Environmental Protection Agency December 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 51 - 100 of 146
Proposed Reissuance of NPDES General Permit for Discharges From Federal Aquaculture Facilities and Aquaculture Facilities Located in Indian Country Within the Boundaries of Washington State (Permit Number WAG130000)
The Director, Office of Water and Watersheds, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10, is proposing to reissue a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Federal Aquaculture Facilities and Aquaculture Facilities Located in Indian Country within the Boundaries of Washington State (General Permit). The draft General Permit contains effluent limitations, along with administrative reporting and monitoring requirements, as well as standard conditions, prohibitions, and management practices. A fact sheet is available that explains the draft General Permit in detail. Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1341, requires EPA to seek a certification from the State of Washington, and Indian Tribes with Treatment as a State for Water Quality Standards, that the conditions of the General Permit are stringent enough to comply with State water quality standards. The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) and the Lummi, Makah, Spokane, and Tulalip Tribes have provided draft certification that the draft General Permit complies with applicable Water Quality Standards. EPA will seek final certification from Ecology and tribes prior to issuing the General Permit. This is also notice of the draft Sec. 401 certification provided by Ecology and tribes. Persons wishing to comment on the draft Sec. 401 certifications should send written comments to the contacts in the fact sheet.
Cancellation of Pesticides for Non-Payment of Year 2015 Registration Maintenance Fees; Correction
EPA issued a notice in the Federal Register of November 13, 2015, concerning the cancellation of pesticides for non-payment of year 2015 registration maintenance fees. This document is being issued to correct Table 2 of the cancellation notice by removing one entry which was inadvertently included.
Human Studies Review Board; Notification of Public Meetings
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of the Science Advisor announces two separate public meetings of the Human Studies Review Board to advise the Agency on the ethical and scientific reviews of EPA research with human subjects.
Access by EPA Contractors to Information Claimed as Confidential Business Information (CBI) Submitted under Title II of the Clean Air Act and Related Regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) plans to authorize various contractors to access information which will be submitted to the EPA under Title II of the Clean Air Act that may be claimed as, or may be determined to be, confidential business information (CBI). Access to this information, which is related to registration of fuels and fuel additives under 40 CFR part 79; various fuels reporting programs under 40 CFR part 80; and reporting of various greenhouse gas reporting items under the mandatory reporting rule of 40 CFR part 98, subparts A, LL and MM will begin on December 31, 2015.
Notification of a Public Teleconference of the Chartered Science Advisory Board
The EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB) Staff Office announces a public teleconference to review a draft SAB report on the EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) Toxicological Review of Benzo[a]pyrene.
Notification of a Public Meeting of the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) Sulfur Oxides Panel and a Public Teleconference of the Chartered CASAC and the CASAC Sulfur Oxides Panel
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science Advisory Board (SAB) Staff Office announces a public meeting of the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) Sulfur Oxides Panel and a public teleconference of the Chartered CASAC and CASAC Sulfur Oxides Panel to review of EPA's Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) for Sulfur Oxides Health Criteria (External Review DraftNovember 2015).
Proposed Consent Decree, Clean Air Act Citizen Suit
In accordance with section 113(g) of the Clean Air Act, as amended (``CAA'' or the ``Act''), notice is hereby given of a proposed consent decree to address a lawsuit filed by Sierra Club and Physicians For Social ResponsibilityLos Angeles (``Plaintiffs'') in the United States District Court for the Central District of California: Sierra Club, et al. v. EPA, No. 2:15-cv-3798-ODW (ASx) (C.D. CA.) (filed May 20, 2015). Plaintiffs filed a lawsuit alleging that Gina McCarthy, in her official capacity as Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (``EPA'') and Jared Blumenfeld, in his official capacity as Regional Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX (collectively, ``EPA''), failed to perform duties mandated by CAA to take final action to approve or disapprove, in whole or in part, the portions of the South Coast Air Quality Management District's Final 2012 Air Quality Management Plan that address attainment of the 2006 fine particulate matter (``PM2.5'') NAAQS, which California submitted to EPA on February 13, 2013. The proposed consent decree would establish deadlines for EPA to take certain specified actions. This is the second notice provided for this proposed consent decree.
Lead; Renovation, Repair and Painting Program; Lead Test Kit; Notice of Opening of Comment Period
EPA is opening a comment period to allow for further public comment on lead test kits and other field testing options as suggested in EPA's Fiscal Year 2015 Appropriations Act policy rider. Among other things, the 2008 Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting rule (RRP) established performance recognition criteria for lead test kits for use as an option to determine if regulated lead-based paint is not present in target housing and child-occupied facilities. The use of an EPA- recognized lead test kit, when used by a trained professional, can reliably determine that regulated lead-based paint is not present by virtue of a negative result. The RRP rule also established negative response and positive response criteria for lead test kits recognized by EPA. No lead test kit has been developed that meets the positive response criterion. On June 4, 2015, EPA hosted a public meeting and webinar to solicit input from stakeholders in an effort to understand the current state of the science for lead test kits and lead-based paint field testing alternatives, as well as the existing market and potential availability of additional lead test kits. To date, no company's lead test kit has met both the negative response and positive response criteria outlined in the RRP rule. Based on stakeholder input, EPA is unaware of any lead test kit available now or in the foreseeable future that would meet both of the performance criteria.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Oregon: Interstate Transport of Ozone
The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires each State Implementation Plan (SIP) to contain adequate provisions prohibiting air emissions that will have certain adverse air quality effects in other states. On June 28, 2010, the State of Oregon made a submittal to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address these requirements. The EPA is approving the submittal as meeting the requirement that each SIP contain adequate provisions to prohibit emissions that will contribute significantly to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the 2008 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) in any other state.
Air Quality Implementation Plan Approval; Illinois; Illinois Power Holdings and AmerenEnergy Medina Valley Cogen Variance
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving into the Illinois Regional Haze State Implementation Plan (SIP) a variance for the electrical generating units (EGUs) included in the Ameren Multi-Pollutant Standard Group (Ameren MPS Group). The Ameren MPS Group consists of five facilities owned by Illinois Power Holdings, LLC (IPH) and two facilities owned by AmerenEnergy Medina Valley Cogen, LLC (Medina Valley). The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) submitted the variance to EPA for approval on September 3, 2014.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; Control of Air Pollution From Nitrogen Compounds State Implementation Plan
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing approval of revisions to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the State of Texas through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) on July 10, 2015. The Texas SIP submission revises 30 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 117 rules for control of nitrogen compounds to assist the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) moderate nonattainment area (NAA) in attaining the 2008 eight-hour ozone (O3) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
Pendimethalin; Pesticide Tolerances
This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of pendimethalin in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4) requested the tolerances associated with pesticide petition number (PP) 4E8282, and BASF requested the tolerances associated with (PP) 4F8261, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
Issuance of NPDES General Permits for Wastewater Lagoon Systems Located in Indian Country in Region 8
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 8 is hereby giving notice of its issuance of six National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) lagoon general permits for wastewater lagoon systems located in Indian country in Region 8 (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, & WY). These general permits are similar to the existing permits and will authorize the discharge of wastewater from lagoons located in Region 8 Indian country in accordance with the terms and conditions described therein.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Idaho: Interstate Transport of Ozone
The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires each State Implementation Plan (SIP) to contain adequate provisions prohibiting air emissions that will have certain adverse air quality effects in other states. On June 28, 2010, the State of Idaho made a submittal to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address these requirements. The EPA is approving the submittal as meeting the requirement that each SIP contain adequate provisions to prohibit emissions that will contribute significantly to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the 2008 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) in any other state.
Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Application for a New Active Ingredient
EPA has received an application to register a pesticide product containing an active ingredient not included in any currently registered pesticide products. Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on this application.
Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses
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.
Notice of an Extension To Provide Information on Existing Programs That Protect Water Quality From Forest Road Discharges
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the comment period for the notice, ``Opportunity to Provide Information on Existing Programs that Protect Water Quality from Forest Road Discharges.'' In response to stakeholder requests, EPA is extending the comment period for an additional 32 days, from January 11, 2016, to February 12, 2016.
Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Update to the Refrigerant Management Requirements Under the Clean Air Act; Extension of Comment Period
EPA issued a proposed rule in the Federal Register on November 9, 2015, proposing to update service practices that reduce emissions of ozone-depleting refrigerants as well as extend them, as appropriate, to non-ozone-depleting substitute refrigerants. The November 9, 2015, proposal provided for a 60-day public comment period ending January 8, 2016. EPA received requests from the public to extend this comment period. This document extends the comment period for 17 days, from January 8, 2016, to January 25, 2016.
Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Generic Clearance for Citizen Science and Crowdsourcing Projects (New)
The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), ``Generic Clearance for Citizen Science and Crowdsourcing Projects (New)'' (EPA ICR No. 2521.01, OMB Control No. 2080NEW) 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.). This is a request for approval of a new collection. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register (80 FR 59148) on October 1, 2015 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. 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.
Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Categorical Non-Waste Determination for Selected Non Hazardous Secondary Materials (NHSM): Construction and Demolition Wood, Paper Recycling Process Residuals, and Creosote-Treated Railroad Ties (Additions to List of Section 241.4 Categorical Non-Waste Fuels)
The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), ``Categorical Non-Waste Determination for Selected Non Hazardous Secondary Materials (NHSM): Construction and Demolition Wood, Paper Recycling Process Residuals, and Creosote-Treated Railroad Ties (Additions to List of Section 241.4 Categorical Non-Waste Fuels)'' (EPA ICR No. 2493.01, OMB Control No. 2050-XXXX) 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.). This is a request for approval of a new collection. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register (79 FR 21006) on April 14, 2014 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. 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.
Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts, Chemical and Radionuclides Rules
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an Information Collection Request (ICR) for the Disinfectants/ Disinfection Byproducts, Chemical and Radionuclides Rules (EPA ICR No. 1896.10, OMB Control No. 2040-0204) 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.). This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through December 31, 2015. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register (80 FR 17040) on March 31, 2015, during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A description of the ICR is provided in this renewal notice, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. 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.
Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; EPA Worker Protection Standards for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), ``EPA Worker Protection Standards for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 1426.11, OMB Control No. 2050-0105) 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.). This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through December 31, 2015. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register 80 FR 60144 on October 5, 2015 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. 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.
Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Water Quality Standards Regulation (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), ``Water Quality Standards Regulation (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 0988.12, OMB Control No. 2040-0049) 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.). This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through December 31, 2015. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register (80 FR 37616 on July 1, 2015), during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below. 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.
Air Plan Approval; NH; Infrastructure State Implementation Plan Requirements for Ozone, Lead, and Nitrogen Dioxide
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving elements of State Implementation Plan (SIP) submissions from New Hampshire regarding the infrastructure requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) for the 2008 lead, 2008 ozone, and 2010 nitrogen dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). EPA is also converting conditional approvals for several infrastructure requirements for the 1997 and 2006 fine particle (PM2.5) NAAQS to full approval under the CAA. Furthermore, we are updating the classification for one of New Hampshire's air quality control regions for ozone based on recent air quality monitoring data collected by the state, and are granting the state's request for an exemption from the infrastructure SIP contingency plan obligation for ozone. Last, we are conditionally approving certain elements of New Hampshire's submittal relating to prevention of significant deterioration requirements. 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.
Air Plan Approval; Minnesota and Michigan; Revision to Taconite Federal Implementation Plan
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reopening the public comment period for a proposed rule published October 22, 2015. On November 23, 2015, EPA received a request from the National Tribal Air Association to extend the public comment period an additional 120 days from the closing date of November 23, 2015 and from the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa for an unspecified period of time. EPA is, therefore, reopening the comment period for an additional 30 days after November 23, 2015.
Extension of Pesticide Residue Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions (Multiple Chemicals)
This regulation extends existing time-limited tolerances for residues of the pesticides bifenthrin in or on apple, peach and nectarine; dinotefuran in or on pome fruit and stone fruit; imidacloprid in or on sugarcane, cane and sugarcane molasses; and streptomycin in or on grapefruit and grapefruit, dried pulp. These actions are in response to EPA's granting of emergency exemptions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) authorizing use of these pesticides. In addition, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) requires EPA to establish a time-limited tolerance or exemption from the requirement for a tolerance for pesticide chemical residues in food that will result from the use of a pesticide under an emergency exemption granted by EPA.
Choline Chloride; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of the Choline Chloride (Acetyl Choline) in or on all food commodities when applied/used pre-harvest and used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. CP Bio, Inc., submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Choline Chloride.
Bacillus Amyloliquefaciens MBI600 (Antecedent Bacillus Subtilis MBI600); Amendment to an Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
This regulation amends the existing exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of the microbial pesticide Bacillus subtilis strain MBI600 to change the name to Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain MBI600 (antecedent Bacillus subtilis strain MBI600) in or on all food commodities, including residues resulting from post-harvest uses, when applied or used in accordance with good agricultural practices. BASF Corporation submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an amendment to the existing exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain MBI600.
Certain New Chemicals; Receipt and Status Information for October 2015
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 October 1, 2015 to October 30, 2015.
Notification of Two Teleconferences and a Face-to-Face Meeting of the Science Advisory Board Economy-Wide Modeling Panel
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) Science Advisory Board (SAB) Staff Office announces two public teleconferences of the SAB Economy-Wide Modeling Panel. The SAB Staff Office also announces a public face-to-face meeting of the SAB Economy-Wide Modeling Panel.
Allocations of Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Allowances From New Unit Set-Asides for 2015 Control Periods
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing notice of the availability of preliminary lists of units eligible for allocations of emission allowances 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 previously completed the first round of NUSA allowance allocations for the 2015 control periods for all four CSAPR trading programs, as well as the second round of allocations for the CSAPR NOX Ozone Season Trading Program, and is now making available preliminary lists of units eligible for allocations in the second round of the NUSA allocation process for the CSAPR NOX Annual, SO2 Group 1, and SO2 Group 2 Trading Programs. EPA has posted spreadsheets containing the preliminary lists on EPA's Web site. EPA will consider timely objections to the lists of eligible units contained in the spreadsheets and will promulgate a notice responding to any such objections no later than February 15, 2016, the deadline for recording the second-round allocations of CSAPR NOX Annual, SO2 Group 1, and SO2 Group 2 allowances in sources' compliance accounts. This notice of availability may concern CSAPR-affected units in the following states: Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Washington: Interstate Transport of Ozone
The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires each State Implementation Plan (SIP) to contain adequate provisions prohibiting emissions that will have certain adverse air quality effects in other states. On May 11, 2015, the State of Washington made a submittal to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address these requirements. The EPA is approving the submittal as meeting the requirement that each SIP contain adequate provisions to prohibit emissions that will contribute significantly to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the 2008 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) in any other state.
Name Change From the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) to the Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) is issuing this final rule to change the name of the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) to the Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM). This action is being taken to more accurately reflect the nature of the work that this office does to protect human health and the environment. In addition, technical corrections are made to more accurately state the laws implemented previously by OSWER (now OLEM), and to reflect prior organizational changes.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; El Paso Particulate Matter Contingency Measures
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving under the Federal Clean Air Act (the Act) State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of Texas. These revisions pertain to contingency measures for particulate matter in the City of El Paso. The affected contingency measures are the paving of alleys and sweeping of streets.
Naphthalene Acetates; Pesticide Tolerances
This regulation establishes a tolerance for residues of the naphthalene acetate group in or on pomegranate. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4) requested the tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
Official Release of EMFAC2014 Motor Vehicle Emission Factor Model for Use in the State of California
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving and announcing the availability of the latest version of the California EMFAC (short for EMission FACtor) model for use in state implementation plan (SIP) development and transportation conformity in California. EMFAC2014 is the latest update to the EMFAC model for use by California state and local governments to meet Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements. The new model, which is based on new and improved data, calculates air pollution emissions factors for passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, motor homes and buses. Today's notice also sets the date after which EMFAC2014, rather than EMFAC2011, must be used to satisfy the requirement that conformity determinations be based on the latest emissions model available. This requirement can be met by using the most current version of the motor vehicle emissions model approved by the EPA. Since the EMFAC model is used only in California, the EPA's approval and the announcement of the availability of the model does not affect the applicability of the Motor Vehicle Emissions Simulator (MOVES) model for users in other states.
Nondiscrimination in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to amend its regulations with regard to compliance information, post-award compliance reviews, and complaint investigations. This proposed rule will improve the EPA's ability to ensure that recipients of federal financial assistance comply with their affirmative obligation under the Civil Rights Act of 1965 and other nondiscrimination statutes not to discriminate, while also ensuring that the EPA has sufficient flexibility and discretion to carry out its nondiscrimination compliance work.
Polyamide Ester Polymers; Tolerance Exemption
This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of several polyamide ester polymers as listed in this final rule. Spring Trading Co. on behalf of Croda, Inc. submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of the listed chemicals on food or feed commodities.
Renewable Fuel Standard Program: Standards for 2014, 2015, and 2016 and Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2017
Under section 211 of the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to set renewable fuel percentage standards every year. This action establishes the annual percentage standards for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel that apply to all motor vehicle gasoline and diesel produced or imported in the years 2014, 2015, and 2016. The EPA is establishing a cellulosic biofuel volume for all three years that is below the applicable volume specified in the Act, and is also rescinding the cellulosic biofuel standard for 2011. Relying on statutory waiver authorities, the EPA is adjusting the applicable volumes of advanced biofuel and total renewable fuel for all three years. The 2016 standards are expected to spur further progress in overcoming current constraints in renewable fuel distribution infrastructure, which in turn is expected to lead to substantial growth over time in the production and use of renewable fuels. In this action, we are also establishing the applicable volume of biomass-based diesel for 2017. Finally, we are setting the compliance and attest reporting deadlines for the years 2013, 2014, and 2015, as well as finalizing regulatory amendments to clarify the scope of the existing algal biofuel pathway.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maryland; Maryland's Negative Declaration for the Automobile and Light-Duty Truck Assembly Coatings Control Techniques Guidelines
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Maryland. This revision pertains to a negative declaration for the Automobile and Light-Duty Truck Assembly Coatings Control Techniques Guidelines (CTG). EPA is approving this revision in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA).
California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; Small Off-Road Engines Regulations; Tier 4 Off-Road Compression-Ignition Regulations; Exhaust Emission Certification Test Fuel for Off-Road Spark-Ignition Engines, Equipment, and Vehicles Regulations; Notice of Decision
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is confirming that the California Air Resources Board's (CARB's) 2011 amendments to its Small Off-Road Engines (SORE) regulations (2011 SORE amendments), Tier 4 Off-Road Compression-Ignition (CI) regulations (2011 Tier 4 amendments), and Exhaust Emission Certification Test Fuel for Off-Road Spark-Ignition (SI) Engines, Equipment, and Vehicles regulations (2011 Certification Test Fuel amendments) are within the scope of previous EPA authorizations. The 2011 SORE amendments modify California's existing SORE test procedures by aligning California procedures to be consistent with recent amendments by EPA to the federal certification and exhaust emission testing requirements. The 2011 Tier 4 amendments enhance the harmonization of CARB's exhaust emission requirements for new off-road CI engines with the corresponding federal emissions requirements for nonroad CI engines. The 2011 Certification Test Fuel amendments modify the certification test fuel requirements for off-road spark ignition, gasoline-fueled engines to allow the use of 10-percent ethanol-blend gasoline (E10) as a certification fuel. This decision is issued under the authority of the Clean Air Act (``CAA'' or ``Act'').
Request for Nominations to the National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites nominations to fill vacancies on its National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT). The Agency seeks nominees from a diverse range of qualified candidates representing the following sectors: Academia; state, local, and tribal governments; business and industry; and, non-governmental organizations. Potential vacancies are anticipated to be filled in April, 2016. Sources in addition to this Federal Register notice may be utilized in the solicitation of nominees.
Approval and Promulgation of State Plans for Designated Facilities; Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve the State plan submitted by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to implement and enforce the Emission Guidelines (EG) for existing sewage sludge incineration (SSI) units. Puerto Rico's plan is consistent with the EG promulgated by the EPA on March 21, 2011. Puerto Rico's plan establishes emission limits and other requirements for the purpose of reducing toxic air emissions and other air pollutants from existing SSI units throughout the Commonwealth. At the request of Puerto Rico, the EPA is proposing not to take action on a provision of its SSI plan allowing for affirmative defenses of Clean Air Act violations in the case of malfunctions. Puerto Rico submitted its plan to fulfill the requirements of sections 111(d) and 129 of the Clean Air Act.
Air Plan Approval; Minnesota; Transportation Conformity Procedures
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision for carbon monoxide (CO), submitted by the State of Minnesota on July 16, 2015. The purpose of this revision is to establish transportation conformity criteria and procedures related to interagency consultation, and enforceability of certain transportation related control and mitigation measures.
Air Plan Approval; Minnesota; Transportation Conformity Procedures
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a revision submitted by the State of Minnesota on July 16, 2015. The purpose of this revision is to establish transportation conformity criteria and procedures related to interagency consultation, and enforceability of certain transportation related control and mitigation measures.
Air Plan Approval and Air Quality Designation; SC; Redesignation of the Charlotte-Rock Hill, 2008 8-Hour Ozone Nonattainment Area to Attainment
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking three separate final actions related to a state implementation plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of South Carolina, through the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), on April 17, 2015. These final actions are for the York County, South Carolina portion of the bi-state Charlotte-Rock Hill, North Carolina- South Carolina 2008 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) nonattainment area (the entire area is hereinafter referred to as the ``bi-State Charlotte Area'' or ``Area'' and the South Carolina portion is hereinafter referred to as the ``York County Area''). In these three final actions, EPA determines that the bi-state Charlotte Area is continuing to attain the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS; approves and incorporates South Carolina's plan for maintaining attainment of the 2008 8-hour ozone standard in the York County Area, including the 2014 and 2026 motor vehicle emission budgets (MVEBs) for nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) for the York County Area, into the SIP; and redesignates the York County Area to attainment for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. Additionally, EPA finds the 2014 and 2026 MVEBs for the York County Area adequate for the purposes of transportation conformity.
Revisions to the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 4) for Public Water Systems and Announcement of a Public Meeting
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) rule that requires public water systems to collect occurrence data for contaminants that may be present in tap water but are not yet subject to EPA's drinking water standards set under SDWA. This rule, revised every five years as required by SDWA, benefits public health by providing EPA and other interested parties with scientifically valid data on the national occurrence of selected contaminants in drinking water, such as cyanotoxins associated with harmful algal blooms. This data set is one of the primary sources of information on occurrence, levels of exposure and population exposure the Agency uses to develop regulatory decisions for emerging contaminants in the public drinking water supply. This proposal identifies eleven analytical methods to support water system monitoring for a total of 30 chemical contaminants/groups, consisting of ten cyanotoxins/groups; two metals; eight pesticides plus one pesticide manufacturing byproduct (hereinafter collectively referred to as ``pesticides''); three brominated haloacetic acid groups of disinfection byproducts; three alcohols; and three semivolatile organic chemicals. EPA is also announcing a public webinar to discuss this proposal of the fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule.
Wisconsin; Disapproval of Infrastructure SIP With Respect to Oxides of Nitrogen as a Precursor to Ozone Provisions for the 2006 PM2.5
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is narrowly disapproving elements of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) submission from Wisconsin regarding the infrastructure requirements of section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the 2006 fine particulate matter (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). 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. This action pertains specifically to certain infrastructure requirements that may be satisfied if a state has a fully approved prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) permitting program that incorporates all required program requirements, including the requirement to correctly address oxides of nitrogen (NOx) as a precursor to ozone.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.
