Environmental Protection Agency June 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 101 - 144 of 144
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; State of Kansas Regional Haze State Implementation Plan Revision and 2014 Five-Year Progress Report
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve the Kansas State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted to EPA by the State of Kansas on March 10, 2015, documenting that the State's existing plan is making adequate progress to achieve visibility goals by 2018. The Kansas SIP revision addressed the Regional Haze Rule (RHR) requirements under the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) to submit a report describing progress in achieving reasonable progress goals (RPGs) to improve visibility in Federally designated areas in nearby states that may be affected by emissions from sources in Kansas. EPA is proposing to approve Kansas' determination that the existing RH SIP is adequate to meet the visibility goals and requires no substantive revision at this time.
Significant New Use Rule on Certain Chemical Substances
EPA is proposing significant new use rules (SNURs) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for 30 chemical substances which were the subject of premanufacture notices (PMNs). This action would require persons who intend to manufacture (including import) or process any of the chemical substances for an activity that is designated as a significant new use by this proposed rule to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity. The required notification would provide EPA with the opportunity to evaluate the intended use and, if necessary, to prohibit or limit the activity before it occurs.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Pennsylvania; 2011 Lead Base Year Emissions Inventory
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to approve the State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania regarding the 2011 lead base year emissions inventory. The base year emissions inventory SIP revision was submitted to meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the Lyons 2008 lead National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) nonattainment area (hereafter referred to as the ``Lyons Area'' or ``Area''). In the Rules and Regulations section of this Federal Register, EPA is approving the Commonwealth's SIP submittal as a direct final rule without prior proposal because the Agency views this as a noncontroversial submittal and anticipates no adverse comments. A more detailed description of the SIP submittal and EPA's evaluation is included in a Technical Support Document (TSD) prepared in support of this rulemaking action. A copy of the TSD is available, upon request, from the EPA Regional Office listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document or is also available electronically within the Docket for this rulemaking action. If no adverse comments are received in response to this action, no further activity is contemplated. If EPA receives adverse comments, the direct final rule will be withdrawn and all public comments received will be addressed in a subsequent final rule based on this proposed rule. EPA will not institute a second comment period. Any parties interested in commenting on this action should do so at this time.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Pennsylvania; 2011 Lead Base Year Emissions Inventory
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct final action to approve a revision to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania) State Implementation Plan (SIP). EPA is proposing to approve the 2011 base year emissions inventory SIP revision submittal for the 2008 lead National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The base year emissions inventory SIP revision was submitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) on February 9, 2015 to meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the Lyons 2008 lead NAAQS nonattainment area (hereafter referred to as the ``Lyons Area'' or ``Area''). EPA is approving this revision to the Pennsylvania SIP in accordance with the requirements of the CAA.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Rhode Island; Decommissioning of Stage II Vapor Recovery Systems and Amending Stage I Vapor Recovery Requirements
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. This revision includes regulatory amendments that allow gasoline dispensing facilities (GDFs) to decommission their Stage II vapor recovery systems as of December 25, 2013, and a demonstration that such removal is consistent with the Clean Air Act and EPA guidance. This revision also includes regulatory amendments that strengthen Rhode Island's requirements for Stage I vapor recovery systems at GDFs. The intended effect of this action is to approve Rhode Island's revised vapor recovery regulation. This action is being taken in accordance with the Clean Air Act.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maryland; Biomass Fuel-Burning Equipment Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Maryland. This revision pertains to a new regulation for biomass fuel-burning equipment and related amendments to existing regulations. This action is being taken under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; South Carolina; Infrastructure Requirements for the 2008 Lead National Ambient Air Quality Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve the September 20, 2011, State Implementation Plan (SIP) submission, provided by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) for inclusion into the South Carolina SIP. This proposal pertains to the Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act) infrastructure requirements for the 2008 Lead national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). The CAA requires that each state adopt and submit a SIP for the implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of each NAAQS promulgated by EPA, which is commonly referred to as an ``infrastructure'' SIP. SC DHEC certified that the South Carolina SIP contains provisions that ensure the 2008 Lead NAAQS is implemented, enforced, and maintained in South Carolina. With the exception of provisions pertaining to prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) permitting for which EPA is proposing no action through this notice, EPA is proposing to approve that South Carolina's infrastructure SIP submission, provided to EPA on September 20, 2011, satisfies the required infrastructure elements for the 2008 Lead NAAQS.
Meeting of the National Drinking Water Advisory Council
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a meeting, via a webinar, of the National Drinking Water Advisory Council (Council), as authorized under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The purpose of the webinar is for the Lead and Copper Rule Working Group (LCRWG) to update the Council on the status of the LCRWG's draft report, which provides recommendations for revising the Lead and Copper Rule.
Aluminum Sulfate; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of aluminum sulfate (CAS Reg. No. 10043-01- 3) under 40 CFR 180.940(a). This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of aluminum sulfate.
n-Butyl benzoate; Exemptions From the Requirement of a Tolerance
This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of n-butyl benzoate (CAS Reg. No. 136-60-7) when used as an inert ingredient (solvent) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops, raw agricultural commodities after harvest, and animals and when used as an inert ingredient in antimicrobial formulations in food-contact surface sanitizer products at a maximum level in the end-use concentration of 15,000 parts per million (ppm). Exponent, Inc., on behalf Huntsman Corp., submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of n-butyl benzoate.
Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; See Item Specific ICR Titles Provided in the Text; See the Item Specific Docket Numbers Provided in the Text
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit the below listed information collection requests (ICR) (See item specific ICR title, EPA ICR Number and OMB Control Number provided in the text) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Before doing so, EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. These are proposed extensions of the currently approved ICRs. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Virginia; Prevention of Significant Deterioration; Plantwide Applicability Limits for Greenhouse Gases
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve aMay 12, 2014 State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted for the Commonwealth of Virginia by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VADEQ). This revision will add Plantwide Applicability Limit (PAL) provisions for Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) to Virginia's Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program. This action is being taken under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Notification of Three Teleconferences of the Science Advisory Board Biogenic Carbon Emissions Panel
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) Science Advisory Board (SAB) Staff Office announces three teleconferences of the SAB Biogenic Carbon Emissions Panel to review EPA's Framework for Assessing Biogenic CO2 Emissions from Stationary Sources (November 2014).
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; West Virginia; Regional Haze Five-Year Progress Report State Implementation Plan
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of West Virginia (West Virginia) through the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP). West Virginia's SIP revision addresses requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and EPA's rules that require states to submit periodic reports describing progress towards reasonable progress goals (RPGs) established for regional haze and a determination of the adequacy of the state's existing implementation plan addressing regional haze (regional haze SIP). EPA is approving West Virginia's SIP revision on the basis that it addresses the progress report and adequacy determination requirements for the first implementation period for regional haze.
Office of Research and Development; Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods: Designation of One New Reference Method and Four New Equivalent Methods
Notice is hereby given that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated, in accordance with 40 CFR part 53, one new reference method and one new equivalent for measuring concentrations of PM2.5, one new equivalent method for measuring PM10-2.5, and two new equivalent methods for measuring ozone (O3) in the ambient air.
Revisions to the California State Implementation Plan, Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District, Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve revisions to the Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District (EKAPCD) and Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) portions of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). These revisions concern volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from polyester resin operations and oil-water separators. The EPA is proposing to approve local rules that regulate these emission sources under the Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act).
Revisions to the California State Implementation Plan, Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District, Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct final action to approve revisions to the Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District (EKAPCD) and Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) portions of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). These revisions concern volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from polyester resin operations and oil-water separators. The EPA is approving local rules that regulate these emission sources under the Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act).
Notification of Teleconferences and a Public Meeting of the Science Advisory Board Hydraulic Fracturing Research Advisory Panel
The EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB) Staff Office announces a public meeting and three teleconferences of the SAB Hydraulic Fracturing Research Advisory Panel to conduct a review of the EPA draft report, Assessment of the Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil and Gas on Drinking Water Resources, (May, 2015 External Review Draft, EPA/600/R-15/047).
Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances
EPA is promulgating significant new use rules (SNURs) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for 22 chemical substances which were the subject of premanufacture notices (PMNs). Two of these chemical substances are subject to TSCA section 5(e) consent orders issued by EPA. This action requires persons who intend to manufacture (including import) or process any of these 22 chemical substances for an activity that is designated as a significant new use by this rule to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity. The required notification will provide EPA with the opportunity to evaluate the intended use and, if necessary, to prohibit or limit that activity before it occurs.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; State of Kansas; Infrastructure SIP Requirements for the 2010 Sulfur Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standard
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action to approve elements of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) submission from the State of Kansas addressing the applicable requirements of Clean Air Act (CAA) section 110 for the 2010 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), which requires that each state adopt and submit a SIP to support implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of each new or revised NAAQS promulgated by EPA. These SIPs are commonly referred to as ``infrastructure'' SIPs. The infrastructure requirements are designed to ensure that the structural components of each state's air quality management program are adequate to meet the state's responsibilities under the CAA.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Rhode Island; Rhode Island Low Emission Vehicle Program
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Rhode Island. The regulations adopted by Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island LEV regulation submitted also includes a zero emission vehicle (ZEV) provision. Rhode Island 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, Rhode Island has worked to ensure that their program is identical to California's, as required by the CAA. These actions are being taken under the Clean Air Act.
Public Hearing for the 2014, 2015, and 2016 Standards for the Renewable Fuel Standard Program
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a public hearing to be held in Kansas City, Kansas on June 25, 2015 for the proposed rule ``Renewable Fuel Standard Program: Standards for 2014, 2015, and 2016 and Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2017.'' This proposed rule will be published separately in the Federal Register. The pre-publication version of this proposal can be found at https:// www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/renewablefuels/regulations.htm. In the separate notice of proposed rulemaking, EPA has proposed amendments to the renewable fuel standard program regulations that would establish annual percentage standards for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and renewable fuels that would apply to all gasoline and diesel produced in the U.S. or imported in the years 2014, 2015, and 2016. In addition, the separate proposal includes a proposed biomass-based diesel applicable volume for 2017.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; State of Missouri, Construction Permits Required
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action to approve revisions to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the State of Missouri submitted on October 2, 2013. This final action will amend the SIP to update the construction permits rule to incorporate by reference recent EPA actions related to plantwide applicability limitations (PALs) for greenhouse gases (GHGs) and to correct the definition of ``regulated NSR pollutant.'' Other revisions include modifying the notification period for initial equipment start- up and clarifying de minimis permit air quality analysis requirements.
Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Activities in Target Housing and Child-Occupied Facilities; State of Utah; Notice of Self-Certification Program Authorization
This document announces that on April 20, 2010, the State of Utah was deemed authorized under section 404(a) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to administer and enforce requirements for a renovation, repair and painting (RRP) program in accordance with section 402(c)(3) of TSCA. This document also announces that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking comment during a 45- day public comment period, and is providing an opportunity to request a public hearing within the first 15 days of this comment period on whether Utah's program is at least as protective as the federal program and provides for adequate enforcement. This document also announces that the authorization of the Utah 402(c)(3) program, which was deemed authorized by regulation and statute, will continue without further notice unless the EPA, based on its own review and/or comments received during the comment period, disapproves the Utah program application.
Product Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations
This notice announces EPA's order for the cancellations, voluntarily requested by the registrants and accepted by the Agency, of the products listed in Table 1 of Unit III., pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Any distribution, sale, or use of the products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions.
Alkyl (C8-20
This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of D-glucopyranose, oligomeric, 6- (dihydrogen citrates), C8-20 branched and linear alkyl glycosides, sodium salts; D-glucopyranose, oligomeric, 6-(hydrogen sulfosuccinates), C8-20 branched and linear alkyl glycosides, sodium salts; and D-glucopyranose, oligomeric, lactates, C8-20 branched and linear alkyl glycosides when used as an inert ingredients (surfactants) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops and raw agricultural commodities after harvest. Lamberti USA, Inc. submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of D-glucopyranose, oligomeric, 6-(dihydrogen citrates), C8-20 branched and linear alkyl glycosides, sodium salts: D-glucopyranose, oligomeric, 6- (hydrogen sulfosuccinates), C8-20 branched and linear alkyl glycosides, sodium salts; and D-glucopyranose, oligomeric, lactates, C8-20 branched and linear alkyl glycosides.
Alternative Method for Calculating Off-Cycle Credits Under the Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Applications From Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors Corporation
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting comment on applications from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles LLC (``FCA''), Ford Motor Company (Ford) and General Motors Corporation (GM) for off- cycle carbon dioxide (CO2) credits under EPA's light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards. ``Off-cycle'' emission reductions can be achieved by employing technologies that result in real-world benefits, but where that benefit is not adequately or entirely captured on the test procedures used by manufacturers to demonstrate compliance with emission standards. EPA's light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas program acknowledges these benefits by giving automobile manufacturers several options for generating ``off-cycle'' carbon dioxide (CO2) credits. Under the regulations, a manufacturer may apply for CO2 credits for technologies that result in off-cycle benefits. In these cases, a manufacturer must provide EPA with a proposed methodology for determining the real-world off-cycle benefit. FCA and Ford have submitted applications that describe methodologies for determining off-cycle credits from high efficiency exterior lighting, solar reflective glass/glazing, solar reflective paint, and active seat ventilation. Ford's application also proposes methodologies for determining the off-cycle benefits from active aerodynamic improvements (grill shutters), active transmission warm-up, active engine warm-up technologies, and engine idle stop- start. GM's application proposes a methodology to determine the real- world benefits of an air conditioning compressor with variable crankcase suction valve technology. Pursuant to applicable regulations, EPA is making descriptions of the manufacturers' off-cycle credit calculation methodologies available for public comment.
Completion of Requirement To Promulgate Emissions Standards
In this action the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalizes its proposed determination that the EPA completed its statutory obligation under the Clean Air Act (CAA) to promulgate emissions standards for source categories accounting for not less than 90 percent of the aggregated emissions of each of seven specific hazardous air pollutants (HAP) enumerated in the CAA. On December 16, 2014, the EPA published the proposed determination that stated the basis for the agency's conclusion that it completed this obligation in February of 2011 by identifying the promulgated standards that collectively satisfy this obligation and provided the public an opportunity to comment on the EPA's determination. This action finalizes the EPA's determination.
Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses; Correction and Reopening of Comment Period
EPA issued a notice in the Federal Register of April 15, 2015, concerning Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses. The notice inadvertently identified the applications listed as being new active ingredients rather than new uses. This document corrects that error and also reopens the comment period for an additional 30 days. EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications.
Certain New Chemicals; Receipt and Status Information
EPA is required under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to publish in the Federal Register a notice of receipt of a premanufacture notice (PMN); an application for a test marketing exemption (TME), both pending and/or expired; and a periodic status report on any new chemicals under EPA review and the receipt of notices of commencement (NOC) to manufacture those chemicals. This document covers the period from April 1, 2015 to April 29, 2015.
Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Oil and Gas Extraction Point Source Category; Extension of Comment Period
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) received requests for an extension of the period for providing comments on the proposed rule entitled ``Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Oil and Gas Extraction Point Source Category,'' published in the Federal Register on April 7, 2015. EPA extends the comment period in order to provide the public additional time to submit comments and supporting information.
Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) Air, Climate, and Energy Subcommittee Meeting-June 2015
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92- 463, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development (ORD), gives notice of a meeting of the Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) Air, Climate, and Energy Subcommittee.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Michigan; Part 3 Rules
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving revisions to the Part 3 rules into the Michigan State Implementation Plan (SIP). On December 13, 2013, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) submitted to EPA for approval revisions to Part 3, Emission Limitations and ProhibitionsParticulate Matter (PM), for open burning and electro-static precipitators (ESPs). The revisions for open burning eliminate specific provisions to allow household waste burning, and add a provision to allow for burning of fruit and vegetable storage bins for pest or disease control with specific location limitations. The SIP request also removes rule 330 dealing with operation parameters for electrostatic precipitators because of redundancy, and rule 349 dealing with compliance dates for coke ovens because it is now obsolete. EPA is approving this SIP revision because it will not interfere with attainment or maintenance of the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Michigan; Part 3 Rules
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving revisions to the Part 3 rules into the Michigan State Implementation Plan (SIP). On December 13, 2013, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) submitted to EPA for approval revisions to Part 3, Emission Limitations and ProhibitionsParticulate Matter (PM), for open burning and electro-static precipitators (ESPs). The revisions for open burning eliminate specific provisions to allow household waste burning, and add a provision to allow for burning of fruit and vegetable storage bins for pest or disease control with specific location limitations. The SIP request also removes rule 330 dealing with operation parameters for electrostatic precipitators because of redundancy, and rule 349 dealing with compliance dates for coke ovens because it is now obsolete. EPA is approving this SIP revision because it will not interfere with attainment or maintenance of the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).
Idaho: Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Management Program Revision
Idaho has applied to the EPA for final authorization of certain changes to its hazardous waste program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), as amended. RCRA allows the EPA to authorize State hazardous waste management programs if the EPA finds that such programs are equivalent to and consistent with the Federal program and provide adequate enforcement of compliance. The EPA has reviewed Idaho's application, has preliminarily determined these changes satisfy all requirements needed to qualify for final authorization, and is proposing to authorize the State's changes.
Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) NAAQS Implementation Rule (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 2258.04, OMB Control No. 2060-0611), to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Before doing so, the EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. This is a proposed renewal of a currently approved information collection which was originally approved in conjunction with the EPA's now-remanded 2007 final rule addressing implementation-related requirements for the 1997 PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and renewed twice since then. On March 23, 2015, the EPA also proposed a new ICR associated with its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would replace the remanded 2007 PM2.5 NAAQS Implementation Rule. Until that ICR is approved, the existing ICR will remain in effect, subject to approval of this proposed renewal.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Montana; Revisions to the Administrative Rules of Montana; Correction
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of Montana on March 17, 2010, August 1, 2011, November 22, 2011, and September 19, 2014. The revisions are to the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) and include minor editorial and grammatical changes, updates to citations and references to federal and state laws and regulations, revisions to open burning rules, changes to the process for appealing air quality permits, and providing a process for revocation of air quality permits when owners cannot be found by mail. Also in this action, EPA is proposing to correct final rules pertaining to Montana's SIP. On January 29, 2010, EPA took direct final action to approve SIP revisions as submitted by the State of Montana on January 16, 2009 and May 4, 2009. EPA subsequently discovered an error in our January 29, 2010 direct final action related to ``incorporation by reference'' (IBR) materials and the associated regulatory text numbering. EPA is proposing to correct this error with today's action. This action is being taken under section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Missouri; 2013 Missouri State Implementation Plan for the 2008 Lead Standard
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to grant full approval of Missouri's attainment demonstration State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the 2008 lead National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) nonattainment of the Viburnum Trend area in portions of Iron, Dent and Reynolds Counties, Missouri, submitted on April 18, 2013. EPA believes that the SIP submitted by the State satisfies the applicable requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) identified in EPA's Final Rule published on October 15, 2008, and will bring the area into attainment of the 0.15 microgram per cubic meter (ug/m\3\) lead NAAQS in the Viburnum Trend, Missouri area. In this action, EPA also proposes approval of a revision to the Missouri SIP to incorporate an amendment to an existing Missouri statute to restrict lead emissions from specific sources. The amendment revises certain throughput and emissions limits applicable to the Doe Run Buick Resource Recycling Facility (BRRF) in the Viburnum Trend lead nonattainment area. Approval of this rule will ensure consistency between the state and Federally-approved rules, and ensure Federal enforceability of the revised state rule. This revision was submitted to EPA on October 30, 2009.
Proposed Settlement Agreement
In accordance with section 113(g) of the Clean Air Act (the ``Act''), 42 U.S.C. 7413(g), notice is hereby given of a proposed settlement agreement to address a lawsuit filed by National Parks Conservation Association, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, Friends of the Boundary Waters, Voyageurs National Park Association, Fresh Energy, and the Sierra Club (collectively, ``Plaintiffs'') and Intervenor Defendant Northern States Power Company Minnesota, d/b/a Xcel Energy in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota: National Parks Conservation Association, et al. v. EPA, Civ. No. 12-3043 (D. Minn.). On December 5, 2012, Plaintiffs filed a complaint alleging that the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (``EPA'') had failed to perform a mandatory duty to respond to a 2009 letter by the Department of the Interior (``DOI'') certifying that visibility impairment in Minnesota's Voyageurs National Park and Michigan's Isle Royale National Park is reasonably attributable to emissions from Xcel Energy's coal-fired Sherburne County Generating Station (``Sherco'') in Minnesota. The proposed settlement agreement addresses Plaintiffs' claims and establishes a deadline for EPA to take final action to revise the Minnesota Reasonably Attributable Visibility Impairment (``RAVI'') Federal Implementation Plan (``FIP'').
Promulgation of State Implementation Plan Revisions; Infrastructure Requirements for the 2008 Ozone, 2008 Lead, and 2010 NO2
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve elements of State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions from the State of Colorado to demonstrate the State meets infrastructure requirements of the Clean Air Act (Act, CAA) for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) promulgated for ozone on March 12, 2008; lead (Pb) on October 15, 2008; and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on January 22, 2010. Section 110(a) of the CAA requires that each state submit a SIP for the implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of each NAAQS promulgated by EPA.
Availability of Data on Allocations of Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Allowances From New Unit Set-Asides for the 2015 Compliance Year
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing notice of the availability of preliminary calculations of emission allowance allocations to certain units under the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). Under the CSAPR federal implementation plans (FIPs), portions of each covered state's annual emissions budgets for each of the four CSAPR emissions trading programs are reserved for allocation to electricity generating units that commenced commercial operation on or after January 1, 2010 (new units) and certain other units not otherwise obtaining allowance allocations under the FIPs. The quantities of allowances allocated to eligible units from each new unit set-aside (NUSA) under the FIPs are calculated in an annual one- or two-round allocation process. EPA has completed preliminary calculations for the first round of NUSA allowance allocations for the 2015 compliance year and has posted spreadsheets containing the calculations on EPA's Web site. EPA will consider timely objections to the preliminary calculations (including objections concerning the identification of units eligible for allocations) and will promulgate a notice responding to any such objections no later than August 1, 2015, the deadline for recording the first-round allocations in sources' Allowance Management System accounts. This notice may concern CSAPR-affected units in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maryland; Determination of Attainment of the 2008 8-Hour Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard for the Baltimore, Maryland Moderate Nonattainment Area
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making the determination that the Baltimore, Maryland Moderate Nonattainment Area (Baltimore Area) has attained the 2008 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). This determination is based upon complete, quality-assured, and certified ambient air quality monitoring data that shows the Baltimore Area has monitored attainment of the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS for the 2012-2014 monitoring period. As a result of this determination, the requirement for the Baltimore Area to submit an attainment demonstration and associated reasonably available control measures (RACM), reasonable further progress plans (RFP), contingency measures, and other State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions related to attainment of the standard are suspended for as long as the area continues to attain the 2008 8-hour ozone standard.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; New York; Infrastructure SIP for the 2008 Lead NAAQS
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving certain elements of New York's State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted to demonstrate that the State meets the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for lead (Pb). The CAA requires that each state adopt and submit a SIP for the implementation, maintenance and enforcement of each NAAQS promulgated by the EPA and is commonly referred to as an infrastructure SIP.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.