Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Pennsylvania; Interstate Transport Requirements for the 2012 Fine Particulate Matter Standard, 27732-27734 [2018-12706]

Download as PDF 27732 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 115 / Thursday, June 14, 2018 / Proposed Rules E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531–1538) requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or more in any one year. Though this proposed rule would not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this proposed rule elsewhere in this preamble. F. Environment We have analyzed this proposed rule under Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 023–01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321–4370f), and have determined that this action is one of a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This proposed rule involves a change to the operating schedule of a drawbridge. It is categorically excluded from further review under paragraph L49 of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023–01–001–01, Rev. 01. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this proposed rule. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS G. Protest Activities The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so that your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or security of people, places, or vessels. VI. Public Participation and Request for Comments We view public participation as essential to effective rulemaking, and will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. Your comment can help shape the outcome of this rulemaking. If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking, indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. We encourage you to submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https:// VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:14 Jun 13, 2018 Jkt 244001 www.regulations.gov. If your material cannot be submitted using https:// www.regulations.gov, contact the person in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document for alternate instructions. We accept anonymous comments. All comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. For more about privacy and the docket, visit https:// www.regulations.gov/privacynotice. Documents mentioned in this SNPRM as being available in this docket and all public comments, will be in our online docket at https://www.regulations.gov and can be viewed by following that website’s instructions. Additionally, if you go to the online docket and sign up for email alerts, you will be notified when comments are posted or a final rule is published. List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 117 Bridges. For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes to amend 33 CFR part 117 as follows: PART 117—DRAWBRIDGE OPERATION REGULATIONS 1. The authority citation for part 117 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 33 U.S.C. 499; 33 CFR 1.05–1; and Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1. ■ 2. Revise § 117.500 to read as follows: § 117.500 Tchefuncta River. The draw of the S22 Bridge, mile 2.5, at Madisonville, LA shall open on signal from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. From 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. the draw need only open on the hour and half hour, except that: (a) From 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday except federal holidays the draw need only open on the hour; and (b) From 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except federal holidays the draw need not open. Dated: June 7, 2018. Paul F. Thomas, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard,Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 2018–12742 Filed 6–13–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R03–OAR–2018–0054; FRL–9979– 42—Region 3] Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Pennsylvania; Interstate Transport Requirements for the 2012 Fine Particulate Matter Standard Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a state implementation plan (SIP) revision submitted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This revision pertains to the infrastructure requirement for interstate transport of pollution with respect to the 2012 fine particulate matter (PM2.5) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). EPA is approving this revision in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA). DATES: Written comments must be received on or before July 16, 2018. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R03– OAR–2018–0054 at https:// www.regulations.gov, or via email to spielberger.susan@epa.gov. For comments submitted at Regulations.gov, follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or removed from Regulations.gov. For either manner of submission, 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. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\14JNP1.SGM 14JNP1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 115 / Thursday, June 14, 2018 / Proposed Rules FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph Schulingkamp, (215) 814–2021, or by email at schulingkamp.joseph@ epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 15, 2014, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania submitted, through the Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), a revision to its SIP to address for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS the elements of CAA section 110(a)(2) with the exception of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I). EPA approved portions of that SIP revision on May 8, 2015. See 80 FR 26461. In that action, EPA approved for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS all elements except for section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) (relating to the protection of visibility, also known as prong 4), for which EPA stated it would take later separate action. Because the July 15, 2014 SIP submittal did not address 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS, EPA took no rulemaking action addressing whether Pennsylvania had addressed that specific element. EPA’s previous approval on that July 15, 2014 submittal is not at issue in this proposed rulemaking action and is mentioned herein for background; EPA is not at this time taking action on the remaining section of PADEP’s July 15, 2014 submittal relating to visibility protection for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. On October 11, 2017, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, through PADEP submitted a SIP revision addressing the infrastructure requirements under section 110(a)(2)(D)(i) of the CAA for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS I. Background A. General Particle pollution is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets in the air. When inhaled, these particles can reach the deepest regions of the lungs. Exposure to particle pollution is linked to a variety of significant health problems. Particle pollution also is the main cause of visibility impairment in the nation’s cities and national parks. PM2.5 can be emitted directly into the atmosphere, or they can form from chemical reactions of precursor gases including sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), certain volatile organic compounds (VOC), and ammonia. On January 15, 2013, EPA revised the level of the health based (primary) annual PM2.5 standard to 12 micrograms per cubic meter (mg/m3). See 78 FR 3086. B. EPA’s Infrastructure Requirements Pursuant to section 110(a)(1) of the CAA, states are required to submit a SIP VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:14 Jun 13, 2018 Jkt 244001 revision to address the applicable requirements of section 110(a)(2) within three years after promulgation of a new or revised NAAQS or within such shorter period as EPA may prescribe. Section 110(a)(2) requires states to address basic SIP elements to assure attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS—such as requirements for monitoring, basic program requirements, and legal authority. Section 110(a) imposes the obligation upon states to make a SIP submission to EPA for a new or revised NAAQS, but the contents of that submission may vary depending upon the facts and circumstances of each NAAQS and what is in each state’s existing SIP. In particular, the data and analytical tools available at the time the state develops and submits the SIP revision for a new or revised NAAQS affect the content of the submission. The content of such SIP submission may also vary depending upon what provisions the state’s existing SIP already contains. Specifically, section 110(a)(1) provides the procedural and timing requirements for SIP submissions. Section 110(a)(2) lists specific elements that states must meet for infrastructure SIP requirements related to a newly established or revised NAAQS such as requirements for monitoring, basic program requirements, and legal authority that are designed to assure attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS. 27733 C. Interstate Pollution Transport Requirements Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) of the CAA requires a state’s SIP to address any emissions activity in one state that contributes significantly to nonattainment, or interferes with maintenance, of the NAAQS in any downwind state. The EPA sometimes refers to these requirements as prong 1 (significant contribution to nonattainment) and prong 2 (interference with maintenance), or jointly as the ‘‘good neighbor’’ provision of the CAA. Further information can be found in the Technical Support Document (TSD) for this rulemaking action, which is available online at www.regulations.gov, Docket number EPA–R03–OAR–2018–0054. statewide SO2 and NOX emissions specifically from the electric generating units (EGU) sector as EGUs are the largest contributor to the point source emissions. The emissions summary shows that, for the years 2011 through 2015, emissions of all pollutants presented have been steadily decreasing or remained nearly steady for sources that potentially contribute with respect to the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS to nonattainment in, or interfere with maintenance of, any other state. The submittal also included annual PM2.5 design values (DVs) in Pennsylvania for the ten most recent years of available data (2006 through 2015).1 Pennsylvania also discussed EPA’s March 17, 2016 memorandum (2016 PM2.5 Memorandum) and the fact that EPA’s analysis showed that only one monitor in the eastern United States had projected PM2.5 data above the 12.0 mg/m3 NAAQS value (Allegheny County, PA).2 Pennsylvania also generally discussed the direction of prevailing winds as being from west to east and that, due to the sheer distance of 2,000 to 3,000 miles, Pennsylvania should not affect Idaho or California. Additionally, Pennsylvania described several existing SIP-approved measures and other federally enforceable sourcespecific measures, pursuant to permitting requirements under the CAA, that apply to sources of PM2.5 and its precursors within the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania alleges with these measures, emissions reductions, ambient monitored PM2.5 data, and meteorological data, the Commonwealth does not significantly contribute to, or interfere with the maintenance of, another state for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. A detailed summary of Pennsylvania’s submittal and EPA’s review and rationale for approval of this SIP revision as meeting CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS may be found in the TSD for this rulemaking action, which is available online at www.regulations.gov, Docket number EPA–R03–OAR–2018– 0054. EPA used the information in the 2016 PM2.5 Memorandum and additional information for the evaluation and came to the same conclusion as Pennsylvania. As discussed in greater detail in the II. Summary of SIP Revisions and EPA Analysis Pennsylvania’s October 11, 2017 SIP submittal includes a summary of statewide annual emissions of PM2.5, coarse particulate matter (PM10), and precursors of PM2.5 including oxides of nitrogen (NOX), SO2, ammonia, and VOCs. Pennsylvania also included 1 ‘‘Design value’’ means the ‘‘calculated concentration according to the applicable appendix of [40 CFR part 50] for the highest site in an attainment or nonattainment area.’’ 40 CFR 58.1 (definitions). 2 ‘‘Information on the Interstate Transport ‘‘Good Neighbor’’ Provision for the 2012 Fine Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards under Clean Air Act Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I),’’ memorandum from Stephan D. Page, Director, EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards. PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\14JNP1.SGM 14JNP1 27734 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 115 / Thursday, June 14, 2018 / Proposed Rules daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS TSD, EPA identified the potential downwind nonattainment and maintenance receptors identified in the 2016 PM2.5 Memorandum, and then evaluated them to determine if Pennsylvania’s emissions could potentially contribute to nonattainment and maintenance problems in 2021, the attainment year for moderate PM2.5 nonattainment areas for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. Specifically, the EPA analysis identified the following areas as potential nonattainment and maintenance receptors: (i) 17 potential receptors in California; (ii) one potential receptor in Shoshone County, Idaho; (iii) data gaps exist for the monitors in four counties in Florida; and (iv) data gaps exist for all monitors in Illinois. For the 17 receptors in California and one potential receptor in Idaho, based on EPA’s evaluation of distance and wind direction, EPA proposes to conclude that Pennsylvania’s emissions do not significantly impact those receptors. For the four counties in Florida and the monitors in Illinois with data gaps, EPA initially treats those receptors as potential nonattainment or maintenance receptors, but it is unlikely that they will be nonattainment or maintenance receptors in 2021 because the most recent air quality data (from 2015–2017 for Florida and from 2015– 2016 for Illinois) indicates that all monitors are likely attaining the PM2.5 NAAQS and are therefore unlikely to be nonattainment or maintenance concerns in 2021. Therefore, EPA proposes to conclude that Pennsylvania emissions will not contribute to any of those receptors. For these reasons, EPA is proposing to find that Pennsylvania’s existing SIP provisions as identified in the October 11, 2017 SIP submittal are adequate to prevent its emission sources from significantly contributing to nonattainment or interfering with maintenance in another state with respect to the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. III. Proposed Action EPA is proposing to approve the Pennsylvania SIP revision addressing the interstate transport requirements for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS in CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I), which was submitted on October 11, 2017. EPA is soliciting public comments on the issues discussed in this document. These comments will be considered before taking final action. IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP submission that complies with the provisions of the CAA and applicable federal regulations. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:14 Jun 13, 2018 Jkt 244001 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, EPA’s role is to approve state choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. Accordingly, this action merely approves state law as meeting federal requirements and does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law. For that reason, this proposed action: • Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Orders 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011); • Is not an Executive Order 13771 (82 FR 9339, February 2, 2017) regulatory action because SIP approvals are exempted under Executive Order 12866. • Does not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.); • Is certified as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); • Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4); • Does not have federalism implications as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999); • Is not an economically significant regulatory action based on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997); • Is not a significant regulatory action subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001); • Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent with the CAA; and • Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). In addition, this proposed rule, regarding Pennsylvania’s interstate transport SIP for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS, does not have tribal implications as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), because the SIP is not approved to apply in Indian country located in the state, and EPA notes that it will not impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law. PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52 Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by reference, Particulate matter. Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. Dated: June 5, 2018. Cosmo Servidio, Regional Administrator, Region III. [FR Doc. 2018–12706 Filed 6–13–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R03–OAR–2018–0217; EPA–R03– OAR–2014–0299; EPA–R03–OAR–2016– 0373; FRL–9979–39—Region 3] Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; West Virginia; Regional Haze Plan and Visibility Requirements for the 2010 Sulfur Dioxide and the 2012 Fine Particulate Matter Standards Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a state implementation plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of West Virginia (West Virginia) to change reliance on the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) to reliance on the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) with the purpose of addressing certain regional haze requirements and visibility protection requirements for the 2010 sulfur dioxide (SO2) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). Upon EPA’s final approval of this SIP revision, EPA is proposing to convert the Agency’s June 7, 2012 limited approval/limited disapproval of West Virginia’s regional haze SIP to a full approval; and EPA is proposing to remove the federal implementation plan (FIP) for West Virginia issued to address deficiencies previously identified in the Agency’s limited approval/limited disapproval of the State’s regional haze SIP revision. In addition, EPA is proposing to approve the portions of two previous SIP revisions submitted by West Virginia to address visibility protection requirements for the 2010 SO2 and the 2012 particulate matter (PM2.5) NAAQS. These proposed actions are supported by EPA’s recent final determination that a state’s participation in CSAPR continues to meet EPA’s regional haze criteria to qualify as an alternative to the application of best available retrofit SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\14JNP1.SGM 14JNP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 115 (Thursday, June 14, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27732-27734]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-12706]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R03-OAR-2018-0054; FRL-9979-42--Region 3]


Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; 
Pennsylvania; Interstate Transport Requirements for the 2012 Fine 
Particulate Matter Standard

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to 
approve a state implementation plan (SIP) revision submitted by the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This revision pertains to the 
infrastructure requirement for interstate transport of pollution with 
respect to the 2012 fine particulate matter (PM2.5) national 
ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). EPA is approving this revision 
in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA).

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before July 16, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R03-
OAR-2018-0054 at https://www.regulations.gov, or via email to 
[email protected]. For comments submitted at Regulations.gov, 
follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, 
comments cannot be edited or removed from Regulations.gov. For either 
manner of submission, 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.

[[Page 27733]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph Schulingkamp, (215) 814-2021, 
or by email at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 15, 2014, the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania submitted, through the Department of Environmental 
Protection (PADEP), a revision to its SIP to address for the 2012 
PM2.5 NAAQS the elements of CAA section 110(a)(2) with the 
exception of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I). EPA approved portions of that 
SIP revision on May 8, 2015. See 80 FR 26461. In that action, EPA 
approved for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS all elements except for 
section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) (relating to the protection of visibility, 
also known as prong 4), for which EPA stated it would take later 
separate action. Because the July 15, 2014 SIP submittal did not 
address 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS, EPA 
took no rulemaking action addressing whether Pennsylvania had addressed 
that specific element. EPA's previous approval on that July 15, 2014 
submittal is not at issue in this proposed rulemaking action and is 
mentioned herein for background; EPA is not at this time taking action 
on the remaining section of PADEP's July 15, 2014 submittal relating to 
visibility protection for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS.
    On October 11, 2017, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, through 
PADEP submitted a SIP revision addressing the infrastructure 
requirements under section 110(a)(2)(D)(i) of the CAA for the 2012 
PM2.5 NAAQS.

I. Background

A. General

    Particle pollution is a complex mixture of extremely small 
particles and liquid droplets in the air. When inhaled, these particles 
can reach the deepest regions of the lungs. Exposure to particle 
pollution is linked to a variety of significant health problems. 
Particle pollution also is the main cause of visibility impairment in 
the nation's cities and national parks. PM2.5 can be emitted 
directly into the atmosphere, or they can form from chemical reactions 
of precursor gases including sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen 
dioxide (NO2), certain volatile organic compounds (VOC), and 
ammonia. On January 15, 2013, EPA revised the level of the health based 
(primary) annual PM2.5 standard to 12 micrograms per cubic 
meter ([micro]g/m\3\). See 78 FR 3086.

B. EPA's Infrastructure Requirements

    Pursuant to section 110(a)(1) of the CAA, states are required to 
submit a SIP revision to address the applicable requirements of section 
110(a)(2) within three years after promulgation of a new or revised 
NAAQS or within such shorter period as EPA may prescribe. Section 
110(a)(2) requires states to address basic SIP elements to assure 
attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS--such as requirements for 
monitoring, basic program requirements, and legal authority. Section 
110(a) imposes the obligation upon states to make a SIP submission to 
EPA for a new or revised NAAQS, but the contents of that submission may 
vary depending upon the facts and circumstances of each NAAQS and what 
is in each state's existing SIP. In particular, the data and analytical 
tools available at the time the state develops and submits the SIP 
revision for a new or revised NAAQS affect the content of the 
submission. The content of such SIP submission may also vary depending 
upon what provisions the state's existing SIP already contains.
    Specifically, section 110(a)(1) provides the procedural and timing 
requirements for SIP submissions. Section 110(a)(2) lists specific 
elements that states must meet for infrastructure SIP requirements 
related to a newly established or revised NAAQS such as requirements 
for monitoring, basic program requirements, and legal authority that 
are designed to assure attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS.

C. Interstate Pollution Transport Requirements

    Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) of the CAA requires a state's SIP to 
address any emissions activity in one state that contributes 
significantly to nonattainment, or interferes with maintenance, of the 
NAAQS in any downwind state. The EPA sometimes refers to these 
requirements as prong 1 (significant contribution to nonattainment) and 
prong 2 (interference with maintenance), or jointly as the ``good 
neighbor'' provision of the CAA. Further information can be found in 
the Technical Support Document (TSD) for this rulemaking action, which 
is available online at www.regulations.gov, Docket number EPA-R03-OAR-
2018-0054.

II. Summary of SIP Revisions and EPA Analysis

    Pennsylvania's October 11, 2017 SIP submittal includes a summary of 
statewide annual emissions of PM2.5, coarse particulate 
matter (PM10), and precursors of PM2.5 including 
oxides of nitrogen (NOX), SO2, ammonia, and VOCs. 
Pennsylvania also included statewide SO2 and NOX 
emissions specifically from the electric generating units (EGU) sector 
as EGUs are the largest contributor to the point source emissions. The 
emissions summary shows that, for the years 2011 through 2015, 
emissions of all pollutants presented have been steadily decreasing or 
remained nearly steady for sources that potentially contribute with 
respect to the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS to nonattainment in, or 
interfere with maintenance of, any other state. The submittal also 
included annual PM2.5 design values (DVs) in Pennsylvania 
for the ten most recent years of available data (2006 through 2015).\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ ``Design value'' means the ``calculated concentration 
according to the applicable appendix of [40 CFR part 50] for the 
highest site in an attainment or nonattainment area.'' 40 CFR 58.1 
(definitions).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Pennsylvania also discussed EPA's March 17, 2016 memorandum (2016 
PM2.5 Memorandum) and the fact that EPA's analysis showed 
that only one monitor in the eastern United States had projected 
PM2.5 data above the 12.0 [micro]g/m\3\ NAAQS value 
(Allegheny County, PA).\2\ Pennsylvania also generally discussed the 
direction of prevailing winds as being from west to east and that, due 
to the sheer distance of 2,000 to 3,000 miles, Pennsylvania should not 
affect Idaho or California. Additionally, Pennsylvania described 
several existing SIP-approved measures and other federally enforceable 
source-specific measures, pursuant to permitting requirements under the 
CAA, that apply to sources of PM2.5 and its precursors 
within the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania alleges with these measures, 
emissions reductions, ambient monitored PM2.5 data, and 
meteorological data, the Commonwealth does not significantly contribute 
to, or interfere with the maintenance of, another state for the 2012 
PM2.5 NAAQS. A detailed summary of Pennsylvania's submittal 
and EPA's review and rationale for approval of this SIP revision as 
meeting CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2012 PM2.5 
NAAQS may be found in the TSD for this rulemaking action, which is 
available online at www.regulations.gov, Docket number EPA-R03-OAR-
2018-0054.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ ``Information on the Interstate Transport ``Good Neighbor'' 
Provision for the 2012 Fine Particulate Matter National Ambient Air 
Quality Standards under Clean Air Act Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I),'' 
memorandum from Stephan D. Page, Director, EPA Office of Air Quality 
Planning and Standards.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA used the information in the 2016 PM2.5 Memorandum 
and additional information for the evaluation and came to the same 
conclusion as Pennsylvania. As discussed in greater detail in the

[[Page 27734]]

TSD, EPA identified the potential downwind nonattainment and 
maintenance receptors identified in the 2016 PM2.5 
Memorandum, and then evaluated them to determine if Pennsylvania's 
emissions could potentially contribute to nonattainment and maintenance 
problems in 2021, the attainment year for moderate PM2.5 
nonattainment areas for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. Specifically, 
the EPA analysis identified the following areas as potential 
nonattainment and maintenance receptors: (i) 17 potential receptors in 
California; (ii) one potential receptor in Shoshone County, Idaho; 
(iii) data gaps exist for the monitors in four counties in Florida; and 
(iv) data gaps exist for all monitors in Illinois. For the 17 receptors 
in California and one potential receptor in Idaho, based on EPA's 
evaluation of distance and wind direction, EPA proposes to conclude 
that Pennsylvania's emissions do not significantly impact those 
receptors. For the four counties in Florida and the monitors in 
Illinois with data gaps, EPA initially treats those receptors as 
potential nonattainment or maintenance receptors, but it is unlikely 
that they will be nonattainment or maintenance receptors in 2021 
because the most recent air quality data (from 2015-2017 for Florida 
and from 2015-2016 for Illinois) indicates that all monitors are likely 
attaining the PM2.5 NAAQS and are therefore unlikely to be 
nonattainment or maintenance concerns in 2021. Therefore, EPA proposes 
to conclude that Pennsylvania emissions will not contribute to any of 
those receptors. For these reasons, EPA is proposing to find that 
Pennsylvania's existing SIP provisions as identified in the October 11, 
2017 SIP submittal are adequate to prevent its emission sources from 
significantly contributing to nonattainment or interfering with 
maintenance in another state with respect to the 2012 PM2.5 
NAAQS.

III. Proposed Action

    EPA is proposing to approve the Pennsylvania SIP revision 
addressing the interstate transport requirements for the 2012 
PM2.5 NAAQS in CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I), which was 
submitted on October 11, 2017. EPA is soliciting public comments on the 
issues discussed in this document. These comments will be considered 
before taking final action.

IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP 
submission that complies with the provisions of the CAA and applicable 
federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in 
reviewing SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve state choices, 
provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. Accordingly, this 
action merely approves state law as meeting federal requirements and 
does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by state 
law. For that reason, this proposed action:
     Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' subject to 
review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Orders 
12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 
2011);
     Is not an Executive Order 13771 (82 FR 9339, February 2, 
2017) regulatory action because SIP approvals are exempted under 
Executive Order 12866.
     Does not impose an information collection burden under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
     Is certified as not having a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
     Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4);
     Does not have federalism implications as specified in 
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
     Is not an economically significant regulatory action based 
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 1997);
     Is not a significant regulatory action subject to 
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
     Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the 
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 
note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent 
with the CAA; and
     Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to 
address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental 
effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under 
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
    In addition, this proposed rule, regarding Pennsylvania's 
interstate transport SIP for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS, does not 
have tribal implications as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 
67249, November 9, 2000), because the SIP is not approved to apply in 
Indian country located in the state, and EPA notes that it will not 
impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal 
law.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by 
reference, Particulate matter.

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

    Dated: June 5, 2018.
Cosmo Servidio,
Regional Administrator, Region III.
[FR Doc. 2018-12706 Filed 6-13-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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