Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Connecticut; Ozone Attainment Demonstration for the Greater Connecticut Area, 78272-78275 [2013-30735]

Download as PDF 78272 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 248 / Thursday, December 26, 2013 / Rules and Regulations review of this direct final rule, so that EPA can withdraw this direct final rule and address the comment in the proposed rulemaking. This action may not be challenged later in proceedings to enforce its requirements. See section 307(b)(2). List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52 Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Carbon monoxide, Intergovernmental relations, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Incorporation by reference Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate Matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Volatile organic compounds. Dated: December 10, 2013. Beverly H. Banister, Acting Regional Administrator, Region 4. PART 52—APPROVAL AND PROMULGATION OF IMPLEMENTATION PLANS Authority: 42.U.S.C. 7401 et seq. Subpart II—North Carolina 2. Section 52.1770(e) is amended by adding a new entry at the end of the table for ‘‘North Carolina Transportation Conformity Air Quality Implementation Plan’’ to read as follows: ■ § 52.1770 * 1. The authority citation for part 52 continues to read as follows: ■ Identification of plan. * * (e) * * * * * EPA APPROVED NORTH CAROLINA NON-REGULATORY PROVISIONS Provision State effective date EPA approval date Explanation * * North Carolina Transportation Conformity Air Quality Implementation Plan. * * July 12, 2013 .......................................... * * December 26, 2013 [Insert citation of publication]. * ........................ [FR Doc. 2013–30542 Filed 12–24–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R01–OAR–2008–0117; A–1–FRL– 9904–45–Region 1] Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Connecticut; Ozone Attainment Demonstration for the Greater Connecticut Area Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving the ozone attainment demonstration submitted by Connecticut to meet Clean Air Act requirements for attaining the 1997 8hour ozone national ambient air quality standard. EPA is approving Connecticut’s demonstration of attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone standard as it relates to the Greater Connecticut 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment area. EPA is also approving the reasonably available control measures (RACM) analysis for this same area. DATES: This rule is effective on January 27, 2014. ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket Identification No. EPA–R01–OAR– 2008–0117. All documents in the docket are listed on the www.regulations.gov. Web site. Although listed in the index, sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:15 Dec 24, 2013 Jkt 232001 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 through www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Office of Ecosystem Protection, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England Regional Office, One Congress Street, Suite 1100, Boston, MA. EPA requests that if at all possible, you contact the contact listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to schedule your inspection. The Regional Office’s official hours of business are Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30, excluding legal holidays. Copies of the documents relevant to this action are also available for public inspection during normal business hours, by appointment at the State Air Agency: the Bureau of Air Management, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, State Office Building, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106–1630. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard P. Burkhart, Air Quality Planning Unit, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England Regional Office, One Congress Street, Suite 1100 (CAQ), Boston, MA 02114– 2023, telephone number (617) 918– 1664, fax number (617) 918–0664, email Burkhart.Richard@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document, wherever ‘‘Agency,’’ ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ or ‘‘our’’ is used, we mean the EPA. PO 00000 Frm 00108 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Table of Contents I. What actions is EPA taking? II. Response to Comments III. Final Action IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews I. What actions is EPA taking? EPA is approving Connecticut’s demonstration of attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS or standard) for the Greater Connecticut moderate ozone nonattainment area, submitted on February 1, 2008. EPA is also approving the associated RACM analysis for this same area. On May 9, 2013 (78 FR 27161), EPA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR) which proposed approval of Connecticut’s ozone attainment demonstrations for the 1997 ozone standard for two different nonattainment areas: (1) The Greater Connecticut ozone nonattainment area, and (2) the Connecticut portion of the New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY–NJ–CT ozone nonattainment area (the New York City area). The NPR also proposed approval of the RACM analyses for these areas. Today’s action approves the ozone attainment demonstration and RACM analysis for the Greater Connecticut area only. EPA is not taking action on the ozone attainment demonstration and the RACM analysis for the Connecticut portion of the New York City ozone nonattainment area at this time. As stated in the NPR, the EPA is approving Connecticut’s 1997 8-hour ozone attainment demonstration and RACM analysis, for the Greater Connecticut ozone nonattainment area, E:\FR\FM\26DER1.SGM 26DER1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 248 / Thursday, December 26, 2013 / Rules and Regulations because the basic photochemical grid modeling used by Connecticut in its SIP submittal meets EPA’s guidelines and is acceptable to EPA. As also noted in the NPR, complete, quality assured and certified ambient air monitoring data show that the Greater Connecticut area attained the 1997 ozone standard for the 2007–2009 monitoring period (i.e., by the area’s June 15, 2010 attainment date) and show that this area continued to attain the standard through 2011.1 The purpose of the attainment demonstration is to show how the area will meet the standard by the attainment date. All the control measures necessary for attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone standard have already been adopted, submitted, approved and implemented.2 Based on (1) the state following EPA’s modeling guidance, (2) the air quality data through 2011, (3) the area attaining the standard by the attainment date, and (4) the implemented SIP-approved control measures, EPA is approving the Connecticut attainment demonstration and RACM SIP submissions for the Greater Connecticut 1997 8-hour ozone moderate nonattainment area. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES II. Response to Comments As noted above, EPA’s May 9, 2013 (78 FR 27161) NPR proposed approval of the Connecticut attainment demonstration and RACM SIP submissions for two nonattainment areas. EPA received a comment letter on our NPR. Most of the comments were solely relevant to the New York City area ozone attainment demonstration. EPA is not taking action on the New York City attainment demonstration and RACM analysis at this time. Consequently, this action does not address comments that pertain solely to the New York City area. In today’s action, EPA is approving the Greater Connecticut ozone attainment demonstration and RACM analysis. There was, however, one comment that could be interpreted as applying to the 1 Subsequently, final, certified 2012 ozone data, and preliminary 2013 ozone data, indicate continued attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS for this area. The area, however, remains designated nonattainment for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. 2 At the time of publication of the NPR, three Connecticut state SIP revisions had not yet been approved by EPA. All were subsequently approved. Specifically, Connecticut’s December 8, 2006 reasonably available control technology (RACT) SIP submission was approved on June 27, 2013 (78 FR 38587). The final rulemaking notice approving Connecticut’s VOC content limits for consumer products (Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (RCSA) section 22a–174–40) and Connecticut’s restrictions on the manufacture and use of adhesives and sealants (RCSA section 22a– 174–44) was signed by the Regional Administrator on November 12, 2013. A copy of the signed notice is available in the docket for today’s action. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:15 Dec 24, 2013 Jkt 232001 attainment demonstrations for both areas. That comment is summarized below with EPA’s response for the Greater Connecticut nonattainment area. Comment: The commenter stated that EPA must disapprove the attainment demonstration, because it fails to include an analysis under Section 110(l) of the Clean Air Act. The commenter states that EPA must analyze whether approval of the attainment demonstration for the 1997 ozone NAAQS would interfere with any applicable requirements regarding the 2008 ozone NAAQS or the 2010 nitrogen dioxide NAAQS. The commenter specifically requests that EPA evaluate whether approval of this attainment demonstration, which does not require any additional emission reductions, foregoes some NOx RACT limits which the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) previously proposed, and does not apply an 0.07 lb/mmbtu limit for coalfired EGUs, will interfere with attaining the 2008 ozone NAAQS as expeditiously as practicable. Response: EPA interprets this comment to apply to the Greater Connecticut area and our response solely applies to that area. Section 110(l) states: ‘‘The Administrator shall not approve a revision of a plan if the revision would interfere with any applicable requirement concerning attainment and reasonable further progress (as defined in section 171), or any other applicable requirement of this chapter.’’ The SIP submittal that is the subject of this action does not contain revisions to any control measures or other regulatory requirements. It does not add, remove, or revise any regulatory requirements in the list of Federallyenforceable regulations at 40 CFR 52.370 or 40 CFR 52.385. Rather, this SIP submission is a demonstration that, with respect to the 1997 ozone NAAQS, regulations and control measures already approved into Connecticut’s SIP will (1) provide for the implementation of all reasonably available control measures as expeditiously as practicable, as required by section 172(c)(1) of the Clean Air Act, and (2) provide for attainment of the 1997 ozone NAAQS in the Greater Connecticut area by the applicable attainment date (June 15, 2010), as required by sections 172(c)(1) and 182(c)(2)(A). This particular SIP submission does not (and was not required to) make any demonstrations regarding the adequacy of the SIP with respect to any other NAAQS, such as PO 00000 Frm 00109 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 78273 the 2008 ozone NAAQS or the 2010 nitrogen dioxide NAAQS. It is arguable whether section 110(l) applies to this submission, as this submission is not revising any substantive elements of the SIP, such as control measures. As noted above, the submission that EPA is approving does not include any increases in emissions or relaxations of Federally-enforceable control measures to existing SIPapproved emissions control regulations in the list of Federally-enforceable regulations at 40 CFR 52.370 or 40 CFR 52.385, where we would need to determine if such changes would meet the Section 110(l) requirement. Rather, EPA is simply revising § 52.377 to reflect EPA’s conclusion that Connecticut has an adequate control strategy for the 1997 ozone standard with respect to the Greater Connecticut ozone nonattainment area. Specifically, the 1997 8-hour ozone attainment demonstration submitted by Connecticut includes: (1) A detailed ozone photochemical grid modeling analysis (including a weight of evidence analysis) that meets EPA guidance; (2) an analysis of air quality data, which is supplemented in the NPR by EPA with more up-to-date ozone data; and (3) a list of measures that will bring the area into attainment. The purpose of the 1997 8-hour ozone attainment demonstration for the Greater Connecticut area is to demonstrate how, through enforceable and approvable emission reductions, that area will meet the standard by the attainment date (June 15, 2010). All ozone control measures necessary for attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS have already been adopted, submitted, approved into the SIP and implemented. Based on (1) Connecticut following EPA’s modeling guidance, (2) the air quality data through 2011, (3) the area attaining the standard by the attainment date, and (4) the implemented SIP-approved control measures, EPA is approving the Connecticut ozone attainment demonstration, including the RACM analysis, for the Greater Connecticut area. Furthermore, the Greater Connecticut area is designated ‘‘marginal’’ nonattainment for the 2008 ozone standard. (See 40 CFR 81.307) As a result of its ‘‘marginal’’ classification, the area is required to attain the 2008 ozone standard by December 31, 2015 (77 FR 30167, May 21, 2012) but is not required to submit an attainment demonstration for the 2008 ozone standard. Approval of this submission will not interfere with attainment of the 2008 ozone standard, because it will not E:\FR\FM\26DER1.SGM 26DER1 78274 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 248 / Thursday, December 26, 2013 / Rules and Regulations change any control requirements or alter ambient concentrations of ozone. While many of the control measures that CTDEEP has implemented for attaining the 1997 standard may also assist the Greater Connecticut area in meeting the 2008 standard, it is possible that the area may also need additional measures that were not needed to attain the 1997 standard. The fact that Connecticut did not find it necessary to implement a particular measure in order to attain the 1997 standard does not mean that Connecticut may not find it necessary to implement that same (or a similar) measure in the future, to fulfill other requirements of the Clean Air Act. By the same token, EPA’s approval of Connecticut’s attainment demonstration for the 1997 ozone standard without certain measures does not foreclose either Connecticut or EPA from finding, at a future date with respect to a distinct future obligation, that Connecticut needs those (or similar) measures in order to meet other requirements. See Ky. Resources Council, Inc. v. EPA, 467 F.3d 986, 996 (6th Cir. 2006). Connecticut is designated unclassifiable/attainment for the 2010 1hour NAAQS for nitrogen dioxide (see 40 CFR 81.307), and therefore has no requirement to submit an attainment demonstration. However, a similar analysis illustrates that, assuming section 110(l) applies, approval of this submission will not interfere with attainment or maintenance of the nitrogen dioxide NAAQS. Approval of this SIP submission will not alter any control measures currently in the SIP. Thus, there is no reason to believe that approval of this SIP submission will change the ambient concentrations of nitrogen dioxide that would otherwise occur, or that approval would interfere with attainment or maintenance of the nitrogen dioxide NAAQS. For these reasons, even assuming section 110(l) applies to this submittal, EPA concludes the submittal will not interfere with attainment of the 2008 ozone NAAQS, the 2010 nitrogen dioxide NAAQS, or any other requirement of the Clean Air Act. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES III. Final Action EPA is approving Connecticut’s demonstration of attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standard for the Greater Connecticut moderate 8-hour ozone nonattainment area submitted on February 1, 2008. EPA is also approving the associated RACM analysis for this same area. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:15 Dec 24, 2013 Jkt 232001 IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP submission that complies with the provisions of the CAA 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. The approval of an attainment demonstration and RACM analysis does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law and the CAA. For that reason, this 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 Clean Air Act; 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 rule does not have tribal implications as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), because it does not impose any new regulatory requirements on tribes, impact any existing sources of air pollution on tribal lands, nor impair the maintenance of ozone national ambient air quality standards in tribal lands. PO 00000 Frm 00110 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United States. EPA will submit a report containing this action and other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. A major rule cannot take effect until 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register. This action is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA, petitions for judicial review of this action must be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by February 24, 2014. Filing a petition for reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule does not affect the finality of this action for the purposes of judicial review nor does it extend the time within which a petition for judicial review may be filed, and shall not postpone the effectiveness of such rule or action. This action may not be challenged later in proceedings to enforce its requirements. (See section 307(b)(2).) List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52 Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Volatile organic compounds. Dated: December 10, 2013. Michael P. Kenyon, Acting Regional Administrator, EPA New England. Part 52, chapter I, title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 52—APPROVAL AND PROMULGATION OF IMPLEMENTATION PLANS 1. The authority citation for part 52 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. Subpart H—Connecticut 2. Section 52.377 is amended by adding a new paragraph (n) to read as follows: ■ § 52.377 * E:\FR\FM\26DER1.SGM * Control strategy: Ozone. * 26DER1 * * Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 248 / Thursday, December 26, 2013 / Rules and Regulations (n) Approval—An attainment demonstration for the 1997 8-hour ozone standard to satisfy requirements of section 182(c)(2)(A) of the Clean Air Act, and a Reasonably Available Control Measure (RACM) analysis to satisfy requirements of section 172(c)(1) of the Clean Air Act for the Greater Connecticut ozone nonattainment area, submitted by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on February 1, 2008. Issued in Washington, DC on December 20, 2013. Karen J. Hedlund, Deputy Administrator. [FR Doc. 2013–30735 Filed 12–24–13; 8:45 am] [Docket No. FWS–R9–MB–2011–0077; FF09M21200–134–FXMB1231099BPP0] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P [FR Doc. 2013–30806 Filed 12–24–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 20 RIN 1018–AY59 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: 49 CFR Part 219 [Docket No. FRA–2001–11213, Notice No. 17] Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), DOT. AGENCY: Notice of determination. According to data from FRA’s Management Information System, the rail industry’s random drug testing positive rate has remained below 1.0 percent for the last two years. FRA’s Administrator has therefore determined that the minimum annual random drug testing rate for the period January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2014, will remain at 25 percent of covered railroad employees. In addition, because the industry-wide random alcohol testing violation rate has remained below 0.5 percent for the last two years, the Administrator has determined that the minimum random alcohol testing rate will remain at 10 percent of covered railroad employees for the period January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2014. Railroads remain free, as always, to conduct random testing at higher rates. SUMMARY: This notice of determination is effective December 26, 2013. DATES: Jerry Powers, FRA Drug and Alcohol Program Manager, W38–105, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, (telephone 202–493–6313); or Sam Noe, FRA Drug and Alcohol Program Specialist, (telephone 615–719–2951). sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:50 Dec 24, 2013 Jkt 232001 We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, revise our regulations regarding the approval of nontoxic shot types to make the regulations easier to understand. The language governing determination of Estimated Environmental Concentrations (EECs) in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems is altered to make clear the shot size and number of shot to be used in calculating the EECs. We specify the pH level to be used in calculating the EEC in water. We also move the requirement for in vitro testing to Tier 1, which will allow us to better assess applications and minimize the need for Tier 2 applications. We add language for withdrawal of shot types that have been demonstrated to have detrimental environmental or biological effects, or for which no suitable field-testing device is available. We expect these changes to reduce the time required for nontoxic shot approvals. Finally, we add fees to cover our costs in evaluating these applications. DATES: This rule is effective on January 27, 2014. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. George Allen, 703–358–1825. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Alcohol and Drug Testing: Determination of Minimum Random Testing Rates for 2014 ACTION: Migratory Bird Hunting; Revision of Language for Approval of Nontoxic Shot for Use in Waterfowl Hunting Background The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (Act) (16 U.S.C. 703–712 and 16 U.S.C. 742 a–j) implements migratory bird treaties between the United States and Great Britain for Canada (1916 and 1996 as amended), Mexico (1936 and 1972 as amended), Japan (1972 and 1974 as amended), and Russia (then the Soviet Union, 1978). These treaties protect certain migratory birds from take, except PO 00000 Frm 00111 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 78275 as permitted under the Act. The Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to regulate take of migratory birds in the United States. Under this authority, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS or USFWS) regulates the hunting of migratory game birds through regulations in 50 CFR part 20. Since the mid-1970s, we have sought to identify shot types that are not significant toxicity hazards to migratory birds or other wildlife. Producers of potential nontoxic shot types submit them for FWS approval under 50 CFR 20.134 as nontoxic for waterfowl hunting. We revise the regulations to clarify them for applicants and to provide for withdrawal of approval of a shot type that is not readily detectable in the field or has environmental effects or direct toxicological effects on biota. Comments on the Proposed Rule We published a proposed rule on this regulations revision on March 4, 2013 (78 FR 14060). We received eight comments or sets of comments on the proposed rule. We respond to the significant comments below and explain subsequent changes we are making to the proposed regulations. Comment. We agree . . . that there is no need to publish a ‘‘Notice of Application’’ in the Federal Register. Comment. ‘‘. . . I speak principally for the handloading hunter when I explain how simple it should be to identify his shotshells as non-lead in nature. The shot he might be using will be of two types usually; either steel or tungsten/alloy balls. Steel is easy to detect by simple magnet identification. Tungsten alloys usually deflect at least slightly when they are exposed to a rare earth magnet. A simple exam of the pellets involves using a needle nose pliers to open up the shell and squeeze the shot, and makes obvious to the agent how much softer the lead ball is compared to a tungsten/alloy ball. The shell is able to be reclosed usually on the spot and no big harm or inconv[en]ience has been done to either hunter or agents. Now, it is important to understand that these Tungsten alloys are not purposely made to be non magnetic. When we make them, if we use high enough concentrations of iron to make them more magnetic in nature, they spuriously loose [sic] density and become harder, both of which is unacceptable to the user . . . So why do we want to create entrepreneurial as well as manufacturing hurdles when it is usually accepted hunters are doing the right thing and using non-toxic shells. Simple common sense should E:\FR\FM\26DER1.SGM 26DER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 248 (Thursday, December 26, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 78272-78275]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-30735]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R01-OAR-2008-0117; A-1-FRL-9904-45-Region 1]


Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; 
Connecticut; Ozone Attainment Demonstration for the Greater Connecticut 
Area

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving the 
ozone attainment demonstration submitted by Connecticut to meet Clean 
Air Act requirements for attaining the 1997 8-hour ozone national 
ambient air quality standard. EPA is approving Connecticut's 
demonstration of attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone standard as it 
relates to the Greater Connecticut 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment 
area. EPA is also approving the reasonably available control measures 
(RACM) analysis for this same area.

DATES: This rule is effective on January 27, 2014.

ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket 
Identification No. EPA-R01-OAR-2008-0117. All documents in the docket 
are listed on the www.regulations.gov. Web site. Although listed in the 
index, some information is not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other 
material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed on the Internet 
and will be publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly 
available docket materials are available either electronically through 
www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Office of Ecosystem 
Protection, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England 
Regional Office, One Congress Street, Suite 1100, Boston, MA. EPA 
requests that if at all possible, you contact the contact listed in the 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to schedule your inspection. 
The Regional Office's official hours of business are Monday through 
Friday, 8:30 to 4:30, excluding legal holidays. Copies of the documents 
relevant to this action are also available for public inspection during 
normal business hours, by appointment at the State Air Agency: the 
Bureau of Air Management, Department of Energy and Environmental 
Protection, State Office Building, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106-
1630.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard P. Burkhart, Air Quality 
Planning Unit, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England 
Regional Office, One Congress Street, Suite 1100 (CAQ), Boston, MA 
02114-2023, telephone number (617) 918-1664, fax number (617) 918-0664, 
email Burkhart.Richard@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document, wherever 
``Agency,'' ``we,'' ``us,'' or ``our'' is used, we mean the EPA.

Table of Contents

I. What actions is EPA taking?
II. Response to Comments
III. Final Action
IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

I. What actions is EPA taking?

    EPA is approving Connecticut's demonstration of attainment of the 
1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS or 
standard) for the Greater Connecticut moderate ozone nonattainment 
area, submitted on February 1, 2008. EPA is also approving the 
associated RACM analysis for this same area.
    On May 9, 2013 (78 FR 27161), EPA issued a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPR) which proposed approval of Connecticut's ozone 
attainment demonstrations for the 1997 ozone standard for two different 
nonattainment areas: (1) The Greater Connecticut ozone nonattainment 
area, and (2) the Connecticut portion of the New York-Northern New 
Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-CT ozone nonattainment area (the New York 
City area). The NPR also proposed approval of the RACM analyses for 
these areas. Today's action approves the ozone attainment demonstration 
and RACM analysis for the Greater Connecticut area only. EPA is not 
taking action on the ozone attainment demonstration and the RACM 
analysis for the Connecticut portion of the New York City ozone 
nonattainment area at this time.
    As stated in the NPR, the EPA is approving Connecticut's 1997 8-
hour ozone attainment demonstration and RACM analysis, for the Greater 
Connecticut ozone nonattainment area,

[[Page 78273]]

because the basic photochemical grid modeling used by Connecticut in 
its SIP submittal meets EPA's guidelines and is acceptable to EPA. As 
also noted in the NPR, complete, quality assured and certified ambient 
air monitoring data show that the Greater Connecticut area attained the 
1997 ozone standard for the 2007-2009 monitoring period (i.e., by the 
area's June 15, 2010 attainment date) and show that this area continued 
to attain the standard through 2011.\1\ The purpose of the attainment 
demonstration is to show how the area will meet the standard by the 
attainment date. All the control measures necessary for attainment of 
the 1997 8-hour ozone standard have already been adopted, submitted, 
approved and implemented.\2\ Based on (1) the state following EPA's 
modeling guidance, (2) the air quality data through 2011, (3) the area 
attaining the standard by the attainment date, and (4) the implemented 
SIP-approved control measures, EPA is approving the Connecticut 
attainment demonstration and RACM SIP submissions for the Greater 
Connecticut 1997 8-hour ozone moderate nonattainment area.
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    \1\ Subsequently, final, certified 2012 ozone data, and 
preliminary 2013 ozone data, indicate continued attainment of the 
1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS for this area. The area, however, remains 
designated nonattainment for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS.
    \2\ At the time of publication of the NPR, three Connecticut 
state SIP revisions had not yet been approved by EPA. All were 
subsequently approved. Specifically, Connecticut's December 8, 2006 
reasonably available control technology (RACT) SIP submission was 
approved on June 27, 2013 (78 FR 38587). The final rulemaking notice 
approving Connecticut's VOC content limits for consumer products 
(Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (RCSA) section 22a-174-
40) and Connecticut's restrictions on the manufacture and use of 
adhesives and sealants (RCSA section 22a-174-44) was signed by the 
Regional Administrator on November 12, 2013. A copy of the signed 
notice is available in the docket for today's action.
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II. Response to Comments

    As noted above, EPA's May 9, 2013 (78 FR 27161) NPR proposed 
approval of the Connecticut attainment demonstration and RACM SIP 
submissions for two nonattainment areas. EPA received a comment letter 
on our NPR. Most of the comments were solely relevant to the New York 
City area ozone attainment demonstration. EPA is not taking action on 
the New York City attainment demonstration and RACM analysis at this 
time. Consequently, this action does not address comments that pertain 
solely to the New York City area. In today's action, EPA is approving 
the Greater Connecticut ozone attainment demonstration and RACM 
analysis. There was, however, one comment that could be interpreted as 
applying to the attainment demonstrations for both areas. That comment 
is summarized below with EPA's response for the Greater Connecticut 
nonattainment area.
    Comment: The commenter stated that EPA must disapprove the 
attainment demonstration, because it fails to include an analysis under 
Section 110(l) of the Clean Air Act. The commenter states that EPA must 
analyze whether approval of the attainment demonstration for the 1997 
ozone NAAQS would interfere with any applicable requirements regarding 
the 2008 ozone NAAQS or the 2010 nitrogen dioxide NAAQS. The commenter 
specifically requests that EPA evaluate whether approval of this 
attainment demonstration, which does not require any additional 
emission reductions, foregoes some NOx RACT limits which the 
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) 
previously proposed, and does not apply an 0.07 lb/mmbtu limit for 
coal-fired EGUs, will interfere with attaining the 2008 ozone NAAQS as 
expeditiously as practicable.
    Response: EPA interprets this comment to apply to the Greater 
Connecticut area and our response solely applies to that area. Section 
110(l) states: ``The Administrator shall not approve a revision of a 
plan if the revision would interfere with any applicable requirement 
concerning attainment and reasonable further progress (as defined in 
section 171), or any other applicable requirement of this chapter.''
    The SIP submittal that is the subject of this action does not 
contain revisions to any control measures or other regulatory 
requirements. It does not add, remove, or revise any regulatory 
requirements in the list of Federally-enforceable regulations at 40 CFR 
52.370 or 40 CFR 52.385. Rather, this SIP submission is a demonstration 
that, with respect to the 1997 ozone NAAQS, regulations and control 
measures already approved into Connecticut's SIP will (1) provide for 
the implementation of all reasonably available control measures as 
expeditiously as practicable, as required by section 172(c)(1) of the 
Clean Air Act, and (2) provide for attainment of the 1997 ozone NAAQS 
in the Greater Connecticut area by the applicable attainment date (June 
15, 2010), as required by sections 172(c)(1) and 182(c)(2)(A). This 
particular SIP submission does not (and was not required to) make any 
demonstrations regarding the adequacy of the SIP with respect to any 
other NAAQS, such as the 2008 ozone NAAQS or the 2010 nitrogen dioxide 
NAAQS.
    It is arguable whether section 110(l) applies to this submission, 
as this submission is not revising any substantive elements of the SIP, 
such as control measures. As noted above, the submission that EPA is 
approving does not include any increases in emissions or relaxations of 
Federally-enforceable control measures to existing SIP-approved 
emissions control regulations in the list of Federally-enforceable 
regulations at 40 CFR 52.370 or 40 CFR 52.385, where we would need to 
determine if such changes would meet the Section 110(l) requirement. 
Rather, EPA is simply revising Sec.  52.377 to reflect EPA's conclusion 
that Connecticut has an adequate control strategy for the 1997 ozone 
standard with respect to the Greater Connecticut ozone nonattainment 
area.
    Specifically, the 1997 8-hour ozone attainment demonstration 
submitted by Connecticut includes: (1) A detailed ozone photochemical 
grid modeling analysis (including a weight of evidence analysis) that 
meets EPA guidance; (2) an analysis of air quality data, which is 
supplemented in the NPR by EPA with more up-to-date ozone data; and (3) 
a list of measures that will bring the area into attainment. The 
purpose of the 1997 8-hour ozone attainment demonstration for the 
Greater Connecticut area is to demonstrate how, through enforceable and 
approvable emission reductions, that area will meet the standard by the 
attainment date (June 15, 2010). All ozone control measures necessary 
for attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS have already been 
adopted, submitted, approved into the SIP and implemented. Based on (1) 
Connecticut following EPA's modeling guidance, (2) the air quality data 
through 2011, (3) the area attaining the standard by the attainment 
date, and (4) the implemented SIP-approved control measures, EPA is 
approving the Connecticut ozone attainment demonstration, including the 
RACM analysis, for the Greater Connecticut area.
    Furthermore, the Greater Connecticut area is designated 
``marginal'' nonattainment for the 2008 ozone standard. (See 40 CFR 
81.307) As a result of its ``marginal'' classification, the area is 
required to attain the 2008 ozone standard by December 31, 2015 (77 FR 
30167, May 21, 2012) but is not required to submit an attainment 
demonstration for the 2008 ozone standard. Approval of this submission 
will not interfere with attainment of the 2008 ozone standard, because 
it will not

[[Page 78274]]

change any control requirements or alter ambient concentrations of 
ozone.
    While many of the control measures that CTDEEP has implemented for 
attaining the 1997 standard may also assist the Greater Connecticut 
area in meeting the 2008 standard, it is possible that the area may 
also need additional measures that were not needed to attain the 1997 
standard. The fact that Connecticut did not find it necessary to 
implement a particular measure in order to attain the 1997 standard 
does not mean that Connecticut may not find it necessary to implement 
that same (or a similar) measure in the future, to fulfill other 
requirements of the Clean Air Act. By the same token, EPA's approval of 
Connecticut's attainment demonstration for the 1997 ozone standard 
without certain measures does not foreclose either Connecticut or EPA 
from finding, at a future date with respect to a distinct future 
obligation, that Connecticut needs those (or similar) measures in order 
to meet other requirements. See Ky. Resources Council, Inc. v. EPA, 467 
F.3d 986, 996 (6th Cir. 2006).
    Connecticut is designated unclassifiable/attainment for the 2010 1-
hour NAAQS for nitrogen dioxide (see 40 CFR 81.307), and therefore has 
no requirement to submit an attainment demonstration. However, a 
similar analysis illustrates that, assuming section 110(l) applies, 
approval of this submission will not interfere with attainment or 
maintenance of the nitrogen dioxide NAAQS. Approval of this SIP 
submission will not alter any control measures currently in the SIP. 
Thus, there is no reason to believe that approval of this SIP 
submission will change the ambient concentrations of nitrogen dioxide 
that would otherwise occur, or that approval would interfere with 
attainment or maintenance of the nitrogen dioxide NAAQS.
    For these reasons, even assuming section 110(l) applies to this 
submittal, EPA concludes the submittal will not interfere with 
attainment of the 2008 ozone NAAQS, the 2010 nitrogen dioxide NAAQS, or 
any other requirement of the Clean Air Act.

III. Final Action

    EPA is approving Connecticut's demonstration of attainment of the 
1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standard for the Greater 
Connecticut moderate 8-hour ozone nonattainment area submitted on 
February 1, 2008. EPA is also approving the associated RACM analysis 
for this same area.

IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP 
submission that complies with the provisions of the CAA 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. The approval of an 
attainment demonstration and RACM analysis does not impose additional 
requirements beyond those imposed by state law and the CAA. For that 
reason, this 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 Clean Air Act; 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 rule does not have tribal implications as 
specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), 
because it does not impose any new regulatory requirements on tribes, 
impact any existing sources of air pollution on tribal lands, nor 
impair the maintenance of ozone national ambient air quality standards 
in tribal lands.
    The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the 
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally 
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating 
the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, 
to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the 
United States. EPA will submit a report containing this action and 
other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of 
Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior 
to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. A major rule cannot 
take effect until 60 days after it is published in the Federal 
Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 
804(2).
    Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA, petitions for judicial review 
of this action must be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for 
the appropriate circuit by February 24, 2014. Filing a petition for 
reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule does not affect 
the finality of this action for the purposes of judicial review nor 
does it extend the time within which a petition for judicial review may 
be filed, and shall not postpone the effectiveness of such rule or 
action. This action may not be challenged later in proceedings to 
enforce its requirements. (See section 307(b)(2).)

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by 
reference, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Volatile organic compounds.

    Dated: December 10, 2013.
Michael P. Kenyon,
Acting Regional Administrator, EPA New England.

    Part 52, chapter I, title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations is 
amended as follows:

PART 52--APPROVAL AND PROMULGATION OF IMPLEMENTATION PLANS

0
1. The authority citation for part 52 continues to read as follows:

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

Subpart H--Connecticut

0
2. Section 52.377 is amended by adding a new paragraph (n) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  52.377  Control strategy: Ozone.

* * * * *

[[Page 78275]]

    (n) Approval--An attainment demonstration for the 1997 8-hour ozone 
standard to satisfy requirements of section 182(c)(2)(A) of the Clean 
Air Act, and a Reasonably Available Control Measure (RACM) analysis to 
satisfy requirements of section 172(c)(1) of the Clean Air Act for the 
Greater Connecticut ozone nonattainment area, submitted by the 
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on 
February 1, 2008.

[FR Doc. 2013-30735 Filed 12-24-13; 8:45 am]
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