[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 97 (Friday, May 17, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43359-43363]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-10370]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R03-OAR-2019-0562; FRL-11960-01-R3]


Air Plan Approval and Disapproval; Pennsylvania; Reasonably 
Available Control Technology (RACT) for Volatile Organic Compounds 
(VOC) Under the 2008 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards 
(NAAQS)

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to 
revise its December 14, 2020 action that fully approved two state 
implementation plan (SIP) revisions, both submitted to EPA on August 
13, 2018 by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, through the Pennsylvania 
Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). Those SIP revisions 
addressed reasonably available control technology (RACT) requirements 
for the 2008 ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS), 
including those related to control technique guidelines (CTGs) for 
volatile organic compounds (VOC) and the addition of regulations 
controlling VOC emissions from industrial cleaning solvents. The SIP 
revisions also included certain clarifying amendments to Pennsylvania 
code related to major source RACT regulations. Upon reconsideration, 
EPA is proposing to revise its prior action to partially approve and 
partially disapprove the August 13, 2018 submittals. Specifically, EPA 
is proposing approval of certain clarifying amendments as well as a 
negative declaration submitted by PADEP. EPA is proposing disapproval 
of the remainder of both SIP submittals related to CTGs and control of 
VOC emissions from industrial cleaning solvents. This action is being 
taken under the Clean Air Act (CAA).

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before June 17, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R03-
OAR-2019-0562 at www.regulations.gov, or via email to 
[email protected]. For comments submitted at Regulations.gov, follow 
the online instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, 
comments cannot be edited or removed from Regulations.gov. For either 
manner of submission, EPA may publish any comment received to its 
public docket. Do not submit electronically any information you 
consider to be confidential business information (CBI) or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Multimedia 
submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written 
comment. The written comment is considered the official comment and 
should include discussion of all points you wish to make. EPA will 
generally not consider comments or comment contents located outside of 
the primary submission (i.e. on the web, cloud, or other file sharing 
system). For additional submission methods, please contact the person 
identified in the FOR FURTHER INFOMRATION CONTACT section. For the full 
EPA public comment policy, information about CBI or multimedia 
submissions, and general guidance on making effective comments, please 
visit www.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Schmitt, Planning & 
Implementation Branch (3AD30), Air & Radiation Division, U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, 1600 John F Kennedy 
Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103. The telephone number is 
(215) 814-5787. Ms. Schmitt can also be reached via electronic mail at 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 13, 2018, PADEP submitted to EPA 
two SIP revisions to satisfy certain RACT requirements for sources of 
VOC emissions required by sections 182(b)(2) and 184(b)(l)(B) of the 
CAA and the implementing regulations for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS 
(80 FR 12264, March 6, 2015; 40 CFR part 51, subpart AA). Additionally, 
these two submittals are related to another PADEP SIP submission 
addressing RACT for major stationary sources of VOC and oxides of 
nitrogen (NOX) that was conditionally approved by EPA on May 
9, 2019. See section II.B.2 of this proposed rulemaking.

I. Background

A. Ozone NAAQS and RACT Requirements

    On July 18, 1997 (62 FR 38856), EPA promulgated a revised standard 
for ground level ozone based on 8-hour average concentrations. The 8-
hour averaging period replaced the previous 1-hour averaging period 
adopted in 1979, and the level of the NAAQS was changed from 0.12 parts 
per million (ppm) to 0.08 ppm. On March 27, 2008 (73 FR 16436), EPA 
further strengthened the 8-hour ozone standards from 0.08 ppm to 0.075 
ppm (2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS). On October 26, 2015, (80 FR 65292) EPA 
adopted another revision to the ozone standard (2015 ozone NAAQS), but 
the 2008 ozone standard remains in place. This action concerns RACT 
requirements under the 2008 8-hour NAAQS.
    The CAA regulates emissions of NOX and VOC to prevent 
photochemical reactions that result in ozone formation. Section 
182(b)(2) of the CAA requires states with ozone nonattainment areas 
classified as moderate or higher to submit a SIP revision requiring 
implementation of RACT. EPA has consistently defined ``RACT'' as the 
lowest emission limit that a particular source is capable of meeting by 
the application of the control technology that is reasonably available 
considering technological and economic feasibility.
    The CAA requires RACT revisions for three specific categories of 
sources for the ozone NAAQS. First, section 182(b)(2)(A) requires RACT 
for each category of VOC sources in the nonattainment area covered by a 
CTG document issued by EPA between November 15, 1990 and the date of 
attainment.\1\ Second, section 182(b)(2)(B) requires RACT for all VOC 
sources in the area covered by any CTG issued before November 15, 1990. 
Third, section 182(b)(2)(C) requires RACT for all other major 
stationary sources of VOC located in the nonattainment area. In 
addition, section 182(f) subjects major stationary sources of 
NOX to the same RACT requirements applicable to major 
stationary sources of VOC.\2\ EPA has not issued any CTGs for 
categories of NOX sources, so the effect of section 182(f) 
is to require that SIPs also require

[[Page 43360]]

RACT for major stationary sources of NOX in accordance with 
section 182(b)(2)(C). The ozone RACT requirements under section 
182(b)(2) are usually referred to as VOC CTG RACT, non-CTG VOC RACT, 
and major NOX RACT. In addition, section 184(a) of the CAA 
established an Ozone Transport Region (OTR) comprised of 12 eastern 
states, including all of Pennsylvania. Pursuant to section 184(b), the 
RACT requirements of section 182(b)(2) which would be applicable if an 
area were classified as a moderate nonattainment area apply to all 
areas within the OTR. This requirement is referred to as OTR RACT. OTR 
RACT applies throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
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    \1\ EPA provides states with guidance concerning what types of 
controls could constitute RACT for a given source category through 
the issuance of CTG and alternative control technique (ACT) 
documents.
    \2\ A ``major source'' is defined based on the source's 
potential to emit NOX or VOC, and the applicable ton per 
year emission thresholds defining a ``major'' source differ based on 
the classification of the nonattainment area in which the source is 
located. See sections 182(c)-(f) and 302 of the CAA.
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    On March 6, 2015 (80 FR 12264), EPA published a final rule that 
outlined the obligations related to required SIP requirements for the 
2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. This rule, herein referred to as the ``2008 
ozone implementation rule,'' contained, among other things, a 
description of EPA's expectations for states with RACT obligations. The 
2008 ozone implementation rule indicated that states could meet RACT 
(1) through the establishment of new or more stringent requirements 
that meet RACT control levels, (2) a certification that previously 
adopted RACT controls in their SIP, under a prior ozone NAAQS, 
represent adequate RACT control levels for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS, 
or (3) with a combination of these two approaches. In addition, a state 
could submit a negative declaration in instances where, for a 
particular CTG, there are no sources within the state covered by that 
CTG.
    In EPA's 2008 ozone implementation rule, the Agency states that 
``states should refer to the existing CTGs and ACTs for purposes of 
meeting their RACT requirements, as well as all relevant information 
(including recent technical information and information received during 
the public comment period) that is available at the time that they are 
developing their RACT SIPs.'' See 80 FR at 12279, March 6, 2015.

B. Challenge to Approval, Court Proceedings, Voluntary Remand, and 
Reconsideration

    On December 14, 2020 (85 FR 80616), EPA published a full approval 
of PADEP's two August 13, 2018 SIP submittals. The approval was 
challenged in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and on 
September 3, 2021, that court granted EPA's request for remand without 
vacatur of the Agency's final full approval.\3\
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    \3\ A copy of the court order is located in the docket for this 
action. Docket Id. EPA-R03-OAR-2019-0562 in regulations.gov.
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    A petitioner filed litigation in the Eastern District of 
Pennsylvania on May 16, 2023, arguing EPA had unreasonably delayed in 
its reconsideration of the final approval of the August 13, 2018 SIP 
submittals. On December 15, 2023, the court filed a consent decree 
requiring that EPA complete its reconsideration of the December 14, 
2020 final rule by November 15, 2024.\4\
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    \4\ A copy of the court order is located in the docket for this 
action. Docket Id. EPA-R03-OAR-2019-0562 in regulations.gov.
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    EPA has reconsidered that final full approval and EPA is proposing 
that it was incorrect to fully approve the August 13, 2018 submittals. 
Now, EPA is proposing to revise its action to a partial approval and 
partial disapproval that will disapprove parts of the August 13, 2018 
submittals, while leaving intact our prior approval of other sections. 
The particulars are explained in sections II.A and II.B of this 
document. See, CAA section 110(k)(6). Specifically, EPA is proposing to 
approve certain clarifying amendments to major source RACT regulations 
contained in the submittals, as well as a negative declaration for CTG 
RACT purposes. EPA is proposing to disapprove the remainder of both 
August 13, 2018 SIP submittals, including those related to CTGs and 
control of VOC emissions from industrial cleaning solvents.\5\
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    \5\ Including: a certification by PADEP that its existing state 
regulations for sources covered by certain CTGs is RACT for the 2008 
8-hour ozone NAAQS; a request that Pennsylvania's incorporation by 
reference of all Federal NSPS at 25 Pa. Code Chapter 122 be approved 
into the SIP; and requested the approval into the SIP of source-
specific permit conditions for sources subject to the ``CTG for 
Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Operations Surface Coating'' (61 FR 
44050, August 27, 1996) and ``Control of Volatile Organic Compounds 
Emissions from Air Oxidation Processes in the Synthetic Organic 
Chemical Manufacturing Industry,'' EPA-450/3-84-015, December 1984.
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    If EPA finalizes the disapproval proposed here, that action would 
commence a sanctions clock under CAA section 179, providing for 
emission offset sanctions for new or modified sources within the 
Commonwealth if EPA has not fully approved a revised plan within 18 
months after final disapproval, and providing for highway funding 
sanctions in affected nonattainment areas \6\ if EPA has not fully 
approved a revised plan within six months after the imposition of 
offset sanctions. The sanctions clock can be stopped only if the 
conditions of EPA's regulations at 40 CFR 52.31 are met. Pursuant to 
CAA section 110(c)(1)(B), a final disapproval would also initiate an 
obligation for EPA to promulgate a Federal implementation plan (FIP) 
within 24 months unless PADEP has submitted, and EPA has approved, a 
plan addressing the applicable RACT requirements.
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    \6\ For the OTR states, such highway sanctions would only apply 
in nonattainment areas. If the OTR state does not contain any 
nonattainment areas, then the highway sanctions would not apply in 
that state.
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II. Summary of SIP Revision and EPA Analysis

A. Pennsylvania's RACT Certification of CTGs Under the 2008 8-Hour 
Ozone NAAQS and Request To Incorporate Standards of Performance for New 
Stationary Sources Into the SIP

    The first August 13, 2018 SIP submittal is entitled ``Certification 
of Reasonably Available Control Technology for Control Techniques 
Guidelines Under the 2008 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards 
and Incorporation of 25 Pa Code Chapter 122 (Relating to National 
Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources) into the 
Commonwealth's State Implementation Plan.'' PADEP submitted this SIP 
revision for the purposes of meeting the RACT requirements under CAA 
sections 182(b)(2) and 184(b)(1)(B) and implementing the regulations 
for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. Specifically, this submittal: (1) 
certifies that PADEP's adoption and implementation of regulations to 
control VOC emissions is consistent with EPA's CTGs and represents RACT 
for these covered CTG sources for the 2008 ozone standard; (2) 
incorporates 25 Pa. Code Chapter 122 (relating to national standards of 
performance for new stationary sources) into the Pennsylvania SIP and 
certifies that those provisions continue to represent RACT for 
facilities subject to such standards of performance; and (3) 
incorporates specific permit conditions from certain facilities for the 
purpose of establishing source-specific RACT-level controls for those 
facilities.
1. CTG Certifications
    As noted in section I.A. of this preamble, if an area had been 
designated as a nonattainment area for the 1979 and 1997 ozone 
standards, and adopted RACT level controls, the state could review 
those controls to determine if they still represent RACT for the 2008 
8-hour ozone NAAQS. PADEP determined that various regulations 
consistent with each CTG continues to represent RACT for the 2008 8-
hour ozone NAAQS. PADEP

[[Page 43361]]

based this certification on the following: (1) certification that 
Pennsylvania's regulations meet the CAA RACT requirements, are based on 
the most currently available technically and economically feasible 
controls, and represent RACT for implementation purposes pertaining to 
the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS; (2) certification that PADEP has adopted 
and implemented SIP-approved provisions or regulations addressing 
applicable EPA CTG source categories and that these provisions or 
regulations represent RACT control levels or control levels more 
stringent than RACT under the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS; (3) 
certification that PADEP has implemented all CTG RACT controls 
indicated in this SIP revision, based on the EPA's guidance and 
standards, and that they represent current RACT control levels under 
the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS; and (4) certification that PADEP has 
determined that there is one CTG source category for which it has made 
a negative declaration because there are no existing sources in 
Pennsylvania in this source category subject to CTG RACT.
    As noted previously, EPA finalized approval of PADEP's two August 
13, 2018 SIP submittals on December 14, 2020 and this final approval 
was voluntarily remanded to EPA for reconsideration on September 3, 
2021. The final action was remanded without vacatur so that the Agency 
could reconsider its approval of PADEP's August 13, 2018 SIP revisions 
to ensure that Pennsylvania's RACT requirements for sources covered by 
CTGs satisfy the requirements associated with the 2008 8-hour ozone 
NAAQS.
    Upon reconsideration, and as described more fully in this proposed 
rulemaking, EPA is proposing to determine that we erred in previously 
approving the CTG portion of PADEP's RACT certification SIP, as PADEP's 
certification failed to show sufficient support in the record that the 
provisions identified as RACT in PADEP's certification fulfills the 
RACT requirements of the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS for CTG sources. As 
clarified in the 2008 implementation rules, RACT analysis should 
consider any technical advances since previous approvals of the RACT 
rules and provide evidence that other relevant information, including 
recent technical information and information available at the time of 
adoption, were considered to determine the lowest emission limit that a 
particular source is capable of meeting by the application of the 
control technology that is reasonably available considering 
technological and economic feasibility. PADEP did not provide this 
analysis. EPA therefore concludes that the PADEP's SIP submittals did 
not fully evaluate VOC RACT CTG requirements, and the Agency is 
proposing disapproval of the certification portion of the first August 
13, 2018 SIP submittal, with the exception of PADEP's negative 
declaration for one CTG source category. PADEP determined that there 
are no sources in Pennsylvania (excluding Philadelphia County and 
Allegheny County) covered by EPA's CTG ``Control of Volatile Organic 
Compound Emissions from Large Petroleum Dry Cleaners,'' (EPA-450/3-82-
009; September 1982). The record in our original action in support of 
this negative declaration, as discussed in that action (85 FR at 80617, 
December 14, 2020, and the associated technical support document 
(TSD)), was sufficiently robust and well-developed. EPA is proposing to 
approve PADEP's submitted negative declaration for this CTG source 
type.
2. Incorporation by Reference of New Source Performance Standards 
(NSPS)
    Pennsylvania has incorporated by reference all of the NSPS 
promulgated by EPA under section 111 of the CAA and found at 40 CFR 
part 60. See 25 Pa. Code 122. PADEP determined that for certain source 
categories, the Federal requirements of 40 CFR part 60--Standards of 
Performance for New Stationary Sources, provide RACT level control.
    Upon reconsideration, EPA is proposing that PADEP's determination 
that NSPS requirements equal RACT was not supported by a sufficiently 
robust and well-developed record indicating that, in addition to 
considering the NSPS themselves, that non-NSPS requirements, including 
recent technical information and the RACT requirements of other states, 
had also been reviewed and considered as potential RACT. As stated 
previously in this preamble, EPA's 2008 ozone implementation rule 
clarifies that a more demonstrative and robust comparison is needed. 
EPA is proposing that we erred in our previous approval that certain 
NSPS provisions meet CTG requirements and therefore are sufficient to 
implement RACT for those sources for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. The 
Agency now proposes disapproval of the portions of PADEP's SIP 
submittals focused on NSPS providing RACT level control.
3. Incorporation of Source Specific Permit Limits
    PADEP found only two sources covered by the ``Shipbuilding/Repair 
ACT (EPA 453/R-94-032, April 1994) and EPA's CTG for Shipbuilding and 
Ship Repair Operations (Surface Coating) (61 FR 44050, August 27, 
1996)'' and one source subject to ``Control of Volatile Organic 
Compound Emissions from Air Oxidation Processes in Synthetic Organic 
Chemical Manufacturing Industry, EPA-450/3-84-015, December 1984.'' 
Rather than promulgate a rule to address the RACT requirements of those 
two CTGs for only three affected sources, PADEP incorporated the 
requirements of the CTGs into Federally enforceable permits and 
submitted the applicable permit limits for incorporation into the SIP.
    Redacted versions of Permit Nos. 25-00930 (Donjon Shipbuilding) and 
26-00545 (Heartland Fabrication) were submitted for incorporation into 
the Commonwealth's SIP. Generally, the control strategy is to limit the 
VOC content of the coatings and materials used. In its first August 13, 
2018 SIP submittal, PADEP stated that the relevant portions of the 
permits are consistent with the Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Operations 
(Surface coating) CTG and therefore satisfy the RACT requirements for 
these sources. A redacted version of Permit No. 39-00024 (Geo. 
Specialty Chem. Trimet Div.) was also submitted for incorporation into 
the Pennsylvania SIP. PADEP certified that this is the only source to 
which the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI) Air 
Oxidation Process CTG applies. Pursuant to the CTG, ``It is recommended 
that air oxidation facilities for which an existing combustion device 
is employed to control process VOC emissions should not be required to 
meet the 98 percent emissions limit until the combustion device is 
replaced for other reasons. In other words, no facility would be 
required to upgrade or replace an existing control device.'' \7\ PADEP 
determined that the facility's formaldehyde process and catalytic 
incinerator were installed in 1980, before the December 1984 
applicability date of the CTG. PADEP further determined that neither 
the process nor the control device have been modified since the 1980 
installation date. PADEP therefore certified that the existing control 
strategy and emission

[[Page 43362]]

limitations in the permit constitute RACT for this particular source.
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    \7\ See ``Control of Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from 
Air Oxidation Processes in the Synthetic Organic Chemical 
Manufacturing Industry, EPA, 450/3-84-015, December 1984,'' Page 4-
1, available at: www3.epa.gov/airquality/ctgact/198412vocepa4503-84-015airoxidationprocesses.pdf.
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    Similar to EPA's justification for disapproving the previous 
submittal elements, upon reconsideration, EPA is proposing that PADEP 
did not support its conclusion by providing a sufficiently robust and 
well-developed record. Although here PADEP has adopted CTG requirements 
into specific permits versus relying on a regulation which incorporates 
the CTGs, the Commonwealth still relies on the CTGs equaling RACT, 
without a robust comparison with additional relevant information. 
Additionally, PADEP does not provide any documentation of an analysis 
to determine that RACT is fulfilled by existing source specific rules 
and the proposed concurrent revisions.
    Therefore, EPA is proposing that it erred in its previous final 
action by approving PADEP's determination that particular emission 
limitations in the noted permits constitute RACT and we now propose 
disapproval of these components which we had approved in our December 
14, 2020 final action.

B. Regulatory Revisions Related to VOC and NOX RACT

    The SIP revisions submitted by PADEP in the second August 13, 2018 
SIP submittal, entitled ``Control of Volatile Organic Compound 
Emissions from Industrial Cleaning Solvents; General Provisions; 
Aerospace Manufacturing and Rework; Additional RACT Requirements for 
Major Sources of NOX and VOCs,'' include: (1) the addition 
of 25 Pa. Code 129.63a (relating to the control of VOC from industrial 
cleaning solvents (ICS)); (2) amendments to 25 Pa. Code sections 121.1 
and 129.51 (definitions and ``general'' provisions, respectively) in 
order to support the addition and implementation of 25 Pa. Code section 
129.63a; (3) a correction to the VOC emission limit table in 25 Pa. 
Code section 129.73 (relating to aerospace manufacturing and re-work); 
and (4) amendments to 25 Pa. Code sections 129.96, 129.97, 129.99, and 
129.100 to clarify certain requirements and to update the list of 
exemptions.
1. Addition of 25 Pa. Code Section 129.63a and Amendments to Sections 
121.1 and 129.51
    PADEP determined that the recommendations in EPA's 2006 ICS CTG are 
technically and economically feasible for sources in this source 
category and developed 25 Pa. Code section 129.63a for the purpose of 
implementing VOC RACT for affected industrial cleaning solvent sources 
in Pennsylvania. In EPA's December 14, 2020 final action, EPA approved 
this portion of the second August 13, 2018 SIP submittal based on the 
PADEP's determination that the 2006 ICS CTG is equal to RACT for the 
2008 8-hour ozone NAAQs. Having reconsidered our prior approval, EPA is 
proposing that it erred in our prior full approval, and therefore we 
propose to revise the prior action to disapprove this portion of the 
submittal, as PADEP's analysis did not look beyond the CTG 
requirements.
    Since the amendments to 25 Pa. Code sections 121.1 and 129.51 
support the addition and implementation of section 129.63a, which EPA 
is now proposing to disapprove, the Agency is also proposing to 
disapprove the revisions made to 25 Pa. Code sections 121.1 and 129.51 
we had previously approved into the SIP.
2. Amendments to 25 Pa. Code Sections 129.96, 129.97, 129.99, and 
129.100
    The second PADEP August 13, 2018 SIP submittal included amendments 
to 25 Pa. Code sections 129.96, 129.97, 129.99, and 129.100, to satisfy 
certain RACT requirements under both the 1997 and 2008 8-hour ozone 
NAAQS for specific source categories (also known as ``RACT II'').\8\ 
These amendments update 25 Pa. Code sections 129.96(a) and (b) 
(relating to applicability) to revise the list of sources exempt from 
RACT II, because these source are already subject to a RACT requirement 
or RACT emission limitation, or both, that has been established 
elsewhere.\9\ The applicability criteria in section 129.96(a) and (b) 
are revised in order to add reference to sections 129.52d, 129.52e and 
129.74 (relating to control of VOC emissions from miscellaneous metal 
parts surface coating processes, miscellaneous plastic parts surface 
coating processes and pleasure craft surface coatings; control of VOC 
emissions from automobile and light-duty truck assembly coating 
operations and heavier vehicle coating operations; and control of VOC 
emissions from fiberglass boat manufacturing materials). Additionally, 
25 Pa. Code sections 129.97(k)(1)(ii) and 129.99(i)(1)(ii) (relating to 
presumptive RACT requirements, RACT emission limitations and petition 
for alternative compliance schedule; and alternative RACT proposal and 
petition for alternative compliance schedule) were amended by adding 
the text ``or major VOC emitting facility'' for clarity. Section 
129.100(a) (relating to compliance demonstration and recordkeeping 
requirements) was amended to add ``RACT'' in two places for clarity. 
The emission limits and substantive requirements of 25 Pa. Code 
sections 129.96, 129.97, 129.99, and 129.100 were not amended.
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    \8\ Pennsylvania's RACT II Rule applies statewide to existing 
major NOX and/or VOC sources within the Commonwealth, 
except those subject to other Pennsylvania regulations, as specified 
in 25 Pa. Code 129.96(a) and (b).
    \9\ Other specific requirements of PADEP's two August 13, 2018 
submittals and the rationale for EPA's proposed action are explained 
in EPA's previous notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) and will not 
be restated here. See 85 FR 12877, March 5, 2020.
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    EPA has evaluated PADEP's amendments to 25 Pa. Code sections 
129.96, 129.97, 129.99, and 129.100 and the Agency has made the 
preliminary determination that these clarifying amendments were 
appropriately approved in the prior action. The amendments made in this 
portion of the second SIP revision do not impact how PADEP determined 
that RACT was met by certain sources. Therefore, on reconsideration, 
EPA is not proposing to change our approval of PADEP's amendments to 25 
Pa. Code sections 129.96, 129.97, 129.99, and 129.100 to disapproval.

III. Proposed Action

    EPA is proposing to amend its prior full approval of PADEP's August 
13, 2018 SIP submittals to a partial approval and partial disapproval. 
Specifically, EPA is proposing to retain approval of clarifying 
amendments to major source RACT regulations as well as a negative 
declaration for CTG RACT purposes. EPA is proposing disapproval of the 
remainder of both SIP submittals, including those related to CTGs and 
control of VOC emissions from industrial cleaning solvents. EPA is 
soliciting public comments on all of the issues discussed in this 
document. These comments will be considered before taking final action.

IV. Incorporation by Reference

    In this document, EPA is proposing to include in a final EPA rule 
regulatory text that includes incorporation by reference. In accordance 
with requirements of 1 CFR 51.5 and as discussed in section II.B.2 of 
this preamble, EPA is proposing to incorporate by reference 25 Pa. Code 
sections 129.73, 129.96, 129.99, and 129.100. These measures were 
already incorporated by reference into the SIP under a previous 
approval (85 FR 80625, December 14, 2020). If this proposed disapproval 
is finalized, EPA does not intend to remove these amendments, but to 
retain them. EPA has made, and will continue to make, these materials 
generally available through www.regulations.gov and at the EPA Region 
III Office (please contact the

[[Page 43363]]

person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of 
this preamble for more information).

V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

Executive Orders 12866 and 13563: Regulatory Planning and Review

    Under Executive Orders 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and 
13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011), this action is not a 
``significant regulatory action'' and, therefore, is not subject to 
review by the Office of Management and Budget.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rulemaking does not impose an information collection burden 
under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
3501 et seq.).

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This action merely proposes to disapprove state requirements as not 
meeting Federal requirements and imposes no additional requirements 
beyond those imposed by state law.
    Accordingly, the Administrator certifies that this rulemaking 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.).

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Because this rulemaking proposes to disapprove 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 
(Pub. L. 104-4).

Executive Order 13132: Federalism

    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 proposes to disapprove a state 
requirement and does not alter the relationship or the distribution of 
power and responsibilities established in the CAA.

Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal 
Governments

    In addition, the SIP is not approved to apply on any Indian 
reservation land or in any other area where EPA or an Indian tribe has 
demonstrated that a tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of Indian 
country, the rulemaking does not have tribal implications and will not 
impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal 
law as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 
2000).

Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental Health 
and Safety Risks

    This rulemaking 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 proposes to 
disapprove a state rule.

Executive Order 13211: Actions That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use

    Because it is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866 or a ``significant energy action,'' this action 
is also not subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 
2001).

National Technology Transfer Advancement Act

    In reviewing state submissions, EPA's role is to approve state 
choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. 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 state submission for failure to use VCS. It would thus be 
inconsistent with applicable law for EPA, when it reviews a state 
submission, to use VCS in place of a state submission that otherwise 
satisfies the provisions of the CAA. 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.

Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental Justice 
in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations

    Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994) directs 
Federal agencies to identify and address ``disproportionately high and 
adverse human health or environmental effects'' of their actions on 
minority populations and low-income populations to the greatest extent 
practicable and permitted by law. EPA defines environmental justice 
(EJ) as ``the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people 
regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to 
the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, 
regulations, and policies.'' EPA further defines the term fair 
treatment to mean that ``no group of people should bear a 
disproportionate burden of environmental harms and risks, including 
those resulting from the negative environmental consequences of 
industrial, governmental, and commercial operations or programs and 
policies.'' PADEP did not evaluate EJ considerations as part of its SIP 
submittals; the CAA and applicable implementing regulations neither 
prohibit nor require such an evaluation. EPA did not perform an EJ 
analysis and did not consider EJ in this action. Due to the nature of 
the action being taken here, this action is expected to have a neutral 
impact on the air quality of the affected area. Consideration of EJ is 
not required as part of this action, and there is no information in the 
record inconsistent with the stated goal of E.O. 12898 of achieving 
environmental justice for people of color, low-income populations, and 
Indigenous peoples.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by 
reference, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Volatile organic compounds.

Adam Ortiz,
Regional Administrator, Region III.
[FR Doc. 2024-10370 Filed 5-16-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P