Environmental Protection Agency 2024 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Preliminary Lists Identifying Manufacturers Subject to Fee Obligations for Five Chemical Substances Undergoing EPA-Initiated Risk Evaluations Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Notice of Availability and Request for Comment
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is announcing the availability of and soliciting comment on the preliminary lists of manufacturers (including importers) of five chemical substances that have been designated as High-Priority Substances for risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and for which fees will be charged. As required by TSCA, EPA established fees to defray a portion of the costs associated with administering certain provisions of TSCA. The comment period provides an opportunity for the public to provide comments, self-identify, or correct errors on the preliminary lists. In addition, manufacturers (including importers) are required to self-identify as a manufacturer (or importer) of one or more the five identified High-Priority Substances irrespective of whether they are included on the preliminary lists, and may use this period to do so. Where appropriate, entities may also avoid or reduce fee obligations by making certain certifications consistent with the TSCA Fees Rule. EPA expects to publish final lists of manufacturers (including importers) subject to fees no later than concurrently with the publication of the final scope documents for risk evaluations of these five High-Priority Substances. Manufacturers (including importers) identified on the final lists will be subject to the applicable fees.
Air Plan Revisions; California; Feather River Air Quality Management District
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action to approve a revision to the Feather River Air Quality Management District (FRAQMD) portion of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). This revision concerns a rule submitted to address section 185 of the Clean Air Act (CAA or "Act").
Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs Under the Clean Air Act; Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention; Final Action on Petition for Reconsideration
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) received a petition for reconsideration of the final revisions to the Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs Under the Clean Air Act; Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention, published in the Federal Register on March 11, 2024. The agency is providing notice that it is denying the petition for reconsideration. The basis for EPA's action is set out fully in a letter addressed to the petitioner, available in the rulemaking docket.
Air Plan Approval; Ohio; Title V Operating Permit Rules Revisions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving revisions to Ohio EPA's title V rules. These revisions include revisions to the definition of hazardous air pollutants and requirements for a permit statement of basis that are consistent with recent Federal rulemaking actions. Other changes are insignificant and part of the state's five-year review of adopted regulations.
Air Plan Approval; Ohio; Nitrogen Oxide Standards Rules
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve revisions to the Ohio State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) on November 4, 2024. Ohio EPA requested that EPA approve the revised rules for nitrogen oxide standards in the Ohio Administrative Code into Ohio's SIP. The revised rules include non- substantive updates to rule language and updates to referenced material. The revisions will assist with Ohio's efforts to attain and maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for nitrogen dioxide.
Air Plan Approval; Ohio; Nitrogen Oxide Standards Rules
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving revisions to the Ohio State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) on November 4, 2024. Ohio EPA requested that EPA approve the revised rules for nitrogen oxide standards in the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) into Ohio's SIP. The revised rules include non-substantive updates to rule language and updates to referenced material. The revisions will assist with Ohio's efforts to attain and maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
Federal Implementation Plan for Nonattainment New Source Review Program; Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District, California
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing a Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) under the Clean Air Act (CAA) that consists of Nonattainment New Source Review (NNSR) rules for areas within the jurisdiction of the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD or "District") in which air pollutant concentrations are above specific National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The NNSR rules will apply to construction of new major stationary sources and major modifications at existing major stationary sources of air pollution. The FIP will be implemented by the EPA, unless and until it is replaced by an EPA-approved state implementation plan (SIP). In this action, the EPA is also responding to a September 5, 2024 decision of the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which remanded the EPA's disapproval of a MDAQMD rule provision related to the calculation and generation of emissions offsets. This response again disapproves MDAQMD Rule 1304(C)(2)(d) and provides additional information to support that decision.
Air Plan Approval; Illinois; Alton Township 2010 Sulfur Dioxide Redesignation and Maintenance Plan
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving Illinois' request to redesignate the Alton Township nonattainment area in Madison County, Illinois to attainment for the 2010 sulfur dioxide (SO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). EPA is also approving Illinois' maintenance plan for the area. Illinois submitted the request for approval on October 2, 2023. Additionally, EPA is taking final action to determine that the Alton Township area attained the 2010 SO2 NAAQS by the September 12, 2021, attainment date, fulfilling EPA's obligation under the Clean Air Act (CAA) section 179(c) to determine whether the area attained the relevant NAAQS standard. EPA proposed to approve this action on October 8, 2024, and received no comments.December 30, 2024
Air Plan Disapproval; Louisiana; Removal of Excess Emissions Provisions; Correction
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is determining that a portion of a December 7, 2023, final disapproval action of a state implementation plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Louisiana was in error and making a correction pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Air Plan Approval; Ohio; Title V Operating Permit Rules Revisions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve revisions to Ohio EPA's title V rules. These revisions include revisions to the definition of hazardous air pollutants and requirements for a permit statement of basis that are consistent with recent Federal rulemaking actions. Other changes are insignificant and part of the state's statutory five-year review of adopted regulations.
Air Plan Conditional Approval; California; Bay Area Air Quality Management District; Extension of Comment Period
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the comment period for a proposed rule published November 29, 2024, and corrected on December 11, 2024. The corrected comment period end date for the proposed rule was December 30, 2024. In response to commenter request, the EPA is now extending the comment period for the proposed rule to January 29, 2025.
Air Plan Approval; California; Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District; Oxides of Nitrogen
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a revision to the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) portion of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). This revision concerns emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOX) from industrial, institutional, and commercial boilers, steam generators, and process heaters. We are proposing to approve a local rule to regulate these emission sources under the Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act). We are taking comments on this proposal and plan to follow with a final action.
Determination To Defer Sanctions; California; Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making an interim final determination that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has submitted a rule and other materials on behalf of the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) that corrects deficiencies in its Clean Air Act (CAA or "Act") State Implementation Plan (SIP) concerning reasonably available control technology (RACT) ozone nonattainment requirements for controlling emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOX) from industrial, institutional, and commercial boilers, steam generators, and process heaters. This determination is based on a proposed approval, published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register, of MDAQMD Rule 1157, which regulates this source category. The effect of this interim final determination is that the imposition of sanctions that were triggered by a previous limited disapproval by the EPA in 2023 is now deferred. If the EPA finalizes its approval of MDAQMD's submission, relief from these sanctions will become permanent.
Determination of Attainment by the Attainment Date; Michigan; St. Clair 2010 Sulfur Dioxide Nonattainment Area
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making a final determination that the St. Clair, MI sulfur dioxide (SO2) nonattainment area attained the 2010 SO2 national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) by the date of September 12, 2021, addressing EPA's obligation under the Clean Air Act (CAA) to determine whether the area attained the 2010 SO2 NAAQS attainment date. EPA proposed this action on September 26, 2024, and received no comments.
Approval of Source-Specific Air Quality Implementation Plan; New York; Lehigh Cement Company LLC
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a revision to the State of New York's State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) related to a Source-specific SIP (SSSIP) revision for Lehigh Cement Company LLC, located at 313 Warren Street, Glens Falls, New York (the Facility). The EPA is proposing to find that the control options in this SSSIP revision implement Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) with respect to nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions from the relevant Facility source, which is identified as one Portland cement kiln (the Kiln). This SSSIP revision is intended to implement NOX RACT for the relevant Facility source in accordance with the requirements for implementation of the 2008 and 2015 ozone NAAQS. This proposed action will not interfere with ozone NAAQS requirements and meets all applicable requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maryland; Nitrogen Oxides Ozone Season Emissions Caps for Non-Trading Large Nitrogen Oxides Units; Amendments
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a State implementation plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Maryland. This revision (Maryland Submittal #24-01) pertains to the re-allocation of nitrogen oxides (NOX) ozone season emission caps for large non-electric generating units (non-EGUs, affected units). The amendment also updates a cross reference to the Cross State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). This action is being taken under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking (TCGM) Program: Applications for Subawards, Public Outreach Information Collections, and Post-Award Reporting (New)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking (TCGM) Program: Applications for Subawards, Public Outreach Information Collections, and Post-Award Reporting (EPA ICR Number 2795.01, OMB Control Number 2035-NEW) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This is a request for approval of a new collection. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on January 8, 2024 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Consolidated Air Rule for the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), Consolidated Air Rule for the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (EPA ICR Number 1854.14, OMB Control Number 2060-0443) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through December 31, 2024. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on May 18, 2023 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments.
Draft National Recommended Ambient Water Quality Criteria for the Protection of Human Health for Perfluorooctanoic Acid, Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid, and Perfluorobutane Sulfonic Acid
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of draft Clean Water Act (CWA) national recommended ambient water quality criteria (AWQC) for the protection of human health for three per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS)for a 60-day public comment period. The EPA has developed these draft PFAS national recommended human health criteria (HHC) to reflect the latest scientific information, consistent with current EPA guidance, methods, and longstanding practice. When PFAS national recommended HHC are finalized, they will provide information that States and Tribes may consider when adopting water quality standards.
Pesticides; Spanish Translation Guide for Pesticide Labeling; Notice of Availability
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is announcing the availability of an updated guide for pesticide registrants to translate parts of their pesticide product labels into Spanish. The Spanish Translation Guide for Pesticide Labeling (STGPL) is written based on a universal form of Spanish to reach as many Spanish speakers as possible and provide example translations for language typically used in the health and safety sections of pesticide product labels.
Access to Confidential Business Information by General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) and its Subcontractors
EPA has authorized its contractor General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) of Falls Church, VA, and its subcontractors to access information which has been submitted to EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Some of the information may be claimed or determined to be Confidential Business Information (CBI).
DQB Males (Wolbachia Pipientis, DQB Strain, Contained in Live Adult Culex Quinquefasciatus Males); Receipt of Application for Emergency Exemption, Solicitation of Public Comment
EPA has received a second renewal request for a specific exemption from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture for use of the pesticide DQB Males (Wolbachia pipientis, DQB strain, contained in live adult Culex quinquefasciatus males), to treat up to 20,000 acres of State, Federal, and private wildlife conservation areas throughout the State of Hawaii and to control Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes, a vector of avian malaria. The applicant proposes a new use of a microbial pesticide which has not been registered by EPA. Therefore, in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations, EPA is soliciting public comment before making the decision whether to grant the exemption.
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 Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice v. U.S. EPA, et al., No. 3:24-cv-05042-EMC. On August 12, 2024, Plaintiff Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California San Francisco Division, alleging that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) failed to perform certain non-discretionary duties in accordance with the Act to take final action on a state implementation plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of California. EPA is providing notice of this proposed consent decree, which would resolve all claims in the case by establishing a deadline for EPA to take final action as specified in the decree.
Meeting of the Local Government Advisory Committee
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the EPA hereby provides notice of a meeting of 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 the registration information under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Proposed CERCLA Cost Recovery Settlement for the A.I.W. Frank/Mid-County Mustang Site, Exton, Chester County, Pennsylvania
In accordance with section 122(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), notice is hereby given by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 3, of a proposed cost recovery settlement agreement (Settlement) pursuant to CERCLA with U.S. Home, LLC, d/b/a Lennar, and B&J Excavating, Inc. (Settling Parties) relating to the A.I.W. Frank/Mid-County Mustang Superfund Site (Site), located in Exton, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Air Plan Approval; Air Plan Disapproval; Delaware; Removal of Excess Emissions Provisions; Final Correction
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is determining that a portion of an October 23, 2023, final disapproval action of a State implementation plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Delaware was in error and making a correction pursuant to section 110(k)(6) of the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Utah: Final Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Management Program Revisions and Incorporation by Reference
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to grant authorization to the State of Utah for the changes to its hazardous waste program under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended, commonly referred to as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The EPA has determined that these changes satisfy all requirements needed to qualify for final authorization, and is authorizing the State's changes through a direct final action, which can be found in the "Rules and Regulations" section of this Federal Register. In addition, the EPA is proposing to codify in the regulations entitled "Approved State Hazardous Waste Management Programs," Utah's authorized hazardous waste program. The EPA will incorporate by reference into the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) those provisions of the State regulations that are authorized and that the EPA will enforce under RCRA.
Utah: Final Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Management Program Revisions and Incorporation by Reference
The State of Utah Department of Environmental Quality has applied to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for final authorization of the changes to its hazardous waste program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The EPA has determined that these changes satisfy all requirements needed to qualify for final authorization and is authorizing the State's changes through this direct final action. The EPA uses the regulations entitled, "Approved State Hazardous Waste Management Programs" to provide notice of the authorization status of State programs and to incorporate by reference those provisions of State statutes and regulations that will be subject to the EPA's inspection and enforcement. This rule also codifies in the regulations the approval of Utah's hazardous waste management program and incorporates by reference authorized provisions of the State's regulations.
Air Plan Disapproval; Texas; Attainment Demonstrations for the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Nonattainment Areas
Pursuant to the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to disapprove revisions to the Texas State Implementation Plan (SIP). The revisions were submitted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ or State) on July 10, 2015, August 5, 2016, December 29, 2016, and May 13, 2020, and address certain CAA requirements for the Dallas- Fort Worth (DFW) and Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) nonattainment areas for the 2008 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS or standard). Specifically, the EPA is proposing to disapprove the attainment demonstrations and the associated reasonably available control measures (RACM) analyses and motor vehicle emission budgets (budgets) in the submitted revisions.
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants; Delegation of Authority to Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) has submitted updated regulations for receiving delegation and approval of its program for the implementation and enforcement of certain National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for all sources as provided for under previously approved delegation mechanisms. The updated State regulations incorporate by reference certain NESHAP promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as they existed through June 30, 2022. The EPA is proposing to approve ODEQ's requested delegation update. The proposed delegation of authority under this action applies to sources located in certain areas of Indian country as discussed herein.
Regional Haze Third Implementation Period; Extension of the State Implementation Plan Due Date
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing revisions to the Regional Haze Rule under the Clean Air Act (CAA) to change the due date for the next round of State Implementation Plans (SIPs) for the third implementation period. Under the Regional Haze Rule, States must submit plans to protect visibility in mandatory Class I Federal areas (Class I areas) to continue reasonable progress towards natural visibility.
Air Plan Approval; Delaware; 2022 Amendments to Delaware's Ambient Air Quality Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a state implementation plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Delaware. This SIP revision consists of Delaware's amendments to its ambient air quality standards for ground level ozone, amendments to citations to the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) dates for the EPA sampling and analytical procedures and techniques for all ambient air quality standards in Delaware's regulations, and Delaware's amendment removing the sulfur dioxide (SO2) 24-hour and annual primary standards that have been revoked by EPA. This action is being taken under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Lead Wheel Weights; Petition for Rulemaking Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Decision Not To Proceed With a Rulemaking
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) has decided not to proceed with the development of a regulation addressing the manufacture, processing, or distribution in commerce of lead for wheel-balancing weights ("lead wheel weights") under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This action relates to a citizen petition filed with the Agency in 2009 ("2009 petition"). The 2009 petition, which EPA granted, asked EPA to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to regulate the manufacturing, processing, or distribution in commerce of lead wheel weights. In 2023, the same parties filed a petition for a writ of mandamus ("mandamus petition") that sought to compel EPA to initiate the rulemaking proceeding requested in the 2009 petition. After reviewing the information submitted in response to an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) issued in April 2024 and EPA's technical analysis thereof, EPA has decided not to proceed with the development of a proposed rule. Addressing potential remaining exposures from lead continues to be a high priority for EPA, as reflected in EPA's announcement that "Lead and Lead Compounds" is on its list of candidate chemical substances currently being considered for future prioritization actions under TSCA.
Notice of Approval for Other Use of Phosphogypsum
The Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA or the Agency) has approved, subject to certain conditions, the request for a "Small- scale Road Pilot Project on Private Land in Florida" submitted by Mosaic Fertilizer, LLC in March 2022, and updated by the "Revised Request for Approval of Use of Phosphogypsum in Small-scale Pilot Project", submitted in August 2023. The Agency's review found that Mosaic's request is complete per the requirements of EPA's National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants under the Clean Air Act, and that the potential radiological risks from conducting the pilot project meet the regulatory requirement that the project is at least as protective of public health as maintaining the phosphogypsum in a stack. On October 9, 2024, the EPA issued a pending approval of the request and solicited public comments on the pending approval. While EPA received comments raising questions about the project, no comments were received which led EPA to change the results of its risk analyses for this proposed pilot project. This approval is only for the proposed pilot project, and EPA has placed conditions on the approval to make sure that the project remains within the scope of the application.
Air Plan Disapproval; Texas; Control of Air Pollution From Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter
Pursuant to the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA, the Act), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is disapproving a revision to the Texas State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the State of Texas through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) on August 20, 2020 (2020 SIP revision). The 2020 SIP revision addresses emissions during planned Maintenance, Startup and Shutdown (MSS) activities for certain Electric Generating Units (EGUs) and includes requirements intended to address visible emissions (opacity) and Particulate Matter (PM) emissions during planned MSS activities. The requirements are included in eight Agreed Orders (AOs) issued by TCEQ to the affected EGUs and provided in the 2020 SIP revision. EPA determined that the requirements contained in these AOs do not meet the CAA enforceability requirements or the CAA requirement that emission limitations must apply on a continuous basis. We are taking this action in accordance with section 110 of the Act.
Air Plan Approval; Georgia; Update to Materials Incorporated by Reference
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is updating the materials that are incorporated by reference (IBR) into the Georgia State Implementation Plan (SIP). The regulations affected by this update have been previously submitted by Georgia and approved by EPA. In this notice, EPA is also notifying the public of corrections to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) tables that identify material incorporated by reference into the Georgia SIP. This update affects the materials that are available for public inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the EPA Regional Office.
Release of Volumes 1 and 2 of the Integrated Review Plan for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone and Related Photochemical Oxidants
On or about December 20, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making available to the public Volumes 1 and 2 of the Integrated Review Plan for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone and Related Photochemical Oxidants (IRP). The national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) from photochemical oxidants are set to protect public health and public welfare from these pollutants in ambient air. Volume 1 of the IRP contains contextual background material for the current review of the air quality criteria and the NAAQS. Volume 2 identifies policy-relevant issues in the review and describes key considerations in the EPA's development of the Integrated Science Assessment (ISA). The ISA provides the scientific basis for the EPA's decisions, in conjunction with additional technical and policy assessments, for the review of the NAAQS, as described in sections 108 and 109 of the Clean Air Act.
Air Plan Disapproval; Texas; Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Area Section 185 Fee Program; Cessation of Program
Pursuant to the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to disapprove revisions to the Texas State Implementation Plan (SIP). The revisions were submitted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ or State) on November 27, 2018, to address CAA requirements for the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area relevant to the 1979 1-hour ozone national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS or standard). The EPA approved most portions of this submission on February 14, 2020. In this current action, we are proposing to disapprove the remaining portions not addressed in the February 14, 2020 action. This submission, titled "Severe Ozone Nonattainment Area Failure to Attain Fee," addresses the CAA section 185 requirement for fee collection programs, which applies to ozone nonattainment areas classified as Severe or Extreme that fail to attain by the required attainment date.
Reconsideration of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter; Correction
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is correcting a final rule published in the Federal Register on March 6, 2024, that became effective on May 6, 2024. The final rule revised the primary annual PM2.5 standard by lowering the level from 12.0 [micro]g/m\3\ to 9.0 [micro]g/m\3\, retained the current primary 24- hour PM2.5 standard and the primary 24-hour PM10 standard, retained the secondary 24-hour PM2.5 standard, secondary annual PM2.5 standard, and secondary 24-hour PM10 standard, and finalized revisions to the Air Quality Index (AQI) and monitoring requirements for the national ambient air quality standards for particulate matter (PM NAAQS). After publication, the EPA became aware of an error in the preamble text regarding the due date for infrastructure State implementation plan (infrastructure SIP) submissions for the 2024 p.m. NAAQS. With this action, the EPA is clarifying the due date for infrastructure SIP submissions for the 2024 p.m. NAAQS. The EPA is also correcting inadvertent errors in the PM2.5 monitoring regulatory text. These corrections do not include any substantive changes to the final rule.
Finding of Failure To Attain and Reclassification of Las Vegas Area as Serious for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is determining that the Las Vegas, Nevada area failed to attain the 2015 ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS or "standards") by the applicable attainment date. The effect of failing to attain by the applicable attainment date is that the area will be reclassified by operation of law from "Moderate" to "Serious" nonattainment for the 2015 ozone NAAQS on January 21, 2025, the effective date of this final rule. This action fulfills the EPA's obligation under the Clean Air Act (CAA) to determine whether the Las Vegas, Nevada ozone nonattainment area attained the NAAQS by the attainment date and to publish a document in the Federal Register identifying the area as having failed to attain and identifying the reclassification.
Alternative Methods for Calculating Off-Cycle Credits Under the Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Application From Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting comment on an application from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation ("MMC") 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 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" CO2 credits. Under the regulations, a manufacturer may apply for CO2 credits for off-cycle 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. MMC submitted their application describing a methodology for determining off-cycle credits from the technology described in their application. Pursuant to applicable regulations, EPA is making this off-cycle credit calculation methodology available for public comment.
Partial Approval and Partial Disapproval of Air Quality Implementation Plans; California; Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to partially approve and partially disapprove the regional haze state implementation plan (SIP) revision submitted by California on August 9, 2022 (hereinafter the "2022 California Regional Haze Plan" or "the Plan"), under the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the EPA's Regional Haze Rule for the program's second implementation period. California's SIP submission addresses the requirement that states must periodically revise their long-term strategies for making reasonable progress towards the national goal of preventing any future, and remedying any existing, anthropogenic impairment of visibility, including regional haze, in mandatory Class I Federal areas. The SIP submission also addresses other applicable requirements for the second implementation period of the regional haze program. The EPA is taking this action pursuant to CAA sections 110 and 169A.
Finding of Failure To Attain by the Attainment Date for the 2010 1-Hour Primary Sulfur Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standard; Guam; Piti-Cabras Nonattainment Area
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is determining that the Piti-Cabras, Guam, sulfur dioxide (SO2) nonattainment area (NAA) failed to attain the 2010 1-hour SO2 primary national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS, "standard," or "2010 SO2 NAAQS") by the applicable statutory attainment date of April 9, 2023. This determination is based on an analysis of available modeling, emissions data, and information concerning control strategy implementation. This action addresses the EPA's obligation under Clean Air Act (CAA) section 179(c) to determine whether the Piti-Cabras SO2 NAA ("Piti-Cabras area") attained the 2010 SO2 NAAQS by the April 9, 2023 attainment date.
Air Plan Revisions; California; California Mobile Source Regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve all or portions of two submissions by the State of California ("State") to revise its State Implementation Plan (SIP). The submissions consist of State regulations establishing standards and other requirements relating to the control of emissions from certain new on-road vehicles and engines. The EPA is proposing to approve the SIP revision because the regulations meet the applicable requirements of the Clean Air Act. If finalized, approval of the regulations as part of the California SIP will make them Federally enforceable.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for Portland Cement Plants (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), NSPS for Portland Cement Plants (EPA ICR Number 1051.16, OMB Control Number 2060-0025), to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through December 31, 2024. Public comments were previously requested, via the Federal Register on May 18, 2023, during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments.
Perchloroethylene (PCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is finalizing a rule to address the unreasonable risk of injury to health presented by perchloroethylene (PCE) under its conditions of use. TSCA requires that EPA address by rule any unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment identified in a TSCA risk evaluation and apply requirements to the extent necessary so that the chemical no longer presents unreasonable risk. EPA's final rule will, among other things, prevent serious illness associated with uncontrolled exposures to the chemical by preventing consumer access to the chemical, restricting the industrial and commercial use of the chemical while also allowing for a reasonable transition period where the industrial and commercial use of the chemical is being prohibited, providing a time-limited exemption for a critical or essential use of PCE for which no technically and economically feasible safer alternative is available, and protecting workers from the unreasonable risk of PCE while on the job.
Certain New Chemicals; Receipt and Status Information for November 2024
EPA is required under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, to make information publicly available and to publish information in the Federal Register pertaining to submissions under TSCA Section 5, including notice of receipt of a Premanufacture notice (PMN), Significant New Use Notice (SNUN) or Microbial Commercial Activity Notice (MCAN), including an amended notice or test information; an exemption application (Biotech exemption); an application for a test marketing exemption (TME), both pending and/or concluded; a notice of commencement (NOC) of manufacture (including import) for new chemical substances; and a periodic status report on new chemical substances that are currently under EPA review or have recently concluded review. This document covers the period from 11/01/ 2024 to 11/30/2024.
Notice of Receipt of Requests to Voluntarily Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations and/or Amend Registrations To Terminate Certain Uses
In accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is issuing a notice of receipt of requests by the registrants to voluntarily cancel certain pesticide products and/or to amend certain pesticide product registrations to terminate one or more uses. EPA intends to grant these requests at the close of the comment period for this announcement unless the Agency receives substantive comments within the comment period that would merit its further review of the requests, or unless the registrants withdraw its requests. If these requests are granted, any sale, distribution, or use of products listed in this notice will be permitted after the registration has been cancelled and/or use terminated only if such sale, distribution, or use is consistent with the terms as described in the final order.
Carbon Tetrachloride (CTC); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or "Agency") is finalizing a rule to address the unreasonable risk of injury to health presented by carbon tetrachloride (CTC) under its conditions of use. TSCA requires that EPA address by rule any unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment identified in a TSCA risk evaluation and apply requirements to the extent necessary so that the chemical no longer presents unreasonable risk. EPA's final rule will establish workplace safety requirements for most conditions of use, including the condition of use related to the making of low Global Warming Potential (GWP) hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs); prohibit the manufacture (including import), processing, distribution in commerce, and industrial/ commercial use of CTC for conditions of use where information indicates use of CTC has ceased; and establish recordkeeping and downstream notification requirements. The use of CTC in low GWP HFOs is particularly important in the Agency's efforts to support the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 (AIM Act) and the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which was ratified on October 26, 2022.
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