Environmental Protection Agency September 14, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that EPA is planning to submit a request to renew three existing approved Information Collection Requests (ICRs) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). These ICRs are scheduled to expire on March 31, 2007. Before submitting the ICRs to OMB for review and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collections as described below.

The EPA proposes revisions to the regulations governing the major NSR programs mandated by parts C and D of title I of the Clean Air Act (CAA). These proposed changes reflect EPA's consideration of the Agency's 2002 Report to the President and its associated recommendations as well as discussions with various stakeholders including representatives of environmental groups, State and local governments, and industry. We propose to change how emissions from emissions units upstream or downstream from the unit(s) undergoing a physical change or change in the method of operation are included in the calculation of an emissions increase for the project. Also, these proposed changes would clarify and codify our policy of when emissions increases from multiple projects are to be aggregated together to determine NSR applicability. Finally, we are clarifying how emissions decreases from a project may be included in the calculation to determine if a significant emissions increase will result from a project. We intend the proposed rules to improve implementation of the program by articulating and codifying principles for determining major NSR applicability that we currently address through guidance only. We are seeking comment on all aspects of this proposed rule. This proposal seeks public comment in accordance with section 307(d) of the CAA and should not be used or cited in any litigation as a final position of the Agency.