98-33338. Approval of Section 112(l) Authority for Hazardous Air Pollutants; Chromium Emissions from Hard and Decorative Chromium Electroplating and Chromium Anodizing Tanks; State of California  

  • [Federal Register Volume 63, Number 241 (Wednesday, December 16, 1998)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 69251-69256]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 98-33338]
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    
    40 CFR Part 63
    
    [FRL-6203-6]
    
    
    Approval of Section 112(l) Authority for Hazardous Air 
    Pollutants; Chromium Emissions from Hard and Decorative Chromium 
    Electroplating and Chromium Anodizing Tanks; State of California
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Proposed rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requested approval, 
    under section 112(l) of the Clean Air Act (the Act), to implement and 
    enforce California's ``Hexavalent Chromium Airborne Toxic Control 
    Measure for Chrome Plating and Chromic Acid Anodizing Operations'' 
    (Chrome ATCM) in place of the ``National Emission Standards for 
    Chromium Emissions from Hard and Decorative Chromium Electroplating and 
    Chromium Anodizing Tanks'' (Chrome NESHAP). EPA has reviewed this 
    request and has found that it satisfies all of the requirements 
    necessary to qualify for approval. Thus, EPA is proposing to grant 
    California the authority to implement and enforce its Chrome ATCM in 
    place of the Chrome NESHAP.
    
    DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 15, 1999.
    
    ADDRESSES: Written comments should be mailed concurrently to the 
    addresses below:
    
    Ken Bigos, Air Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 
    IX, 75 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, California 94105-3901.
    Robert Fletcher, Chief, Emissions Assessment Branch, Stationary Source
    
    [[Page 69252]]
    
    Division, California Air Resources Board, 2020 ``L'' Street, P.O. Box 
    2815, Sacramento, California 95812-2815.
    
        Copies of California's request for approval are available for 
    public inspection at EPA's Region IX office during normal business 
    hours (air docket #A-96-25).
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ken Bigos, Air Division, U.S. 
    Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX, 75 Hawthorne Street, San 
    Francisco, California 94105-3901, (415) 744-1240.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    I. Background
    
        Under section 112(l) of the Act, EPA is authorized to delegate to 
    state agencies the authority to implement and enforce the National 
    Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs). The Federal 
    regulations governing EPA's approval of state rules or programs under 
    section 112(l) are located at 40 CFR part 63, subpart E. Under these 
    regulations, a State has the option to request EPA's approval to 
    substitute a state rule for the comparable NESHAP. Upon approval, the 
    State is given the authority to implement and enforce its rule in lieu 
    of the NESHAP. This ``rule substitution'' option requires EPA to ``make 
    a detailed and thorough evaluation of the State's submittal to ensure 
    that it meets the stringency and other requirements'' of 40 CFR 63.93 
    (see 58 FR 62274). A rule will be approved if EPA finds: (1) the state 
    authorities are ``no less stringent'' than the corresponding federal 
    NESHAP, (2) adequate authorities and resources exist, (3) the schedule 
    for implementation and compliance is sufficiently expeditious, and (4) 
    the state program is otherwise in compliance with Federal guidance.
        On January 25, 1995, EPA promulgated the NESHAP for chromium 
    electroplating facilities (see 60 FR 4963), which was codified in 40 
    CFR part 63, subpart N, ``National Emission Standards for Chromium 
    Emissions from Hard and Decorative Chromium Electroplating and Chromium 
    Anodizing Tanks'' (Chrome NESHAP). On July 17, 1998, EPA received the 
    California Air Resources Board's (CARB's) request for approval to 
    implement and enforce section 93102 of Title 17 of the California Code 
    of Regulations, ``Hexavalent Chromium Airborne Toxic Control Measure 
    for Chrome Plating and Chromic Acid Anodizing Operations'' (Chrome 
    ATCM), in place of the Chrome NESHAP as the Federally-enforceable 
    standard in California.
    
    II. EPA Evaluation and Proposed Action
    
    A. California's Chrome ATCM
    
        California's Chrome ATCM differs in many ways from the Federal 
    Chrome NESHAP. While these differences do not appear to warrant a 
    finding that the Chrome ATCM is less stringent than the Chrome NESHAP, 
    this section discusses these differences so that the public is afforded 
    an opportunity to comment on the significance of these differences.
    1. Title V Permit Requirements
        The Chrome ATCM requires the owner or operator of a major source 
    subject to the Chrome ATCM to obtain a Title V permit (see section 
    93102(a)(5)). While the Chrome NESHAP includes this requirement, it 
    also provides that all nonmajor sources, except for those sources 
    referred to in 40 CFR 63.340(e)(1), are subject to Title V permitting 
    requirements. While the applicable Title V permitting authority may 
    defer certain qualifying nonmajor sources from the Title V permitting 
    requirements until December 9, 1999, currently all sources receiving 
    such deferrals are required to submit Title V permit applications by 
    December 9, 2000 (see 40 CFR 63.340(e)(2) and 61 FR 27785). Although 
    the Chrome ATCM is silent with respect to this requirement, CARB stated 
    in its application that it will amend the Chrome ATCM in the future if 
    EPA does not permanently exempt all sources receiving such deferrals. 
    EPA believes that the approval of the Chrome ATCM at this time does not 
    constitute a waiver of this Title V permitting requirement.
    2. Emission Limits for Hard Chromium Electroplating
        Under the Chrome NESHAP, emission limits for hard chromium 
    electroplating tanks are expressed in the form of milligrams of total 
    chromium per dry standard cubic meter. Different emission limits apply 
    depending on whether the facility qualifies as large or small, which, 
    in turn, is based on the facility's maximum cumulative potential 
    rectifier capacity. In contrast, the emission limits in the Chrome ATCM 
    are expressed in terms of milligrams of hexavalent chromium per ampere 
    hour, and are differentiated between large, medium, and small facility 
    sizes dependent on both mass emissions and a capacity or usage limit.
        Since there is no unique conversion between the form of the 
    emission limits in the Chrome NESHAP and the Chrome ATCM, CARB took the 
    approach of using source test data to demonstrate that facilities 
    meeting the emission limits of the Chrome ATCM also meet the emission 
    limits of the Chrome NESHAP. After reviewing the results of 
    approximately 35 source tests of hard chromium electroplating 
    facilities in California of various sizes, CARB found that in every 
    case the sources that were in compliance with the applicable Chrome 
    ATCM emission limit were also in compliance with the applicable Chrome 
    NESHAP emission limit. CARB believes, and EPA concurs, that these 
    source test results confirm CARB's position that the Chrome ATCM 
    emission limits are at least as stringent as the Chrome NESHAP emission 
    limits for every source subject to the Chrome NESHAP.
        Both the Chrome NESHAP and the Chrome ATCM allow facilities with a 
    maximum cumulative potential rectifier capacity of greater than 60 
    million ampere-hours per year to be considered small (or medium in the 
    case of the Chrome ATCM) by accepting a limit on the maximum cumulative 
    potential rectifier usage (see section 93102(h)(7)(B) and 40 CFR 
    63.342(c)(2)). EPA wishes to clarify that it considers all such usage 
    limits in non-Title V operating permits as Federally-enforceable for 
    purpose of this proposed substitution of the Chrome ATCM for the Chrome 
    NESHAP.
    3. Malfunctions
        Both the Chrome NESHAP and the Chrome ATCM provide that the 
    emission limits apply during tank operations, including periods of 
    startup and shutdown, but do not apply during periods of malfunction, 
    which the Chrome ATCM refers to as periods of ``breakdown'' (see 
    section 93102(a)(4) and (b)(7), and 40 CFR 63.2 and 63.342(b)(1)). The 
    Chrome ATCM both defines the term ``breakdown'' and states that the 
    emission limits ``do not apply during periods of equipment breakdown, 
    provided the provisions of the permitting agency's breakdown rule are 
    met. * * *'' This means that an event does not constitute a breakdown 
    unless both of the following conditions are met: (1) the event meets 
    the characteristics of a breakdown as defined in the Chrome ATCM, and 
    (2) the provisions of the applicable permitting agency's (i.e., 
    district's) breakdown rule are met. This two-step analysis is important 
    because it is the Chrome ATCM definition of ``breakdown'' that first 
    determines what constitutes a breakdown, not the provisions of the 
    applicable district's breakdown rule.
        Under the Chrome ATCM, the districts' breakdown rules serve only 
    one function: to establish the reporting
    
    [[Page 69253]]
    
    requirements that must be followed when a breakdown occurs (see section 
    93102(i)(4)). These rules do not override or supplant the other 
    breakdown or excess emission requirements of the Chrome ATCM, including 
    the requirements to revise the operation and maintenance plan to 
    minimize breakdowns (see section 93102(g)(4)), to maintain the 
    specified records of all breakdowns and excess emissions (see section 
    93102(h)(5) and (6)), and to include as part of the ongoing compliance 
    status report a summary of any excess emissions (see section 
    93102(h)(6), (i)(3)(B), and appendix 3). And, the districts' breakdown 
    rules neither expand the scope nor extend the time-frame of a breakdown 
    beyond the definition in section 93102(b)(7) of the Chrome ATCM. In 
    other words, while the emission limits do not apply during a breakdown, 
    what constitutes a breakdown is determined by the Chrome ATCM's, not a 
    particular district's, definition of ``breakdown.''
        As a supplement to its application, CARB submitted copies of the 
    districts' breakdown rules, which are referenced in appendix 6 of the 
    Chrome ATCM. These rules raise several issues. First, if the Chrome 
    ATCM is approved under section 112(l) of the Act, then only those 
    district breakdown rules that were submitted to EPA as part of CARB's 
    Chrome ATCM application are approved as a matter of Federal law. A 
    source cannot rely on revisions to a district's breakdown rule until 
    such revisions receive EPA's approval under section 112(l) of the Act.
        Second, the proposed approval of the districts' breakdown rules, 
    which are incorporated by reference into the Chrome ATCM, is strictly 
    limited to the context of approval of the Chrome ATCM under section 
    112(l) of the Act. While the use of these rules may be appropriate in 
    lieu of the Chrome NESHAP reporting requirements, the use of these 
    rules in other contexts may be inappropriate (e.g., with regard to 
    other NESHAPs or State Implementation Plans). Thus, it is possible that 
    a district's breakdown rule can be Federally-approved as part of the 
    Chrome ATCM but not Federally-approved as part of the California State 
    Implementation Plan.
        Third, some of the districts' breakdown rules use the term 
    ``malfunction'' rather than ``breakdown.'' For the purpose of the 
    Chrome ATCM, EPA interprets these terms as interchangeable, provided 
    that it is understood that the Chrome ATCM definition of ``breakdown'' 
    is controlling, not the districts' definitions of ``breakdown'' or 
    ``malfunction.''
        Fourth, some of the districts' breakdown rules include provisions 
    regarding the district's authority to determine whether a breakdown has 
    occurred, authority to grant emergency variances, or authority to 
    decide to take no enforcement action. Like the districts' definitions 
    of ``breakdown'' or ``malfunction,'' the above-listed provisions go 
    beyond the function of the districts' breakdown rules in the context of 
    the Chrome ATCM (such function being limited to establishing the 
    reporting requirements that must be followed when a breakdown occurs). 
    Thus, EPA's proposed approval of the Chrome ATCM under section 112(l) 
    of the Act does not include such provisions of the districts' breakdown 
    rules since these provisions go beyond the scope of the Chrome ATCM.
        Fifth, some of the districts' breakdown rules require written 
    breakdown reports only if requested by the district. However, for the 
    purpose of approval of the Chrome ATCM, EPA will interpret such rules 
    as requiring the submission of written breakdown reports to the 
    district even if the district has not formally requested the source to 
    provide such reports.
        Sixth, some of the districts' breakdown rules do not specify the 
    reporting time period, but merely state that notification shall be 
    ``immediate'' or the written breakdown report shall be filed 
    ``subsequently.'' With respect to such rules, EPA will interpret such 
    terms by reference to the comparable Chrome NESHAP reporting deadlines 
    in 40 CFR 63.342(f)(3)(iv).
    4. Performance Test Requirements
        The Chrome ATCM allows the use of CARB Method 425, dated July 28, 
    1997, and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Method 
    205.1, dated August 1991, for determining chromium emissions. By 
    approving the Chrome ATCM, these methods would be approved only as 
    prescribed by the Chrome ATCM and only to determine compliance with the 
    Chrome ATCM. EPA approval of the Chrome ATCM would not result in 
    approval of these methods as general alternatives to EPA Method 306.
        In addition, assuming EPA approves the Chrome ATCM, the owner or 
    operator of an affected source cannot rely on provisions in CARB Method 
    425 or SCAQMD Method 205.1 allowing for approval of alternatives, 
    modifications, or variations from the test method. Any such 
    alternatives, modifications, or variations to the test methods must be 
    approved under the procedures in section 93102(k) of the Chrome ATCM.
    5. Monitoring and Recording Frequencies
        In several areas of parameter monitoring, the Chrome ATCM includes 
    monitoring or recording frequencies that differ from those required by 
    the Chrome NESHAP. For example, the Chrome NESHAP requires measurements 
    of velocity pressure and pressure drop across control devices to be 
    recorded daily. The Chrome ATCM requires that these parameters be 
    monitored continuously with a mechanical gauge that is in clear sight 
    of the operation or maintenance personnel, and that the measurements be 
    recorded weekly rather than daily. CARB believes that pressure drop 
    does not significantly change on a daily basis unless there is a major 
    malfunction. Additionally, CARB asserts that, based on their experience 
    in implementing the Chrome ATCM, there exists compelling engineering 
    evidence to support a recording frequency of once per week as the 
    minimum requirement for this source category.
        The Chrome NESHAP also requires surface tension to be measured 
    every 4 hours of tank operation. This frequency may be reduced to every 
    8 hours of tank operation if there are no exceedances after 40 hours, 
    and then further reduced to once every 40 hours if no exceedances occur 
    after a second 40 hours of tank operation. In contrast, the Chrome ATCM 
    requires daily monitoring of the surface tension, with a possible 
    reduction to once a week after 20 days. For facilities using a foam 
    blanket-type fume suppressant, the Chrome NESHAP requires foam blanket 
    thickness to be measured every hour, and then every 4 hours and then 
    every 8 hours if no exceedances occur during a 40-hour period. The 
    Chrome ATCM, however, requires hourly monitoring of the foam blanket 
    thickness, and then a reduction to daily if no exceedance occurs after 
    15 days. Again, CARB asserts that there exists compelling engineering 
    evidence to support the monitoring frequencies in the Chrome ATCM as 
    the minimum requirements for this source category.
    6. Work Practice Standards for Packed-Bed Scrubbers
        Under the Chrome NESHAP, one of the work practice standards 
    applicable to packed-bed scrubbers is that fresh makeup water must be 
    added to the top of the packed-bed, except it may be added to the 
    scrubber basin if greater than 50 percent of the scrubber water is 
    drained (see Table 1 to 40 CFR 63.342). By contrast, the Chrome ATCM 
    only requires affected sources using
    
    [[Page 69254]]
    
    horizontal packed-bed scrubbers without continuous recirculation to add 
    fresh makeup water to the top of the packed-bed.
    7. HEPA Filters, Chrome Tank Covers, and Polyballs
        Unlike the Chrome NESHAP, the Chrome ATCM specifically includes 
    requirements for the following alternative emission control 
    technologies: high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, chrome 
    tank covers, and polyballs. In approving the Chrome ATCM under section 
    112(l) of the Act, EPA would be approving these alternative 
    technologies for use in California. However, affected sources using 
    these alternative technologies would still be required to demonstrate, 
    through compliance testing and ongoing compliance monitoring, that the 
    emission standards in section 93102(c) are being achieved.
    8. Ongoing Compliance Status Reports for Major Sources
        Both the Chrome NESHAP and the Chrome ATCM require major sources to 
    submit ongoing compliance status reports (see section 93102(i)(3) and 
    40 CFR 63.347(g)). However, the Chrome ATCM requires these reports to 
    be submitted annually, while the Chrome NESHAP requires these reports 
    to be submitted semi-annually (quarterly where the applicable emission 
    limit is being exceeded). Because section 504(a) of the Act requires 
    major sources that have Title V permits to submit such reports no less 
    often than every six months, EPA cannot approve this provision of the 
    Chrome ATCM to operate in lieu of the comparable provision of the 
    Chrome NESHAP. Since major sources must comply with the Title V semi-
    annual reporting requirement independent of the Chrome NESHAP or the 
    Chrome ATCM (i.e., regardless of whether the semi-annual reporting 
    requirement is included in either the Chrome NESHAP or the Chrome 
    ATCM), EPA believes that it has the authority to disapprove this 
    provision of the Chrome ATCM as not satisfying the objective of section 
    504(a) of the Act.
    9. Compliance with the Chrome NESHAP
        Under Federal law, until EPA approves the Chrome ATCM (i.e., the 
    approval becomes effective), all sources subject to the Chrome NESHAP 
    and located in California must be in compliance with the applicable 
    requirements of the Chrome NESHAP. Even after such approval becomes 
    effective, sources remain subject to Federal enforcement for violation 
    of any Chrome NESHAP provision that the source was required to be in 
    compliance with prior to the effective date of the Chrome ATCM 
    approval. Such Chrome NESHAP provisions include, but are not limited 
    to, the requirements to prepare operation and maintenance plans under 
    40 CFR 63.342(f)(3), to comply with initial notification deadlines 
    under 40 CFR 63.347(c) and (i)(1), and to comply with the new and 
    reconstructed source provisions under 40 CFR 63.5 and 63.345.
    10. Changes in Source Status
        Unlike the Chrome NESHAP, the Chrome ATCM is not as explicit 
    regarding compliance deadlines relating to certain changes to a 
    source's status, such as (1) a change from an area source to a major 
    source; (2) a change from either a very small, small, medium, or less 
    than 60 million ampere-hours hard chrome plater to a different size 
    category; and (3) a change from a decorative chrome plater using a 
    trivalent chrome bath that incorporates a wetting agent to one that 
    ceases to use this process. Since the Chrome ATCM does not explicitly 
    state the compliance deadlines for the changes, EPA interprets the 
    Chrome ATCM to require immediate compliance with the standard that 
    applies to the source's new status.
    11. Circumvention
        Under the Chrome NESHAP, no owner or operator shall build, erect, 
    install, or use any article, machine, equipment, or process to conceal 
    an emission that would otherwise constitute noncompliance with a 
    relevant standard (see 40 CFR 63.4(b)). CARB believes that this 
    provision is not necessary, presumably because CARB interprets the 
    Chrome ATCM as implicitly not allowing such activities.
    12. Notification of New and Modified Sources
        Section 93102(j)(2) of the Chrome ATCM allows facilities to fulfill 
    the notification of construction or modification requirements in 
    section 93102(j)(1) by complying with the applicable district's new 
    source review rule or policy, provided similar information is obtained. 
    Thus, the district's new source review rules or policy merely serve the 
    purpose of obviating the need for duplicative reporting. Such rules or 
    policies, however, do not change the underlying requirement that such 
    notification must exist and must be generated at least within the time 
    frame established by section 93102(j)(1). Furthermore, the burden of 
    proof of compliance rests upon the source to prove that it provided 
    notice of construction or reconstruction on time and that such notice 
    includes at least all of the information included in appendix 4 of the 
    Chrome ATCM.
    
    B. Proposed Action
    
        After reviewing the request for approval of California's Chrome 
    ATCM, EPA has determined that this request meets all the requirements 
    necessary to qualify for approval under section 112(l) of the Act and 
    40 CFR 63.91 and 63.93. Accordingly, EPA is proposing to approve the 
    Chrome ATCM as the Federally-enforceable standard for sources in 
    California. If this proposed action is finalized, then the Chrome ATCM 
    will be enforceable by the EPA and citizens under the Act. Although the 
    local air pollution control districts in California would have primary 
    implementation and enforcement responsibility, EPA would retain the 
    right, pursuant to section 112(l)(7) of the Act, to enforce any 
    applicable emission standard or requirement under section 112 of the 
    Act.
    
    C. California's Authorities to Implement and Enforce Section 112 
    Standards
    
    1. Penalty Authorities
        Previously, CARB submitted a finding by California's Attorney 
    General stating that ``State law provides civil and criminal 
    enforcement authority consistent with [40 CFR] 63.91(b)(1)(i), 
    63.91(b)(6)(i), and 70.11, including authority to recover penalties and 
    fines in a maximum amount of not less than $10,000 per day per 
    violation * * *'' (emphasis added) (see 61 FR 25397). In accordance 
    with this finding, EPA understands that the California Attorney General 
    interprets section 39674 and the applicable sections of Division 26, 
    Part 4, Chapter 4, Article 3 (``Penalties'') of the California Health 
    and Safety Code as allowing the collection of penalties for multiple 
    violations per day. In addition, EPA also understands that the 
    California Attorney General interprets section 42400(c)(2) of the 
    California Health and Safety Code as allowing for, among other things, 
    criminal penalties for knowingly rendering inaccurate any monitoring 
    method required by a toxic air contaminant rule, regulation, or permit.
        As stated in section II.B above, EPA would retain the right, 
    pursuant to section 112(l)(7) of the Act, to enforce any applicable 
    emission standard or requirement under section 112 of the Act, 
    including the authority to seek civil and criminal penalties up to the
    
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    maximum amounts specified in section 113 of the Act.
    2. Variances
        Division 26, Part 4, Chapter 4, Articles 2 and 2.5 of the 
    California Health and Safety Code provide for the granting of variances 
    under certain circumstances. EPA regards these provisions as wholly 
    external to CARB's request for approval to implement and enforce a 
    section 112 program or rule and, consequently, is proposing to take no 
    action on these provisions of state or local law. EPA does not 
    recognize the ability of a state or local agency who has received 
    delegation of a section 112 program or rule to grant relief from the 
    duty to comply with such Federally-enforceable program or rule, except 
    where such relief is granted in accordance with procedures allowed 
    under section 112 of the Act. As stated above, EPA retains the right, 
    pursuant to section 112(l)(7) of the Act, and citizens retain the 
    right, pursuant to section 304 of the Act, to enforce any applicable 
    emission standard or requirement under section 112 of the Act.
        Similarly, section 39666(f) of the California Health and Safety 
    Code allows local agencies to approve alternative methods from those 
    required in the ATCMs, but only as long as such approvals are 
    consistent with the Act. A source seeking permission to use an 
    alternative means of emission limitation under section 112 of the Act 
    must also receive approval, after notice and opportunity for comment, 
    from EPA before using such alternative means of emission limitation for 
    the purpose of complying with section 112 of the Act.
    
    III. Public Comment
    
        EPA is seeking comment on CARB's request for approval of the Chrome 
    ATCM as a substitute for the Chrome NESHAP. EPA will consider all 
    public comments submitted during the public comment period. Issues 
    raised by the comments will be carefully reviewed and considered in the 
    decision to approve or disapprove CARB's request. EPA will provide 
    notice of its final decision in the Federal Register, including a 
    summary of the reasons for the final decision and a summary of all 
    major comments.
    
    IV. Administrative Requirements
    
    A. Executive Orders 12866 and 13045
    
        The Office of Management and Budget has exempted this regulatory 
    action from review under Executive Order (E.O.) 12866.
        This proposed rule is not subject to E.O. 13045, entitled 
    ``Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety 
    Risks,'' because it is not an ``economically significant'' action under 
    E.O. 12866.
    
    B. Executive Order 12875
    
        Under E.O. 12875, EPA may not issue a regulation that is not 
    required by statute and that creates a mandate upon a state, local, or 
    tribal government, unless the Federal government provides the funds 
    necessary to pay the direct compliance costs incurred by those 
    governments. If the mandate is unfunded, EPA must provide to the Office 
    of Management and Budget a description of the extent of EPA's prior 
    consultation with representatives of affected state, local, and tribal 
    governments, the nature of their concerns, copies of written 
    communications from the governments, and a statement supporting the 
    need to issue the regulation. In addition, E.O. 12875 requires EPA to 
    develop an effective process permitting elected officials and other 
    representatives of state, local, and tribal governments ``to provide 
    meaningful and timely input in the development of regulatory proposals 
    containing significant unfunded mandates.'' Today's proposed rule does 
    not create a mandate on state, local or tribal governments. 
    Accordingly, the requirements of section 1(a) of E.O. 12875 do not 
    apply to this rule.
    
    C. Executive Order 13084
    
        Under E.O. 13084, EPA may not issue a regulation that is not 
    required by statute, that significantly affects or uniquely affects the 
    communities of Indian tribal governments, and that imposes substantial 
    direct compliance costs on those communities, unless the Federal 
    government provides the funds necessary to pay the direct compliance 
    costs incurred by the tribal governments. If the mandate is unfunded, 
    EPA must provide to the Office of Management and Budget, in a 
    separately identified section of the preamble to the rule, a 
    description of the extent of EPA's prior consultation with 
    representatives of affected tribal governments, a summary of the nature 
    of their concerns, and a statement supporting the need to issue the 
    regulation. In addition, E.O. 13084 requires EPA to develop an 
    effective process permitting elected officials and other 
    representatives of Indian tribal governments ``to provide meaningful 
    and timely input in the development of regulatory policies on matters 
    that significantly or uniquely affect their communities.'' Today's 
    proposed rule does not significantly or uniquely affect the communities 
    of Indian tribal governments. Accordingly, the requirements of Section 
    3(b) of E.O. 13084 do not apply to this rule.
    
    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 economic 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.
        Approvals under 40 CFR 63.93 do not create any new requirements, 
    but simply approve requirements that the state or local agency is 
    already imposing. Therefore, because this proposed approval does not 
    impose any new requirements, it does not have a significant impact on 
    affected small entities.
    
    E. Unfunded Mandates
    
        Under section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 
    (``Unfunded Mandates Act''), signed into law on March 22, 1995, EPA 
    must prepare a budgetary impact statement to accompany any proposed or 
    final rule that includes a Federal mandate that may result in estimated 
    costs to state, local, or tribal governments in the aggregate, or to 
    private sector, of $100 million or more. Under section 205, EPA must 
    select the most cost-effective and least burdensome alternative that 
    achieves the objectives of the rule and is consistent with statutory 
    requirements. Section 203 requires EPA to establish a plan for 
    informing and advising any small governments that may be significantly 
    or uniquely impacted by the rule.
        EPA has determined that the approval action proposed does not 
    include a Federal mandate that may result in estimated costs of $100 
    million or more to either state, local, or tribal governments in the 
    aggregate, or to the private sector. This Federal action approves pre-
    existing requirements under state or local law, and imposes no new 
    Federal requirements. Accordingly, no additional costs to state, local, 
    or tribal governments, or to the private sector, result from this 
    action.
    
    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 63
    
        Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
    Air pollution control, Hazardous substances, Incorporation by 
    reference,
    
    [[Page 69256]]
    
    Intergovernmental relations, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
    
        Authority: This action is issued under the authority of section 
    112 of the Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 7412.
    
        Dated: December 8, 1998.
    David P. Howekamp,
    Acting Regional Administrator, Region IX.
    [FR Doc. 98-33338 Filed 12-15-98; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
12/16/1998
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Proposed rule.
Document Number:
98-33338
Dates:
Comments must be received on or before January 15, 1999.
Pages:
69251-69256 (6 pages)
Docket Numbers:
FRL-6203-6
PDF File:
98-33338.pdf
CFR: (1)
40 CFR 63