[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 208 (Thursday, October 28, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57983-57989]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-27136]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[TX-79-1-7328a, FRL-6459-8]


Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; Repeal 
of Board Seal Rule and Revisions to Particulate Matter Regulations

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Direct final rule.

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SUMMARY: The EPA is taking direct final action approving revisions to 
the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) regulations 
in the Texas State Implementation Plan (SIP). These revisions remove 
the Texas Air Control Board (TACB) Seal rule from the Texas SIP and 
revise and recodify regulations for control of particulate matter in 
the Texas SIP. Removal of the Board Seal rule eliminates a rule that no 
longer applies to TNRCC. These revisions to the particulate matter 
regulations update the SIP-approved regulations and make the SIP 
citations consistent with the current State citations.

DATES: This rule is effective on December 27, 1999 without further 
notice, unless EPA receives adverse comment by November 29, 1999. If 
EPA receives such comment, EPA will publish a timely withdrawal in the 
Federal Register informing the public that this rule will not take 
effect.

ADDRESSES: Written comments on this action should be addressed to Mr. 
Thomas H. Diggs, Chief, Air Planning Section (6PD-L), at the EPA Region 
6 Office listed below. Copies of documents relevant to this action are 
available for public inspection during normal business hours at the 
following locations. Anyone wanting to examine these documents should 
make an appointment with the appropriate office at least two working 
days in advance.
    Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, Air Planning Section 
(6PD-L), 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733.
    Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, Office of Air 
Quality, 12124 Park 35 Circle, Austin, Texas 78753.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Deese of the EPA Region 6 Air 
Planning Section at (214) 665-7253.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document whenever ``we'' is 
used, we mean EPA. Texas Regulation I in the SIP and revisions to 
Regulation I being approved in this action have undesignated headings. 
In this document, references to these undesignated heading are preceded 
by the word ``concerning.'' This document makes many references to 
subsections of 40 CFR 52.2270. Section 40 CFR 52.2270 was moved to 40 
CFR 52.2299 in a Federal Register action published July 7, 1999 (64 FR 
36586).
    On September 1, 1993, the TACB merged with the former Texas 
Department of Water Resources to become the Office of Air Quality in 
the new TNRCC. The TACB air regulations were transferred from Title 31 
of the Texas Administrative Code (31 TAC) to Title 30 of the Texas 
Administrative Code (30 TAC). The designation for the General Rules 
changed from 31 TAC Chapter 101 to 30 TAC Chapter 101. The designation 
for Regulation I changed from 31 TAC Chapter 111 to 30 TAC Chapter 111. 
References to TNRCC replaced references to TACB in the regulations.

I. What Is EPA Approving in This Action?

    Below is a brief discussion of the State submittals being approved 
in this Federal Register action.

[[Page 57984]]

A. Adopted by TACB on June 16, 1989, and Submitted to EPA on August 21, 
1989

    The TACB adopted the repeal of the existing Regulation I and 
adopted a new Regulation I. The primary purpose of the new rules was to 
address EPA's new national ambient air quality standards in the El Paso 
County PM10 nonattainment area. While in most cases the 
purpose of the new rule provisions remained the same, the regulations 
were reorganized and the rules renumbered and stylistically changed.
    We acted upon sections of this submittal concerning Outdoor Burning 
and concerning Materials Handling, Construction, Roads, Streets, 
Alleys, and Parking Lots on January 18, 1994 (59 FR 2534), at 
52.2270(c)(79), in a Federal Register action approving the 
PM10 SIP for the El Paso County PM10 
nonattainment area.
    We acted upon sections of this submittal concerning Visibility on 
May 8, 1996 (61 FR 20732), at 52.2270(c)(94).
    The purpose of this Federal Register action is to approve the 
remaining sections of the submittal concerning: Incineration, Emission 
Limits on Nonagricultural Processes, Emission Limits on Agricultural 
Processes, Exemptions for Portable or Transient Operations, and the 
repeal of Sec. 111.92 relating to Compliance Dates. We are approving 
these revisions to Regulation I as 30 TAC Chapter 111 even though they 
were submitted as 31 TAC Chapter 111.

B. Adopted by TNRCC March 29, 1995 and Submitted to EPA on July 12, 
1995

    The TNRCC adopted the repeal of Sec. 101.12, Board Seal, from the 
TNRCC General Rules because the rule no longer applies to TNRCC. The 
TNRCC also revised Regulation I, Sec. 111.103, Exemptions to 
Prohibitions to Outdoor Burning, by deleting Subsection 
Sec. 111.103(b)(8). The municipal solid waste provisions contained in 
this Subsection have been superseded by the Federal Resource 
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

C. Adopted by TNRCC August 21, 1996, and Submitted to EPA on August 30, 
1996

    The TNRCC revised Regulation I to clarify the requirements for 
allowable outdoor burning and to clarify exceptions to prohibition of 
outdoor burning. The rules were structured to more adequately relate to 
current outdoor burning needs. This revision repealed Secs. 101.101 to 
101.107 concerning Outdoor Burning and replaced them with new 
Secs. 101.201 to 101.221 under new Subchapter B, Outdoor Burning. All 
other sections in Regulation I became Subchapter A, Visible Emissions 
and Particulate Matter. The TNRCC also replaced all references to TACB 
in Regulation I with references to TNRCC.

II. Why Is the TACB Board Seal Rule Being Removed From the SIP?

    Section 101.12, Board Seal, of the TNRCC General Rules was approved 
as Rule 13 in the TACB General Rules approved by EPA May 31, 1972, with 
the original Texas SIP. The purpose of the Board Seal rule was to 
provide for a seal bearing the words ``Texas Air Control Board,'' and 
the oak and olive branches common to other official State seals. The 
TNRCC adopted the repeal of Sec. 101.12, on March 29, 1995, because the 
TACB no longer exists and the rule no longer applies to TNRCC.

III. Background of Texas Regulation I in the Texas SIP?

    We approved Texas Regulation I on May 31, 1972 (37 FR 10895), with 
the original Texas SIP. It was adopted by TACB on January 26, 1972, and 
consisted of: Rule 101, Outdoor Burning; Rule 102, Incineration; Rule 
103, Visible Emissions; Rule 104, Particulate Matter From Materials 
Handling, Construction, and Roads; Rule 105, Particulate Matter; Rule 
106, Transient Operations; Rule 107, Agricultural Process; and untitled 
Rule 108 for compliance dates.
    We approved revisions to Regulation I on: March 25, 1980 (45 FR 
19244); July 26, 1982 (47 FR 32126); February 25, 1983 (48 FR 08073); 
January 18, 1994 (59 FR 02538); and May 8, 1996 (61 FR 20732).
    The current SIP-approved Regulation I is available for public 
inspection by selecting ``Texas'' and then ``TX Chap 111 (Reg 1)'' at 
the following web site: http://www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6pd/air/sip/sip.htm

IV. Outline of Regulation I in the Texas SIP as a Result of This 
Federal Register Action

    Below is an outline of Regulation I as being approved by this 
action. Sections with titles followed by an ``*'' have already been 
approved by EPA, but are being placed in Subchapter A in this action as 
requested by the August 30, 1996, submittal. The rest of the sections 
in Regulation I are being revised and recodified in this action.

Regulation I (30 TAC Chapter 111)--Control of Air Pollution from 
Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter

Subchapter A. Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter Visible 
Emissions*

Section 111.111  Requirements for Specified Sources*
Section 111.113  Alternative Opacity Limitations*

Incineration

Section 111.121  Single-Chamber Incinerators

Materials Handling, Construction, Roads, Streets, Alleys, and Parking 
Lots*

Section 111.141  Geographic Areas of Application and Date of 
Compliance*
Section 111.143  Materials Handling*
Section 111.145  Construction and Demolition*
Section 111.147  Roads, Streets, and Alleys*
Section 111.149  Parking Lots*

Emission Limits on Nonagricultural Processes

Section 111.151  Allowable Emissions Limits
Section 111.153  Emission Limits for Steam Generators
Section 111.155  Ground Level Concentrations

Emission Limits on Agricultural Processes

Section 111.171  Emission Limits Based on Process Weight Method
Section 111.173  Emissions Limits Based on Alternate Method
Section 111.175  Exemptions

Exemptions for Portable or Transient Operations

Section 111.181  Exemption Policy
Section 111.183  Requirements for Exemptions

Subchapter B. Outdoor Burning

Section 111.201  General Prohibitions
Section 111.203  Definitions
Section 111.205  Exceptions for Fire Training
Section 111.207  Exceptions for Fires Used for Recreation, Ceremony, 
Cooking, and Warmth
Section 111.209  Exception for Disposal Fires
Section 111.211  Exception for Prescribed Burn
Section 111.213  Exception for Hydrocarbon Burning
Section 111.215  Executive Director Approval of Otherwise Prohibited 
Outdoor Burning
Section 111.219  General Requirements for Allowable Outdoor Burning
Section 111.221  Responsibility for Consequences of Outdoor Burning

V. How Are Sections of Regulation I Being Revised by This Action?

    The revisions to Regulation I adopted by TNRCC August 21, 1996, and 
submitted to EPA on August 30, 1996, placed all sections concerning 
outdoor burning in new Subchapter B, Outdoor Burning. All other 
sections in Regulation I were placed in Subchapter

[[Page 57985]]

A, Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter.

A. Subchapter A, Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter.

    We are approving revisions to Regulation I adopted by TACB on June 
16, 1989, concerning: Incineration, Emission Limits on Nonagricultural 
Processes, Emission Limits on Agricultural Processes, Exemptions for 
Portable or Transient Operations, and the repeal of Section 111.92 in 
the SIP relating to Compliance Dates.
    Below is a brief discussion of each section of Subchapter A.
1. Sections 111.111 and 111.113 Concerning Visible Emissions
    We approved sections 111.111 and 111.113 on January 18, 1994 (59 FR 
2534), at 52.2270(c)(79), and on May 8, 1996 (61 FR 20732), at 
52.2270(c)(94). These revisions included amendments adopted by TACB on 
June 16, 1989; October 12, 1990; October 25, 1991; September 18, 1992; 
and June 18, 1993.
2. Section 111.121 Concerning Incineration
    Section 111.121, Single-Chamber Incinerators, as adopted by TACB on 
June 16, 1989, replaces Section 111.11, Incineration, and Section 
111.12, Approval of Incinerators, approved by EPA on July 26, 1982 (47 
FR 32126), at 52.2270(c)(44). Section 111.121 makes minor revision to 
the limitations on the burning of garbage or rubbish in residential, 
publicly-owned, commercial, or hospital/pathological waste 
incinerators.
3. Sections 111.141 to 111.151 Concerning Materials Handling, 
Construction, Roads, Streets, Alleys, and Parking Lots
    Sections 111.141, 111.143, 111.145, 111.147, and 111.149, as 
adopted by the TACB on June 16, 1989, and October 25, 1991, were 
approved by EPA January 18, 1994 (59 FR 2534), at 52.2270(c)(79).
4. Sections 111.151 to 111.155 Concerning Emission Limits on 
Nonagricultural Processes
    Sections 111.151, 111.153, and 111.155, adopted by TACB on June 16, 
1989, replace Rule 105, Particulate Matter, approved by EPA May 31, 
1972, with the original Texas SIP.
    Section 111.151 reformats and makes slight revisions to Rule 105.1. 
An equation in Subsection 111.151(b) replaces Figure 1, a log-log graph 
entitled Allowable Particulate Emission Rates for Specific Flow Rates. 
An equation in Subsection 111.151(c) replaces Figure 2, a graph 
entitled Standard Effective Stack Height Based on Specific Flow Rates. 
Table 1, Allowable Particulate Emission Rates for Specific Flow Rates, 
and Table 2, Standard Effective Stack Height Based on Specific Flow 
Rates, are identical to Tables 1 and 2 approved with the original Texas 
SIP except that Table 1 now clarifies that the rate of emissions is for 
total suspended particulate (TSP).
    Section 111.153, Emissions Limits for Steam Generators, replaces 
Rule 105.3. Subsection 111.153(a) provides that Section 111.151 does 
not apply to, or set limits to, any oil or gas fuel-fired steam 
generator with a heat input greater than 2500 million British thermal 
units (Btu) per hour or any solid fossil fuel-fired steam generator. 
Subsection 111.153(b) sets limits to any solid fossil fuel-fired steam 
generator at 0.3 pounds of TSP per million Btu heat input, averaged 
over a two-hour period. Subsection 111.153(c) limits any oil or gas 
fuel-fired steam generator with a heat input greater than 2500 million 
Btu per hour to 0.1 pounds of TSP per million Btu input averaged over a 
two-hour period.
    Section 111.155, Ground Level Concentrations, which replaces Rule 
105.2, sets limits for particulate matter resulting from any ground 
level source.
5. Sections 111.171 to 111.175 Concerning Emission Limits on 
Agricultural Processes
    Sections 111.171, 111.173, and 111.175, adopted by TACB on June 16, 
1989, replace Sections 111.71, 111.72, 111.73, 111.74, 111.75, and 
111.76, concerning Particulate Matter from Agricultural Processes, 
approved by EPA July 26, 1982 (47 FR 32126), at 52.2270(c)(44), and 
February 25, 1983 (48 FR 8073), at 52.2270(c)(50).
    Section 111.171, Emission Limits Based on Process Weight Method, 
establishes that all sources affected by Section 3.10(e) the Texas 
Clean Air Act (TCAA), shall have allowable particulate emissions levels 
determined by the process weight method unless a request for an 
alternate method is submitted and approved.
    Section 111.173, Emission Limits Based on Alternate Method, allows 
for a source affected by Section 3.10(e) of the TCAA to request an 
approved alternate method.
    Section 111.175, Exemptions, enumerates the sections of Regulation 
I from which agricultural processes are exempt.
    Table 3, Allowable Rate of Emission Based on Process Weight Rate, 
cited in Section 111.171, is identical to Tables 3 approved with the 
original Texas SIP. Figure 3, a log-log graph entitled Allowable 
Emissions Levels Based on Process Weight Rate, has been deleted.
6. Sections 111.181 and 111.183 Concerning Exemptions for Portable or 
Transient Operations
    Sections 111.181 and 111.183, adopted by TACB on June 16, 1989, 
replace Sections 111.81, 111.82, and 111.83 concerning Exemptions 
approved by EPA February 25, 1983 (48 FR 8073), at 52.2270(c)(50).
    Section 111.181, Exemption Policy, exempts most portable facilities 
and transient operations, except those in the inhalable particulate 
matter Group I and Group II areas in Dallas, El Paso, and Harris 
counties, from the requirements of certain sections of Chapter 111.
    Section 111.183, Requirements for Exemption, stipulates conditions 
which have to be met in order to qualify for the exemption in section 
111.181.
7. Repeal of Section 111.92, Compliance Dates
    Section 111.92 was approved by EPA February 25, 1983 (48 FR 8073), 
at 52.2270(c)(50). No replacement for Section 111.92 was included in 
the new Regulation I adopted by TACB on June 16, 1989, because the 
section was outdated and referred to sections of Regulation I that have 
been revised or have their own compliance dates. The dates in Section 
111.92 have passed.

B. Subchapter B, Outdoor Burning

    Sections 111.101, 111.103, 111.105, and 111.107 concerning Outdoor 
Burning in the current Texas SIP were adopted by the TACB on June 16, 
1989, and October 25, 1991, and approved by EPA on January 18, 1994 (59 
FR 2534) at 52.2270(c)(79).
    On July 12, 1995, the Governor submitted a revision to Regulation I 
adopted by TNRCC on March 29, 1995, which revised Section 111.103, 
Exemptions to Prohibitions to Outdoor Burning, by deleting Subsection 
111.103(b)(8). The municipal solid waste provisions contained in this 
Subsection have been superseded by RCRA.
    On August 30, 1996, the Governor submitted to EPA revisions to 
Regulation I adopted by TNRCC on August 21, 1996, which repealed 
Sections 111.101, 111.103, 111.105, and 111.107 concerning Outdoor 
Burning and replaced them with new Subchapter B, Outdoor Burning, 
consisting of Sections 111.201, 111.203; 111.205; 111.207; 111.209; 
111.211; 111.213; 111.215; 111.219; and 111.221. This was done in order 
to clarify requirements and, where appropriate, add flexibility to 
existing requirements. Subsections of

[[Page 57986]]

old Section 111.103, Exceptions to Prohibition of Outdoor Burning, have 
been placed in five separate sections in Subchapter B. Below is a brief 
discussion of each of the sections being approved in this action.
1. Section 111.201, General Prohibitions
    Section 111.201 replaces Section 111.101 of the same title. The 
definition of the term ``Executive Director'' has been revised to 
include TNRCC staff representatives. This section prohibits outdoor 
burning unless authorized by statute, order, or permit.
2. Section 111.203, Definitions
    Section 111.203 is a new section which adds definitions of the 
following terms: Extinguished, Landclearing operation, Practical 
alternative, Prescribed burn, Structure containing sensitive 
receptor(s), Sunrise/Sunset, and Wildland. These definitions clarify 
terms and concepts previously considered ambiguous or undefined.
3. Section 111.205, Exceptions for Fire Training
    Section 111.205 replaces Subsection 111.103(b)(1). The revisions 
simplify the notification procedures by eliminating some of the 
repetitive and nonessential notification requirements for fire training 
managers.
4. Section 111.207, Exceptions for Fires Used for Recreation, Ceremony, 
Cooking, and Warmth
    Section 111.207, replaces and makes minor editorial changes to 
Subsection 111.103(b)(3). Section 111.207 permits fires used solely for 
recreational or ceremonial purposes, for the noncommercial preparation 
of food, or for the exclusive purpose of supplying warmth during cold 
weather.
5. Section 111.209, Exception for Disposal Fires
    Section 111.209 replaces Subsections 111.103(b)(2), (4), and (5). 
Section 111.209 differentiates between fires used solely for the 
disposal of wastes and other forms of outdoor burning and regulates 
them in relation to practical alternatives. In regard to domestic waste 
burning, the rule clarifies allowable burning both in terms of waste 
collection criteria and types of wastes. The rule permits the burning 
of diseased animal carcasses when burning is the most effective means 
of controlling the spread of disease. This section now addresses off-
site impacts in burns for land clearing and right-of-way maintenance. 
New additions specifically address the regulation of crop residue 
burning and brush burning by counties and municipalities for 
detrimental public health and safety considerations.
6. Section 111.211, Exception for Prescribed Burn
    Section 111.211, replaces Subsection 111.103(b)(6) relating to 
exceptions for prescribed burn. Section 111.211 recognizes the use of 
fire as a positive forest, range, and wildland/wildlife management tool 
under certain circumstances for which there is no practical 
alternative. In the case of the burning of coastal salt-marsh, the 
notification criteria and procedures have been simplified.
7. Section 111.213, Exception for Hydrocarbon Burning
    Section 111.213 replaces Subsection 111.103(b)(7). Section 111.213 
has been revised to include a sampling and monitoring requirement. 
Section 111.213 permits hydrocarbon burning for pipeline breaks and 
spills if the Executive Director determines that the burning is 
necessary to protect public welfare.
8. Section 111.215, Executive Director Approval of Otherwise Prohibited 
Outdoor Burning
    Section 111.215, relating to Executive Director approval of 
otherwise prohibited outdoor burning where there is no practical 
alternative, replaces Subsection 103(a). Section 111.215 now recognizes 
that authorization is contingent upon not causing a condition of 
nuisance or traffic hazard.
9. Section 111.219, General Requirements for Allowable Outdoor Burning
    Section 111.219, which replaces Section 111.105, clarifies points 
which have previously been unclear or ill-defined. Section 111.219(1) 
requires notification of the Texas Forest Service prior to a prescribed 
or controlled burn. Section 111.219(2) is modified to recognize local 
government burning ordinance authority stipulated in the TCAA. Section 
111.219(3) has been changed to avoid potential off-site impacts to 
sensitive receptor(s). Section 111.219(4) requires the person 
initiating a burn to post a flag-person where smoke may blow across a 
road. Section 111.219(5) adds flexibility to the previously inflexible 
300 foot prohibition by setting wind direction and distance from 
sensitive receptors as the regulatory criteria for determining the 
extent of the burn. Section 111.219(6) establishes the allowable burn 
hours to one hour after sunrise to one hour before sunset. This 
provision allows more flexibility but is also intended to ensure 
meteorological conditions are properly evaluated. Section 111.219(7) is 
modified to provide more specificity to prohibited burn fuels.
10. Section 111.221, Responsibility for Consequences of Outdoor Burning
    Section 111.221 replaces Section 111.107 of the same title. There 
are no changes from the existing rule. This provision states that the 
authority to burn does not excuse compliance with other applicable laws 
and does not exempt the person responsible from any consequences, 
damages, or injuries even though the burning is otherwise conducted in 
compliance with this regulation.

VI. Final Action

    We are approving revisions to Regulation I in the Texas SIP adopted 
by TACB June 16, 1989, and submitted to EPA on August 21, 1989, 
concerning: Incineration, Emission Limits on Nonagricultural Processes, 
Emission Limits on Agricultural Processes, Exemptions for Portable or 
Transient Operations, and the repeal of Section 111.92, Compliance 
Dates. We are also approving revisions, adopted by TNRCC March 29, 
1995, and August 21, 1996, and submitted to EPA on July 12, 1995, and 
August 30, 1996, respectively. These revisions remove Section 101.12, 
Board Seal, from the TNRCC General Rules. These revisions also revise 
the Outdoor Burning sections in TNRCC Regulation I and places them in 
new Subchapter B and places the rest of the sections in Regulation I in 
new Subchapter A, Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter.
    The EPA is publishing this rule without prior proposal because we 
view this as a noncontroversial amendment and anticipate no adverse 
comments. However, in the ``Proposed Rules'' section of today's Federal 
Register publication, we are publishing a separate document that will 
serve as the proposal to approve the SIP revision if adverse comments 
are received. This rule will be effective on December 27, 1999 without 
further notice unless we receive adverse comment by November 29, 1999. 
If EPA receives adverse comments, we will publish a timely withdrawal 
in the Federal Register informing the public that the rule will not 
take effect. We will address all public comments in a subsequent final 
rule based on the proposed rule. We will not institute a second comment 
period on this action. Any parties interested in commenting must do so 
at this time.

[[Page 57987]]

VII. Administrative Requirements

A. Executive Order (E.O.) 12866

    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted this 
regulatory action from E.O. 12866, entitled ``Regulatory Planning and 
Review.''

B. Executive Orders on Federalism

    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, or EPA consults with those governments. If EPA complies by 
consulting, E.O. 12875 requires EPA to provide to the OMB 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, 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 rule does not create a mandate on State, local, or tribal 
governments. The rule does not impose any enforceable rules on any of 
these entities. This action does not create any new requirements but 
simply approves requirements that the State is already imposing. 
Accordingly, the requirements of section 1(a) of E.O. 12875 do not 
apply to this rule.
    On August 4, 1999, President Clinton issued a new E.O. on 
federalism, E.O. 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999), which will take 
effect on November 2, 1999. In the interim, the current E.O. 12612 (52 
FR 41685, October 30, 1987), on federalism still applies. This rule 
will not have a substantial direct effect on States, on the 
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government, as specified in E.O. 12612. The rule affects only one 
State, and does not alter the relationship or the distribution of power 
and responsibilities established in Federal Clean Air Act (the Act).

C. Executive Order 13045

    Executive Order 13045, entitled ``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.
    The EPA interprets E.O. 13045 as applying only to those regulatory 
actions that are based on health or safety risks, such that the 
analysis required under section 5-501 of the Order has the potential to 
influence the regulation. This final rule is not subject to E.O. 13045 
because it approves a State program.

D. Executive Order 13084

    Under E.O. 13084, 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, E.O. 13084 requires EPA to 
provide to the OMB, 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 rule does not significantly or uniquely affect the 
communities of Indian tribal governments. This action does not involve 
or impose any requirements that affect Indian tribes. 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, 5 U.S.C. 600 et seq., 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 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 
Act, preparation of a flexibility analysis would constitute Federal 
inquiry into the economic reasonableness of state action. The Act 
forbids EPA to base its actions concerning SIPs on such grounds. See 
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, 
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 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.
    The 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

[[Page 57988]]

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. The 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. A major rule can 
not take effect until 60 days after it is published in the Federal 
Register. This action is not a ``major'' rule as defined by 5 U.S.C. 
804(2). This rule will be effective December 27, 1999.

H. Petitions for Judicial Review

    Under section 307(b)(1) of the Act, petitions for judicial review 
of this action must be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for 
the appropriate circuit by December 27, 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, Intergovernmental 
relations, Hydrocarbons, Particulate matter, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: October 7, 1999.
Jerry Clifford,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 6.
    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 SS--Texas

    2. In Sec. 52.2270(c) the first table is amended by revising the 
entry for Chapter 111 and by removing the entry for ``Section 101.12, 
Board Seal'' to read as follows:


Sec. 52.2270  Identification of plan.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *

                                    EPA Approved Regulations in the Texas SIP
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      State
        State citation            Title/subject     adoption   EPA approval date            Explanation
                                                      date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
*                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                        *
           Chapter 111 (Reg 1)--Control of Air Pollution from Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter
 
                             Subchapter A--Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter
                                                Visible Emissions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 111.111(a), (b).......  Requirements for     06/18/93  05/08/96, 61 FR    Ref. 52.2299(c)(94)
                                 Specified                      20732, 01/18/94,
                                 Sources.                       59 FR 2532.
                                                                                  52.2299(c)(79)
Section 111.113...............  Alternative          06/16/89  05/08/96, 61 FR    Ref. 52.2299(c)(94)
                                 Opacity                        20732.
                                 Limitations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Incineration
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 111.121...............  Single-Chamber       06/16/89  October 28, 1999.
                                 Incineration.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Materials Handling, Construction, Roads, Streets, Alleys, and Parking Lots
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 111.141...............  Geographic Areas     10/25/91  01/18/94, 59 FR    Ref. 52.2299(c)(79)
                                 of Application                 02534.
                                 and Date of
                                 Compliance.
Section 111.143...............  Materials            06/16/89  01/18/94, 59 FR    Ref. 52.2299(c)(79)
                                 Handling.                      02534.
Section 111.145...............  Construction and     10/25/91  01/18/94, 59 FR    Ref. 52.2299(c)(79)
                                 Demolition.                    02534.
Section 111.147...............  Roads, Streets,      10/25/91  01/18/94, 59 FR    Ref. 52.2299(c)(79)
                                 and Alleys.                    02534.
Section 111.149...............  Parking Lots.....    06/16/89  01/18/94, 59 FR    Ref. 52.2299(c)(79)
                                                                02534.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Emission Limits on Nonagricultural Processes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 111.151...............  Allowable            06/16/89  October 28, 1999.
                                 Emissions Limits.
Section 111.153...............  Emission Limits      06/16/89  October 28, 1999.
                                 for Steam
                                 Generators.
Section 111.155                 Ground Level         06/16/89  October 28, 1999.
                                 Concentrations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Emission Limits on Agricultural Processes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 111.171...............  Emission Limits      06/16/89  October 28, 1999.
                                 Based on Process
                                 Weight Method.
Section 111.173...............  Emissions Limits     06/16/89  October 28, 1999.
                                 Based on
                                 Alternate Method.
Section 111.175...............  Exemptions.......    06/16/89  October 28, 1999.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Exemptions for Portable or Transient Operations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 111.181...............  Exemption Policy.    06/16/89  October 28, 1999.

[[Page 57989]]

 
Section 111.183...............  Requirements for     06/16/89  October 28, 1999.
                                 Exemptions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Subchapter B--Outdoor Burning
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 111.201...............  General              08/21/96  October 28, 1999.
                                 Prohibitions.
Section 111.203...............  Definitions......    08/21/96  October 28, 1999.
Section 111.205...............  Exceptions for       08/21/96  October 28, 1999.
                                 Fire Training.
Section 111.207...............  Exceptions for       08/21/96  October 28, 1999.
                                 Fires Used for
                                 Recreation,
                                 Ceremony,
                                 Cooking, and
                                 Warmth.
Section 111.209...............  Exception for        08/21/96  October 28, 1999.
                                 Disposal Fires.
Section 111.211...............  Exception for        08/21/96  October 28, 1999.
                                 Prescribed Burn.
Section 111.213...............  Exception for        08/21/96  October 28, 1999.
                                 Hydrocarbon
                                 Burning.
Section 111.215...............  Executive            08/21/96  October 28, 1999.
                                 Director
                                 Approval of
                                 Otherwise
                                 Prohibited
                                 Outdoor Burning.
Section 111.219...............  General              08/21/96  October 28, 1999.
                                 Requirements for
                                 Allowable
                                 Outdoor Burning.
Section 111.221...............  Responsibility       08/21/96  October 28, 1999.
                                 for Consequences
                                 of Outdoor
                                 Burning.
 
*                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                        *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 99-27136 Filed 10-27-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P