
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 104 (Friday, May 30, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31035-31045]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-11499]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 49

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0076; FRL-9909-78-OAR]
RIN 2060-AR25


Review of New Sources and Modifications in Indian Country--
Amendments to the Federal Indian Country Minor New Source Review Rule

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing final 
amendments to the federal minor New Source Review (NSR) program in 
Indian country. We refer to this NSR rule as the ``federal Indian 
country minor NSR program.'' We are amending this rule in two ways. 
First, we are expanding the list of emissions units and activities that 
are exempt from the federal Indian country minor NSR program by adding 
several types of low-emitting units and activities. Second, we have 
clarified construction-related terms by defining ``commence 
construction'' and ``begin construction'' to better reflect the 
regulatory requirements associated with construction activities. We 
believe both of these changes will simplify the program, and result in 
less burdensome implementation without detriment to air quality in 
Indian country. Finally, we have reconsidered the advance notification 
period for relocation of a true minor source in response to a petition 
on the rule from the American Petroleum Institute, the Independent 
Petroleum Association of America and America's Natural Gas Alliance, 
but we are not changing that provision.

DATES: The final rule is effective on June 30, 2014.

ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a docket for this action under 
Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0076. All documents in the docket are 
listed in the www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, 
some information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other 
material, such as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only 
in hard copy. Publicly available docket materials are available either 
electronically in www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Air and 
Radiation Docket, EPA/DC, William Jefferson Clinton West Building, Room 
3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20460. The Public 
Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public 
Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the Air 
and Radiation Docket is (202) 566-1742.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Greg Nizich, Air Quality Policy 
Division, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (C504-03), 
Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 
27711; telephone number (919) 541-3078; fax number (919) 541-5509; 
email address: nizich.greg@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The information in this Supplementary 
Information section of this preamble is organized as follows:

I. General Information
    A. Does this action apply to me?
    B. Where can I get a copy of this document and other related 
information?
    C. What acronyms, abbreviations and units are used in this 
preamble?
II. Purpose
III. Background
    A. What are the general requirements for the minor NSR program 
in Indian country?
    B. What is the Indian country NSR rule?
    C. What is the status of NSR air quality programs in Indian 
country?
IV. What final action is the EPA taking on amendments to the federal 
Indian country minor NSR rule?
    A. What additional emissions units and activities are exempted 
from the federal Indian country minor NSR rule?
    B. How are construction-related activities defined for 
permitting purposes?
    C. What is the deadline for advance notification to the 
reviewing authority for a true minor sources that is relocating?
V. Summary of Significant Comments and Responses
    A. Emissions Unit and Activity Exemptions
    B. Definition of Begin Construction
    C. Source Relocation
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
    A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and 
Executive Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review
    B. Paperwork Reduction Act
    C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
    D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
    E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
    F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With 
Indian Tribal Governments
    G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From 
Environmental Health and Safety Risks
    H. Executive Order 13211: Actions That Significantly Affect 
Energy Supply, Distribution or Use
    I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
    J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address 
Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income 
Populations
    K. Congressional Review Act
    L. Judicial Review
VII. Statutory Authority

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

    Entities potentially affected by this final rule include owners and 
operators of emission sources in all industry groups planning to locate 
or located in Indian country. Categories and entities potentially 
affected by this action are expected to include:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Examples of regulated
            Category                NAICS \a\            entities
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industry.......................           21111  Oil and Gas Production/
                                                  Operations.
                                         211111  Crude Petroleum and
                                                  Natural Gas
                                                  Extraction.
                                         211112  Natural Gas Liquid
                                                  Extraction.
                                         212321  Sand and Gravel Mining.
                                          22111  Electric Power
                                                  Generation.
                                         221210  Natural Gas
                                                  Distribution.
                                          22132  Sewage Treatment
                                                  Facilities.
                                          23899  Sand and Shot Blasting
                                                  Operations.
                                         311119  Animal Food
                                                  Manufacturing.
                                           3116  Beef Cattle Complex,
                                                  Slaughter House and
                                                  Meat Packing Plant.
                                         321113  Sawmills.

[[Page 31036]]

 
                                         321212  Softwood Veneer and
                                                  Plywood Manufacturing.
                                          32191  Millwork (wood products
                                                  manufacturing).
                                         323110  Printing Operations
                                                  (lithographic).
                                         324121  Asphalt Hot Mix.
                                           3251  Chemical Preparation.
                                          32711  Clay and Ceramics
                                                  operations (kilns).
                                          32732  Concrete Batching
                                                  Plant.
                                           3279  Fiber Glass Operations.
                                         331511  Casting Foundry (Iron).
                                           3323  Fabricated Structural
                                                  Metal.
                                         332812  Surface Coating
                                                  Operations.
                                           3329  Fabricated Metal
                                                  Products.
                                          33311  Machinery
                                                  Manufacturing.
                                          33711  Wood Kitchen Cabinet
                                                  manufacturing.
                                          42451  Grain Elevator.
                                          42471  Gasoline Bulk Plant.
                                           4471  Gasoline Station.
                                          54171  Professional,
                                                  Scientific, and
                                                  Technical Services.
                                         562212  Solid Waste Landfill.
                                          72112  Casinos).
                                         811121  Auto Body Refinishing.
Federal government.............          924110  Administration of Air
                                                  and Water Resources
                                                  and Solid Waste
                                                  Management Programs.
State/local/tribal government..          924110  Administration of Air
                                                  and Water Resources
                                                  and Solid Waste
                                                  Management Programs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ North American Industry Classification System.

    This table is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a 
guide for readers regarding entities likely to be subject to the 
federal Indian country minor NSR program, and therefore potentially 
affected by this action. To determine whether your facility is affected 
by this action, you should examine the applicability criteria in 40 CFR 
49.151 through 49.161 (i.e., the federal Indian country minor NSR 
rule). If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this 
action to a particular entity, contact the person listed in the 
preceding FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

B. Where can I get a copy of this document and other related 
information?

    In addition to being available in the docket, an electronic copy of 
this final rule will also be available on the World Wide Web. Following 
signature by the EPA Administrator, a copy of this final rule will be 
posted in the regulations and standards section of the EPA's NSR home 
page located at http://www.epa.gov/nsr.

C. What acronyms, abbreviations and units are used in this preamble?

    The following acronyms, abbreviations and units are used in this 
preamble:

BACT Best Available Control Technology
CAA or Act Clean Air Act
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
FARR Federal Air Rule for Indian Reservations
FR Federal Register
GP General Permit
HAPs Hazardous Air Pollutants
HP Horsepower
LAER Lowest Achievable Emission Rate
MMBTU/hr Million British thermal units per hour
NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standard(s)
NESHAP National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
NTTAA National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
OMB Office of Management and Budget
ppm Parts per million
PSD Prevention of Significant Deterioration
PTE Potential to Emit
RFA Regulatory Flexibility Act
SBA Small Business Administration
SIP State Implementation Plan
TIP Tribal Implementation Plan
tpy Tons per year
UMRA Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

II. Purpose

    The purpose of this rulemaking is to revise certain provisions in 
the federal Indian country minor NSR rule \1\ (the Rule) to streamline 
implementation by expanding the list of appropriately exempted units/
activities and clarifying language related to source construction. 
Specifically, we are adding five categories to the list of units/
activities that are exempt from the federal Indian country minor NSR 
rule, and revising another category, because their emissions are deemed 
insignificant. Listing these categories explicitly for exemptions means 
that many applicants and reviewing authorities will not need to 
calculate potential emissions for those activities.
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    \1\ The federal Indian country minor NSR rule is a component of 
``Review of New Sources and Modifications in Indian Country,'' Final 
rule 76 FR 38747 (July 1, 2011) that applies to new and modified 
minor sources and minor modifications at major sources.
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    In the Rule, the term ``commence construction'' is used in two 
different contexts, i.e., the provisions governing construction 
prohibition, and also the provisions specifying that construction must 
occur within 18 months of the final permit issuance date. We are 
clarifying this distinction by adding two separate definitions for 
those situations: ``begin construction'' and ``commence construction.'' 
Further, we are replacing ``commence construction'' with ``begin 
construction'' in certain sections of the regulatory text for 
consistency with the new definitions. Finally, this rule reaffirms the 
30-day advance notification requirement for relocation of true minor 
sources after reconsideration of this provision.

III. Background

A. What are the general requirements for the minor NSR program in 
Indian country?

    Section 110(a)(2)(C) of the Clean Air Act (Act) requires that every 
state implementation plan (SIP) include a program to regulate the 
construction and modification of stationary sources, including a permit 
program as required in parts C and D of title I of the Act, to ensure 
attainment and maintenance of the National Ambient Air Quality 
Standards (NAAQS). The permitting program for minor sources is 
addressed

[[Page 31037]]

by section 110(a)(2)(C) of the Act, which we commonly refer to as the 
minor NSR program. A minor source means a source that has a potential 
to emit (PTE) lower than the major NSR applicability threshold for a 
particular pollutant as defined in the applicable nonattainment major 
NSR program or any regulated NSR pollutant with respect to the 
Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program.
    States must develop minor NSR programs designed to attain and 
maintain the NAAQS in a manner most suitable for the circumstances of 
the particular state. The federal requirements for state minor NSR 
programs are outlined in 40 CFR 51.160 through 51.164. These federal 
requirements for minor NSR programs are considerably less prescriptive 
than those for major sources to facilitate the development of programs 
that best reflect a state's chosen approach to achieving the required 
result. As a result, the requirements vary substantially across the 
state minor NSR programs.
    Furthermore, sections 301(a) and 301(d)(4) of the Act, as 
implemented through the Tribal Authority Rule \2\ (TAR), provide the 
EPA with a broad degree of discretion in developing a program to 
regulate new and modified minor sources in Indian country.
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    \2\ The TAR is comprised of Subpart A of 40 CFR part 49, which 
is titled ``Indian Country: Air Quality Planning and Management''.
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B. What is the Indian country NSR rule?

    The ``Review of New Sources and Modifications in Indian country'' 
(i.e., Indian country NSR rule) final rule was established under the 
authority of sections 301(a) and (d) of the Act and the TAR and 
published in the Federal Register on July 1, 2011 (76 FR 38748). This 
rule established a federal implementation plan (FIP) for Indian country 
that includes two NSR programs for the protection of air resources in 
Indian country. These two new NSR programs work together with the pre-
existing PSD program at 40 CFR 52.21\3\ and the title V operating 
permits program at 40 CFR part 71 \4\ to provide a comprehensive 
permitting program for Indian country to ensure that air quality in 
Indian country will be protected in the manner intended by the Act.
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    \3\ The PSD program is a preconstruction permitting program that 
applies to new major stationary sources (major sources) and major 
modifications in areas attaining the NAAQS, including attainment 
areas in Indian country.
    \4\ Title V of the Act requires all new and existing major 
sources in the United States to obtain and comply with an operating 
permit that brings together all of the source's applicable 
requirements under the Act. All states, numerous local areas and one 
tribe have approved title V permitting programs under the 
regulations at 40 CFR part 70. The EPA implements the part 71 
federal program in Indian country and other areas that are not 
covered by an approved part 70 program. Currently, one tribe has 
been delegated authority to assist the EPA with administration of 
the federal part 71 program.
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    One regulation created by the Indian country NSR rule, which we 
refer to as the ``federal Indian country minor NSR rule,'' is codified 
at 40 CFR 49.151-49.161 and applies to new and modified minor sources 
and to minor modifications at existing major sources throughout Indian 
country where there is no EPA-approved plan in place. The second 
regulation, which we refer to as the ``Indian country nonattainment 
major NSR rule,'' is codified at 40 CFR 49.166-49.173 and applies to 
new and modified major sources in areas of Indian country that are 
designated as not attaining the NAAQS (nonattainment areas). The Indian 
country NSR rules ensure that Indian country will be protected in the 
manner intended by the Act by establishing a preconstruction permitting 
program for new or modified minor sources, minor modifications at major 
sources, and new major sources and major modifications in nonattainment 
areas.
    Under the federal Indian country minor NSR rule, new minor sources 
with a PTE equal to or greater than the minor NSR thresholds and 
modifications at existing minor sources, as well as minor modifications 
at major sources, with allowable emissions increases equal to or 
greater than the minor NSR thresholds, must apply for and obtain a 
minor NSR permit prior to beginning construction of the new source or 
modification. The effective date of the federal Indian country minor 
NSR rule was August 30, 2011. To facilitate the effective 
implementation of the federal Indian country minor NSR program, some 
components of the rule were phased in. Generally, the applicability of 
the preconstruction permitting rules to new synthetic minor sources \5\ 
began on the rule's effective date, August 30, 2011; for new or 
modified true minor sources and minor modifications at major 
sources,\6\ the rule applies beginning the earlier of September 2, 
2014, or 6 months after the publication of a final general permit for 
that source category in the Federal Register (40 CFR 
49.151(c)(1)(iii)(B)). In addition, existing true minor sources in 
Indian country were required to register with their reviewing authority 
by March 1, 2013.
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    \5\ 40 CFR 49.152 defines ``synthetic minor source'' as a source 
that otherwise has the potential to emit regulated NSR pollutants in 
amounts that are at or above those for major sources in section 
49.167, section 52.21 or section 71.2 of chapter 40, as applicable, 
but that has taken a restriction so that its PTE is less than such 
amounts for major sources. Such restrictions must be enforceable as 
a practical matter.
    \6\ 40 CFR 49.152 defines ``true minor source'' as a source, not 
including the exempt emissions units and activities listed in 
section 49.153(c), that emits or has the potential to emit regulated 
NSR pollutants in amounts that are less than the major source 
thresholds in section 49.167 or section 52.21 of Chapter 40, as 
applicable, but equal to or greater than the minor NSR thresholds in 
section 49.153, without the need to take an enforceable restriction 
to reduce its PTE to such levels.
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C. What is the status of NSR air quality programs in Indian country?

    No tribe is currently administering an EPA-approved PSD program. 
Therefore, the EPA has been implementing a FIP to issue PSD permits for 
major sources in attainment areas of Indian country (40 CFR 52.21). 
There are also no tribes currently administering an EPA-approved 
nonattainment major NSR program, so the EPA is the reviewing authority 
under a FIP (40 CFR 49.166 through 49.175). Only a few tribes are 
administering EPA-approved minor NSR programs. Accordingly, the EPA 
administers minor NSR programs in most areas of Indian country under a 
FIP (40 CFR 49.151 through 49.165).
    Sections 301(d) and 110(o) of the Act provide eligible tribes the 
opportunity to develop their own tribal programs and we encourage 
eligible tribes to develop their own minor and nonattainment major NSR 
programs, as well as a PSD major source program, for incorporation into 
tribal implementation plans (TIPs). Tribes may use the tribal NSR FIP 
program as a model if they choose to develop their own EPA-approved 
TIPs.

IV. What final action is the EPA taking on amendments to the federal 
Indian country minor NSR rule?

    This section discusses the final amendments to the federal Indian 
country minor NSR rule and our rationale for those amendments.

A. What additional emissions units and activities are exempted from the 
federal Indian country minor NSR rule?

    This final rule adds five categories (and also expands one 
category) to the current list of units/activities that are exempt from 
the existing federal Indian country minor NSR rule. We are adding these 
units/activities to 40 CFR 49.153(c) because their potential emissions 
are insignificant and generally well below the minor source thresholds. 
These additional exemptions will reduce regulatory burden by 
eliminating the need for applicants and/or permitting agencies to

[[Page 31038]]

calculate their potential emissions to verify that minor source 
permitting thresholds are not triggered. Adding these exemption 
categories fulfills the commitment we made in the preamble to the 
federal Indian country minor NSR rule (July 1, 2011; 76 FR 38759) to 
assess whether to add other activities to the list of exempted units/
activities.
    The following units/activities are being added to the exempt 
category list under 40 CFR 49.153(c):
     Emergency generators used solely to provide electrical 
power during power outages: in attainment areas the total site-rated 
horsepower rating shall be below 1,000; in nonattainment areas 
classified Serious or lower, the total site-rated horsepower shall be 
below 500. In areas classified Severe or Extreme, no exemption applies.
     Stationary internal combustion engines with a horsepower 
rating less than 50.
     Furnaces or boilers used for space heating that use only 
gaseous fuel with a total maximum heat input (i.e., from all units 
combined) at or below: in attainment areas, 10 million British thermal 
units per hour (MMBtu/hr); in nonattainment areas classified as Serious 
or lower, 5 MMBtu/hr; and in nonattainment areas classified as Severe 
or Extreme, 2 MMBtu/hr.
     Single family residences and residential buildings with 
four or fewer dwelling units.
     Air conditioning units used for human comfort that do not 
exhaust air pollutants to the atmosphere from any manufacturing or 
other industrial processes.
    Also, we are modifying the existing exemption for food preparation, 
as we proposed, to include the cooking of food by other than wholesale 
businesses that both cook and sell cooked food. Lastly, we have decided 
not to finalize the proposed exemption category for forestry and 
silvicultural activities for the reasons explained under section V 
below.

B. How are construction-related activities defined for permitting 
purposes?

    This final rule adds definitions for the terms ``begin 
construction'' and ``commence construction'' with only a minor change 
to the definitions we proposed. These definitions were proposed to 
better distinguish those situations where activity is prohibited 
without a permit from those situations where construction needs to 
occur within a specified period of time after permit issuance to 
maintain a valid permit. The only change being made to the proposed 
definitions in the final rule is that the term ``grading'' is being 
added to the list of activities that are allowed without a permit 
within the definition of ``begin construction.'' We discuss this change 
further under the public comments discussion in section V of this 
preamble. We are also finalizing the changes we proposed without 
revision to use ``begin construction,'' rather than ``commence 
construction,'' in those sections of the federal Indian country minor 
NSR rule where the regulatory text addresses actions that are 
prohibited prior to permit issuance. This makes our use of ``commence 
construction'' more consistent with the EPA's major NSR program, and, 
thus minimizing any potential confusion.
    Also, we are finalizing the revised regulatory text in 40 CFR 
49.151(c)(1)(iii)(B) clarifying our intent that true minor sources are 
not required to obtain a permit unless construction of such source, or 
modification, occurs on or after the date that is the earlier of 6 
months after a final general permit for that specific source category 
is published in the Federal Register, or September 2, 2014.\7\
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    \7\ The Federal Register dated January 14, 2014, proposed to 
extend the true minor source permitting deadline for oil and natural 
gas sources between 12 and 18 months after the current deadline of 
September 2, 2014 (79 FR 2517). This means the true minor source 
permitting deadline for this category of sources could be extended 
from between September 2, 2015 and March 2, 2016.
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C. What is the deadline for advance notification to the reviewing 
authority for a true minor source that is relocating?

    We requested public comment on the relocation provision under 40 
CFR 49.160(d)(1) that requires the owner/operator of a true minor 
source to notify the relevant reviewing authority in writing 30 days 
prior to relocating an existing source. Specifically, we sought comment 
on possibly reducing the advance notification period from 30 days to as 
few as 10 days. After reviewing the public comments received on this 
topic, we have decided to retain the 30-day advance notification period 
since a clear basis for reducing the notification period was not 
provided, and because several reasons for retaining the current 30-day 
period were given. In the process of reviewing the comments addressing 
the advance notification provision, we did become aware that relocation 
of individual pieces of equipment, rather than entire sources, can 
occur often in certain industries, and therefore we provide further 
discussion addressing those situations in section V of this preamble.
    Finally, to better clarify advance notification requirements when a 
source relocation results in a change in the reviewing authority (e.g., 
the source moves from a reservation in EPA Region 8 to a reservation in 
EPA Region 6), we are finalizing the proposed changes to 40 CFR 
49.160(d)(1) specifying that a source must notify both the existing and 
new reviewing authorities in that case.

V. Summary of Significant Comments and Responses

    The EPA provided a 60-day review and comment period on this 
rulemaking, which closed on August 5, 2013. We received seven comment 
letters (two industry letters, one state/local agency letter, three 
tribal letters and one private citizen letter) on the proposed 
amendments. The subsections that follow provide the significant 
comments and responses. The Response to Comments document that contains 
a summary of all comments received on the proposed amendments and the 
responses to those comments, is available in the docket.

A. Emissions Unit and Activity Exemptions

1. Overall Comment on Exemptions
    Comment: One state/local commenter appreciates that additional 
exemptions may be needed; however, the commenter expressed an overall 
concern (that applies broadly to several of the exemption categories 
proposed) that the exemptions are inconsistent with their region's air 
quality rules. The commenter believes that exempting these sources from 
permitting will provide a competitive advantage to sources in Indian 
country compared to sources on non-tribal lands.
    The commenter cites a specific concern with the competitive 
advantage issue in light of the EPA's recent proposed ``detachment'' of 
Morongo Indian country from California's South Coast Air Basin and the 
lowering of the classification of the Morongo reservation from Extreme 
to Serious ozone nonattainment (Note: the proposed reclassification 
identified by the commenter was finalized on September 23, 2013 (78 FR 
58189)). The commenter states that the Morongo lands are located 
directly upwind from the Coachella Valley, a Severe ozone nonattainment 
area, and therefore the commenter is concerned that exempting certain 
sources from permitting in Indian country will result in negative air 
quality impacts thereby delaying attainment of the NAAQS in downwind 
airsheds for both non-tribal lands and certain tribal areas.

[[Page 31039]]

    The commenter urges the EPA to adopt requirements specific to areas 
of Indian country that are classified as either Severe or Extreme ozone 
nonattainment areas, just as the EPA has adopted lower minor NSR 
emission thresholds in the existing rule for nonattainment areas as 
opposed to attainment areas.
    Response: Prior to the August 30, 2011, effective date of the 
federal Indian country minor NSR rule, codified in 40 CFR part 49, 
promulgated July 1, 2011 (76 FR 38748), there were no emission 
reduction requirements for new minor sources within areas of Indian 
country such as the Morongo Reservation. We point this out to highlight 
that the federal Indian country minor NSR rule has already reduced any 
potential competitive advantage cited by the commenter by requiring 
pre-construction permits for sources (with emissions above permitting 
thresholds) where prior to August 30, 2011, there were no such 
requirements.
    As discussed in the July 1, 2011, final rule, while section 
182(e)(2) of the Act specifies an emissions increase threshold of ``0'' 
tons/year (tpy) for existing major sources in Extreme ozone 
nonattainment areas, we do not believe these thresholds are appropriate 
for minor sources and operators within Indian country. Nonetheless, we 
are mindful of the need to protect the NAAQS and, as discussed later in 
comment responses related to exemptions for emergency generators and 
boilers/furnaces, we have made some revisions to the exemption criteria 
in the final rule amendments.
2. Exemption for Emergency Generators
    Comment: One state/local commenter expressed concern with the 
proposed exemption threshold for emergency generators under 500 
horsepower (HP) in nonattainment areas and asserted it would create an 
imbalance between tribal lands and the surrounding non-tribal areas 
classified as Severe or Extreme nonattainment for ozone. Air quality 
regulations that apply to sources within the commenter's jurisdiction 
specify emission limits for nitrogen oxide (NOX) and 
particulate matter (PM) for all engines over 50 HP. The commenter 
believes engines on tribal lands, which would be exempt from permitting 
under the EPA's proposed criteria, would emit NOX in amounts 
above the 0.8 tpy and 1.8 tpy levels that new and older model engines, 
respectively, must meet under the state air district's Best Available 
Control Technology (BACT) requirements. The commenter states that these 
types of engines are controllable and contribute to ozone and therefore 
should be subject to NSR permitting.
    The commenter also cited a report from the World Health 
Organization \8\ that declared diesel PM to be a human carcinogen. The 
commenter states that emissions from three standby generators 
(approximately 900 HP in total) can create cancer risks exceeding 25 in 
a million, even if operated only 50 hours/year. The commenter 
elaborates that a 500 HP emergency generator, operating for 500 hours/
year, would create even higher risk (than the engines totaling 900 HP 
in the earlier example) due to its longer operating period, and 
therefore PM should be controlled from these units and they should be 
subject to NSR since the EPA's source-specific rules are not applicable 
to these units.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ Press release dated June 12, 2012. See www.iarc.fr/en/media-
centre/pr/2012/pdfs/pr213_E.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Response: One of our objectives for proposing activities/units for 
exemption was to reduce burden on source owners. We believe that 
emergency generators with horsepower ratings below the exemption 
thresholds will predominately have emissions below the minor source 
permitting thresholds and therefore the proposed exemption would 
potentially save source owners the effort of estimating their emissions 
solely to demonstrate that emissions are well below the permitting 
threshold.
    However, we also recognize the commenter's concerns regarding the 
impacts of sources in Indian country to portions of the South Coast Air 
Basin that are classified Severe or Extreme nonattainment for ozone. We 
are required by title I of the Act to ensure attainment and maintenance 
of the NAAQS. Accordingly, after considering the comment, we believe 
that an exemption for emergency generators is not appropriate in ozone 
nonattainment areas classified Severe or Extreme, and we have revised 
exemption language in the final rule accordingly. As finalized, the 
total site-rated 500 HP exemption for emergency generators in ozone 
nonattainment areas will only apply in ozone nonattainment areas 
classified Serious or lower. The site-rated 1,000 HP exemption proposed 
for attainment areas remains unchanged in this final rule.
3. Exemption for Boilers and Furnaces
    Comment: One state/local commenter believes that boilers and/or 
furnaces below the proposed heat input rates should not be exempt from 
minor NSR permitting in ozone nonattainment areas classified as Severe 
or higher because it would provide a competitive advantage to sources 
locating in Indian country. The commenter explains that the South Coast 
Air Quality Management District's (SCAQMD) air quality rules require 
controls for NOX at levels below the proposed exemption 
rates of 5 million Btu/hr for nonattainment areas; 10 million Btu/hr 
for attainment areas. The commenter refers to SCAQMD's NOX 
emission limits of 9 ppm for natural gas boilers having heat input 
rates between 2 million Btu/hr and 5 million Btu/hr to be met by 
January 1, 2012. In addition to that requirement, natural gas 
industrial furnaces must meet an emissions limit of 30 ppm (Rule 1147) 
and NOX controls for fan-type central furnaces under 175,000 
Btu/hr are required as well (Rule 1111). The commenter states that the 
permitting exemption under Rule 219(b)(2) applies only to boilers and 
furnaces under 2 million Btu/hr.
    Response: We believe the commenter raises a valid concern regarding 
the potential impacts to portions of the South Coast Air Basin 
classified as Severe or Extreme ozone nonattainment areas that are 
adjacent to/downwind from Indian country. In certain cases the proposed 
exemption could make it more difficult for downwind non-Indian country 
areas to achieve attainment of the NAAQS, which would be contrary to 
the requirements of title I of the Act. To minimize the likelihood of 
this occurring in the areas with higher ozone nonattainment 
classifications, we are finalizing a lower heat input rate (than the 
proposed 5 million Btu/hr which would have applied in all nonattainment 
areas) for Severe and Extreme ozone nonattainment areas. The heat input 
rate exemption for nonattainment areas in the final rule is specified 
as follows: for nonattainment areas classified Serious and lower, the 
exemption rate is heat input rates at or below 5 million Btu/hr; for 
ozone nonattainment areas classified as Severe or Extreme, the 
exemption level is a heat input rate at or below 2 million Btu/hr. The 
heat input rate exemption proposed for attainment areas remains 
unchanged.
4. Exemption for Forestry/Silvicultural Activities
    Comment: One tribal commenter supports this proposed exemption. The 
commenter states the view that while emissions from road construction 
and maintenance are of particular concern (Note: while the commenter 
did not specify, we assume the comment is referring to activities 
related to the proposed exemption category), ``such emissions do not 
rise to a level requiring their removal from the list of proposed

[[Page 31040]]

exemptions.'' The commenter further states that permitting requirements 
for road construction and maintenance will impact timely repair and 
maintenance of roads on the commenter's lands. The commenter also 
mentions that open burning, a potential source of emissions on their 
lands, is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Therefore the 
commenter believes the proposed exemption for forestry and 
silvicultural activities is reasonable and will save permitting 
resources.
    One state/local commenter requests that the proposed exemption 
category be modified or deleted. The commenter voices concern with 
significant emissions from road construction and maintenance, and 
logging activities. The commenter also expresses concern with the 
potential for multiple pieces of equipment to collectively exceed the 
minor source thresholds, such as engines associated with wood chippers, 
a consideration the EPA noted in identifying units/activities to 
propose for exemption (June 4, 2013; 78 FR 33270). The commenter urges 
the EPA to delete the proposed exemption and instead rely on the 
attainment and nonattainment area NOX thresholds (10 tpy and 
5 tpy, respectively) to determine when a permit must be obtained. As an 
alternative, the commenter suggests that specific types of equipment 
could be exempted instead of the entire category if the EPA determines 
them to have de minimis emissions.
    Response: One reason we proposed the forestry/silvicultural 
category for exemption was to be consistent with the exemptions list in 
the Federal Air Rule for Indian Reservations, which applies in Indian 
country in the Northwest. A second reason we proposed this category for 
exemption was that we believed all emissions within the category would 
be de minimis in nature. Therefore, subjecting them to NSR permitting 
would provide little environmental benefit. Both commenters express 
some concern with the emissions associated with forestry and 
silvicultural activities, and one commenter identifies a situation 
where emissions could exceed de minimis levels.
    Upon considering available information, we have concluded that a 
category-wide exemption is not the most appropriate approach to 
managing emissions for forestry and silvicultural activities. This 
conclusion is based on our recognizing the broad range of activities 
and potential emissions sources that could be part of this category and 
the potential to inadvertently exclude units with significant 
emissions. Due to the broad nature of activities under this category, 
we believe that there might be cases where permitting of certain 
emission units is needed to protect air quality, which would be 
precluded under a category-wide exemption. Based on that concern, we 
believe it is more appropriate to use the emission thresholds in the 
existing rule (e.g., NOX: 10 tpy and 5 tpy in attainment and 
nonattainment areas, respectively) to determine source permitting 
requirements and not have a broad, category-wide exemption. Therefore 
the exemption for forestry and silvicultural activities is not included 
in the final amendments.

B. Definition of Begin Construction

    Comment: One industry association commenter notes that the proposed 
definition of ``begin construction'' lists certain activities that can 
be conducted before the source has obtained a permit.\9\ The commenter 
states that the list is more restrictive than the Agency's long 
standing approach to permissible activities. The commenter refers to a 
policy memo addressing activities allowed without a permit \10\ and 
states that the EPA should not deviate from previously established 
policies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ The list we proposed includes the following activities: 
Engineering and design planning, geotechnical investigation (surface 
and subsurface explorations), clearing, surveying, ordering of 
equipment and materials, storing of equipment or setting up 
temporary trailers to house construction management or staff and 
contractor personnel.
    \10\ Memorandum from Reich, Edward E., OAQPS, to DeSpain, Robert 
R., EPA Region VII, titled ``Construction Activities Prior to 
Issuance of a PSD Permit with Respect to ``Begin Actual 
Construction,'' March 28, 1986.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Response: We agree with the commenter. Our intent was to include 
the same list of activities in the proposed definition that have been 
historically allowed under the EPA policy prior to obtaining a permit. 
We inadvertently omitted the term ``grading'' from the list in the 
proposed definition. We have added grading to the activities allowed 
under the definition of ``begin construction'' in the final rule to 
maintain consistency with the existing EPA policy.

C. Source Relocation

1. 30-Day Advance Notification Provision
    Comment: One tribal commenter believes that at least 30 days notice 
is warranted for relocation of a non-portable source since a new permit 
may be required, and, in that case, the permitting authority will need 
sufficient time to process the application and issue a permit. The 
commenter elaborates that for a portable source, a 10-day notice 
requirement may be sufficient since its permit will likely include pre-
approved new locations. The commenter agrees with the EPA's 
interpretation that these time periods apply where an entire source is 
relocated, noting that relocation of one or more pieces of equipment or 
emission units requires consultation with the source's reviewing 
authority to determine if a modification will occur under the federal 
Indian country minor NSR rule.
    Another tribal commenter believes that, based on their permitting 
experience, in situations where a registered source relocates to a new, 
previously unapproved location, the permitting authority should have at 
least 30 days to review the relocation request. The commenter states 
that this time period is needed for tribal and historic preservation 
reviews to be performed.
    One industry association commenter reiterates comments made in its 
petition for reconsideration on the July 1, 2011, final federal Indian 
country minor NSR rule stating that sources often relocate on short 
notice and occasionally change a previously planned relocation with 
little advance warning. The commenter states that the 30-day advance 
notice requirement is incompatible with oil and gas sector operations. 
In a subsequent teleconference, the commenter clarified that their 
primary concern involves relocation of one or more pieces of equipment 
or emissions units and not entire sources.\11\ In response to the EPA's 
request for comment on the notification provision, the commenter agrees 
with the EPA's statement that there is no requirement for advance 
approval, or a permit, for a registered source that relocates prior to 
September 2, 2014. The commenter suggests that, in those cases, there 
is no need or value to an advance notification as long as the source 
continues to comply with its permit. The commenter elaborates that 
there will be sufficient opportunity after relocation to notify the EPA 
of any change. The commenter offers that one possible approach is the 
one used under 40 CFR 63.9(j), and could be adopted in the tribal 
rule.\12\ The commenter also references the recently promulgated oil 
and gas sector

[[Page 31041]]

New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) which allows for a lag time 
between source startup and the determination of whether controls are 
required.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ See memorandum titled Summary of Discussion from the 
October 23, 2013, Teleconference between API Representatives and the 
Environmental Protection Agency on Source Relocation under the 
Tribal Minor NSR Rule. Nov 13, 2013. Docket number EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-
0076-0188.
    \12\ This section allows sources to submit changes to previously 
provided information within 15 days after the change occurs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Response: We specifically requested comment on the case where the 
source relocates before September 2, 2014 (i.e., where no permit is 
required). As discussed in the preamble for the proposed amendments (78 
FR 33723), a true minor source that relocates in that situation does 
not need prior approval from its reviewing authority. The notification 
provision simply specifies advance notification in that case. However, 
it was not clear in some tribal comments if they were addressing the 
situation where relocation occurs before September 2, 2014, or on or 
after that date, since the need for a permit was mentioned by 
commenters. For that latter case, as stated in the proposal, a 
previously unpermitted portable source (e.g., a hot-mix asphalt plant) 
that relocates on or after September 2, 2014, will be required to 
obtain a permit prior to relocation, and we believe that any such 
permit will contain provisions addressing any future relocation. In 
this case of relocation on/after September 2, 2014, the permit 
application fulfills the advance notification requirement. In addition, 
we believe in cases where a permit is required the permitting process 
addresses the tribal and historic preservation obligations cited by the 
commenters. Because none of the commenters presented examples of a 
situation where the 30-day advance notification provision justifies a 
reduction, we are retaining the 30-day notification period. In the 
additional discussion below, we are clarifying that the advance notice 
relocation provision is intended to apply to entire sources and not 
individual pieces of equipment or emissions units.
2. Permitting Issues Related to Source Relocation
    Comment: One industry association commenter referenced the EPA's 
discussion in the proposed rule preamble addressing permitting 
obligations for true minor sources that relocate (78 FR 33273). The 
commenter disagrees with the EPA's statement that a true minor source 
constructed before September 2, 2014, that relocates after that date 
will have to obtain a permit. The commenter states that relocation is 
not tantamount to a modification of such a source and therefore the 
need for a permit is not triggered. The commenter clarified in a 
subsequent teleconference \13\ that most of the situations addressed in 
the comments involve relocation or replacement of single pieces of 
equipment, not entire facilities, in the oil and gas sector.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ See memorandum titled Summary of Discussion from the 
October 23, 2013, Teleconference between API Representatives and the 
Environmental Protection Agency on Source Relocation under the 
Tribal Minor NSR Rule. November 13, 2013. Docket number EPA-HQ-OAR-
2003-0076-0188.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Further, the commenter disagrees with the EPA's statement in the 
proposed rule preamble that a true minor source constructed after 
September 2, 2014, must obtain a permit for the original location and 
any subsequent relocation not specifically pre-authorized in the 
original permit. The commenter believes the EPA should clarify that 
permit conditions listing specific sites for relocation are not 
required. The commenter states that this approach would be particularly 
important for general permits where the ability to relocate would have 
to be based on generic criteria. The commenter believes no other 
approach would work with a general permit.
    Response: The registration program and relocation provisions in 40 
CFR 49.160(d)(1) apply to an entire true minor source, and are not 
applicable to an individual piece of equipment that is merely a part of 
the true minor source. The registration program is used for developing 
an inventory of emissions throughout Indian country to help us manage 
and protect air quality. We understand from the commenter that in oil 
and gas sector operations moving a single piece of equipment from one 
facility to another, or replacing a piece of equipment with a new one, 
can occur on a regular basis. For clarification purposes, we believe it 
would be beneficial to both sources and reviewing authorities for us to 
list the different situations involving a piece of equipment (a unit) 
that we believe will be most common, and specify the outcome with 
respect to minor NSR permitting. While we have listed expected outcomes 
below, the source owner/operator should still verify with its reviewing 
authority that the ``matching'' situation listed below, and its stated 
outcome, applies to its case:
    (1) A unit at a permitted source is replaced ``in kind'' (i.e., the 
replacement unit is of the same size, capacity, horsepower, etc. as the 
existing unit)--The owner/operator should notify the reviewing 
authority as specified in its permit. If the existing permit conditions 
do not address equipment replacement/relocation, then the source should 
send a notification letter to its reviewing authority no later than 60 
days following replacement of the unit.
    (2) A unit at a registered but unpermitted source is replaced in 
kind--No new notification to the reviewing authority is required since 
this unit is already part of the inventory.
    (3) A unit is moved within the boundary of a permitted or 
registered source--No new notification to the reviewing authority 
required, unless otherwise specified in the permit.
    (4) A unit planned for addition (i.e., not replacement) at either a 
permitted or registered source, with PTE above the minor NSR 
thresholds--The owner/operator of the true minor source must first 
obtain a minor source permit before installing the unit at the new 
location beginning on September 2, 2014.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ The EPA published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the 
Federal Register on January 14, 2014 (79 FR 2546). Within that 
document we asked for comment on extending the true minor source 
permitting deadline from September 2, 2014, to between September 2, 
2015, and March 2, 2016, for oil and natural gas production sources.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (5) One or more units (with combined PTE between the minor and 
major source thresholds) that are relocated to an entirely new location 
(i.e., a greenfield facility)--(a) Prior to September 2, 2014, the 
owner/operator of the true minor source must register with its 
reviewing authority within 90 days of beginning operation at the new 
location in accordance with 40 CFR 49.160(c)(1)(ii); (b) On or after 
September 2, 2014, the owner/operator of the true minor source must 
obtain a minor NSR permit from the reviewing authority at the new 
location before beginning construction.
    (6) A unit moved from one registered source to another registered 
source before the September 2, 2014, permitting deadline--The source 
must notify the reviewing authority of removal of the unit from the 
originating source (to update its inventory) and also notify the 
reviewing authority of the addition of the unit at the destination 
source within 60 days following the change in location.
3. Other Comments on Permitting
    Comment: One industry association commenter states that, in the 
existing federal Indian country minor NSR rule, true minor sources 
constructed or modified after August 30, 2011, are required to obtain a 
permit. The commenter notes that the EPA proposed to revise this 
applicability date until September 2, 2014, and the commenter supports 
this change.
    Response: We believe the commenter may have misinterpreted the 
existing requirements within 49.151(c)(1)(iii).

[[Page 31042]]

Our intent under the existing rule has always been that true minor 
sources do not need a permit if they begin construction before 
September 2, 2014. We proposed changes to the regulatory text on June 
4, 2013, that are intended to clarify the nature of this deadline. We 
are finalizing these proposed changes to the regulatory text to make 
this intent clear.

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive 
Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review

    This action is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under the 
terms of Executive Order (EO) 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and 
is therefore not subject to review under Executive Orders 12866 and 
13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011).

B. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This action does not impose any new information collection burden 
under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et 
seq. The action will not create any new requirements under the federal 
Indian country minor NSR program, but rather will simplify minor source 
registrations and permit applications for some sources, potentially 
reducing burden. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
previously approved the information collection requirements contained 
in the existing regulations for the federal Indian country minor NSR 
program (40 CFR 49.151 through 49.161) under the provisions of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., and has assigned OMB 
control number 2060-0003. The OMB control numbers for the EPA's 
regulations in 40 CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act generally requires an agency to 
prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis of any rule subject to notice 
and comment rulemaking requirements under the Administrative Procedures 
Act or any other statute unless the agency certifies that the rule will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. Small entities include small businesses, small organizations 
and small governmental jurisdictions.
    For purposes of assessing the impacts of this final action on small 
entities, small entity is defined as: (1) A small business as defined 
in the U.S. Small Business Administration size standards at 13 CFR 
121.201; (2) a small governmental jurisdiction that is a government of 
a city, county, town, school district or special district with a 
population of less than 50,000; and (3) a small organization that is 
any not-for-profit enterprise that is independently owned and operated 
and is not dominant in its field.
    After considering the economic impacts of this final action on 
small entities, I certify that this final action will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
In determining whether a rule has a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities, the impact of concern is any 
significant adverse economic impact on small entities, since the 
primary purpose of the regulatory flexibility analysis is to identify 
and address regulatory alternatives ``which minimize any significant 
economic impact of the rule on small entities.'' 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604. 
Thus, an agency may certify that a rule will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities if the rule 
relieves regulatory burden, or otherwise has a positive economic 
effect, on all of the small entities subject to the rule.
    This final action will not create any new requirements under the 
federal Indian country minor NSR program, and therefore would not 
impose any additional burden on any sources (including small entities). 
This final action will simplify minor source registrations and reduce 
the burden of applicability determinations for some sources compared to 
the existing rule, potentially reducing burden for all entities, 
including small entities. We have therefore concluded that this final 
rule will be neutral or relieve the regulatory burden for all affected 
small entities.

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This action contains no federal mandate under the provisions of 
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 1531-
1538 for state, local and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or the 
private sector in any 1 year. This action will not create any new 
requirements under the federal Indian country minor NSR program, but 
rather will simplify minor source registrations and reduce the burden 
of applicability determinations for some sources. Therefore, this 
action is not subject to the requirements of sections 202 or 205 of 
UMRA.
    This action is also not subject to the requirements of section 203 
of UMRA because it contains no regulatory requirements that might 
significantly or uniquely affect small governments. As noted 
previously, the effect of this final rule will be neutral or relieve 
regulatory burden.

E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism

    This action does not have federalism implications. It will 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. This final rule will revise the 
federal Indian country minor NSR program, which applies only in Indian 
country, and will not, therefore, affect the relationship between the 
national government and the states or the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.

F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian 
Tribal Governments

    Subject to the Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 
2000), the EPA may not issue a regulation that has tribal implications, 
that imposes substantial direct compliance costs and that is not 
required by statute, unless the federal government provides the funds 
necessary to pay the direct compliance costs incurred by tribal 
governments or the EPA consults with tribal officials early in the 
process of developing the proposed regulation and develops a tribal 
summary impact statement.
    The EPA has concluded that this final rule will have tribal 
implications. However, it will neither impose substantial direct 
compliance costs on tribal governments, nor preempt tribal law. This 
final rule will have tribal implications since it revises the federal 
Indian country minor NSR program, which applies to both tribally-owned 
and privately-owned sources in Indian country. As with the existing 
rule, the revised rule will be implemented by the EPA, or a delegate 
tribal agency assisting the EPA with administration of the rules, until 
replaced by an EPA-approved tribal implementation plan. The effect of 
this final rule will be to simplify compliance with, and administration 
of, the federal Indian country minor NSR program, so any impact on 
tribes would be in the form of reduced burden and cost.
    Prior to proposing the rule amendments, we presented highlights of 
the expected changes to tribal environmental staff during a conference 
call with the National Tribal Air Association on February 28, 2013, and

[[Page 31043]]

asked for comments. Following signature of the proposed amendments on 
May 23, 2013, the EPA mailed letters to over 560 tribal leaders to 
offer consultation. In addition, to help facilitate the tribes' 
decision concerning our offer of consultation, we held conference calls 
on June 17 and 20, 2013, with tribal environmental officials where we 
provided an overview of the proposed changes and answered any 
questions. We did not receive any requests for consultation from tribal 
governments. Lastly, we have taken into account the comments submitted 
from three tribes on the proposed amendments and fully considered those 
comments in finalizing the amendments in today's rule.

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

    The EPA interprets Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 
1997) as applying only to those regulatory actions that concern health 
or safety risks, such that the analysis required under section 5-501 of 
the Executive Order has the potential to influence the regulation. This 
action is not subject to Executive Order 13045 because it does not 
establish an environmental standard intended to mitigate health or 
safety risks.

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

    This action is not subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, 
May 22, 2001), because it is not a significant regulatory action under 
Executive Order 12866.

I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act

    Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement 
Act of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 104-113, 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note) 
directs the EPA to use voluntary consensus standards in its regulatory 
activities unless to do so would be inconsistent with applicable law or 
otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical 
standards (e.g., materials specifications, test methods, sampling 
procedures and business practices) that are developed or adopted by 
voluntary consensus standards bodies. The NTTAA directs the EPA to 
provide Congress, through the OMB, explanations when the agency decides 
not to use available and applicable voluntary consensus standards.
    This rulemaking does not involve technical standards. Therefore, 
the EPA has not considered the use of any voluntary consensus 
standards.

J. 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) establishes 
federal executive policy on environmental justice. Its main provision 
directs federal agencies, to the greatest extent practicable and 
permitted by law, to make environmental justice part of their mission 
by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high 
and adverse human health or environmental effects of their programs, 
policies and activities on minority populations and low-income 
populations in the United States.
    The EPA has determined that this final rule will not have 
disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental 
effects on minority or low-income populations because it does not 
affect the level of protection provided to human health or the 
environment. This final rule will simplify minor source registrations 
and permit applications for some sources under the federal Indian 
country minor NSR program, but will not relax control requirements or 
result in greater emissions under the program.

K. Congressional Review Act

    The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the 
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally 
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating 
the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, 
to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the 
United States. The EPA will submit a report containing this rule and 
other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of 
Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior 
to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. A Major rule cannot 
take effect until 60 days after it is published in the Federal 
Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 
804(2). This rule will be effective on the date of publication, i.e., 
on June 30, 2014.

L. Judicial Review

    Under section 307(b)(1) of the Act, petitions for judicial review 
of this action must be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for 
the District of Columbia Circuit by July 29, 2014. Any such judicial 
review is limited to only those objections that are raised with 
reasonable specificity in timely comments. Filing a petition for 
reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule does not affect 
the finality of this rule for the purposes of judicial review nor does 
it extend the time within which a petition for judicial review may be 
filed and shall not postpone the effectiveness of such rule or action. 
Under section 307(b)(2) of the Act, the requirements of this final 
action may not be challenged later in civil or criminal proceedings 
brought by us to enforce these requirements.

VII. Statutory Authority

    The statutory authority for this action is provided by sections 
101, 110, 112, 114, 116 and 301 of the CAA as amended (42 U.S.C. 7401, 
7410, 7412, 7414, 7416 and 7601).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 49

    Environmental protection, Administrative practices and procedures, 
Air pollution control, Indians, Intergovernmental relations, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: May 9, 2014.
Gina McCarthy,
EPA Administrator.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, title 40, chapter I of the 
Code of Federal Regulations is amended as set forth below.

PART 49--INDIAN COUNTRY: AIR QUALITY PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT

0
1. The authority citation for part 49 continues to read as follows:

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

Subpart C--[Amended]

0
2. Section 49.151 is amended by revising paragraphs (c)(1)(i)(A), 
(c)(1)(ii)(A) and (B), (c)(1)(iii)(B), and (d)(1) to read as follows:


Sec.  49.151  Program overview.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (A) If you wish to begin construction of a minor modification at an 
existing major source on or after August 30, 2011, you must obtain a 
permit pursuant to Sec. Sec.  49.154 and 49.155 (or a general permit 
pursuant to Sec.  49.156, if applicable) prior to beginning 
construction.
* * * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (A) If you wish to begin construction of a new synthetic minor 
source and/or

[[Page 31044]]

a new synthetic minor HAP source or a modification at an existing 
synthetic minor source and/or synthetic minor HAP source on or after 
August 30, 2011, you must obtain a permit pursuant to Sec.  49.158 
prior to beginning construction.
    (B) If your existing synthetic minor source and/or synthetic minor 
HAP source was established pursuant to the FIPs applicable to the 
Indian reservations in Idaho, Oregon and Washington or was established 
under an EPA-approved rule or permit program limiting potential to 
emit, you do not need to take any action under this program unless you 
propose a modification for this existing synthetic minor source and/or 
synthetic minor HAP source, on or after August 30, 2011. For these 
modifications, you need to obtain a permit pursuant to Sec.  49.158 
prior to beginning construction.
* * * * *
    (iii) * * *
    (B) If you wish to begin construction of a new true minor source or 
a modification at an existing true minor source on or after 6 months 
from the date of publication in the Federal Register of a final general 
permit for that source category, or September 2, 2014, whichever is 
earlier, you must first obtain a permit pursuant to Sec. Sec.  49.154 
and 49.155 (or a general permit pursuant to Sec.  49.156, if 
applicable). The proposed new source or modification will also be 
subject to the registration requirements of Sec.  49.160, except for 
sources that are subject to Sec.  49.138.
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (1) If you begin construction of a new source or modification that 
is subject to this program after the applicable date specified in 
paragraph (c) of this section without applying for and receiving a 
permit pursuant to this program, you will be subject to appropriate 
enforcement action.
* * * * *

0
3. Section 49.152(d) is amended by adding in alphabetical order 
definitions for ``Begin construction'' and ``Commence construction'' to 
read as follows:


Sec.  49.152  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    Begin construction means, in general, initiation of physical on-
site construction activities on an emissions unit which are of a 
permanent nature. Such activities include, but are not limited to, 
installation of building supports and foundations, laying underground 
pipework and construction of permanent storage structures. With respect 
to a change in method of operations, this term refers to those on-site 
activities other than preparatory activities which mark the initiation 
of the change. The following preparatory activities are excluded: 
Engineering and design planning, geotechnical investigation (surface 
and subsurface explorations), clearing, grading, surveying, ordering of 
equipment and materials, storing of equipment or setting up temporary 
trailers to house construction management or staff and contractor 
personnel.
    Commence construction means, as applied to a new minor stationary 
source or minor modification at an existing stationary source subject 
to this subpart, that the owner or operator has all necessary 
preconstruction approvals or permits and either has:
    (i) Begun on-site activities including, but not limited to, 
installing building supports and foundations, laying underground piping 
or erecting/installing permanent storage structures. The following 
preparatory activities are excluded: Engineering and design planning, 
geotechnical investigation (surface and subsurface explorations), 
clearing, grading, surveying, ordering of equipment and materials, 
storing of equipment or setting up temporary trailers to house 
construction management or staff and contractor personnel; or
    (ii) Entered into binding agreements or contractual obligations, 
which cannot be cancelled or modified without substantial loss to the 
owner or operator, to undertake a program of actual construction of the 
source to be completed within a reasonable time.
* * * * *

0
4. Section Sec.  49.153 is amended by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (a)(3)(ii) and (iii) and (c) introductory text 
and (c)(3); and
0
b. Adding paragraphs (c)(8) through (12) to read as follows:


Sec.  49.153  Applicability.

    (a) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (ii) If you wish to begin construction of a new synthetic minor 
source and/or a new synthetic minor HAP source or a modification at an 
existing synthetic minor source and/or synthetic minor HAP source, on 
or after August 30, 2011, you must obtain a permit pursuant to Sec.  
49.158 prior to beginning construction.
    (iii) If you own or operate a synthetic minor source or synthetic 
minor HAP source that was established prior to the effective date of 
this rule (that is, prior to August 30, 2011) pursuant to the FIPs 
applicable to the Indian reservations in Idaho, Oregon and Washington 
or under an EPA-approved rule or permit program limiting potential to 
emit, you do not need to take any action under this program unless you 
propose a modification for this existing synthetic minor source and/or 
synthetic minor HAP source on or after August 30, 2011. For these 
modifications, you need to obtain a permit pursuant to Sec.  49.158 
prior to beginning construction.
* * * * *
    (c) What emissions units and activities are exempt from this 
program? At a source that is otherwise subject to this program, this 
program does not apply to the following emissions units and activities 
that are listed in paragraphs (c)(1) through (12) of this section:
* * * * *
    (3) Cooking of food, except for wholesale businesses that both cook 
and sell cooked food.
* * * * *
    (8) Single family residences and residential buildings with four or 
fewer dwelling units.
    (9) Emergency generators, designed solely for the purpose of 
providing electrical power during power outages:
    (i) In nonattainment areas classified as serious or lower, the 
total maximum manufacturer's site-rated horsepower of all units shall 
be below 500;
    (ii) In attainment areas, the total maximum manufacturer's site-
rated horsepower of all units shall be below 1,000.
    (10) Stationary internal combustion engines with a manufacturer's 
site-rated horsepower of less than 50.
    (11) Furnaces or boilers used for space heating that use only 
gaseous fuel, with a total maximum heat input (i.e., from all units 
combined) of:
    (i) In nonattainment areas classified as Serious or lower, 5 
million British thermal units per hour (MMBtu/hr) or less;
    (ii) In nonattainment areas classified as Severe or Extreme, 2 
million British thermal units per hour (MMBtu/hr) or less;
    (iii) In attainment areas, 10 MMBtu/hr or less.
    (12) Air conditioning units used for human comfort that do not 
exhaust air pollutants in the atmosphere from any manufacturing or 
other industrial processes.
* * * * *

0
5. Section 49.158 is amended by revising paragraph (c)(1) to read as 
follows:

[[Page 31045]]

Sec.  49.158  Synthetic minor source permits.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) If your existing synthetic minor source and/or synthetic minor 
HAP source was established pursuant to the FIPs applicable to the 
Indian reservations in Idaho, Oregon and Washington or was established 
under an EPA-approved rule or permit program limiting potential to 
emit, you do not need to take any action under this program unless you 
propose a modification for this existing synthetic minor source and/or 
synthetic minor HAP source on or after August 30, 2011. For these 
modifications, you need to obtain a permit pursuant to Sec.  49.158 
before you begin construction.
* * * * *

0
6. Section 49.160 is amended by revising paragraph (d)(1) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  49.160  Registration program for minor sources in Indian country.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (1) Report of relocation. After your source has been registered, 
you must report any relocation of your source to the reviewing 
authority in writing no later than 30 days prior to the relocation of 
the source. Unless otherwise specified in an existing permit, a report 
of relocation shall be provided as specified in paragraph (d)(1)(i) or 
(ii) of this section, as applicable. In either case, the permit 
application for the new location satisfies the report of relocation 
requirement.
    (i) Where the relocation results in a change in the reviewing 
authority for your source, you must submit a report of relocation to 
the current reviewing authority and a permit application to the new 
reviewing authority.
    (ii) Where the reviewing authority remains the same, a report of 
relocation is fulfilled through the permit application for the new 
location.
* * * * *

[FR Doc. 2014-11499 Filed 5-29-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


