[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 139 (Friday, July 19, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58690-58692]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-15046]



[[Page 58690]]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 70

[EPA-R09-OAR-2022-0916; FRL-10530-01-R9]


Clean Air Act Operating Permit Program; California; South Coast 
Air Quality Management District

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing 
approval of revisions to the Clean Air Act (CAA or ``Act'') Operating 
Permit Program (title V) of the South Coast Air Quality Management 
District (SCAQMD or ``District'') in California. Once approved by the 
EPA, these program revisions will modify the major source title V 
potential to emit (PTE) thresholds to conform with the recent 
reclassification of state lands within the Coachella Valley 
nonattainment area from ``Severe-15'' to ``Extreme'' nonattainment for 
the 1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). 
In the ``Rules and Regulations'' section of this issue of the Federal 
Register, we are simultaneously publishing an approval of the 
District's title V program revisions without a prior proposed rule. If 
the EPA receives no adverse comment, it will not take further action on 
this proposed rule.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 19, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R09-
OAR-2022-0916 at https://www.regulations.gov. For comments submitted at 
Regulations.gov, follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or removed from 
Regulations.gov. The 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. The 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 INFORMATION CONTACT section. For the full EPA public 
comment policy, information about CBI or multimedia submissions, and 
general guidance on making effective comments, please visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets. If you need assistance in a 
language other than English or if you are a person with disabilities 
who needs a reasonable accommodation at no cost to you, please contact 
the person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine Valladolid, Air Permits 
Section (Air-3-1), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX, 
(415) 947-4103, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document, ``we,'' ``us,'' 
and ``our'' refer to the EPA. This proposal addresses the following 
local rule: SCAQMD Rule 3001, ``Title V Permits--Applicability.'' In 
the Rules and Regulations section of this Federal Register, the EPA is 
approving the District's submissions and making administrative updates 
as a direct final rule without prior proposal because we view this as a 
noncontroversial action and anticipate no adverse comments. A detailed 
rationale for the action is set forth in the preamble to the direct 
final rule. If the EPA receives no adverse comments, the EPA 
contemplates no further action. If the EPA receives adverse comments, 
the EPA will withdraw the direct final rule and will address all public 
comments in a subsequent final rule based on this proposed rule. We do 
not plan to open a second comment period on this action, so anyone 
interested in commenting should do so at this time. Please note that if 
the EPA receives an adverse comment on an amendment, paragraph, or 
section of this proposed rule and if that provision may be severed from 
the remainder of the proposed rule, the EPA may adopt as final those 
provisions of the proposed rule that are not the subject of an adverse 
comment. For additional information, see the direct final rule of the 
same title that is located in the ``Rules and Regulations'' section of 
this Federal Register.

Table of Contents

I. Background
II. What are the requirements for approval of revisions to title V 
programs?
III. What is the State's proposed title V program revision?

I. Background

    The CAA Amendments of 1990 include title V, which requires States 
to develop an operating permits program that meets the federal criteria 
codified in title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 70. 
The title V program requires certain sources of air pollution to obtain 
federal operating permits from their respective states. These federal 
operating permits improve enforcement and compliance by consolidating 
all applicable federal requirements into one federally enforceable 
document. Before a state can issue permits under 40 CFR part 70 (which 
are referred to as ``title V permits''), the EPA must approve its 
programs under appendix A of 40 CFR part 70. States may submit 
revisions to their approved programs for EPA approval.
    Title V of the CAA applies to ``major stationary sources'' as 
defined in title I, part D of the Act. 40 CFR 70.2 bases the definition 
of ``major stationary source'' on the nonattainment classification of 
the area where the source is located. Table 1 of this document shows 
the attainment/nonattainment/unclassifiable status for the applicable 
NAAQS within the District's jurisdictional boundary. As shown in Table 
1, the SCAQMD's jurisdiction is classified as nonattainment for fine 
particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than or equal 
to 10 micrometers (PM10), fine particulate matter with an 
aerodynamic diameter of less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers 
(PM2.5), lead (Pb), and ozone.\1\ The SCAQMD's jurisdiction 
is composed of several air basins that have different nonattainment 
classifications. The District is designated attainment/unclassifiable 
for nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur 
dioxide (SO2). 40 CFR 81.305.
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    \1\ As discussed in the Summary of this proposed rulemaking, the 
EPA reclassified state lands within the Coachella Valley area from 
Severe-15 to an Extreme ozone nonattainment area for the 1997 8-hour 
ozone NAAQS, effective July 10, 2019. This reclassification to 
Extreme means that a major stationary source is now defined as a 
source emitting 10 tons or more per year of either oxides of 
nitrogen or volatile organic compounds. 84 FR 32841 (July 10, 2019).

[[Page 58691]]



                                     Table 1--Air Quality Attainment Status
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                                                                                              Basin/air quality
     NAAQS pollutant/standard             Designation \a\             Classification           management area
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Annual NO2 (1971 Standard)........  A/U.......................  ..........................  Los-Angeles-South
                                                                                             Coast Air Basin.
1-Hour NO2 (2010 Standard)........  A/U.......................  ..........................  Los Angeles County
                                                                                             (part).
1-Hour NO2 (2010 Standard)........  A/U.......................  ..........................  Orange County.
1-Hour NO2 (2010 Standard)........  A/U.......................  ..........................  Riverside County
                                                                                             (part).
1-Hour NO2 (2010 Standard)........  A/U.......................  ..........................  San Bernadino County
                                                                                             (part).
CO (1971 Standard)................  A/U.......................  ..........................  Los-Angeles-South
                                                                                             Coast Air Basin
                                                                                             Area.
Pb (2008 Standard)................  NA........................  ..........................  Los Angeles County-
                                                                                             South Coast Air
                                                                                             Basin.
1-Hour SO2 (2010 Standard)........  A/U.......................  ..........................  South Coast Air
                                                                                             Basin.
24-Hour PM10 (1987 Standard)......  NA........................  Serious...................  Coachella Valley
                                                                                             Planning Area.
24-Hour PM10 (1987 Standard)......  A/U.......................  ..........................  South Coast Air
                                                                                             Basin.
Annual PM2.5 (1997 Standard)......  NA........................  Moderate..................  Los-Angeles-South
                                                                                             Coast Air Basin.
24-Hour PM2.5 (1997 Standard).....  NA........................  Moderate..................  Los-Angeles-South
                                                                                             Coast Air Basin.
24-Hour PM2.5 (2006 Standard).....  NA........................  Serious...................  Los-Angeles-South
                                                                                             Coast Air Basin.
Annual PM2.5 (2012 Standard)......  NA........................  Serious...................  Los-Angeles-South
                                                                                             Coast Air Basin.
1-Hour Ozone (1979 Standard) \b\..  NA........................  Extreme...................  Los-Angeles-South
                                                                                             Coast Air Basin
                                                                                             Area.
1-Hour Ozone (1979 Standard) \b\..  NA........................  Severe-17.................  Southeast Desert
                                                                                             Modified Air
                                                                                             Quality Management
                                                                                             Area.
8-Hour Ozone (1997 Standard) \c\..  NA........................  Extreme...................  Riverside County
                                                                                             (Coachella Valley).
8-Hour Ozone (1997 Standard) \c\..  NA........................  Extreme...................  Los-Angeles-South
                                                                                             Coast Air Basin.
8-Hour Ozone (2008 Standard)......  NA........................  Extreme...................  Los-Angeles-South
                                                                                             Coast Air Basin.
8-Hour Ozone (2008 Standard)......  NA........................  Severe-15.................  Riverside County
                                                                                             (Coachella Valley).
8-Hour Ozone (2015 Standard)......  NA........................  Extreme...................  Los-Angeles-South
                                                                                             Coast Air Basin.
8-Hour Ozone (2015 Standard)......  NA........................  Severe-15.................  Riverside County
                                                                                             (Coachella Valley).
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\a\ NA = Nonattainment; A/U = Attainment or Unclassified.
\b\ On August 3, 2005, the EPA revoked the 1979 1-hour ozone NAAQS; however, the EPA is retaining the listing of
  the designated areas for the revoked 1979 ozone NAAQS in 40 CFR part 81, for the sole purpose of identifying
  the anti-backsliding requirements that may apply to the areas at the time of revocation. 70 FR 44470 (August
  3, 2005).
\c\ On March 6, 2015, the EPA revoked the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS; however, the EPA is retaining the listing of
  the designated areas for the revoked 1997 ozone NAAQS in 40 CFR part 81, for the sole purpose of identifying
  the anti-backsliding requirements that may apply to the areas at the time of revocation. 80 FR 12264 (March 6,
  2015). On July 10, 2019, the Coachella Valley was reclassified to Extreme ozone nonattainment for the 1997
  ozone NAAQS. 84 FR 32841 (July 10, 2019).

    The emissions thresholds, above which a title V operating permit is 
required pursuant to 40 CFR 70.3(a), are shown in table 2.

                                    Table 2--Title V Emissions Thresholds \a\
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 Nonattainment designation/classification             VOC or NOX (tpy)               CO (tpy)       PM10 (tpy)
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Marginal.................................  100..................................             100             100
Moderate.................................  100..................................             100             100
Serious..................................  50...................................              50              70
Ozone transport region (other than Severe  50 (VOC only)........................  ..............  ..............
 or Extreme).
Severe...................................  25...................................  ..............  ..............
Extreme..................................  10...................................  ..............  ..............
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\a\ 40 CFR 70.2.

    The emissions thresholds for PM2.5, SO2, and 
Pb are 100 tons per year (tpy) regardless of attainment classification. 
For hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), the title V threshold is 10 tpy 
for any individual HAP and 25 tpy for any combination of HAPs.

II. What are the requirements for approval of revisions to title V 
programs?

    Pursuant to 40 CFR 70.4(i), either the EPA or the state may 
initiate a title V program revision ``when the relevant Federal or 
State statutes or regulations are modified or supplemented.'' It is the 
responsibility of the state to keep the EPA apprised of any proposed 
modifications to its basic statutory or regulatory authority or 
procedures. Revision of a state program shall be accomplished as 
follows:
    (a) The state submits a modified program description, attorney 
general's statement (if necessary for expanded or additional 
authority), or other documents as the EPA determines to be necessary. 
40 CFR 70.4(i)(2)(i).
    (b) After the EPA receives a proposed program revision, it will 
publish a notice of the proposed change in the Federal Register and 
provide for a public comment period of at least 30 days. 40 CFR 
70.4(i)(2)(ii).
    (c) The Administrator shall approve or disapprove program revisions 
based on the requirements of 40 CFR part 70 and the Act. 40 CFR 
70.4(i)(2)(iii).
    (d) The EPA must publish a notice of approval in the Federal 
Register for any substantial program revisions. 40 CFR 70.4(i)(2)(iv).
    (e) Approval of nonsubstantial revisions may be given by a letter 
from the Administrator to the Governor or a designee. 40 CFR 
70.4(i)(2)(iv).
    (f) A program revision shall become effective upon the approval of 
the Administrator. 40 CFR 70.4(i)(2)(iv).

III. What is the State's proposed title V program revision?

    Table 3 lists the rules submitted as part of the SCAQMD's title V 
program revisions and the dates they were adopted by the District and 
submitted to the EPA by the California Air Resources

[[Page 58692]]

Board (CARB), which is the Governor's designee for California rule 
submittals.\2\
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    \2\ A detailed explanation of the EPA's evaluation of these 
proposed revisions as well as a change copy of the revised rule can 
be found in the Technical Support Document (TSD) and docket.

                                            Table 3--Submitted Rules
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                                                                                                  Submitted date
                 Rule No.                               Rule title               Adoption date         \a\
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3001......................................  Title V Permits--Applicability....       12/4/2020        2/25/2021
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\a\ CARB transmitted the submittal to the EPA by a letter dated February 24, 2021.

    The SCAQMD revised the title V emissions thresholds in its Rule 
3001 for volatile organic compounds and oxides of nitrogen from 25 tpy 
to 10 tpy for the Riverside County portion of the Salton Sea Air Basin 
\3\ to align with a recent reclassification for that area from Severe-
15 to Extreme for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS.
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    \3\ The area often referred to as the ``Coachella Valley'' 
consists of the Riverside County portion of the Salton Sea Air 
Basin.
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    The District made two additional revisions to Rule 3001: (1) 
clarifying the geographic areas for the Phase One and Phase Two 
facilities; and (2) including an applicability cutoff date of December 
4, 2020, for Phase One title V facilities.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 70

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Air pollution control, Intergovernmental relations, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: July 2, 2024.
Martha Guzman Aceves,
Regional Administrator, Region IX.
[FR Doc. 2024-15046 Filed 7-18-24; 8:45 am]
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