Environmental Protection Agency October 4, 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Air Plan Approval; MO; Control of Emissions From Volatile Organic Liquid Storage
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action to approve revisions to the Missouri State Implementation Plan (SIP) related to the control of emissions from volatile organic liquid storage. These revisions do not impact the stringency of the SIP or have an adverse effect on air quality. The EPA's approval of this rule revision is being done in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Proposed Consent Decree, Clean Air Act Citizen Suit
In accordance with the Clean Air Act, as amended (CAA or the Act), notice is given of a proposed consent decree in California Communities Against Toxics, et al. v. Regan, No. 1:22-cv-3005-RC (D.D.C.). On October 5, 2022, Plaintiffs California Communities Against Toxics, Missouri Coalition for the Environment Foundation, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Sierra Club filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. On December 6, 2022, Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. Plaintiffs alleged that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) failed to undertake certain non-discretionary duties under CAA to ``review, and revise as necessary . . . no less often than every 8 years'' the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) From Secondary Lead Smelting because more than 8 years have passed since EPA completed the prior review of the NESHAP From Secondary Lead Smelting, (``the 2012 Rule''). In March 2012, Plaintiffs submitted a petition for reconsideration of the 2012 Rule. In December 2012, EPA granted Plaintiffs' request for reconsideration of the ``ample margin of safety'' analysis performed for the 2012 Rule and stated its intention to initiate a rulemaking addressing the same. Plaintiffs alleged that EPA failed to perform its obligations to reconsider the 2012 Rule and that this failure constitutes ``agency action unreasonable delayed'' under the CAA. The proposed consent decree would establish deadlines for EPA to sign a notice of final rulemaking containing all necessary revisions under the CAA and a notice of final rulemaking to address reconsideration of the ``ample margin of safety'' analysis in the 2012 Rule.
Notice of Approval Status; EPA Plan for the Federal Certification of Applicators Within Indian Country
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing its approval of the revised EPA Plan for the Federal Certification of Applicators of Restricted Use Pesticides within Indian Country (2023 EPA Plan). The 2023 EPA Plan is specific to the use of restricted use pesticides (RUPs) in Indian country. Because of limitations in Certification of Pesticide Applicators Rule (CPA Rule), RUPs may not be used legally in Indian country unless the Tribe has an EPA-approved certification plan, the Tribe has entered into an agreement with EPA, or EPA has issued a Federal certification plan for Indian country. The 2023 EPA Plan supersedes the 2014 EPA Plan and ensures applicators in Indian country have the competence needed to use RUPs. The amended plan is consistent with the existing regulatory requirements, including revisions made in 2017 to enhance and improve the competency of certified applicators of RUPs and persons working under their direct supervision. The 2017 regulatory revisions are intended to further reduce potential exposure of RUPs to certified applicators and those working under their direct supervision, other workers, the public, and the environment. Federal, State, Territory, and Tribal certifying authorities with existing certification plans were required to revise their existing plans to conform with the updated Federal standards for RUP applicator certification and receive EPA approval by the established regulatory deadline.
Air Plan Approval and Air Quality Designation; KY; Redesignation of the Northern Kentucky Portion of the Cincinnati, OH-KY 2015 8-Hour Ozone Nonattainment Area to Attainment
On September 21, 2022, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, through the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (Cabinet), Division of Air Quality (DAQ), submitted a request for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to redesignate the Northern Kentucky portion (hereinafter referred to as the ``Northern Kentucky Area'' or ``Area'') of the Cincinnati, Ohio- Kentucky, 2015 8-hour ozone nonattainment area (hereinafter referred to as the ``Cincinnati, OH-KY Area'') to attainment for the 2015 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS or standards) and to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision containing a maintenance plan for the Area. The Cabinet submitted this request and SIP revision through a letter dated September 20, 2022, and supplemented it on November 22, 2022. EPA is approving the Commonwealth's plan for maintaining attainment of the 2015 8-hour ozone standard in the Northern Kentucky Area, including the motor vehicle emission budgets (budgets) for nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for the years of 2026 and 2035 for the Area, incorporating the maintenance plan into the SIP, and redesignating the Area to attainment for the 2015 8-hour ozone NAAQS. EPA previously approved the redesignation request and maintenance plan for the Ohio portion of the Cincinnati, OH-KY Area. Additionally, EPA finds the 2026 and 2035 budgets for the Area adequate for the purpose of transportation conformity.
Cypermethrin; Pesticide Tolerances
This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of cypermethrin in or on multiple commodities that are identified and discussed later in this document. The Tea Association of the U.S.A. Inc. and the American Spice Trade Association requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
Air Plan Approval; South Carolina: New Source Review Updates
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing approval of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of South Carolina, through the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (hereinafter referred to as SC DHEC or South Carolina) via a letter dated February 3, 2022. The SIP revision updates portions of South Carolina's Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Nonattainment New Source Review (NNSR) regulations that pertain to Project Emissions Accounting (PEA) provisions. EPA is approving these changes pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) and implementing Federal regulations.
New Source Performance Standards Review for Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels (Including Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing amendments to the Standards of Performance for Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels (Including Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels) as the preliminary results of the review of the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) required by the Clean Air Act. The EPA is proposing revisions to the NSPS that are applicable to volatile organic liquid (VOL) storage vessels that commence construction, reconstruction, or modification after October 4, 2023 under a new NSPS subpart. In the new NSPS subpart, the EPA is proposing to reduce the vapor pressure applicability thresholds In addition, the EPA is proposing to revise the volatile organic compound (VOC) standards to reflect the best system of emissions reductions (BSER) for affected storage vessels. We are also proposing additional monitoring and operating requirements to ensure continuous compliance with the standard. In addition, the EPA is proposing degassing emission controls; clarification of startup, shutdown, and malfunction requirements; requirements for electronic reporting; and other technical improvements. The EPA is also proposing to amend NSPS subpart Kb to apply to VOL storage vessels that commence construction, reconstruction or modification after July 23, 1984 and on or before October 4, 2023 and to add electronic reporting requirements.
Approval of Air Quality Implementation Plans; New York; Emission Statement Program
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) for the purpose of enhancing an existing emission statement program for stationary sources in New York State. The SIP revision consists of amendments to regulations in New York's Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) applicable to the emission statements. This SIP revision was submitted by NYSDEC to satisfy the ozone nonattainment provision of the Clean Air Act (Act or CAA). These provisions establish electronic reporting requirements for annual emission statements filed by facilities subject to Title V operating permits of the Act beginning in 2022 (for calendar year 2021 emission reporting). The intended effect is to obtain improved emissions related data from facilities located in New York State, allowing NYSDEC to more effectively plan for, and attain, the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). The Emission Statement rule also improves EPA's and the public's access to facility specific emission related data.
Air Plan Approval; Colorado; Serious Attainment Plan Elements and Related Revisions for the 2008 8-Hour Ozone Standard for the Denver Metro/North Front Range Nonattainment Area
On May 9, 2023, the EPA took final action on State Implementation Plan (SIP) submissions made by the State of Colorado on March 22, 2021, related to Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements for the 2008 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for the Denver Metro/North Front Range (DMNFR) Serious nonattainment area. In that action we finalized a limited approval and limited disapproval of specific provisions intended to meet reasonably available control technology (RACT) requirements that were included in SIP submissions made by the State on May 14, 2018, May 8, 2019, May 13, 2020, March 22, 2021, May 18, 2021, and May 20, 2022. Further, we finalized a limited conditional approval and limited disapproval of additional provisions intended to address RACT requirements and that were within SIP submissions from May 31, 2017, and May 10, 2019. The EPA is now proposing to stay the limited disapproval portions of the May 9, 2023 final rule until June 1, 2024.
Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) and Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee (SCAS) Meeting
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), EPA herby provides notice of a meeting for the Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) on the date and time described below. This meeting will be open to the public. For information on public attendance and participation, please see registration details under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
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