Environmental Protection Agency January 27, 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

On November 22, 2013, EPA provided public notice on the proposed issuance of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Oil and Gas Geotechnical Surveys and Related Activities in Federal Waters of the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas (Permit No. AKG-28-4300), and established a comment deadline of January 27, 2014, (78 FR 70042). On January 15, 2014, the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission requested a 30-day extension to the comment period. In response to that request, EPA is extending the comment period for an additional 23 days, from January 27, 2014 to February 19, 2014.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Connecticut. The regulations adopted by Connecticut include the California Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) II light-duty motor vehicle emission standards effective in model year 2008, the California LEV II medium-duty vehicle standards effective in model year 2009, and greenhouse gas emission standards for light-duty motor vehicles and medium-duty vehicles effective with model year 2009. The Connecticut LEV regulation submitted also includes a zero emission vehicle (ZEV) provision, as well as emission control label and environmental performance label requirements. Connecticut has adopted these revisions to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA), as well as to reduce greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons). In addition, Connecticut has worked to ensure that their program is identical to California's, as required by the CAA. The intended effect of this action is to propose approval of the Connecticut LEV II program. In addition, EPA is proposing to approve the removal of the definition and regulation of ``composite motor vehicles'' from the Connecticut's SIP- approved vehicle inspection and maintenance program. These actions are being taken under the CAA.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct final action to approve a revision to the Kansas State Implementation Plan (SIP) and Operating Permits Program. EPA is approving a revision to the Kansas rule entitled ``Annual Emissions Fee.'' These revisions align the State's reporting requirements with the Federal Air Emissions Reporting Requirements Rule (AERR).