16 commenters
including the API and the Regional Air
Pollution Control Agency (RAPCA) of
Dayton, Ohio. Six of the commenters,
including RAPCA, were in favor of the
proposed fuel and supported EPA
approval. A number of commenters also
submitted adverse comments that were
outside the scope of the proposal (e.g.,
approval of reformulated gasoline, corn
ethanol). A summary of the relevant
portions of the adverse comments
received on the proposed rule and
EPA’s response to these comments is
presented below. EPA does not view the
adverse comments we received as a
basis to disapprove the SIP revision. We
believe the SIP revision meets the
applicable requirements of the CAA,
and we are approving it.
Comment: API states ‘‘API supports
Ohio’s revision to the rule,’’ providing
for low RVP gasoline as of one year after
EPA approval of the rule. API then
states, ‘‘However, it would be unlawful
for USEPA to approve this SIP
revision.’’ API thus implicitly
recommends that EPA not approve
Ohio’s rule.
Response: EPA appreciates API’s
support for Ohio’s rule change allowing
one year lead time from EPA final
approval. However, EPA disagrees with
API’s contention that approving Ohio’s
rule would be unlawful, and EPA
disagrees with API’s recommendation
that EPA not approve Ohio’s rule. The
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discussion below addresses API’s more
specific comments.
Comment: API repeats some of the
modeling uncertainties that EPA noted
in its proposed rulemaking, and
concludes that ‘‘EPA should require that
States seeking approval under
211(c)(4)(C) submit accurate modeling
and back-up analysis as part of the
waiver request. Providing it later with
an attainment demonstration is too late
to be useful for EPA’s fuel waiver
analysis.’’
Response: EPA must make judgments
as to whether it has the best available
modeling information and whether the
information is of adequate quality to
support the conclusion being reached.
‘‘EPA has undoubted power to use
predictive models so long as it explains
the assumptions and methodology used
in preparing the model and provides a
complete analytic defense should the
model be challenged.’’ Appalachian
Power Company v. EPA, 251 F.3d 1026,
1051 (D.C. Cir. 2001) (internal citations
omitted). EPA also recognizes that any
modeling analysis, and any projection of
future conditions, inherently has
uncertainties. ‘‘That a model is limited
or imperfect is not, in itself a reason to
remand agency decisions based upon
it.’’ Id. ‘‘It is only when the model bears
no rational relationship to the
characteristics of the data to which it is
applied that [courts] will hold that the
use of the model is arbitrary and
capricious.’’ Appalachian Power
Company v. EPA, 135 F.3d 791, 802
(D.C. Cir. 1998) (internal citations
omitted). Thus, in this instance EPA
believes that it is using the best
available modeling information, that the
information is of adequate quality to
find low RVP fuel necessary, and that
the commenter has provided no
rationale for EPA to believe otherwise.
Further, regardless of what information
the state provides, directly or indirectly,
EPA’s obligation is to use available
information to judge whether a fuel
program is necessary. EPA agrees that
information that Ohio is preparing for
submittal with its attainment
demonstration will not be available for
EPA’s fuel waiver analysis, but notes
that such information is not required for
purposes of making a necessity finding
under either section 211(c)(4)(C)(i) or
EPA’s August 1997 ‘‘Guidance on Use of
Opt-in to RFG and Low RVP
Requirements in Ozone SIPs.’’ EPA
believes that the modeling information
already available is adequate for finding
low RVP fuel necessary.
Comment: API states that the State of
Ohio has not made its ‘‘necessity’’
showing because there are non-fuel
measures (e.g., E-check) that are
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reasonable and practicable. API points
out that OEPA has already adopted and
implemented E-check for DaytonCincinnati, thus, proving that this
control measure is both reasonable and
practicable. API also contends that EPA
provides no independent analysis or
review of the non-fuel measures and
that ‘‘it appears that EPA did not review
the reasons OEPA gives for why E-check
is not reasonable or practicable, as they
do not comment in their proposal on
OEPA’s rationale’’.
Response: EPA agrees with API’s
conclusion that E-check is a reasonable
and practical control measure. However,
EPA views the issue of whether E-check
is reasonable or practicable as irrelevant
in making a ‘‘necessity’’ determination
because Cincinnati and Dayton’s Echeck program is currently part of the
existing SIP and, thus, is still a required
control measure in both areas regardless
of whether the program is currently
operating or not. In addition, the
modeling analysis used in
demonstrating ‘‘necessity’’ reflects the
emission reductions associated with the
E-check as if the program was still
operating. EPA has concluded that even
with the implementation of all non-fuel
control measures determined to be
reasonable and practicable, including Echeck, additional VOC reductions are
necessary to achieve the ozone NAAQS.
Further, EPA concluded, based on the
information available to us, that no
other reasonable and practicable nonfuel measures were available to the State
that would achieve these needed
emission reductions in a timely manner.
Thus the Agency concludes that the 7.8
psi RVP fuel program is necessary for
attainment of the applicable ozone
NAAQS.
EPA disagrees with API’s assertion
that EPA did not review and take into
consideration the reasons OEPA
outlined in the State’s submittal
regarding why the State considered
E-check to be unreasonable or
impracticable. As provided above, EPA
reviewed OEPA’s rationale but
determined that it was irrelevant in
making the necessity demonstration
because E-check is a required program
in Ohio’s SIP. Regarding API’s concern
that EPA did not provide an
independent analysis or review of the
non-fuel measures, EPA provided the
opportunity for the public to review and
comment on all aspects of Ohio’s
submittal including the evaluation of
the non-fuel measures considered by the
State. EPA did not receive any specific
comments questioning either the list of
non-fuel measures considered or the
results of the State’s analysis. EPA
believes that the State’s assessment
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adequately identifies and evaluates nonfuel measures.
Comment: An anonymous commenter
urges that EPA not approve the 7.8 RVP
gasoline requirement due to deficiencies
in the showing that low RVP fuel is
necessary. First, the commenter objects
to the estimation of the emission
reduction between 2008 and 2009 by
calculating one seventh of the emission
reduction between 2002 and 2009, since
commenter believes that an ‘‘analysis of
whether [pertinent emission reductions
are] linear’’ would show that emission
reductions occur disproportionately in
early years of control programs and only
minimally later. Second, the commenter
observes that the Dayton and Cincinnati
nonattainment areas are subject to a
requirement ‘‘ ‘to submit an attainment
demonstration that relies on
photochemical grid modeling,’ ’’ and the
commenter believes that ‘‘a completed
attainment demonstration seems to be
necessary’’ to ‘‘properly determine
whether a low-RVP fuel is necessary.’’
Third, the commenter believes that ‘‘a
‘weight of evidence’ analysis is needed
with such modeling.’’ The commenter
concludes that ‘‘USEPA should fully
evaluate the necessity of such lower
RVP fuel in accordance with section
211(c)(4)(C) of the Clean Air Act.’’
Response: EPA used the best available
information to evaluate whether Ohio’s
low RVP fuel program is necessary.
First, the most significant VOC emission
reductions between 2002 and 2009 are
from mobile sources, which are yielding
relatively linear emission reductions
resulting from a steady rate of
replacement of old dirtier vehicles with
new cleaner vehicles. (Emissions for
NOX declined more than the average
2002 to 2009 rate in the early days of the
NOX SIP Call program and can be
expected to decline at less than that rate
in the future, but EPA’s approximation
of necessary emission reductions
applied only to VOC emissions.) EPA
considered this situation in deciding to
apply an assumption of approximately
linear reductions, and EPA continues to
believe that the best available
information is based on an assumption
that VOC emissions are undergoing a
basically linear decline.
Second, Dayton and Cincinnati are
indeed subject to a requirement for
attainment demonstrations, for which
EPA recommends use of photochemical
grid modeling, but, under section
211(c)(4)(C)(i), EPA may make a
necessity finding ‘‘even if the plan for
the area does not contain an approved
demonstration of timely attainment.’’
The attainment plans are not due until
June 15, 2007, and even though this
requirement applies in the relatively
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29271
near future, EPA has no obligation to
delay action on Ohio’s fuel request
waiting for either that date or Ohio’s
actual submittal. EPA believes it has
adequate information already to
evaluate the necessity of the fuel
restrictions requested by Ohio.
Third, EPA indeed recommends
‘‘weight of evidence’’ analyses as a
supplement to attainment
demonstrations in some cases. However,
just as section 211(c)(4)(C) provides that
an approved attainment demonstration
is not a prerequisite for making
necessity findings, EPA believes that
complete ‘‘weight of evidence’’ analyses
are not a prerequisite for making
necessity findings. EPA expects that
Ohio will submit weight of evidence
analyses at the same time it submits its
attainment demonstrations. In the
meantime, in the absence of a complete
submittal by Ohio addressing the
potential for model under-prediction as
well as over-prediction, EPA believes
that the best assessment of the necessity
of a low RVP fuel program in Southwest
Ohio is based directly on the available
modeling information. In summary, EPA
concludes that an evaluation in
accordance with section 211(c)(4)(C)
using the best available information
indicates that Ohio’s requested low RVP
fuel is necessary in Southwest Ohio.
Comment: A commenter questions
whether the benefits of low RVP
gasoline will be significant. The
commenter observes that there are 130
billion tons of air above the Cincinnati/
Dayton area, so that an emission
reduction of 5.2 tons per day would
only reduce concentrations by
0.000000004 percent. Finally, the
commenter recommends use of a
‘‘Grease Gator’’, marketed by Solvent
Systems, for cleaning parts without
emitting VOC.
Response: Human health is impaired
even at very low air pollutant
concentrations. The ozone standard is
0.08 parts per million, or 0.000008
percent of the molecules in ambient air.
EPA set the air quality standard at this
‘‘trace’’ level based on studies showing
that even seemingly negligible
concentrations of ozone can adversely
affect human health. Typical VOC
concentrations sufficient to cause
violations of this standard are in the
same fraction of a part per million
range, attributable in the Cincinnati/
Dayton area to emissions of about 300
tons per day. Given the low
concentrations at which ozone impairs
health, the implementation of low RVP
gasoline will provide a significant
fraction of the reduction of VOC
emissions needed in this area. It should
be noted, however, that in reviewing
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this SIP revision EPA is limited to
determining whether the legal criteria
for approval are met. The issue before us
here is whether the criteria for approval
in 211(c)(4)(C) are met, and we have
determined they have been met. EPA
appreciates the recommendation of a
parts cleaning system with zero VOC
emissions.
Comment: Several commenters raised
concerns with the concept of further
expanding the use of boutique fuels.
One commenter goes on to say that such
expansion will further reduce refinery
capacity/efficiency, is likely to cost
consumers more, and has the potential
to cause the Ohio areas to face a
gasoline shortage in the event of a fuel
disruption scenario. Another
commenter is concerned that having
special blends in different parts of the
country will cause shortages.
Response: Due to the heightened
concern over supply and price issues
and the potential for boutique fuel
programs to exacerbate these issues,
Congress directly addressed the issue of
boutique fuels in several ways in the
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct).
EPAct placed further restrictions on
EPA’s authority to approve a state fuel
program in the SIP. Under EPAct, EPA
may approve a state fuel program for a
SIP only if a fuel is already approved in
a SIP for a state in that Petroleum
Administration for Defense Districts
(PADD), and the approval does not
increase the total number of state fuels
on EPA’s list of fuels. Further, where
there is room on the list, prior to
approval of a new fuel, EPA, with
Department of Energy consultation,
must find no adverse impact on fuel
supply and distribution in either the
affected area or contiguous areas. The
7.8 psi RVP fuel that we are approving
today is not a new fuel because it is
already approved in at least one SIP
(Indiana, (61 FR 4895, (February 9,
1996)) in the PADD where Ohio is
located. EPA therefore, does not believe
that it is required to make a finding of
no adverse impact effects of a 7.8 psi
RVP fuel on fuel supply and
distribution in either Dayton and
Cincinnati or the contiguous areas. EPA
also believes that this rule fully
complies with the applicable EPAct
requirements. Further, although we
received comments from API on this
action, none of the comments received
from the industry side raise any
concerns with the industry’s ability to
adequately and efficiently supply the
7.8 psi RVP fuel to the affected areas.
Further, API’s comments state that ‘‘API
and OEPA reached an agreement on
April 4, 2006, that 7.8 RVP fuel will not
be required in Dayton-Cincinnati until
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one year after final approval by
U.S.EPA. API supports this revised rule
as in the best interest of the State of
Ohio and its citizens’’.
III. What action is EPA taking?
EPA is approving a SIP revision
submitted by the State of Ohio on
February 14, 2006, and October 6, 2006,
establishing a 7.8 psi RVP fuel
requirement for gasoline distributed in
the Cincinnati and Dayton 8-hour ozone
nonattainment areas. This action is
effective on May 31, 2007. EPA is
approving Ohio’s fuel requirement into
the SIP because EPA has found that the
requirement is necessary for Southwest
Ohio to achieve the 8-hour NAAQS for
ozone. EPA’s approval is consistent
with the boutique fuel provisions of
section 211(c)(4)(C) enacted in EPAct.
EPA finds that there is good cause for
this action to become effective by May
31, 2007. The May 31, 2007 effective
date for this action is authorized under
5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) which allows an
effective date less than 30 days after
publication ‘‘as otherwise provided by
the agency for good cause found and
published with the rule.’’ The purpose
of the 30-day waiting period prescribed
in 553(d) is to give affected parties a
reasonable time to adjust their behavior
and prepare before the final rule takes
effect. Today’s rule, approves Ohio’s SIP
revision requiring the use of 7.8 psi RVP
gasoline in the Cincinnati and Dayton
areas one year after EPA approval of the
fuel waiver request under section
211(c)(4)(C) of the CAA. RVP control
requirements are summer control
programs that are generally
implemented during the summer ozone
season beginning on June 1. Making this
rule effective before the beginning of the
summer ozone season, will allow the
regulated industry to avoid having to
address multiple RVP requirements
during the 2008 ozone season. In
addition, as noted above, the regulated
industry has had advance notice of this
requirement, and the API has agreed to
a settlement with provisions for the 7.8
psi RVP fuel in these areas twelve
months following the approval of a fuel
waiver by EPA. For these reasons, EPA
finds good cause under 5 U.S.C.
553(d)(3) for this action to become
effective on May 31, 2007.
IV. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
Executive Order 12866: Regulatory
Planning and Review
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
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by the Office of Management and
Budget.
Executive Order 13211: Actions
Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use
Because it is not a ‘‘significant
regulatory action’’ under Executive
Order 12866 or a ‘‘significant regulatory
action,’’ 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).
Regulatory Flexibility Act
This action merely approves state law
as meeting Federal requirements 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.).
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
Because this rule approves preexisting requirements under state law
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).
Executive Order 13175: Consultation
and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
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).
Executive Order 13132: Federalism
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
E:\FR\FM\25MYR1.SGM
25MYR1
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 101 / Friday, May 25, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
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).)
and responsibilities established in the
Clean Air Act.
Executive Order 13045: Protection of
Children From Environmental Health
and Safety Risks
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.
National Technology Transfer
Advancement Act
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.
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC71 with RULES
Paperwork Reduction Act
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.).
Congressional Review Act
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
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 July 24, 2007. Filing a petition
for reconsideration by the Administrator
of this final rule does not affect the
finality of this rule for the purposes of
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:34 May 24, 2007
Jkt 211001
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
Environmental protection, Air
pollution control, Incorporation by
reference, Intergovernmental relations,
Ozone, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile
organic compounds.
Dated: May 18, 2007.
Gary Gulezian,
Regional Administrator, Region 5.
29273
(F) OAC Rule 3745–72–06:
‘‘Defenses’’, effective January 16, 2006.
(G) OAC Rule 3745–72–07: ‘‘Special
provisions for alcohol blends’’, effective
January 16, 2006.
(H) OAC Rule 3745–72–08: ‘‘Quality
assurance and test methods’’, effective
January 16, 2006.
(ii) Additional materials.
(A) Letter from Ohio EPA Director
Joseph P. Koncelik to Regional
Administrator Thomas Skinner, dated
February 14, 2006.
(B) Letter from Ohio EPA Director
Joseph P. Koncelik to Regional
Administrator Mary Gade, dated
October 6, 2006.
[FR Doc. E7–10054 Filed 5–24–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
For the reasons stated in the preamble,
part 52, chapter I, of title 40 of the Code
of Federal Regulations is amended as
follows:
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
PART 52—[AMENDED]
40 CFR Part 52
1. The authority citation for part 52
continues to read as follows:
[EPA–R04–OAR–2006–0130–200714(a);
FRL–8317–8]
I
I
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Subpart KK—Ohio
2. Section 52.1870 is amended by
adding paragraph (c)(138) to read as
follows:
I
§ 52.1870
Identification of plan.
*
*
*
*
*
(c) * * *
(138) On February 14, 2006, and
October 6, 2006, the State of Ohio
submitted a revision to the Ohio State
Implementation Plan. This revision is
for the purpose of establishing a
gasoline Reid vapor pressure (RVP) limit
of 7.8 pounds per square inch (psi) for
gasoline sold in the Cincinnati and
Dayton 8-hour ozone nonattainment
areas which includes Hamilton, Butler,
Clinton, Warren, Clermont, Clark,
Greene, Miami, and Montgomery
counties.
(i) Incorporation by reference. The
following sections of the Ohio
Administrative Code (OAC) are
incorporated by reference.
(A) OAC Rule 3745–72–01:
‘‘Applicability’’, effective July 17, 2006
except for 3745–72–01(E).
(B) OAC Rule 3745–72–02:
‘‘Definitions’’, effective July 17, 2006.
(C) OAC Rule 3745–72–03: ‘‘Gasoline
volatility standards and general
provisions’’, effective January 16, 2006.
(D) OAC Rule 3745–72–04: ‘‘Transfer
documentation and recordkeeping’’,
effective January 16, 2006.
(E) OAC Rule 3745–72–05:
‘‘Liability’’, effective January 16, 2006.
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Approval and Promulgation of
Implementation Plans: State of Florida;
Prevention of Significant Deterioration
Requirements for Power Plants
Subject to the Florida Power Plant
Siting Act
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Direct final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: On February 3, 2006, the State
of Florida, through a State
Implementation Plan (SIP) submittal
addressing New Source Review (NSR)
Reform requirements, requested that
EPA grant it full approval to implement
the State’s Clean Air Act (CAA or Act)
Prevention of Significant Deterioration
(PSD) program for electric power plants
subject to the Florida Electrical Power
Plant Siting Act. EPA is proposing to
approve this specific request under
section 110 of the Act. EPA intends to
take action on all other portions of
Florida’s February 3, 2006, NSR Reform
SIP submittal in a future rulemaking.
DATES: This direct final rule is effective
July 24, 2007 without further notice,
unless EPA receives adverse comment
by June 25, 2007. If EPA receives such
comments, it will publish a timely
withdrawal of the direct final rule in the
Federal Register and inform the public
that the rule will not take effect.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R04–
OAR–2006–0130, by one of the
following methods:
E:\FR\FM\25MYR1.SGM
25MYR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 101 (Friday, May 25, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29269-29273]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-10054]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA-R05-OAR-2006-0976; FRL-8318-3]
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans;
Ohio; Control of Gasoline Volatility
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: EPA is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision
submitted by the State of Ohio on February 14, 2006, and October 6,
2006, establishing a lower Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) fuel requirement
for gasoline distributed in the Cincinnati and Dayton 8-hour ozone
nonattainment areas. Ohio has developed this fuel requirement to reduce
emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in accordance with the
requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA). EPA is approving Ohio's fuel
requirement into the Ohio SIP because EPA has found that the
requirement is necessary for the Cincinnati and Dayton areas to achieve
the 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS). This
action is being taken under section 110 of the CAA. On March 29, 2007,
the EPA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to
approve the SIP revision. During the comment period EPA received a
number of comments both supporting and opposing the approval of the
fuel requirement.
This document summarizes the comments received, EPA's responses,
and finalizes the approval of Ohio's SIP revision to establish a RVP
limit of 7.8 pounds per square inch (psi) for gasoline sold in the
Cincinnati and Dayton 8-hour ozone nonattainment areas.
DATES: This final rule is effective on May 31, 2007.
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID
No. EPA-R05-OAR-2006-0976. All documents in the docket are listed on
the www.regulations.gov Web site. Although listed in the index, some
information is not publicly available, i.e., 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 www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the
Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, Air and Radiation Division,
77 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604. This facility is
open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding
Federal holidays. We recommend that you telephone Francisco J. Acevedo,
Environmental Protection Specialist, at (312) 886-6061 before visiting
the Region 5 office.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Francisco J. Acevedo, Environmental
Protection Specialist, Criteria Pollutant Section, Air Programs Branch
(AR-18J), Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, 77 West Jackson
Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604, (312) 886-6061,
acevedo.francisco@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document whenever ``we,''
``us,'' or ``our'' is used, we mean EPA. This supplementary information
section is arranged as follows:
I. What is the background for this action?
II. What is our response to comments received on the notice of
proposed rulemaking?
III. What action is EPA taking?
IV. Statutory and Executive Order Review
I. What is the background for this action?
On April 15, 2004, the EPA designated 5 counties in the Cincinnati,
Ohio area (Hamilton, Butler, Clinton, Warren and Clermont counties--
Cincinnati-Hamilton, OH-KY-IN) and 4 counties in the Dayton, Ohio area
(Clark, Greene, Miami, and Montgomery counties--Dayton-Springfield, OH)
as nonattainment for the 8-hour ozone standard. Both areas have been
designated Basic nonattainment with respect to the 8-hour ozone
standard and they are required to attain the
[[Page 29270]]
standard as expeditiously as practicable, but no later than June 2009.
As part of the State of Ohio's (Ohio) efforts to bring these areas
into attainment, the State is adopting and implementing a broad range
of ozone control measures including control of emissions from auto
refinishing operations, the reduction of VOC emission from portable
fuel containers, the adoption of industrial solvent degreasing rules,
and the implementation of a 7.8 pound per square inch (psi) RVP fuel
program.
Ohio originally proposed to replace the State's vehicle inspection
and maintenance (I/M) program in Cincinnati and Dayton, which was
discontinued by the State on December 31, 2005, with the requirement to
supply 7.8 psi RVP gasoline to these areas starting in 2006. However,
the State modified its original request and asked that EPA act on the
state's fuel waiver request to allow the use of 7.8 psi RVP gasoline in
both areas. On February 14, 2006, Ohio submitted the fuel waiver
request as a SIP revision. The submittal included adopted amended rules
under Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3745-72 ``Low Reid Vapor
Pressure Fuel Requirements'' to require the use of 7.8 psi RVP gasoline
in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas beginning on June 1, 2006.
Soon after the State's February 14, 2006 submittal, the American
Petroleum Institute (API) appealed the State's 7.8 psi RVP rule on the
basis that there was insufficient time to implement the rule and that
EPA had not yet issued a waiver under section 211(c)(4)(C) of the CAA,
as amended. EPA conducted an informal survey of gasoline suppliers and
determined that there was not enough 7.8 psi RVP gasoline to supply the
Cincinnati and Dayton nonattainment areas during the 2006 ozone season.
As part of the State's settlement with API on its appeal, Ohio agreed
to revise the rule to delay the effective date of the rule until twelve
months following the approval of a fuel waiver by EPA in order to
ensure that there is sufficient time for the regulated community to
prepare for the change.
On July 10, 2006, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA)
adopted amended rules under the Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3745-
72 ``Low Reid Vapor Pressure Fuel Requirements'' to modify the
implementation date for the required use of 7.8 psi RVP gasoline in the
Cincinnati and Dayton areas to be one year after the approval of a fuel
waiver under CAA amendments section 211(c)(4)(C). Public hearings on
the amended rules were held on June 2, 2006, in Columbus, Ohio and the
rules became effective at the state level on July 17, 2006.
The OEPA submitted these amended low-RVP rules to EPA as a revision
to the SIP on October 6, 2006. As part of the October 6, 2006
submittal, OEPA included additional technical support for the SIP
revision, including documentation supporting the State's request to
waive the CAA preemption of State fuel controls pursuant to section
211(c)(4) of the CAA.
On March 29, 2007, EPA proposed approval of the State's SIP
revision to establish a 7.8 psi low-RVP fuel program in the Cincinnati
and Dayton 8-hour ozone nonattainment areas. (See 72 FR 14729). As
detailed in the proposed approval, EPA found the low-RVP fuel program
necessary pursuant to Section 211(c)(4)(C) of the CAA. In addition, EPA
also proposed approval of the State's SIP revision as consistent with
the provisions of the Energy Policy Act (EPAct).
II. What is our response to comments received on the notice of proposed
rulemaking?
During the comment period for the March 29, 2007, proposal we
received several comments from 16 commenters including the API and the
Regional Air Pollution Control Agency (RAPCA) of Dayton, Ohio. Six of
the commenters, including RAPCA, were in favor of the proposed fuel and
supported EPA approval. A number of commenters also submitted adverse
comments that were outside the scope of the proposal (e.g., approval of
reformulated gasoline, corn ethanol). A summary of the relevant
portions of the adverse comments received on the proposed rule and
EPA's response to these comments is presented below. EPA does not view
the adverse comments we received as a basis to disapprove the SIP
revision. We believe the SIP revision meets the applicable requirements
of the CAA, and we are approving it.
Comment: API states ``API supports Ohio's revision to the rule,''
providing for low RVP gasoline as of one year after EPA approval of the
rule. API then states, ``However, it would be unlawful for USEPA to
approve this SIP revision.'' API thus implicitly recommends that EPA
not approve Ohio's rule.
Response: EPA appreciates API's support for Ohio's rule change
allowing one year lead time from EPA final approval. However, EPA
disagrees with API's contention that approving Ohio's rule would be
unlawful, and EPA disagrees with API's recommendation that EPA not
approve Ohio's rule. The discussion below addresses API's more specific
comments.
Comment: API repeats some of the modeling uncertainties that EPA
noted in its proposed rulemaking, and concludes that ``EPA should
require that States seeking approval under 211(c)(4)(C) submit accurate
modeling and back-up analysis as part of the waiver request. Providing
it later with an attainment demonstration is too late to be useful for
EPA's fuel waiver analysis.''
Response: EPA must make judgments as to whether it has the best
available modeling information and whether the information is of
adequate quality to support the conclusion being reached. ``EPA has
undoubted power to use predictive models so long as it explains the
assumptions and methodology used in preparing the model and provides a
complete analytic defense should the model be challenged.'' Appalachian
Power Company v. EPA, 251 F.3d 1026, 1051 (D.C. Cir. 2001) (internal
citations omitted). EPA also recognizes that any modeling analysis, and
any projection of future conditions, inherently has uncertainties.
``That a model is limited or imperfect is not, in itself a reason to
remand agency decisions based upon it.'' Id. ``It is only when the
model bears no rational relationship to the characteristics of the data
to which it is applied that [courts] will hold that the use of the
model is arbitrary and capricious.'' Appalachian Power Company v. EPA,
135 F.3d 791, 802 (D.C. Cir. 1998) (internal citations omitted). Thus,
in this instance EPA believes that it is using the best available
modeling information, that the information is of adequate quality to
find low RVP fuel necessary, and that the commenter has provided no
rationale for EPA to believe otherwise. Further, regardless of what
information the state provides, directly or indirectly, EPA's
obligation is to use available information to judge whether a fuel
program is necessary. EPA agrees that information that Ohio is
preparing for submittal with its attainment demonstration will not be
available for EPA's fuel waiver analysis, but notes that such
information is not required for purposes of making a necessity finding
under either section 211(c)(4)(C)(i) or EPA's August 1997 ``Guidance on
Use of Opt-in to RFG and Low RVP Requirements in Ozone SIPs.'' EPA
believes that the modeling information already available is adequate
for finding low RVP fuel necessary.
Comment: API states that the State of Ohio has not made its
``necessity'' showing because there are non-fuel measures (e.g., E-
check) that are
[[Page 29271]]
reasonable and practicable. API points out that OEPA has already
adopted and implemented E-check for Dayton-Cincinnati, thus, proving
that this control measure is both reasonable and practicable. API also
contends that EPA provides no independent analysis or review of the
non-fuel measures and that ``it appears that EPA did not review the
reasons OEPA gives for why E-check is not reasonable or practicable, as
they do not comment in their proposal on OEPA's rationale''.
Response: EPA agrees with API's conclusion that E-check is a
reasonable and practical control measure. However, EPA views the issue
of whether E-check is reasonable or practicable as irrelevant in making
a ``necessity'' determination because Cincinnati and Dayton's E-check
program is currently part of the existing SIP and, thus, is still a
required control measure in both areas regardless of whether the
program is currently operating or not. In addition, the modeling
analysis used in demonstrating ``necessity'' reflects the emission
reductions associated with the E-check as if the program was still
operating. EPA has concluded that even with the implementation of all
non-fuel control measures determined to be reasonable and practicable,
including E-check, additional VOC reductions are necessary to achieve
the ozone NAAQS. Further, EPA concluded, based on the information
available to us, that no other reasonable and practicable non-fuel
measures were available to the State that would achieve these needed
emission reductions in a timely manner. Thus the Agency concludes that
the 7.8 psi RVP fuel program is necessary for attainment of the
applicable ozone NAAQS.
EPA disagrees with API's assertion that EPA did not review and take
into consideration the reasons OEPA outlined in the State's submittal
regarding why the State considered E-check to be unreasonable or
impracticable. As provided above, EPA reviewed OEPA's rationale but
determined that it was irrelevant in making the necessity demonstration
because E-check is a required program in Ohio's SIP. Regarding API's
concern that EPA did not provide an independent analysis or review of
the non-fuel measures, EPA provided the opportunity for the public to
review and comment on all aspects of Ohio's submittal including the
evaluation of the non-fuel measures considered by the State. EPA did
not receive any specific comments questioning either the list of non-
fuel measures considered or the results of the State's analysis. EPA
believes that the State's assessment adequately identifies and
evaluates non-fuel measures.
Comment: An anonymous commenter urges that EPA not approve the 7.8
RVP gasoline requirement due to deficiencies in the showing that low
RVP fuel is necessary. First, the commenter objects to the estimation
of the emission reduction between 2008 and 2009 by calculating one
seventh of the emission reduction between 2002 and 2009, since
commenter believes that an ``analysis of whether [pertinent emission
reductions are] linear'' would show that emission reductions occur
disproportionately in early years of control programs and only
minimally later. Second, the commenter observes that the Dayton and
Cincinnati nonattainment areas are subject to a requirement `` `to
submit an attainment demonstration that relies on photochemical grid
modeling,' '' and the commenter believes that ``a completed attainment
demonstration seems to be necessary'' to ``properly determine whether a
low-RVP fuel is necessary.'' Third, the commenter believes that ``a
`weight of evidence' analysis is needed with such modeling.'' The
commenter concludes that ``USEPA should fully evaluate the necessity of
such lower RVP fuel in accordance with section 211(c)(4)(C) of the
Clean Air Act.''
Response: EPA used the best available information to evaluate
whether Ohio's low RVP fuel program is necessary. First, the most
significant VOC emission reductions between 2002 and 2009 are from
mobile sources, which are yielding relatively linear emission
reductions resulting from a steady rate of replacement of old dirtier
vehicles with new cleaner vehicles. (Emissions for NOX
declined more than the average 2002 to 2009 rate in the early days of
the NOX SIP Call program and can be expected to decline at
less than that rate in the future, but EPA's approximation of necessary
emission reductions applied only to VOC emissions.) EPA considered this
situation in deciding to apply an assumption of approximately linear
reductions, and EPA continues to believe that the best available
information is based on an assumption that VOC emissions are undergoing
a basically linear decline.
Second, Dayton and Cincinnati are indeed subject to a requirement
for attainment demonstrations, for which EPA recommends use of
photochemical grid modeling, but, under section 211(c)(4)(C)(i), EPA
may make a necessity finding ``even if the plan for the area does not
contain an approved demonstration of timely attainment.'' The
attainment plans are not due until June 15, 2007, and even though this
requirement applies in the relatively near future, EPA has no
obligation to delay action on Ohio's fuel request waiting for either
that date or Ohio's actual submittal. EPA believes it has adequate
information already to evaluate the necessity of the fuel restrictions
requested by Ohio.
Third, EPA indeed recommends ``weight of evidence'' analyses as a
supplement to attainment demonstrations in some cases. However, just as
section 211(c)(4)(C) provides that an approved attainment demonstration
is not a prerequisite for making necessity findings, EPA believes that
complete ``weight of evidence'' analyses are not a prerequisite for
making necessity findings. EPA expects that Ohio will submit weight of
evidence analyses at the same time it submits its attainment
demonstrations. In the meantime, in the absence of a complete submittal
by Ohio addressing the potential for model under-prediction as well as
over-prediction, EPA believes that the best assessment of the necessity
of a low RVP fuel program in Southwest Ohio is based directly on the
available modeling information. In summary, EPA concludes that an
evaluation in accordance with section 211(c)(4)(C) using the best
available information indicates that Ohio's requested low RVP fuel is
necessary in Southwest Ohio.
Comment: A commenter questions whether the benefits of low RVP
gasoline will be significant. The commenter observes that there are 130
billion tons of air above the Cincinnati/Dayton area, so that an
emission reduction of 5.2 tons per day would only reduce concentrations
by 0.000000004 percent. Finally, the commenter recommends use of a
``Grease Gator'', marketed by Solvent Systems, for cleaning parts
without emitting VOC.
Response: Human health is impaired even at very low air pollutant
concentrations. The ozone standard is 0.08 parts per million, or
0.000008 percent of the molecules in ambient air. EPA set the air
quality standard at this ``trace'' level based on studies showing that
even seemingly negligible concentrations of ozone can adversely affect
human health. Typical VOC concentrations sufficient to cause violations
of this standard are in the same fraction of a part per million range,
attributable in the Cincinnati/Dayton area to emissions of about 300
tons per day. Given the low concentrations at which ozone impairs
health, the implementation of low RVP gasoline will provide a
significant fraction of the reduction of VOC emissions needed in this
area. It should be noted, however, that in reviewing
[[Page 29272]]
this SIP revision EPA is limited to determining whether the legal
criteria for approval are met. The issue before us here is whether the
criteria for approval in 211(c)(4)(C) are met, and we have determined
they have been met. EPA appreciates the recommendation of a parts
cleaning system with zero VOC emissions.
Comment: Several commenters raised concerns with the concept of
further expanding the use of boutique fuels. One commenter goes on to
say that such expansion will further reduce refinery capacity/
efficiency, is likely to cost consumers more, and has the potential to
cause the Ohio areas to face a gasoline shortage in the event of a fuel
disruption scenario. Another commenter is concerned that having special
blends in different parts of the country will cause shortages.
Response: Due to the heightened concern over supply and price
issues and the potential for boutique fuel programs to exacerbate these
issues, Congress directly addressed the issue of boutique fuels in
several ways in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct). EPAct placed
further restrictions on EPA's authority to approve a state fuel program
in the SIP. Under EPAct, EPA may approve a state fuel program for a SIP
only if a fuel is already approved in a SIP for a state in that
Petroleum Administration for Defense Districts (PADD), and the approval
does not increase the total number of state fuels on EPA's list of
fuels. Further, where there is room on the list, prior to approval of a
new fuel, EPA, with Department of Energy consultation, must find no
adverse impact on fuel supply and distribution in either the affected
area or contiguous areas. The 7.8 psi RVP fuel that we are approving
today is not a new fuel because it is already approved in at least one
SIP (Indiana, (61 FR 4895, (February 9, 1996)) in the PADD where Ohio
is located. EPA therefore, does not believe that it is required to make
a finding of no adverse impact effects of a 7.8 psi RVP fuel on fuel
supply and distribution in either Dayton and Cincinnati or the
contiguous areas. EPA also believes that this rule fully complies with
the applicable EPAct requirements. Further, although we received
comments from API on this action, none of the comments received from
the industry side raise any concerns with the industry's ability to
adequately and efficiently supply the 7.8 psi RVP fuel to the affected
areas. Further, API's comments state that ``API and OEPA reached an
agreement on April 4, 2006, that 7.8 RVP fuel will not be required in
Dayton-Cincinnati until one year after final approval by U.S.EPA. API
supports this revised rule as in the best interest of the State of Ohio
and its citizens''.
III. What action is EPA taking?
EPA is approving a SIP revision submitted by the State of Ohio on
February 14, 2006, and October 6, 2006, establishing a 7.8 psi RVP fuel
requirement for gasoline distributed in the Cincinnati and Dayton 8-
hour ozone nonattainment areas. This action is effective on May 31,
2007. EPA is approving Ohio's fuel requirement into the SIP because EPA
has found that the requirement is necessary for Southwest Ohio to
achieve the 8-hour NAAQS for ozone. EPA's approval is consistent with
the boutique fuel provisions of section 211(c)(4)(C) enacted in EPAct.
EPA finds that there is good cause for this action to become
effective by May 31, 2007. The May 31, 2007 effective date for this
action is authorized under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) which allows an effective
date less than 30 days after publication ``as otherwise provided by the
agency for good cause found and published with the rule.'' The purpose
of the 30-day waiting period prescribed in 553(d) is to give affected
parties a reasonable time to adjust their behavior and prepare before
the final rule takes effect. Today's rule, approves Ohio's SIP revision
requiring the use of 7.8 psi RVP gasoline in the Cincinnati and Dayton
areas one year after EPA approval of the fuel waiver request under
section 211(c)(4)(C) of the CAA. RVP control requirements are summer
control programs that are generally implemented during the summer ozone
season beginning on June 1. Making this rule effective before the
beginning of the summer ozone season, will allow the regulated industry
to avoid having to address multiple RVP requirements during the 2008
ozone season. In addition, as noted above, the regulated industry has
had advance notice of this requirement, and the API has agreed to a
settlement with provisions for the 7.8 psi RVP fuel in these areas
twelve months following the approval of a fuel waiver by EPA. For these
reasons, EPA finds good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) for this action
to become effective on May 31, 2007.
IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review
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.
Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use
Because it is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under
Executive Order 12866 or a ``significant regulatory action,'' 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).
Regulatory Flexibility Act
This action merely approves state law as meeting Federal
requirements 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.).
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
Because this rule approves pre-existing requirements under state
law 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).
Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
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).
Executive Order 13132: Federalism
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
[[Page 29273]]
and responsibilities established in the Clean Air Act.
Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental Health
and Safety Risks
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.
National Technology Transfer Advancement Act
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.
Paperwork Reduction Act
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.).
Congressional Review Act
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 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 July 24, 2007. 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, Incorporation by
reference, Intergovernmental relations, Ozone, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile organic compounds.
Dated: May 18, 2007.
Gary Gulezian,
Regional Administrator, Region 5.
0
For the reasons stated in the preamble, part 52, chapter I, of title 40
of the Code of Federal Regulations 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 KK--Ohio
0
2. Section 52.1870 is amended by adding paragraph (c)(138) to read as
follows:
Sec. 52.1870 Identification of plan.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(138) On February 14, 2006, and October 6, 2006, the State of Ohio
submitted a revision to the Ohio State Implementation Plan. This
revision is for the purpose of establishing a gasoline Reid vapor
pressure (RVP) limit of 7.8 pounds per square inch (psi) for gasoline
sold in the Cincinnati and Dayton 8-hour ozone nonattainment areas
which includes Hamilton, Butler, Clinton, Warren, Clermont, Clark,
Greene, Miami, and Montgomery counties.
(i) Incorporation by reference. The following sections of the Ohio
Administrative Code (OAC) are incorporated by reference.
(A) OAC Rule 3745-72-01: ``Applicability'', effective July 17, 2006
except for 3745-72-01(E).
(B) OAC Rule 3745-72-02: ``Definitions'', effective July 17, 2006.
(C) OAC Rule 3745-72-03: ``Gasoline volatility standards and
general provisions'', effective January 16, 2006.
(D) OAC Rule 3745-72-04: ``Transfer documentation and
recordkeeping'', effective January 16, 2006.
(E) OAC Rule 3745-72-05: ``Liability'', effective January 16, 2006.
(F) OAC Rule 3745-72-06: ``Defenses'', effective January 16, 2006.
(G) OAC Rule 3745-72-07: ``Special provisions for alcohol blends'',
effective January 16, 2006.
(H) OAC Rule 3745-72-08: ``Quality assurance and test methods'',
effective January 16, 2006.
(ii) Additional materials.
(A) Letter from Ohio EPA Director Joseph P. Koncelik to Regional
Administrator Thomas Skinner, dated February 14, 2006.
(B) Letter from Ohio EPA Director Joseph P. Koncelik to Regional
Administrator Mary Gade, dated October 6, 2006.
[FR Doc. E7-10054 Filed 5-24-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P