[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 185 (Monday, September 24, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48796-48806]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-23624]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[TX-104-1-7401a; FRL-7063-2]


Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; 
Revisions to General Rules and Regulations for Control of Air Pollution 
by Permits for New Sources and Modifications

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Direct final rule.

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SUMMARY: The EPA is taking direct final action to approve revisions of 
the Texas State Implementation Plan (SIP). Specifically, EPA is 
approving revisions to regulations of the Texas Natural Resource 
Conservation Commission (TNRCC) which relate to definitions in Texas' 
general rules and to regulations relating to the permitting of new 
sources and modifications. The revisions that EPA is approving in this 
action are to recodify several provisions of the existing SIP without 
substantive changes and approve provisions for permit alterations which 
will strengthen the SIP as it pertains to the permitting of new and 
modified sources. Approval of these revisions will bring the federally 
approved SIP, which pertains to the permitting of new and modified 
sources more closely in line with the Texas' existing program. This 
action will better serve the State, the public, and the regulated 
community by making the approved SIP more closely match the rules that 
Texas currently implements. The approval of these revisions is 
independent of, and will not adversely affect, other SIP actions that 
EPA and TNRCC are currently undertaking to ensure the attainment and 
maintenance of air quality in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston-Galveston, 
and Beaumont-Port Arthur regions of Texas. Except where otherwise 
noted, EPA is approving revisions which Texas submitted in 1998 to the 
extent that they are equivalent to revisions that Texas previously 
submitted in 1993. Where noted, EPA is acting on provisions which Texas 
submitted in 1993. Finally,

[[Page 48797]]

EPA is taking no action on certain provisions which relate to emissions 
reduction credits and offsets, permit exemptions, permit renewals, and 
emergency orders, which are not in the current SIP and for reasons 
discussed in the Supplementary Information.

DATES: This rule is effective on November 23, 2001 without further 
notice, unless EPA receives adverse comment by October 24, 2001. 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: Please address written comments on this action to Ms. Jole 
C. Luehrs, Chief, Air Permits Section, Attention: Stanley M. Spruiell, 
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.

EPA, Region 6, Air Permits Section (6PD-R), 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, 
Texas 75202-2733
TNRCC, Office of Air Quality, 12124 Park 35 Circle, Austin, Texas 78753

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stanley M. Spruiell of the Air Permits 
Section at (214) 665-7212, or at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document ``we,'' ``us,'' or 
``our'' means EPA. Please note that if we receive adverse comment(s) on 
an amendment, paragraph, or section of this rule and if that provision 
is independent of the remainder of the rule, we may adopt those 
provisions of the rule that are not the subject to the adverse comment.

Table of Contents

I. What Action Are We Taking?
I. What Actions Are We Taking on Chapter 101?
III. Why Are We Approving the Revisions to Chapter 116?
IV. Have We Approved Any Portions of the 1993 Submittal Prior to 
Today's Action?
V. Are We Approving all Provisions of Chapter 116?
VI. Why Are We Taking No Action on the Provisions Identified Above?
VII. Are We Approving Provisions That Did Not Exist in the Former 
SIP?
VIII. What is the Effect of Today's Action?
IX. What Texas Sip Regulations Are Being Replaced by This Action?
X. Administrative Requirements

I. What Action Are We Taking?

    In today's action, we are approving into the SIP revisions of 30 
Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 101, ``General Rules'' and 
Chapter 116, ``Control of Air Pollution by Permits for New Construction 
or Modification.'' The Governor of Texas submitted the following 
revisions to Chapters 101 and 116 to the Administrator of EPA after 
adequate notice and public hearing:
    A. On August 31, 1993 (the ``1993 submittal''). The 1993 submittal 
includes revisions adopted by Texas on August 16, 1993. It revises 
Chapters 101 and 116. Specifically, the 1993 submittal includes the 
following:
     Revisions to the General Rules in 30 TAC Chapter 101, 
section 101.1--Definitions.
     Revisions to and recodification of Chapter 116. The 1993 
submittal serves as the base regulation for subsequent revisions that 
TNRCC has adopted, or will adopt.
    B. July 22, 1998 (the ``1998 submittal''). This submittal includes 
revisions adopted by TNRCC on June 17, 1998. It includes the following:
     Provisions for implementing section 112(g) of the Act, and 
includes a new section 116.15--section 112(g) definitions, and a new 
subchapter C--Hazardous Air Pollutants: Regulations Governing 
Construction or Reconstruction Major Sources (Federal Clean Air Act 
(FCAA), section 112(g), 40 CFR part 63). We are taking no action on 
subchapter C.
     Changes which TNRCC made under its regulatory reform to 
simplify and clarify its rules. These changes which do not involve 
substantive changes include: (1) Using shorter sentences, (2) limiting 
each citation to one main concept, (3) reordering requirements into a 
more logical sequence, and (4) using more commonplace terminology.\1\
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    \1\ The 1998 submittal also includes provisions which TNRCC 
adopted subsequent to the 1993 submittal but not yet approved by 
EPA. Except where otherwise indicated, we are taking no action on 
revisions made after the 1993 submittal which are not substantially 
equivalent to the 1993 submittal until we complete our review of 
these subsequent revisions.
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    In today's action, we are approving the revisions to Chapter 116 as 
revisions to the Texas SIP as described herein.
    We have prepared a Technical Support Document (TSD) which contains 
a detailed analysis of our evaluation of this action. The TSD is 
included as part of the public docket and is available at the addresses 
listed above.

II. What Actions Are We Taking on Chapter 101?

    The 1993 submittal included revisions to Chapter 101, section 101.1 
(Definitions). Texas revised the definition of the term ``nonattainment 
area.'' Texas also removed several terms which relate to permitting 
major sources and major modifications in nonattainment areas, and 
simultaneously recodified those definitions into section 116.12.\2\
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    \2\ We approved the nonattainment definitions in section 116.12 
and the removal of such terms from section 101.1 in a separate 
action at 65 FR 43986 (July 17, 2000).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Table 1 below summarizes our evaluation of each definition in 
section 101.1 that we are approving in today's action.

   Table 1.--Summary of Evaluation of the definitions in Section 101.1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Regulation                Title/(subject)         Comments
------------------------------------------------------------------------
101.1..........................  General Definitions     a
                                  (Introductory
                                  paragraph).
101.1..........................     --Nonattainment      b
                                     area.
101.1..........................     --De minimis impact  c
------------------------------------------------------------------------
a--No substantive changes to approved provision. This provision
  continues to meet the Act.
b--Revised definition. We have determined that the revised definition is
  consistent with the Act.
c--Reinstatement of definition inadvertently deleted from the approved
  SIP on August 19, 1997 (62 Federal Register 44083).

    The submitted definition of ``nonattainment area'' is different 
from the definition submitted May 13, 1992, which EPA approved 
September 27, 1995 (60 FR 49781). The TNRCC reworded the definition to 
avoid using the defined word ``nonattainment'' within the definition. 
As submitted, TNRCC now defines ``nonattainment area'' as a region 
within the State which EPA has designated, under section 107(d) of the 
Clean Air Act (the ``Act''),

[[Page 48798]]

as failing to meet a national ambient air quality standard for a 
pollutant for which a standard exists. The revised definition continues 
to be substantially equivalent to the definition of ``nonattainment 
area'' as defined in section 171(2) of the Act.
    The 1993 submittal also includes the definition of ``de minimis 
impact'' in section 116.10. Texas repealed the definition from section 
116.10 in the 1998 submittal. In a separate action, we approved this 
definition in section 116.10 as submitted in 1993 at 62 FR 44083 
(August 19, 1997). In that action, we inadvertently removed the same 
definition from section 101.1. Subsequently, we discovered that Texas 
had retained the term ``de minimis impact'' in section 101.1. By this 
action, we are reinstating the definition of ``de minimis impact'' into 
section 101.1 as approved at 56 FR 46117 (September 10, 1991) and 
approving the repeal of the same definition from section 116.10 which 
Texas submitted in the 1998 submittal.

III. Why Are We Approving the Revisions to Chapter 116?

    Approval of these revisions to Chapter 116 will bring the federally 
approved SIP for Chapter 116 more closely in line with the Chapter as 
it currently exists in the State's program. Our approval of these 
revisions will also facilitate future revisions to Chapter 116, by 
enabling us to approve them into the current organizational structure. 
This approval also better serves the State, the public, and the 
regulated community by making the approved SIP more closely match the 
rules that Texas currently implements.
    As revised August 16, 1993, and June 17, 1998, Chapter 116 is 
organized as indicated in Table 2 below:

                                     Table 2.--Organization of Chapter 116 a
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               Citation                                                   Title
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subchapter A..........................  Definitions.
Subchapter B..........................  New Source Review Permits.
    Division 1........................  Permit Application.
    Division 2........................  Compliance History.
    Division 3........................  Public Notification and Comment Procedures.
    Division 4........................  Permit Fees.
    Division 5........................  Nonattainment Review.
    Division 6........................  Prevention of Significant Deterioration Review.
    Division 7........................  Emission Reductions: Offsets.
Subchapter C \b\......................  Permit Exemptions.
Subchapter D \b\......................  Permit Renewals.
Subchapter E \b\......................  Emergency Orders.
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\a\ This organization of Chapter 116 is the organization that Texas has submitted. As will be discussed herein,
  we are not acting on all provisions that Texas has submitted.
\b\ The EPA is taking no action on subchapters C and E in today's action.

IV. Have We Approved Any Portions of the 1993 Submittal Prior to 
Today's Action?

    We previously approved portions of the 1993 submittal in separate 
actions as indicated in Table 3 below.

   Table 3.--Provisions of August 31, 1993, Submittal of Chapter 116,
                       Previously Approved by EPA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Federal Register
         State citation                  Title         (FR) publication
                                                       date and page No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Subchapter A--Definitions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.10..................  General             62 FR 44083
                                   Definitions.        (August 19, 1997)
Section 116.12..................  Nonattainment       60 FR 49781
                                   Review              (September 27,
                                   Definitions.        1995) and 65 FR
                                                       43986 (July 17,
                                                       2000).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Subchapter B--New Source Review Permits
                         Division 4--Permit Fees
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.141, Subsections      Determination of    62 FR 44083
 (a), and (c)-(e).                 Fees.               (August 19,
                                                       1997).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                     Division 5--Nonattainment Review
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.150.................  New Major Source    65 FR 43986 (July
                                   or Major            17, 2000).
                                   Modification in
                                   Ozone
                                   Nonattainment
                                   Area.
Section 116.151.................  New Major Source    65 FR 43986 (July
                                   or Modification     17, 2000).
                                   in Nonattainment
                                   Area Other than
                                   Ozone.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Division 6--Prevention of Significant Deterioration Review
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.160.................  Prevention of       62 FR 44083
                                   Significant         (August 19,
                                   Deterioration       1997).
                                   Review
                                   Requirements.
Section 116.161.................  Source Located in   62 FR 44083
                                   an Attainment       (August 19,
                                   Area with Greater   1997).
                                   than De Minimis
                                   Impact.
Section 116.162.................  Evaluation of Air   62 FR 44083
                                   Quality Impacts.    (August 19,
                                                       1997).
Section 116.163.................  Prevention of       62 FR 44083
                                   Significant         (August 19,
                                   Deterioration       1997).
                                   Permits Fees.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
[[Page 48799]]

 
                 Division 7--Emission reduction: Offsets
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.170, and Subsections  Applicability of    65 FR 43986 (July
 (1) and (3).                      Reduction Credits.  17, 2000).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    With respect to the sections identified in Table 3 above, today's 
action approves the codification of these provisions into the 
organization structure adopted in 1998 submittal and any nonsubstantive 
changes to the previously approved provisions.

V. Are We Approving All Provisions of Chapter 116?

    No. We are taking no action on the provisions of Chapter 116 
identified in Table 4 below.

  Table 4.--Provisions of Chapter 116 for Which EPA Is Taking No Action
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Reason for taking no
  Citation of Chapter 116 a       Title/subject            action
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Subchapter A--Definitions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.10 (1993          General Definitions   b
 submittal).                   Definitions of ``de
                               minimis impact''
                               and ``emissions
                               unit''.
Section 116.10(1)...........  Definition of         c
                               ``actual
                               emissions''.
Section 116.10(2)...........  Definition of         c
                               ``allowable
                               emissions''.
Section 116.10(3)...........  Definition of ``best  c
                               available control
                               technology''.
Section 116.10(4)...........  Definition of         c
                               ``facility''.
Section 116.10(6)...........  Definition of         c
                               ``grandfathered
                               facility''.
Section 116.10(8)...........  Definition of         c
                               ``maximum allowable
                               emission rate table
                               (MAERT)''.
Section 116.10(9)...........  Definition of         c
                               ``modification of
                               existing facility''.
Section 116.10(10)..........  Definition of ``new   c
                               facility''.
Section 116.10(14)..........  Definition of         c
                               ``qualified
                               facility''.
Section 116.13..............  Flexible Permit       c
                               Definitions.
Section 116.14..............  Standard Permit       c
                               Definitions.
Section 116.15..............  Section 112(g)        d
                               Definitions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Subchapter B--New Source Review Permits
                     Division 1--Permit Application
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.110(a)(2).......  New Source Review     c
                               (NSR) permit not
                               required if source
                               satisfies condition
                               for standard permit.
Section 116.110(a)(3).......  (NSR) permit not      c
                               required if source
                               satisfies condition
                               for flexible permit.
Section 116.110(b) (1993      Operations            b
 submittal).                   Certificate
                               (repealed from
                               Section 116.110 in
                               1998 submittal).
Section 116.110(c)..........  Exclusions from       c
                               permitting.
Section 116.111(2)(K).......  Hazardous Air         d
                               Pollutants.
Section 116.115(b)..........  General Conditions..  c
Section 116.115(c)(2)(A)(i).  Special conditions    c
                               for sources subject
                               to standard permits.
Section                       Special conditions    d
 116.115(c)(2)(B)(ii)(I).      for sources subject
                               to Subchapter C
                               (Hazardous Air
                               Pollutants).
Section 116.116(b)(3).......  Changes at Section    d
                               112(g) facilities.
Section 116.116(e)..........  Changes to qualified  c
                               facilities.
Section 116.116(f)..........  Use of credits......  c
Section 116.117.............  Documentation and     c
                               Notification of
                               Changes to
                               Qualified
                               Facilities.
Section 116.118.............  Pre-Change            c
                               Qualification.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Division 3--Public Notice
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.130(c)..........  Applications subject  d
                               to the requirements
                               of Subchapter C of
                               Chapter 116
                               (relating to
                               Hazardous Air
                               Pollutants).
Section 116.132(c)..........  Additional alternate  c
                               language public
                               notice.
Section 116.132(d)..........  Exemptions from       c
                               alternate language
                               notification.
Section 116.133(f)..........  Alternate language    c
                               sign posting.
Section 116.133(g)..........  Exemptions from       c
                               alternate language
                               sign posting.
Section 136.................  Public Comment        c
                               Procedures.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Division 7--Emission Reductions: Offsets
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.170(2)..........  Applicability for     e
                               Reduction Credits.
Section 116.174.............  Determination by the  e
                               Executive Director
                               to Authorize
                               Reductions.
Section 116.175.............  Recordkeeping.......  e
------------------------------------------------------------------------


 
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subchapter C--Permit Exemptions (1993          f
 submittal).
Subchapter C--Hazardous Air Pollutants:        d
 Regulations Governing Constructed or
 Reconstructed Major Sources (FCAA, section
 112(g), 40 CFR part 63).

[[Page 48800]]

 
Subchapter D--Permit Renewals................  g
Subchapter E--Emergency Orders...............  h
Subchapter F--Standard Permits...............  c
Subchapter G--Flexible Permits...............  c
------------------------------------------------------------------------
a Except where otherwise noted, this refers to a provision contained in
  the 1998 submittal.
b Provisions repealed from Chapter 116 in the 1998 submittal.
c Not equivalent to 1993 submittal. See discussion in section VI.A of
  this preamble.
d Implementation of section 112(g) is carried out separately from the
  SIP activities. See discussion in section VI.B of this preamble.
e As described in section VI.C of this preamble.
f As described in section VI.D of this preamble.
g As described in section VI.E of this preamble.
h As described in section VI.F of this preamble.

VI. Why Are We Taking No Action on the Provisions Identified Above?

A. General Comments

    As mentioned above, we are approving the 1998 submittal to the 
extent that it is equivalent to the 1993 submittal. The 1998 submittal 
includes new provisions as well as numerous changes that the TNRCC 
adopted subsequent to the 1993 submittal and carried forward into the 
1998 submittal. We are still reviewing the new provisions and the 
provisions carried forward from rulemaking actions adopted subsequent 
to the 1993 submittal. However, if we wait until we complete our review 
and evaluation of these provisions, we would have to delay action on 
the portions of the 1998 submittal that we consider to be approvable. 
As stated above, we believe that it is important to act on the 
provisions of the 1998 submittal that are consistent with the 1993 
submittal to ensure that the approved SIP more closely matches the 
rules that the TNRCC administers and enforces.
    Accordingly, today's action approves the 1998 submittal to the 
extent that the 1998 submittal is equivalent to the provisions of the 
1993 submittal that we are approving. We are taking no action on the 
provisions of the 1998 submittal that are not equivalent to the 1993 
submittal, except where otherwise indicated.\3\
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    \3\ In some cases provisions of the 1998 submittal are readily 
recognized to be consistent with the Act and have the effect of 
strengthening the SIP even though they are not equivalent to the 
1993 submittal. These provisions are identified in the TSD and where 
identified are being approved in today's action.
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    We are reviewing the provisions which we are not acting upon today. 
When we complete our review, we will take appropriate action on these 
provision in separate Federal Register actions. The TSD contains a 
detailed evaluation which documents why we are taking no action on 
these provisions.

B. Provisions Implementing Section 112(g) of the Act Concerning 
Constructed or Reconstructed Major Sources of Hazardous Air Pollutants 
(HAP)

    We are taking no action on subchapter C of Chapter 116--Hazardous 
Air Pollutants: Regulations Governing Constructed or Reconstructed 
Major Sources (FCAA, section 112(g), 40 CFR part 63), as submitted with 
the 1998 submittal. The program for reviewing and permitting 
constructed and reconstructed major sources of HAP is regulated under 
section 112 of the Act and under 40 CFR part 63, subpart B. Under these 
provisions, States establish case-by-case determinations of maximum 
achievable control technology for new and reconstructed major sources 
of HAP. The process for these provisions is carried out separately from 
the SIP activities. We are thus taking no action on subchapter C of 
Chapter 116 in today's action.

C. Emission Reductions: Offsets

    In letters to TNRCC dated August 3, 1999, and September 27, 2000, 
we informed TNRCC that we had concerns relating to the approval of 
sections 116.170(2), 116.174, and 116.175.
    On the basis of subsequent discussions with TNRCC on August 15, 
2000, EPA and TNRCC have agreed that it is appropriate to take no 
action on sections 116.170(2), 116.174, and 116.175 in today's direct 
final approval. Our letter to TNRCC on September 27, 2000, confirmed 
this understanding. We will act on these provisions in a separate 
action after TNRCC resolves the outstanding concerns to our 
satisfaction. Additional information regarding our concerns with these 
provisions is contained in the TSD.

D. Permit Exemptions

    On December 29, 1998, TNRCC requested that we delay action on 
approving subchapter C--Permit Exemptions as submitted in 1993. In a 
subsequent letter dated April 26, 1999, TNRCC provided its reason for 
requesting us to delay approval of subchapter C. Texas requested the 
delay because of several bills that were before the Texas Legislature 
which, if passed and signed into law, would affect the new source 
permitting structure, including the exemptions from permitting. These 
bills were passed and signed into law. The TNRCC is currently in the 
process of developing regulations to implement the new permitting 
structure which includes changes to the exemptions from permitting. 
Because we anticipate that Texas will significantly revise and 
restructure its provisions for exemptions from permitting and 
subsequently submit the changes to us as SIP revisions, we will delay 
action on subchapter C (as submitted in 1993) pending the submission of 
these SIP revisions.
    Because we are taking no action on subchapter C as submitted in 
1993, the following TNRCC regulation remains in the Texas SIP: section 
116.6 (Exemptions) as approved by EPA on August 13, 1982 (47 FR 35193).

E. Permit Renewals

    The governor submitted subchapter D (Permit Renewals) of Chapter 
116 in the 1993 submittal. However, the 1998 submittal incorporates 
revisions that Texas adopted after the 1993 submittal and which we have 
not approved. The changes significantly revise subchapter D to the 
extent that it is not equivalent to subchapter D as submitted in the 
1993 submittal. We have not completed our review of these changes and 
are therefore taking no action on subchapter D in today's action. We 
will act on subchapter D in a separate action following our review of 
the changes adopted subsequent to the 1993 submittal.

F. Emergency Orders

    The Governor submitted subchapter E (Emergency Orders) as part of 
the 1993 submittal. An emergency order authorizes the immediate action 
for the addition, replacement, or repair of facilities or control 
equipment, and authorizes the associated emissions of air contaminants, 
whenever a catastrophic event necessitates such construction. An 
applicant that qualifies

[[Page 48801]]

for an emergency order would need to submit an application under the 
requirements of section 116.411.
    On December 10, 1998, the Governor of Texas submitted SIP revisions 
pertaining to Emergency Orders. In that submittal, Texas recodified and 
revised the provisions pertaining to Emergency Orders into 30 TAC 
chapter 35. We are still reviewing the December 10, 1998, SIP 
revisions. We will act on the provisions relating to Emergency Orders 
in a separate action.
    In letters to TNRCC dated August 3, 1999, and September 27, 2000, 
we identified concerns related to subchapter E, submitted August 31, 
1993, and with the revisions submitted December 10, 1998.
    To date, TNRCC has not addressed our concerns. On the basis of 
subsequent discussions with TNRCC on August 15, 2000, the EPA and TNRCC 
have agreed that it is appropriate to take no action on subchapter E, 
submitted August 31, 1993, and the SIP revisions submitted December 10, 
1998, in today's direct final approval. Our letter to TNRCC on 
September 27, 2000, confirmed this understanding. We will act on these 
provisions in a separate action after TNRCC resolves the outstanding 
concerns to our satisfaction. Additional information regarding our 
concerns with these provisions is contained in the TSD.

VII. Are We Approving Provisions That Did Not Exist in the Former 
SIP?

    We are approving subsection (c) in section 116.116. This subsection 
sets forth provisions for permit alterations. This subsection defines a 
permit alteration as a variation to a representation in a permit 
application or in a general or special condition of a permit that 
decreases the allowable emissions or does not change the character or 
method of control of emissions. The TNRCC must approve any request for 
permit alteration which may result in an increase in off-property 
concentrations of air contaminants, may involve a change in permit 
conditions, or may affect facility or control equipment performance. 
Changes subject to permit alterations are non-substantive and involve 
no emissions increase. Alterations only apply to nonsubstantive changes 
to a permitted emission unit. Like kind replacement of emissions units 
and new emission units are not allowed under the permit alteration 
provisions. Permit alterations are not granted for changes which 
qualify for permit amendments under section 116.116(b). Such permit 
amendment is required for any change which involves an increase in 
emissions or a change in the method of control. Examples of changes 
eligible for permit alterations include: (1) Changes to a special 
condition in a permit to add an annual production rate for a unit that 
was inadvertently left out, (2) revising an emission point to show 
fugitive emissions and emissions from a newly installed control device 
as two separate emission points, and (3) changes to a special condition 
to reflect that primary seals for external floating roof tanks may be 
liquid-mounted primary seals or mechanical shoes. The use of 
alterations is limited only to changes which involve no increase in 
emissions and no changes in the method of control. Accordingly, such 
changes will not result in a violation of the applicable portion of the 
control strategy \4\ or interfere with attainment or maintenance of a 
national standard, thus meeting the requirements of 40 CFR 51.160.\5\ 
Subsection (c) as submitted in 1998 is equivalent to the 1993 
submittal.
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    \4\ The term ``control strategy'' is defined in 40 CFR 51.100(n) 
as a combination of measures designated to achieve the aggregate 
emission reductions necessary for attainment and maintenance of 
national ambient air quality standards.
    \5\ 40 CFR 51.160 requires each SIP to contain legally 
enforceable measures that enable the State to determine whether the 
construction or modification of a facility, building, structure, or 
installation, or combination thereof will result in: (1) A violation 
of applicable portions of the control strategy; or (2) interference 
with attainment of maintenance of a national standard in the State 
in which the proposed source (or modification) is located or in a 
neighboring State.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

VIII. What Is the Effect of Today's Action?

    This action approves the recodification of several provisions of 
Texas regulations for permitting new and modified sources as submitted 
August 31, 1993. Today's action replaces several outdated Sections of 
the former SIP and with new Sections under the current numbering system 
used for Chapter 116. By approving these revisions, the SIP-approved 
version of Chapter 116 more closely correlates with the numbering 
system currently used by Texas.

IX. What Texas SIP Regulations Are Being Replaced by This Action?

    Table 5 below cross-references the provisions that we are approving 
to the corresponding provisions in the former SIP. Table 5 identifies 
the new SIP citation, the former SIP citation, the adoption date of the 
section that we are approving, the title of the Section, and any 
explanatory notes. Where noted, the ``explanation'' column may identify 
the portions of the ``New SIP Citation'' which we are not approving in 
today's action. The reasons for not approving such provisions, as 
identified in the ``explanation'' column, are provided in section VI of 
this preamble.

                      Table 5.--Provisions of 30 TAC That We Are Approving Into Texas' SIP
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Dated
         New SIP citation           Former SIP citation   adopted by          Title              Explanation
                                                            State
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Chapter 101--General Rules
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 101.1....................  Same................     08/16/93  Definitions.........  This action approves
                                                                                             the revised
                                                                                             definition of
                                                                                             ``nonattainment
                                                                                             area'' and
                                                                                             reinstates the
                                                                                             definition of ``de
                                                                                             minimis impact.''
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Chapter 116--Control of Air Pollution by Permits for New Construction or Modification
                                            Subchapter A--Definitions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.10...................  Sections 101.1,          06/17/98  General Definitions.  The New SIP Citation
                                    116.3(a)(1)(B), and                                      does not include
                                    116.14(a)(7).                                            Sections 116.10(1),
                                                                                             (2), (3), (4), (6),
                                                                                             (8), (9), (10), and
                                                                                             (14).

[[Page 48802]]

 
Section 116.11...................  Section                  06/17/98  Compliance History
                                    116.14(a)(1)(6).                   Definitions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Subchapter B--New Source Review Permits
                                         Division 1--Permit Application
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.110..................  Sections 116.1(a)-       06/17/98  Applicability.......  The New SIP Citation
                                    (c), 116.2, and                                          does not include
                                    116.3(b).                                                Sections
                                                                                             116.110(a)(2),
                                                                                             (a)(3), and (c).
Section 116.111..................  Section 116.3(a)....     06/17/98  General Application.  The New SIP Citation
                                                                                             does not include
                                                                                             Section
                                                                                             116.111(2)(K).
Section 116.112..................  Sections                 06/17/98  Distance Limitations
                                    116.3(a)(1)(B) and
                                    116.3(a)(13).
Section 116.114..................  Sections 116.3(f),       06/17/98  Application Review
                                    116.5,                             Schedule.
                                    116.10(a)(1), and
                                    116.10(e).
Section 116.115..................  Section 116.4.......     06/17/98  Special Provisions..  The New SIP Citation
                                                                                             does not include
                                                                                             Sections
                                                                                             116.115(b),
                                                                                             (c)(2)(A)(i), and
                                                                                             (c)(2)(B)(ii)(I).
Section 116.116..................  Section 116.5.......     06/17/98  Changes to            The New SIP Citation
                                                                       Facilities.           does not inlcude
                                                                                             Sections
                                                                                             116.116(b)(3), (e),
                                                                                             and (f).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Division 2--Compliance History
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.120..................  Section 116.14(b)...     06/17/98  Applicability.......
Section 116.121..................  Section 116.14(c)...     06/17/98  Exemptions..........
Section 116.122..................  Section 116.14(d)...     06/17/98  Contents of
                                                                       Compliance History.
Section 116.123..................  Section 116.14(e)...     06/17/98  Effective Dates.....
Section 116.124..................  Section 116.14(f)...     06/17/98  Public Notice of
                                                                       Compliance History.
Section 116.125..................  Section 116.14(g)...     06/17/98  Preservation of
                                                                       Existing Rights and
                                                                       Procedures.
Section 116.126..................  Section 116.14(h)...     06/17/98  Voidance of Permit
                                                                       Applications.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Division 3--Public Notice
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.130..................  Section 116.10(a)(7)     06/17/98  Applicability.......  The New SIP Citation
                                                                                             does not include
                                                                                             Section 116.130(c).
Section 116.131..................  Section 116.10(a)(1)     06/17/98  Public Notification.
                                    and (2).
Section 116.132..................  Section 116.10(a)(3)     06/17/98  Public Notice Format  The New SIP Citation
                                    and (4).                                                 does not include
                                                                                             Sections 116.132(c)
                                                                                             and (d).
Section 116.133..................  Did not exist.......     06/17/98  Sign Posting          The New SIP Citation
                                                                       Requirements.         does not include
                                                                                             Sections 116.134(f)
                                                                                             and (g).
Section 116.134..................  Section 116.10(a)(5)     06/17/98  Notification of
                                                                       Affected Agencies.
Section 116.136..................  Section 116.10(b)...     08/16/93  Public Comment
                                                                       Procedures.
Section 116.137..................  Section 116.10(c)...     06/16/93  Notification of
                                                                       Final Action by the
                                                                       Commission.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Division 4--Permit Fees
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.140..................  Section 116.11(a)        06/17/98  Applicability.......
                                    and (e).
Section 116.141..................  Section 116.11(b)...     06/17/98  Determination of      Sections 116.141(a),
                                                                       Fees.                 (c)-(e) previously
                                                                                             approved. Today's
                                                                                             action approves
                                                                                             Section 116.143(b)
                                                                                             and changes to
                                                                                             Section 116.141 of
                                                                                             the 1998 submittal.
Section 116.143..................  Section 116.11(c)-       06/17/98  Payment of Fees.....
                                    (f).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 48803]]

 
                                        Division 5--Nonattainment Review
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.150..................  Section 116.150.....     02/24/99  New Major Source or   Previously approved.
                                                                       Major Modification    No changes in 1998
                                                                       in Ozone              submittal. Today's
                                                                       Nonattainment Area.   action approves
                                                                                             incorporation into
                                                                                             Division 5.
Section 116.151..................  Section 116.151.....     03/18/98  New Major Source or
                                                                       Major Modification
                                                                       in Nonattainment
                                                                       Area Other than
                                                                       Ozone.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           Division 6--Prevention of Significant Deterioration Review
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.160..................  Section 116.160.....     06/17/98  Prevention of         Previously approved.
                                                                       Significant           Today's action
                                                                       Deterioration         approves changes in
                                                                       Requirements.         Sections 116.160
                                                                                             and 116.161 of the
                                                                                             1998 submital.
Section 116.161..................  Section 116.161.....     06/17/98  Sources Located in
                                                                       an Attainment Area
                                                                       with a Greater than
                                                                       de Minimis Impact.
Section 116.162..................  Section 116.162.....     08/16/93  Evaluation of Air     Previously approved.
                                                                       Quality Impacts.      No changes in 1998
                                                                                             submittal. Today's
                                                                                             action approves
                                                                                             incorporation into
                                                                                             Division 6.
Section 116.163..................  Section 116.163.....     08/16/93  Prevention of
                                                                       Significant
                                                                       Deterioration
                                                                       Permits Fees.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Division 7--Emission Reduction: Offsets
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.170..................  Section 116.170.....     06/17/98  Applicability of      Previously approved.
                                                                       Reduction Credits.    Today's action
                                                                                             approves changes in
                                                                                             1998 submitted. The
                                                                                             New SIP Citation
                                                                                             does not include
                                                                                             Section 116.170(2).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

X. Administrative Requirements

    Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), this 
action is not a ``significant regulatory action'' and therefore is not 
subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget. For this 
reason, this action is also not subject to Executive Order 13211, 
``Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy 
Supply, Distribution, or Use'' (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001). This action 
merely approves state law as meeting Federal requirements and imposes 
no additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law. 
Accordingly, the Administrator certifies that this rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities 
under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). Because 
this rule approves pre-existing requirements under state law and does 
not impose any additional enforceable duty beyond that required by 
state law, it does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-4).
    This rule also does not have tribal implications because it will 
not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on 
the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal 
Government and Indian tribes, as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 
FR 67249, November 9, 2000). This action also does not have Federalism 
implications because it does not have substantial direct effects on the 
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 Executive Order 13132 (64 
FR 43255, August 10, 1999). This action merely approves a state rule 
implementing a Federal standard, and does not alter the relationship or 
the distribution of power and responsibilities established in the Clean 
Air Act. This rule also is not subject to Executive Order 13045 
``Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety 
Risks'' (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997), because it is not economically 
significant.
    In reviewing SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve state 
choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the Clean Air Act. In 
this context, in the absence of a prior existing requirement for the 
State to use voluntary consensus standards (VCS), EPA has no authority 
to disapprove a SIP submission for failure to use VCS. It would thus be 
inconsistent with applicable law for EPA, when it reviews a SIP 
submission, to use VCS in place of a SIP submission that otherwise 
satisfies the provisions of the Clean Air Act. Thus, the requirements 
of section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement 
Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) do not apply. This rule does not 
impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
    The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the 
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement

[[Page 48804]]

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. 
A major rule cannot 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).
    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 23, 2001. 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, Intergovernmental relations, Lead, Nitrogen oxides, 
Ozone, Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Sulfur oxides, Volatile organic compounds.

    Dated: September 12, 2001.
Gregg A. Cooke,
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 the table in paragraph (c) is amended as 
follows:
    a. Under Chapter 101, revising the entry for Section 101.1;
    b. Under Chapter 116, deleting all existing entries and replacing 
with new entries as shown below:


Sec. 52.2270  Identification of plan.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *

                                    EPA Approved Regulations in the Texas SIP
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            State
                                                          submittal/
          State citation               Title/subject       approval     EPA approval date        Explanation
                                                             date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Chapter 101--General Rules
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 101.1....................  Definitions.........   06/29/2000  9/24/01.............  Ref 52.2299(c)(102).
                                                                                             Notes:
                                                                                            1. On 7/17/2000 EPA
                                                                                             approved removal of
                                                                                             Nonattainment
                                                                                             review definitions
                                                                                             from 101.1 and
                                                                                             addition to Chapter
                                                                                             116, Section
                                                                                             116.12;
                                                                                            2. On 11/28/2000 EPA
                                                                                             approved
                                                                                             definitions of
                                                                                             ``Reportable
                                                                                             Quantity'' and
                                                                                             ``Reportable
                                                                                             Upset;''
                                                                                            3. Last action EPA
                                                                                             approved revised
                                                                                             definition of
                                                                                             ``nonattainment
                                                                                             area'' and
                                                                                             reinstatement of
                                                                                             definition of ``de
                                                                                             minimis impact.''
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                        *
          Chapter 116 (Reg 6)--Control of Air Pollution by Permits for New Construction or Modification
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.6....................  Exemptions..........     03/27/75  08/13/82, 47 FR
                                                                       35194.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Subchapter A--Definitions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.10...................  General Definitions.     06/17/98  9/24/01.............  The SIP does not
                                                                                             include Sections
                                                                                             116.10(1), (2),
                                                                                             (3), (4), (6), (8),
                                                                                             (9), (10), and
                                                                                             (14).
Section 116.11...................  Compliance History       06/17/98  9/24/01.............
                                    Definitions.
Section 116.12...................  Nonattainment Review     02/24/99  07/17/00, 65 FR
                                    Definitions.                       43994.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Subchapter B--New Source Review Permits
                                         Division 1: Permit Application
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.110..................  Applicability.......     06/17/98  9/24/01.............  The SIP 116.110 does
                                                                                             not include
                                                                                             Sections
                                                                                             116.110(a)(2),
                                                                                             (a)(3), and (c).
Section 116.111..................  General Application.     06/17/98  9/24/01.............  The SIP does not
                                                                                             include Section
                                                                                             116.111(2)(K).
Section 116.112..................  Distance Limitations     06/17/98  9/24/01.............
Section 116.114..................  Application Review       06/17/98  9/24/01.............
                                    Schedule.

[[Page 48805]]

 
Schedule 116.115.................  Special Provisions..     06/17/98  9/24/01.............  The SIP does not
                                                                                             include Sections
                                                                                             116.115(b),
                                                                                             (c)(2)(A)(i), and
                                                                                             (c)(2)(B)(ii)(I).
Section 116.116..................  Amendments and           06/17/98  9/24/01.............  The SIP does not
                                    Alterations.                                             include Sections
                                                                                             116.115(b)(3),
                                                                                             number] (e), and
                                                                                             (f).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Division 2: Compliance History
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.120..................  Applicability.......     06/17/98  9/24/01.............
Section 116.121..................  Exemptions..........     06/17/98  9/24/01.............
Section 116.122..................  Contents of              06/17/98  9/24/01.............
                                    Compliance History.
Section 116.123..................  Effective Dates.....     06/17/98  9/24/01.............
Section 116.124..................  Public Notice of         06/17/98  9/24/01.............
                                    Compliance History.
Section 116.125..................  Preservation of          06/17/98  9/24/01.............
                                    Existing Rights and
                                    Procedures.
Section 116.126..................  Voidance of Permit       06/17/98  9/24/01.............
                                    Applications.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Division 3: Public Notice
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.130..................  Applicability.......     06/17/98  9/24/01.............  The SIP does not
                                                                                             include Section
                                                                                             116.130(c).
Section 116.131..................  Public Notification      06/17/98  9/24/01.............
                                    Requirements.
Section 116.132..................  Public Notice Format     06/17/98  9/24/01.............  The SIP does not
                                                                                             include Sections
                                                                                             116.132(c) and (d).
Section 116.133..................  Sign Posting             06/17/98  9/24/01.............  The SIP does not
                                    Requirements.                                            include Sections
                                                                                             116.133(f) and (g).
Section 116.134..................  Notification of          06/17/98  9/24/01.............
                                    Affected Agencies.
Section 116.136..................  Public Comment           08/16/93  9/24/01.............
                                    Procedures.
Section 116.137..................  Notification of          08/16/93  9/24/01.............
                                    Final Action by the
                                    Commission.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Division 4: Permit Fees
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.140..................  Applicability.......     06/17/98  9/24/01.............
Section 116.141..................  Determination of         06/17/98  9/24/01.............
                                    Fees.
Section 116.143..................  Payment of Fees.....     06/17/98  9/24/01.............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Division 5: Nonattainment Review
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.150..................  New Major Source or      02/24/99  07/17/00, 65 FR
                                    Major Modification                 43986.
                                    in Ozone
                                    Nonattainment Area.
Section 116.151..................  New Major Source or      03/18/98  07/17/00, 65 FR
                                    Major Modification                 43986.
                                    in Nonattainment
                                    Area Other than
                                    Ozone.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           Division 6: Prevention of Significant Deterioration Review
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.160..................  Prevention of            06/17/98  9/24/01.............
                                    Significant
                                    Deterioration
                                    Review Requirements.
Section 116.161..................  Source Located in an     06/17/98  9/24/01.............
                                    Attainment Area
                                    with Greater than
                                    De Minimis Impact.
Section 116.162..................  Evaluation of Air        08/16/93  08/19/97, 62 FR
                                    Quality Impacts.                   44083.
Section 116.163..................  Prevention of            08/16/93  08/19/97, 62 FR
                                    Significant                        44083.
                                    Deterioration
                                    Permit Fees.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 48806]]

 
                                    Division 7: Emission Reductions: Offsets
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 116.170..................  Applicability of         06/17/98  9/24/01.............  The SIP does not
                                    Reduction Credits.                                       include Section
                                                                                             116.170(2).
 
*                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                        *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 01-23624 Filed 9-21-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P