Delay in Issuing 2014 Standards for the Renewable Fuel Standard Program, 73007-73008 [2014-28163]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 236 / Tuesday, December 9, 2014 / Proposed Rules rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS requirement to submit the pertinent SIP revision or revisions and would need to address those requirements. Thus, a final determination that the area need not submit one of the pertinent SIP submittals amounts to no more than a suspension of the requirements for so long as the area continues to attain the standard. Only if and when the EPA redesignates the area to attainment would the area be relieved of these submission obligations. Attainment determinations under the Clean Data Policy do not shield an area from obligations unrelated to attainment in the area, such as provisions to address pollution transport. As set forth above, based on our proposed determination that the South Coast area is currently attaining the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS, we propose to find that the obligations to submit any remaining attainment-related provisions that may be necessary to satisfy the requirements applicable to moderate areas under subpart 4 of part D (of title I of the Act) are suspended for so long as the area continues to monitor attainment of the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS. If, in the future, the EPA determines after notice-and-comment rulemaking that the area again violates the 1997 annual or 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, the basis for suspending any remaining SIP obligations would no longer apply. V. EPA’s Proposed Action and Request for Public Comment The EPA proposes to determine, based on the most recent three years (2011–2013) of complete (or otherwise validated), quality-assured, and certified data meeting the requirements of 40 CFR part 50, appendix N, that the South Coast PM2.5 nonattainment area has attained the 1997 annual and 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. In conjunction with and based upon our proposed determination that the South Coast area has attained and is currently attaining the standard, the EPA proposes to determine that the obligation to submit any remaining attainment-related SIP revisions arising from classification of the South Coast as a moderate nonattainment area under subpart 4 of part D (of title I of the Act) for the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS is not applicable for so long as the area continues to attain the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS. These attainment-related requirements include, but are not limited to, the part D, subpart 4 obligations to provide an attainment demonstration pursuant to section 189(a)(1)(B), the RACM provisions of section 189(a)(1)(C), and the RFP provisions of section 189(c). This proposed action, if finalized, would not VerDate Sep<11>2014 12:52 Dec 08, 2014 Jkt 235001 constitute a redesignation to attainment under CAA section 107(d)(3). The EPA is soliciting public comments on the issues discussed in this document or on other relevant matters. We will accept comments from the public on this proposal for the next 30 days. We will consider these comments before taking final action. VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews This action proposes to make a determination of attainment based on air quality and to suspend certain federal requirements, and thus, would not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law. For that reason, this proposed action: • Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993); • Does not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.); • Is certified as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); • Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4); • Does not have Federalism implications as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999); • Is not an economically significant regulatory action based on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997); • Is not a significant regulatory action subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001); • Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent with the CAA; and • Does not provide the EPA with the discretionary authority to address disproportionate human health or environmental effects with practical, appropriate, and legally permissible methods under Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). In addition, this proposed action does not have tribal implications as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), because the SIP obligations discussed herein do not apply to Indian tribes and thus this proposed action will not impose PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 73007 substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law. List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52 Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by reference, Nitrogen dioxide, Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile organic compounds. Dated: November 20, 2014. Jared Blumenfeld, Regional Administrator, Region IX. [FR Doc. 2014–28709 Filed 12–8–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 80 [EPA–HQ–OAR–2013–0479; FRL–9919–92– OAR] Delay in Issuing 2014 Standards for the Renewable Fuel Standard Program Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notification of delay in issuing standards. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing that it will not be finalizing 2014 applicable percentage standards under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program before the end of 2014. In light of this delay in issuing the 2014 RFS standards, the compliance demonstration deadline for the 2013 RFS standards will take place in 2015. EPA will be making modifications to the EPA-Moderated Transaction System (EMTS) to ensure that Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) generated in 2012 are valid for demonstrating compliance with the 2013 applicable standards. DATES: December 9, 2014. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Julia MacAllister, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Assessment and Standards Division, Environmental Protection Agency, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105; Telephone number: (734) 214–4131; Fax number: (734) 214–4816; Email address: macallister.julia@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 29, 2013, at 78 FR 71732, EPA published a notice of proposed rulemaking to establish the 2014 RFS standards.1 The proposal has generated significant comment and controversy, particularly about how volumes should SUMMARY: 1 78 E:\FR\FM\09DEP1.SGM FR 71732, November 29, 2013. 09DEP1 73008 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 236 / Tuesday, December 9, 2014 / Proposed Rules be set in light of lower gasoline consumption than had been forecast at the time that the Energy Independence and Security Act was enacted, and whether and on what basis the statutory volumes should be waived. Most notably, commenters expressed concerns regarding the proposal’s ability to ensure continued progress towards achieving the volumes of renewable fuel targeted by the statute. EPA has been evaluating these issues in light of the purposes of the statute and the Administration’s commitment to the goals of the statute to increase the use of renewable fuels, particularly cellulosic biofuels, which will reduce the greenhouse gases emitted from the consumption of transportation fuels and diversify the nation’s fuel supply. Finalization of the 2014 standards rule has been significantly delayed. Due to this delay, and given ongoing consideration of the issues presented by the commenters, EPA is not in a position to finalize the 2014 RFS standards rule before the end of the year. Accordingly, we intend to take action on the 2014 standards rule in 2015 prior to or in conjunction with action on the 2015 standards rule.2 EPA intends to modify EMTS to permit the trading and retiring of 2012 vintage RINs beyond December 31, 2014. EPA will incorporate the modifications into EMTS version 4.1, which is scheduled to be deployed by April 1, 2015. From January 1, 2015 until the release of version 4.1, EMTS will not be able to support 2012 RIN transactions. Please note that 2012 RIN holding data stored in EMTS is safe and will be preserved even though it will not be accessible during the period from January 1, 2015 until the release of version 4.1. Dated: November 21, 2014. Janet G. McCabe, Acting Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation. [FR Doc. 2014–28163 Filed 12–8–14; 8:45 am] rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS BILLING CODE 6560–50–P 2 EPA intends to adjust the schedule for compliance reporting for the 2014 RFS standards in 40 CFR 80.1451(a)(1) to reflect the delay in issuing the final 2014 RFS standards rule. No compliance reporting is necessary absent a final 2014 standards rule. VerDate Sep<11>2014 12:52 Dec 08, 2014 Jkt 235001 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 1 [GN Docket No. 14–177; DA 14–1703] Notice of Inquiry on Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz for Mobile Radio Services—Comment Extension Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Extension of comment period. AGENCY: In this document, the Commission extends the deadline for filing comments and reply comments in response to the Notice of Inquiry (NOI) on use of spectrum bands above 24 GHz for mobile radio services. This proceeding will allow parties to more thoroughly address the complex technical, legal, and policy issues raised in the NOI. DATES: Submit comments on or before January 15, 2015. Submit reply comments on or before February 17, 2015. SUMMARY: Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554. You may submit comments, identified by DA–14–1703, or by GN Docket No. 14–177, or by any of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Federal Communications Commission’s Web site: https:// www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. People With Disabilities. Contact the FCC to request reasonable accommodations (accessible format documents, sign language interpreters, CART, etc.) by email: FCC504@fcc.gov or phone: (202) 418–0530 or TTY: (202) 418–0432. Availability of Documents. Comments, reply comments, and ex parte submissions will be available for public inspection during regular business hours in the FCC Reference Center, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., CY– A257, Washington, DC, 20554. These documents will also be available via ECFS. Documents will be available electronically in ASCII, Microsoft Word, and/or Adobe Acrobat. For detailed instructions for submitting comments and additional information on the rulemaking process, see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, please contact Charles Oliver of the Wireless ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Telecommunications Bureau, Broadband Division, at (202) 418–1325 or mailto:charles.oliver@fcc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission’s public notice, adopted and released on November 25, 2014, DA–14–1703. Copies of the public notice may be obtained from Best Copy and Printing, Inc. (BCPI), Portals II, 445 12th Street SW., Room CY–B402, Washington, DC 20554, (202) 488–5300, facsimile (202) 488–5563, or via email fcc@ bcpiweb.com. The public notice and any associated documents are also available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in the FCC Reference Information Center, Room CY–A257, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554. The complete text is also available on the Commission’s Web site at https:// apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/ DA-14-1703A1.docx. Pursuant to §§ 1.415 and 1.419 of the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR 1.415, 1.419, interested parties may file comments and reply comments on or before the dates indicated on the first page of this document. Comments may be filed using the Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS). See Electronic Filing of Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 FR 24121 (1998). Electronic Filers: Comments may be filed electronically using the Internet by accessing the ECFS: https:// fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs2/. Paper Filers: Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and one copy of each filing. If more than one docket or rulemaking number appears in the caption of this proceeding, filers must submit two additional copies for each additional docket or rulemaking number. Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial overnight courier, or by first-class or overnight U.S. Postal Service mail. All filings must be addressed to the Commission’s Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission. All hand-delivered or messengerdelivered paper filings for the Commission’s Secretary must be delivered to FCC Headquarters at 445 12th St., SW., Room TW–A325, Washington, DC 20554. The filing hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. All hand deliveries must be held together with rubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes and boxes must be disposed of before entering the building. Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail E:\FR\FM\09DEP1.SGM 09DEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 236 (Tuesday, December 9, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 73007-73008]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-28163]


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

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 80

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0479; FRL-9919-92-OAR]


Delay in Issuing 2014 Standards for the Renewable Fuel Standard 
Program

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notification of delay in issuing standards.

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

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing that 
it will not be finalizing 2014 applicable percentage standards under 
the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program before the end of 2014. In 
light of this delay in issuing the 2014 RFS standards, the compliance 
demonstration deadline for the 2013 RFS standards will take place in 
2015. EPA will be making modifications to the EPA-Moderated Transaction 
System (EMTS) to ensure that Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) 
generated in 2012 are valid for demonstrating compliance with the 2013 
applicable standards.

DATES: December 9, 2014.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Julia MacAllister, Office of 
Transportation and Air Quality, Assessment and Standards Division, 
Environmental Protection Agency, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 
48105; Telephone number: (734) 214-4131; Fax number: (734) 214-4816; 
Email address: macallister.julia@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 29, 2013, at 78 FR 71732, EPA 
published a notice of proposed rulemaking to establish the 2014 RFS 
standards.\1\ The proposal has generated significant comment and 
controversy, particularly about how volumes should

[[Page 73008]]

be set in light of lower gasoline consumption than had been forecast at 
the time that the Energy Independence and Security Act was enacted, and 
whether and on what basis the statutory volumes should be waived. Most 
notably, commenters expressed concerns regarding the proposal's ability 
to ensure continued progress towards achieving the volumes of renewable 
fuel targeted by the statute.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 78 FR 71732, November 29, 2013.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA has been evaluating these issues in light of the purposes of 
the statute and the Administration's commitment to the goals of the 
statute to increase the use of renewable fuels, particularly cellulosic 
biofuels, which will reduce the greenhouse gases emitted from the 
consumption of transportation fuels and diversify the nation's fuel 
supply.
    Finalization of the 2014 standards rule has been significantly 
delayed. Due to this delay, and given ongoing consideration of the 
issues presented by the commenters, EPA is not in a position to 
finalize the 2014 RFS standards rule before the end of the year. 
Accordingly, we intend to take action on the 2014 standards rule in 
2015 prior to or in conjunction with action on the 2015 standards 
rule.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ EPA intends to adjust the schedule for compliance reporting 
for the 2014 RFS standards in 40 CFR 80.1451(a)(1) to reflect the 
delay in issuing the final 2014 RFS standards rule. No compliance 
reporting is necessary absent a final 2014 standards rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA intends to modify EMTS to permit the trading and retiring of 
2012 vintage RINs beyond December 31, 2014. EPA will incorporate the 
modifications into EMTS version 4.1, which is scheduled to be deployed 
by April 1, 2015. From January 1, 2015 until the release of version 
4.1, EMTS will not be able to support 2012 RIN transactions. Please 
note that 2012 RIN holding data stored in EMTS is safe and will be 
preserved even though it will not be accessible during the period from 
January 1, 2015 until the release of version 4.1.

    Dated: November 21, 2014.
Janet G. McCabe,
Acting Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation.
[FR Doc. 2014-28163 Filed 12-8-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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