[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 31 (Friday, February 14, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 8916-8923]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-03322]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R06-OAR-2011-0495; FRL-9906-61-Region 6]


Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; 
Revisions for Permitting of Particulate Matter With Diameters Less Than 
or Equal to 2.5 Micrometers (PM2.5)

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The EPA is proposing to approve revisions to the Texas State 
Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the Texas Commission on 
Environmental Quality (TCEQ) on May 19, 2011. The May 19, 2011, SIP 
submission adopts revisions to the Texas General Air Quality 
Definitions and Permits by Rule (PBR) program consistent with certain 
federal rules implementing the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 National 
Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). EPA is also proposing to find 
that the Texas Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) New Source 
Review (NSR) SIP meets all EPA PM2.5 PSD SIP rules. These 
rules include permitting components such as the PM2.5 
precursors of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, condensables, 
significant emissions rates (SER), and increment. EPA is proposing 
these actions under section 110 and part C of the Clean Air Act (CAA or 
the Act).

DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 17, 2014.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R06-
OAR-2011-0495, by one of the following methods:
     www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for 
submitting comments.
     Email: Ms. Adina Wiley at [email protected].
     Mail or Delivery: Ms. Adina Wiley, Air Permits Section 
(6PD-R), Environmental Protection Agency, 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 1200, 
Dallas, Texas 75202-2733.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-R06-OAR-
2011-0495. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included 
in the public docket without change and may be made available online at 
http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be 
Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information the 
disclosure of which is restricted by statute. Do not submit information 
through http://www.regulations.gov or email, if you believe that it is 
CBI or otherwise protected from disclosure. The http://www.regulations.gov Web site is an ``anonymous access'' system, which 
means that EPA will not know your identity or contact information 
unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an email 
comment directly to EPA without going through http://www.regulations.gov, your email address will be automatically captured 
and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket 
and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic 
comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact 
information in the body of your comment along with any disk or CD-ROM 
submitted. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical 
difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be 
able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of 
special characters and any form of encryption and should be free of any 
defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA's public 
docket, visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at http://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.
    Docket: The index to the docket for this action is available 
electronically at www.regulations.gov and in hard copy at EPA Region 6, 
1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas. While all documents in the 
docket are listed in the index, some information may be publicly 
available only at the hard copy location (e.g., copyrighted material), 
and some may not be publicly available at either location (e.g., CBI). 
To inspect the hard copy materials, please schedule an appointment with 
the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT paragraph 
below or Mr. Bill Deese at 214-665-7253.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Adina Wiley (6PD-R), Air Permits 
Section, Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue 
(6PD-R), Suite 1200, Dallas, TX 75202-2733. The telephone number is 
(214) 665-2115. Ms. Wiley can also be reached via electronic mail at 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document whenever ``we,'' 
``us,'' or ``our'' is used, we mean EPA.

Table of Contents

I. Background for Our Proposed Action
II. Summary of State Submittal
    A. Summary of the Revisions to the General Definitions at 30 TAC 
Section 101.1

[[Page 8917]]

    B. Summary of the Revisions to the Requirements for Permitting 
by Rule at 30 TAC Section 106.4
III. EPA's Analysis of the May 19, 2011 Texas SIP Submittal
    A. Analysis of the May 19, 2011 Revisions to the General 
Definitions at 30 TAC Section 101.1
    B. Analysis of the May 19, 2011 Revisions and the Texas PSD 
Permitting Program
    1. The NSR PM2.5 Implementation Rule
    2. The PM2.5 PSD Increment--SILs--SMC Rule
    C. Analysis of the May 19, 2011 Revisions to the Texas Minor NSR 
Permitting Programs
IV. Proposed Action
V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

I. Background for Our Proposed Action

    The Act at section 110(a)(2)(C) requires State Implementation Plans 
(SIPs) to include preconstruction review and permitting programs 
applicable to certain new and modified stationary sources of air 
pollutants. These requirements apply in attainment and nonattainment 
areas and cover both major and minor new sources and modifications. 
Collectively, these SIP requirements are referred to as the New Source 
Review (NSR) SIP. The CAA NSR SIP program is composed of three separate 
programs: Prevention of significant deterioration (PSD), nonattainment 
(NNSR), and Minor NSR. PSD is established in part C of title I of the 
CAA and applies in areas that meet the NAAQS--``attainment areas''--as 
well as areas where there is insufficient information to determine if 
the area meets the NAAQS--``unclassifiable areas.'' The NNSR SIP 
program is established in part D of title I of the CAA and applies in 
areas that are designated as ``nonattainment areas'' because they are 
not in attainment of the NAAQS. The Minor NSR SIP program addresses 
construction or modification activities for sources that will not emit, 
or have the potential to emit, above certain thresholds and thus do not 
qualify as ``major.'' Minor NSR applies regardless of the designation 
of the area in which a source is located. EPA regulations governing the 
criteria that states must satisfy for EPA approval of the NSR programs 
as part of the SIP are contained in 40 CFR 51.160-51.166.
    When EPA originally approved TCEQ's PSD SIP on June 24, 1992, this 
action included the TCEQ's authority to require PSD permits for 
emissions of ozone, particulate matter, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, 
nitrogen dioxides, and lead (57 FR 28093). TCEQ's Minor NSR SIP also 
requires permits for these emissions. Under Texas state law, once the 
TCEQ has the authority to require the permitting of a NAAQS for a 
particular pollutant, it has the authority to require the permitting of 
any new or revised version of that NAAQS for that pollutant. For 
instance, the ozone NAAQS was first promulgated by EPA in 1971 with a 
one-hour averaging time. The ozone NAAQS was revised in 1979 with the 
same averaging time but in a different form, and then revised again in 
1997 and 2008 with an 8-hour averaging time and different form. 
Regardless of later revisions by EPA, as of the 1992 approval of TCEQ's 
PSD SIP, TCEQ had the state authority to require permitting of these 
different versions of the ozone NAAQS upon the effective date of each 
new or revised NAAQS. The Texas PSD SIP and the Texas Minor NSR SIP 
cover these various versions of the same pollutant, ozone. This 
continuation of authority is analogously applicable for all the other 
NAAQS, including the PM NAAQS, i.e. TCEQ has the authority to require 
the permitting of the PM10 and PM2.5 NAAQS based 
upon the 1992 SIP-approved authority to permit the PM NAAQS. The TCEQ, 
however, must undergo an additional rulemaking and submit for approval 
as part of the PSD SIP, revisions that address any PSD SIP regulations 
promulgated by EPA that add new permitting components to the PSD 
program, e.g., precursors, increments, and significant emission rates 
(SERs). Thereafter, TCEQ does not need to conduct further rulemaking to 
cover any new PSD SIP regulations for that pollutant unless EPA 
promulgates a new requirement not originally contemplated by EPA 
regulations which TCEQ has undergone rulemaking to address, e.g., a new 
precursor for PM2.5. By contrast, TCEQ would not necessarily 
have to undergo additional rulemaking if EPA revises an existing 
permitting component that TCEQ has previously undergone rulemaking to 
address, e.g. EPA revises the SERs for the PM2.5 NAAQS and 
NOX and SO2 precursors.
    Accordingly, the TCEQ adopted revisions on April 20, 2011, and 
submitted them to EPA on May 19, 2011, for approval into the Texas SIP. 
These TCEQ revisions address the regulatory requirements of EPA's 
implementation rules for the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS as 
applicable to the State's general regulatory program and its PSD and 
Minor NSR SIP permitting programs. Specifically, EPA promulgated two 
rules establishing both required and optional implementation 
regulations for PM2.5: the May 16, 2008 final rule for 
Implementation of the New Source Review (NSR) Program for Particulate 
Matter Less than 2.5 Micrometers (PM2.5) (referred to as the 
NSR PM2.5 Implementation Rule), 73 FR 28321, and the October 
20, 2010 final rule for Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) 
for Particulate Matter Less than 2.5 Micrometers (PM2.5)--
Increments, Significant Impact Levels (SILs) and Significant Monitoring 
Concentration (SMC) (referred to as the PM2.5 PSD 
Increments--SILs--SMC Rule), 75 FR 64864. Today's proposed action and 
the accompanying Technical Support Document (TSD) present our rationale 
for proposing approval of this submission as part of the Texas PSD SIP 
by finding that the Texas PSD SIP includes the requirements to address 
these two rulemakings concerning the PM2.5 NAAQS.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ There are no PM2.5 nonattainment areas in Texas; 
therefore TCEQ is not required to adopt or submit a NNSR program for 
PM2.5 implementation as part of the Texas SIP.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. Summary of State Submittal

    The May 19, 2011, SIP submittal included revisions to two portions 
of the Texas SIP--the General Definitions at 30 TAC Section 101.1 and 
the Requirements for Permitting by Rule at 30 TAC Section 106.4. The 
State's rulemaking also updated the PSD NSR SIP to reflect the 
PM2.5 PSD regulations adopted as of December 9, 2013.\2\ In 
particular, the State's record demonstrates the intent of the TCEQ for 
the Texas PSD SIP rules to regulate upon the state's final rulemaking 
action SO2 and NOX as precursors, to account for 
condensable PM2.5 emissions in permitting actions, and to 
include PM2.5 increment provisions, as required by the 2008 
and 2010 PM2.5 NSR rules.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ As discussed in Section I, and more fully explained in 
Section III, the 1992 SIP approval of the Texas PSD program provides 
the state the authority to regulate PM2.5 emissions via 
the Texas PSD program. However, the Texas PSD program must be 
revised when EPA promulgates new PSD SIP permitting requirements 
such as SERs or increments. Once TCEQ undergoes rulemaking to 
address these new requirements, the Texas PSD SIP program is then 
updated to reflect subsequent federal PSD SIP permitting 
requirements if those requirements revise an existing permitting 
component that TCEQ has previously undergone rulemaking to address. 
For example, if EPA changes a SER in the future for direct 
PM2.5 emissions or the PM2.5 precursors 
SO2 or NOX, the Texas program would update to 
reflect the revised SER without need of a further SIP revision by 
the state. Accordingly, by undergoing the revisions in the May 19, 
2011 SIP submission to address the federal PM2.5 SIL and 
SMC permitting components, the existing Texas PSD permitting SIP is 
updated to reflect EPA's rulemaking removing the PM2.5 
SIL and SMC on December 9, 2013.
    \3\ This record was submitted to EPA as part of the May 19, 2011 
SIP submission, and is included in the docket for this rulemaking.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

A. Summary of the Revisions to the General Definitions at 30 TAC 
Section 101.1

    The General Air Quality Definitions found in 30 TAC Section 101.1 
are

[[Page 8918]]

applicable to the entirety of the Texas Air Quality program. The TCEQ 
adopted and submitted the following revisions to the General 
Definitions:
     The definition of ``de minimis impact'' at 30 TAC Section 
101.1(25) was amended to cross reference the significant impact levels 
promulgated by EPA at 40 CFR 51.165(b)(2).
     The definition of ``particulate matter'' at 30 TAC Section 
101.1(75) was amended to include new sub-definitions for 
PM10 and PM2.5.
     The definition of ``particulate matter emissions'' at 30 
TAC Section 101.1(76) was amended to include new sub-definitions for 
direct PM emissions and secondary PM emissions.
     The definition of ``PM10'' at 30 TAC Section 
101.1(78) was deleted and moved to the revised definition of 
``particulate matter'' at 30 TAC Section 101.1(75). Then a new 
definition of ``PM2.5 emissions'' was added at 30 TAC 
Section 101.1(78).
     The State rulemaking, including the Texas Register 
preambles, which describe how the General Definitions and State's PSD 
and Minor NSR permitting program are applicable to PM2.5 
precursors, and account for condensable PM2.5 emissions was 
included in the SIP submittal.

B. Summary of the Revisions to the Requirements for Permitting by Rule 
at 30 TAC Section 106.4

    The May 19, 2011 SIP submittal included revisions to 30 TAC Section 
106.4 which is under Chapter 106--Permits by Rule (PBR).
    The TCEQ adopted and submitted the following revisions to 30 TAC 
Section 106.4 to provide for the permitting of PM2.5 
emissions through the use of the Minor NSR SIP PBRs.
     Substantive revisions to 30 TAC Section 106.4(a)(1) 
establishing thresholds for emissions of PM2.5 and 
PM10,
     Non-substantive revisions to 30 TAC Section 106.4(a)(2) to 
correct grammar and formatting,
     Substantive revisions to 30 TAC Section 106.4(a)(4) 
establishing thresholds for emissions of PM2.5 and 
PM10, and
     Non-substantive revisions to 30 TAC Section 106.4(c) to 
correct grammar and formatting.
     The State rulemaking, including the Texas Register 
preambles, which describe how the General Definitions and State's PSD 
and Minor NSR permitting program are applicable to PM2.5 
precursors and condensables was included in the SIP submittal.

III. EPA's Analysis of the May 19, 2011 Texas SIP Submittal

A. Analysis of the May 19, 2011 Revisions to the General Definitions at 
30 TAC Section 101.1

    Texas adopted and submitted revisions to the definitions of ``de 
minimis impact,'' ``particulate matter,'' ``particulate matter 
emissions,'' and ``PM2.5 emissions'' at 30 TAC Sections 
101.1(25), (75), (76), and (78) respectively. Following is our analysis 
for each of these revised definitions.
     ``De minimis impact'' at 30 TAC Section 101.1(25)--The 
TCEQ adopted and submitted revisions to the definition of ``de minimis 
impact'' at 30 TAC Section 101.1(25) to delete the table of values that 
explicitly listed SIL values and to add, instead, a cross reference to 
the table of SIL values established by EPA at 40 CFR 51.165(b)(2). EPA 
proposes to find that this cross reference to the SILs at 40 CFR 
51.165(b)(2), as supplemented by the state's rulemaking record, 
appropriately adds the PM2.5 SILs to the Texas air 
permitting program and is consistent with the CAA and EPA's 
regulations.
     ``Particulate matter'' at 30 TAC Section 101.1(75)--The 
TCEQ adopted and submitted both non-substantive and substantive 
revisions to the SIP-approved definition of ``Particulate Matter''. The 
revisions retain the SIP-approved definition for ``particulate matter'' 
as an introductory paragraph and add new sub-definitions for 
PM10 and PM2.5 under this provision. The sub-
definition of ``PM10'' adopted at 30 TAC Section 
101.1(75)(A) is a non-substantive change because the TCEQ moved the 
previously SIP-approved definition of ``PM10'' at 30 TAC 
Section 101.78 to a new sub-definition of ``PM10'' at 30 TAC 
Section 101.1(75)(A). EPA proposes to find this non-substantive 
revision is consistent with the previously approved SIP and with the 
federal definitions of ``particulate matter'' at 40 CFR 51.100(oo), 
``particulate matter emissions'' at 40 CFR 51.100(pp), 
``PM10'' at 40 CFR 51.100(qq), and ``PM10 
emissions'' at 40 CFR 51.100(rr). TCEQ made a substantive revision to 
add a new sub-definition of ``PM2.5'' to the definition of 
``particulate matter'' under this provision at 30 TAC Section 
101.1(75)(B). The new sub-definition of ``PM2.5'' is 
consistent with the definitions of ``particulate matter'' and 
``particulate matter emissions'' at 40 CFR 51.1000 and the requirements 
for PM2.5 at 40 CFR Part 50. EPA proposes to find this 
definition is approvable consistent with federal requirements.
     ``Particulate matter emissions'' at 30 TAC Section 
101.1(76)--The TCEQ adopted and submitted substantive revisions to the 
SIP-approved definition for ``Particulate matter emissions'' at 30 TAC 
Section 101.1(76). The revisions retain the SIP-approved definition for 
``particulate matter emissions'' as an introductory paragraph and add 
new sub-definitions for ``direct PM emissions'' and ``secondary PM 
emissions'' at 30 TAC Section 101.1(76)(A) and (B), respectively. The 
new sub-definition of ``direct PM emissions'' at 30 TAC Section 
101.1(76)(A) is consistent with the federal definition for ``direct 
PM2.5 emissions'' at 40 CFR 51.1000. The new sub-definition 
of ``secondary PM emissions'' at 30 TAC Section 101.1(76)(B) is 
consistent with the federal definition of ``PM2.5 
precursor'' at 40 CFR 51.1000.
     ``PM2.5 Emissions'' at 30 TAC Section 
101.1(78)--The TCEQ adopted the deletion of the previously SIP-approved 
definition of ``PM10 emissions'' at 30 TAC Section 
101.1(78). The SIP-approved definition of ``PM10 emissions'' 
has been retained in a non-substantive move to the newly created sub-
definition at 30 TAC Section 101.1(75)(B) (see discussion above). The 
TCEQ adopted and submitted a new definition for ``PM2.5 
Emissions'' at 30 TAC Section 101.1(78). The new definition of 
``PM2.5 emissions'' is consistent with federal definitions 
at 40 CFR 51.100(oo) and (pp) and 51.1000. EPA proposes to find this 
definition is approvable consistent with federal requirements.

B. Analysis of the May 19, 2011 Revisions and the Texas PSD Permitting 
Program

    EPA issued PSD and NNSR SIP regulations for the PM 2.5 NAAQS in two 
recent rules: (1) The NSR PM2.5 Implementation Rule 
promulgated on May 16, 2008, and (2) the PM2.5 PSD 
Increments--SILs--SMC Rule promulgated on October 20, 2010. TCEQ 
specifically underwent rulemaking as required by state law to ensure 
the Texas PSD NSR SIP addresses the federal PSD SIP requirements 
concerning the PM2.5 NAAQS as of December 9, 2013, e.g., 
precursors, condensables, and increment.\4\ Because

[[Page 8919]]

the TCEQ's intent in the state's rule adoption is clear that the PSD 
NSR SIP is intended to address the precursors and condensables as per 
EPA's 2008 and 2010 PM2.5 NSR Rules, EPA finds that the 
existing Texas PSD permitting program is structured and updated to 
address all PSD rules for the PM2.5 NAAQS as of December 9, 
2013, when the most recent revisions to the federal PSD program for 
PM2.5 were finalized. As previously noted, further state 
rulemaking would be needed if EPA promulgated new permitting components 
not contemplated in any federal rulemaking, e.g., EPA added a new 
precursor. Following is our evaluation of how the Texas PSD NSR SIP 
program addresses the NSR implementation requirements for the 
PM2.5 NAAQS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ See, e.g., ``The specific intent of the proposed rulemaking 
is . . . for implementation of PM2.5 NSR regulations. The 
preamble to this rulemaking clarifies how precursors and condensable 
emissions are addressed.'' 35 TexReg. 10147, 10147 (November 19, 
2010) (preamble to Texas's proposed rule adoption addressing federal 
requirements for the implementation of the PM2.5 NAAQS 
NSR Program; finalized 36 TexReg 2841, May 6, 2011) (emphasis 
added).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. The NSR PM2.5 Implementation Rule
a. What are the requirements of the NSR PM2.5 Implementation 
Rule for state PSD programs?
    EPA's final NSR PM2.5 Implementation Rule required 
states to submit applicable SIP revisions to EPA no later than May 16, 
2011, to address this Rule's PSD and NNSR SIP requirements. With 
respect to PSD permitting, the SIP revision submittals are required to 
meet the following PSD SIP requirements to implement the 
PM2.5 NAAQS:
    (1) Require PSD permits to address directly emitted 
PM2.5 and precursor pollutants that contribute to the 
secondary formation of PM2.5;
    (2) establish significant emission rates for direct 
PM2.5 and precursor pollutants (including sulfur dioxide 
(SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX)); and
    (3) account for gases that condense to form particles 
(condensables) in PM2.5 and PM10 applicability 
determinations and emission limits in PSD permits.
b. How does the Texas PSD program address the requirements of the NSR 
PM2.5 Implementation Rule?
    The May 19, 2011, Texas SIP submittal includes revisions of the 
General Definitions in the Texas SIP, as further explained in section 
III.A of this proposed rulemaking. Additionally, as required by state 
law, the TCEQ, by its rulemaking, updated the existing PSD NSR SIP to 
be consistent with the federal PM2.5 NAAQS PSD requirements 
as of December 9, 2013. As explained below, the rulemaking record 
demonstrates that TCEQ intends for the revised Texas PSD rules to 
regulate SO2 and NOX as precursors of 
PM2.5 and appropriately account for condensable 
PM2.5 emissions. Based on the analysis presented below, in 
conjunction with the TCEQ's intent as reflected in the rule adoption, 
EPA is proposing to find that the Texas PSD NSR SIP includes all of the 
PSD requirements of the 2008 final NSR PM2.5 Implementation 
Rule for the following reasons:
    (1) Regulation of Direct PM2.5 and Precursors: The Texas 
SIP at 30 TAC Section 116.12 contains definitions applicable to NSR, 
including PSD, and that apply to both emissions from direct 
PM2.5 and SO2 and NOX as 
PM2.5 precursors in the Texas PSD program. The application 
of these definitions with respect to PSD major stationary sources and 
PSD major modifications will be discussed separately below.
    a. For purposes of PSD permitting, a major source is defined in the 
Texas SIP at 30 TAC Section 116.12(17) as a source that emits, or has 
the potential to emit a federally regulated new source review pollutant 
at levels greater than those identified in 40 CFR 51.166(b)(1). The 
definition of major source refers to the SIP-approved definition for 
federally regulated new source review pollutant at 30 TAC Section 
116.12(14): ``any pollutant for which a national ambient air quality 
standard has been promulgated and any constituents or precursors for 
such pollutants identified by the United States Environmental 
Protection Agency.'' In conjunction with the state law requirement for 
a rulemaking action and as explained by TCEQ in the Texas Register 
preamble language, this SIP-approved definition of ``federally 
regulated new source review pollutant'' is inclusive of the 
PM2.5 precursors SO2 and NOX 
identified by EPA. This is supported by TCEQ's explicit explanation in 
the rule preamble as to which precursors it considers to be 
``identified'' by EPA and for purposes of this definition and for PSD 
permitting: ``If a new major source will emit, or has the potential to 
emit, a significant amount of a regulated NSR pollutant in an 
attainment area for that pollutant, the source must apply BACT for each 
emissions unit that emits the pollutant. In addition, if a physical 
change or operational change at an existing major source will result in 
a significant emissions increase and significant net emissions increase 
of a regulated NSR pollutant, the source must apply BACT to each 
proposed emissions unit experiencing a net increase in emissions of 
that pollutant as a result of the physical or operational change in the 
unit. Under the PM2.5 PSD program, these requirements will 
apply to direct PM2.5 emissions; SO2 emissions; 
NOX emissions, unless states demonstrate that NOX 
is not a significant contributor to ambient PM2.5 
concentrations in that area; and to VOC if identified by a state as a 
precursor in the PM2.5 attainment area where the source is 
located.'' (36 TexReg 2842).
    EPA therefore proposes to find that as clarified by the TCEQ rule 
adoption preamble, the Texas SIP's definition of federally regulated 
NSR pollutants is inclusive of the PM2.5 precursors 
SO2 and NOX. Additionally, per the Texas PSD NSR 
SIP, when determining applicability of the definition of major source 
for purposes of the PSD program, direct emissions of PM2.5 
and emissions of SO2 and NOX as PM2.5 
precursors must be taken into account.
    b. The Texas SIP defines a major modification at 30 TAC Section 
116.12(18) as ``any physical change in, or change in the method of 
operation of a major stationary source that causes a significant 
project emissions increase and a significant net emissions increase for 
any federally regulated new source review pollutant.'' Like the 
definition of major source, the definition of major modification also 
relies on Texas's definition of ``federally regulated new source review 
pollutant'' which, as explained in the previous subsection of this 
proposed rule (III.B.1.b(1)(a)), the Texas SIP definition of federally 
regulated new source review pollutant, as clarified by TCEQ's rule 
preamble, identifies SO2 and NOX as 
PM2.5 precursors. The definition of major modification goes 
on to define what constitutes ``significant project emissions'' by 
incorporating by reference the federal significant emission rates at 40 
CFR 51.166(b)(23). The significance thresholds at 40 CFR 51.166(b)(23) 
include emission rates for direct PM2.5 and SO2 
and NOX as PM2.5 precursors. It is therefore 
further clear that emissions of SO2 and NOX as 
PM2.5 precursors are applicable to the determination of 
whether a source is a major modification.\5\ The Texas SIP therefore 
requires evaluation of direct PM2.5 and SO2 and 
NOX as PM2.5 precursors as required by EPA's NSR 
PM2.5 Implementation rule when determining the applicability 
of the definition of major modification. Therefore, EPA proposes to 
find the

[[Page 8920]]

TCEQ SIP's definition of major modification is inclusive of 
SO2 and NOX as PM2.5 precursors.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ EPA notes that the Texas PSD SIP definition of major 
modification references the significant emission rates for direct 
PM2.5 and its precursors (SO2 and 
NOX) as established at 40 CFR 52.21(b)(23), and the Texas 
SIP does not currently regulate VOCs as precursors of 
PM2.5 for PSD permitting. In order for the Texas SIP to 
require PSD permitting for VOCs as PM2.5 precursors, the 
TCEQ would need to adopt and submit a separate SIP revision 
providing the State's demonstration that emissions of VOCs from 
sources in a specific area are a significant contributor to that 
area's ambient PM2.5 concentrations. See 73 FR 28321, at 
28333.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Establish SERs: The SIP-approved Texas PSD program at 30 TAC 
Section 116.160(a) requires new major sources and major modifications 
to comply with the Texas PSD permitting requirements at 30 TAC Sections 
116.160(c)(1)-(4). As discussed in the analysis above at III.B.1.b(1) 
and (2), major sources and major modifications are defined by 
exceedances of certain levels of emissions, or potential emissions, of 
federally regulated new source review pollutants. This includes direct 
emissions of PM2.5 and emissions of SO2 and 
NOX as PSD precursors of PM2.5. EPA proposes to 
find the Texas PSD program now requires the PSD permitting of the 
identified PM2.5 PSD precursors SO2 and 
NOX for new major stationary sources and major modifications 
consistent with the requirements of the 2008 rule, based upon the 
existing PSD NSR SIP rules at 30 TAC Sections 116.12 and 116.160--
116.163, and the state's rulemaking record.
    (3) Condensable PM10/PM2.5 Emissions: As 
previously mentioned, the May 19, 2011 SIP submission added a new 
definition of ``PM2.5 emissions'' in the General Definitions 
section at 30 TAC Section 101.1(78). This new definition defines such 
emissions, in part, as ``finely-divided solid or liquid material with 
an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to a nominal 2.5 micrometers 
emitted to the ambient air as measured by an applicable reference 
method, or an equivalent or alternative method specified in 40 Code of 
Federal Regulations Part 51.'' The applicable reference method in part 
51 that applies to the measurement of condensable PM2.5 
emissions is Method 202. The definition of ``PM2.5 
emissions'' as adopted in 30 TAC Section 101.1(78) therefore requires 
the accounting of condensable PM2.5 emissions as required by 
the NSR PM2.5 Implementation Rule by the definition's 
requirement to use the applicable reference methods in 40 CFR Part 51 
that measure such emissions. Analogously, the Texas SIP defines 
``PM10 emissions'' in the General Definitions section at 30 
TAC Section 101.1(79). This definition defines such emissions, in part, 
as ``finely-divided solid or liquid material with an aerodynamic 
diameter less than or equal to a nominal 10 micrometers emitted to the 
ambient air as measured by an applicable reference method, or an 
equivalent or alternative method specified in 40 Code of Federal 
Regulations Part 51.'' The applicable reference method in part 51 that 
applies to the measurement of condensable PM10 emissions is 
also Method 202. The definition of ``PM10 emissions'' as 
adopted in 30 TAC Section 101.1(79) therefore requires the accounting 
of condensable PM10 emissions as required by the NSR 
PM2.5 Implementation Rule by the definition's requirement to 
use the applicable reference methods in 40 CFR Part 51 that measure 
such emissions. As noted by TCEQ in the preamble of the State's rule: 
``EPA assessed the capabilities of test methods available for measuring 
condensable emissions, publishing a final rule for methods of measuring 
filterable PM10 and PM2.5 and measuring 
condensable PM emissions on December 21, 2010. The final rule 
promulgates amendments to Methods 201A and 202. The final amendments to 
Method 201A add a particulate-sizing device to allow for sampling of 
particulate matter with mean aerodynamic diameters less than or equal 
to PM2.5. The final amendments to Method 202 revise the 
sample collection and recovery procedures of the method to reduce the 
formation of reaction artifacts that could lead to inaccurate 
measurements of condensable particulate matter. Additionally, the final 
amendments to Method 202 eliminate most of the hardware and analytical 
options in the existing method, thereby increasing the precision of the 
method and improving the consistency in the measurements obtained 
between source tests performed under different regulatory authorities. 
This final rule became effective on January 1, 2011.'' See 36 TexReg 
2842.
    EPA proposes to find that the Texas Register cited above indicates 
that federal reference Methods 201A and 202, in 40 CFR Part 51, 
Appendix M will be used by TCEQ in the determination of particulate 
matter emissions from stationary sources, including condensable 
particulate emissions. Such condensable emissions as measured by Method 
202 would therefore be considered as PM10 or 
PM2.5 emissions as appropriate under the terms of the Texas 
SIP. As the definitions in 30 TAC Section 101.1 establish the meaning 
and applicability of terms used within the entirety of the Texas SIP, 
EPA proposes to find this definition of PM2.5 emissions, 
which includes regulation of condensables and as supported by the Texas 
rulemaking record, is applicable to the Texas PSD NSR SIP. Furthermore, 
the Texas SIP at 30 TAC Section 116.12(14) defines a federally 
regulated new source review pollutant to include ``any pollutant for 
which a national ambient air quality standard has been promulgated and 
any constituents or precursors for such pollutants identified by the 
United States Environmental Protection Agency.'' Because of the state's 
rulemaking record, this definition is sufficient to encompass PSD 
permitting for condensables in PM2.5 and PM10 
emission limits as a constituent of PM2.5. EPA therefore 
proposes to find the Texas PSD NSR SIP now adequately accounts for 
regulation of condensable PM10 and PM2.5 
emissions in both applicability determinations and emission limitations 
as required by the 2008 PM2.5 NSR rule.
c. Litigation on the May 16, 2008 PM2.5 NSR Implementation 
Rule
    On January 4, 2013,the U.S. Court of Appeals, in Natural Resources 
Defense Council v. EPA, 706 F.3d 428 (D.C. Cir.), issued a judgment 
that remanded the EPA's 2007 and 2008 rules implementing the 1997 
PM2.5 NAAQS. The court ordered the EPA to ``repromulgate 
these rules pursuant to Subpart 4 consistent with this opinion.'' Id. 
at 437. Subpart 4 of Part D, Title 1 of the CAA establishes additional 
provisions for particulate matter nonattainment areas.
    The 2008 PM2.5 NSR Implementation Rule addressed by the 
court decision described above, promulgated NSR requirements for 
implementation of PM2.5 in both nonattainment areas (NNSR) 
and attainment/unclassifiable areas (PSD). As the requirements of 
Subpart 4 only pertain to nonattainment areas, the EPA does not 
consider the portions of the 2008 rule that address requirements for 
PM2.5 in attainment and unclassifiable areas to be affected 
by the court's opinion. Moreover, the EPA does not anticipate the need 
to revise any PSD requirements promulgated in the 2008 NSR 
PM2.5 Rule in order to comply with the court's decision. 
Accordingly, the EPA's proposed approval of Texas's SIP revisions with 
respect to the PSD requirements promulgated by the 2008 NSR 
PM2.5 Rule does not conflict with the court's opinion.
    The Court's decision with respect to the NNSR requirements 
promulgated by the 2008 NSR PM2.5 Rule also does not affect 
the EPA's action on the present proposed approval, as this proposed 
approval does not address any of the PM2.5 nonattainment NSR 
requirements.
2. The PM2.5 PSD Increment--SILs--SMC Rule
    a. What are the requirements of the PM2.5 PSD 
Increment--SILs--SMC Rule for PSD SIP programs?

[[Page 8921]]

    EPA finalized the PM2.5 PSD Increment--SILs--SMC Rule to 
provide additional regulatory requirements under the PSD SIP program 
regarding the implementation of the PM2.5 NAAQS. See 75 FR 
64864. The PM2.5 PSD Increment--SILs--SMC Rule required 
states to submit SIP revisions to EPA by July 20, 2012, adopting 
provisions equivalent to or at least as stringent as the PSD increments 
and associated implementing regulations. Specifically, the SIP rule 
requires a state's submitted PSD SIP revision to adopt and submit for 
EPA approval the PM2.5 increments pursuant to section 166(a) 
of the CAA to prevent significant deterioration of air quality in areas 
meeting the NAAQS. States were also required to adopt and submit for 
EPA approval revisions to the definitions for ``major source baseline 
date,'' ``minor source baseline date,'' and ``baseline area''--as part 
of the implementing regulations for the PM2.5 increment. 
States could also discretionarily choose to adopt and submit for EPA 
approval SILs used as a screening tool to evaluate the impact a 
proposed new major source or major modification may have on the NAAQS 
or PSD increment, and a SMC (also a screening tool) to determine the 
subsequent level of data gathering required for a PSD permit 
application for emissions of PM2.5. More detail on the 
PM2.5 PSD Increment--SILs--SMC Rule can be found in EPA's 
October 20, 2010 final rule. See 75 FR 64864.
    b. How does the May 19, 2011 Texas SIP submittal satisfy the 
required increment component of the PM2.5 Increment--SILs--
SMC Rule?
    With respect to the required increment component of the 
PM2.5 Increment--SILs--SMC Rule, as required by state law, 
the TCEQ adopted the required rules on April 20, 2011, and submitted 
the SIP revision to implement those rules on May 19, 2011. As the 
record reflects, this rulemaking was intended to address, in part, the 
federal regulations promulgated by EPA's PM2.5 Increment--
SILs--SMC Rule. By undergoing this rulemaking, the TCEQ effectuated 
regulation of the required PM2.5 increment component of 
Texas PSD permitting program on April 20, 2011 when adopting the May 
19, 2011 SIP submission. The Texas PSD NSR SIP requirements at 30 TAC 
Sections 116.160(c)(1)-(4) must be met by proposed sources meeting the 
definitions of major source or major modification at 30 TAC Sections 
116.12(17) and 116.12(18), respectively. The Texas PSD NSR SIP at 30 
TAC Section 116.160(c)(2)(A) currently incorporates the federal 
requirements for PSD increments and the associated implementing 
requirements found at 40 CFR 52.21(b)(14), (b)(15) and (c). Once the 
TCEQ underwent rulemaking intended to address the EPA's 2010 
PM2.5 PSD SIP regulations, the existing Texas SIP rule at 30 
TAC Section 116.160(c)(2)(A), which incorporates the federal 
requirements for PSD increments found at 40 CFR 52.21(c) and the 
implementing regulations defining the terms ``major source baseline 
date'' and ``minor source baseline date'' at 40 CFR 52.21(b)(14) and 
the definition for ``baseline area'' at 40 CFR 52.21(b)(15), was then 
by state law inclusive of the PM2.5 PSD increment and the 
implementing regulations in the federal PSD regulations. EPA is 
therefore proposing to find that the Texas PSD NSR SIP now includes the 
PM2.5 increments and associated implementing regulations, 
and these increments and implementing regulations are applicable 
requirements for sources and modifications that are major for 
PM2.5 and/or the identified precursors of SO2 and 
NOX. EPA proposes to find that no further revisions to the 
Texas PSD NSR SIP are necessary to implement the federal 
PM2.5 increment requirements in Texas.
c. How does the May 19, 2011 Texas SIP submittal address the optional 
SILs and SMC components of the PM2.5 Increment--SILs--SMC 
Rule?
    As a preliminary note, there has been litigation over the 2010 
PM2.5 Increment--SILs--SMC Rule which prompted EPA to issue 
a rulemaking to address the outcome of that litigation as it addressed 
the optional SILs and SMC components of the Rule. On January 22, 2013, 
the U.S. Court of Appeals granted a request from the EPA to vacate and 
remand to the EPA portions of the federal PSD regulations (40 CFR 
51.166(k)(2) and 52.21(k)(2)) establishing the SILs for 
PM2.5 so that the EPA could reconcile the inconsistency 
between the regulatory text and certain statements in the preamble to 
the 2010 final rule. Sierra Club v. EPA, 705 F.3d 458, 463-64 (D.C. 
Cir. 2013). The court declined to vacate the different portion of the 
federal PSD regulations (40 CFR 51.165(b)(2)) establishing SILs for 
PM2.5 that did not contain the same inconsistency in the 
regulatory text. Id. at 465-66. The court further vacated the portions 
of the PSD regulations (40 CFR 51.166(i)(5)(i)(c) and 
52.21(i)(5)(i)(c)) establishing a PM2.5 SMC, finding that 
the EPA lacked legal authority to adopt and use the PM2.5 
SMC to exempt permit applicants from the statutory requirement to 
compile and submit ambient monitoring data. Id. at 468-69. On December 
9, 2013, EPA issued a good cause final rule formally removing the 
affected SILs and SMC provisions from the CFR. See 78 FR 73698.
    With respect to the optional SILs component of the PM2.5 
Increment--SILs--SMC Rule, the May 19, 2011 SIP submittal included a 
revised definition of ``de minimis impact'' at 30 TAC Section 101.1(25) 
to incorporate by reference the SILs table at 40 CFR 51.165(b)(2), 
including the SILs for PM2.5. The Texas PSD NSR SIP program 
at 30 TAC Section 116.161 identifies the required demonstrations for 
PSD applicability and the SIP-approved PSD program's interaction with 
the 30 TAC Section 101.1(25) ``de minimis impact'' revised definition: 
``The commission may not issue a permit to any new major stationary 
source or major modification located in an area designated as 
attainment or unclassifiable, for any NAAQS if ambient air impacts from 
the proposed source would cause or contribute to a violation of any 
NAAQS. In order to obtain a permit, the source must reduce the impact 
of its emissions upon air quality by obtaining sufficient emission 
reductions to eliminate the predicted exceedances of the NAAQS. A major 
source or major modification will be considered to cause or contribute 
to a violation of a NAAQS when the emissions from such source or 
modification, would at a minimum, exceed the de minimis impact levels 
specified in Sec.  101.1 of this title (relating to Definitions) at any 
locality that is designated as nonattainment or is predicted to be 
nonattainment for the applicable standard.'' (Emphasis added.) This 
definition is analogous to the regulatory text in the federal 
regulations at 40 CFR 51.165(b)(2).
    The principle laid out in this provision is that a new or modified 
source may not obtain a permit if it will cause or contribute to the 
violation of a NAAQS. Such source must reduce the impact of its 
emissions in order to obtain a permit. Per the definition of ``de 
minimis impact,'' a source is considered to cause or contribute to 
nonattainment air quality, ``at a minimum'' when the impact exceeds the 
de minimis impact levels. Thus, the language of the provision does not 
constrain TCEQ's discretion to determine that a source causes or 
contributes to a violation of the NAAQS even when the impact is below 
the de minimis impact levels.
    EPA is proposing to find the SIP rule at 30 TAC Section 116.161 and 
its cross-reference to the revised definition of ``de minimis impact'' 
to be consistent with EPA's interpretation of the SILs established at 
40 CFR 51.165(b)(2). The

[[Page 8922]]

court in Sierra Club acknowledged that the regulatory language at 40 
CFR 51.165(b)(2) does not restrict a permitting authority's discretion 
to require a more comprehensive showing that the source does not cause 
or contribute to a NAAQS violation even where the impact is below the 
SIL. , 705 F.3d at 465. By extension, EPA finds that the revised 
definition of ``de minimis impact'' at 30 TAC Section 101.1(25), as 
submitted for approval into the Texas SIP, would also not restrict the 
TCEQ's discretion to require a more comprehensive analysis as described 
above. Therefore, EPA proposes to find the May 19, 2011 submitted 
revisions to the definition of ``de minimis impact'' at 30 TAC Section 
101.1(25) are approvable.
    Furthermore, with respect to both the optional SILs and SMC 
components of the PM2.5 Increment--SILs--SMC Rule, as 
previously discussed the court in Sierra Club v. EPA vacated certain 
portions of the federal PSD regulations addressing PM2.5 
SILs and SMC. On December 9, 2013, EPA issued a good cause final rule 
removing the affected provisions from the CFR. See 78 FR 73698. As 
explained throughout this notice, the TCEQ effectuated regulation of 
emissions of PM2.5 through the Texas PSD NSR SIP in the May 
19, 2011 SIP submission, thereby updating the existing Texas SIP to be 
consistent with the federal PM2.5 PSD requirements in the 
PM2.5 NSR Implementation Rule and the PM2.5 
Increment--SILs--SMC Rule. The existing Texas PSD SIP at 30 TAC Section 
116.160(c)(2)(A) incorporates the federal provisions 40 CFR 
52.21(i)(5)(i)(c) and 52.21(k)(2). Because the TCEQ's rulemaking 
updated the PSD NSR SIP to incorporate the permitting components of the 
PM2.5 Increment--SILs--SMC Rule, the existing Texas PSD 
permitting program is also intended to be consistent with and 
incorporate any future revised federal regulations in support of the 
rule. As a result of EPA's good cause final rulemaking discussed above, 
the federal requirements for PM2.5 PSD regulation no longer 
include the PM2.5 SMC and SIL provisions at 40 CFR 
52.21(i)(5)(i)(c) and 52.21(k)(2), respectively, that were promulgated 
in the PM2.5 Increment--SILs--SMC Rule. The existing Texas 
PSD permitting program as structured in turn no longer includes these 
same PM2.5 SMC and SIL provisions.
    Therefore, EPA proposes to find the SIP-approved Texas PSD program 
is consistent with the federal requirements because the Texas program 
no longer includes the PM2.5 SMC and SIL provisions 
contained at 40 CFR 52.21(i)(5)(i)(c) and 52.21(k)(2).

C. Analysis of the May 19, 2011 Revisions to the Texas Minor NSR 
Permitting Programs

    The promulgation of the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS 
established the basic requirement to protect human health and public 
welfare from emissions of PM2.5. As discussed in section 
II.B. of today's rulemaking, EPA promulgated specific revisions to 
major source permitting programs to implement the new NAAQS 
requirements through the 2008 NSR PM2.5 Implementation Rule 
and 2010 PM2.5 Increment--SILs--SMC Rule. EPA has not 
promulgated separate revisions to the Minor NSR requirements to 
implement the PM2.5 NAAQS, however, section 110(a)(2)(C) and 
EPA's regulations at 40 CFR 51.160-164 require that a State's Minor NSR 
program address all promulgated NAAQS. As of the effective date of the 
1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS, the TCEQ's Minor NSR SIP required 
a preconstruction permit for any new construction or modification of 
these emissions.
    The Texas Minor NSR Permitting Program includes several options for 
minor permit authorizations--including case-by case minor permits and 
amendments, permit alterations, standard permits, and permits by rule. 
The TCEQ did not need to make any revisions to the SIP-approved Minor 
NSR permitting program at 30 TAC Chapter 116 to meet federal 
requirements for the PM2.5 NAAQS. In its May 19, 2011 SIP 
submission, however, the TCEQ submitted revisions to its PBR SIP rules.
    The Texas PBR program is a SIP-approved Minor NSR permitting option 
at 30 TAC Chapter 106. EPA approved Texas's regulations for PBR on 
November 14, 2003 (68 FR 64543). As described in further detail in that 
Federal Register notice, a PBR is a Minor NSR permit which is adopted 
under 30 TAC Chapter 106 (see 68 FR 64543, at 68454-68455). The Texas 
PBR Minor NSR program provides an alternative process for approving the 
construction of certain new and modified facilities or changes within 
facilities which TCEQ has determined will not make a significant 
contribution of air contaminants to the atmosphere. These rules provide 
a streamlined mechanism for approving the construction of certain 
facilities which would otherwise be required to apply for and receive a 
case-by-case Minor NSR permit before commencing construction or 
modification. Under the Texas SIP a PBR is limited by parameters to 
ensure its appropriate use as a Minor NSR permit in compliance with the 
Minor NSR requirements of the Texas SIP and 40 CFR Part 51.
    The revisions submitted May 19, 2011, lower existing SIP thresholds 
for PM10 and PM2.5 to match them with EPA's 
significant emission rates, therefore making the SIP more stringent and 
also ensuring that a PBR for emissions of these pollutants will not 
cause or contribute to a violation of the two NAAQS and meet the Minor 
NSR SIP requirements. This is supported by the following:
    (1) The maximum emission level authorized for PM10 is 
established at 15 tpy which is the same as the significant emission 
rate (SER) for that pollutant in Major NSR under 40 CFR 
51.165(a)(1)(x)(A) and 51.166(b)(23)(i). As discussed at 70 FR 65984, 
at 65098 (November 1, 2005), EPA set the PM10 SER at 15 tpy 
because the ambient impact of PM10 at this level is about 4 
percent of the 24-hour PM10 NAAQS. This is less than the 
current SIP level for inhalable particulate matter (PM10) at 
25 tpy.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ The current SIP provides a threshold for inhalable 
particulate matter (PM10) at 25 tpy. In this revision, 
the indicator for inhalable particulate matter was changed from 
PM10 to PM. The threshold for PM is 25 tpy, which is 
identical to the significant emission rate for particulate matter 
(PM) (or ``Total Suspended Particulates'' (TSP)) at 40 CFR 
51.165(a)(1)(x)(A) and 51.166(b)(23)(i). As documented at 45 FR 
52676, at 52707 (August 7, 1980), the significant emission rate of 
PM was established at a level that is no greater than 4 percent of 
the 24-hour primary standard for PM.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) In the existing SIP, the maximum emission level authorized for 
PM2.5 is 25 tpy.\7\ The revised maximum emission level 
authorized for PM2.5 through the May 19, 2011 SIP submission 
is established at 10 tpy which is the same as the SER for that 
pollutant in Major NSR under 40 CFR 51.165(a)(1)(x)(A) and 
51.166(b)(23)(i). As discussed at 70 FR 65984, at 65098 (November 1, 
2005), EPA set the PM2.5 SER at 10 tpy at which its ambient 
impact is about 4 percent of the annual PM2.5 NAAQS.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ The current SIP does not provide an explicit threshold for 
PM2.5, but provides a catch all threshold of 25 tpy for 
pollutants not specifically listed in 30 TAC 106.4(a)(1).
    \8\ The PM2.5 significant level was based upon annual 
average because the annual average is the controlling standard for 
the PM2.5 NAAQS. 70 FR 65984, at 65098.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) EPA established the significant emission rates for 
PM10 and PM2.5 at 40 CFR 51.165(a)(1)(x)(A) and 
51.166(b)(23)(i) as the basis for determining applicability under the 
Major NSR Programs, based upon modeled impacts which demonstrate that 
emissions at or below the significant level is less than 4 percent of 
the applicable NAAQS. This level of

[[Page 8923]]

impact would also apply to emissions from any source, including changes 
at both major and minor sources. As it applies to Minor NSR (which 
includes the Texas PBR Program), any emissions of PM10 and 
PM2.5 that are equal to or less than 15 and 10 tpy, 
respectively, are anticipated to have an air quality impact that is 
less than 4 percent of the NAAQS.
    (4) Accordingly, we would expect that the emissions of 
PM10 and PM2.5 below maximum emission levels 
established in the Texas PBR Program will only result in small impacts 
on the ambient air quality (less than 4 percent of the NAAQS for 
PM10 and PM2.5) and would not cause or contribute 
to violations of the NAAQS.
    In sum, the PM2.5 thresholds adopted for the PBR program 
are both more stringent than the existing SIP's thresholds, and are 
equivalent to the federal SERs, which are rates of emissions EPA found 
to be less than significant. EPA therefore finds adoption of these 
thresholds for PM2.5 in the Minor NSR PBR program to 
analogously be less than significant, and not violate the federal Minor 
NSR requirements. Furthermore, there is no data demonstrating that 
emissions below these thresholds will not meet the federal Minor NSR 
requirements. Additionally, there are currently no areas in the state 
of Texas designated nonattainment for either the 1997 or 2006 
PM2.5 NAAQS. EPA therefore proposes to find that, as 
discussed above, the submitted PBR thresholds for PM10 and 
PM2.5 will not interfere with attainment and maintenance of 
a NAAQS for these pollutants, will not violate applicable requirements 
of the control strategy, will not interfere with reasonable further 
progress, and will not interfere with any applicable requirement of the 
Act. Accordingly, the submitted PBR thresholds for PM10 and 
PM2.5 meet the requirements of the Act at 110(a)(2)(A) and 
(C) and 110(l) and also meet the requirements of 40 CFR 51.160(a). 
Therefore, EPA is proposing to find that the Texas Minor NSR SIP for 
PBRs, as revised, meets the permitting requirements for the 1997 and 
2006 PM2.5 NAAQS.

IV. Proposed Action

    EPA proposes to approve the revisions to the Texas SIP at 30 TAC 
Sections 101.1 and 106.4 submitted on May 19, 2011 for the 
implementation of the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS. EPA has 
made the preliminary determination that the May 19, 2011 revisions to 
30 TAC Sections 101.1 and 106.4 are approvable because they are adopted 
and submitted in accordance with the CAA and EPA regulations regarding 
implementation of the PM2.5 NAAQS. Therefore, under section 
110 and part C of the Act and for the reasons stated above, EPA 
proposes to approve the following revisions to the Texas SIP:
     Substantive revisions to the definition of ``de minimis 
impact'' at 30 TAC Section 101.1(25),
     Substantive revisions to the definition of ``particulate 
matter'' at 30 TAC Section 101.1(75),
     Substantive revisions to the definition of ``particulate 
matter emissions'' at 30 TAC Section 101.1(76),
     Substantive revisions to the definition of 
``PM2.5 emissions'' at 30 TAC Section 101.1(78),
     Substantive revisions to the requirements for permits by 
rule at 30 TAC Sections 106.4(a)(1) and, (a)(4), and
     Non-substantive revisions to the requirements for permits 
by rule at 30 TAC Sections 106.4(a)(2) and (c) to correct for 
formatting and grammar.
    EPA is also proposing to find that the Texas PSD NSR SIP meets the 
PM2.5 PSD requirements contained in the federal regulations 
as of December 9, 2013, including regulation of NOX and 
SO2 as PM2.5 PSD precursors, regulation of 
condensables, and PM2.5 increments.

V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP 
submission that complies with the provisions of the Clean Air Act and 
applicable Federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). 
Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve state 
choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the Clean Air Act. 
Accordingly, this action merely proposes to approve state law as 
meeting Federal requirements and does not impose additional 
requirements beyond those imposed by state law. For that reason, this 
action:
     Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' subject to 
review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 
12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993);
     does not impose an information collection burden under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
     is certified as not having a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
     does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4);
     does not have Federalism implications as specified in 
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
     is not an economically significant regulatory action based 
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 1997);
     is not a significant regulatory action subject to 
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
     is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the 
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 
note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent 
with the Clean Air Act; and
     does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to 
address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental 
effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under 
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
    In addition, this rule does not have tribal implications as 
specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), 
because the SIP is not approved to apply in Indian country located in 
the state, and EPA notes that it will not impose substantial direct 
costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by 
reference, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen Oxides, Particulate 
matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur oxides, and 
Volatile organic compounds.


    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.

    Dated: February 3, 2014.
Ron Curry,
Regional Administrator, Region 6.
[FR Doc. 2014-03322 Filed 2-13-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P