95-2335. Clean Air Act Proposed Approval of Operating Permits Program; Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department; State of Nebraska  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 20 (Tuesday, January 31, 1995)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 5883-5887]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-2335]
    
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    40 CFR Part 70
    
    [AD-FRL-5147-7]
    
    
    Clean Air Act Proposed Approval of Operating Permits Program; 
    Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department; State of Nebraska
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Proposed rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: The EPA proposes approval of the Operating Permits Program 
    submitted by the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) 
    (Nebraska) for the purpose of complying with Federal requirements which 
    mandate that states develop, and submit to EPA, programs for issuing 
    operating permits to all major stationary sources, and to certain other 
    sources.
    DATES: Comments on this proposed action must be received in writing by 
    March 2, 1995.
    
    ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to Christopher D. Hess at the 
    Region VII address.
        Copies of the LLCHD submittal and other supporting information used 
    in developing the proposed rule are available for inspection during 
    normal business hours by contacting: Christopher D. Hess, USEPA, Region 
    VII, Air Branch, 726 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66101.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher D. Hess (913) 551-7213.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    I. Background and Purpose
    
    A. Introduction
    
        As required under title V of the Clean Air Act (``the Act'') as 
    amended (1990), EPA has promulgated rules which define the minimum 
    elements of an approvable state operating permits program and the 
    corresponding standards and procedures by which the EPA will approve, 
    oversee, and withdraw approval of state operating permits programs (see 
    57 FR 32250 (July 21, 1992)). These rules are codified at 40 Code of 
    Federal Regulations (CFR) part 70. Title V requires states to develop, 
    and submit to EPA, programs for issuing these operating permits to all 
    major stationary sources and to certain other sources.
        The Act requires that states develop and submit these programs to 
    EPA by November 15, 1993, and that EPA act to approve or disapprove 
    each program within one year after receiving the submittal. The EPA's 
    program review occurs pursuant to section 502 of the Act which outlines 
    criteria for approval or disapproval. Where a program substantially, 
    but not fully, meets the requirements of part 70, EPA may grant the 
    program interim approval for a period of up to two years. If EPA has 
    not fully approved a program by two years after the November 15, 1993, 
    date, or by the end of an interim program, it must establish and 
    implement a Federal program.
    
    II. Proposed Action and Implications
    
    A. Analysis of Submission by Local Authority
    
    1. Introduction
        What follows are brief explanations indicating how the submittal 
    meets the requirements of part 70. The reader may consult the Technical 
    Support Document (TSD) for a more detailed explanation of these topics.
    2. Support Materials
        a. Governor's letter. The designated representative of the Governor 
    of Nebraska has requested approval on behalf of the LLCHD as a local 
    permitting agency. LLCHD has also requested approval in its submittal 
    cover letter. Lincoln-Lancaster proposes to administer title V in its 
    two counties.
        b. Regulations. The basic regulatory framework for the operating 
    permit program is the ``1993 Lincoln-Lancaster County Air Pollution 
    Control Program,'' version 1.2, as amended May 1994. These rules 
    essentially adopt the state's ``Title 129--Nebraska Air Quality 
    Regulations,'' which includes the title V requirements for the state. 
    LLCHD rules use a different numbering system than the state's but is 
    essentially the same in content. These rules were approved by the 
    Lincoln City Council and by the Lancaster County Board of Supervisors. 
    LLCHD has also incorporated by reference the Nebraska Environmental 
    Protection Act and Nebraska statutes into its program. The submittal 
    includes a discussion of the public review and hearing process which 
    the local agency followed in adopting the rules.
        The submittal currently contains two provisions which would 
    restrict operation of the program. However, LLCHD has agreed to make 
    modifications to both of these provisions in order to receive full 
    approval of the program. The reader is directed to the applicability 
    provisions section of this notice (II.A.2.e.) for discussion of the 
    first item (applicable requirements definition), and (II.A.2.h.) for 
    the second item (Title I modifications).
        c. Attorney General's legal opinion. The opinion of the County 
    Attorney contains the elements required by 40 CFR 70.4(b)(3) and states 
    there is adequate authority to meet all of the title V and part 70 
    requirements.
    3. Implementation
        a. Program description. A comprehensive plan for implementing the 
    title V program was included in the submittal. This plan includes 
    program authority, agency organization, and staffing. Approximately 80 
    sources have been identified that will be required to submit a title V 
    permit application within LLCHD jurisdiction.
        LLCHD has also identified adequate procedures for its permit 
    application and review process, along with inspection and enforcement 
    provisions. The EPA has determined the program description meets the 
    requirements of 40 CFR 70.4(b)(1). An implementation agreement was not 
    included in LLCHD's [[Page 5884]] submittal, but the EPA is encouraging 
    its development in anticipation of program approval.
        The presumptive minimum plus consumer price index (CPI) will be 
    used for the operating permit fee. This will be discussed further under 
    the fee demonstration section (II., 3.). Like the state, LLCHD will 
    maintain a Class II program for minor, non-title V sources.
        b. Program implementation. A permit registry is being established 
    to ensure issuing one-third of all permits in the first year of the 
    program. This registry also includes a provision to review permit 
    applications within nine months of receipt for those sources of 
    hazardous air pollutants participating in the early reduction program 
    under section 112(i)(5) of the Clean Air Act.
        In terms of initial permit applications, LLCHD outlines adequate 
    procedures to satisfy part 70 requirements. The application process 
    includes affected state and EPA review. LLCHD's procedures and guidance 
    are designed to ensure that a permit is issued within 18 months of 
    application.
        LLCHD has established criteria for monitoring source compliance 
    which include compliance inspections, citizen complaint responses, 
    follow-up inspections, and permit application review. LLCHD will 
    physically inspect each title V source at least once per year. 
    Surveillance through monitoring will also be conducted to ensure 
    compliance.
        c. Personnel. LLCHD provided a workload analysis for each program 
    category of title V activity to include permitting, compliance and 
    enforcement, planning, monitoring, small business assistance, and 
    communications to determine the amount of personnel needed. EPA's 
    analysis suggests that LLCHD's estimate appears adequate for 
    implementing the title V program.
        d. Data management. All permit application information will be 
    submitted to the state which will, in turn, make that information 
    available to the EPA. The proposed permits will be made available for 
    EPA review. LLCHD requires the retention of permit information by the 
    source for five years in Article 2, section 8, (D)(2)(b). LLCHD has 
    also committed to maintaining records for five years in its program 
    description.
        e. Applicability provisions. LLCHD provides for permitting of all 
    major sources, affected sources, sources that opt to apply for a 
    permit, and all sources subject to sections 111 or 112 standards (new 
    source performance standards and standards for hazardous air 
    pollutants).
        LLCHD exempts sources that are not major sources, affected sources, 
    or solid waste incineration units required to obtain a permit pursuant 
    to section 129(e) of the Act. This exemption is allowed by 
    Sec. 70.3(b)(1) until the Administrator completes a rulemaking to 
    determine how the program should be structured for nonmajor sources.
        (1) Applicable requirements. On the one hand, LLCHD's rules require 
    all applicable requirements to be included in the permit. This includes 
    requirements that have been promulgated or approved by EPA through 
    rulemaking at the time of issuance but which have future effective 
    dates. Additionally, the director may insert EPA promulgated 
    requirements into permits before LLCHD has adopted the standard.
        However, the EPA has determined that the items enumerated in 
    Article 1, section 2 (3-10) in the definition of ``applicable 
    requirements'' undermine the ability to incorporate all applicable 
    requirements. As currently written, a rule must be promulgated by EPA 
    and adopted by LLCHD to be considered an applicable requirement.
        As an example of this concern, item (4) of the applicable 
    requirement definition states, ``Any standard or other requirement 
    established pursuant to Section 112 of the Act and regulations adopted 
    in Section 27 of these Regulations and Standards relating to hazardous 
    air pollutants listed in Appendix II.'' The practical effect of this 
    definition, as an example, is that a source could claim it need not 
    identify certain hazardous air pollutant standards in its application, 
    for inclusion in the permit, if the requirement is not both promulgated 
    under section 112 of the Act and in section 27 of the Lincoln-Lancaster 
    regulations.
        LLCHD has committed to modify the definition of applicable 
    requirements in accordance with EPA guidance to receive program 
    approval. The state of Nebraska has already initiated action to correct 
    this deficiency. The Nebraska Environmental Quality Council adopted 
    regulatory changes on December 2, 1994, which are included in the 
    docket for this proposed rulemaking for the LLCHD program. Once LLCHD 
    adopts the revisions made by the Council on December 2, including those 
    described in II.A.2.h. also, the EPA intends to take final action to 
    fully approve the program.
        (2) Variances. Both the state's and LLCHD's rules allow sources to 
    petition the permitting authority for a variance. Importantly, both 
    rules clearly state that no variance will be granted that sanctions any 
    violation of state or Federal statutes or regulations. Based on these 
    provisions, the submittal is approvable with respect to variances.
        f. Permit content. LLCHD's regulations require title V permits to 
    include part 70 terms and conditions for all applicable requirements in 
    Article 2, section 7 (C)(1). These rules also stipulate that the 
    duration of the permit (five years) will be specified in the permit. 
    LLCHD has also provided for the inclusion of enhanced monitoring in 
    permits.
        LLCHD's regulations do require the permit to contain a condition 
    prohibiting emissions exceeding any allowances that the source lawfully 
    holds under title IV of the Act as required by Sec. 70.6(a)(4). The 
    regulations also meet the requirements of Sec. 70.6(a)(5) 
    (severability), Sec. 70.6(a)(6) (permit provisions), Sec. 70.6(a)(7) 
    (fees), and Sec. 70.6(a)(8) (emissions trading). Part 70 also requires 
    terms and conditions for reasonably anticipated operating scenarios to 
    be included in the permit. LLCHD's rules require that the terms and 
    conditions of each alternative scenario meet all the requirements of 
    part 70. Section 70.6(a)(10) requires the permit to contain terms and 
    conditions, if the permit applicant requests them, for the trading of 
    emissions increases and decreases at the facility. LLCHD's regulations 
    fulfill this requirement.
        Part 70 also has federally enforceable requirements for the terms 
    and conditions in a part 70 permit at Sec. 70.6(b), compliance 
    requirements at Sec. 70.6(c), and emergency provisions at Sec. 70.6(g). 
    LLCHD's regulations comply with these requirements.
        LLCHD's program provides for general permits in Article 2, section 
    9. In section 9(B), the director will identify criteria by which 
    sources may qualify for the general permit as required by 
    Sec. 70.6(d)(1).
        The permitting program can also have provisions for permitting 
    temporary sources and for permit shields. LLCHD's permitting program 
    has both of these options and meets the requirements of part 70. 
    LLCHD's program provides for operational flexibility and closely 
    follows EPA's requirements.
        The program does make provision to exempt the listing of 
    insignificant activities in permit applications. The state has 
    developed this list, which will be approved in December 1994 and then 
    adopted by LLCHD.
        g. Permit forms. LLCHD addresses permit application requirements in 
    Article 2, sections 5 and 7 of its regulations. Within its rules 
    adequate procedures are outlined for the following: duty to apply, 
    complete [[Page 5885]] applications, confidential information, 
    correcting a permit application, standard forms, and compliance 
    certification. A detailed analysis of how the submittal meets these 
    part 70 requirements is included in the TSD.
        h. Permit issuance. LLCHD regulations satisfy both the complete and 
    timely component of section 503 of the Act and 40 CFR 70.5(a). Sources 
    are required to submit permit applications within 12 months after 
    becoming subject to the permit program, or on or before some earlier 
    date established under the LLCHD operating permit registry. Source 
    permit applications must conform to the standard LLCHD application 
    form, and must contain information sufficient to allow LLCHD to 
    determine all applicable requirements with respect to the applicant. An 
    application will be deemed complete within 60 days of receipt unless 
    LLCHD finds them to be incomplete. LLCHD regulations only require 
    notification of the source if the application is incomplete.
        LLCHD regulations also require that final action be taken on 
    complete applications within 18 months of submittal of a complete 
    application, except for initial permit applications which are subject 
    to the three-year transition plan set forth by the Clean Air Act 
    Amendments of 1990.
        LLCHD regulations also require compliance with public participation 
    procedures, notification to affected states, compliance with all 
    applicable requirements, and allow for a 45-day period for EPA 
    objection.
        The regulations provide for priority on applications for 
    construction or modification under an EPA-approved preconstruction 
    review program. The operating permit regulations do not affect the 
    requirement that any source have a preconstruction permit under an EPA-
    approved preconstruction review program. The program also provides that 
    permits being renewed are subject to the same procedural requirements, 
    including those for public participation and affected state and EPA 
    review that apply to initial permit issuance. The operating permit 
    program provides for administrative amendments which meet the 
    requirements of the Federal rule.
        Permit modification processing procedures are equivalent to Federal 
    requirements as they provide for the same degree of permitting 
    authority, EPA, and affected state review and public participation.
        The program satisfies all but one of the Federal minor permit 
    modification procedures. The Federal permit rule requires that a title 
    I modification not be processed as a minor permit modification. The 
    LLCHD rules (see section 15(C)(1)(e)) require that the activity not be 
    a modification which requires a construction permit under section 17; 
    this section is titled ``Construction Permits-When Required.'' Thus, 
    LLCHD is required to include a reference in section 15(C)(1)(e) 
    referring to section 19, ``Prevention of Significant Deterioration,'' 
    and section 18, ``New Source Performance Standards,'' since activities 
    under these chapters could be considered title I modifications.
        The origin of the LLCHD rule is in title 129 of the state rule. The 
    state has proposed rule changes for adoption in December 1994 to 
    correct this deficiency. As with all other rules adopted by the state, 
    LLCHD will incorporate this change approximately two months afterward 
    and therefore fulfill all minor permit modification requirements. This 
    change, along with the modification of ``applicable requirement,'' will 
    be required before the EPA will grant approval for the program.
        The program provides for promptly sending to EPA any notice that 
    LLCHD refuses to accept all recommendations of an affected state 
    regarding a proposed minor permit modification. In addition, the 
    program provides that the permitting authority may approve, but may not 
    issue, a final permit modification until after EPA's 45-day review 
    period or until the EPA has notified the permitting authority that the 
    EPA will not object to issuance, whichever is first.
        The LLCHD program provides for minor permit modification group 
    processing which meets the Federal criteria. Specifically, the program 
    provides that any application for group processing must meet permit 
    application requirements similar to those outlined in Sec. 70.7(e)(3), 
    and also provides for notifying the EPA and affected states of the 
    requested permit modification within five working days of receipt of an 
    application demonstrating that the aggregate of a source's pending 
    applications equals or exceeds the threshold level.
        Significant modification procedures are defined in a manner that 
    parallels Federal provisions. The submittal's program description 
    commits to completion of review of the majority of significant permit 
    modifications within nine months after receipt of a complete 
    application.
        (1) Permit reopenings. LLCHD provides that a permit is to be 
    reopened and revised when additional applicable requirements become 
    applicable to a major source with a remaining permit term of three or 
    more years, and that such a reopening is to be completed within 18 
    months after promulgation of the applicable requirement. In addition, 
    the proceedings to reopen a permit will follow the same procedures that 
    apply to initial issuance, will affect only those parts of the permit 
    for which cause to reopen exists, and will ensure reopenings are made 
    as expeditiously as practicable. The rule provides that at least 30 
    days' advance notice must be given to the permittee for reopenings and 
    that notice will be given of the intent to reopen the permit.
        (2) Off-permit revisions. LLCHD has elected to not allow off-permit 
    activities.
        i. Compliance tracking and enforcement. The requirement for 
    proposed compliance tracking and enforcement reporting has been met by 
    the LLCHD. This reporting will be accomplished by providing enforcement 
    information to the state monthly for subsequent monthly entry into the 
    Aerometric Information Retrieval System. The proposed enforcement 
    program will consist of source inspection, surveillance, response to 
    complaints, permit application review, and enforcement responses. 
    Proposed enforcement authorities mirror the state's and meet the 
    requirements of Sec. 70.11. These responses include permit 
    modification, permit revocation, stipulation, administrative orders, 
    injunctive relief, civil/criminal referral, and referral to the EPA.
        j. Public participation, EPA and affected States review. LLCHD's 
    submittal ensures that all permit applications are available to the 
    public. All requirements are included to ensure that each concerned 
    citizen will be aware of proposed and final permit actions. This 
    includes the commitment to keep a record of proceedings that will allow 
    citizens to object to a permit up to 60 days after the EPA review 
    period.
        LLCHD has adopted rules that ensure mutual review by affected 
    states and the EPA. LLCHD will not issue a permit when it is objected 
    to in accordance with Sec. 70.8(c).
    4. Fee Demonstration
        LLCHD has elected to collect the presumptive minimum plus CPI 
    (currently $30.07) in accordance with part 70 to cover direct and 
    indirect costs of developing and administering its program.
        The submittal states that a specific title V fund, with individual 
    billing codes for this program, will be created. Article 2, section 29 
    of the LLCHD regulations directs all moneys collected from the permit 
    fees to be made payable to LLCHD and to be credited to the Air 
    Pollution Control Fund. [[Page 5886]] 
        Part 70 also requires permitting authorities to submit periodic 
    accounting reports to EPA. Upon further guidance by EPA, LLCHD will be 
    requested to submit these reports.
        LLCHD's submittal included a list of sources and the amount of fees 
    that it expects to collect in the first year from each source as part 
    of its fee demonstration ($379,122). LLCHD's year-to-year estimates of 
    resources by major activities adequately satisfies the four-year 
    projection.
    5. Provisions Implementing the Requirements of Other Titles of the Act
        a. Acid rain. The legal requirements for an approval under the 
    title V operating permits program for a title IV program were cited in 
    EPA guidance distributed on May 21, 1993, entitled ``Title V--Title IV 
    Interface Guidance for States.'' The LLCHD has met the five major 
    criteria of this guidance which include legal authority, regulatory 
    authority, forms, regulatory revisions, and a commitment to acid rain 
    deadlines. The LLCHD has adopted by reference 40 CFR part 72.
        b. Section 112. The specific title V program approval criteria with 
    respect to section 112 provisions are enumerated in a memorandum from 
    John Seitz, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, dated April 
    13, 1993. LLCHD has met these criteria as described in the following 
    topics:
    
        (1) Section 112(d), (f), and (h).-EPA emissions standards. In 
    accordance with part 70, LLCHD will not issue any permit (or permit 
    revision addressing any emissions unit subject to a newly promulgated 
    section 112 standard) unless it would ensure compliance with all 
    applicable section 112 standards. Additionally, part 70 permits will be 
    reopened which have three or more years remaining before their 
    expiration date to incorporate any newly promulgated standard (section 
    70.7 (f)(1)(i)).
        (2) General provisions. The Seitz memorandum notes that the 
    implementation of all current National Emission Standard for Hazardous 
    Air Pollutants (NESHAP) standards and future maximum achievable control 
    technology (MACT) (and residual risk) standards includes the 
    implementation of any ``general provisions'' that EPA develops for 
    these standards. Initial title V approval must ensure that states will 
    carry out these provisions as in effect at the time of any permit 
    issuance or revisions. EPA adopted the 40 CFR part 63, subpart A 
    General Provisions on February 28, 1994. Neither the state nor Lincoln-
    Lancaster has had an opportunity to adopt these provisions to date. 
    However, the intention is to adopt all applicable requirements as noted 
    in the general program description. EPA thus considers this requirement 
    to be met.
        (3) Section 112 (g)-Case-by-Case MACT for modified/constructed and 
    reconstructed major toxic sources.  The agency proposes to require best 
    available control technology for new and modified sources of air 
    toxics. In the absence of any EPA guidance/regulations defining case-
    by-case MACT procedures and methods for determining agency equivalency 
    of Federal requirements at the time of agency program submittal, the 
    agency's submission should be adequate for the interim. LLCHD's intent 
    is to adopt Federal air toxic regulations expeditiously.
        (4) Section 112 (i)(5)-early reductions. LLCHD has adequate 
    provisions for implementation of this program by adopting by reference 
    40 CFR part 63, subpart D, early reduction compliance extension rules, 
    promulgated in the Federal Register on December 29, 1992. To date, no 
    source in the agency area has made a commitment to participate in the 
    early reductions program. The agency provides for incorporating 
    alternative emission limits into permits in section 8, paragraph 
    (B)(3).
        (5) Section 112(j)-case-by-case MACT hammer. It is the agency's 
    intent to make case-by-case MACT determinations and to issue permits to 
    subject sources in accordance with the section 112(j) requirements. 
    Section 7(B)(2) requires newly subject sources to file a permit 
    application within 12 months of first becoming operational or otherwise 
    subject to the title V program. Section 7(B)(3) requires sources 
    subject to section 28 (MACT) to submit a permit application within 12 
    months of becoming operational. The agency would make its case-by-case 
    MACT determination after receipt of the permit application and prior to 
    permit issuance.
        (6) Section 112(l)-State air toxics programs. The EPA intends to 
    delegate authority for existing section 112 standards under the 
    authority of section 112(l) concurrent with approval of the title V 
    program. It is expected that the agency will request delegation of 
    future 112 standards/rules in accordance with the adoption-by-reference 
    procedures in 40 CFR part 63, subpart E, Sec. 63.91. Since the agency 
    has already adopted by reference the section 112(i) early reduction 
    rule (Section 27), EPA anticipates delegating this authority concurrent 
    with title V approval.
        (7) Section 112(r)-accidental release plans.  The agency has 
    provided for the section 112(r) requirements in its rules in section 
    8(K). The permit of a source subject to the requirements of section 
    112(r) will contain a requirement to register the plan; verification of 
    plan preparation and submittal to the state (NDEQ), the state Emergency 
    Response Commission, and any local emergency planning committee; and 
    will require an annual certification in accordance with section 7(B), 
    that the risk management plan is being properly implemented.
        The permit application requires a schedule of compliance for 
    sources that are not in compliance with all applicable requirements at 
    the time of permit issuance: section 7, paragraph (F)(2). The permit 
    requirement for a compliance schedule is listed in section 8, paragraph 
    (L)(3).
    
    B. Options for Approval/Disapproval and Implications
    
        The EPA is proposing to grant approval to the operating permits 
    program submitted by the LLCHD on November 12, 1993, and modified on 
    June 15, 1994. Prior to final action, LLCHD must: (1) Render a 
    modification of the definition ``applicable requirement,'' and (2) 
    modify the provisions related to title I modifications.
        Requirements for approval, specified in 40 CFR 70.4(b), encompass 
    section 112(l)(5) approval requirements for delegation of section 112 
    standards as promulgated by EPA as they apply to part 70 sources. 
    Section 112(l)(5) requires that the LLCHD program contain adequate 
    authorities, adequate resources for implementation, and an expeditious 
    compliance schedule, which are also requirements under part 70. 
    Therefore, the EPA is also proposing to grant approval under section 
    112(l)(5) and 40 CFR 63.91 of LLCHD's program for receiving delegation 
    of section 112 standards that are unchanged from Federal standards as 
    promulgated. This program for delegations only applies to sources 
    covered by the part 70 program.
    
    III. Administrative Requirements
    
    A. Request for Public Comments
    
        The EPA is requesting comments on all aspects of this proposed 
    rule. Copies of LLCHD's submittal and other information relied upon for 
    the proposed interim approval are contained in a docket maintained at 
    the EPA Regional Office. The docket is an organized and complete file 
    of all the information submitted to, or otherwise considered by, EPA in 
    the development of this proposed rulemaking. The principal purposes of 
    the docket are:
    
        [[Page 5887]] 1. To allow interested parties a means to identify 
    and locate documents for participating in the rulemaking process; and
        2. To serve as the record in case of judicial review. The EPA will 
    consider any comments received by March 2, 1995.
    
    B. Executive Order 12866
    
        Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), the 
    Agency must determine whether the regulatory action is ``significant'' 
    and therefore subject to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review 
    and the requirements of the Executive Order. The Order defines 
    ``significant'' regulatory action as one that is likely to lead to a 
    rule that may:
    
        1. Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, or 
    adversely and materially affecting a sector of the economy, 
    productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or 
    safety, or state, local, or tribal governments or communities;
        2. Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an 
    action taken or planned by another agency;
        3. Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, 
    user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligation of recipients 
    thereof; and
        4. Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal 
    mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in 
    the Executive Order.''
    
        It has been determined that this rule is not a ``significant 
    regulatory action'' under the terms of Executive Order 12866 and is 
    therefore not subject to OMB review.
    
    C. Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), Federal 
    agencies must obtain the OMB clearance for collection of information 
    from 10 or more non-Federal respondents.
    
    D. Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 600 et seq., EPA 
    must prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis assessing the impact of 
    any proposed or final rule on small entities. 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604. 
    Alternatively, EPA may certify that the rule will not have a 
    significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. Small 
    entities include small businesses, small not-for-profit enterprises, 
    and government entities with jurisdiction over populations of less than 
    50,000.
        Interim approvals under section 502 of the Act do not create any 
    new requirements, but simply approve requirements that the state is 
    already imposing. Therefore, because the Federal operating permits 
    program approval does not impose any new requirements, I certify that 
    it does not have a significant impact on any small entities affected. 
    Moreover, due to the nature of the Federal-state relationship under the 
    Act, preparation of a regulatory flexibility analysis would constitute 
    Federal inquiry into the economic reasonableness of state action. The 
    Act forbids EPA to base its actions concerning operating permits 
    programs on such grounds. Union Electric Co. v. U.S. E.P.A., 427 U.S. 
    246, 256-66 (S.Ct 1976); 42 U.S.C. 7410(a)(2). If the interim approval 
    is converted to a disapproval, it will not affect any existing LLCHD 
    requirements applicable to small entities. Federal disapproval of the 
    submittal does not affect its state enforceability. Moreover, EPA's 
    disapproval of the submittal does not impose a new Federal requirement. 
    Therefore, EPA certifies that this disapproval action does not have a 
    significant impact on a substantial number of small entities because it 
    does not remove existing LLCHD requirements nor does it substitute a 
    new Federal requirement.
    
    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 70
    
        Air pollution control, Intergovernmental relations, Operating 
    permits, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
    
        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q.
    
        Dated: January 6, 1995.
    William Rice,
    Acting Regional Administrator.
    [FR Doc. 95-2335 Filed 1-30-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-F
    
    

Document Information

Published:
01/31/1995
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Proposed rule.
Document Number:
95-2335
Dates:
Comments on this proposed action must be received in writing by March 2, 1995.
Pages:
5883-5887 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
AD-FRL-5147-7
PDF File:
95-2335.pdf
CFR: (2)
40 CFR 70.3(b)(1)
40 CFR 70.6(d)(1)