Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; New Mexico; Regional Haze and Interstate Transport Affecting Visibility State Implementation Plan Revisions, 60985-60993 [2014-23904]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 196 / Thursday, October 9, 2014 / Rules and Regulations Available Retrofit requirements in CAA section 169(b)(2)(A) and the Visibility Impairment requirements in CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II). This action will not modify this relationship. Thus, Executive Order 13132 does not apply to this action. F. Executive Order 13175—Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments This FIP withdrawal action does not have tribal implications, as specified in Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000). In this action, EPA is not addressing any Tribal Implementation Plans. This action is limited to the withdrawal of the New Mexico RH and IT FIP for PNM’s San Juan Generating Station. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this action. Consistent with EPA policy, EPA offered consultation to tribes regarding this rulemaking action. G. Executive Order 13045—Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks EPA interprets Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997) as applying only to those regulatory actions that concern health or safety risks, such that the analysis required under section 5–501 of the executive order has the potential to influence the regulation. This action is not subject to EO 13045 because EPA in withdrawing the New Mexico RH and IT FIP for PNM’s San Juan Generating Station, as authorized by the CAA, EPA considers visibility and not health or safety risks. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES H. Executive Order 13211—Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use This FIP withdrawal action is not subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001) because it is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 104— 113, 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note) directs EPA to use voluntary consensus standards in its regulatory activities unless to do so would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical standards (e.g., materials specifications, test methods, sampling procedures, and business practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies. NTTAA directs EPA to provide VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Oct 08, 2014 Jkt 235001 Congress, through OMB, explanations when the Agency decides not to use available and applicable voluntary consensus standards. This FIP withdrawal action for PNM’s San Juan Generating Station does not involve technical standards. Therefore, EPA did not consider the use of any voluntary consensus standards. J. Executive Order 12898—Federal Actions To Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations This final rule 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). K. Congressional Review Act The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United States. EPA will submit a report containing this 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). L. Petitions for Judicial Review Under section 307(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act, petitions for judicial review of this action must be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by December 8, 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, Particulate matter, PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 60985 Regional haze, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur dioxide, and Visibility. Dated: September 26, 2014. Gina McCarthy, Administrator. For the reasons stated in the preamble, Title 40, chapter I, 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. § 52.1628 [Removed and Reserved] 2. Section 52.1628 is removed and reserved. ■ [FR Doc. 2014–23905 Filed 10–8–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R06–OAR–2014–0214; FRL–9917–63– Region 6] Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; New Mexico; Regional Haze and Interstate Transport Affecting Visibility State Implementation Plan Revisions Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action under the Clean Air Act (CAA) to approve a revision to the New Mexico Regional Haze State Implementation Plan (SIP) that addresses the Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) requirement for oxides of nitrogen (NOX) for the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) San Juan Generating Station (SJGS) in San Juan County, New Mexico. EPA is also taking final action under the CAA to approve a revision to the New Mexico Visibility Transport SIP that addresses the CAA requirement that emissions from sources in New Mexico do not interfere with programs in other states to protect visibility. The SIP meets this requirement through emission limitations for NOX and sulfur dioxide (SO2) at SJGS. DATES: This final rule will be effective November 10, 2014. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\09OCR1.SGM 09OCR1 60986 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 196 / Thursday, October 9, 2014 / Rules and Regulations EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID No. EPA–R06–OAR–2014–0214. All documents in the docket are listed in the https://www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., Confidential Business Information or other information the disclosure of which 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 Air Planning Section (6PD–L), Environmental Protection Agency, 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75202–2733. The file will be made available by appointment for public inspection in the Region 6 FOIA Review Room between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays except for legal holidays. Contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT paragraph below or Mr. Bill Deese at 214–665–7253 to make an appointment. If possible, please make the appointment at least two working days in advance of your visit. A 15 cent per page fee will be charged for making photocopies of documents. On the day of the visit, please check in at the EPA Region 6 reception area on the seventh floor at 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75202–2733. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Michael Feldman (214) 665–9793, email feldman.michael@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document whenever ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ or ‘‘our’’ is used, we mean EPA. ADDRESSES: Table of Contents I. What is the background for this action? II. What final action is EPA taking? III. Response to Comments IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews I. What is the background for this action? tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES The background for today’s final rule is discussed in detail in our May 12, 2014 document, in which we proposed to approve New Mexico’s SIP revisions. See 79 FR 26909. The comment period on the proposed action was open for 30 days, and several comments were received. II. What final action is EPA taking? We are approving New Mexico’s regional haze SIP revisions submitted on October 7, 2013 and November 5, 2013 (‘‘2013 RH SIP revision’’), that build on a SIP revision submitted on VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Oct 08, 2014 Jkt 235001 July 5, 2011 (‘‘2011 RH SIP revision’’).1 The 2013 RH SIP revision contains a new NOX BART determination for the SJGS (referred to as the ‘‘State Alternative’’). The State Alternative consists of a previously uncontemplated control scenario involving unit shutdowns at the SJGS. With this approval, the State Alternative supersedes the State’s previous NOX BART determination that was included in the 2011 RH SIP revision. The State Alternative reflects the terms of the tentative agreement signed between the PNM, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), and EPA to address the regional haze requirements applicable to the SJGS. This agreement is included as Exhibit 5 of the 2013 RH SIP revision.2 The 2013 RH SIP revision also includes a preconstruction permit submitted on November 5, 2013,3 that sets a NOX emission limit based upon the State Alternative, compliance schedules, a compliance deadline for the shutdown of two units, and monitoring and testing requirements. More specifically, the 2013 RH SIP revision requires the following: • Fifteen (15) months after EPA’s final approval of the 2013 RH SIP revision, but no earlier than January 31, 2016, PNM will complete installation of SNCR technology on SJGS Units 1 and 4 and meet an emission limit of 0.23 lb/ MMBtu on a rolling 30-day average basis; 4 • PNM will retire SJGS Units 2 and 3 by December 31, 2017; and • PNM will commence a program of testing and evaluation, after the installation of the SNCRs, to determine if additional NOX emission reductions can be achieved. The Testing Program, consisting of SNCR performance testing, fuel performance testing, and long-term performance evaluation, must be 1 We are acting on everything not yet acted upon in the 2011 RH SIP revision that pertains to the 2013 NOX BART determination. The 2013 RH SIP revision explains that the revised, more recent NOX BART determination would ‘‘supersede’’ the 2011 NOX BART determination if EPA approves it. Certain NMED documents from the 2011 RH SIP revision are relevant to the state’s 2013 conclusions regarding NOX BART, but other information that relates solely to the 2011 NOX BART determination is now moot with EPA’s finalized approval of the superseding BART determination. 2 Term Sheet Between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Public Service Company of New Mexico and the State of New Mexico (‘‘Term Sheet’’), February 15, 2013. 3 NSR Technical Permit Revision, NSR Permit No. 0063–M6R3, November 1, 2013. 4 The permit conditions at A112C specify the averaging time and calculation methodology for the enforceable emission limit for NOX on Units 1 and 4 of 0.23 lb/MMBtu on a boiler-operating-day basis, averaged across the two units. PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 completed no later than January 31, 2017.5 In addition to approving New Mexico’s revised enforceable NOX BART determination for SJGS, we are also approving New Mexico’s 2011 Visibility Transport SIP revision, as revised in 2013, because it demonstrates that emissions from all sources in New Mexico are sufficiently controlled to eliminate interference with the visibility programs of other states. We are also approving as part of New Mexico’s SIP the operative sections of the 2013 permit for SJGS on the basis that the SO2 and NOX emission limits for the SJGS will sufficiently prevent emissions from sources in New Mexico from interfering with the visibility programs of other states. New Mexico has incorporated emission limits and requirements for unit shutdowns into the 2013 preconstruction permit that was submitted as part of the SIP revisions. Specifically, as a source-specific requirement of the New Mexico SIP for regional haze and visibility transport, section A112C of the 2013 SJGS permit provides a more stringent SO2 emission limit (i.e., than previously permitted or SIP-required) as part of the State Alternative and a NOX emission limit reflecting the State Alternative. The permit contains three independent scenarios under section A112: A, B, and C. Consistent with the terms of the permit, our final approval puts Scenario C into effect, while the other two scenarios are now moot. We have determined that the 2013 RH SIP revision and corresponding visibility transport SIP revisions are approvable because the revisions were adopted and submitted in accordance with the CAA and EPA’s regulations regarding the regional haze program and meet the CAA provisions concerning non-interference with programs to protect visibility in other states. We are taking this final action today under section 110 and part C of the CAA. Consistent with the discussion provided in our proposal, the 2011 RH SIP provision for NOX BART is fully superseded and/or moot with today’s approval and does not constitute a SIP submittal pending EPA review and action. In addition, as our May 12, 2014 proposal explained, the approval of the SIP submittals enables EPA to withdraw or rescind the Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) that was earlier promulgated 5 A delay may be allowed under special circumstances that would limit the number of evaluation days during both summer and winter months, as discussed in the paragraph 1(d)(iv) of the Term Sheet. E:\FR\FM\09OCR1.SGM 09OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 196 / Thursday, October 9, 2014 / Rules and Regulations to address the same requirements. See 79 FR 26909. Accordingly, as a result of today’s approval action, we are also taking action to withdraw the regional haze FIP for New Mexico at 40 CFR 52.1628. The action to withdraw the FIP is in a separate action contained in today’s Federal Register. Upon the effective date of the Federal Register documents, the requirements in the approved SIP apply and the FIP requirements for the SJGS are withdrawn. III. Response to Comments tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES We received several comments on our proposed approval of the 2013 RH SIP revision that were submitted by PNM, NMED, the Navajo Nation, the National Park Service, Tucson Electric Power Company, Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems, a consortium of environmental organizations,6 Santa Fe Monthly Meeting Peace and Social Concerns Committee, and Earth Justice. Copies of the comments are available in the docket for this rulemaking. Summaries of the issues raised in the comment letters, and our responses, follow: Comment: A commenter, identified as a part owner of SJGS Unit 4, requested a 12-month extension of the SIP’s compliance period for meeting the new NOX limits. The commenter referred to the EPA proposal, ‘‘Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units,’’ subsequently published at 79 FR 34829 (June 18, 2014), and asserted that an extension would allow for adequate consideration of the impacts of the proposal relative to the investment considerations of installing SNCRs at the SJGS. The commenter stated that ownership of SJGS presently includes utilities from five Western states, and the interstate nature of ownership and emissions complicates a coordinated compliance planning process. Another commenter, identified as a part owner of SJGS Units 1 and 2, supported the costs, anticipated haze reduction, and other environmental benefits associated with the 2013 RH SIP revision, but similarly 6 Western Resource Advocates, New Energy Economy, WildEarth Guardians, Conservation Voters of New Mexico, Physicians for Social Responsibility (NM), Environment New Mexico/ Environment New Mexico Research and Policy Center, New Mexico Independent Power Producers Climate Change Leadership Institute, Santa Fe Innovation Park, The Global Warming Express, Chainbreaker Collective, Center for Civic Policy, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, and 350.org. These stakeholders also submitted a letter that has been added to the docket as a late comment; it raises no issues not already addressed by our response to comments. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Oct 08, 2014 Jkt 235001 requested that EPA amend its approval and provide additional time for installation of SNCR on the basis that more time is needed to study the proposed standards for reducing carbon pollution at existing EGUs. Response: EPA believes that CAA section 111(d) efforts and actions will tend to contribute to overall air quality improvements and thus should be complementary to criteria pollutant and regional haze SIP efforts but do not provide a basis for delaying implementation of these efforts. See 79 FR at 34931. The 111(d) proposal specifically mentions the next 10-year SIP revision for regional haze that is due by July 2018 and covers the time period through 2028, explaining that the timeframes proposed for submittal of the CAA section 111(d) state plans will allow considerable time for coordination by states in the development of their respective plans. The proposal does not suggest that further delays are warranted for implementing the regional haze requirements that were first due in December 2007. Indeed, states and affected sources will be able to take into account requirements of programs such as Regional Haze in considering the development of state plans under section 111(d). More importantly here, EPA cannot alter an otherwise approvable SIP revision to extend a compliance date. The 2013 RH SIP revision submitted by New Mexico provides the compliance date. Moreover, the compliance dates that New Mexico set are as ‘‘expeditious as practicable,’’ as required by the CAA. See CAA section 169A(b)(2)(A), (g)(2). Because the compliance dates meet CAA requirements, EPA cannot establish different compliance dates when taking action on the SIP revision. See CAA section 110(k)(3), (l). Comment: A commenter stated that unit retirements and NOX controls at SJGS would reduce regional haze and provide other significant environmental, economic, and health benefits, and states that ‘‘these additional benefits must be recognized.’’ The commenter requested, however, that EPA’s approval contain a statement reflecting EPA’s willingness to consider eliminating the NOX emission control requirements on Units 1 and 4 if, by December 31, 2016, there is a commitment to permanently retire Unit 1 and/or 4 within a reasonably short time-frame. PNM responded to this request in its own comment (although it mistakenly cited the date of December 31, 2015 when paraphrasing the comment). PNM’s comment stated that EPA should reject the request for an EPA statement PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 60987 regarding the retirement of additional capacity because the Agency lacks any analysis or basis upon which to evaluate the efficacy or legality of the request. Response: We decline to endorse a proposal not before us, as suggested by the commenter. Because the 2013 RH SIP revision meets CAA requirements, we are required to approve it. See CAA section 110(k)(3),(l). Comment: PNM submitted a comment supporting the proposed rule, agreeing that the 2013 RH SIP revision is reasonable, even when EPA’s estimated SCR costs are used. PNM asserted, however, that its own estimated SCR capital costs were confirmed by detailed bids from engineering, procurement, and construction contractors, and that none of the bids were in the range of EPA’s estimated SCR costs. PNM believed that these bids should satisfy any requirement for enhanced documentation to support higher SCR costs, but acknowledged that their cost estimates provide different treatment to items such as sorbent injection, apportionment of balanced draft costs, and fees and contingencies. Response: We appreciate PMN’s comment supporting approval. As identified by the comment, EPA’s cost analysis for SCR was based on a different design (e.g., no costs for sorbent injection) than the design PNM used when soliciting bids from vendors. PNM’s bids were not submitted with the comment and, based on the available documentation, we remain unable to conclude that certain line items in PNM’s SCR cost estimates are well supported. While the BART Guidelines explain that data from vendor bids may be used in developing equipment cost estimates, this does not mean that bottom-line figures can serve as a substitute for a full cost analysis or that all costs included therein would be appropriate for making an assessment of cost-effectiveness. The expectation remains that the cost analysis maintain and improve consistency through adherence to the OAQPS Control Cost Manual, where possible. Moreover, the BART Guidelines state that documentation is expected, and indeed especially important, where a state believes that costs will be unreasonable even though other recent retrofits have cost-effectiveness values that are within what has been considered a reasonable range. As we established in our FIP, recent SCR retrofits at coal-fired power plants have been found to be costeffective, and this cost effectiveness is generally validated by large emission reductions even when there are large capital costs. E:\FR\FM\09OCR1.SGM 09OCR1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES 60988 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 196 / Thursday, October 9, 2014 / Rules and Regulations Comment: NMED provided comments in support of approval and stated that they generally concur with our description and evaluation of the State Alternative for NOX BART. Response: We appreciate this comment. Comment: NMED commented that states cannot be required to take a unitspecific (or unit-by-unit) approach to assessing the BART factors. In American Corn Growers v. EPA, 291 F.3d 1, 8 (D.C. Cir. 2002), a reviewing court held that it was invalid to consider visibility impacts on a multiple-source basis while employing a source-specific approach to the other four BART factors. The commenter stated that requiring states to assess visibility on a facilitywide basis while considering the other factors on a unit-by-unit basis would be similarly unsupported by the statute and would impermissibly constrain state authority. Response: We disagree with this comment. In American Corn Growers, the D.C. Circuit held that EPA could not adopt a ‘‘group-BART approach’’ to the visibility factor because it could force states to require BART controls at some sources without any empirical evidence of a particular source’s contribution to visibility impairment in a Class I area. As a result, the Regional Haze Rule and BART Guidelines require states to analyze the five statutory factors for each BART-eligible source without reference to the benefits that BART will achieve at other sources. Beyond this, however, the court did not opine on how the BART factors should be analyzed or weighed by states, let alone proscribe a unit-specific or prescribe a facility-wide approach to BART. As we recently explained in our action on the Wyoming regional haze SIP, see 79 FR 5031 (Jan. 30, 2014), the BART Guidelines prescribe that states ‘‘must conduct a visibility improvement determination for the source(s) as part of the BART determination,’’ 7 and we interpret this language as requiring states to consider the visibility improvement from BART applied to the BART-eligible source as a whole. We do not believe that either the CAA or the BART Guidelines mandate either a unitspecific or a facility-wide approach to analyzing or weighing the remaining BART factors. In most circumstances, however, we believe that states should use a unit-specific approach to assessing the technical feasibility and costs of controls options, as well as the existing controls and remaining useful life of BART-eligible units. This approach is clearly contemplated by the BART 7 40 CFR part 51, app. Y, section IV.D.5. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Oct 08, 2014 Jkt 235001 Guidelines and has been used for decades in other CAA contexts, such as the evaluation of Best Available Control Technology (BACT) for new and modified major stationary sources.8 A unit-specific approach to these factors is appropriate because the age, type, size, location, and emission characteristics of the various emission units at a source can differ greatly, and many control options by design apply to a single unit. However, in unique circumstances, such as in situations where a control strategy can be implemented facility-wide or where the benefits of unit shutdowns must be taken into account, then we believe that the CAA and BART Guidelines provide states with the flexibility to analyze and weigh the BART factors for the source as a whole, rather than for its constituent emission units. Comment: NMED responded to a statement in the proposal that expressed some concern with the appropriateness of including SO2 reductions from units 1 and 4 in one of the NOX BART control options analyzed, rather than as part of the facility’s baseline emissions, by explaining that the SO2 limit of 0.10 lbs/ MMBtu is required by the 2013 RH SIP revision alone and would not be required if the FIP continues to remain in force. Response: While the inclusion of the SO2 reductions in the SIP helps to further demonstrate non-interference with the visibility protection programs of other states, in keeping with the visibility transport requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I), and helps in showing the overall visibility benefits of the 2013 RH SIP revision, we had noted that those reductions do not specifically lend support to a visibility improvement determination for NOX BART through the application of NOX controls. However, no commenters took issue with the inclusion of SO2 reductions in the studied scenarios or insisted that refinements were necessary on this point, and it remains our view that the inclusion of the reductions did not meaningfully impact the evaluation of visibility benefits due to NOX reductions at the facility. Comment: The Navajo Nation submitted a comment supporting the proposal as the best scenario for meeting BART, endorsing it for having reasonable costs of compliance and a realistic timeframe. The comment also stated that the 2013 RH SIP revision addressed concerns regarding potential job losses faced by Navajo work forces 8 See New Source Review Workshop Manual (Oct. 1990), available at https://www.epa.gov/ttn/nsr/gen/ wkshpman.pdf. PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 at the SJGS and San Juan mine more effectively than EPA’s FIP. Response: We appreciate this comment supporting approval. Comment: One commenter stated that the 2013 RH SIP revision appears to be an alternative consistent with the intent of 40 CFR 51.308(e)(2) and therefore needs to demonstrate greater reasonable progress than EPA’s BART determination. The fact that the 2013 RH SIP revision does not demonstrate greater reasonable progress than EPA’s BART determination gave the commenter concern because the commenter considered it a departure from rules and guidance. The commenter also asserted that previous EPA decisions have required a source to demonstrate its proposed alternative is better than EPA’s BART determination, citing actions for Idaho and the Four Corners Power Plant.9 Response: We disagree that the 2013 RH SIP revision appears to be a BART alternative under section 51.308(e)(2). New Mexico explicitly stated that it was not evaluating a BART alternative when responding to comments during the state process and again when submitting comments to support our proposed approval. Therefore, New Mexico was not required to make a demonstration of greater reasonable progress. Instead, New Mexico evaluated a new, sourcespecific BART determination under section 51.308(e)(1). To fully account for the source owner’s proposed unit shutdowns, New Mexico chose to weigh the BART factors in light of source-wide considerations. As explained in our proposal and elsewhere in our responses to comments, we believe that this approach is permissible under the CAA and the BART Guidelines. The prior EPA actions cited by the commenter are not relevant to our action on New Mexico’s NOX BART determination for SJGS. While both the Four Corners and Idaho actions contained BART alternatives that demonstrated greater reasonable progress, we are not evaluating a BART alternative here. Moreover, while the Idaho action also involved two new BART determinations that happened to be more stringent than the state’s original BART determinations, neither the CAA nor our regulations require a new BART determination to be more stringent in every instance in order to supersede a prior BART determination. Comment: One commenter argued that the CAA requires that any 9 The comment provided a citation to 79 FR 23273 (April 28, 2014) relating to the Tasco facility in Idaho, and one to ‘‘78 FR 24112,’’ which we interpret as having intended to refer to 78 FR 60700 (October 2, 2013) (bearing ‘‘FR Doc. 2013–24112’’). E:\FR\FM\09OCR1.SGM 09OCR1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 196 / Thursday, October 9, 2014 / Rules and Regulations alternative regional haze strategy must outperform the visibility gains of the existing strategy or, in other words, be ‘‘better than BART,’’ and the 2013 RH SIP revision fails to accomplish this. Citing to CAA section 7410(a) and (l), the commenter argued that the characterization of the 2013 RH SIP revision as including a new BART determination is plainly unlawful because the State has not undertaken the BART analysis required by the CAA and BART Guidelines, and EPA did not provide any explanation for why the SIP revision is approvable when the FIP had a more stringent BART determination. Response: As explained above, the 2013 RH SIP revision was not submitted to meet section 51.308(e)(2) requirements, so it is not required to be better than BART. As we stated in the proposal, the 2013 RH SIP revision contains a new, source-specific BART analysis that is based on different underlying facts than those that were present when we evaluated our FIP. Thus, the commenter’s assertion that the state failed to undertake a BART analysis is clearly incorrect. Finally, contrary to the commenter’s assertion, CAA section 110(l) does not prohibit a state from submitting a SIP that is less stringent than a FIP. Our proposal provided an analysis conducted under section 110(l), which showed that the 2013 RH SIP revision would not interfere with the attainment or maintenance of any NAAQS or any other CAA requirement. See 79 FR at 26920. Because New Mexico complied with the CAA’s visibility protection provisions, the Regional Haze Rule, and the BART Guidelines, and made a reasonable control determination based on the weighing of the five factors, EPA is required to approve the 2013 RH SIP revision. Comment: One commenter stated that the 2013 RH SIP revision does not comply with the mandatory unitspecific analytical approach required by the CAA. The commenter argued that the BART Guidelines require BART to be determined on a unit-specific basis because a BART emission limit must be established for each affected emission unit. The commenter also pointed out that the BART Guidelines provide an example of a unit-specific approach where they state that ‘‘control options must be analyzed for Units B through H as well as Unit A.’’ Consequently, the commenter concluded that New Mexico and EPA are required to follow the unitspecific approach. Response: We disagree with this comment. The portion of the BART Guidelines cited by the commenter explains how all BART units at the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Oct 08, 2014 Jkt 235001 subject to BART source must be included in the BART analysis. The 2013 SIP revision implements BART at each BART-subject unit by requiring either shutdowns or controls. Also, while the BART Guidelines clearly contemplate that states will analyze technical feasibility and costeffectiveness on a unit-specific basis, they do not explicitly require such an approach, nor do they provide guidance for situations in which a source proposes unit shutdowns as an emission-reduction strategy. Moreover, contrary to the commenter’s assertion, the CAA does not mandate any specific analytical approach. Consequently, in situations where a state is contemplating a novel control scenario not contemplated by the BART Guidelines, such as one that involves unit shutdowns, we believe that states have the flexibility to tailor their BART analyses by evaluating and weighing the BART factors on a facility-wide (i.e., ‘‘source’’) basis rather than on a unitspecific basis in order to account for the emission reductions and benefits that would directly result from the shutdowns. Moreover, while BART emission limits are also typically established for each unit that comprises the BART-eligible source, as New Mexico chose to do here, nothing in the CAA or BART Guidelines prevents a state from setting an emission limit that averages emissions across multiple units, so long as that limit is ‘‘based on the degree of reduction achievable through the best system of continuous emission reduction for each pollutant.’’ See 40 CFR 51.301. Comment: One commenter stated that a facility-wide BART determination is inconsistent with other EPA actions. The commenter cited to EPA actions in Indiana and Montana to support this contention.10 The commenter also pointed out that EPA used a unitspecific approach to analyzing the first four factors when promulgating its FIP for SJGS. The commenter called EPA’s proposal an unexplained departure from EPA’s past practice in implementing its binding guidelines. Response: We disagree with this comment for the same reasons explained above. EPA’s actions in Indiana, Montana, and our FIP for SJGS did not involve unit shutdowns and therefore are not determinative of how the BART statutory factors should be 10 Specifically, the commenter cited our Indiana regional haze SIP action (77 FR 3975, 3982 (Jan. 26, 2012)) for its statement that a source needs to ‘‘implement BART at each BART-subject unit,’’ and the Montana regional haze FIP (77 FR 57864, Sept. 18, 2012) for discussing statutory BART factors for units at a BART source. PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 60989 considered and weighed in this context. Also, contrary to the commenter’s assertion, we explained in our proposal why New Mexico’s approach was reasonable in light of the unique circumstances presented and, on that basis, cannot validly be seen as any departure from past actions. As was stated, the state’s approach reasonably takes into account the visibility, energy, and non-air quality environmental benefits associated with unit shutdowns. See 79 FR 26918. Furthermore, the 2013 SIP revision implements BART at each BART-subject unit by requiring either shutdowns or controls. Comment: A commenter stated that EPA’s proposal arbitrarily rejected SCR in favor of less effective pollution controls even though EPA found that an emission limitation based on SCR was BART in the FIP. The commenter explained that SCR provides the best visibility outcomes and is cost-effective. Response: Under different factual circumstances, we determined that SCR for the four SJGS units had reasonable average cost-effectiveness values and would promote significant visibility improvements, thereby supporting the basis for the emission limits set forth in the FIP. In the 2013 RH SIP revision, New Mexico demonstrated that SNCR in tandem with shutdowns has visibility benefits on par with those anticipated from the FIP at much lower overall costs, while also reducing overall energy and non-air quality environmental impacts. Although we continue to believe that SCR is a cost-effective control and are not abandoning the legal and technical basis for our FIP, we believe that when cost, energy and nonair quality environmental impacts, and anticipated visibility benefits are all taken into consideration, New Mexico’s determination that the State Alternative is BART is reasonable. While SCR remains cost-effective on a $/ton basis, the incremental visibility benefit of the four-SCR scenario of the FIP over the State Alternative is small at most Class I areas, and New Mexico reasonably concluded that this small additional visibility benefit, when considered with the difference in the energy and non-air quality environmental impacts, did not justify the large increase in costs associated with the installation of SCR on all four units. Comment: One commenter stated that the visibility impacts of the State Alternative are significantly worse than the four-SCR scenario in the FIP. The commenter explained that the difference in visibility impacts between the two scenarios will be 0.47 dv at Mesa Verde, 0.24 dv at Canyonlands, and 0.13 dv at E:\FR\FM\09OCR1.SGM 09OCR1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES 60990 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 196 / Thursday, October 9, 2014 / Rules and Regulations Weminuche. The sum of these visibility differences is 0.84 dv, which is above the 0.5 dv threshold that is used to determine ‘‘significance.’’ Also, the State Alternative will result in five more days with impacts over 1 dv at Mesa Verde, three more days at Arches, and two more days at both Canyonlands and La Garita when compared to the fourSCR scenario in the FIP. Response: As we stated in the proposal when comparing the two scenarios, while we have some concern with the modeled visibility differences between the two control scenarios for Mesa Verde and Canyonlands, we find that the State’s decision to select the State Alternative was ultimately reasonable, especially considering the costs of compliance and the energy and non-air quality environmental impacts of the two scenarios. We noted that the difference in visibility impacts between the two scenarios are negligible at most of the Class I areas examined. The average difference at the 13 other Class I areas (other than Mesa Verde, Canyonlands, and Weminuche) is less than 0.1 dv between the two control scenarios. In considering the number of days impacted, eleven Class I areas show no difference in the number of days with impacts over 1 dv. We also note that the typical application of 0.5 dv as a contribution threshold comes in the context of assessing impacts at a single Class I area, not cumulative impacts across multiple Class I areas. Comment: One commenter stated that the CAA requires EPA to either improve the State Alternative or reject it altogether. Response: We disagree with this comment. As we explained earlier, EPA is required to approve any SIP revision that meets CAA requirements. See CAA section 110(k)(3), (l). EPA does not have authority to improve a SIP revision that is otherwise approvable, and the commenter has provided no basis for EPA to disapprove the 2013 RH SIP revision. Comment: One commenter stated that EPA based its proposed approval on a fundamentally flawed cost-benefit analysis that artificially inflated the cost and artificially reduced the benefits of SCR. The commenter also thought that New Mexico underestimated the costs of SNCR. The commenter argued that EPA had no rational basis for concluding that cost refinements would not change the result. The commenter cited to Center for Biological Diversity v. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 538 F.3d 1172, 1201–03 (9th Cir. 2008), for the proposition that EPA must recalculate a cost value that would significantly alter the analysis. With VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Oct 08, 2014 Jkt 235001 cost corrections, the commenter believed that New Mexico’s capital cost assumptions for SCR would be cut in half, demonstrating that SCR remains cost-effective at Units 1 and 4. The commenter provided an attachment that highlighted how New Mexico’s cost range for SCR at SJGS was well above the cost per kilowatt for SCR demonstrated by other cost studies for comparable retrofits. Response: We maintain our view that SCR has favorable and reasonable average cost-effectiveness values at SJGS under the technical record developed for the FIP, and we agree with the comment that New Mexico’s cost range for SCR is still high compared to other cost studies. Even so, as discussed in response to comments from PNM concerning cost, the state’s BART selection in this case is reasonable. New Mexico was advantaged with the full technical record that we developed to promulgate the FIP, and the state declared that it would favor the 2013 RH SIP revision even if it were to adopt and utilize the lower costs for SCR that we had relied on in promulgating the FIP. In addition, in our proposed action, we recalculated the annual cost and incremental cost-effectiveness of the four-SCR option using the cost estimates presented in the FIP. Thus, there is a significant record basis for our finding that lower SCR costs would not change the result of our action. As to the state’s alleged underestimation of SNCR costs, the comment does not provide any details to enable us to provide a response. We also considered the Ninth Circuit’s decision in Center for Biological Diversity v. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and do not see how it has any bearing on the issue of costs in this case. In that case, the Ninth Circuit faulted NHTSA for its failure to monetize the value of carbon emissions in setting fuel economy standards. In addition to the fact that the case did not concern BART determinations, the comment does not identify any particular line item in the state’s analysis of SCR costs that has not been monetized. Comment: One commenter stated that our proposal failed to consider the prospect of installing SCR on Units 1 and 4, while still shutting down Units 2 and 3. The commenter noted that such a scenario would lead to even greater visibility benefits. The commenter provided modeled visibility results and estimates of the level of emission reductions that would result from this scenario and concluded that the State Alternative was inferior. PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Response: While we acknowledge that a scenario at SJGS involving two shutdowns and two SCRs would result in superior visibility benefits than the State Alternative or even the FIP, the state did not present this scenario to us in the 2013 RH SIP revision. As we explained above, we are required to evaluate the SIP revision that is before us. Moreover, in situations that involve the voluntary retirement of units, states need the flexibility to analyze control scenarios that have the support of the source owner. There is no evidence in the record indicating that PNM would have volunteered to retire two of its units if SCR were required on the remaining units. Comment: One commenter stated that the NMED’s BART analysis contains a flawed visibility analysis. The commenter argued that NMED arbitrarily ignored fourteen Class I areas between 300 km and 440 km from SJGS in its cumulative visibility analysis, which was an arbitrary and unexplained departure from EPA’s analytical approach that was followed in analyzing the Big Stone and Colstrip power plants. The commenter concluded that the failure to assess impacts at more distant Class I areas masked the full visibility benefit of SCR. Finally, the commenter referred to comments submitted by the National Park Service to New Mexico on their proposed SIP revision, which stated that the visibility modeling was not done according to the BART Guidelines. Response: We disagree with this comment. In regard to selecting a model and developing a modeling protocol, the BART Guidelines refer to our Guideline on Air Quality Models 11 and the Interagency Workgroup on Air Quality Modeling (IWAQM) Phase 2 report.12 The IWAQM report reviewed modelperformance evaluations of CALPUFF as a function of distance from the source and recommended the use of CALPUFF for transport distances of order 200 km and less. The report also recommended that the use of CALPUFF for characterizing transport beyond 200 to 300 km should be done cautiously with 11 Appendix W to 40 CFR Part 51 ‘‘Guideline to Air Quality Models’’ states: ‘‘It was concluded from these case studies that the CALPUFF dispersion model had performed in a reasonable manner, and had no apparent bias toward over or under prediction, so long as the transport distance was limited to less than 300 km.’’ 12 Environmental Protection Agency, 1998. Interagency Workgroup on Air Quality Modeling (IWAQM) Phase 2 Summary Report and Recommendations for Modeling Long-Range Transport Impacts. Publication No. EPA–454/R–98– 019. Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards, Research Triangle Park, NC. (NTIS No. PB 99– 121089) E:\FR\FM\09OCR1.SGM 09OCR1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 196 / Thursday, October 9, 2014 / Rules and Regulations an awareness of the likely problems involved. Consistent with this recommendation, we believe that it is reasonable to use CALPUFF to evaluate visibility impacts up to 300 km. While we agree with the commenter that emissions from SJGS may impact Class I areas at distances greater than 300 km, the IWAQM report cautions that CALPUFF results are less reliable at distances greater than 300 km. Therefore, we do not think that it is arbitrary to exclude more distant receptors from a visibility analysis or to base the visibility assessment for a BART determination on visibility impacts within 300 km from the source. Contrary to the commenter’s suggestion, this was the same approach followed when modeling the visibility benefits associated with various control scenarios at the Colstrip power plant. See 77 FR 57867–68. In regard to the Big Stone power plant, South Dakota performed modeling for Class I areas beyond 300 km only because there were no Class I areas within 300 km of the source. As a result, South Dakota worked with EPA to develop a special modeling protocol that incorporated CALPUFF’s puff-splitting option despite the IWAQM report’s conceptual concerns with that feature. Moreover, South Dakota expressly acknowledged that it was departing from EPA’s guidance. Consequently, we believe that Big Stone presented an exception to the general rule that CALPUFF be applied to assess visibility impacts only on those Class I areas within 300 km of the source. Finally, in regard to NPS’s comments concerning the visibility analysis during the state process, we agree with the response provided at the time by NMED 13 and note that NPS did not raise these concerns again in their comments on our proposed action. Comment: A commenter stated that the proposed 0.23 lb/MMBtu limit does not apply to each unit due to a crossunit averaging provision, so the emissions from a given unit could be higher than 0.23 lb/MMbtu. Response: In this case, it is appropriate for the 2013 RH SIP revision to allow SJGS to average emissions across its BART-eligible emission units within the fence line. The BART Guidelines allow this approach when, as here, the reductions would be equal to those reductions that would be obtained by simply controlling each of the BART-eligible units that constitute the BART source. Because SJGS is required to demonstrate continuous compliance over a reasonable averaging 13 Available as NMED Ex. 14 of the 2013 RH SIP revision. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Oct 08, 2014 Jkt 235001 time, the reductions associated with the assigned limit are assured. As part of its five-factor analysis, New Mexico evaluated the control effectiveness of SNCR and determined that SNCR could achieve an emission rate of 0.23 lb/ MMBtu on each unit based on tests and an updated performance guarantee from the vendor.14 Consistent with the BART Guidelines, the permit conditions at A112C specify the averaging time and calculation methodology for the enforceable emission limit, which must be calculated on a 30-boiler-operatingday basis, averaged across the two units. While we agree with the commenter that emissions from either unit may exceed 0.23 lb/MMBtu on a given day, the combined emissions from both units cannot exceed 0.23 lb/MMBtu over the course of the averaging period, so total emission reductions will be equal to those that would be obtained under two separate limits. Comment: One commenter alleged that our proposal implied that PNM’s decision to retire Units 2 and 3 was solely taken for the purpose of meeting BART. The commenter suggested that EPA should explicitly state whether this was the case for the record or discuss whether independent reasons would require or motivate the shutdown of the units. Response: We fail to see how this comment is relevant to our evaluation of the 2013 RH SIP revision. Nevertheless, we note that, when developing the FIP, we assumed that the remaining useful life of all four units at SJGS exceeded 30 years, and the 2013 RH SIP revision provides no information that would change that assumption. Nor does the SIP revision provide any information to suggest that PNM had motivations other than creating a more cost-effective BART-compliance scenario when volunteering to shut down Units 2 and 3. Comment: A commenter stated that, while our proposal implied that there will be no capacity increase elsewhere or at the SJGS to replace the lost capacity from Units 2 and 3, the final rule should make this explicit to properly give weight to the benefits from their retirement. Response: We disagree with this comment. As an initial matter, our proposal did not imply that the retirement of Units 2 and 3 could be undertaken without the possible need to address lost capacity. Most likely, the lost capacity will be replaced through some combination of conservation, 14 Public Service Company of New Mexico, San Juan Generating Station, Revised SNCR Analysis, February 11, 2011 (2011 NM RH SIP, NMED Ex. 7t). PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 60991 efficiency, and new capacity. More importantly, however, the CAA does not require an analysis of the statutory factors to include the consideration of hypothetical emissions increases at other facilities or even at the same facility due to lost capacity. We also note that any emissions units that might be constructed at SJGS in the future would likely be subject to both BACT and any applicable new source performance standards. Moreover, all emission units would be subject to analysis under the regional haze requirements for reasonable progress in future planning periods. Comment: One commenter asserted that our proposal failed to explain how New Mexico could permissibly reach a conclusion that directly opposes EPA’s conclusion in the FIP. The commenter stated that the voluntary retirement of Units 2 and 3 did not change the fact that SCR remains cost-effective at the Units 1 and 4. Response: We disagree that the 2013 RH SIP reached a conclusion that directly opposes the conclusion we made in promulgating the FIP. Under different factual circumstances, we determined that SCR for the four SJGS units had reasonable average costeffectiveness values and would promote significant visibility improvements, thereby supporting the basis for the emission limits set forth in the FIP. As we stated in the proposal, the 2013 RH SIP revision contains a new, sourcespecific BART analysis that is based on different underlying facts than those that were present when we evaluated our FIP. We were not presented with the retirement of Units 2 and 3 when we promulgated the FIP. With this information in hand, New Mexico permissibly conducted a new BART analysis using a facility-wide approach that allowed the full range of visibility, energy, and non-air quality environmental benefits associated with the shutdowns to be taken into account. While the average cost-effectiveness of SCR on Units 1 and 4 remains reasonable, New Mexico demonstrated that the incremental cost-effectiveness of the four-SCR scenario in our FIP over the State Alternative was high when compared against the additional visibility improvements from the former, while also considering the energy, and non-air quality environmental benefits associated with the State Alternative. Comment: One commenter thought that the timeline for the installation of SNCR was too long because SNCR is a simpler technology to install than SCR. Response: We agree that SNCR is a simpler technology to install than SCR E:\FR\FM\09OCR1.SGM 09OCR1 60992 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 196 / Thursday, October 9, 2014 / Rules and Regulations tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES and requires less time for installation. New Mexico determined, and we agree, that the compliance timeframe in the 2013 RH SIP revision is as expeditious as practicable, as required under 40 CFR 51.308(e)(1)(iv). Comment: One commenter thought that the 0.05 lb/MMBtu rate used for the study of SCR as a BART control option was likely too high. The commenter suggested that many units, such as those in Dry Fork, WY and Morgantown, MD, are routinely achieving emission rates in the range of 0.02–0.04 lb/MMBtu. Reducing the studied emission limit for SCR to 0.04 lb/MMBtu would show the option to be even more cost-effective. Response: We disagree that lower control rates needed to be evaluated for SCR. We evaluated the monthly emission data from these two facilities for the past several years (available at EPA’s Air Market Program data Web site: www.epa.gov/ampd). All three units have monthly emission rates that sometimes exceed 0.04 lb/MMBtu. Indeed, the Morgantown units have months where the monthly emission rate is 0.05 lb/MMBtu or higher. In promulgating the FIP, we evaluated the performance of both new and retrofit SCRs and determined that 0.05 lb/ MMBtu on a 30-boiler-operating-day average was the appropriate emission limit for SCR at the SJGS units. See 76 FR 491 and 76 FR 52388. New Mexico appropriately used this same rate in their cost and visibility analyses for the four-SCR scenario as part of its BART evaluation. IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews The Administrator is required to approve a SIP submission that complies with the provisions of the Clean Air 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 Clean Air Act. 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 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Oct 08, 2014 Jkt 235001 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, the SIP is not approved to apply on any Indian reservation land or in any other area where EPA or an Indian tribe has demonstrated that a tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of Indian country, the rule does not have tribal implications as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), nor will it impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law. Consistent with EPA policy, EPA offered consultation to tribes regarding this rulemaking action. 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). PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Under section 307(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act, petitions for judicial review of this action must be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by December 8, 2014. Filing a petition for reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule does not affect the finality of this action for the purposed 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, Particulate matter, Regional haze, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur dioxide, and Visibility. Dated: September 26, 2014. Samuel Coleman, Acting Regional Administrator, Region 6 Therefore, 40 CFR part 52 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. 2. In § 52.1620: a. In paragraph (d), the table titled ‘‘EPA-Approved New Mexico SourceSpecific Requirements’’ is amended by adding a first entry for ‘‘Units 1, 2, 3, & 4 of the San Juan Generating Station’’ to the table. ■ b. In paragraph (e), the second table entitled ‘‘EPA Approved Nonregulatory Provisions and Quasi-Regulatory Measures in the New Mexico SIP,’’ is amended by revising the entry for ‘‘Regional Haze SIP under 40 CFR 51.309, Statewide (except Bernalillo County)’’ and adding a new entry at the end for ‘‘Revision to satisfy the requirements of Clean Air Act 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) with respect to visibility for the 8-hour Ozone and PM2.5 NAAQS’’. The additions and revisions read as follows: ■ ■ § 52.1620. * Identification of plan. * * (d) * * * E:\FR\FM\09OCR1.SGM 09OCR1 * * 60993 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 196 / Thursday, October 9, 2014 / Rules and Regulations EPA-APPROVED NEW MEXICO SOURCE-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS Name of source Units 1, 2, 3, & 4 of the San Juan Generating Station. * (e) * * * * * * State approval/ effective date Permit number NSR Permit No. 0063–M6R3, Section A112C. 11/1/2013 EPA Approval date Explanation 10/9/14 [Insert FR citation] ....... Ch. 10 (BART) of SIP under 40 CFR 51.309(g). * EPA APPROVED NONREGULATORY PROVISIONS AND QUASI-REGULATORY MEASURES IN THE NEW MEXICO SIP Name of SIP provision Applicable geographic or nonattainment area * * Regional Haze SIP under 40 CFR 51.309. * * Statewide (except Bernalillo County). * * Revision to satisfy the requirements of Clean Air Act 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) with respect to visibility for the 8hour Ozone and PM2.5 NAAQS. * * Statewide (except Bernalillo County). § 52.1629 [Removed and Reserved] [FR Doc. 2014–23904 Filed 10–8–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 60 [EPA–R08–OAR–2014–0272; FRL–9917–49– Region 9] Automatic Delegation of Authority to the States of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming To Implement and Enforce New Source Performance Standards Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Direct final rule. AGENCY: This action informs the public that on February 27, 2014, the EPA authorized automatic delegation to implement and enforce Clean Air Act (CAA) New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) to the states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming (hereafter Region 8 states). Also in this action, EPA is taking direct final action to delete the delegation status table of NSPS for Region 8 states in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and replace it with a Web page address reflecting current delegation status of Region 8 states. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Oct 08, 2014 Jkt 235001 6/24/2011, 10/7/2013, 11/1/2013 10/7/2013, 11/1/2013 EPA approval date PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Explanation * * 11/27/2012, 77 FR 70693, 10/9/14 [Insert FR citation]. * * * 10/9/14 [Insert FR citation]. * This rule is effective on December 8, 2014 without further notice, unless EPA receives adverse comment by November 10, 2014. If adverse comment is received, EPA will publish a timely withdrawal of the direct final rule in the Federal Register informing the public that the rule will not take effect. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R08– OAR–2014–0272, by one of the following methods: • https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • Email: fulton.abby@epa.gov. • Fax: (303) 312–6064 (please alert the individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT if you are faxing comments). • Mail: Director, Air Program, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 8, Mailcode 8P–AR, 1595 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado 80202–1129. • Hand Delivery: Director, Air Program, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 8, Mailcode 8P– AR, 1595 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado 80202–1129. Such deliveries are only accepted Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding Federal holidays. Special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket EPA–R08–OAR–2014–0272. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be DATES: 3. Section 52.1629 is removed and reserved. ■ SUMMARY: State submittal/ effective date 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 information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through https:// www.regulations.gov or email. 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 email comment directly to EPA, without going through https:// www.regulations.gov your email address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD–ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional instructions on submitting comments, go to Section I. General Information of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document. E:\FR\FM\09OCR1.SGM 09OCR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 196 (Thursday, October 9, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60985-60993]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-23904]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R06-OAR-2014-0214; FRL-9917-63-Region 6]


Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; New Mexico; 
Regional Haze and Interstate Transport Affecting Visibility State 
Implementation Plan Revisions

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final 
action under the Clean Air Act (CAA) to approve a revision to the New 
Mexico Regional Haze State Implementation Plan (SIP) that addresses the 
Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) requirement for oxides of 
nitrogen (NOX) for the Public Service Company of New Mexico 
(PNM) San Juan Generating Station (SJGS) in San Juan County, New 
Mexico. EPA is also taking final action under the CAA to approve a 
revision to the New Mexico Visibility Transport SIP that addresses the 
CAA requirement that emissions from sources in New Mexico do not 
interfere with programs in other states to protect visibility. The SIP 
meets this requirement through emission limitations for NOX 
and sulfur dioxide (SO2) at SJGS.

DATES: This final rule will be effective November 10, 2014.

[[Page 60986]]


ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID 
No. EPA-R06-OAR-2014-0214. All documents in the docket are listed in 
the https://www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, 
some information is not publicly available, e.g., Confidential Business 
Information or other information the disclosure of which 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 Air Planning Section (6PD-
L), Environmental Protection Agency, 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 700, 
Dallas, Texas 75202-2733. The file will be made available by 
appointment for public inspection in the Region 6 FOIA Review Room 
between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays except for legal 
holidays. Contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT paragraph below or Mr. Bill Deese at 214-665-7253 to make an 
appointment. If possible, please make the appointment at least two 
working days in advance of your visit. A 15 cent per page fee will be 
charged for making photocopies of documents. On the day of the visit, 
please check in at the EPA Region 6 reception area on the seventh floor 
at 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Michael Feldman (214) 665-9793, 
email feldman.michael@epa.gov.

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

Table of Contents

I. What is the background for this action?
II. What final action is EPA taking?
III. Response to Comments
IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

I. What is the background for this action?

    The background for today's final rule is discussed in detail in our 
May 12, 2014 document, in which we proposed to approve New Mexico's SIP 
revisions. See 79 FR 26909. The comment period on the proposed action 
was open for 30 days, and several comments were received.

II. What final action is EPA taking?

    We are approving New Mexico's regional haze SIP revisions submitted 
on October 7, 2013 and November 5, 2013 (``2013 RH SIP revision''), 
that build on a SIP revision submitted on July 5, 2011 (``2011 RH SIP 
revision'').\1\ The 2013 RH SIP revision contains a new NOX 
BART determination for the SJGS (referred to as the ``State 
Alternative''). The State Alternative consists of a previously un-
contemplated control scenario involving unit shutdowns at the SJGS. 
With this approval, the State Alternative supersedes the State's 
previous NOX BART determination that was included in the 
2011 RH SIP revision. The State Alternative reflects the terms of the 
tentative agreement signed between the PNM, the New Mexico Environment 
Department (NMED), and EPA to address the regional haze requirements 
applicable to the SJGS. This agreement is included as Exhibit 5 of the 
2013 RH SIP revision.\2\ The 2013 RH SIP revision also includes a 
preconstruction permit submitted on November 5, 2013,\3\ that sets a 
NOX emission limit based upon the State Alternative, 
compliance schedules, a compliance deadline for the shutdown of two 
units, and monitoring and testing requirements. More specifically, the 
2013 RH SIP revision requires the following:
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    \1\ We are acting on everything not yet acted upon in the 2011 
RH SIP revision that pertains to the 2013 NOX BART 
determination. The 2013 RH SIP revision explains that the revised, 
more recent NOX BART determination would ``supersede'' 
the 2011 NOX BART determination if EPA approves it. 
Certain NMED documents from the 2011 RH SIP revision are relevant to 
the state's 2013 conclusions regarding NOX BART, but 
other information that relates solely to the 2011 NOX 
BART determination is now moot with EPA's finalized approval of the 
superseding BART determination.
    \2\ Term Sheet Between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 
Public Service Company of New Mexico and the State of New Mexico 
(``Term Sheet''), February 15, 2013.
    \3\ NSR Technical Permit Revision, NSR Permit No. 0063-M6R3, 
November 1, 2013.
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     Fifteen (15) months after EPA's final approval of the 2013 
RH SIP revision, but no earlier than January 31, 2016, PNM will 
complete installation of SNCR technology on SJGS Units 1 and 4 and meet 
an emission limit of 0.23 lb/MMBtu on a rolling 30-day average basis; 
\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ The permit conditions at A112C specify the averaging time 
and calculation methodology for the enforceable emission limit for 
NOX on Units 1 and 4 of 0.23 lb/MMBtu on a boiler-
operating-day basis, averaged across the two units.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     PNM will retire SJGS Units 2 and 3 by December 31, 2017; 
and
     PNM will commence a program of testing and evaluation, 
after the installation of the SNCRs, to determine if additional 
NOX emission reductions can be achieved. The Testing 
Program, consisting of SNCR performance testing, fuel performance 
testing, and long-term performance evaluation, must be completed no 
later than January 31, 2017.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ A delay may be allowed under special circumstances that 
would limit the number of evaluation days during both summer and 
winter months, as discussed in the paragraph 1(d)(iv) of the Term 
Sheet.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition to approving New Mexico's revised enforceable 
NOX BART determination for SJGS, we are also approving New 
Mexico's 2011 Visibility Transport SIP revision, as revised in 2013, 
because it demonstrates that emissions from all sources in New Mexico 
are sufficiently controlled to eliminate interference with the 
visibility programs of other states. We are also approving as part of 
New Mexico's SIP the operative sections of the 2013 permit for SJGS on 
the basis that the SO2 and NOX emission limits 
for the SJGS will sufficiently prevent emissions from sources in New 
Mexico from interfering with the visibility programs of other states.
    New Mexico has incorporated emission limits and requirements for 
unit shutdowns into the 2013 preconstruction permit that was submitted 
as part of the SIP revisions. Specifically, as a source-specific 
requirement of the New Mexico SIP for regional haze and visibility 
transport, section A112C of the 2013 SJGS permit provides a more 
stringent SO2 emission limit (i.e., than previously 
permitted or SIP-required) as part of the State Alternative and a 
NOX emission limit reflecting the State Alternative. The 
permit contains three independent scenarios under section A112: A, B, 
and C. Consistent with the terms of the permit, our final approval puts 
Scenario C into effect, while the other two scenarios are now moot.
    We have determined that the 2013 RH SIP revision and corresponding 
visibility transport SIP revisions are approvable because the revisions 
were adopted and submitted in accordance with the CAA and EPA's 
regulations regarding the regional haze program and meet the CAA 
provisions concerning non-interference with programs to protect 
visibility in other states. We are taking this final action today under 
section 110 and part C of the CAA. Consistent with the discussion 
provided in our proposal, the 2011 RH SIP provision for NOX 
BART is fully superseded and/or moot with today's approval and does not 
constitute a SIP submittal pending EPA review and action.
    In addition, as our May 12, 2014 proposal explained, the approval 
of the SIP submittals enables EPA to withdraw or rescind the Federal 
Implementation Plan (FIP) that was earlier promulgated

[[Page 60987]]

to address the same requirements. See 79 FR 26909. Accordingly, as a 
result of today's approval action, we are also taking action to 
withdraw the regional haze FIP for New Mexico at 40 CFR 52.1628. The 
action to withdraw the FIP is in a separate action contained in today's 
Federal Register. Upon the effective date of the Federal Register 
documents, the requirements in the approved SIP apply and the FIP 
requirements for the SJGS are withdrawn.

III. Response to Comments

    We received several comments on our proposed approval of the 2013 
RH SIP revision that were submitted by PNM, NMED, the Navajo Nation, 
the National Park Service, Tucson Electric Power Company, Utah 
Associated Municipal Power Systems, a consortium of environmental 
organizations,\6\ Santa Fe Monthly Meeting Peace and Social Concerns 
Committee, and Earth Justice. Copies of the comments are available in 
the docket for this rulemaking. Summaries of the issues raised in the 
comment letters, and our responses, follow:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ Western Resource Advocates, New Energy Economy, WildEarth 
Guardians, Conservation Voters of New Mexico, Physicians for Social 
Responsibility (NM), Environment New Mexico/Environment New Mexico 
Research and Policy Center, New Mexico Independent Power Producers 
Climate Change Leadership Institute, Santa Fe Innovation Park, The 
Global Warming Express, Chainbreaker Collective, Center for Civic 
Policy, Citizens' Climate Lobby, and 350.org. These stakeholders 
also submitted a letter that has been added to the docket as a late 
comment; it raises no issues not already addressed by our response 
to comments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comment: A commenter, identified as a part owner of SJGS Unit 4, 
requested a 12-month extension of the SIP's compliance period for 
meeting the new NOX limits. The commenter referred to the 
EPA proposal, ``Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing 
Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units,'' subsequently 
published at 79 FR 34829 (June 18, 2014), and asserted that an 
extension would allow for adequate consideration of the impacts of the 
proposal relative to the investment considerations of installing SNCRs 
at the SJGS. The commenter stated that ownership of SJGS presently 
includes utilities from five Western states, and the interstate nature 
of ownership and emissions complicates a coordinated compliance 
planning process. Another commenter, identified as a part owner of SJGS 
Units 1 and 2, supported the costs, anticipated haze reduction, and 
other environmental benefits associated with the 2013 RH SIP revision, 
but similarly requested that EPA amend its approval and provide 
additional time for installation of SNCR on the basis that more time is 
needed to study the proposed standards for reducing carbon pollution at 
existing EGUs.
    Response: EPA believes that CAA section 111(d) efforts and actions 
will tend to contribute to overall air quality improvements and thus 
should be complementary to criteria pollutant and regional haze SIP 
efforts but do not provide a basis for delaying implementation of these 
efforts. See 79 FR at 34931. The 111(d) proposal specifically mentions 
the next 10-year SIP revision for regional haze that is due by July 
2018 and covers the time period through 2028, explaining that the 
timeframes proposed for submittal of the CAA section 111(d) state plans 
will allow considerable time for coordination by states in the 
development of their respective plans. The proposal does not suggest 
that further delays are warranted for implementing the regional haze 
requirements that were first due in December 2007. Indeed, states and 
affected sources will be able to take into account requirements of 
programs such as Regional Haze in considering the development of state 
plans under section 111(d).
    More importantly here, EPA cannot alter an otherwise approvable SIP 
revision to extend a compliance date. The 2013 RH SIP revision 
submitted by New Mexico provides the compliance date. Moreover, the 
compliance dates that New Mexico set are as ``expeditious as 
practicable,'' as required by the CAA. See CAA section 169A(b)(2)(A), 
(g)(2). Because the compliance dates meet CAA requirements, EPA cannot 
establish different compliance dates when taking action on the SIP 
revision. See CAA section 110(k)(3), (l).
    Comment: A commenter stated that unit retirements and 
NOX controls at SJGS would reduce regional haze and provide 
other significant environmental, economic, and health benefits, and 
states that ``these additional benefits must be recognized.'' The 
commenter requested, however, that EPA's approval contain a statement 
reflecting EPA's willingness to consider eliminating the NOX 
emission control requirements on Units 1 and 4 if, by December 31, 
2016, there is a commitment to permanently retire Unit 1 and/or 4 
within a reasonably short time-frame. PNM responded to this request in 
its own comment (although it mistakenly cited the date of December 31, 
2015 when paraphrasing the comment). PNM's comment stated that EPA 
should reject the request for an EPA statement regarding the retirement 
of additional capacity because the Agency lacks any analysis or basis 
upon which to evaluate the efficacy or legality of the request.
    Response: We decline to endorse a proposal not before us, as 
suggested by the commenter. Because the 2013 RH SIP revision meets CAA 
requirements, we are required to approve it. See CAA section 
110(k)(3),(l).
    Comment: PNM submitted a comment supporting the proposed rule, 
agreeing that the 2013 RH SIP revision is reasonable, even when EPA's 
estimated SCR costs are used. PNM asserted, however, that its own 
estimated SCR capital costs were confirmed by detailed bids from 
engineering, procurement, and construction contractors, and that none 
of the bids were in the range of EPA's estimated SCR costs. PNM 
believed that these bids should satisfy any requirement for enhanced 
documentation to support higher SCR costs, but acknowledged that their 
cost estimates provide different treatment to items such as sorbent 
injection, apportionment of balanced draft costs, and fees and 
contingencies.
    Response: We appreciate PMN's comment supporting approval. As 
identified by the comment, EPA's cost analysis for SCR was based on a 
different design (e.g., no costs for sorbent injection) than the design 
PNM used when soliciting bids from vendors. PNM's bids were not 
submitted with the comment and, based on the available documentation, 
we remain unable to conclude that certain line items in PNM's SCR cost 
estimates are well supported. While the BART Guidelines explain that 
data from vendor bids may be used in developing equipment cost 
estimates, this does not mean that bottom-line figures can serve as a 
substitute for a full cost analysis or that all costs included therein 
would be appropriate for making an assessment of cost-effectiveness. 
The expectation remains that the cost analysis maintain and improve 
consistency through adherence to the OAQPS Control Cost Manual, where 
possible. Moreover, the BART Guidelines state that documentation is 
expected, and indeed especially important, where a state believes that 
costs will be unreasonable even though other recent retrofits have 
cost-effectiveness values that are within what has been considered a 
reasonable range. As we established in our FIP, recent SCR retrofits at 
coal-fired power plants have been found to be cost-effective, and this 
cost effectiveness is generally validated by large emission reductions 
even when there are large capital costs.

[[Page 60988]]

    Comment: NMED provided comments in support of approval and stated 
that they generally concur with our description and evaluation of the 
State Alternative for NOX BART.
    Response: We appreciate this comment.
    Comment: NMED commented that states cannot be required to take a 
unit-specific (or unit-by-unit) approach to assessing the BART factors. 
In American Corn Growers v. EPA, 291 F.3d 1, 8 (D.C. Cir. 2002), a 
reviewing court held that it was invalid to consider visibility impacts 
on a multiple-source basis while employing a source-specific approach 
to the other four BART factors. The commenter stated that requiring 
states to assess visibility on a facility-wide basis while considering 
the other factors on a unit-by-unit basis would be similarly 
unsupported by the statute and would impermissibly constrain state 
authority.
    Response: We disagree with this comment. In American Corn Growers, 
the D.C. Circuit held that EPA could not adopt a ``group-BART 
approach'' to the visibility factor because it could force states to 
require BART controls at some sources without any empirical evidence of 
a particular source's contribution to visibility impairment in a Class 
I area. As a result, the Regional Haze Rule and BART Guidelines require 
states to analyze the five statutory factors for each BART-eligible 
source without reference to the benefits that BART will achieve at 
other sources. Beyond this, however, the court did not opine on how the 
BART factors should be analyzed or weighed by states, let alone 
proscribe a unit-specific or prescribe a facility-wide approach to 
BART.
    As we recently explained in our action on the Wyoming regional haze 
SIP, see 79 FR 5031 (Jan. 30, 2014), the BART Guidelines prescribe that 
states ``must conduct a visibility improvement determination for the 
source(s) as part of the BART determination,'' \7\ and we interpret 
this language as requiring states to consider the visibility 
improvement from BART applied to the BART-eligible source as a whole. 
We do not believe that either the CAA or the BART Guidelines mandate 
either a unit-specific or a facility-wide approach to analyzing or 
weighing the remaining BART factors. In most circumstances, however, we 
believe that states should use a unit-specific approach to assessing 
the technical feasibility and costs of controls options, as well as the 
existing controls and remaining useful life of BART-eligible units. 
This approach is clearly contemplated by the BART Guidelines and has 
been used for decades in other CAA contexts, such as the evaluation of 
Best Available Control Technology (BACT) for new and modified major 
stationary sources.\8\ A unit-specific approach to these factors is 
appropriate because the age, type, size, location, and emission 
characteristics of the various emission units at a source can differ 
greatly, and many control options by design apply to a single unit. 
However, in unique circumstances, such as in situations where a control 
strategy can be implemented facility-wide or where the benefits of unit 
shutdowns must be taken into account, then we believe that the CAA and 
BART Guidelines provide states with the flexibility to analyze and 
weigh the BART factors for the source as a whole, rather than for its 
constituent emission units.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ 40 CFR part 51, app. Y, section IV.D.5.
    \8\ See New Source Review Workshop Manual (Oct. 1990), available 
at https://www.epa.gov/ttn/nsr/gen/wkshpman.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comment: NMED responded to a statement in the proposal that 
expressed some concern with the appropriateness of including 
SO2 reductions from units 1 and 4 in one of the 
NOX BART control options analyzed, rather than as part of 
the facility's baseline emissions, by explaining that the 
SO2 limit of 0.10 lbs/MMBtu is required by the 2013 RH SIP 
revision alone and would not be required if the FIP continues to remain 
in force.
    Response: While the inclusion of the SO2 reductions in 
the SIP helps to further demonstrate non-interference with the 
visibility protection programs of other states, in keeping with the 
visibility transport requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I), 
and helps in showing the overall visibility benefits of the 2013 RH SIP 
revision, we had noted that those reductions do not specifically lend 
support to a visibility improvement determination for NOX 
BART through the application of NOX controls. However, no 
commenters took issue with the inclusion of SO2 reductions 
in the studied scenarios or insisted that refinements were necessary on 
this point, and it remains our view that the inclusion of the 
reductions did not meaningfully impact the evaluation of visibility 
benefits due to NOX reductions at the facility.
    Comment: The Navajo Nation submitted a comment supporting the 
proposal as the best scenario for meeting BART, endorsing it for having 
reasonable costs of compliance and a realistic timeframe. The comment 
also stated that the 2013 RH SIP revision addressed concerns regarding 
potential job losses faced by Navajo work forces at the SJGS and San 
Juan mine more effectively than EPA's FIP.
    Response: We appreciate this comment supporting approval.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the 2013 RH SIP revision appears 
to be an alternative consistent with the intent of 40 CFR 51.308(e)(2) 
and therefore needs to demonstrate greater reasonable progress than 
EPA's BART determination. The fact that the 2013 RH SIP revision does 
not demonstrate greater reasonable progress than EPA's BART 
determination gave the commenter concern because the commenter 
considered it a departure from rules and guidance. The commenter also 
asserted that previous EPA decisions have required a source to 
demonstrate its proposed alternative is better than EPA's BART 
determination, citing actions for Idaho and the Four Corners Power 
Plant.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ The comment provided a citation to 79 FR 23273 (April 28, 
2014) relating to the Tasco facility in Idaho, and one to ``78 FR 
24112,'' which we interpret as having intended to refer to 78 FR 
60700 (October 2, 2013) (bearing ``FR Doc. 2013-24112'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Response: We disagree that the 2013 RH SIP revision appears to be a 
BART alternative under section 51.308(e)(2). New Mexico explicitly 
stated that it was not evaluating a BART alternative when responding to 
comments during the state process and again when submitting comments to 
support our proposed approval. Therefore, New Mexico was not required 
to make a demonstration of greater reasonable progress. Instead, New 
Mexico evaluated a new, source-specific BART determination under 
section 51.308(e)(1). To fully account for the source owner's proposed 
unit shutdowns, New Mexico chose to weigh the BART factors in light of 
source-wide considerations. As explained in our proposal and elsewhere 
in our responses to comments, we believe that this approach is 
permissible under the CAA and the BART Guidelines. The prior EPA 
actions cited by the commenter are not relevant to our action on New 
Mexico's NOX BART determination for SJGS. While both the 
Four Corners and Idaho actions contained BART alternatives that 
demonstrated greater reasonable progress, we are not evaluating a BART 
alternative here. Moreover, while the Idaho action also involved two 
new BART determinations that happened to be more stringent than the 
state's original BART determinations, neither the CAA nor our 
regulations require a new BART determination to be more stringent in 
every instance in order to supersede a prior BART determination.
    Comment: One commenter argued that the CAA requires that any

[[Page 60989]]

alternative regional haze strategy must outperform the visibility gains 
of the existing strategy or, in other words, be ``better than BART,'' 
and the 2013 RH SIP revision fails to accomplish this. Citing to CAA 
section 7410(a) and (l), the commenter argued that the characterization 
of the 2013 RH SIP revision as including a new BART determination is 
plainly unlawful because the State has not undertaken the BART analysis 
required by the CAA and BART Guidelines, and EPA did not provide any 
explanation for why the SIP revision is approvable when the FIP had a 
more stringent BART determination.
    Response: As explained above, the 2013 RH SIP revision was not 
submitted to meet section 51.308(e)(2) requirements, so it is not 
required to be better than BART. As we stated in the proposal, the 2013 
RH SIP revision contains a new, source-specific BART analysis that is 
based on different underlying facts than those that were present when 
we evaluated our FIP. Thus, the commenter's assertion that the state 
failed to undertake a BART analysis is clearly incorrect. Finally, 
contrary to the commenter's assertion, CAA section 110(l) does not 
prohibit a state from submitting a SIP that is less stringent than a 
FIP. Our proposal provided an analysis conducted under section 110(l), 
which showed that the 2013 RH SIP revision would not interfere with the 
attainment or maintenance of any NAAQS or any other CAA requirement. 
See 79 FR at 26920. Because New Mexico complied with the CAA's 
visibility protection provisions, the Regional Haze Rule, and the BART 
Guidelines, and made a reasonable control determination based on the 
weighing of the five factors, EPA is required to approve the 2013 RH 
SIP revision.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the 2013 RH SIP revision does 
not comply with the mandatory unit-specific analytical approach 
required by the CAA. The commenter argued that the BART Guidelines 
require BART to be determined on a unit-specific basis because a BART 
emission limit must be established for each affected emission unit. The 
commenter also pointed out that the BART Guidelines provide an example 
of a unit-specific approach where they state that ``control options 
must be analyzed for Units B through H as well as Unit A.'' 
Consequently, the commenter concluded that New Mexico and EPA are 
required to follow the unit-specific approach.
    Response: We disagree with this comment. The portion of the BART 
Guidelines cited by the commenter explains how all BART units at the 
subject to BART source must be included in the BART analysis. The 2013 
SIP revision implements BART at each BART-subject unit by requiring 
either shutdowns or controls. Also, while the BART Guidelines clearly 
contemplate that states will analyze technical feasibility and cost-
effectiveness on a unit-specific basis, they do not explicitly require 
such an approach, nor do they provide guidance for situations in which 
a source proposes unit shutdowns as an emission-reduction strategy. 
Moreover, contrary to the commenter's assertion, the CAA does not 
mandate any specific analytical approach. Consequently, in situations 
where a state is contemplating a novel control scenario not 
contemplated by the BART Guidelines, such as one that involves unit 
shutdowns, we believe that states have the flexibility to tailor their 
BART analyses by evaluating and weighing the BART factors on a 
facility-wide (i.e., ``source'') basis rather than on a unit-specific 
basis in order to account for the emission reductions and benefits that 
would directly result from the shutdowns. Moreover, while BART emission 
limits are also typically established for each unit that comprises the 
BART-eligible source, as New Mexico chose to do here, nothing in the 
CAA or BART Guidelines prevents a state from setting an emission limit 
that averages emissions across multiple units, so long as that limit is 
``based on the degree of reduction achievable through the best system 
of continuous emission reduction for each pollutant.'' See 40 CFR 
51.301.
    Comment: One commenter stated that a facility-wide BART 
determination is inconsistent with other EPA actions. The commenter 
cited to EPA actions in Indiana and Montana to support this 
contention.\10\ The commenter also pointed out that EPA used a unit-
specific approach to analyzing the first four factors when promulgating 
its FIP for SJGS. The commenter called EPA's proposal an unexplained 
departure from EPA's past practice in implementing its binding 
guidelines.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ Specifically, the commenter cited our Indiana regional haze 
SIP action (77 FR 3975, 3982 (Jan. 26, 2012)) for its statement that 
a source needs to ``implement BART at each BART-subject unit,'' and 
the Montana regional haze FIP (77 FR 57864, Sept. 18, 2012) for 
discussing statutory BART factors for units at a BART source.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Response: We disagree with this comment for the same reasons 
explained above. EPA's actions in Indiana, Montana, and our FIP for 
SJGS did not involve unit shutdowns and therefore are not determinative 
of how the BART statutory factors should be considered and weighed in 
this context. Also, contrary to the commenter's assertion, we explained 
in our proposal why New Mexico's approach was reasonable in light of 
the unique circumstances presented and, on that basis, cannot validly 
be seen as any departure from past actions. As was stated, the state's 
approach reasonably takes into account the visibility, energy, and non-
air quality environmental benefits associated with unit shutdowns. See 
79 FR 26918. Furthermore, the 2013 SIP revision implements BART at each 
BART-subject unit by requiring either shutdowns or controls.
    Comment: A commenter stated that EPA's proposal arbitrarily 
rejected SCR in favor of less effective pollution controls even though 
EPA found that an emission limitation based on SCR was BART in the FIP. 
The commenter explained that SCR provides the best visibility outcomes 
and is cost-effective.
    Response: Under different factual circumstances, we determined that 
SCR for the four SJGS units had reasonable average cost-effectiveness 
values and would promote significant visibility improvements, thereby 
supporting the basis for the emission limits set forth in the FIP. In 
the 2013 RH SIP revision, New Mexico demonstrated that SNCR in tandem 
with shutdowns has visibility benefits on par with those anticipated 
from the FIP at much lower overall costs, while also reducing overall 
energy and non-air quality environmental impacts. Although we continue 
to believe that SCR is a cost-effective control and are not abandoning 
the legal and technical basis for our FIP, we believe that when cost, 
energy and non-air quality environmental impacts, and anticipated 
visibility benefits are all taken into consideration, New Mexico's 
determination that the State Alternative is BART is reasonable. While 
SCR remains cost-effective on a $/ton basis, the incremental visibility 
benefit of the four-SCR scenario of the FIP over the State Alternative 
is small at most Class I areas, and New Mexico reasonably concluded 
that this small additional visibility benefit, when considered with the 
difference in the energy and non-air quality environmental impacts, did 
not justify the large increase in costs associated with the 
installation of SCR on all four units.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the visibility impacts of the 
State Alternative are significantly worse than the four-SCR scenario in 
the FIP. The commenter explained that the difference in visibility 
impacts between the two scenarios will be 0.47 dv at Mesa Verde, 0.24 
dv at Canyonlands, and 0.13 dv at

[[Page 60990]]

Weminuche. The sum of these visibility differences is 0.84 dv, which is 
above the 0.5 dv threshold that is used to determine ``significance.'' 
Also, the State Alternative will result in five more days with impacts 
over 1 dv at Mesa Verde, three more days at Arches, and two more days 
at both Canyonlands and La Garita when compared to the four-SCR 
scenario in the FIP.
    Response: As we stated in the proposal when comparing the two 
scenarios, while we have some concern with the modeled visibility 
differences between the two control scenarios for Mesa Verde and 
Canyonlands, we find that the State's decision to select the State 
Alternative was ultimately reasonable, especially considering the costs 
of compliance and the energy and non-air quality environmental impacts 
of the two scenarios. We noted that the difference in visibility 
impacts between the two scenarios are negligible at most of the Class I 
areas examined. The average difference at the 13 other Class I areas 
(other than Mesa Verde, Canyonlands, and Weminuche) is less than 0.1 dv 
between the two control scenarios. In considering the number of days 
impacted, eleven Class I areas show no difference in the number of days 
with impacts over 1 dv. We also note that the typical application of 
0.5 dv as a contribution threshold comes in the context of assessing 
impacts at a single Class I area, not cumulative impacts across 
multiple Class I areas.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the CAA requires EPA to either 
improve the State Alternative or reject it altogether.
    Response: We disagree with this comment. As we explained earlier, 
EPA is required to approve any SIP revision that meets CAA 
requirements. See CAA section 110(k)(3), (l). EPA does not have 
authority to improve a SIP revision that is otherwise approvable, and 
the commenter has provided no basis for EPA to disapprove the 2013 RH 
SIP revision.
    Comment: One commenter stated that EPA based its proposed approval 
on a fundamentally flawed cost-benefit analysis that artificially 
inflated the cost and artificially reduced the benefits of SCR. The 
commenter also thought that New Mexico underestimated the costs of 
SNCR. The commenter argued that EPA had no rational basis for 
concluding that cost refinements would not change the result. The 
commenter cited to Center for Biological Diversity v. National Highway 
Traffic Safety Administration, 538 F.3d 1172, 1201-03 (9th Cir. 2008), 
for the proposition that EPA must re-calculate a cost value that would 
significantly alter the analysis. With cost corrections, the commenter 
believed that New Mexico's capital cost assumptions for SCR would be 
cut in half, demonstrating that SCR remains cost-effective at Units 1 
and 4. The commenter provided an attachment that highlighted how New 
Mexico's cost range for SCR at SJGS was well above the cost per 
kilowatt for SCR demonstrated by other cost studies for comparable 
retrofits.
    Response: We maintain our view that SCR has favorable and 
reasonable average cost-effectiveness values at SJGS under the 
technical record developed for the FIP, and we agree with the comment 
that New Mexico's cost range for SCR is still high compared to other 
cost studies. Even so, as discussed in response to comments from PNM 
concerning cost, the state's BART selection in this case is reasonable. 
New Mexico was advantaged with the full technical record that we 
developed to promulgate the FIP, and the state declared that it would 
favor the 2013 RH SIP revision even if it were to adopt and utilize the 
lower costs for SCR that we had relied on in promulgating the FIP. In 
addition, in our proposed action, we recalculated the annual cost and 
incremental cost-effectiveness of the four-SCR option using the cost 
estimates presented in the FIP. Thus, there is a significant record 
basis for our finding that lower SCR costs would not change the result 
of our action.
    As to the state's alleged underestimation of SNCR costs, the 
comment does not provide any details to enable us to provide a 
response. We also considered the Ninth Circuit's decision in Center for 
Biological Diversity v. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 
and do not see how it has any bearing on the issue of costs in this 
case. In that case, the Ninth Circuit faulted NHTSA for its failure to 
monetize the value of carbon emissions in setting fuel economy 
standards. In addition to the fact that the case did not concern BART 
determinations, the comment does not identify any particular line item 
in the state's analysis of SCR costs that has not been monetized.
    Comment: One commenter stated that our proposal failed to consider 
the prospect of installing SCR on Units 1 and 4, while still shutting 
down Units 2 and 3. The commenter noted that such a scenario would lead 
to even greater visibility benefits. The commenter provided modeled 
visibility results and estimates of the level of emission reductions 
that would result from this scenario and concluded that the State 
Alternative was inferior.
    Response: While we acknowledge that a scenario at SJGS involving 
two shutdowns and two SCRs would result in superior visibility benefits 
than the State Alternative or even the FIP, the state did not present 
this scenario to us in the 2013 RH SIP revision. As we explained above, 
we are required to evaluate the SIP revision that is before us. 
Moreover, in situations that involve the voluntary retirement of units, 
states need the flexibility to analyze control scenarios that have the 
support of the source owner. There is no evidence in the record 
indicating that PNM would have volunteered to retire two of its units 
if SCR were required on the remaining units.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the NMED's BART analysis 
contains a flawed visibility analysis. The commenter argued that NMED 
arbitrarily ignored fourteen Class I areas between 300 km and 440 km 
from SJGS in its cumulative visibility analysis, which was an arbitrary 
and unexplained departure from EPA's analytical approach that was 
followed in analyzing the Big Stone and Colstrip power plants. The 
commenter concluded that the failure to assess impacts at more distant 
Class I areas masked the full visibility benefit of SCR. Finally, the 
commenter referred to comments submitted by the National Park Service 
to New Mexico on their proposed SIP revision, which stated that the 
visibility modeling was not done according to the BART Guidelines.
    Response: We disagree with this comment. In regard to selecting a 
model and developing a modeling protocol, the BART Guidelines refer to 
our Guideline on Air Quality Models \11\ and the Interagency Workgroup 
on Air Quality Modeling (IWAQM) Phase 2 report.\12\ The IWAQM report 
reviewed model-performance evaluations of CALPUFF as a function of 
distance from the source and recommended the use of CALPUFF for 
transport distances of order 200 km and less. The report also 
recommended that the use of CALPUFF for characterizing transport beyond 
200 to 300 km should be done cautiously with

[[Page 60991]]

an awareness of the likely problems involved. Consistent with this 
recommendation, we believe that it is reasonable to use CALPUFF to 
evaluate visibility impacts up to 300 km. While we agree with the 
commenter that emissions from SJGS may impact Class I areas at 
distances greater than 300 km, the IWAQM report cautions that CALPUFF 
results are less reliable at distances greater than 300 km. Therefore, 
we do not think that it is arbitrary to exclude more distant receptors 
from a visibility analysis or to base the visibility assessment for a 
BART determination on visibility impacts within 300 km from the source.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ Appendix W to 40 CFR Part 51 ``Guideline to Air Quality 
Models'' states: ``It was concluded from these case studies that the 
CALPUFF dispersion model had performed in a reasonable manner, and 
had no apparent bias toward over or under prediction, so long as the 
transport distance was limited to less than 300 km.''
    \12\ Environmental Protection Agency, 1998. Interagency 
Workgroup on Air Quality Modeling (IWAQM) Phase 2 Summary Report and 
Recommendations for Modeling Long-Range Transport Impacts. 
Publication No. EPA-454/R-98-019. Office of Air Quality Planning & 
Standards, Research Triangle Park, NC. (NTIS No. PB 99-121089)
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    Contrary to the commenter's suggestion, this was the same approach 
followed when modeling the visibility benefits associated with various 
control scenarios at the Colstrip power plant. See 77 FR 57867-68. In 
regard to the Big Stone power plant, South Dakota performed modeling 
for Class I areas beyond 300 km only because there were no Class I 
areas within 300 km of the source. As a result, South Dakota worked 
with EPA to develop a special modeling protocol that incorporated 
CALPUFF's puff-splitting option despite the IWAQM report's conceptual 
concerns with that feature. Moreover, South Dakota expressly 
acknowledged that it was departing from EPA's guidance. Consequently, 
we believe that Big Stone presented an exception to the general rule 
that CALPUFF be applied to assess visibility impacts only on those 
Class I areas within 300 km of the source. Finally, in regard to NPS's 
comments concerning the visibility analysis during the state process, 
we agree with the response provided at the time by NMED \13\ and note 
that NPS did not raise these concerns again in their comments on our 
proposed action.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ Available as NMED Ex. 14 of the 2013 RH SIP revision.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comment: A commenter stated that the proposed 0.23 lb/MMBtu limit 
does not apply to each unit due to a cross-unit averaging provision, so 
the emissions from a given unit could be higher than 0.23 lb/MMbtu.
    Response: In this case, it is appropriate for the 2013 RH SIP 
revision to allow SJGS to average emissions across its BART-eligible 
emission units within the fence line. The BART Guidelines allow this 
approach when, as here, the reductions would be equal to those 
reductions that would be obtained by simply controlling each of the 
BART-eligible units that constitute the BART source. Because SJGS is 
required to demonstrate continuous compliance over a reasonable 
averaging time, the reductions associated with the assigned limit are 
assured. As part of its five-factor analysis, New Mexico evaluated the 
control effectiveness of SNCR and determined that SNCR could achieve an 
emission rate of 0.23 lb/MMBtu on each unit based on tests and an 
updated performance guarantee from the vendor.\14\ Consistent with the 
BART Guidelines, the permit conditions at A112C specify the averaging 
time and calculation methodology for the enforceable emission limit, 
which must be calculated on a 30-boiler-operating-day basis, averaged 
across the two units. While we agree with the commenter that emissions 
from either unit may exceed 0.23 lb/MMBtu on a given day, the combined 
emissions from both units cannot exceed 0.23 lb/MMBtu over the course 
of the averaging period, so total emission reductions will be equal to 
those that would be obtained under two separate limits.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ Public Service Company of New Mexico, San Juan Generating 
Station, Revised SNCR Analysis, February 11, 2011 (2011 NM RH SIP, 
NMED Ex. 7t).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comment: One commenter alleged that our proposal implied that PNM's 
decision to retire Units 2 and 3 was solely taken for the purpose of 
meeting BART. The commenter suggested that EPA should explicitly state 
whether this was the case for the record or discuss whether independent 
reasons would require or motivate the shutdown of the units.
    Response: We fail to see how this comment is relevant to our 
evaluation of the 2013 RH SIP revision. Nevertheless, we note that, 
when developing the FIP, we assumed that the remaining useful life of 
all four units at SJGS exceeded 30 years, and the 2013 RH SIP revision 
provides no information that would change that assumption. Nor does the 
SIP revision provide any information to suggest that PNM had 
motivations other than creating a more cost-effective BART-compliance 
scenario when volunteering to shut down Units 2 and 3.
    Comment: A commenter stated that, while our proposal implied that 
there will be no capacity increase elsewhere or at the SJGS to replace 
the lost capacity from Units 2 and 3, the final rule should make this 
explicit to properly give weight to the benefits from their retirement.
    Response: We disagree with this comment. As an initial matter, our 
proposal did not imply that the retirement of Units 2 and 3 could be 
undertaken without the possible need to address lost capacity. Most 
likely, the lost capacity will be replaced through some combination of 
conservation, efficiency, and new capacity. More importantly, however, 
the CAA does not require an analysis of the statutory factors to 
include the consideration of hypothetical emissions increases at other 
facilities or even at the same facility due to lost capacity. We also 
note that any emissions units that might be constructed at SJGS in the 
future would likely be subject to both BACT and any applicable new 
source performance standards. Moreover, all emission units would be 
subject to analysis under the regional haze requirements for reasonable 
progress in future planning periods.
    Comment: One commenter asserted that our proposal failed to explain 
how New Mexico could permissibly reach a conclusion that directly 
opposes EPA's conclusion in the FIP. The commenter stated that the 
voluntary retirement of Units 2 and 3 did not change the fact that SCR 
remains cost-effective at the Units 1 and 4.
    Response: We disagree that the 2013 RH SIP reached a conclusion 
that directly opposes the conclusion we made in promulgating the FIP. 
Under different factual circumstances, we determined that SCR for the 
four SJGS units had reasonable average cost-effectiveness values and 
would promote significant visibility improvements, thereby supporting 
the basis for the emission limits set forth in the FIP. As we stated in 
the proposal, the 2013 RH SIP revision contains a new, source-specific 
BART analysis that is based on different underlying facts than those 
that were present when we evaluated our FIP. We were not presented with 
the retirement of Units 2 and 3 when we promulgated the FIP. With this 
information in hand, New Mexico permissibly conducted a new BART 
analysis using a facility-wide approach that allowed the full range of 
visibility, energy, and non-air quality environmental benefits 
associated with the shutdowns to be taken into account. While the 
average cost-effectiveness of SCR on Units 1 and 4 remains reasonable, 
New Mexico demonstrated that the incremental cost-effectiveness of the 
four-SCR scenario in our FIP over the State Alternative was high when 
compared against the additional visibility improvements from the 
former, while also considering the energy, and non-air quality 
environmental benefits associated with the State Alternative.
    Comment: One commenter thought that the timeline for the 
installation of SNCR was too long because SNCR is a simpler technology 
to install than SCR.
    Response: We agree that SNCR is a simpler technology to install 
than SCR

[[Page 60992]]

and requires less time for installation. New Mexico determined, and we 
agree, that the compliance timeframe in the 2013 RH SIP revision is as 
expeditious as practicable, as required under 40 CFR 51.308(e)(1)(iv).
    Comment: One commenter thought that the 0.05 lb/MMBtu rate used for 
the study of SCR as a BART control option was likely too high. The 
commenter suggested that many units, such as those in Dry Fork, WY and 
Morgantown, MD, are routinely achieving emission rates in the range of 
0.02-0.04 lb/MMBtu. Reducing the studied emission limit for SCR to 0.04 
lb/MMBtu would show the option to be even more cost-effective.
    Response: We disagree that lower control rates needed to be 
evaluated for SCR. We evaluated the monthly emission data from these 
two facilities for the past several years (available at EPA's Air 
Market Program data Web site: www.epa.gov/ampd). All three units have 
monthly emission rates that sometimes exceed 0.04 lb/MMBtu. Indeed, the 
Morgantown units have months where the monthly emission rate is 0.05 
lb/MMBtu or higher. In promulgating the FIP, we evaluated the 
performance of both new and retrofit SCRs and determined that 0.05 lb/
MMBtu on a 30-boiler-operating-day average was the appropriate emission 
limit for SCR at the SJGS units. See 76 FR 491 and 76 FR 52388. New 
Mexico appropriately used this same rate in their cost and visibility 
analyses for the four-SCR scenario as part of its BART evaluation.

IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    The Administrator is required to approve a SIP submission that 
complies with the provisions of the Clean Air 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 Clean Air Act. 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 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, the SIP is not approved to apply on any Indian 
reservation land or in any other area where EPA or an Indian tribe has 
demonstrated that a tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of Indian 
country, the rule does not have tribal implications as specified by 
Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), nor will it 
impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal 
law. Consistent with EPA policy, EPA offered consultation to tribes 
regarding this rulemaking action.
    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 Clean Air Act, petitions for 
judicial review of this action must be filed in the United States Court 
of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by December 8, 2014. Filing a 
petition for reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule 
does not affect the finality of this action for the purposed 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, Particulate 
matter, Regional haze, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur 
dioxide, and Visibility.

    Dated: September 26, 2014.
Samuel Coleman,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 6
    Therefore, 40 CFR part 52 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.


0
2. In Sec.  52.1620:
0
a. In paragraph (d), the table titled ``EPA-Approved New Mexico Source-
Specific Requirements'' is amended by adding a first entry for ``Units 
1, 2, 3, & 4 of the San Juan Generating Station'' to the table.
0
b. In paragraph (e), the second table entitled ``EPA Approved 
Nonregulatory Provisions and Quasi-Regulatory Measures in the New 
Mexico SIP,'' is amended by revising the entry for ``Regional Haze SIP 
under 40 CFR 51.309, Statewide (except Bernalillo County)'' and adding 
a new entry at the end for ``Revision to satisfy the requirements of 
Clean Air Act 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) with respect to visibility for the 8-
hour Ozone and PM2.5 NAAQS''.
    The additions and revisions read as follows:


Sec.  52.1620.  Identification of plan.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *

[[Page 60993]]



                              EPA-Approved New Mexico Source-Specific Requirements
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    State
                                                  approval/     EPA Approval
        Name of source           Permit number    effective         date                  Explanation
                                                     date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Units 1, 2, 3, & 4 of the San  NSR Permit No.      11/1/2013  10/9/14 [Insert  Ch. 10 (BART) of SIP under 40 CFR
 Juan Generating Station.       0063-M6R3,                     FR citation].    51.309(g).
                                Section A112C.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) * * *
* * * * *

            EPA Approved Nonregulatory Provisions and Quasi-Regulatory Measures in the New Mexico SIP
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          State
                                       Applicable       submittal/
      Name of SIP provision          geographic or      effective    EPA approval date         Explanation
                                   nonattainment area      date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Regional Haze SIP under 40 CFR    Statewide (except     6/24/2011,  11/27/2012, 77 FR    .......................
 51.309.                           Bernalillo County).  10/7/2013,   70693, 10/9/14
                                                         11/1/2013   [Insert FR
                                                                     citation].
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Revision to satisfy the           Statewide (except     10/7/2013,  10/9/14 [Insert FR
 requirements of Clean Air Act     Bernalillo County).   11/1/2013   citation].
 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) with
 respect to visibility for the 8-
 hour Ozone and PM2.5 NAAQS.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec.  52.1629  [Removed and Reserved]

0
3. Section 52.1629 is removed and reserved.

[FR Doc. 2014-23904 Filed 10-8-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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