Revisions to California State Implementation Plan; Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District and Ventura County Air Pollution Control District; Nonattainment New Source Review Requirements for the 2008 8-Hour Ozone Standard, 20604-20607 [2019-09596]

Download as PDF 20604 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 91 / Friday, May 10, 2019 / Proposed Rules TABLE 3 OF § 100.801—SECTOR HOUSTON-GALVESTON ANNUAL AND RECURRING MARINE EVENTS * 7. The 3rd Friday morning in June. * * * * * * Texas Outlaw Challenge/ Offshore Thunder Productions. * Dated: May 3, 2019. K. D. Oditt, Captain, United States Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Houston/Galveston. [FR Doc. 2019–09648 Filed 5–9–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–R09–OAR–2018–0713: FRL–9993–40Region 9] Revisions to California State Implementation Plan; Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District and Ventura County Air Pollution Control District; Nonattainment New Source Review Requirements for the 2008 8Hour Ozone Standard Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule. khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve two state implementation plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of California addressing the nonattainment new source review (NNSR) requirements for the 2008 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and one SIP revision VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:58 May 09, 2019 Jkt 247001 * * * Clear Lake from the beginning of the Pre Stage Zone to the end of the Shut-Down Zone. Pre-Stage Zone: This area is the pre-staging area for participating vessels to line up. It will include all waters within the following areas 29°33.13 N 095°01.84 W, 29°33.12 N 095°01.89 W, 29°33.23 N 095°01.96 W, 29°33.13 N 095°01.84 W. Approach Zone: 1⁄4 mile distance required for participating vessels to obtain the minimum 40mph requirement for course entry. This will be a straight line to begin at approximately 29°33.256 N, 095°01.89 W and end at approximately 29°33.33 N, 095°02.15 W. Course Run Zone: 3⁄4 mile distance where participating vessels will conduct their high-speed run. This will be a straight line to begin at approximately 29°33.33 N, 095°02.16 W and end at approximately 29°33.53 N, 095°02.98 W. Shut-Down Zone: 1 mile distance where participating vessels will be allowed to slow their speeds back to an idle. This will be a straight line to begin at approximately 29°33.53 N, 095°02.98 W and end at approximately 29°33.74 N, 095°04.1 W. Spectator Zone: All vessels that will be viewing the event will be required to stay within a designated area. The sponsor is responsible for marking the spectator zone with 4 buoys on the outer corners and ensuring that all vessels within the area are anchored and remain in the area during all ongoing high-speed runs. regarding a permit rule. These SIP revisions address the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD or District) and Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD or District) portions of the California SIP. This action is being taken pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA or ‘‘Act’’) and its implementing regulations. Any comments must arrive by June 10, 2019. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R09– OAR–2018–0713 at https:// www.regulations.gov, or via email to R9AirPermits@epa.gov. For comments submitted at Regulations.gov, follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be removed or edited 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. The EPA will generally not consider comments or comment DATES: 40 CFR Part 52 SUMMARY: * Clear Lake, TX ................... PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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: Manny Aquitania, EPA Region IX, 75 Hawthorne St., San Francisco, CA 94105; (415) 972–3977, aquitania.manny@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document, the terms ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ and ‘‘our’’ refer to EPA. Table of Contents I. Background and Purpose II. The State’s Submittal A. What did the State submit? B. What is the purpose of the submitted certification letters? C. What is the purpose of the submitted permit rule? III. Analysis of Nonattainment New Source Review Requirements A. Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD) B. Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) IV. Proposed Action and Public Comment E:\FR\FM\10MYP1.SGM 10MYP1 20605 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 91 / Friday, May 10, 2019 / Proposed Rules V. Incorporation by Reference VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews I. Background and Purpose On March 12, 2008, the EPA promulgated a revised 8-hour ozone NAAQS of 0.075 parts per million (ppm).1 Upon promulgation of a new or revised NAAQS, the CAA requires the EPA to designate as nonattainment any area that is violating the NAAQS based on the three most recent years of ambient air quality data. The two California air districts that are subject to this action were designated nonattainment for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS on April 30, 2012, using years 2009–2011 ambient air quality data.2 At the time of designation, the AVAQMD was classified as a severe ozone nonattainment area as part of the Mojave Desert Air Basin and VCAPCD was classified as a serious ozone nonattainment area as part of the South Central Coast Air Basin. On March 6, 2015, the EPA issued a final rule entitled, ‘‘Implementation of the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone: State Implementation Plan Requirements’’ (‘‘SIP Requirements Rule’’), which establishes the requirements and deadlines that state, tribal, and local air quality management agencies must meet as they develop implementation plans for areas where ozone concentrations exceed the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS.3 Based on the initial nonattainment designations for the 2008 8-hour ozone standard, each District was required to make a SIP revision addressing nonattainment new source review no later than July 20, 2015.4 This requirement may be met by submitting a SIP revision consisting of a new or revised NNSR permit program, or an analysis demonstrating that the existing SIP-approved NNSR permit program meets the applicable 2008 ozone requirements and a letter certifying the analysis. On February 3, 2017, the EPA issued a final rule entitled, ‘‘Findings of Failure to Submit State Implementation Plan Submittals for the 2008 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards’’ (‘‘FFS Rule’’). The rule found that certain state and local air agencies, including the AVAQMD and VCAPCD, had failed to submit a SIP revision in a timely manner to satisfy specific New Source Review requirements that apply to nonattainment areas. The rule established certain deadlines for the imposition of sanctions, if a state does not submit a timely SIP revision addressing the requirements for which the finding was made, and for the EPA to promulgate a federal implementation plan (FIP) to address any outstanding SIP requirements. II. The State’s Submittal A. What did the State submit? Table 1 lists the dates the submitted 2008 Ozone Certification letters and permit rule addressed by this proposal were adopted by each air District and submitted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the agency that serves as the governor’s designee for California SIP submittals. TABLE 1—SIP SUBMITTALS District Rule No. AVAQMD ......................................................... VCAPCD ......................................................... VCAPCD ......................................................... On August 10, 2004, CARB’s July 19, 2004 submittal of VCAPCD’s Rule 10 was deemed to meet the completeness criteria in 40 CFR part 51, appendix V, which must be met before formal EPA review. On September 6, 2018, CARB’s August 31, 2018 submittal of AVAQMD’s and VCAPCD’s 2008 Certification letters were also deemed to meet the completeness criteria in 40 CFR part 51, appendix V. khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS B. What is the purpose of the submitted certification letters? The submittal from each District is intended to satisfy the SIP Requirement Rule that requires states to make a SIP revision addressing nonattainment new source review and the FFS Rule that requires each District to make a SIP submittal by September 6, 2018. The SIP for each District currently contains approved NNSR permit programs based on their nonattainment classification for 1 73 FR 16436 (March 27, 2008). FR 30088 (May 21, 2012). 3 80 FR 12263 (March 6, 2015). The SIP Requirements Rule addresses a range of nonattainment area SIP requirements for the 2008 2 77 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:08 May 09, 2019 Jkt 247001 N/A N/A 10 Adoption/ amend date Rule title 2008 Ozone Certification ............................... 2008 Ozone Certification ............................... Permits Required ........................................... the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS. The submitted certification letters provide a mechanism for each District to satisfy the 40 CFR 51.1114 submittal requirements based on their 2008 8-hr ozone nonattainment designations. EPA’s analysis of how these SIP revisions address the NNSR requirements for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS is provided below. 7/17/2018 7/31/2018 4/13/2004 Submittal date 8/31/2018 8/31/2018 7/19/2004 The submittal of Rule 10 by the VCAPCD is intended to clarify the expiration date of a Part 70 permit. The District revised Section 3, pertaining to the expiration of a ‘‘Permit to Operate’’ to clarify that a Part 70 permit does not expire annually, instead it expires only if not renewed in accordance with the requirements of Rule 30, ‘‘Permit Renewal.’’ III. Analysis of Nonattainment New Source Review Requirements The minimum SIP requirements for NNSR permitting programs for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS are contained in 40 CFR 51.165. These NNSR program requirements include those promulgated in the ‘‘Phase 2 Rule’’ implementing the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS 5 and the SIP Requirements Rule implementing the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. Under the Phase 2 Rule, the SIP for each ozone nonattainment area must contain NNSR provisions that: (1) set major source thresholds for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) pursuant to 40 CFR 51.165(a)(1)(iv)(A)(1)(i)–(iv) and (2); (2) classify physical changes at a major source if the change would constitute a major source by itself pursuant to 40 CFR 51.165(a)(1)(iv)(A)(3); (3) consider any significant net emissions increase of NOX as a significant net emissions ozone NAAQS, including requirements pertaining to attainment demonstrations, reasonable further progress (RFP), reasonably available control technology, reasonably available control measures, major new source review, emission inventories, and the timing of SIP submissions and of compliance with emission control measures in the SIP. The rule also revokes the 1997 ozone NAAQS and establishes anti-backsliding requirements. 4 40 CFR 51.1114. 5 70 FR 71612 (November 29, 2005). C. What is the purpose of the submitted permit rule? PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\10MYP1.SGM 10MYP1 20606 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 91 / Friday, May 10, 2019 / Proposed Rules increase for ozone pursuant to 40 CFR 51.165(a)(1)(v)(E); (4) consider any increase of VOC emissions in extreme ozone nonattainment areas as significant net emissions increases and major modifications for ozone pursuant to 40 CFR 51.165(a)(1)(v)(F); (5) set significant emissions rates for VOC and NOX as ozone precursors pursuant to 40 CFR 51.165(a)(1)(x)(A)–(C) and (E); (6) contain provisions for emissions reductions credits pursuant to 40 CFR 51.165(a)(3)(ii)(C)(1)(2); (7) provide that the requirements applicable to VOC also apply to NOX pursuant to 40 CFR 51.165(a)(8); and (8) set offset ratios for VOC and NOX pursuant to 40 CFR 51.165(a)(9)(ii)–(iv). Under the SIP Requirements Rule, the SIP for each ozone nonattainment area designated nonattainment for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS and designated nonattainment for the 1997 ozone NAAQS as of April 6, 2015, must also contain NNSR provisions that include the anti-backsliding requirements at 40 CFR 51.1105. khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS A. Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD) The AVAQMD’s longstanding SIPapproved NNSR program,6 established in Regulation XIII, ‘‘New Source Review,’’ of the AVAQMD’s Rules and Regulations, applies to the construction and modification of stationary sources, including major stationary sources in nonattainment areas under its jurisdiction. In addition, the District has submitted revisions to their NSR program that update and clarify certain provisions.7 The AVAQMD’s submitted SIP revision includes a demonstration, consisting of a table listing each of the Phase 2 Rule and SIP Requirements Rule NNSR program requirements and a citation to the specific provision of the SIP-approved or SIP-submitted rule satisfying the requirement. The submittal also includes a certification by the AVAQMD that the cited rules meet the federal NNSR requirements for the applicable ozone nonattainment designation. These documents are available in the docket for this action. EPA has reviewed the demonstration and cited program elements intended to meet the federal NNSR requirements and is proposing to approve the AVAQMD’s submittal because the current SIP-approved or SIP-submitted NSR program contains all the Phase 2 Rule and SIP Requirements Rule NNSR 6 61 FR 64291 (December 4, 1996). Rule 1305—Emission Offsets was submitted to the EPA by CARB on October 30, 2001 and rule revisions were submitted on December 29, 2006. 7 New VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:08 May 09, 2019 Jkt 247001 program requirements for a severe ozone nonattainment area. B. Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) The VCAPCD’s longstanding SIPapproved NNSR program,8 established in Rules 26–26.11, applies to the construction and modification of stationary sources, including major stationary sources in nonattainment areas under its jurisdiction. The VCAPCD’s submitted SIP revision includes a demonstration, consisting of a table listing each of the Phase 2 Rule and SIP Requirements Rule NNSR program requirements, and a citation to the specific provision of the rule satisfying the requirement. The submittal also includes a certification by the VCAPCD that the cited rules meet the federal NNSR requirements for the applicable ozone nonattainment designation. These documents are available in the docket for this action. The EPA has reviewed the demonstration and cited program elements intended to meet the federal NNSR requirements and is proposing to approve the VCAPCD’s submittal because the current SIP-approved NSR program contains all the Phase 2 Rule and SIP Requirements Rule NNSR program requirements for a serious ozone nonattainment area. The EPA has determined that the revision to Rule 10 provides clarity pertaining to the expiration of permits issued by the District. Therefore, we find this revision acceptable. IV. Proposed Action and Public Comment The EPA is proposing to approve SIP revisions addressing the NNSR requirements for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS for the AVAQMD and VCAPCD, as well as VCAPCD Rule 10. In support of this proposed action, we have concluded that our approval would comply with section 110(l) of the Act because the submittals will not interfere with continued attainment of the NAAQS in each District. The EPA has concluded that the State’s submission fulfills the 40 CFR 51.1114 revision requirement and meets the requirements of CAA section 110 and the minimum SIP requirements of 40 CFR 51.165. The intended effect of our proposed action is to approve the submitted certifications as meeting the applicable Phase 2 Rule requirements. If we finalize this action as proposed, our action would incorporate these certifications and Rule 10 into the 8 65 FR 76567 (December 7, 2000), 68 FR 9561 (February 28, 2003), 75 FR 1284 (January 11, 2010). PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 federally enforceable SIP and be codified through revisions to 40 CFR 52.220 (Identification of plan). We will accept comments from the public on this proposal until June 10, 2019. In addition, the FFS Rule issued by the EPA on February 3, 2017 started an 18-month sanctions clock and a 24month FIP clock.9 The 18-month sanctions clock was stopped upon receipt of California’s SIP revisions and our determination that the submittals were complete. We determined the submittals for AVAQMD and VCAPCD were complete on September 6, 2018. The 24-month FIP clock will stop upon the effective date of our final approval. V. Incorporation by Reference In this rule, the EPA is proposing to include in a final EPA rule regulatory text that includes incorporation by reference. In accordance with requirements of 1 CFR 51.5, the EPA is proposing to incorporate by reference the certifications listed in Table 1 of this preamble. The EPA has made, and will continue to make, these materials available electronically through https:// www.regulations.gov and at the EPA Region IX Office (please contact the person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this preamble for more information). VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews Under the Clean Air Act, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and applicable Federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, The EPA’s role is to approve state choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the Clean Air Act. Accordingly, this action merely approves state law as meeting Federal requirements and does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law. For that reason, this action: • Is not a significant regulatory action subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive 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 9 82 FR 9158 (February 3, 2017). E:\FR\FM\10MYP1.SGM 10MYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 91 / Friday, May 10, 2019 / Proposed Rules 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 the EPA with the discretionary authority to address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). • In addition, the SIP is not approved to apply on any Indian reservation land or in any other area where the 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 and will not impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000). 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. khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. Dated: April 29, 2019. Deborah Jordan, Acting Regional Administrator, Region IX. [FR Doc. 2019–09596 Filed 5–9–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:08 May 09, 2019 Jkt 247001 20607 [FAR Case 2018–008; Docket No. 2018– 0008, Sequence No. 1] allow 30 days for posting of comments submitted by mail). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For clarification of content, contact Ms. Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, at 202–969–7207. For information pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the Regulatory Secretariat Division at 202–501–4755. Please cite ‘‘FAR Case 2018–008.’’ SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: RIN 9000–AN68 I. Background Federal Acquisition Regulation: Definition of ‘‘Commercial Item’’ DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to change the definition of ‘‘commercial item’’ at FAR 2.101, so that the regulatory definition conforms to statutory changes made to the definition by section 847 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 (Pub. L. 115–91, enacted December 12, 2017). The rule would broaden the definition to allow certain additional items developed exclusively at private expense to qualify for the benefits associated with being treated as a commercial item. Section 847 amends the definition of ‘‘commercial item’’ at 41 U.S.C. 103(8) to expand the universe of nondevelopmental items (NDIs) that qualify as commercial items to include items sold in substantial quantities on a competitive basis to multiple foreign governments. The statutory and regulatory definition of ‘‘commercial item’’ is broad and covers a wide range of products and services. It includes: • Products, other than real property, that have been offered for sale, lease, or license to the public. Possible indications that an item is commercial are a commercial sales history, listing in catalogs or brochures, an established price, and distributors. Examples of commercial items bought by agencies are transport aircraft, computers, medicine, and fuel. The commercial market is global; commercial items are not limited to the domestic commercial market. • Products that evolved through advances in technology or performance and will be available in the commercial market in time to meet the delivery requirements of the solicitation. Examples of such items are product updates, model changes, and product improvements such as new versions of software. • Products that have received minor modifications to meet agency requirements. To be considered minor, a modification may not significantly alter the product’s nongovernmental function or essential physical DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION 48 CFR Part 2 Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: DoD, GSA and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement a section of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 to revise the definition of a ‘‘commercial item.’’ DATES: Interested parties should submit comments to the Regulatory Secretariat Division at one of the addresses shown below on or before July 9, 2019 to be considered in the formulation of a final rule. ADDRESSES: Submit comments in response to FAR Case 2018–008 by any of the following methods: • Regulations.gov: https:// www.regulations.gov. Submit comments via the Federal eRulemaking portal by entering ‘‘FAR Case 2018–008’’ under the heading ‘‘Enter Keyword or ID’’ and selecting ‘‘Search.’’ Select the link ‘‘Comment Now’’ that corresponds with ‘‘FAR Case 2018–008.’’ Follow the instructions provided on the screen. Please include your name, company name (if any), and ‘‘FAR Case 2018–008’’ on your attached document. • Mail: General Services Administration, Regulatory Secretariat Division (MVCB), ATTN: Ms. Lois Mandell, 1800 F Street NW, 2nd floor, Washington, DC 20405. Instructions: Please submit comments only and cite ‘‘FAR case 2018–008’’ in all correspondence related to this case. All comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal and/or business confidential information provided. To confirm receipt of your comment(s), please check www.regulations.gov, approximately two to three days after submission to verify posting (except SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\10MYP1.SGM 10MYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 91 (Friday, May 10, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20604-20607]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-09596]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R09-OAR-2018-0713: FRL-9993-40-Region 9]


Revisions to California State Implementation Plan; Antelope 
Valley Air Quality Management District and Ventura County Air Pollution 
Control District; Nonattainment New Source Review Requirements for the 
2008 8-Hour Ozone Standard

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to 
approve two state implementation plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the 
State of California addressing the nonattainment new source review 
(NNSR) requirements for the 2008 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air 
Quality Standards (NAAQS) and one SIP revision regarding a permit rule. 
These SIP revisions address the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management 
District (AVAQMD or District) and Ventura County Air Pollution Control 
District (VCAPCD or District) portions of the California SIP. This 
action is being taken pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA or ``Act'') 
and its implementing regulations.

DATES: Any comments must arrive by June 10, 2019.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R09-
OAR-2018-0713 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 removed or edited 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. The 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: Manny Aquitania, EPA Region IX, 75 
Hawthorne St., San Francisco, CA 94105; (415) 972-3977, 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document, the terms ``we,'' 
``us,'' and ``our'' refer to EPA.

Table of Contents

I. Background and Purpose
II. The State's Submittal
    A. What did the State submit?
    B. What is the purpose of the submitted certification letters?
    C. What is the purpose of the submitted permit rule?
III. Analysis of Nonattainment New Source Review Requirements
    A. Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD)
    B. Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD)
IV. Proposed Action and Public Comment

[[Page 20605]]

V. Incorporation by Reference
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

I. Background and Purpose

    On March 12, 2008, the EPA promulgated a revised 8-hour ozone NAAQS 
of 0.075 parts per million (ppm).\1\ Upon promulgation of a new or 
revised NAAQS, the CAA requires the EPA to designate as nonattainment 
any area that is violating the NAAQS based on the three most recent 
years of ambient air quality data. The two California air districts 
that are subject to this action were designated nonattainment for the 
2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS on April 30, 2012, using years 2009-2011 
ambient air quality data.\2\ At the time of designation, the AVAQMD was 
classified as a severe ozone nonattainment area as part of the Mojave 
Desert Air Basin and VCAPCD was classified as a serious ozone 
nonattainment area as part of the South Central Coast Air Basin.
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    \1\ 73 FR 16436 (March 27, 2008).
    \2\ 77 FR 30088 (May 21, 2012).
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    On March 6, 2015, the EPA issued a final rule entitled, 
``Implementation of the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards for 
Ozone: State Implementation Plan Requirements'' (``SIP Requirements 
Rule''), which establishes the requirements and deadlines that state, 
tribal, and local air quality management agencies must meet as they 
develop implementation plans for areas where ozone concentrations 
exceed the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS.\3\ Based on the initial 
nonattainment designations for the 2008 8-hour ozone standard, each 
District was required to make a SIP revision addressing nonattainment 
new source review no later than July 20, 2015.\4\ This requirement may 
be met by submitting a SIP revision consisting of a new or revised NNSR 
permit program, or an analysis demonstrating that the existing SIP-
approved NNSR permit program meets the applicable 2008 ozone 
requirements and a letter certifying the analysis.
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    \3\ 80 FR 12263 (March 6, 2015). The SIP Requirements Rule 
addresses a range of nonattainment area SIP requirements for the 
2008 ozone NAAQS, including requirements pertaining to attainment 
demonstrations, reasonable further progress (RFP), reasonably 
available control technology, reasonably available control measures, 
major new source review, emission inventories, and the timing of SIP 
submissions and of compliance with emission control measures in the 
SIP. The rule also revokes the 1997 ozone NAAQS and establishes 
anti-backsliding requirements.
    \4\ 40 CFR 51.1114.
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    On February 3, 2017, the EPA issued a final rule entitled, 
``Findings of Failure to Submit State Implementation Plan Submittals 
for the 2008 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards'' (``FFS 
Rule''). The rule found that certain state and local air agencies, 
including the AVAQMD and VCAPCD, had failed to submit a SIP revision in 
a timely manner to satisfy specific New Source Review requirements that 
apply to nonattainment areas. The rule established certain deadlines 
for the imposition of sanctions, if a state does not submit a timely 
SIP revision addressing the requirements for which the finding was 
made, and for the EPA to promulgate a federal implementation plan (FIP) 
to address any outstanding SIP requirements.

II. The State's Submittal

A. What did the State submit?

    Table 1 lists the dates the submitted 2008 Ozone Certification 
letters and permit rule addressed by this proposal were adopted by each 
air District and submitted by the California Air Resources Board 
(CARB), the agency that serves as the governor's designee for 
California SIP submittals.

                                             Table 1--SIP Submittals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Adoption/amend
               District                    Rule No.            Rule title              date       Submittal date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVAQMD................................             N/A  2008 Ozone Certification       7/17/2018       8/31/2018
VCAPCD................................             N/A  2008 Ozone Certification       7/31/2018       8/31/2018
VCAPCD................................              10  Permits Required........       4/13/2004       7/19/2004
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    On August 10, 2004, CARB's July 19, 2004 submittal of VCAPCD's Rule 
10 was deemed to meet the completeness criteria in 40 CFR part 51, 
appendix V, which must be met before formal EPA review. On September 6, 
2018, CARB's August 31, 2018 submittal of AVAQMD's and VCAPCD's 2008 
Certification letters were also deemed to meet the completeness 
criteria in 40 CFR part 51, appendix V.

B. What is the purpose of the submitted certification letters?

    The submittal from each District is intended to satisfy the SIP 
Requirement Rule that requires states to make a SIP revision addressing 
nonattainment new source review and the FFS Rule that requires each 
District to make a SIP submittal by September 6, 2018. The SIP for each 
District currently contains approved NNSR permit programs based on 
their nonattainment classification for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS. The 
submitted certification letters provide a mechanism for each District 
to satisfy the 40 CFR 51.1114 submittal requirements based on their 
2008 8-hr ozone nonattainment designations. EPA's analysis of how these 
SIP revisions address the NNSR requirements for the 2008 8-hour ozone 
NAAQS is provided below.

C. What is the purpose of the submitted permit rule?

    The submittal of Rule 10 by the VCAPCD is intended to clarify the 
expiration date of a Part 70 permit. The District revised Section 3, 
pertaining to the expiration of a ``Permit to Operate'' to clarify that 
a Part 70 permit does not expire annually, instead it expires only if 
not renewed in accordance with the requirements of Rule 30, ``Permit 
Renewal.''

III. Analysis of Nonattainment New Source Review Requirements

    The minimum SIP requirements for NNSR permitting programs for the 
2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS are contained in 40 CFR 51.165. These NNSR 
program requirements include those promulgated in the ``Phase 2 Rule'' 
implementing the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS \5\ and the SIP Requirements 
Rule implementing the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. Under the Phase 2 Rule, 
the SIP for each ozone nonattainment area must contain NNSR provisions 
that: (1) set major source thresholds for nitrogen oxides 
(NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) pursuant to 40 
CFR 51.165(a)(1)(iv)(A)(1)(i)-(iv) and (2); (2) classify physical 
changes at a major source if the change would constitute a major source 
by itself pursuant to 40 CFR 51.165(a)(1)(iv)(A)(3); (3) consider any 
significant net emissions increase of NOX as a significant 
net emissions

[[Page 20606]]

increase for ozone pursuant to 40 CFR 51.165(a)(1)(v)(E); (4) consider 
any increase of VOC emissions in extreme ozone nonattainment areas as 
significant net emissions increases and major modifications for ozone 
pursuant to 40 CFR 51.165(a)(1)(v)(F); (5) set significant emissions 
rates for VOC and NOX as ozone precursors pursuant to 40 CFR 
51.165(a)(1)(x)(A)-(C) and (E); (6) contain provisions for emissions 
reductions credits pursuant to 40 CFR 51.165(a)(3)(ii)(C)(1)(2); (7) 
provide that the requirements applicable to VOC also apply to 
NOX pursuant to 40 CFR 51.165(a)(8); and (8) set offset 
ratios for VOC and NOX pursuant to 40 CFR 51.165(a)(9)(ii)-
(iv). Under the SIP Requirements Rule, the SIP for each ozone 
nonattainment area designated nonattainment for the 2008 8-hour ozone 
NAAQS and designated nonattainment for the 1997 ozone NAAQS as of April 
6, 2015, must also contain NNSR provisions that include the anti-
backsliding requirements at 40 CFR 51.1105.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ 70 FR 71612 (November 29, 2005).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

A. Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD)

    The AVAQMD's longstanding SIP-approved NNSR program,\6\ established 
in Regulation XIII, ``New Source Review,'' of the AVAQMD's Rules and 
Regulations, applies to the construction and modification of stationary 
sources, including major stationary sources in nonattainment areas 
under its jurisdiction. In addition, the District has submitted 
revisions to their NSR program that update and clarify certain 
provisions.\7\ The AVAQMD's submitted SIP revision includes a 
demonstration, consisting of a table listing each of the Phase 2 Rule 
and SIP Requirements Rule NNSR program requirements and a citation to 
the specific provision of the SIP-approved or SIP-submitted rule 
satisfying the requirement. The submittal also includes a certification 
by the AVAQMD that the cited rules meet the federal NNSR requirements 
for the applicable ozone nonattainment designation. These documents are 
available in the docket for this action. EPA has reviewed the 
demonstration and cited program elements intended to meet the federal 
NNSR requirements and is proposing to approve the AVAQMD's submittal 
because the current SIP-approved or SIP-submitted NSR program contains 
all the Phase 2 Rule and SIP Requirements Rule NNSR program 
requirements for a severe ozone nonattainment area.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ 61 FR 64291 (December 4, 1996).
    \7\ New Rule 1305--Emission Offsets was submitted to the EPA by 
CARB on October 30, 2001 and rule revisions were submitted on 
December 29, 2006.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD)

    The VCAPCD's longstanding SIP-approved NNSR program,\8\ established 
in Rules 26-26.11, applies to the construction and modification of 
stationary sources, including major stationary sources in nonattainment 
areas under its jurisdiction. The VCAPCD's submitted SIP revision 
includes a demonstration, consisting of a table listing each of the 
Phase 2 Rule and SIP Requirements Rule NNSR program requirements, and a 
citation to the specific provision of the rule satisfying the 
requirement. The submittal also includes a certification by the VCAPCD 
that the cited rules meet the federal NNSR requirements for the 
applicable ozone nonattainment designation. These documents are 
available in the docket for this action. The EPA has reviewed the 
demonstration and cited program elements intended to meet the federal 
NNSR requirements and is proposing to approve the VCAPCD's submittal 
because the current SIP-approved NSR program contains all the Phase 2 
Rule and SIP Requirements Rule NNSR program requirements for a serious 
ozone nonattainment area.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ 65 FR 76567 (December 7, 2000), 68 FR 9561 (February 28, 
2003), 75 FR 1284 (January 11, 2010).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The EPA has determined that the revision to Rule 10 provides 
clarity pertaining to the expiration of permits issued by the District. 
Therefore, we find this revision acceptable.

IV. Proposed Action and Public Comment

    The EPA is proposing to approve SIP revisions addressing the NNSR 
requirements for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS for the AVAQMD and VCAPCD, 
as well as VCAPCD Rule 10. In support of this proposed action, we have 
concluded that our approval would comply with section 110(l) of the Act 
because the submittals will not interfere with continued attainment of 
the NAAQS in each District. The EPA has concluded that the State's 
submission fulfills the 40 CFR 51.1114 revision requirement and meets 
the requirements of CAA section 110 and the minimum SIP requirements of 
40 CFR 51.165. The intended effect of our proposed action is to approve 
the submitted certifications as meeting the applicable Phase 2 Rule 
requirements. If we finalize this action as proposed, our action would 
incorporate these certifications and Rule 10 into the federally 
enforceable SIP and be codified through revisions to 40 CFR 52.220 
(Identification of plan).
    We will accept comments from the public on this proposal until June 
10, 2019.
    In addition, the FFS Rule issued by the EPA on February 3, 2017 
started an 18-month sanctions clock and a 24-month FIP clock.\9\ The 
18-month sanctions clock was stopped upon receipt of California's SIP 
revisions and our determination that the submittals were complete. We 
determined the submittals for AVAQMD and VCAPCD were complete on 
September 6, 2018. The 24-month FIP clock will stop upon the effective 
date of our final approval.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ 82 FR 9158 (February 3, 2017).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

V. Incorporation by Reference

    In this rule, the EPA is proposing to include in a final EPA rule 
regulatory text that includes incorporation by reference. In accordance 
with requirements of 1 CFR 51.5, the EPA is proposing to incorporate by 
reference the certifications listed in Table 1 of this preamble. The 
EPA has made, and will continue to make, these materials available 
electronically through https://www.regulations.gov and at the EPA 
Region IX Office (please contact the person identified in the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this preamble for more 
information).

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Under the Clean Air Act, the Administrator is required to approve a 
SIP submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and 
applicable Federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). 
Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, The EPA's role is to approve state 
choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the Clean Air Act. 
Accordingly, this action merely approves state law as meeting Federal 
requirements and does not impose additional requirements beyond those 
imposed by state law. For that reason, this action:
     Is not a significant regulatory action subject to review 
by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive 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

[[Page 20607]]

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 the EPA with the discretionary authority 
to address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or 
environmental effects, using practicable and legally permissible 
methods, under Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
     In addition, the SIP is not approved to apply on any 
Indian reservation land or in any other area where the 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 and will not 
impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal 
law as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 
2000).

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: April 29, 2019.
Deborah Jordan,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region IX.
[FR Doc. 2019-09596 Filed 5-9-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


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