§ 281.52 - Revision of approved state programs.

(a) Either EPA or the approved state may initiate program revision. Program revision may be necessary when the controlling federal or state statutory or regulatory authority is changed or when responsibility for the state program is shifted to a new agency or agencies. The state must inform EPA of any proposed modifications to its basic statutory or regulatory authority or change in division of responsibility among state agencies. EPA will determine in each case whether a revision of the approved program is required.

(b) Whenever the Administrator has reason to believe that circumstances have changed with respect to an approved state program or the federal program, the Administrator may request, and the state must provide, a revised application as prescribed by EPA.

(c) The Administrator will approve or disapprove program revisions based on the requirements of this part and of subtitle I pursuant to the procedures under this section, or under section 281.50 if EPA has reason to believe the proposed revision will receive significant negative comment from the public.

(1) The Administrator must issue public notice of planned approval or disapproval of a state program revision in the Federal Register; in enough of the largest newspapers in the state to attract statewide attention; and by mailing to persons on the state agency mailing list and to any other persons who the agency has reason to believe are interested. The public notice must summarize the state program revision, indicate whether EPA intends to approve or disapprove the revision, and provide for an opportunity to comment for a period of 30 days.

(2) The Administrator's decision on the proposed revision becomes effective 60 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this section, unless significant negative comment opposing the proposed revision is received during the comment period. If significant negative comment is received, EPA must notify the state and within 60 days after the date of publication, publish in the Federal Register either:

(i) A withdrawal of the immediate final decision, which will then be treated as a tentative decision in accordance with the applicable procedures of §281.50 (e) and (f); or

(ii) A notice that contains a response to significant negative comments and affirms either that the immediate final decision takes effect or reverses the decision.

(d) Revised state programs that receive approval must be codified in the Federal Register.