99-22450. Approval and Promulgation of State Implementation Plans: Alaska  

  • [Federal Register Volume 64, Number 169 (Wednesday, September 1, 1999)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 47674-47679]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 99-22450]
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    
    40 CFR Part 52
    
    [AK-21-1709-a; FRL-6412-7]
    
    
    Approval and Promulgation of State Implementation Plans: Alaska
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.
    
    ACTION: Direct final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves various 
    amendments to the carbon monoxide (CO) Alaska State Implementation Plan 
    (SIP) for Alaska. These amendments to the Alaska State Air Quality 
    Control Plan are contained in three separate submittals to EPA, dated 
    February 6, 1997, June 1, 1998, and September 10, 1998.
        The submittals include revisions to Alaska's Air Quality Control 
    Regulations (18 AAC 50), Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) 
    requirements for Motor Vehicles (18 AAC 52), and Fuel Requirements for 
    Motor Vehicles (18 AAC 53).
        In addition, the revisions include changing the I/M program 
    schedule for cars subject to I/M from annual to biennial, replacing the 
    CO contingency measures for Anchorage, updating Alaska's General and 
    Transportation conformity programs, and streamlining several portions 
    of the Alaska Air Quality Control Plan for more efficient reading and 
    organization.
    
    DATES: This direct final rule is effective on November 1, 1999 without 
    further notice, unless EPA receives adverse comment by October 1, 1999. 
    If adverse comment is received, EPA will publish a timely withdrawal of 
    the direct final rule in the Federal Register and inform
    
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    the public that the rule will not take effect.
    
    ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to: Ms. Montel 
    Livingston, SIP Manager, Office of Air Quality (OAQ-107), EPA, 1200 
    Sixth Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101.
        Documents which are incorporated by reference are available for 
    public inspection at the Air and Radiation Docket and Information 
    Center, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW, Washington, 
    D.C. 20460. Copies of material submitted to EPA may be examined during 
    normal business hours at the following locations: EPA, Region 10, 
    Office of Air Quality, 1200 Sixth Avenue (OAQ-107), Seattle, Washington 
    98101, and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, 410 
    Willoughby Avenue, Suite 105, Juneau, Alaska 99801-1795.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Montel Livingston, Office of Air 
    Quality (OAQ-107), EPA, Seattle, Washington 98101, (206) 553-0180.
    
    I. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Overview
    
        ADEC submitted three revisions to EPA over the course of two years 
    for inclusion into its SIP. These revisions amend the I/M program in 
    Anchorage and Fairbanks, CO contingency measures for Anchorage, various 
    regulations, and streamline a wide variety of CO air quality plan 
    descriptions for easier, more organized reading.
        The information in this section is organized as follows:
    
        A. What SIP amendments is EPA approving?
        B. What are the significant changes to Alaska's CO air quality 
    control plan?
        C. What are the significant changes to Alaska's I/M air quality 
    program and regulations (AAC 52)?
        D. What are the overall changes to Alaska's regulations AAC 50 
    and 53?
        E. What are the effects to Alaska's transportation conformity 
    program?
    
    A. What SIP Amendments Is EPA Approving?
    
        The following table outlines the revisions EPA received and is 
    approving in this action:
    
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Date of submittal to EPA                   Items revised
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    2-6-97................................  --Alaska State Air Quality
                                             Control Plan: Volume II,
                                             Section I.
                                            --Alaska State Inspection and
                                             Maintenance Program Manual.
                                            --Biennial Vehicle Inspection
                                             program.
                                            --Revised Rollback Calculation.
    6-1-98................................  --Emission Inspection and
                                             Maintenance Requirements.
    9-10-98...............................  --Alaska State Air Quality
                                             Control Plan: Volume II,
                                             sections II and III.
                                            --Air Quality Control
                                             Regulations 18 AAC 50.
                                            --Fuel Requirements for Motor
                                             Vehicles: Regulations 18 AAC
                                             53.
                                            --Anchorage Carbon Monoxide
                                             Contingency Measures.
                                            --Transportation Conformity.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    B. What Are the Significant Changes to Alaska's CO Air Quality 
    Control Plan?
    
         EPA approves a new CO contingency measure for Anchorage 
    that replaces its past two CO contingency measures.
        In the September 10, 1998 submittal from ADEC, ADEC requests EPA's 
    approval of its new CO contingency measure, an enhanced technician 
    training certification (TTC) program in Anchorage. The TTC contingency 
    measure consists of additional local training and certification for 
    mechanics. The TTC program includes a series of enhanced technician 
    training modules aimed at competency areas such as electrical theory, 
    emission control systems, electronic ignitions, fuel injection, on-
    board diagnostics, advanced diagnostic tools and procedures, oxygen 
    sensors, catalytic converters, and the use of current analytical 
    equipment.
        The TTC program helps ensure that mechanics are trained to properly 
    maintain and repair newer vehicles with advanced technology. It may 
    also enhance efficiency, which would provide a cost benefit to 
    consumers.
        The TTC program, found in State regulation 18 AAC 52.400-410, was 
    adopted by the State as a CO contingency measure for Anchorage upon 
    Anchorage's reclassification to a serious CO nonattainment area. In 
    addition, the TTC program was already approved by EPA on February 14, 
    1996 (61 FR 5704) as a CO contingency measure for Fairbanks, Alaska.
        The TTC program also becomes the contingency measure for the 
    vehicle miles traveled (VMT) forecasting and tracking requirement found 
    in section 187 of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.
        The two replaced contingency measures for Anchorage were (1) 
    compressed natural gas vehicles (CNG) procurement requirements for 
    government fleets, and, (2) the expansion of the oxygenated fuels 
    program to the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Both of these contingency 
    measures were impractical to initiate upon Anchorage's CO 
    reclassification to serious.
        Using the CNG procurement requirements for government fleets as a 
    contingency measure was determined unworkable at this time. Major 
    issues included lack of a refueling infrastructure for CNG vehicles in 
    and around Anchorage, and there are only selected models available now 
    which are dedicated CNG vehicles certified to ultra low emission 
    vehicle standards. The extent of these issues were such that it would 
    be infeasible to implement the CNG contingency measure in Anchorage and 
    expect to gain meaningful reductions in emissions.
        The second contingency measure was the expansion of the oxygenated 
    fuels program. With the continued fleet turnover to newer, cleaner 
    (technologically improved) cars, the information from the oxygenated 
    fuels program in Anchorage indicates that oxyfuel expansion to the 
    Matanuska-Susitna Valley was unlikely to provide the benefits 
    originally projected.
        Expanding the oxygenated gasoline control area to the Matanuska-
    Susitna Valley was inherently less cost effective than an oxyfuel 
    requirement in Anchorage. Expanding the requirement to the valley is 
    less effective because vehicles fueled in the valley spend less time, 
    on average, traveling in the nonattainment area than those fueled in 
    Anchorage itself.
        Although the benefits of oxygenated gasoline were estimated on the 
    basis of the best information available at the time, recent MOBILE 
    model updates have suggested that oxygenated gasoline CO emission 
    reductions may be overestimated in some cases. Extending the program to 
    the valley is likely to
    
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    result in even smaller benefits than were originally anticipated in the 
    plan.
        EPA concurs with ADEC's request to repeal and replace the past 
    contingency measures with the TTC program.
    
     How does approval of the new contingency measure change 
    Alaska's Air Quality Control Regulations in 18 AAC 53, Fuel 
    Requirements for Motor Vehicles?
    
        Regulation 18 AAC 53.015, Expansion of Control Area (found under 
    Chapter 53, Article I, Oxygenated Gasoline Requirements), is repealed. 
    This regulation had served as a CO contingency measure for Anchorage 
    and described the geographic boundaries of an expanded oxygenated fuels 
    programs in Anchorage if implemented as a contingency measure.
    
     The Rollback Modeling Calculation Used To Determine CO 
    Emission Reductions Is Clarified
    
        ADEC typically uses rollback modeling to determine CO emission 
    reductions needed to reach attainment of the CO national ambient air 
    quality and standards (NAAQS). The rollback calculation determines a 
    percentage reduction target by taking the ratio of the difference 
    between the second highest CO exceedance value in the emission 
    inventory base year and the ambient standard, and the second highest 
    value in the base year adjusted for the ambient background 
    concentration. ADEC clarifies in Alaska's CO SIP that the target CO 
    level for SIP revisions is 9.0 ppm, or the CO NAAQS. Using 9 ppm as the 
    appropriate target level gives ADEC the amount of control necessary to 
    attain and maintain the CO NAAQS.
    
     Long Term Air Quality Projections Are Updated.
    
        The on-road mobile source portion of Anchorage's 1990 base year CO 
    emission inventory was updated, using MOBILE5a which was the latest 
    emission estimation model available as of December 1, 1994. The 1993 
    periodic inventory was developed and adjusted for population growth 
    factors, and for changes in the Inspection and Maintenance program. The 
    1995 projected year inventory was also developed and adjusted for 
    population growth factors, and for changes in the inspection and 
    maintenance program and oxygenated fuels program. Tables provide 
    summaries of the 1990 base year and 1995 projected year emissions by 
    source category. In addition, daily emissions are calculated.
        Also, data was updated to include 1995 2nd highest 8-hour ambient 
    CO concentrations recorded at Anchorage monitoring sites.
        In addition, best estimates of future VMT projections in Anchorage 
    were completed through 1995.
    
     Information is Streamlined and Reorganized in Alaska's CO SIP
    
        The numerous non-substantive reformatting and restructuring changes 
    streamline the Alaska SIP and make for more efficient and customer-
    friendly reading. They collectively, rather than individually, result 
    in a much more significant impact on the SIP's organization.
        As an example, a table was created showing the 1998 Transportation 
    Control Strategies for Anchorage. Headings include Federal Control 
    Strategies, State Control Strategies, and Local Primary Control 
    Strategies. Only one footnote accompanied the table, and that was an 
    explanation of the oxygenated fuels program. The table is easy to 
    understand and effectively summarizes important information.
        Other similar edits and revisions found in Volume II, sections II 
    and III of the State Air Quality Control Plan removed out-of-date 
    references, eliminated duplicity and redundancy, reflected changes to 
    Alaska's Inspection and Maintenance program, and generally reorganized 
    for better sequence of information and requirements, while graphing 
    projections and trends in population and average daily traffic.
    
    C. What Are the Significant Changes to Alaska's I/M Air Quality 
    Program and Regulations (AAC 52)?
    
        EPA approves all the changes to Alaska's I/M regulations submitted 
    by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) on 
    February 6, 1997 and June 1, 1998. The revisions include streamlining 
    and clarifications that make requirements easier to understand. 
    Following are some of the major changes to Alaska's I/M air quality 
    program:
    
     I/M Program Changes From Annual to Biennial
    
        In 1995, the Alaska State Legislature in Senate Bill 28 required 
    that all State I/M programs implement biennial I/M testing beginning no 
    later than January 1, 1997. In February 1997, ADEC submitted to EPA the 
    updated State I/M regulations that reflect this change. Many States 
    nationwide have changed their I/M programs from annual to biennial 
    programs. This change has provided more convenience to vehicle owners 
    (inspections are required less frequently, except when ownership of a 
    vehicle is transferred), only negligible increases in vehicle 
    emissions, and improved I/M program efficiency. ADEC analyzed the 
    impact of changing the I/M program from an annual to a biennial program 
    on motor vehicle emissions and found it would not significantly impact 
    emission reductions. The I/M regulations also reflect a change in fees. 
    Alaska's I/M programs in Fairbanks and Anchorage are operated by local 
    government, Fairbanks North Star Borough and the Municipality of 
    Anchorage, respectively, who have the authority to set their own 
    program fees. In addition, in June 1998 the vehicle inspection schedule 
    was changed to match the vehicle registration schedule (required by 
    Alaska Statute 28.10.108), resulting in vehicle inspection and 
    registration occurring on the same biennial schedule. The certificate 
    of inspection is $18 in both Anchorage and Fairbanks. Anchorage has set 
    a maximum of $60 and Fairbanks $35 for inspection testing.
    
     Provisions for Waivers and Emissions-Related Repair Costs 
    Changed
    
        The provisions for waivers granted to motorists from passing an I/M 
    program inspection have been revised. Waivers are now valid for one 
    inspection cycle (every two years), instead of for one year. ADEC 
    offset the change by proposing more stringent requirements for repair 
    cost waivers. Section 18AAC 52.065 (``Emissions-Related Repair Cost 
    Minimum'') was updated to require motorists to meet the minimum 
    necessary repair costs of $450 per inspection cycle before qualifying 
    for a waiver, as opposed to spending a maximum of $450 annually. The 
    new requirements should increase the number of repairs completed, which 
    could benefit air quality. This change should address public concern 
    over waivers being valid for two years (one inspection cycle).
    
     New Requirements for Dealers of Used Motor Vehicles
    
        In accordance with Alaska statute 45.45.400 (``Prohibited transfer 
    of used motor vehicle''), the I/M regulations contain new requirements 
    for dealers of used motor vehicles. The requirements apply only to cars 
    tested by a dealership and held in inventory on a used car lot, since 
    these cars are not likely to pollute the air. In general, an I/M 
    certificate is good for one year for cars that are inspected while in 
    the dealer's inventory or if the dealer registers the vehicle in the 
    buyer's name. The new requirements are outlined in the I/M regulation 
    under 18 AAC 52.020
    
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    (``Certificate of Inspection Requirements'').
    
     ADEC's Dual Authority With an Implementing Agency Clarified
    
        The regulations clarify ADEC's dual authority with the implementing 
    agencies, Fairbanks North Star Borough and the Municipality of 
    Anchorage, under the provisions for enforcement procedures. ADEC has 
    the authority to take an enforcement action against a motorist, 
    certified mechanic, or station with or without the participation of the 
    implementing agency to ensure compliance with enforcement provisions 
    (18 AAC 52.100 and AAC 52.105).
    
     Notice of Violation Provisions Pertaining to Motorist Updated
    
        More stringent enforcement procedures for violations by motorists 
    are outlined in 18 AAC 52.100. ``If a motorist fails to respond or 
    provide appropriate proof of compliance with this chapter within 30 
    days after receiving a notice of violation,'' the implementing agency 
    may refer the matter for prosecution under the provision of Alaska 
    state law pertaining to Local Air Quality Control Programs (AS 
    46.14.400(j)) or as a Class A misdemeanor under the provision for 
    Criminal Penalties (AS 46.03.790). The penalty for motorists who fail 
    to respond to a notice of violation (or fail to provide appropriate 
    proof of compliance) was changed from potential loss of vehicle 
    registration to the possibility of prosecution under Alaska's 
    misdemeanor statutes.
    
     New Provision Allows for Visual Identification of Certificate 
    of Inspection (``Sticker Program'')
    
        A new provision allows the implementing agency to require a visual 
    identification, such as windshield sticker or license plate tab, that 
    clearly shows compliance with inspection requirements. A sticker 
    program (or similar program) provides easy visual verification of 
    program compliance, which improves enforcement and provides incentive 
    to motorists to have their cars inspected. Details of this provision 
    are outlined in 18 AAC 52.025.
    
     Update to Requirements for Grey Market Vehicles
    
        Grey market vehicles are manufactured for use outside of, and 
    imported into, the United States. The revised provision for grey market 
    vehicles (18 AAC 52.080) reduces the requirements for issuing a 
    certificate of inspection on a grey market vehicle when it has a United 
    States title. However, grey market vehicles are required to pass visual 
    and functional inspections and/or tailpipe emission standards required 
    by the I/M program manual. In addition, motorists are still required to 
    obtain the applicable importation documents issued by EPA or the U.S. 
    Department of Transportation.
    
    D. What Are the Overall Changes to Alaska's Regulations AAC 50 and 
    53?
    
        EPA is approving in part and taking no action on the majority of 
    Alaska's 18 AAC 50 Air Quality Control regulations.
    
    Approvals 18 AAC 50
    
        EPA is approving the following provisions of 18 AAC 50 as adopted 
    by ADEC and effective on September 4, 1998: section 700; section 705; 
    section 710; section 715; and section 720. These regulations relate to 
    transportation conformity.
    
    No Action 18 AAC 50
    
        EPA is taking no action at this time on any of the 18 AAC 50 
    regulations submitted on September 10, 1998, with the exception of 
    sections 700 through 720 which are approved. The regulations that are 
    not being acted upon relate to the permitting of new and modified 
    stationary sources or do not relate to the purposes of the SIP under 
    section 110 of the Act or implement other provisions of the Clean Air 
    Act.
    
    Approvals 18 AAC 53
    
        EPA is approving all of section of 18 AAC 53 regulations regarding 
    fuel requirements for motor vehicles, with the exception of section 015 
    which is repealed (see below). These regulations had minor, non-
    substantive and streamlining changes.
    
    Repeals 18 AAC 53
    
        Regulation 18 AAC 53.015, Expansion of Control Area (found under 
    Chapter 53, Article I, Oxygenated Gasoline Requirements), is repealed. 
    This regulation had served as a CO contingency measure for Anchorage 
    and described the geographic boundaries of an expanded oxygenated fuels 
    programs in Anchorage if implemented as a contingency measure.
    
    E. What Are the Effects to Alaska's Transportation Conformity 
    Program?
    
        This action has no impact on the transportation emissions budget. 
    However, the switch to bienniel I/M does make it somewhat more 
    difficult to demonstrate regional conformity, since it results in small 
    increases in future emissions projections (while the allowable 
    emissions budgets do not increase). However, this impact has not caused 
    a significant problem in continuing to demonstrate conformity in 
    Anchorage and Fairbanks, largely due to the continued decline in 
    projected emissions resulting from fleet turnover.
        Updated baseline and attainment inventories are scheduled for 
    Anchorage and Fairbanks as part of the revised air quality attainment 
    plans that must be prepared due to the redesignation to serious CO 
    nonattainment status. As part of this process, the biennial I/M 
    programs will become part of both the baseline and attainment 
    inventories (and thus emissions budgets associated with each 
    inventory), thereby totally eliminating any impact on regional 
    conformity determinations.
    
    II. Summary of Action
    
        EPA approves the following SIP regulations submitted by the State 
    of Alaska for inclusion into its SIP. EPA also approves some deletions 
    (listed below) from the Alaska SIP, and takes no action on part of 
    Alaska's submittal. The revisions pertain to the State's Carbon 
    Monoxide Air Quality Control Plan; Transportation Conformity; and 
    portions of Alaska regulations 18 AAC 50, 52 and 53.
        EPA takes no action on the entire set of 18 AAC 50 regulations with 
    the exceptions of: section 700; section 705; section 710; section 715; 
    and ssction 720 which are approved by EPA. These section 700 
    regulations were effective September 4, 1998.
        The 18 AAC 52 Inspection and Maintenance Air Quality Program and 
    Regulations that are approved by EPA are: Effective January 1, 1998, 
    section 005; section 010; section 015; section 020; section 025; 
    section 035; section 037; section 050; section 060, except for 
    subsections (8)(c), (8)(d)(2) and (8)(e); section 065; section 070; 
    section 080; section 085; section 095; section 100; section 105; 
    section 400; section 405; section 415, except subsection (f)(1); 
    section 420, except subsection (a)(11); section 425; section 440; 
    section 500; section 515; section 520, except subsection (c)(9); 
    section 525; section 527; section 530, except subsections (b)(3), 
    (c)(4)(C) and (d)(9); section 535; section 540; section 545; section 
    546; section 990.
        Effective January 1, 1997: section 055; 090.
        Remove the following provisions of 18 AAC 52: effective January 1, 
    1997, section 060, subsection 8(c) and 8(e); section 520, subsection 
    (c)(9).
        Remove the following provisions of 18 AAC 52: effective January 1, 
    1998: section 060, subsection 8(d)(2); section
    
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    415, subsection (f)(1); section 420, subsection (a)(11); section 530, 
    subsection (b)(3) and (d)(9).
        Remove the following provisions of 18 AAC 52, effective January 4, 
    1995: section 530, subsection (c)(4)(c).
        The 18 AAC 53 Fuel Requirements for Motor Vehicles Regulations that 
    are approved by EPA are: Effective October 31, 1997, section 05; 
    section 07; section 10; section 20; section 30; section 35; section 40; 
    section 45; section 60; section 70; section 80; section 90; section 
    200; section 105; section 120; section 130; section 140; section 150; 
    section 160; section 170; and section 190; and effective September 4, 
    1998, 18 AAC 53.990.
        Remove the following provision of 18 AAC 53.015, Expansion of 
    Control Area, effective October 31, 1997.
        In addition to the above regulations, the revisions submitted by 
    ADEC include updates, streamlining, and editing to the narrative parts 
    of its CO plan for easier reading and understanding.
        EPA is publishing this rule without prior proposal because the 
    Agency views this as a noncontroversial submittal and anticipates no 
    adverse comments. However, in the proposed rules section of this 
    Federal Register publication, EPA is publishing a separate document 
    that will serve as the proposal to approve the SIP revision should 
    adverse comments be filed. This rule will be effective November 1, 1999 
    without further notice unless the Agency receives adverse comments by 
    October 1, 1999.
        If the EPA receives such comments, then EPA will publish a notice 
    withdrawing the final rule and informing the public that the rule will 
    not take effect. All public comments received will then be addressed in 
    a subsequent final rule based on the proposed rule. The EPA will not 
    institute a second comment period. Parties interested in commenting 
    should do so at this time. If no such comments are received, the public 
    is advised that this rule will be effective on November 1, 1999 and no 
    further action will be taken on the proposed rule.
    
    III. Administrative Requirements
    
    A. Executive Order 12866
    
        The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted this 
    regulatory action from Executive Order (E.O.) 12866, Regulatory 
    Planning and Review.
    
    B. Executive Order 12875
    
        Under Executive Order 12875, Enhancing the Intergovernmental 
    Partnership, 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, or 
    EPA consults with those governments. If EPA complies by consulting, 
    Executive Order 12875 requires EPA to 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 any written 
    communications from the governments, and a statement supporting the 
    need to issue the regulation. In addition, Executive Order 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 rule does not create a mandate on State, local or tribal 
    governments. The rule does not impose any enforceable duties on these 
    entities. Accordingly, the requirements of section 1(a) of E.O. 12875 
    do not apply to this rule.
    
    C. Executive Order 13045
    
        Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety 
    Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997), applies to any rule that: (1) is 
    determined to be Economically significant as defined under E.O. 12866, 
    and (2) concerns an environmental health or safety risk that EPA has 
    reason to believe may have a disproportionate effect on children. If 
    the regulatory action meets both criteria, the Agency must evaluate the 
    environmental health or safety effects of the planned rule on children, 
    and explain why the planned regulation is preferable to other 
    potentially effective and reasonably feasible alternatives considered 
    by the Agency. This rule is not subject to E.O. 13045 because it is 
    does not involve decisions intended to mitigate environmental health or 
    safety risks
    
    D. Executive Order 13084
    
        Under Executive Order 13084, Consultation and Coordination with 
    Indian Tribal Governments, EPA may not issue a regulation that is not 
    required by statute, that significantly 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, or EPA consults with those 
    governments. If EPA complies by consulting, Executive Order 13084 
    requires EPA to 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, Executive Order 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 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.
    
    E. Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) generally requires an agency 
    to conduct a regulatory flexibility analysis of any rule subject to 
    notice and comment rulemaking requirements unless the agency certifies 
    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 small governmental 
    jurisdictions. This final rule will not have a significant impact on a 
    substantial number of small entities because SIP approvals under 
    section 110 and subchapter I, part D of the Clean Air Act do not create 
    any new requirements but simply approve requirements that the State is 
    already imposing. Therefore, because the Federal SIP approval does not 
    create any new requirements, I certify that this action will not have a 
    significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
    Moreover, due to the nature of the Federal-State relationship under the 
    Clean Air Act, preparation of flexibility analysis would constitute 
    Federal inquiry into the economic reasonableness of state action. The 
    Clean Air Act forbids EPA to base its actions concerning SIPs on such 
    grounds. Union Electric Co., v. U.S. EPA, 427 U.S. 246, 255-66 (1976); 
    42 U.S.C. 7410(a)(2).
    
    F. 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
    
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    prepare a budgetary impact statement to accompany any proposed or final 
    rule that includes a Federal mandate that may result in estimated 
    annual 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 promulgated does not 
    include a Federal mandate that may result in estimated annual 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 
    requirements. Accordingly, no additional costs to State, local, or 
    tribal governments, or to the private sector, result from this action.
    
    G. Submission to Congress and the Comptroller General
    
        The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the 
    Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally 
    provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating 
    the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, 
    to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the 
    United States. EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other 
    required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of 
    Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior 
    to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. This rule is not a 
    ``major'' rule as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
    
    H. Petitions for Judicial Review
    
        Under section 307(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act, petitions for 
    judicial review of this action must be filed in the United States Court 
    of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by November 1, 1999. Filing a 
    petition for reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule 
    does not affect the finality of this rule for the purposes of judicial 
    review nor does it extend the time within which a petition for judicial 
    review may be filed, and shall not postpone the effectiveness of such 
    rule or action. This action may not be challenged later in proceedings 
    to enforce its requirements. (See section 307(b)(2).)
    
    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
    
        Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Carbon monoxide, 
    Hydrocarbons, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, 
    Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
    
        Dated: July 22, 1999.
    Chuck Clarke,
    Regional Administrator, Region 10.
    
        Part 52, chapter I, title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations is 
    amended as follows:
    
    PART 52--[AMENDED]
    
        1.The authority citation for Part 52 continues to read as follows:
    
        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
    
    Subpart C--Alaska
    
        2. Section 52.70 is amended by adding paragraph (c)(29) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 52.70  Identification of plan.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) * * *
        (29) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves various 
    amendments to the Alaska State Air Quality Control Plan which are 
    contained in three separate submittals to EPA, dated February 6, 1997, 
    June 1, 1998, and September 10, 1998, and which include the inspection 
    and maintenance program.
        (i) Incorporation by reference.
        (A) Air Quality Control Regulations, 18 AAC 50. Effective September 
    4, 1998: Section 700; Section 705; Section 710; Section 715; and 
    Section 720.
        (B) Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Requirements for Motor 
    Vehicles 18 AAC 52. (1) Effective January 1, 1998: Section 005; Section 
    010; Section 015; Section 020; Section 025; Section 035; Section 037; 
    Section 050; Section 060, except for subsections (8)(c), (8)(d)(2) and 
    (8)(e); Section 065; Section 070; Section 080; Section 085; Section 
    095; Section 100; Section 105; Section 400; Section 405; Section 415, 
    except subsection (f)(1); Section 420, except subsection (a)(11); 
    Section 425; Section 440; Section 500; Section 515; Section 520, except 
    subsection (c)(9); Section 525; Section 527; Section 530, except 
    subsections (b)(3), (c)(4)(C) and (d)(9); Section 535; Section 540; 
    Section 545; Section 546; Section 990.
        (2) Effective January 1, 1997: Section 055; 090.
        (3) Remove the following provisions of 18 AAC 52, effective January 
    1, 1997: Section 060, subsection 8(c) and 8(e); Section 520, subsection 
    (c)(9).
        (4) Remove the following provisions of 18 AAC 52, effective January 
    1, 1998: Section 060, subsection 8(d)(2); Section 415, subsection 
    (f)(1); Section 420, subsection (a)(11); Section 530, subsection (b)(3) 
    and (d)(9).
        (5) Remove the following provisions of 18 AAC 52, effective January 
    4, 1995: Section 530, subsection (c)(4)(c).
        (C) Fuel Requirements for Motor Vehicles 18 AAC 53.
        (1) Effective October 31, 1997: Section 05; Section 07; Section 10; 
    Section 20; Section 30; Section 35; Section 40; Section 45; Section 60; 
    Section 70; Section 80; Section 90; Section 200; Section 105; Section 
    120; Section 130; Section 140; Section 150; Section 160; Section 170; 
    Section 190 and effective September 4, 1998, Section 990.
        (2) Remove the following provision of 18 AAC 53.015, Expansion of 
    Control Area, effective October 31, 1997.
        (ii) Additional material.
        (A) Revisions to Alaska's State Air Quality Control Plan, Volume 
    II: Section I, ``Background,'' I.A; I.B., I.C., I.D., and I.E., adopted 
    11/26/96; Part B--Anchorage Contingency Measures, adopted 5/18/98; 
    Section II, ``State Air Quality Control Program,'' pages II-1 through 
    II-4, adopted 5/18/98; Section III.A. ``Statewide Carbon Monoxide 
    Control Program,'' pages III.A.1-1 through III.A.3-4, adopted 5/18/98; 
    III.B. ``Anchorage Transportation Control Program,'' pages III.B.1-1 
    through III.B.6-7, adopted 5/18/98; III.B.8. ``Modeling and 
    Projections,'' pages III.B.8-1 through III.B.9-2, adopted 5/18/98; 
    III.B.10, ``Anchorage Air Pollution Episode Curtailment Plan,'' pages 
    III.B.10-1 and III.B.10-2, revised 12/19/93; III.B.11. ``Assurance of 
    Adequacy,'' pages III.B.11-1 through III.B.11-3, revised 5/18/98; 
    III.B.12. ``Emissions Budget,'' page III.B.12-1, adopted 11/26/96; and 
    various CO SIP streamlining edits throughout Volume II and Volume III 
    of the State Air Quality Control Plan which make the document easier to 
    read and better organized, adopted 5/18/98.
    
    [FR Doc. 99-22450 Filed 8-31-99; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
11/1/1999
Published:
09/01/1999
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Direct final rule.
Document Number:
99-22450
Dates:
This direct final rule is effective on November 1, 1999 without further notice, unless EPA receives adverse comment by October 1, 1999. If adverse comment is received, EPA will publish a timely withdrawal of the direct final rule in the Federal Register and inform the public that the rule will not take effect.
Pages:
47674-47679 (6 pages)
Docket Numbers:
AK-21-1709-a, FRL-6412-7
PDF File:
99-22450.pdf
CFR: (1)
40 CFR 52.70