Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; State of Kansas, 17599-17607 [2011-7467]

Agencies

• ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 61 (Wednesday, March 30, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17599-17607]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-7467]


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

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R07-OAR-2011-0304 FRL-9288-1]


Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; State of 
Kansas

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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

SUMMARY: EPA is proposing to approve the State Implementation Plan 
(SIP) submittal from the State of Kansas addressing the requirements of 
Clean Air Act (CAA) sections 110(a)(1) and (2) for the 1997 revisions 
to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone. 
Section 110(a)(1) requires that each state adopt and submit a SIP to 
support implementation of each new or revised NAAQS promulgated by the 
EPA and these SIPs are commonly referred to as ``infrastructure'' SIPs. 
EPA believes that Kansas' infrastructure SIP adequately addresses the 
elements described in section 110(a)(2) and further described in the 
October 2, 2007 guidance for infrastructure SIPs issued by the EPA 
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards. However, because EPA 
already approved the portion of Kansas' SIP submittal relating to the 
interstate transport infrastructure element, section 110(a)(2)(D)(i), 
this proposed rulemaking does not address the interstate transport 
element, nor does this proposal reopen any aspect of EPA's prior action 
on the interstate transport element. Furthermore, this action does not 
address infrastructure requirements with respect to the 1997 
PM2.5 NAAQS or the 2006 revisions to the NAAQS. Those 
requirements will be addressed in future rulemaking.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 29, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R07-
OAR-2011-0304 by one of the following methods:
    1. https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for 
submitting comments.
    2. E-mail: kramer.elizabeth@epa.gov.
    3. Mail: Ms. Elizabeth Kramer, Air Planning and Development Branch, 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7, Air and Waste 
Management Division, 901 North 5th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66101.
    4. Hand Delivery or Courier: Deliver your comments to Ms. Elizabeth 
Kramer, Air Planning and Development Branch, U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency, Region 7, Air and Waste Management Division, 901 
North 5th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66101.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-R07-OAR-
2011-0304. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included 
in the public docket without change and may be made available online at 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be 
Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose 
disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit through https://www.regulations.gov or 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 should be 
free of any defects or viruses.
    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, will be publicly available only in hard copy. 
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically 
in https://www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency, Region 7, 901 North 5th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 
66101, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding 
legal holidays. The interested persons wanting to examine these 
documents should make an appointment with the office at least 24 hours 
in advance.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Elizabeth Kramer, Air Planning and 
Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7, 901 
North 5th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66101; telephone number: (913) 
551-7186; fax number: (913) 551-7844; e-mail address: 
kramer.elizabeth@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document whenever ``we,'' 
``us,'' or ``our'' is used, we refer to EPA. This section provides 
additional

[[Page 17600]]

information by addressing the following questions:

I. What is a section 110(a)(1) and (2) infrastructure SIP?
II. What elements are applicable under section 110(a)(1) and (2)?
III. What is EPA's evaluation of how the state addressed the 
relevant elements of section 110(a)(1) and (2)?
IV. What action is EPA proposing?
V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

I. What is a section 110(a)(1) and (2) infrastructure SIP?

    Section 110(a)(1) and (2) of the CAA require, in part, that states 
submit to EPA plans to implement, maintain and enforce each of the 
NAAQS promulgated by EPA. These provisions require states to address 
basic SIP requirements including, for example, adequate provisions for 
emission inventory development, monitoring, and modeling to assure 
attainment and maintenance of the applicable standards. By statute, 
SIPs meeting the requirements of section 110(a)(1) and (2) are to be 
submitted by States within three years after promulgation of a new or 
revised standard. These SIPs are commonly referred to as 
``infrastructure'' SIPs.

II. What elements are applicable under section 110(a)(1) and (2)?

    On October 2, 2007, EPA issued guidance to address infrastructure 
SIP elements required under section 110(a)(1) and (2) for the 1997 8-
hour ozone and PM2.5 NAAQS.\1\ EPA will address these 
elements below under the following headings: (A) Emission limits and 
other control measures; (B) Ambient air quality monitoring/data system; 
(C) Program for enforcement of control measures (PSD, New Source Review 
for nonattainment areas, and construction and modification of all 
stationary sources); (D) Interstate and international transport; (E) 
Adequate authority, resources, implementation, and oversight; (F) 
Stationary source monitoring system; (G) Emergency authority; (H) 
Future SIP revisions; (I) Nonattainment areas; \2\ (J) Consultation 
with government officials, public notification, prevention of 
significant deterioration (PSD), and visibility protection; \3\ (K) Air 
quality modeling/data; (L) Permitting fees; and (M) Consultation/
participation by affected local entities.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ William T. Harnett, Director, Air Quality Policy Division, 
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards. ``Guidance on SIP 
Elements Required Under Sections 110(a)(1) and (2) for the 1997 8-
hour Ozone and PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality 
Standards.'' Memorandum to EPA Air Division Directors, Regions I-X, 
October 2, 2007.
    \2\ As discussed in further detail below, subsection 
110(a)(2)(I) is not applicable for the infrastructure SIP approval 
process and therefore EPA will take action on the requirements of 
part D attainment plans separately.
    \3\ As discussed in further detail below, subsection 
110(a)(2)(J), as it relates to visibility protection, is also not 
applicable for the infrastructure SIP approval process, and 
therefore EPA is not addressing it in today's proposed rulemaking.
    \4\ This action does not address infrastructure requirements 
with respect to the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS or the 2006 
revisions to the NAAQS. Those requirements will be addressed in 
future rulemaking.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. What is EPA's evaluation of how the state addressed the relevant 
elements of section 110(a)(1) and (2)?

    On July 18, 1997, EPA promulgated new 8-hour ozone and new fine 
particulate matter primary and secondary NAAQS. (62 FR 38894; 62 FR 
38711). On January 8, 2008, EPA Region 7 received the state of Kansas' 
ozone infrastructure SIP submittal. In a letter dated July 20, 2009, 
Kansas provided additional clarification on this submittal. EPA has 
reviewed the state's formal submission and the relevant statutory and 
regulatory authorities and provisions generally referenced in the 
submittal from Kansas.
    As described below, today's action only pertains to the 1997 ozone 
standard; it does not pertain to EPA's 1997 promulgation of the 
PM2.5 standards. In addition, it does not address issues 
relating to interstate transport under section 110(a)(2)(D)(i), which 
have already been addressed for the 1997 ozone and PM2.5 
NAAQS in prior rulemaking (72 FR 10608).\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ Subsequent to this approval, updated modeling in support of 
the proposed Transport Rule (75 FR 45210) has indicated that 
emissions from Kansas interfere with maintenance of the 1997 8-hour 
ozone NAAQS in downwind areas. Therefore, EPA believes that the 
previously approved Kansas SIP may no longer adequately address 
these emissions. Therefore, in a separate action, EPA has proposed 
to find that the SIP revision approved on March 9, 2007 is 
substantially inadequate pursuant to section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I). If 
EPA finalizes this proposed finding, Kansas would be required to 
revise its SIP to correct these deficiencies. See 76 FR 763 (January 
6, 2011) for more details.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Kansas' SIP submittal addresses the provisions of section 110(a)(1) 
and (2) as described below. EPA believes that Kansas has the adequate 
infrastructure needed to address all applicable elements of section 
110(a)(1) and (2) for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS.
    (A) Emission limits and other control measures: Section 
110(a)(2)(A) requires SIPs to include enforceable emission limits and 
other control measures, means or techniques, schedules for compliance 
and other related matters as needed to implement, maintain and enforce 
each NAAQS.
    The state of Kansas' statutes and regulations authorize Kansas 
Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to regulate air quality and 
implement air quality control regulations. KDHE's statutory authority 
can be found in Chapter 65, Article 30 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated 
(KSA), otherwise known as the Kansas Air Quality Act. KSA Section 65-
3003 places the responsibility for air quality conservation and control 
of air pollution with the Secretary of Health and Environment 
(``Secretary''). The Secretary in turn administers the Kansas Air 
Quality Act through the Division of Environment within KDHE. Air 
pollution is defined in KSA Section 65-3002(c) as the presence in the 
outdoor atmosphere of one or more air contaminants in such quantities 
and duration as is, or tends significantly to be, injurious to human 
health or welfare, animal or plant life, or property, or would 
unreasonably interfere with the enjoyment of life or property, or would 
contribute to the formation of regional haze.
    KSA Section 65-3005(a)(1) provides authority to the Secretary to 
adopt, amend and repeal rules and regulations implementing the Kansas 
Air Quality Act. It also gives the Secretary the authority to establish 
ambient air quality standards for the state of Kansas as a whole or for 
any part thereof. KSA Section 65-3005(a)(12). The Secretary also has 
the authority to establish emission control requirements as appropriate 
to facilitate the accomplishment of the purposes of the Kansas Air 
Quality Act. KSA Section 65-3010(a).
    In its letters to EPA dated January 2, 2008, and July 20, 2009, 
transmitting its revisions to the Kansas SIP, KDHE stated that the 
revised SIP specifically addressed the revised NAAQS promulgated on 
July 18, 1997, for ozone. This assertion is consistent with previous 
SIP submissions, which EPA has approved for Kansas, implementing the 
1997 ozone standards.\6\ Therefore, EPA believes ozone is an air 
contaminant which may be regulated under Kansas law.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ For example, KDHE submitted its ``Kansas City Eight-Hour 
Ozone Maintenance Plan'' to EPA on May 23, 2007, which was approved 
by EPA on August 9, 2007. See 72 FR 44781. This plan specifically 
demonstrates how KDHE will maintain the 8-hour ozone standard 
promulgated in 1997, consistent with the requirements of section 
110(a)(1) and implementing regulations at 40 CFR 51.905(a)(4). It 
also contains contingency plans to ensure that any violation of the 
1997 ozone standard is promptly corrected.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA notes that the Kansas Air Quality Regulations provide 
exemptions from the emission control requirements for malfunction 
breakdowns or necessary repairs, under certain conditions. See,

[[Page 17601]]

e.g., KAR 28-19-11. In today's proposed rulemaking, EPA is not 
proposing to approve or disapprove any existing state provisions with 
regard to excess emissions during a startup, shutdown or malfunction 
(SSM) of operations at a facility. EPA believes that a number of states 
have SSM provisions that are contrary to the Clean Air Act and existing 
EPA guidance,\7\ and the Agency plans to address such state regulations 
in the future. In the meantime, EPA encourages any state having a 
deficient SSM provision to take steps to correct it as soon as 
possible.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ Steven Herman, Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and 
Compliance Assurance, and Robert Perciasepe, Assistant Administrator 
for Air and Radiation. ``State Implementation Plans (SIPs): Policy 
Regarding Excess Emissions During Malfunctions, Startup, and 
Shutdown.'' Memorandum to EPA Air Division Directors, September 20, 
1999.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA also notes that the Kansas Air Quality Act contains provisions 
at KSA 65-3013 that give the Secretary the authority, under certain 
circumstances, to grant variances from rules and regulations 
established under the Clean Air Act.\8\ Furthermore, the Kansas Air 
Quality Regulations contain provisions which allow the Secretary of 
KDHE to exercise his or her discretion to approve alternatives to the 
Kansas regulations (see, e.g., KAR 28-19-19(l)(5), which allows for 
data reporting procedures that vary from those in the regulation; KAR 
28-19-210(a), which allows KDHE to approve alternate methods for 
calculating actual emissions from an emissions unit or stationary 
source). In this action, EPA is not proposing to approve or disapprove 
any existing state rules with regard to such ``variance'' or 
``Secretary's discretion'' provisions. EPA believes that a number of 
states have such provisions that are contrary to the Clean Air Act and 
existing EPA guidance,\9\ and the Agency plans to take action in the 
future to address such state regulations. In the meantime, EPA 
encourages any state having a ``variance'' or ``Secretary's 
(director's) discretion'' provision that is contrary to the Clean Air 
Act and EPA guidance to take steps to correct the deficiency as soon as 
possible.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ The statutory variance provisions are not included in the 
Kansas SIP and are not recognized under federal law. In any event, a 
variance from an EPA-approved SIP requirement would not be 
recognized as a revision to the SIP unless approved by EPA under the 
CAA requirements for SIP revisions (see, 40 CFR 51.104(d)).
    \9\ J. Craig Potter, Assistant Administrator for Air and 
Radiation, Thomas L. Adams, Jr., Assistant Administrator for 
Enforcement and Compliance Monitoring, and Francis S. Blake, General 
Counsel, Office of General Counsel. ``Review of State Implementation 
Plans and Revisions for Enforceability and Legal Sufficiency.'' 
Memorandum, September 23, 1987. See also 52 FR 45109 (November 24, 
1987).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA believes that Kansas has statutory and regulatory authority to 
establish additional emissions limitations and other measures, as 
necessary to address attainment and maintenance of the ozone standards. 
Therefore, EPA believes that the Kansas SIP adequately addresses the 
requirements of section 110(a)(2)(A) for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS.
    (B) Ambient air quality monitoring/data system: Section 
110(a)(2)(B) requires SIPs to include provisions to provide for 
establishment and operation of ambient air quality monitors, collection 
and analysis of ambient air quality data, and making these data 
available to EPA upon request.
    To address this element, KSA Section 65-3007 provides the enabling 
authority necessary for Kansas to fulfill the requirements of section 
110(a)(2)(B). This provision gives the Secretary the authority to 
classify air contaminant sources which, in his or her judgment, may 
cause or contribute to air pollution. Furthermore, the Secretary has 
the authority to require such air contaminant sources to monitor 
emissions, operating parameters, ambient impacts of any source 
emissions, and any other parameters deemed necessary. KSA Section 65-
3007(b). The Secretary can also require these sources to keep records 
and make reports consistent with the Kansas Air Quality Act.
    Kansas has an air quality monitoring network operated by KDHE and 
local air quality agencies that collects air quality data that are 
compiled, analyzed, and reported to EPA. KDHE's Web site contains up-
to-date information about air quality monitoring, including a 
description of the network and information about the monitoring of 
ozone. See https://www.kdheks.gov/bar/air-monitor/indexMon.html. On 
February 23, 2010, EPA approved Kansas' 2009 ambient air monitoring 
network plan.
    Within KDHE, the Bureau of Air and Radiation implements these 
requirements. Along with its other duties, the monitoring program 
collects air monitoring data, quality assures the results, and reports 
the data. The data are then used to develop the appropriate regulatory 
or outreach strategies to reduce air pollution.
    KDHE submits a 5-Year Ambient Air Monitoring Network Assessment to 
EPA, including plans for its ozone monitoring network, as required by 
40 CFR 58.10. The most recent 5-year network assessment was dated 
August 30, 2010. Kansas makes this plan available for public review on 
KDHE's Web site. See, e.g., https://www.kdheks.gov/bar/air-monitor/2010_Kansas_5-year_Monitoring_Network_Assessment.pdf. This Plan 
includes, among other things, the locations for the ozone monitoring 
network. Kansas submits air quality data from this network to EPA's Air 
Quality System (AQS), which EPA and KDHE use to determine if the 
network site monitors are in compliance with the NAAQS.
    Based on the foregoing, EPA believes that the Kansas SIP meets the 
requirements of section 110(a)(2)(B) for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS.
    (C) Program for enforcement of control measures (PSD, New Source 
Review for nonattainment areas, and construction and modification of 
all stationary sources): Section 110(a)(2)(C) requires states to 
include the following elements in the SIP: (1) A program providing for 
enforcement of all SIP measures described in section 110(a)(2)(A); (2) 
a program for the regulation of the modification and construction of 
stationary sources as necessary to protect the applicable NAAQS; and 
(3) a permit program to meet the major source permitting requirements 
of the Act (including the program for areas designated as not attaining 
the NAAQS, and a program for the prevention of significant 
deterioration of air quality program in other areas). Note that all 
areas of Kansas are currently in attainment with the NAAQS. In 
addition, as discussed in further detail below, this proposed 
infrastructure SIP rulemaking will not address the Kansas program for 
nonattainment area-related provisions, since those are not applicable 
for the infrastructure SIP approval process.
    (1) With respect to enforcement of requirements of the SIP, KSA 
Section 65-3005(a)(3) gives the Secretary the authority to issue 
orders, permits and approvals as may be necessary to effectuate the 
purposes of the Kansas Air Quality Act and enforce the Act by all 
appropriate administrative and judicial proceedings. Pursuant to KSA 
Section 65-3006, the Secretary also has the authority to publish and 
enforce rules, regulations and standards to implement the Act and to 
employ the professional, technical or other staff to effectuate the 
provisions of the Act. In addition, if the Secretary or the director of 
the Division of Environment finds that any person has violated any 
provision of any approval, permit or compliance plan or any provision 
of the Act or any rule or regulation promulgated under the Act, he or 
she may issue an order directing the person to take such action as 
necessary to

[[Page 17602]]

correct the violation. KSA Section 65-3011.
    KSA Section 65-3018 gives the Secretary the authority to impose a 
monetary penalty against any person who either violates any order or 
permit issued under the Kansas Air Quality Act, or violates any 
provision of the Act or rule or regulation promulgated thereunder. 
Section 65-3019 provides for criminal penalties for knowing violations.
    (2) Section 110(a)(2)(C) also requires that the SIP include 
measures to regulate construction and modification of stationary 
sources to protect the NAAQS. Kansas has a program under KAR 28-19-300 
that requires sources (which meet certain criteria listed in KAR 28-19-
300(a)) to first obtain a construction permit from KDHE. The permitting 
process is designed to ensure, among other things, that new and 
modified sources will not interfere with NAAQS attainment. If KDHE 
determines that emissions from a constructed or modified source will 
interfere with attainment or maintenance of the NAAQS, it cannot issue 
the permit. See KAR 28-19-301(d).
    Kansas also requires preconstruction permits for a second category 
of smaller sources that meet the criteria listed in KAR 28-19-300(b). 
Prior to commencing construction or modification, these sources must 
obtain an approval from KDHE. Again, if KDHE determines that emissions 
from a constructed or modified source will interfere with attainment or 
maintenance of the NAAQS, it cannot issue the approval.
    The Kansas regulations give KDHE the authority to condition the 
permit or approval upon compliance by the owner or operator with any 
special restrictions that are deemed necessary to insure compliance 
with the Kansas Air Quality regulations or to otherwise prevent air 
pollution. KAR 28-19-301(e).
    EPA has determined that Kansas' minor new source review (NSR) 
program adopted pursuant to section 110(a)(2)(C) of the Act regulates 
emissions of ozone and its precursors. EPA has also determined that 
certain provisions of the state's minor NSR program adopted pursuant to 
section 110(a)(2)(C) of the Act likely do not meet all the requirements 
found in EPA's regulations implementing that provision. See 40 CFR 
51.160-51.164. EPA previously approved Kansas' minor NSR program into 
the SIP, and at the time there was no objection to the provisions of 
this program. See, 40 FR 15879 (April 8, 1975) and 60 FR 36361 (July 
17, 1995). Since then, the state and EPA have relied on the existing 
state minor NSR program to assure that new and modified sources not 
captured by the major NSR permitting programs do not interfere with 
attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS.
    In this action, EPA is proposing to approve Kansas' infrastructure 
SIP for ozone with respect to the general requirement in section 
110(a)(2)(C) to include a program in the SIP that regulates the 
modification and construction of any stationary source as necessary to 
assure that the NAAQS are achieved. EPA is not proposing to approve or 
disapprove the state's existing minor NSR program itself to the extent 
that it is inconsistent with EPA's regulations governing this program. 
EPA believes that a number of states may have minor NSR provisions that 
are contrary to the existing EPA regulations for this program. EPA 
intends to work with states to reconcile state minor NSR programs with 
EPA's regulatory provisions for the program. The statutory requirements 
of section 110(a)(2)(C) provide for considerable flexibility in 
designing minor NSR programs, and EPA believes it may be time to 
revisit the regulatory requirements for this program to give the states 
an appropriate level of flexibility to design a program that meets 
their particular air quality concerns, while assuring reasonable 
consistency across the country in protecting the NAAQS with respect to 
new and modified minor sources.
    (3) Kansas also has a program approved by EPA which meets the 
requirements of Part C, relating to prevention of significant 
deterioration of air quality. Kansas' implementing rule, KAR 28-19-350, 
incorporates the relevant portions of the federal rule, 40 CFR 52.21 
(as of July 1, 2007), by reference, including the relevant portions of 
EPA's ``NSR reform'' rule promulgated by EPA on December 31, 2002. In 
this action, EPA is not proposing to approve or disapprove any state 
rules with regard to NSR reform requirements. EPA will act on NSR 
reform submittals through a separate rulemaking process. For Kansas, we 
have previously approved the relevant portions of Kansas' NSR reform 
rules for attainment areas, and as previously stated, Kansas currently 
has no nonattainment areas. See 72 FR 29429 (May 29, 2007).
    The Kansas SIP also contains a permitting program for major sources 
and modifications in nonattainment areas (see KAR 28-19-16). This 
section is currently not applicable to Kansas because all areas of 
Kansas are currently in attainment with the NAAQS. Even if it were 
applicable, the SIP's discussion of nonattainment areas is not 
addressed in this rulemaking (see discussion of the section 
110(a)(2)(I) requirements for nonattainment areas, below).
    With respect to the PSD program, EPA notes that the Kansas SIP 
provides that ozone precursors (volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and 
nitrogen oxides) are regulated. For example, a stationary source that 
is major for VOCs is also major for ozone for purposes of permitting in 
nonattainment areas. KAR 28-19-16a(r). In addition, a source that 
undergoes a significant net emissions increase for VOCs is also 
considered to have undergone a significant net emissions increase for 
ozone for the purposes of the Kansas air quality regulations. KAR 28-
19-200(eee)(6). EPA also notes that KAR 28-19-350 incorporates 40 CFR 
52.21(b) as of 2007 by reference. The regulations at 40 CFR 
52.21(b)(50) specifically state that nitrogen oxides and VOCs are 
considered precursors for ozone.
    In further support of EPA's proposed determination regarding the 
state's authority to apply its PSD program to the 1997 ozone standard, 
EPA notes that KAR 28-19-350 also incorporates by reference the 
requirements of 40 CFR 52.21(k)(1). This provision requires that a 
permit applicant demonstrate that allowable emissions increases from a 
new source or modification will not cause or contribute to air 
pollution in violation of ``[a]ny national ambient air quality 
standard.'' EPA believes that this provision is sufficiently open-ended 
to authorize KDHE to implement any NAAQS upon promulgation by EPA. This 
view is consistent with KDHE's assertion that it has adequate authority 
to meet all of the requirements of section 110(a)(2) with respect to 
the 1997 ozone standard (which includes implementation of the PSD 
program with respect to that standard).
    Finally, we note that on February 22, 2011, in a separate 
rulemaking, EPA approved the state of Kansas' revisions to its SIP to 
regulate GHGs under the Kansas New Source Review Prevention of 
Significant Deterioration program. 76 FR 9658. Thus, we have previously 
determined that the Kansas SIP meets the PSD requirements with respect 
to GHGs.
    On the basis of the foregoing, EPA believes that the Kansas SIP and 
underlying statutory authority are adequate to meet the requirements of 
section 110(a)(2)(C) for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS.
    (D) Interstate and international transport: Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i) 
requires SIPs to include provisions prohibiting any source or other 
type of

[[Page 17603]]

emissions activity in one state from contributing significantly to 
nonattainment in, or interfering with maintenance by, another state 
with respect to the NAAQS, or from interfering with measures required 
in another state to prevent significant deterioration of air quality or 
to protect visibility.
    Kansas addressed the provisions of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i), as it 
relates to the 1997 ozone and PM standards, in a prior SIP submission. 
EPA approved the portion of the Kansas SIP submittal relating to 
section 110(a)(2)(D)(i), on March 9, 2007 (72 FR 10608).\10\ Therefore, 
the proposed action addressed in this notice does not include the 
interstate transport elements, nor does this rulemaking reopen any 
aspect of EPA's prior action on the transport elements for Kansas for 
the 1997 standards.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ See footnote 5.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii) requires that the SIP insure compliance 
with the applicable requirements of sections 126 and 115, relating to 
interstate and international pollution abatement.
    Section 126(a) of the Act requires new or modified sources to 
notify neighboring states of potential impacts from sources within the 
state. Although Kansas sources have not been identified by EPA as 
having any interstate or international impacts under section 126 or 
section 115 in any pending actions relating to the 1997 ozone 
standards, the Kansas regulations address abatement of the effects of 
interstate pollution. For example, KAR 28-19-350(k)(2) requires KDHE, 
prior to issuing any construction permit for a proposed new major 
source or major modification, to notify EPA, as well as: Any state or 
local air pollution control agency having jurisdiction in the air 
quality control region in which the new or modified installation will 
be located; the chief executives of the city and county where the 
source will be located; any comprehensive regional land use planning 
agency having jurisdiction where the source will be located; and any 
state, Federal land manager, or Indian governing body whose lands will 
be affected by emissions from the new source or modification. (KAR 28-
19-16k(b) provides similar requirements for construction permits issued 
in nonattainment areas.) Finally, we believe that Kansas could use the 
same statutory authorities previously discussed, primarily KSA 65-
3005(a), to respond to any future findings with respect to the 1997 
ozone standards.
    Based on the foregoing, EPA believes that Kansas has the adequate 
infrastructure needed to address section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii) for the 1997 
8-hour ozone NAAQS.
    (E) Adequate authority, resources, implementation, and oversight: 
Section 110(a)(2)(E) requires that SIPs provide for the following: (1) 
Necessary assurances that the state (and other entities within the 
state responsible for implementing the SIP) have adequate personnel, 
funding, and authority under state or local law to implement the SIP, 
and that there are no legal impediments to such implementation; (2) 
requirements that the state comply with the requirements relating to 
state boards, pursuant to section 128 of the Act; and (3) necessary 
assurances that the state has responsibility for implementation of any 
plan provision for which it relies on local governments or other 
entities to carry out that portion of the plan.
    (1) With respect to adequate authority, we have previously 
discussed Kansas' authority to implement the SIP for the 1997 ozone 
standards, primarily in the discussion of section 110(a)(2)(A). Neither 
Kansas nor EPA has identified any legal impediments to implementation 
of those standards.
    With respect to adequate resources, KDHE asserts that it has 
adequate personnel to implement the SIP. The Kansas statutes provide 
the Secretary the authority to employ technical, professional and other 
staff to effectuate the purposes of the Kansas Air Quality Act from 
funds appropriated and available for this purpose. See KSA Section 65-
3006(b). Within KDHE, the Bureau of Air and Radiation implements the 
Kansas Air Quality Act. This Bureau is further divided into the Air 
Compliance & Enforcement Section, Air Operating Permit & Construction 
Section; the Monitoring & Planning Section; and the Radiation, Asbestos 
& Right to Know Section.
    With respect to funding, the Kansas Legislature annually approves 
funding and personnel resources for KDHE to carry out the air program. 
The annual budget process provides a periodic update that enables KDHE 
and the local agencies to adjust funding and personnel needs. In 
addition, the Kansas statutes grant the Secretary authority to 
establish various fees for sources, to cover any and all parts of 
administering the provisions of the Kansas Air Quality Act. For 
example, KSA Section 65-3008(f) allows the Secretary to fix, charge, 
and collect fees for construction approvals and permits (and the 
renewals thereof). KSA Section 65-3024 grants the Secretary the 
authority to establish annual emissions fees. Fees from the 
construction permits and approvals are deposited into the Kansas state 
treasury, while emissions fees are deposited into an air quality fee 
fund. Moneys in the air quality fee fund can only be used for the 
purpose of administering the Kansas Air Quality Act.
    Kansas also uses funds in the non-Title V subaccounts, along with 
General Revenue funds and EPA grants under, for example, sections 103 
and 105 of the Act, to fund the programs. EPA conducts periodic program 
reviews to ensure that the state has adequate resources and funding to, 
among other things, implement the SIP.
    (2) Conflict of interest provisions--Section 128
    Section 110(a)(2)(E) also provides that the state must meet the 
requirements of section 128, relating to representation on state boards 
and conflicts of interest by members of such boards. We note that this 
particular provision is not related to promulgation or revision of any 
NAAQS, and we have not determined that Kansas must show specifically 
that it meets this requirement with respect to the ozone infrastructure 
SIP for the 1997 standards. However, the following discussion shows how 
Kansas generally meets the requirements of Section 128.
    Section 128 requires that a SIP-implementing body which approves 
permits or enforcement orders under the Act must have at least a 
majority of members who represent the public interest and do not derive 
a ``significant portion'' of income from entities or individuals 
subject to permits and enforcement orders under the Act. In addition, 
section 128 requires that members of such a body or the agency head 
with similar authorities adequately disclose any potential conflicts of 
interest.
    Chapter 46, Article 2 (State Governmental Ethics) of the KSA 
specifies ethics requirements for all state officers and employees, 
including members of KDHE's Bureau of Air and Radiation. These 
requirements address the requirements contained in section 128 of the 
CAA. For instance, KSA Section 46-235 states that no state officer or 
employee shall accept compensation for performance of official duties, 
other than that to which such person is entitled for such performance. 
KSA Section 46-236 states that no state officer or employee shall 
solicit any economic opportunity, gift, favor, service, etc. from any 
person known to have a special interest in influencing the performance 
of the official duties of such officer or employee. KSA Section 46-248 
requires that state officers (such as the

[[Page 17604]]

Secretary), employees and members of boards, councils and commissions 
under the jurisdiction of the head of any state agency must file 
``statements of substantial interest,'' disclosing the nature of any 
financial interest(s) he or she may have.
    (3) With respect to assurances that the state has responsibility to 
implement the SIP when it authorizes local or other agencies to carry 
out portions of the plan, KSA Section 65-3005(a)(8) gives the Secretary 
the authority to encourage local units of government to handle air 
pollution problems within their own jurisdictions and to provide 
technical and consultative assistance therefor. The Secretary may enter 
into agreements with local units of government to administer all or 
part of the provisions of the Kansas Air Quality Act in the units' 
respective jurisdictions. In fact, KSA Section 65-3016 allows for 
cities and/or counties (or combinations thereof) to form local air 
quality conservation authorities which will then have the authority to 
enforce air quality rules and regulations adopted by the Secretary and 
adopt any additional rules, regulations and standards as needed to 
maintain satisfactory air quality within their jurisdictions.
    However, the Kansas statutes also retain authority in the Secretary 
to carry out the provisions of state air pollution control law. KSA 
Section 65-3003 specifically places responsibility for air quality 
conservation and control of air pollution with the Secretary. The 
Secretary shall then administer the Kansas Air Quality Act through the 
Division of Environment. As an example of this retention of authority, 
KSA Section 65-3016 only allows for the formation of local air quality 
conservation authorities with the approval of the Secretary. In 
addition, although these authorities can adopt additional air quality 
rules, regulations and standards, they may only do so if those rules, 
regulations and standards are in compliance with those set by the 
Secretary. Currently, KDHE oversees the following local agencies that 
implement that Kansas Air Quality Act: The City of Wichita Department 
of Environmental Services, Johnson County Environmental Department, 
Shawnee County Health Agency, and Unified Government of Wyandotte 
County, Kansas City-Kansas Health Department.
    Based on the foregoing, EPA believes that Kansas has the adequate 
infrastructure needed to address section 110(a)(2)(E) for the 1997 8-
hour ozone NAAQS.
    (F) Stationary source monitoring system: Section 110(a)(2)(F) 
requires states to establish a system to monitor emissions from 
stationary sources and to submit periodic emission reports. That 
section also requires that the state correlate the source reports with 
emission limitations or standards established under the Act and make 
reports available for public inspection.
    To address this element, KSA Section 65-3007 gives the Secretary 
the authority to classify air contaminant sources which, in his or her 
judgment, may cause or contribute to air pollution. The Secretary shall 
require air contaminant emission sources to monitor emissions, 
operating parameters, ambient impact of any source emissions, and any 
other parameters deemed necessary. Furthermore, the Secretary may 
require these emissions sources to keep records and make reports 
consistent with the purposes of the Kansas Air Quality Act.
    In addition, KAR 28-19-12(A) states that KDHE may make any person 
responsible for the operation of an emissions source to make or have 
tests made to determine the rate of contaminant emissions from the 
source whenever it has reason to believe that existing emissions exceed 
limitations. At the same time, KDHE may also conduct its own tests of 
emissions from any source. The Kansas regulations also require that all 
Class I operating permits include requirements for monitoring of 
emissions. See KAR 28-19-512(a)(9).
    Kansas makes all monitoring reports (as well as compliance plans 
and compliance certifications) submitted as part of Class I or Class II 
permit application publicly available. See KSA Section 65-3015(a); KAR 
28-19-204(c)(6). KDHE maintains a database with emissions data for more 
than 900 stationary source facilities in Kansas. See https://www.kdheks.gov/emission/data.html. KDHE uses this information to track 
progress towards maintaining the NAAQS, developing control and 
maintenance strategies, identifying sources and general emission 
levels, and determining compliance with emission regulations and 
additional EPA requirements. Although the Kansas statutes allow a 
person to request that some information that is reported to KDHE be 
regarded and treated as confidential on the grounds that it constitutes 
trade secrets, emissions data is specifically excluded from this 
protection. See KSA Section 65-3015(b).
    EPA believes that Kansas has the adequate infrastructure needed to 
address section 110(a)(2)(F) for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS.
    (G) Emergency authority: Section 110(a)(2)(G) requires states to 
provide for authority to address activities causing imminent and 
substantial endangerment to public health or welfare or the environment 
(comparable to the authorities provided in Section 303 of the Act), 
including contingency plans to implement the emergency authorities.
    KSA Section 65-3012(a) states that whenever the Secretary receives 
evidence that emissions from an air pollution source or combination of 
sources presents an imminent and substantial endangerment to public 
health or welfare or to the environment, he or she may issue a 
temporary order directing the owner or operator, or both, to take such 
steps as necessary to prevent the act or eliminate the practice. The 
Secretary may then follow this up by commencing an action in the 
district court to enjoin these acts or practices.
    KAR 28-19-56 allows the director of the division of environment to 
proclaim an air pollution alert, air pollution warning, or air 
pollution emergency whenever he or she determines that the accumulation 
of air contaminants at any sampling location has attained levels which 
could, if such levels are sustained or exceeded, threaten the public 
health. KAR 28-19-57 imposes restrictions that apply to emission 
sources in the event one of these three air pollution episode statuses 
is declared. Any person responsible for the operation of a source of 
air contamination adjudged to be of major concern with respect to the 
possible implementation of air pollution emergency episode control 
procedures either because of the nature or the quantity of its 
emissions must, at the request of KDHE, prepare an emergency episode 
plan to be implemented in the event that such an episode is declared. 
KAR 28-19-58.
    EPA believes that the Kansas SIP adequately addresses section 
110(a)(2)(G) for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS.
    (H) Future SIP revisions: Section 110(a)(2)(H) requires states to 
have the authority to revise their SIPs in response to changes in the 
NAAQS, availability of improved methods for attaining the NAAQS, or in 
response to an EPA finding that the SIP is substantially inadequate to 
attain the NAAQS.
    KSA Section 65-3005(b) specifically states that it is the policy of 
the state of Kansas to regulate the air quality of the state and 
implement laws and regulations that are applied equally and uniformly 
throughout the state and consistent with that of the Federal 
government. Therefore, the Secretary has the authority to promulgate 
rules and regulations to ensure that Kansas is and remains in 
compliance with the

[[Page 17605]]

provisions of the Federal CAA. KSA Section 65-3005(b)(1).
    As discussed previously, KSA Section 65-3005(a)(1) provides 
authority to the Secretary to adopt, amend and repeal rules and 
regulations implementing the Kansas Air Quality Act. The Secretary also 
has the authority to establish ambient air quality standards for the 
state of Kansas. KSA Section 65-3005(a)(12). Therefore, as a whole, the 
Secretary has the authority to revise rules as necessary to respond to 
any necessary changes in the NAAQS.
    EPA believes that Kansas has the adequate authority to address 
section 110(a)(2)(H) for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS.
    (I) Nonattainment areas: Section 110(a)(2)(I) requires that in the 
case of a plan or plan revision for areas designated as nonattainment 
areas, states must meet applicable requirements of Part D of the Act, 
relating to SIP requirements for designated nonattainment areas.
    This section is currently not applicable to Kansas because all 
areas of Kansas are currently in attainment with the NAAQS. Kansas 
previously had one ozone nonattainment area in the Kansas portion of 
the Kansas City metropolitan area; however, it was later redesignated 
as being in attainment. Nevertheless, EPA notes that the Kansas 
regulations have provisions in place which address construction or 
modification of sources in nonattainment areas, and that it has 
regulations in place for control of VOC emissions in the former 
nonattainment area. See KAR Section 28-19-16 through 28-19-16m, and KAR 
28-19-61 through 28-19-77. These regulations are contained in the 
Federally approved SIP.
    EPA has not addressed section 110(a)(2)(I) in its recent 
infrastructure SIP guidance because Part D SIPs are due on a different 
schedule than the infrastructure SIP submittal schedule. (See, e.g., 
the infrastructure SIP guidance for the revised lead standard, 73 FR 
67034, n. 113, Nov. 12, 2008, and the infrastructure SIP guidance for 
the revised NO2 standards, 75 FR 6523, n. 27, Feb. 9, 2010.) 
Therefore, this proposal does not address section 110(a)(2)(I). EPA 
will take action on any part D nonattainment plans through a separate 
rulemaking.
    (J) Consultation with government officials, Public Notification, 
PSD and visibility protection: Section 110(a)(2)(J) requires SIPs to 
meet the applicable requirements of the following CAA provisions: (1) 
Section 121, relating to interagency consultation regarding certain CAA 
requirements; (2) section 127, relating to public notification of NAAQS 
exceedances and related issues; and (3) Part C of the Act, relating to 
prevention of significant deterioration of air quality and visibility 
protection.
    (1) With respect to interagency consultation, KSA Section 65-
3005(14) gives the Secretary the authority to advise, consult and 
cooperate with other agencies of the state, local governments, other 
states, interstate and interlocal agencies, and the Federal government. 
In addition, and as an example, the Kansas regulations require that 
KDHE consult with other agencies--such as the Kansas Department of 
Transportation, Wyandotte County (KS) Health Department, Johnson County 
(KS) Environmental Department Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 
Missouri Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway 
Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation, among others--
for all matters pertaining to transportation conformity determinations. 
KAR 28-19-801(d).\11\ Furthermore, as noted in the discussion on 
section 110(a)(2)(D), Kansas' regulations require that whenever it 
receives a construction permit application for a new source or a 
modification, KDHE must notify state and local air pollution control 
agencies, as well as regional land use planning agencies and any state, 
Federal, or Indian land managers whose lands will be affected by 
emissions from the new source or modification. See KAR 28-19-350(k)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ We note, however, that Kansas does not currently have any 
areas in the state subject to transportation conformity.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) With respect to the requirements for public notification in CAA 
section 127, KAR 28-19-56 contains provisions that allow the director 
of the division of environment to proclaim an air pollution alert, air 
pollution warning, or air pollution emergency status whenever he or she 
determines that the accumulation of air contaminants at any sampling 
location has attained levels which could, if such levels are sustained 
or exceeded, threaten the public health. If this occurs, public 
notification will occur through local weather bureaus. However, any of 
these emergency situations can be declared even in the absence of 
issuance of a high air pollution potential advisory or equivalent 
advisory from a local weather bureau meteorologist, if deemed necessary 
to protect the public health.
    In addition, information regarding air pollution and related 
issues, is provided on a KDHE Web site, https://www.kdheks.gov/bar/. 
KDHE also prepares an annual report on air quality in the state which 
is available to the public on its Web site, at https://www.kdheks.gov/bar/air-monitor/. This link also provides information 
regarding the NAAQS, air pollution sources, and health effects of poor 
air quality, as well as access to live monitoring data.
    (3) With respect to the applicable requirements of Part C, relating 
to prevention of significant deterioration of air quality and 
visibility protection, we previously noted in the discussion of section 
110(a)(2)(C) (relating to enforcement of control measures) how the 
Kansas SIP meets the PSD requirements, incorporating the Federal rule 
by reference. With respect to the visibility component of section 
110(a)(2)(J), we reiterate the statutory requirement providing, in 
relevant part, that each plan must meet the ``applicable requirements'' 
of Part C (of Title I of the Act) relating to visibility protection. We 
note that the other Part C requirements specified in section 
110(a)(2)(J) (applicable requirements relating to prevention of 
significant deterioration of air quality), specifically relate to the 
1997 and 2006 NAAQS (as well as other pollutants regulated under the 
CAA), and a state must be able to implement those requirements with 
respect to a new or revised NAAQS when promulgated. In contrast to the 
PSD program, the visibility protection requirements are not directly 
related to the promulgation of, or revision to, a NAAQS. While the SIP 
must independently meet the visibility protection requirements of Part 
C by virtue of the specific SIP requirements in sections 169A and 169B 
of the Act, EPA believes that the visibility protection requirements 
are not ``applicable requirements'' within the meaning of section 
110(a)(2)(J) and that the infrastructure SIP is not required to be 
revised with respect to visibility protection merely due to 
promulgation of, or revision to, these 1997 ozone NAAQS.
    For the reasons stated above, EPA believes that Kansas has met the 
applicable requirements of section 110(a)(2)(J) for the 1997 8-hour 
ozone NAAQS in the state.
    (K) Air quality and modeling/data: Section 110(a)(2)(K) requires 
that SIPs provide for performing air quality modeling, as prescribed by 
EPA, to predict effects on ambient air quality of emissions of any 
NAAQS pollutant, and for submission of such data to EPA upon request.
    Kansas has authority to conduct air quality modeling and report the 
results of such modeling to EPA. KSA Section 65-3005(a)(9) gives the 
Secretary the

[[Page 17606]]

authority to encourage and conduct studies, investigations and research 
relating to air contamination and air pollution and their causes, 
effects, prevention, abatement and control. As an example of regulatory 
authority to perform modeling for purposes of determining NAAQS 
compliance, the regulations at KAR 28-19-350 incorporate the EPA 
modeling guidance in 40 CFR Part 51, App. W for the purposes of 
demonstrating compliance or non-compliance with an NAAQS.
    The Kansas statutes and regulations also give KDHE the authority to 
require that modeling data be submitted for analysis. KSA Section 65-
3007(b) gives the Secretary the authority to require air contaminant 
emission sources to monitor emissions, operating parameters ambient 
impact of any source emissions or any other parameters deemed 
necessary. The Secretary may also require these sources to keep records 
and make reports consistent with the purposes of the Kansas Air Quality 
Act. These reports could include information as may be required 
concerning the location, size, and height of contaminant outlets, 
processes employed, fuels used, and the nature and time periods or 
duration of emissions, and such information as is relevant to air 
pollution and available or reasonably capable of being assembled. KSA 
Section 65-3007(c).
    EPA believes that Kansas has the adequate infrastructure needed to 
address section 110(a)(2)(K) for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS.
    (L) Permitting Fees: Section 110(a)(2)(L) requires SIPs to require 
each major stationary source to pay permitting fees to the permitting 
authority to cover the cost of reviewing, approving, implementing and 
enforcing a permit. That section provides that the fee requirement 
applies until a fee program established by the state pursuant to Title 
V of the Act, relating to operating permits, is approved by EPA.
    KSA Section 65-3008(f) allows the Secretary to fix, charge, and 
collect fees for construction approvals and permits (and the renewals 
thereof). KSA Section 65-3024 grants the Secretary the authority to 
establish annual emissions fees. Fees from the construction permits and 
approvals are deposited into the Kansas state treasury, while emissions 
fees are deposited into an air quality fee fund. Moneys in the air 
quality fee fund can only be used for the purpose of administering the 
Kansas Air Quality Act.
    Kansas' Title V program, found at KAR 28-19-500 to 28-19-564, 
including the fee program addressing the requirements of the Act and 40 
CFR 70.9 relating to Title V fees, was approved by EPA on January 30, 
1996 (61 FR 2938). Therefore, EPA believes that the requirements of 
section 110(a)(2)(L) are met.
    (M) Consultation/participation by affected local entities: Section 
110(a)(2)(M) requires SIPs to provide for consultation and 
participation by local political subdivisions affected by the SIP.
    KSA Section 65-3005(a)(8)(A) gives the Secretary the authority to 
encourage local units of government to handle air pollution problems 
within their respective jurisdictions and on a cooperative basis and to 
provide technical and consultative assistance therefore. The Secretary 
may also enter into agreements with local units of government to 
administer all or part of the provisions on the Kansas Air Quality Act 
in the units' respective jurisdiction. The Secretary also has the 
authority to advise, consult, and cooperate with local governments. KSA 
Section 65-3005(a)(14). He or she may enter into contracts and 
agreements with local governments as is necessary to accomplish the 
goals of the Kansas Air Quality Act. KSA Section 65-3005(a)(16).
    Currently, KDHE's Bureau of Air and Radiation has signed State and/
or Local Agreements with the Department of Air Quality from the Unified 
Government of Wyandotte County--Kansas City, Kansas; the Wichita 
Department of Environmental Services; the Shawnee County Health 
Department, the Johnson County Environmental Department; and the Mid-
America Regional Council. These agreements establish formal 
partnerships between the Bureau of Air and Radiation and these local 
agencies to work together to develop and annually update strategic 
goals, objectives and strategies for reducing emissions and improving 
air quality.
    In addition, as previously noted in the discussion about section 
110(a)(2)(J), Kansas' statutes and regulations require that KDHE 
consult with local political subdivisions for the purposes of carrying 
out its air pollution control responsibilities.
    Therefore, EPA believes that Kansas has the adequate infrastructure 
needed to address section 110(a)(2)(M) for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS.

IV. What action is EPA proposing?

    EPA proposes to approve the State Implementation Plan (SIP) 
submittal from the state of Kansas which addresses the requirements of 
Clean Air Act section 110(a)(2) for the 1997 revisions to the National 
Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone. As described above, 
EPA believes that Kansas has the required infrastructure to address all 
elements of section 110(a)(2) to ensure that the revised ozone 
standards are implemented in the state.
    We are hereby soliciting comment on this proposed action. Final 
rulemaking will occur after consideration of any comments.

V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Under the Clean Air Act, the Administrator is required to approve a 
SIP submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and 
applicable Federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). 
Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve state 
choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. Accordingly, 
this action merely approves state law as meeting Federal requirements 
and does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by 
state law. 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, 1997);
     Is not a significant regulatory action subject to 
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
     Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the 
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 
note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent 
with the CAA; and
     Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to 
address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental 
effects, using practicable and legally permissible

[[Page 17607]]

methods, under Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
    In addition, this 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.

Statutory Authority

    The statutory authority for this action is provided by Section 110 
of the CAA, as amended (42 U.S.C. 7410).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Intergovernmental 
relations, Ozone.

    Dated: March 23, 2011.
Karl Brooks,
Regional Administrator, Region 7.
[FR Doc. 2011-7467 Filed 3-29-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P