Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans and Designations of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes; Alabama: Birmingham; Determination of Attaining Data for the 2006 24-Hour Fine Particulate Matter Standard, 33562-33565 [2010-14215]

Download as PDF 33562 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 113 / Monday, June 14, 2010 / Proposed Rules Circular No. 11–2A, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Distribution System, which describes the application procedure. wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with PROPOSALS_PART 1 The Proposal 14:20 Jun 11, 2010 Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air). The Proposed Amendment The FAA is proposing an amendment to Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 to modify Class E airspace at Cochise County Airport, Willcox, AZ. Controlled airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface is necessary to accommodate aircraft using the new RNAV (GPS) SIAPs at Cochise County Airport. This action would enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations at the airport. Class E airspace designations are published in paragraph 6005, of FAA Order 7400.9T, signed August 27, 2009, and effective September 15, 2009, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class E airspace designation listed in this document will be published subsequently in this Order. The FAA has determined this proposed regulation only involves an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. Therefore, this proposed regulation; (1) is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979); and (3) does not warrant preparation of a regulatory evaluation as the anticipated impact is so minimal. Since this is a routine matter that will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is certified this proposed rule, when promulgated, would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The FAA’s authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the U.S. Code. Subtitle 1, section 106 describes the authority for the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency’s authority. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in subtitle VII, part A, subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of the airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority as it establishes additional controlled airspace at Cochise County Airport, Willcox, AZ. VerDate Mar<15>2010 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71 Jkt 220001 Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 71 as follows: PART 71—DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS 1. The authority citation for 14 CFR part 71 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959– 1963 Comp., p. 389. § 71.1 [Amended] 2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of the FAA Order 7400.9T, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, signed August 27, 2009, and effective September 15, 2009 is amended as follows: Paragraph 6005 Class E airspace areas extending upward from 700 feet or more above the surface of the earth. * * * AWP AZ E5 * * Willcox, AZ [Modified] Cochise County Airport, AZ (Lat. 32°14′44″ N., long. 109°53′41″ W.) That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface within 6.5-mile radius of the Cochise County Airport and within 5 miles each side of the 225° bearing from the Cochise County Airport extending from the 6.5-mile radius to 14.5 miles southwest of the Cochise County Airport, and within 5.5 miles southeast and 4.5 miles northwest of the 055° bearing from the Cochise County Airport extending from the 6.5-mile radius to 14.5 miles northeast of the Cochise County Airport; that airspace extending upward from 1,200 feet above the surface bounded on the north by lat. 32°22′40″ N., long. 109°25′00″ W.; to lat. 32°14′30″ N., long. 109°28′00″ W.; to lat. 32°21′20″ N., long. 109°58′00″ W.; to lat. 32°30′00″ N., long. 109°54′00″ W.; thence to point of beginning. Issued in Seattle, Washington, on May 26, 2010. Kevin Nolan, Acting Manager, Operations Support Group, Western Service Center. [FR Doc. 2010–14210 Filed 6–11–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R04–OAR–2010–0203–201020; FRL– 9161–4] Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans and Designations of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes; Alabama: Birmingham; Determination of Attaining Data for the 2006 24-Hour Fine Particulate Matter Standard AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule. SUMMARY: EPA is proposing to determine that the Birmingham, Alabama, nonattainment area for the 2006 24-hour fine particulate matter (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has attained the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. This proposed determination is based upon complete, quality assured, quality controlled, and certified ambient air monitoring data for the years 2007–2009 showing that this area has monitored attainment of the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. If this proposed determination is made final, the requirement for the State of Alabama to submit an attainment demonstration and associated reasonably available control measures (RACM), reasonable further progress (RFP) plan, contingency measures, and other planning State Implementation Plans (SIPs) related to attainment of the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 standard for the Birmingham, Alabama, PM2.5 nonattainment area, shall be suspended for as long as this area continues to meet the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before July 14, 2010. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R04– OAR–2010–0203 by one of the following methods: 1. https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. 2. E-mail: benjamin.lynorae@epa.gov. 3. Fax: (404) 562–9019. 4. Mail: ‘‘EPA–R04–OAR–2010–0203,’’ 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. 5. Hand Delivery or Courier: Lynorae Benjamin, Chief, Regulatory Development Section, Air Planning Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics E:\FR\FM\14JNP1.SGM 14JNP1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with PROPOSALS_PART 1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 113 / Monday, June 14, 2010 / Proposed Rules Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street, SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303–8960. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Regional Office’s normal hours of operation. The Regional Office’s official hours of business are Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30, excluding federal holidays. Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA–R04–OAR–2010– 0203. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available online at www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit through https:// www.regulations.gov or by e-mail information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected. The https:// www.regulations.gov Web site is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through https:// www.regulations.gov, your e-mail address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD–ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA’s public docket visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at https:// www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm. Docket: All documents in the electronic docket are listed in the https:// www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, i.e., 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 in www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Regulatory Development Section, Air Planning VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:20 Jun 11, 2010 Jkt 220001 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 federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joel Huey, 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. Mr. Huey may be reached by phone at (404) 562– 9104 or via electronic mail at huey.joel@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. What action is EPA taking? II. What is the effect of this action? III. What is the background for this action? IV. What is EPA’s analysis of the relevant air quality data? V. Proposed Action VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews I. What action is EPA taking? EPA is proposing to determine that the Birmingham, Alabama, PM2.5 nonattainment area has attained the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. This proposed determination is based upon complete, quality assured, quality controlled, and certified ambient air monitoring data for the years 2007–2009 showing that the area has monitored attainment of the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. II. What is the effect of this action? As further discussed below, under the provisions of EPA’s PM2.5 implementation rule (see 40 CFR 51.1004(c)), a final determination for the Birmingham, Alabama, PM2.5 nonattainment area would: (1) Suspend the requirement for the State of Alabama to submit an attainment demonstration and associated RACM (including reasonably available control technologies), RFP plan, contingency measures, and any other planning SIPs related to attainment of the 2006 24hour PM2.5 NAAQS; and (2) continue until such time, if any, that EPA subsequently determines that the area has violated the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. Such a determination would also be separate from, and not influence or otherwise affect, any future designation determination or requirements for the Birmingham, Alabama, area. Furthermore, as described below, any such final PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 33563 determination would not be equivalent to the redesignation of the area to attainment for the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. If this rulemaking is finalized and EPA subsequently determines, after notice-and-comment rulemaking in the Federal Register, that the area has violated the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, the basis for the suspension of the specific requirements, set forth at 40 CFR 51.1004(c), would no longer exist and the area would thereafter have to address pertinent requirements. The determination that EPA proposes with this Federal Register notice, if finalized, would not constitute a redesignation to attainment under section 107(d)(3) of the Clean Air Act (CAA). This is because EPA would not yet have an approved maintenance plan for the area as required under section 175A of the CAA, nor would EPA have determined that the area has met the other requirements for redesignation. The designation status of the area would remain nonattainment for the 2006 24hour PM2.5 NAAQS until such time as EPA determines that the area meets the CAA requirements for redesignation to attainment. This proposed action, if finalized, is limited to a determination that the Birmingham, Alabama, PM2.5 nonattainment area has attained the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. The 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, which became effective on December 18, 2006 (71 FR 61144), is set forth at 40 CFR 50.13. This proposed determination, and any final determination, will have no effect on any designation determination that EPA may make for the Birmingham, Alabama, area based on any future PM2.5 NAAQS. Conversely, any future designation determination of the Birmingham, Alabama, area will not have any effect on the determination proposed by this notice. In addition, this proposed determination, and any final determination, will have no effect on the status of the Birmingham, Alabama, nonattainment area for the 1997 annual PM2.5 standard. If this proposed determination is made final and the Birmingham, Alabama, area continues to monitor attainment with the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, the requirement for the State of Alabama to submit for the Birmingham, Alabama, PM2.5 nonattainment area an attainment demonstration and associated RACM, RFP plan, contingency measures, and any other planning SIPs related to attainment of the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS will remain suspended regardless of whether EPA designates this area as a E:\FR\FM\14JNP1.SGM 14JNP1 33564 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 113 / Monday, June 14, 2010 / Proposed Rules nonattainment area for purposes of any future PM2.5 NAAQS. III. What is the background for this action? On October 17, 2006 (71 FR 61144), EPA revised the level of the healthbased 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS to 35 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) based on a 3-year average of the 98th percentile of 24-hour concentrations. EPA also retained the 1997 annual PM2.5 standard at 15 μg/m3 based on a 3-year average of annual mean PM2.5 concentrations, but with tighter constraints on the spatial averaging criteria. EPA established the standards based on significant evidence and numerous health studies demonstrating that serious health effects are associated with exposure to particulate matter. The process for designating areas following promulgation of a new or revised NAAQS is contained in section 107(d)(1) of the CAA. EPA and state air quality agencies initiated the monitoring process for the PM2.5 NAAQS in 1999 and began operating all air quality monitors by January 2001. On November 13, 2009, EPA published its air quality designations and classifications for the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS based upon air quality monitoring data from those monitors for calendar years 2006–2008 (74 FR 58688). Those designations became effective on December 14, 2009. The Birmingham, Alabama, area, comprising Jefferson County, Shelby County, and a portion of Walker County, was designated nonattainment for the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS (see 40 CFR part 81). On February 24, 2010, the State of Alabama submitted a letter to EPA requesting that the Agency make a determination that the Birmingham, Alabama, PM2.5 nonattainment area has attained the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS based on data for the period 2007 through 2009. IV. What is EPA’s analysis of the relevant air quality data? EPA has reviewed the ambient air monitoring data for PM2.5, consistent with the requirements contained in 40 CFR part 50, as recorded in the EPA Air Quality System (AQS) database for the Birmingham, Alabama, 2006 24-hour PM2.5 nonattainment area. All data considered have been recorded in the AQS data base, certified as meeting quality assurance requirements, and determined to have met data completeness requirements. On the basis of that review, EPA has concluded that this area attained the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS during the 2007–2009 monitoring period. Under EPA regulations at 40 CFR 50.7: The 24-hour primary and secondary PM2.5 standards are met when the 98th percentile 24-hour concentration, as determined in accordance with appendix N of this part, is less than or equal to 35 μg/m3. The following table shows the design values (the metrics calculated in accordance with 40 CFR part 50, appendix N, for determining compliance with the NAAQS) for the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS for the Birmingham, Alabama, nonattainment area monitors for the years 2007–2009. 24-HOUR PM2.5 DESIGN VALUES FOR MONITORS IN THE BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, NONATTAINMENT AREA Location AQS site ID North Birmingham .......................................................... McAdory ......................................................................... Bruce Shaw Road .......................................................... Asheville Road ............................................................... Wylam ............................................................................ Hoover ............................................................................ Pinson High School ....................................................... Corner School Road ...................................................... Pelham High School ...................................................... Highland Avenue ............................................................ 01–073–0023 01–073–1005 01–073–1009 01–073–1010 01–073–2003 01–073–2006 01–073–5002 01–073–5003 01–117–0006 01–127–0002 Because the 2007–2009 design value at each monitor in the Birmingham 2006 24-hour PM2.5 nonattainment area is less than the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS of 35 μg/m3, EPA is proposing to determine that the area has monitored attainment for this NAAQS. EPA is soliciting public comments on the issues discussed in this document. These comments will be considered before taking final action. wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with PROPOSALS_PART 1 2007 98th percentile V. Proposed Action EPA is proposing to determine that the Birmingham, Alabama, nonattainment area for the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS has attained the 2006 24hour PM2.5 NAAQS based on 2007–2009 monitoring data. As provided in 40 CFR 51.1004(c), if EPA finalizes this determination, it will suspend the requirements for the State of Alabama to submit for this area an attainment VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:20 Jun 11, 2010 Jkt 220001 42.8 30.9 31.4 33.0 37.7 29.8 34.2 32.5 30.9 30.9 demonstration and associated RACM, RFP plan, contingency measures, and any other planning SIPs related to attainment of the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS as long as the area continues to attain the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews This action proposes to make a determination based on air quality data, and would, if finalized, result in the suspension of certain Federal requirements. For that reason, this proposed action: • Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993); • Does not impose an information collection burden under the provisions PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4702 2008 98th percentile Sfmt 4702 33.5 25.8 27.3 24.6 33.5 25.9 26.4 30.0 24.8 24.3 2009 98th percentile 24.4 21.3 22.1 19.1 25.2 20.4 21.3 21.3 21.2 22.1 2007–2009 design value 34 26 27 26 32 25 27 28 26 26 of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.); • Is certified as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); • Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4); • Does not have Federalism implications as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999); • Is not an economically significant regulatory action based on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 2006); • Is not a significant regulatory action subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001); E:\FR\FM\14JNP1.SGM 14JNP1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 113 / Monday, June 14, 2010 / Proposed Rules • Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent with the CAA; and • Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). In addition, this proposed rule does not have tribal implications, as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), because the SIP is not approved to apply in Indian country located in the state, and EPA notes that it will not impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law. List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52 Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. Dated: June 2, 2010. Beverly H. Banister, Acting Regional Administrator, Region 4. [FR Doc. 2010–14215 Filed 6–11–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 49 CFR Part 535 [Docket No. NHTSA–2010–0079] Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for New Medium- and Heavy-Duty Fuel Efficiency Improvement Program wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with PROPOSALS_PART 1 AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of intent; request for scoping comments. SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), NHTSA plans to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze the potential environmental impacts of the agency’s new fuel efficiency improvement program for commercial medium- and heavy-duty on-highway vehicles and work trucks (referred to hereinafter as MD/HD vehicles). The EIS will consider the potential environmental impacts of new VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:20 Jun 11, 2010 Jkt 220001 standards starting with model year (MY) 2016 MD/HD vehicles, and voluntary compliance standards for MY 2014– 2015 MD/HD vehicles, that NHTSA will be proposing pursuant to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. This notice initiates the NEPA scoping process by inviting comments from Federal, State, and local agencies, Indian tribes, and the public to help identify the environmental issues and reasonable alternatives to be examined in the EIS. This notice also provides guidance for participating in the scoping process and additional information about the alternatives NHTSA expects to consider in its NEPA analysis. DATES: The scoping process will culminate in the preparation and issuance of a Draft EIS, which will be made available for public comment. To ensure that NHTSA has an opportunity to fully consider scoping comments and to facilitate NHTSA’s prompt preparation of the Draft EIS, scoping comments should be received on or before July 14, 2010. NHTSA will try to consider comments received after that date to the extent the rulemaking schedule allows. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments to the docket number identified in the heading of this document by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments by clicking on ‘‘Help’’ or ‘‘FAQs.’’ • Mail: Docket Management Facility, M–30, U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery or Courier: U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12– 140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Fax: 202–493–2251. Regardless of how you submit your comments, you should mention the docket number of this document. You may call the Docket at 202–366– 9826. Note that all comments received, including any personal information provided, will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical issues, contact Angel Jackson, Fuel Economy Division, Office of International Policy, Fuel Economy and Consumer Standards, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 33565 20590. Telephone: 202–366–5206. For legal issues, contact Carrie Gage, Legislation & General Law Division, Office of the Chief Counsel, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: 202–366–1834. In a forthcoming notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), NHTSA intends to propose fuel efficiency standards starting with model year (MY) 2016 commercial medium- and heavy-duty on-highway vehicles and work trucks (hereinafter referred to collectively as MD/HD vehicles), and voluntary compliance standards for MYs 2014– 2015 MD/HD vehicles, pursuant to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA).1 In connection with this action, NHTSA intends to prepare an EIS to analyze the potential environmental impacts of the proposed MD/HD vehicle fuel efficiency standards and reasonable alternative standards pursuant to the NEPA and implementing regulations issued by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and NHTSA.2 NEPA instructs Federal agencies to consider the potential environmental impacts of their proposed actions and possible alternatives in their decisionmaking. To inform decisionmakers and the public, the EIS will compare the potential environmental impacts of the agency’s preferred alternative and reasonable alternatives, including a ‘‘no action’’ alternative. As required by NEPA, the EIS will consider direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts and discuss impacts in proportion to their significance. Background. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA) mandated that NHTSA establish and implement a regulatory program for motor vehicle fuel economy to meet the various facets of the need to conserve energy. As codified in Chapter 329 of Title 49 of the U.S. Code, and as amended by EISA, EPCA sets forth extensive requirements concerning the establishment of fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles (hereinafter referred to as ‘‘passenger cars’’) and non-passenger automobiles (hereinafter referred to as ‘‘light trucks’’). Pursuant to this statutory authority, NHTSA sets Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1 Public Law No. 110–140, 121 Stat. 1492 (Dec. 19, 2007) (codified at 49 U.S.C. 32901 et seq.). 2 NEPA is codified at 42 U.S.C. 4321–4347. CEQ’s NEPA implementing regulations are codified at 40 CFR 1500–1508, and NHTSA’s NEPA implementing regulations are codified at 49 CFR part 520. E:\FR\FM\14JNP1.SGM 14JNP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 113 (Monday, June 14, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 33562-33565]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-14215]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R04-OAR-2010-0203-201020; FRL-9161-4]


Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans and 
Designations of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes; Alabama: 
Birmingham; Determination of Attaining Data for the 2006 24-Hour Fine 
Particulate Matter Standard

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: EPA is proposing to determine that the Birmingham, Alabama, 
nonattainment area for the 2006 24-hour fine particulate matter 
(PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has 
attained the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. This proposed 
determination is based upon complete, quality assured, quality 
controlled, and certified ambient air monitoring data for the years 
2007-2009 showing that this area has monitored attainment of the 2006 
24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. If this proposed determination is made 
final, the requirement for the State of Alabama to submit an attainment 
demonstration and associated reasonably available control measures 
(RACM), reasonable further progress (RFP) plan, contingency measures, 
and other planning State Implementation Plans (SIPs) related to 
attainment of the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 standard for the 
Birmingham, Alabama, PM2.5 nonattainment area, shall be 
suspended for as long as this area continues to meet the 2006 24-hour 
PM2.5 NAAQS.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before July 14, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R04-
OAR-2010-0203 by one of the following methods:
    1. https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for 
submitting comments.
    2. E-mail: benjamin.lynorae@epa.gov.
    3. Fax: (404) 562-9019.
    4. Mail: ``EPA-R04-OAR-2010-0203,'' 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.
    5. Hand Delivery or Courier: Lynorae Benjamin, Chief, Regulatory 
Development Section, Air Planning Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics

[[Page 33563]]

Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 
Forsyth Street, SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960. Such deliveries are 
only accepted during the Regional Office's normal hours of operation. 
The Regional Office's official hours of business are Monday through 
Friday, 8:30 to 4:30, excluding federal holidays.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-R04-OAR-
2010-0203. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included 
in the public docket without change and may be made available online at 
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, 
unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential 
Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is 
restricted by statute. Do not submit through https://www.regulations.gov 
or by e-mail information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise 
protected. The https://www.regulations.gov Web site is an ``anonymous 
access'' system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact 
information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you 
send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through https://www.regulations.gov, your e-mail address will be automatically captured 
and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket 
and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic 
comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact 
information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD-ROM you 
submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties 
and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to 
consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special 
characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or 
viruses. For additional information about EPA's public docket visit the 
EPA Docket Center homepage at https://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.
    Docket: All documents in the electronic docket are listed in the 
https://www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some 
information is not publicly available, i.e., 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 in 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 
federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joel Huey, 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. Mr. Huey may be reached by 
phone at (404) 562-9104 or via electronic mail at huey.joel@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. What action is EPA taking?
II. What is the effect of this action?
III. What is the background for this action?
IV. What is EPA's analysis of the relevant air quality data?
V. Proposed Action
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

I. What action is EPA taking?

    EPA is proposing to determine that the Birmingham, Alabama, 
PM2.5 nonattainment area has attained the 2006 24-hour 
PM2.5 NAAQS. This proposed determination is based upon 
complete, quality assured, quality controlled, and certified ambient 
air monitoring data for the years 2007-2009 showing that the area has 
monitored attainment of the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS.

II. What is the effect of this action?

    As further discussed below, under the provisions of EPA's 
PM2.5 implementation rule (see 40 CFR 51.1004(c)), a final 
determination for the Birmingham, Alabama, PM2.5 
nonattainment area would: (1) Suspend the requirement for the State of 
Alabama to submit an attainment demonstration and associated RACM 
(including reasonably available control technologies), RFP plan, 
contingency measures, and any other planning SIPs related to attainment 
of the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS; and (2) continue until such 
time, if any, that EPA subsequently determines that the area has 
violated the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. Such a determination 
would also be separate from, and not influence or otherwise affect, any 
future designation determination or requirements for the Birmingham, 
Alabama, area. Furthermore, as described below, any such final 
determination would not be equivalent to the redesignation of the area 
to attainment for the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS.
    If this rulemaking is finalized and EPA subsequently determines, 
after notice-and-comment rulemaking in the Federal Register, that the 
area has violated the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, the basis 
for the suspension of the specific requirements, set forth at 40 CFR 
51.1004(c), would no longer exist and the area would thereafter have to 
address pertinent requirements.
    The determination that EPA proposes with this Federal Register 
notice, if finalized, would not constitute a redesignation to 
attainment under section 107(d)(3) of the Clean Air Act (CAA). This is 
because EPA would not yet have an approved maintenance plan for the 
area as required under section 175A of the CAA, nor would EPA have 
determined that the area has met the other requirements for 
redesignation. The designation status of the area would remain 
nonattainment for the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS until such 
time as EPA determines that the area meets the CAA requirements for 
redesignation to attainment.
    This proposed action, if finalized, is limited to a determination 
that the Birmingham, Alabama, PM2.5 nonattainment area has 
attained the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. The 2006 24-hour 
PM2.5 NAAQS, which became effective on December 18, 2006 (71 
FR 61144), is set forth at 40 CFR 50.13. This proposed determination, 
and any final determination, will have no effect on any designation 
determination that EPA may make for the Birmingham, Alabama, area based 
on any future PM2.5 NAAQS. Conversely, any future 
designation determination of the Birmingham, Alabama, area will not 
have any effect on the determination proposed by this notice. In 
addition, this proposed determination, and any final determination, 
will have no effect on the status of the Birmingham, Alabama, 
nonattainment area for the 1997 annual PM2.5 standard.
    If this proposed determination is made final and the Birmingham, 
Alabama, area continues to monitor attainment with the 2006 24-hour 
PM2.5 NAAQS, the requirement for the State of Alabama to 
submit for the Birmingham, Alabama, PM2.5 nonattainment area 
an attainment demonstration and associated RACM, RFP plan, contingency 
measures, and any other planning SIPs related to attainment of the 2006 
24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS will remain suspended regardless of 
whether EPA designates this area as a

[[Page 33564]]

nonattainment area for purposes of any future PM2.5 NAAQS.

III. What is the background for this action?

    On October 17, 2006 (71 FR 61144), EPA revised the level of the 
health-based 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS to 35 micrograms per cubic 
meter ([mu]g/m\3\) based on a 3-year average of the 98th percentile of 
24-hour concentrations. EPA also retained the 1997 annual 
PM2.5 standard at 15 [mu]g/m\3\ based on a 3-year average of 
annual mean PM2.5 concentrations, but with tighter 
constraints on the spatial averaging criteria. EPA established the 
standards based on significant evidence and numerous health studies 
demonstrating that serious health effects are associated with exposure 
to particulate matter. The process for designating areas following 
promulgation of a new or revised NAAQS is contained in section 
107(d)(1) of the CAA. EPA and state air quality agencies initiated the 
monitoring process for the PM2.5 NAAQS in 1999 and began 
operating all air quality monitors by January 2001. On November 13, 
2009, EPA published its air quality designations and classifications 
for the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS based upon air quality 
monitoring data from those monitors for calendar years 2006-2008 (74 FR 
58688). Those designations became effective on December 14, 2009. The 
Birmingham, Alabama, area, comprising Jefferson County, Shelby County, 
and a portion of Walker County, was designated nonattainment for the 
2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS (see 40 CFR part 81). On February 
24, 2010, the State of Alabama submitted a letter to EPA requesting 
that the Agency make a determination that the Birmingham, Alabama, 
PM2.5 nonattainment area has attained the 2006 24-hour 
PM2.5 NAAQS based on data for the period 2007 through 2009.

IV. What is EPA's analysis of the relevant air quality data?

    EPA has reviewed the ambient air monitoring data for 
PM2.5, consistent with the requirements contained in 40 CFR 
part 50, as recorded in the EPA Air Quality System (AQS) database for 
the Birmingham, Alabama, 2006 24-hour PM2.5 nonattainment 
area. All data considered have been recorded in the AQS data base, 
certified as meeting quality assurance requirements, and determined to 
have met data completeness requirements. On the basis of that review, 
EPA has concluded that this area attained the 2006 24-hour 
PM2.5 NAAQS during the 2007-2009 monitoring period. Under 
EPA regulations at 40 CFR 50.7:

    The 24-hour primary and secondary PM2.5 standards are 
met when the 98th percentile 24-hour concentration, as determined in 
accordance with appendix N of this part, is less than or equal to 35 
[mu]g/m\3\.

    The following table shows the design values (the metrics calculated 
in accordance with 40 CFR part 50, appendix N, for determining 
compliance with the NAAQS) for the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS 
for the Birmingham, Alabama, nonattainment area monitors for the years 
2007-2009.

             24-Hour PM2.5 Design Values for Monitors in the Birmingham, Alabama, Nonattainment Area
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  2007 98th        2008 98th        2009 98th        2007-2009
           Location              AQS site ID      percentile       percentile       percentile     design  value
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Birmingham.............     01-073-0023             42.8             33.5             24.4              34
McAdory......................     01-073-1005             30.9             25.8             21.3              26
Bruce Shaw Road..............     01-073-1009             31.4             27.3             22.1              27
Asheville Road...............     01-073-1010             33.0             24.6             19.1              26
Wylam........................     01-073-2003             37.7             33.5             25.2              32
Hoover.......................     01-073-2006             29.8             25.9             20.4              25
Pinson High School...........     01-073-5002             34.2             26.4             21.3              27
Corner School Road...........     01-073-5003             32.5             30.0             21.3              28
Pelham High School...........     01-117-0006             30.9             24.8             21.2              26
Highland Avenue..............     01-127-0002             30.9             24.3             22.1              26
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Because the 2007-2009 design value at each monitor in the 
Birmingham 2006 24-hour PM2.5 nonattainment area is less 
than the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS of 35 [mu]g/m\3\, EPA is 
proposing to determine that the area has monitored attainment for this 
NAAQS. EPA is soliciting public comments on the issues discussed in 
this document. These comments will be considered before taking final 
action.

V. Proposed Action

    EPA is proposing to determine that the Birmingham, Alabama, 
nonattainment area for the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS has 
attained the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS based on 2007-2009 
monitoring data. As provided in 40 CFR 51.1004(c), if EPA finalizes 
this determination, it will suspend the requirements for the State of 
Alabama to submit for this area an attainment demonstration and 
associated RACM, RFP plan, contingency measures, and any other planning 
SIPs related to attainment of the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS 
as long as the area continues to attain the 2006 24-hour 
PM2.5 NAAQS.

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This action proposes to make a determination based on air quality 
data, and would, if finalized, result in the suspension of certain 
Federal requirements. For that reason, this proposed action:
     Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' subject to 
review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 
12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993);
     Does not impose an information collection burden under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
     Is certified as not having a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
     Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4);
     Does not have Federalism implications as specified in 
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
     Is not an economically significant regulatory action based 
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 2006);
     Is not a significant regulatory action subject to 
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);

[[Page 33565]]

     Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the 
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 
note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent 
with the CAA; and
     Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to 
address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental 
effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under 
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
    In addition, this proposed rule does not have tribal implications, 
as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), 
because the SIP is not approved to apply in Indian country located in 
the state, and EPA notes that it will not impose substantial direct 
costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by 
reference, Intergovernmental relations, Particulate matter, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements.

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

    Dated: June 2, 2010.
Beverly H. Banister,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 4.
[FR Doc. 2010-14215 Filed 6-11-10; 8:45 am]
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