Environmental Protection Agency February 4, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The EPA's EFAB will hold an open meeting of the full board in Washington, DC on March 10-11, 2008. EFAB is an EPA advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) to provide advice and recommendations to EPA on creative approaches to funding environmental programs, projects, and activities. The purpose of this meeting is to hear from informed speakers on environmental finance issues, proposed legislation, Agency priorities, and to discuss progress with work products under EFAB's current Strategic Action Agenda. Environmental financing topics expected to be discussed include: Financial Assurance Mechanisms (Commercial Insurance & Cost Estimation), Environmental Management Systems, Public-Private Partnerships, Sustainable Watershed Financing, Innovative Financing Tools, and Leveraging the State Revolving Loan Funds. This meeting is open to the public, however, seating is limited. All members of the public who plan to attend the meeting must register in advance, no later than Friday, February 29, 2008.

EPA is proposing approval of a revision to the Ohio State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by letter on June 16, 2005. This revision addresses the requirements of EPA's NOX SIP Call which requires further reductions in NOX emissions based on cost-effective control measures for large internal combustion engines. The revision also addresses some revisions to the State's NOX SIP Call trading program. EPA is proposing to determine that the Ohio SIP revision satisfies the requirements for Phase II of the NOX SIP Call and the NOX SIP Call trading program because, when implemented, these will meet Ohio's emission reduction requirements under Phase II of the NOX SIP Call.

As required by section 9(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, we are giving notice that EPA is establishing the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC). The purpose of the FRRCC is to provide advice to the Administrator of EPA on environmental issues and programs that impact, or are of concern to, farms, ranches, and rural communities. The FRRCC is a part of EPA's efforts to expand cooperative working relationships with the agriculture industry and others who are interested in agriculture issues and to achieve greater progress in environmental protection. The major objectives will be to provide advice and recommendations on: Impacts of Agency agriculture-related programs, policies, and regulations regarding climate change and renewable energy; identification and development of a comprehensive environmental strategy for livestock operations; and development of a constructive approach or framework to address areas of common interest between sustainable agriculture and protection of the environment. Topics covered may include issues relating to water, air and radiation, solid waste and emergency response, pesticides and toxics, enforcement and compliance assistance, and research and development. EPA has determined that this federal advisory committee is in the public interest and will assist the Agency in performing its duties and responsibilities. Copies of the FRRCC's charter will be filed with the appropriate congressional committees and the Library of Congress.