Comment submitted by Lee R. Lemke, Executive Vice President, Georgia Mining Association (GMA)

The Georgia Mining Association (GMA) appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on these proposed regulations pertaining to the Step 3 of EPA’s Tailoring Rule, including GHG PALs and GHG SM permits, as proposed on March 8, 2012 at 77 FR 14226. GMA represents 46 mining companies with operations in Georgia and 170 associated companies that service the mining industry in Georgia. Our mining members and associate members provide over 10,000 jobs in Georgia and produce mineral products with a value of over $1.8 billion annually. All of GMA's members share a common objective to provide industrial minerals in the most efficient, economical, and environmentally responsible manner possible. The mining industry prides itself on its reclamation accomplishments and its environmental stewardship. The GMA and its members look forward to working with the EPA to ensure that mining remains environmentally and economically sound.