Air Plan Approval; North Carolina; Interstate Transport, 37371-37374 [2017-16826]
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 153 / Thursday, August 10, 2017 / Proposed Rules
Points, dated August 3, 2016, and
effective September 15, 2016, is
amended as follows:
Paragraph 6005 Class E Airspace Areas
Extending Upward From 700 Feet or More
Above the Surface of the Earth.
*
*
*
*
*
AGL SD E5 Onida, SD [New]
Onida Municipal Airport, SD
(Lat. 44°42′02″ N., long. 100°06′05″ W.)
That airspace extending upward from 700
feet above the surface within a 6.4-mile
radius of Onida Municipal Airport.
Issued in Fort Worth, TX, on August 1,
2017.
Walter Tweedy,
Manager (A), Operations Support Group, ATO
Central Service Center.
[FR Doc. 2017–16802 Filed 8–9–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA–R04–OAR–2017–0321; FRL–9966–00–
Region 4]
Air Plan Approval; North Carolina;
Interstate Transport
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
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I. Background
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve
North Carolina’s December 9, 2015 State
Implementation Plan (SIP) submission
pertaining to the Clean Air Act’s (CAA
or Act) ‘‘good neighbor’’ provision of the
Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) for the 2008
8-hour ozone National Ambient Air
Quality Standards (NAAQS). The good
neighbor provision requires each state’s
SIP to address the interstate transport of
air pollution in amounts that contribute
significantly to nonattainment, or
interfere with maintenance, of a NAAQS
in any other state. In this action, EPA is
proposing to determine that North
Carolina’s SIP contains adequate
provisions to prohibit emissions within
the state from contributing significantly
to nonattainment or interfering with
maintenance of the 2008 8-hour ozone
NAAQS in any other state.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before September 11, 2017.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R04–
OAR–2017–0321 at https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
Once submitted, comments cannot be
edited or removed from regulations.gov.
SUMMARY:
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EPA may publish any comment received
to its public docket. Do not submit
electronically any information you
consider to be Confidential Business
Information (CBI) or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Multimedia submissions (audio, video,
etc.) must be accompanied by a written
comment. The written comment is
considered the official comment and
should include discussion of all points
you wish to make. EPA will generally
not consider comments or comment
contents located outside of the primary
submission (i.e., on the Web, cloud, or
other file sharing system). For
additional submission methods, the full
EPA public comment policy,
information about CBI or multimedia
submissions, and general guidance on
making effective comments, please visit
https://www2.epa.gov/dockets/
commenting-epa-dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ashten Bailey, Air Regulatory
Management Section, Air Planning and
Implementation Branch, Air, Pesticides
and Toxics Management Division, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency,
Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW.,
Atlanta, Georgia 30303–8960. Ms. Bailey
can also be reached via telephone at
(404) 562–9164 and via electronic mail
at bailey.ashten@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
On March 27, 2008, EPA promulgated
an ozone NAAQS that revised the levels
of the primary and secondary 8-hour
ozone standards from 0.08 parts per
million (ppm) to 0.075 ppm. See 73 FR
16436. Pursuant to CAA section
110(a)(1), within three years after
promulgation of a new or revised
NAAQS (or shorter, if EPA prescribes),
states must submit SIPs that meet the
applicable requirements of section
110(a)(2). EPA has historically referred
to these SIP submissions made for the
purpose of satisfying the requirements
of sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2) as
‘‘infrastructure SIP’’ submissions. One
of the structural requirements of section
110(a)(2) is section 110(a)(2)(D)(i) which
generally requires SIPs to contain
adequate provisions to prohibit in-state
emissions activities from having certain
adverse air quality effects on
neighboring states due to interstate
transport of air pollution. There are four
sub-elements, or ‘‘prongs,’’ within
section 110(a)(2)(D)(i) of the CAA. CAA
section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I), also known as
the ‘‘good neighbor’’ provision, requires
SIPs to include provisions prohibiting
any source or other type of emissions
activity in one state from emitting any
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air pollutant in amounts that will
contribute significantly to
nonattainment, or interfere with
maintenance, of the NAAQS in another
state. The two provisions of this section
are referred to as prong 1 (significant
contribution to nonattainment) and
prong 2 (interference with
maintenance). Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II)
requires SIPs to contain adequate
provisions to prohibit emissions that
will interfere with measures required to
be included in the applicable
implementation plan for any other state
under part C to prevent significant
deterioration of air quality (prong 3) or
to protect visibility (prong 4). This
proposed action addresses only prongs
1 and 2 of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i). All
other infrastructure SIP elements for
North Carolina for the 2008 8-hour
ozone NAAQS were addressed in
separate rulemakings.1
A. State Submittal
On December 9, 2015, the North
Carolina Department of Environmental
Quality (NCDEQ) submitted a SIP
submittal containing a certification 2
that North Carolina is meeting the
requirements of CAA section
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2008 8-hour
ozone NAAQS because, based on
available emissions and air quality
modeling data, emissions activities
within North Carolina will not
significantly contribute to
nonattainment or interfere with
maintenance of the 2008 8-hour ozone
NAAQS in any other state.3 NCDEQ
reviewed preliminary air quality
modeling and data files that EPA
disseminated in an August 4, 2015
Notice of Data Availability to assess
interstate transport of ozone for the 2008
ozone NAAQS.4 See Notice of
1 See 80 FR 68453 (November 5, 2015), 81 FR
35634 (June 3, 2016), and 81 FR 63107 (September
14, 2016).
2 This submittal revises a November 2, 2012
submittal addressing other infrastructure SIP
elements for North Carolina for the 2008 ozone
NAAQS. See, e.g., 80 FR 68453. North Carolina
previously withdrew the portions of the November
2, 2012 submittal related to prongs 1 and 2.
3 On July 13, 2015, EPA published a final
rulemaking that finalized findings of failure to
submit for 24 states, including North Carolina. See
80 FR 39961. The findings of failure to submit
established a 2-year deadline for EPA to promulgate
a federal implementation plan to address the
interstate transport SIP requirements pertaining to
significant contribution to nonattainment and
interference with maintenance unless, prior to EPA
promulgating a FIP, the state submits, and EPA
approves, a SIP that meets these requirements.
Additional background on the findings of failure to
submit—including North Carolina’s finding—can be
found in the preamble to the final rule making the
finding.
4 NCDEQ refers to this NODA as having been
released on July 23, 2015, which was the signature
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Availability of the Environmental
Protection Agency’s Updated Ozone
Transport Modeling Data for the 2008 8hour Ozone NAAQS, 80 FR 46271 (2015
NODA). NCDEQ disagrees with the 2015
NODA’s preliminary projection that
North Carolina emissions may impact a
projected maintenance receptor in
Baltimore County, Maryland.
Specifically, NCDEQ asserts that the
2015 NODA modeling analysis ‘‘is
associated with inaccurate emissions
inventories and deficiencies in the
performance of the air quality
modeling.’’ In its SIP submittal, NCDEQ
asserts that the modeled contribution
from North Carolina to the maintenance
receptor in Baltimore County, Maryland,
should accordingly be reduced, and the
State should thus not be considered
‘‘linked’’ to any downwind state in
EPA’s preliminary modeling. NCDEQ
notes that the State is on track to
comply and meet the Cross-State Air
Pollution Rule (CSAPR) Phase 1 and 2
annual electric generation unit (EGU)
state-wide allowance trading program
requirements that reduce annual
emissions of NOX and SO2.5 In addition,
NCDEQ cites information related to
emissions trends—such as reductions in
ozone precursor emissions and back
trajectories, monitored ozone values in
North Carolina, SEMAP modeling, and
controls on North Carolina coal plants—
as further evidence that emissions from
the State will not contribute
significantly to nonattainment or
interfere with maintenance of the 2008
8-hour ozone NAAQS in any other state.
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B. EPA’s Analysis Related to
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2008 8-Hour
Ozone NAAQS
EPA developed technical information
and related analyses to assist states with
meeting section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)
requirements for the 2008 8-hour ozone
NAAQS through SIPs and, as
appropriate, to provide backstop federal
implementation plans in the event that
states failed to submit approvable SIPs.
On October 26, 2016, EPA took steps to
date of the NODA’s accompanying memo. In
addition, the comments received on the NODA
were used to inform the CSAPR Update. 81 FR at
74505.
5 As amended (including the 2016 CSAPR
Update), CSAPR requires 27 Eastern states to limit
their statewide emissions of SO2 and/or NOX in
order to mitigate transported air pollution
unlawfully impacting other states’ ability to attain
or maintain four NAAQS: The 1997 Annual PM2.5
NAAQS, the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, the 1997
8-hour ozone NAAQS, and the 2008 8-hour ozone
NAAQS. CSAPR achieves these reductions through
emissions trading programs in two phases: Phase 1
began in January 2015 for the annual programs and
May 2015 for the ozone season program; and Phase
2 began in January 2017 for the annual programs
and May 2017 for the ozone season program.
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effectuate this backstop role with
respect to emissions in 22 eastern
states 6 (not including North Carolina),
by finalizing an update to the CSAPR
ozone season program that addresses
good neighbor obligations for the 2008
ozone NAAQS (‘‘CSAPR Update’’). See
81 FR 74504. This CSAPR Update
establishes statewide NOX budgets for
certain affected EGUs in the May–
September ozone season to reduce the
interstate transport of ozone pollution in
the eastern United States, and thereby
help downwind states and communities
meet and maintain the 2008 ozone
NAAQS. The CSAPR Update includes
technical information and related
analysis to assist states with meeting the
good neighbor requirements of the CAA
for the 2008 ozone NAAQS.
The CSAPR Update uses the same
framework EPA used when developing
the original CSAPR, EPA’s transport
rule addressing the 1997 ozone NAAQS
as well as the 1997 and 2006 fine
particulate matter (PM2.5) NAAQS. The
CSAPR framework establishes the
following four-step process to address
the requirements of the good neighbor
provision: (1) Identify downwind
receptors that are expected to have
problems attaining or maintaining the
NAAQS; (2) determine which upwind
states contribute to these identified
problems in amounts sufficient to
‘‘link’’ them to the downwind air
quality problems; (3) identify and
quantify, for states linked to downwind
air quality problems, upwind emissions
that significantly contribute to
nonattainment or interfere with
maintenance of a NAAQS; and (4)
reduce the identified upwind emissions
for states that are found to have
emissions that significantly contribute
to nonattainment or interfere with
maintenance of the NAAQS downwind
by adopting permanent and enforceable
measures in a FIP or SIP. In the CSAPR
Update, EPA used this four-step
framework to determine each linked
upwind state’s significant contribution
to nonattainment or interference with
maintenance of downwind air quality.
As explained below, the CSAPR
Update’s four-step analysis supports the
conclusions of NCDEQ’s analysis
regarding prongs 1 and 2 for the 2008
ozone NAAQS.
In the technical analysis supporting
the CSAPR Update, EPA used detailed
air quality analyses to determine where
projected nonattainment or maintenance
areas would be and whether emissions
6 For purposes of the CSAPR Update, ‘‘eastern’’
states refer to all contiguous states fully east of the
Rocky Mountains (thus not including the mountain
states of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, or New
Mexico).
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from an eastern state contribute to
downwind air quality problems at those
projected nonattainment or maintenance
receptors. Specifically, EPA determined
whether each state’s contributing
emissions were at or above a specific
threshold (i.e., one percent of the ozone
NAAQS). If a state’s contribution did
not exceed the one-percent threshold,
the state was not considered ‘‘linked’’ to
identified downwind nonattainment
and maintenance receptors and was
therefore not considered to contribute
significantly to nonattainment or
interfere with maintenance of the
standard in those downwind areas. If a
state’s contribution was equal to or
exceeded the one-percent threshold,
that state was considered ‘‘linked’’ to
the downwind nonattainment or
maintenance receptor(s) and the state’s
emissions were further evaluated, taking
into account both air quality and cost
considerations, to determine whether
any emissions reductions might be
necessary to address the state’s
obligation pursuant to CAA section
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I).
As discussed in the final CSAPR
Update, the air quality modeling
contained in EPA’s technical analysis:
(1) Identified locations in the U.S.
where EPA anticipates nonattainment or
maintenance issues in 2017 for the 2008
8-hour ozone NAAQS (these are
identified as nonattainment or
maintenance receptors, respectively),
and (2) quantified the projected
contributions from emissions from
upwind states to downwind ozone
concentrations at the receptors in 2017.
See 81 FR 74526. This modeling used
the Comprehensive Air Quality Model
with Extensions (CAMx version 6.11) to
model the 2011 base year, and the 2017
future base case emissions scenarios to
identify projected nonattainment and
maintenance sites with respect to the
2008 8-hour Ozone NAAQS in 2017.
EPA used nationwide state-level ozone
source apportionment modeling (the
CAMx Ozone Source Apportionment
Technology/Anthropogenic Precursor
Culpability Analysis technique) to
quantify the contribution of 2017 base
case NOX and VOC emissions from all
sources in each state to the 2017
projected receptors. The air quality
model runs were performed for a
modeling domain that covers the 48
contiguous United States, the District of
Columbia, and adjacent portions of
Canada and Mexico. 81 FR 74526–527.
The updated modeling data released to
support the final CSAPR Update are the
most up-to-date information EPA has
developed to inform the Agency’s
analysis of upwind state linkages to
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 153 / Thursday, August 10, 2017 / Proposed Rules
downwind air quality problems for the
2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS.7
Consistent with the framework
established in the original CSAPR
rulemaking, EPA’s technical analysis in
support of the CSAPR Update applied
an air quality screening threshold of
0.75 ppb (one percent of the 2008 8hour ozone NAAQS of 75 ppb) to
identify linkages between upwind states
and the downwind nonattainment and
maintenance receptors. See CSAPR
Update at 81 FR 74518–519. EPA
considered an eastern state ‘‘linked’’ to
a specific downwind receptor when the
state’s contributions to that receptor
meet or exceed the threshold, in which
case EPA analyzed the state’s emissions
further to determine whether emissions
reductions might be required in order to
address the downwind air quality
problem. An eastern state with
contributions to a specific receptor
below the screening threshold is not
considered linked to that receptor, and
EPA thereby concludes that the state
does not contribute significantly to
nonattainment or interfere with
maintenance of the NAAQS at that
downwind receptor. EPA determined
that one percent was an appropriate
threshold to use in this analysis because
there were important, even if relatively
small, contributions to identified
nonattainment and maintenance
receptors from multiple upwind states
at that threshold. In response to
commenters who advocated for
thresholds higher or lower than one
percent, EPA compiled the contribution
modeling results for the CSAPR Update
to analyze the impact of different
possible thresholds for the eastern
United States. EPA’s analysis showed
that the one-percent threshold captures
a high percentage of the total pollution
transport affecting downwind states.
EPA’s analysis further showed that the
application of a lower threshold would
result in relatively modest increases in
the overall percentage of ozone
transport pollution captured, while the
use of higher thresholds would result in
a relatively large reduction in the
overall percentage of ozone pollution
transport captured relative to the levels
captured at one percent at the majority
of the receptors. Id.; see also Air Quality
Modeling Final Rule Technical Support
Document for the Final CSAPR Update,
Appendix F, Analysis of Contribution
Thresholds. This approach is consistent
with the use of a one-percent threshold
7 See ‘‘Air Quality Modeling Final Rule Technical
Support Document for the Final CSAPR Update’’
(CSAPR Update Modeling TSD), available at https://
www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OAR2015-0500-0575.
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to identify those states ‘‘linked’’ to air
quality problems with respect to the
1997 8-hour Ozone NAAQS in the
original CSAPR rulemaking, wherein
EPA noted that there are adverse health
impacts associated with ambient ozone
even at low levels. See 76 FR 48208,
48236–237 (August 8, 2011).
EPA’s air quality modeling for the
final CSAPR Update projects that North
Carolina’s emissions are projected to
contribute below one percent of the
2008 ozone NAAQS to all receptors. The
modeling indicates that North Carolina’s
largest contribution to any projected
downwind nonattainment site in 2017 is
0.51 ppb and North Carolina’s largest
contribution to any projected downwind
maintenance-only site in 2017 is 0.50
ppb.8 These values are below the onepercent screening threshold of 0.75 ppb,
and therefore there are no identified
linkages between North Carolina and
2017 downwind projected
nonattainment and maintenance sites.
As a result of the modeling, EPA did not
finalize a federal implementation plan
that required NOX emission reductions
from North Carolina in the CSAPR
Update because EPA’s analysis
performed to support the final rule does
not indicate that the state is linked to
any identified downwind
nonattainment or maintenance receptors
with respect to the 2008 8-hour ozone
NAAQS. Rather, in the CSAPR Update,
EPA took final action to determine that
emissions from North Carolina will not
significantly contribute to
nonattainment or interfere with
maintenance of the 2008 ozone NAAQS
in any other states. 81 FR 74506, 74555.
Additionally, the CSAPR Update
addressed a United States Court of
Appeals for the District of Columbia
Circuit remand in EME Homer City
Generation, L.P. v. EPA, 795 F.3d 118
(D.C. Cir. 2015) with respect to the
interstate transport responsibility of
North Carolina under the 1997 8-hour
ozone NAAQS. EPA removed North
Carolina from the CSAPR ozone season
trading program beginning in 2017,
prior to implementation of the Phase 2
ozone season emission budgets.9
II. What is EPA’s analysis of the North
Carolina submittal?
As discussed above, North Carolina’s
submittal certifies that emission
activities from the State will not
contribute significantly to
nonattainment or interfere with
maintenance of the 2008 8-hour ozone
8 CSAPR
9 81
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FR 74523–524.
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37373
NAAQS in any other state.10 EPA’s
updated modeling for the final CSAPR
Update is consistent with the State’s
determination. In the modeling
conducted to support the proposed
CSAPR Update, North Carolina was
linked to one maintenance receptor in
Baltimore County, Maryland (site
240053001). See 81 FR 74537–538.
However, in developing the final
CSAPR Update—after considering
comments from North Carolina and
other stakeholders in developing a
revised modeling analysis—EPA no
longer projects that site 240053001 in
Baltimore County, Maryland, will be a
maintenance receptor because the site’s
2017 average and maximum design
values are projected to be below the
NAAQS. Id. In addition, North Carolina
is not linked to any other nonattainment
or maintenance receptor, based on the
final rule modeling. Id. Because North
Carolina is not linked to any downwind
nonattainment or maintenance
receptors, EPA is proposing to approve
North Carolina’s SIP as meeting the
requirements of prongs 1 and 2 for the
2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS.
III. Proposed Action
EPA is proposing to approve North
Carolina’s December 9, 2015 SIP
submission demonstrating that North
Carolina’s SIP is sufficient to address
the CAA requirements of prongs 1 and
2 under section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the
2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. In the
CSAPR Update, EPA has already taken
a final action to determine that
emissions from North Carolina will not
significantly contribute to
nonattainment or interfere with
maintenance of the 2008 8-hour ozone
NAAQS in downwind states.
Accordingly, EPA proposes to find that
North Carolina’s SIP is consistent with
this final determination. EPA requests
comment on this proposed approval of
North Carolina’s SIP.11
IV. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
Under the CAA, the Administrator is
required to approve a SIP submission
10 EPA notes that North Carolina submitted
similar comments during the CSAPR Update
rulemaking, including attaching the December 9,
2015 Submittal. See Comments by the North
Carolina Division of Air Quality, available at
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQOAR-2015-0500-0273. EPA accepted some of the
comments provided by North Carolina, including
those related to emissions projections. See Cross
State Air Pollution Update Rule—Response to
Comment, available at https://www.regulations.gov/
document?D=EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0500-0572.
11 EPA is not reopening for comment final
determinations made in the context of the CSAPR
Update based on the modeling conducted to
support that rulemaking.
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 153 / Thursday, August 10, 2017 / Proposed Rules
that complies with the provisions of the
Act and applicable federal regulations.
See 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a).
Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions,
EPA’s role is to approve state choices,
provided that they meet the criteria of
the CAA. Accordingly, this proposed
action merely approves state law as
meeting federal requirements and does
not impose additional requirements
beyond those imposed by state law. For
that reason, this proposed action:
• Is not a significant regulatory action
subject to review by the Office of
Management and Budget under
Executive Orders 12866 (58 FR 51735,
October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821,
January 21, 2011);
• 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).
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.
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List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
Environmental protection, Air
pollution control, Incorporation by
reference, Intergovernmental relations,
Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Volatile
organic compounds.
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Dated: July 28, 2017.
V. Anne Heard,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 4.
[FR Doc. 2017–16826 Filed 8–9–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA–R03–OAR–2017–0204; FRL–9965–74Region 3]
Approval and Promulgation of Air
Quality Implementation Plans;
Pennsylvania; Revision to Allegheny
County Regulations for Open Burning
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) proposes to approve the
state implementation plan (SIP) revision
submitted by the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania. This revision pertains to
Allegheny County’s portion of the
Pennsylvania SIP for the purpose of
updating the regulation restricting open
burning with revised definitions and
new restrictions and with recodified
provisions. In the Final Rules section of
this Federal Register, EPA is approving
the Commonwealth’s SIP submittal as a
direct final rule without prior proposal
because the Agency views this as a
noncontroversial submittal and
anticipates no adverse comments. If no
adverse comments are received in
response to this action, no further
activity is contemplated. If EPA receives
adverse comments, the direct final rule
will be withdrawn and all public
comments received will be addressed in
a subsequent final rule based on this
proposed rule. EPA will not institute a
second comment period. Any parties
interested in commenting on this action
should do so at this time.
DATES: Comments must be received in
writing by September 11, 2017.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R03–
OAR–2017–0204 at https://
www.regulations.gov, or via email to
stahl.cynthia@epa.gov. For comments
submitted at Regulations.gov, follow the
SUMMARY:
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online instructions for submitting
comments. Once submitted, comments
cannot be edited or removed from
Regulations.gov. For either manner of
submission, the EPA may publish any
comment received to its public docket.
Do not submit electronically any
information you consider to be
confidential business information (CBI)
or other information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Multimedia
submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be
accompanied by a written comment.
The written comment is considered the
official comment and should include
discussion of all points you wish to
make. EPA will generally not consider
comments or comment contents located
outside of the primary submission (i.e.
on the Web, cloud, or other file sharing
system). For additional submission
methods, please contact the person
identified in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section. For the
full EPA public comment policy,
information about CBI or multimedia
submissions, and general guidance on
making effective comments, please visit
https://www2.epa.gov/dockets/
commenting-epa-dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Gregory A. Becoat, (215) 814–2036, or
by email at becoat.gregory@epa.gov.
For
further information, please see the
information provided in the direct final
action, with the same title, that is
located in the ‘‘Rules and Regulations’’
section of this Federal Register
publication. A detailed description of
the Commonwealth’s SIP submittal for
the revision of Allegheny County’s open
burning regulations and EPA’s
evaluation of that SIP is included in a
technical support document (TSD)
prepared in support of this rulemaking
action. A copy of the TSD is available,
upon request, from the EPA Regional
Office listed in the ADDRESSES section of
this document and is also available
electronically within the Docket for this
rulemaking action at
www.regulations.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Dated: July 24, 2017.
Cecil Rodrigues,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region III.
[FR Doc. 2017–16807 Filed 8–9–17; 8:45 am]
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E:\FR\FM\10AUP1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 153 (Thursday, August 10, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37371-37374]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-16826]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA-R04-OAR-2017-0321; FRL-9966-00-Region 4]
Air Plan Approval; North Carolina; Interstate Transport
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to
approve North Carolina's December 9, 2015 State Implementation Plan
(SIP) submission pertaining to the Clean Air Act's (CAA or Act) ``good
neighbor'' provision of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) for the 2008 8-
hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The good
neighbor provision requires each state's SIP to address the interstate
transport of air pollution in amounts that contribute significantly to
nonattainment, or interfere with maintenance, of a NAAQS in any other
state. In this action, EPA is proposing to determine that North
Carolina's SIP contains adequate provisions to prohibit emissions
within the state from contributing significantly to nonattainment or
interfering with maintenance of the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS in any
other state.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 11, 2017.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R04-
OAR-2017-0321 at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot
be edited or removed from regulations.gov. EPA may publish any comment
received to its public docket. Do not submit electronically any
information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI)
or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Multimedia submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a
written comment. The written comment is considered the official comment
and should include discussion of all points you wish to make. EPA will
generally not consider comments or comment contents located outside of
the primary submission (i.e., on the Web, cloud, or other file sharing
system). For additional submission methods, the full EPA public comment
policy, information about CBI or multimedia submissions, and general
guidance on making effective comments, please visit https://www2.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ashten Bailey, Air Regulatory
Management Section, Air Planning and Implementation Branch, Air,
Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW., Atlanta, Georgia
30303-8960. Ms. Bailey can also be reached via telephone at (404) 562-
9164 and via electronic mail at bailey.ashten@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
On March 27, 2008, EPA promulgated an ozone NAAQS that revised the
levels of the primary and secondary 8-hour ozone standards from 0.08
parts per million (ppm) to 0.075 ppm. See 73 FR 16436. Pursuant to CAA
section 110(a)(1), within three years after promulgation of a new or
revised NAAQS (or shorter, if EPA prescribes), states must submit SIPs
that meet the applicable requirements of section 110(a)(2). EPA has
historically referred to these SIP submissions made for the purpose of
satisfying the requirements of sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2) as
``infrastructure SIP'' submissions. One of the structural requirements
of section 110(a)(2) is section 110(a)(2)(D)(i) which generally
requires SIPs to contain adequate provisions to prohibit in-state
emissions activities from having certain adverse air quality effects on
neighboring states due to interstate transport of air pollution. There
are four sub-elements, or ``prongs,'' within section 110(a)(2)(D)(i) of
the CAA. CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I), also known as the ``good
neighbor'' provision, requires SIPs to include provisions prohibiting
any source or other type of emissions activity in one state from
emitting any air pollutant in amounts that will contribute
significantly to nonattainment, or interfere with maintenance, of the
NAAQS in another state. The two provisions of this section are referred
to as prong 1 (significant contribution to nonattainment) and prong 2
(interference with maintenance). Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) requires
SIPs to contain adequate provisions to prohibit emissions that will
interfere with measures required to be included in the applicable
implementation plan for any other state under part C to prevent
significant deterioration of air quality (prong 3) or to protect
visibility (prong 4). This proposed action addresses only prongs 1 and
2 of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i). All other infrastructure SIP elements for
North Carolina for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS were addressed in
separate rulemakings.\1\
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\1\ See 80 FR 68453 (November 5, 2015), 81 FR 35634 (June 3,
2016), and 81 FR 63107 (September 14, 2016).
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A. State Submittal
On December 9, 2015, the North Carolina Department of Environmental
Quality (NCDEQ) submitted a SIP submittal containing a certification
\2\ that North Carolina is meeting the requirements of CAA section
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS because, based on
available emissions and air quality modeling data, emissions activities
within North Carolina will not significantly contribute to
nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the 2008 8-hour ozone
NAAQS in any other state.\3\ NCDEQ reviewed preliminary air quality
modeling and data files that EPA disseminated in an August 4, 2015
Notice of Data Availability to assess interstate transport of ozone for
the 2008 ozone NAAQS.\4\ See Notice of
[[Page 37372]]
Availability of the Environmental Protection Agency's Updated Ozone
Transport Modeling Data for the 2008 8-hour Ozone NAAQS, 80 FR 46271
(2015 NODA). NCDEQ disagrees with the 2015 NODA's preliminary
projection that North Carolina emissions may impact a projected
maintenance receptor in Baltimore County, Maryland. Specifically, NCDEQ
asserts that the 2015 NODA modeling analysis ``is associated with
inaccurate emissions inventories and deficiencies in the performance of
the air quality modeling.'' In its SIP submittal, NCDEQ asserts that
the modeled contribution from North Carolina to the maintenance
receptor in Baltimore County, Maryland, should accordingly be reduced,
and the State should thus not be considered ``linked'' to any downwind
state in EPA's preliminary modeling. NCDEQ notes that the State is on
track to comply and meet the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR)
Phase 1 and 2 annual electric generation unit (EGU) state-wide
allowance trading program requirements that reduce annual emissions of
NOX and SO2.\5\ In addition, NCDEQ cites
information related to emissions trends--such as reductions in ozone
precursor emissions and back trajectories, monitored ozone values in
North Carolina, SEMAP modeling, and controls on North Carolina coal
plants--as further evidence that emissions from the State will not
contribute significantly to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance
of the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS in any other state.
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\2\ This submittal revises a November 2, 2012 submittal
addressing other infrastructure SIP elements for North Carolina for
the 2008 ozone NAAQS. See, e.g., 80 FR 68453. North Carolina
previously withdrew the portions of the November 2, 2012 submittal
related to prongs 1 and 2.
\3\ On July 13, 2015, EPA published a final rulemaking that
finalized findings of failure to submit for 24 states, including
North Carolina. See 80 FR 39961. The findings of failure to submit
established a 2-year deadline for EPA to promulgate a federal
implementation plan to address the interstate transport SIP
requirements pertaining to significant contribution to nonattainment
and interference with maintenance unless, prior to EPA promulgating
a FIP, the state submits, and EPA approves, a SIP that meets these
requirements. Additional background on the findings of failure to
submit--including North Carolina's finding--can be found in the
preamble to the final rule making the finding.
\4\ NCDEQ refers to this NODA as having been released on July
23, 2015, which was the signature date of the NODA's accompanying
memo. In addition, the comments received on the NODA were used to
inform the CSAPR Update. 81 FR at 74505.
\5\ As amended (including the 2016 CSAPR Update), CSAPR requires
27 Eastern states to limit their statewide emissions of
SO2 and/or NOX in order to mitigate
transported air pollution unlawfully impacting other states' ability
to attain or maintain four NAAQS: The 1997 Annual PM2.5
NAAQS, the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, the 1997 8-hour
ozone NAAQS, and the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. CSAPR achieves these
reductions through emissions trading programs in two phases: Phase 1
began in January 2015 for the annual programs and May 2015 for the
ozone season program; and Phase 2 began in January 2017 for the
annual programs and May 2017 for the ozone season program.
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B. EPA's Analysis Related to 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2008 8-Hour
Ozone NAAQS
EPA developed technical information and related analyses to assist
states with meeting section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) requirements for the
2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS through SIPs and, as appropriate, to provide
backstop federal implementation plans in the event that states failed
to submit approvable SIPs. On October 26, 2016, EPA took steps to
effectuate this backstop role with respect to emissions in 22 eastern
states \6\ (not including North Carolina), by finalizing an update to
the CSAPR ozone season program that addresses good neighbor obligations
for the 2008 ozone NAAQS (``CSAPR Update''). See 81 FR 74504. This
CSAPR Update establishes statewide NOX budgets for certain
affected EGUs in the May-September ozone season to reduce the
interstate transport of ozone pollution in the eastern United States,
and thereby help downwind states and communities meet and maintain the
2008 ozone NAAQS. The CSAPR Update includes technical information and
related analysis to assist states with meeting the good neighbor
requirements of the CAA for the 2008 ozone NAAQS.
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\6\ For purposes of the CSAPR Update, ``eastern'' states refer
to all contiguous states fully east of the Rocky Mountains (thus not
including the mountain states of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, or New
Mexico).
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The CSAPR Update uses the same framework EPA used when developing
the original CSAPR, EPA's transport rule addressing the 1997 ozone
NAAQS as well as the 1997 and 2006 fine particulate matter
(PM2.5) NAAQS. The CSAPR framework establishes the following
four-step process to address the requirements of the good neighbor
provision: (1) Identify downwind receptors that are expected to have
problems attaining or maintaining the NAAQS; (2) determine which upwind
states contribute to these identified problems in amounts sufficient to
``link'' them to the downwind air quality problems; (3) identify and
quantify, for states linked to downwind air quality problems, upwind
emissions that significantly contribute to nonattainment or interfere
with maintenance of a NAAQS; and (4) reduce the identified upwind
emissions for states that are found to have emissions that
significantly contribute to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance
of the NAAQS downwind by adopting permanent and enforceable measures in
a FIP or SIP. In the CSAPR Update, EPA used this four-step framework to
determine each linked upwind state's significant contribution to
nonattainment or interference with maintenance of downwind air quality.
As explained below, the CSAPR Update's four-step analysis supports the
conclusions of NCDEQ's analysis regarding prongs 1 and 2 for the 2008
ozone NAAQS.
In the technical analysis supporting the CSAPR Update, EPA used
detailed air quality analyses to determine where projected
nonattainment or maintenance areas would be and whether emissions from
an eastern state contribute to downwind air quality problems at those
projected nonattainment or maintenance receptors. Specifically, EPA
determined whether each state's contributing emissions were at or above
a specific threshold (i.e., one percent of the ozone NAAQS). If a
state's contribution did not exceed the one-percent threshold, the
state was not considered ``linked'' to identified downwind
nonattainment and maintenance receptors and was therefore not
considered to contribute significantly to nonattainment or interfere
with maintenance of the standard in those downwind areas. If a state's
contribution was equal to or exceeded the one-percent threshold, that
state was considered ``linked'' to the downwind nonattainment or
maintenance receptor(s) and the state's emissions were further
evaluated, taking into account both air quality and cost
considerations, to determine whether any emissions reductions might be
necessary to address the state's obligation pursuant to CAA section
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I).
As discussed in the final CSAPR Update, the air quality modeling
contained in EPA's technical analysis: (1) Identified locations in the
U.S. where EPA anticipates nonattainment or maintenance issues in 2017
for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS (these are identified as nonattainment
or maintenance receptors, respectively), and (2) quantified the
projected contributions from emissions from upwind states to downwind
ozone concentrations at the receptors in 2017. See 81 FR 74526. This
modeling used the Comprehensive Air Quality Model with Extensions (CAMx
version 6.11) to model the 2011 base year, and the 2017 future base
case emissions scenarios to identify projected nonattainment and
maintenance sites with respect to the 2008 8-hour Ozone NAAQS in 2017.
EPA used nationwide state-level ozone source apportionment modeling
(the CAMx Ozone Source Apportionment Technology/Anthropogenic Precursor
Culpability Analysis technique) to quantify the contribution of 2017
base case NOX and VOC emissions from all sources in each
state to the 2017 projected receptors. The air quality model runs were
performed for a modeling domain that covers the 48 contiguous United
States, the District of Columbia, and adjacent portions of Canada and
Mexico. 81 FR 74526-527. The updated modeling data released to support
the final CSAPR Update are the most up-to-date information EPA has
developed to inform the Agency's analysis of upwind state linkages to
[[Page 37373]]
downwind air quality problems for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS.\7\
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\7\ See ``Air Quality Modeling Final Rule Technical Support
Document for the Final CSAPR Update'' (CSAPR Update Modeling TSD),
available at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0500-0575.
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Consistent with the framework established in the original CSAPR
rulemaking, EPA's technical analysis in support of the CSAPR Update
applied an air quality screening threshold of 0.75 ppb (one percent of
the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS of 75 ppb) to identify linkages between
upwind states and the downwind nonattainment and maintenance receptors.
See CSAPR Update at 81 FR 74518-519. EPA considered an eastern state
``linked'' to a specific downwind receptor when the state's
contributions to that receptor meet or exceed the threshold, in which
case EPA analyzed the state's emissions further to determine whether
emissions reductions might be required in order to address the downwind
air quality problem. An eastern state with contributions to a specific
receptor below the screening threshold is not considered linked to that
receptor, and EPA thereby concludes that the state does not contribute
significantly to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the
NAAQS at that downwind receptor. EPA determined that one percent was an
appropriate threshold to use in this analysis because there were
important, even if relatively small, contributions to identified
nonattainment and maintenance receptors from multiple upwind states at
that threshold. In response to commenters who advocated for thresholds
higher or lower than one percent, EPA compiled the contribution
modeling results for the CSAPR Update to analyze the impact of
different possible thresholds for the eastern United States. EPA's
analysis showed that the one-percent threshold captures a high
percentage of the total pollution transport affecting downwind states.
EPA's analysis further showed that the application of a lower threshold
would result in relatively modest increases in the overall percentage
of ozone transport pollution captured, while the use of higher
thresholds would result in a relatively large reduction in the overall
percentage of ozone pollution transport captured relative to the levels
captured at one percent at the majority of the receptors. Id.; see also
Air Quality Modeling Final Rule Technical Support Document for the
Final CSAPR Update, Appendix F, Analysis of Contribution Thresholds.
This approach is consistent with the use of a one-percent threshold to
identify those states ``linked'' to air quality problems with respect
to the 1997 8-hour Ozone NAAQS in the original CSAPR rulemaking,
wherein EPA noted that there are adverse health impacts associated with
ambient ozone even at low levels. See 76 FR 48208, 48236-237 (August 8,
2011).
EPA's air quality modeling for the final CSAPR Update projects that
North Carolina's emissions are projected to contribute below one
percent of the 2008 ozone NAAQS to all receptors. The modeling
indicates that North Carolina's largest contribution to any projected
downwind nonattainment site in 2017 is 0.51 ppb and North Carolina's
largest contribution to any projected downwind maintenance-only site in
2017 is 0.50 ppb.\8\ These values are below the one-percent screening
threshold of 0.75 ppb, and therefore there are no identified linkages
between North Carolina and 2017 downwind projected nonattainment and
maintenance sites. As a result of the modeling, EPA did not finalize a
federal implementation plan that required NOX emission
reductions from North Carolina in the CSAPR Update because EPA's
analysis performed to support the final rule does not indicate that the
state is linked to any identified downwind nonattainment or maintenance
receptors with respect to the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. Rather, in the
CSAPR Update, EPA took final action to determine that emissions from
North Carolina will not significantly contribute to nonattainment or
interfere with maintenance of the 2008 ozone NAAQS in any other states.
81 FR 74506, 74555. Additionally, the CSAPR Update addressed a United
States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit remand in
EME Homer City Generation, L.P. v. EPA, 795 F.3d 118 (D.C. Cir. 2015)
with respect to the interstate transport responsibility of North
Carolina under the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS. EPA removed North Carolina
from the CSAPR ozone season trading program beginning in 2017, prior to
implementation of the Phase 2 ozone season emission budgets.\9\
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\8\ CSAPR Update Modeling TSD at Table 4-2.
\9\ 81 FR 74523-524.
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II. What is EPA's analysis of the North Carolina submittal?
As discussed above, North Carolina's submittal certifies that
emission activities from the State will not contribute significantly to
nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the 2008 8-hour ozone
NAAQS in any other state.\10\ EPA's updated modeling for the final
CSAPR Update is consistent with the State's determination. In the
modeling conducted to support the proposed CSAPR Update, North Carolina
was linked to one maintenance receptor in Baltimore County, Maryland
(site 240053001). See 81 FR 74537-538. However, in developing the final
CSAPR Update--after considering comments from North Carolina and other
stakeholders in developing a revised modeling analysis--EPA no longer
projects that site 240053001 in Baltimore County, Maryland, will be a
maintenance receptor because the site's 2017 average and maximum design
values are projected to be below the NAAQS. Id. In addition, North
Carolina is not linked to any other nonattainment or maintenance
receptor, based on the final rule modeling. Id. Because North Carolina
is not linked to any downwind nonattainment or maintenance receptors,
EPA is proposing to approve North Carolina's SIP as meeting the
requirements of prongs 1 and 2 for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS.
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\10\ EPA notes that North Carolina submitted similar comments
during the CSAPR Update rulemaking, including attaching the December
9, 2015 Submittal. See Comments by the North Carolina Division of
Air Quality, available at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0500-0273. EPA accepted some of the
comments provided by North Carolina, including those related to
emissions projections. See Cross State Air Pollution Update Rule--
Response to Comment, available at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0500-0572.
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III. Proposed Action
EPA is proposing to approve North Carolina's December 9, 2015 SIP
submission demonstrating that North Carolina's SIP is sufficient to
address the CAA requirements of prongs 1 and 2 under section
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. In the CSAPR
Update, EPA has already taken a final action to determine that
emissions from North Carolina will not significantly contribute to
nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the 2008 8-hour ozone
NAAQS in downwind states. Accordingly, EPA proposes to find that North
Carolina's SIP is consistent with this final determination. EPA
requests comment on this proposed approval of North Carolina's SIP.\11\
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\11\ EPA is not reopening for comment final determinations made
in the context of the CSAPR Update based on the modeling conducted
to support that rulemaking.
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IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP
submission
[[Page 37374]]
that complies with the provisions of the Act and applicable federal
regulations. See 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in reviewing
SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve state choices, provided that
they meet the criteria of the CAA. Accordingly, this proposed action
merely approves state law as meeting federal requirements and does not
impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law. For
that reason, this proposed action:
Is not a significant regulatory action subject to review
by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Orders 12866 (58
FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011);
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).
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.
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by
reference, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Volatile organic compounds.
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Dated: July 28, 2017.
V. Anne Heard,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 4.
[FR Doc. 2017-16826 Filed 8-9-17; 8:45 am]
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