

[Federal Register: December 15, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 241)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 75422-75431]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15de06-8]                         

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Parts 70 and 71

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0179; FRL-8257-3]
RIN 2060-AN74

 
Final Rule Interpreting the Scope of Certain Monitoring 
Requirements for State and Federal Operating Permits Programs

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule; notice of final action on interpretation.

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SUMMARY: The purpose of this action is to finalize interpretation of 
certain existing federal air program operating permits regulations. We 
proposed an interpretation of these rules on June 2, 2006, and 
requested comment. This final interpretation responds to the comments 
we received. The final interpretation is that the plain language and 
structure of certain sections of the operating permits regulations do 
not provide an independent basis for requiring or authorizing review 
and enhancement of existing monitoring in title V permits. We believe 
that other rules establish a basis for such review and enhancement. 
Such other rules include the monitoring requirements in certain other 
sections of the federal operating permits regulations (i.e., periodic 
monitoring), existing federal air pollution control standards, and 
regulations implementing State requirements to meet the ambient air 
quality standards.
    This final interpretation clarifies the permit content requirements 
relative to the operating permits regulations and facilitates permit 
issuance ensuring that air pollution sources can operate and comply 
with requirements.

Dates: Effective Date: The final rule interpretation is effective on 
January 16, 2007.

ADDRESSES: The Electronic Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0179 contains 
the comments received and regulatory background materials including the 
Responses to Comments document. All documents in the docket are listed 
in the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) index at http://www.regulations.gov.
 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, is not placed on the Internet and will be 
publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket 
materials are available either electronically at http://www.regulations.gov
 or in hard copy at the EPA Docket Center, Public 

Reading Room, EPA West, Room B102, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., 
Washington, DC 20004. The normal business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 
p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. The telephone 
number is (202) 566-1742.


    Note: The EPA Docket Center suffered damage due to flooding 
during the last week of June 2006. The Docket Center is continuing 
to operate; however, during the cleanup, there will be temporary 
changes to Docket Center telephone numbers, addresses, and hours of 
operation for people who wish to visit the Public Reading Room to 
view documents. Consult EPA's Federal Register notice at 71 FR 38147 
(July 5, 2006) or the EPA Web site at http://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm
 for current information on docket operations, locations 

and telephone numbers. The Docket Center's mailing address for U.S. 
mail and the procedure for submitting comments to 
http://www.regulations.gov are not affected by the flooding and will remain 

the same.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Westlin, Environmental 
Protection Agency, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Mail 
code: D243-05, 109 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 
27711; telephone: (919) 541-1058; facsimile number (919) 541-1039; e-
mail address: westlin.peter@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The information presented in this preamble 
is organized as follows:

I. General Information
    A. Does This Action Affect Me?
    B. How Can I Get Copies of This Document and Other Related 
Information?
    C. What Is the Procedure for Judicial Review?
II. Background
III. What revisions did we make as a result of comments received on 
the proposed interpretation?
IV. What are our responses to significant comments?
    A. The proposed interpretation is correct in principle and 
consistent with the plain language of the rule and the Clean Air 
Act.
    B. The proposed interpretation is incorrect in principle and 
inconsistent with the plain language of the rule and the Clean Air 
Act.
    C. The effect of rule on previous permit decisions is not 
minimal and resultant conditions should be removed from permits.
    D. The authority for the permitting authorities to fill periodic 
monitoring gaps should be reinstated.
    E. Existing monitoring requirements in current rules are 
inadequate and case-by-case review and revision are necessary.
    F. The Agency should provide further clarification or regulatory 
action on the

[[Page 75423]]

effect of monitoring policies on enforcement.
V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
    A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and 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 Risks and Safety Risks
    H. Executive Order 13211: Actions That Significantly Affect 
Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use
    I. National Technology Transfer Advancement Act
    J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address 
Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income 
Populations
    K. Congressional Review Act

I. General Information

A. Does This Action Affect Me?

    Categories and entities potentially affected by this action include 
facilities currently required to obtain title V permits under State, 
local, tribal, or federal operating permits programs, and State, local, 
and tribal governments that issue such permits pursuant to approved 
part 70 and part 71 programs. If you have any questions regarding the 
applicability of this action, consult the person listed in the 
preceding FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

B. How Can I Get Copies of This Document and Other Related Information?

    In addition to access to information in the docket as described 
above, you may also access electronic copies of the final rule and 
associated information through the Technology Transfer Network (TTN) 
Web site. The TTN provides an information and technology exchange in 
various areas of air pollution control. Following the Administrator 
signing the notice, we will post the final rule on the Office of Air 
and Radiation's Policy and Guidance page for newly proposed or 
promulgated rules at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/. You may access this 

Federal Register document electronically through the EPA Internet under 
the ``Federal Register'' listings at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg. If 

you need more information regarding the TTN, call the TTN HELP line at 
(919) 541-5384.
    You may access an electronic version of a portion of the public 
docket through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Interested persons may 
use the electronic version of the public docket at http://www.regulations.gov 

to: (1) Submit or view public comments, (2) access the index listing of 
the contents of the official public docket, and (3) access those 
documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Once 
in the FDMS, use the Search for Open Regulations field to key in the 
appropriate docket identification number or document title at the 
Keyword window.

C. What Is the Procedure for Judicial Review?

    Under section 307(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act (CAA), judicial review 
of the final rule is available by filing a petition for review in the 
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit by 
February 13, 2007. Only those objections that were raised with 
reasonable specificity during the period for public comment may be 
raised during judicial review. Under section 307(b)(2) of the CAA, the 
requirements that are the subject of the final rule amendments may not 
be challenged later in civil or criminal proceedings brought by EPA to 
enforce these requirements.
    Section 307(d)(7)(B) of the CAA further provides that ``[o]nly an 
objection to a rule or procedure which was raised with reasonable 
specificity during the period for public comment (including any public 
hearing) may be raised during judicial review.'' This section also 
provides a mechanism for us to convene a proceeding for 
reconsideration, ``[i]f the person raising an objection can demonstrate 
to the EPA that it was impracticable to raise such objection within 
[the period for public comment] or if the grounds for such objection 
arose after the period for public comment (but within the time 
specified for judicial review) and if such objection is of central 
relevance to the outcome of the rule.'' Any person seeking to make such 
a demonstration to us should submit a Petition for Reconsideration to 
the Office of the Administrator, U.S. EPA, Room 3000, Ariel Rios 
Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460, with a 
copy to both the person(s) listed in the preceding FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section, and the Associate General Counsel for the 
Air and Radiation Law Office, Office of General Counsel (Mail Code 
2344A), U.S. EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20004.

II. Background

    On June 2, 2006 (71 FR 32006), we proposed an interpretation of 40 
CFR parts 70 and 71 regarding certain elements of those rules relative 
to requirements for monitoring to assure compliance with applicable 
requirements. In brief, the interpretation is that Sec. Sec.  
70.6(c)(1) and 71.6(c)(1) and the Clean Air Act requirements which they 
implement do not authorize Federal, State and local permitting 
authorities to assess the sufficiency of or impose new monitoring 
requirements. Instead, these sections require that each title V permit 
contain, ``[c]onsistent with paragraph (a)(3) of this section, 
compliance certification, testing, monitoring, reporting, and 
recordkeeping requirements sufficient to assure compliance with the 
terms and conditions of the permit''
    Sections 70.6(a)(3)(i)(A) and 71.6(a)(3)(i)(A) require that permits 
contain ``[a]ll monitoring and analysis procedures or test methods 
required under applicable monitoring and testing requirements, 
including part 64 of this chapter and any other procedures and methods 
that may be promulgated pursuant to sections 114(a)(3) and 504(b) of 
the Act.'' The requirements in Sec. Sec.  70.6(a)(3)(i)(B) and 
71.6(a)(3)(i)(B) continue that ``[w]here the applicable requirement 
does not require periodic testing or instrumental or noninstrumental 
monitoring (which may consist of recordkeeping designed to serve as 
monitoring), [each title V permit must contain] periodic monitoring 
sufficient to yield reliable data from the relevant time period that 
are representative of the source's compliance with the permit, as 
reported pursuant to [Sec.  70.6(a)(3)(iii) or Sec.  71.6(a)(3)(iii)]. 
Such monitoring requirements shall assure use of terms, test methods, 
units, averaging periods, and other statistical conventions consistent 
with the applicable requirement. Recordkeeping provisions may be 
sufficient to meet the requirements of [Sec. Sec.  70.6(a)(3)(i)(B) and 
71.6(a)(3)(i)(B)].''
    This final interpretation of the provisions of Sec. Sec.  
70.6(c)(1) and 71.6(c)(1) does not affect the provisions of Sec. Sec.  
70.6(a)(3)(i) and 71.6(a)(3)(i) that require the permitting authority 
to incorporate the monitoring imposed by underlying applicable 
requirements into permits and to add periodic monitoring during the 
permitting process when the underlying requirements contains no 
periodic testing, specifies no frequency, or requires only a one-time 
test. The interpretation simply clarifies that Sec. Sec.  70.6(c)(1) 
and 71.6(c)(1) do not provide any independent authority relative to 
assessing and revising existing monitoring beyond what is required in 
Sec. Sec.  70.6(a)(3)(i) and 71.6(a)(3)(i).

[[Page 75424]]

III. What revisions did we make as a result of comments received on the 
proposed interpretation?

    We made no regulatory revisions to parts 70 or 71 as a result to 
the comments we received on the proposed interpretation.

IV. What are our responses to significant comments?

    A. The proposed interpretation is correct in principle and 
consistent with the plain language of the rule and the Clean Air Act.
    Several commenters agreed that the interpretation is consistent 
with section 504(b) of the Clean Air Act and noted that this is the 
only provision of Title V that authorizes EPA to adopt new monitoring 
requirements. They further noted that this section of the Act empowers 
EPA to do so only through rulemaking. Other commenters wrote that the 
1990 Clean Air Act Amendments and its legislative history are replete 
with statements that Title V permits were not intended to provide an 
opportunity for permit authorities to add substantive new requirements 
for sources required to obtain operating permits. EPA's regulations at 
40 CFR 70.1(b) of the 40 CFR part 70, Operating Permit Program, repeat 
this principle clearly. The commenter said that EPA used this authority 
and the authority in section 114(a) for enhanced monitoring by 
promulgating 40 CFR part 64, the Compliance Assurance Monitoring Rule, 
in 1997. Several commenters agreed with the conclusion with regards to 
the Act and observed that, although the provisions in Sec. Sec.  
70.6(c)(1) and 71.6(c)(1) require permitting officials to ensure that 
permits contain certain elements related to compliance, like 
monitoring, the prefatory language requiring that the elements be 
``[c]onsistent with paragraph (a)(3)'' makes clear that the substance 
of those elements is determined under Sec. Sec.  70.6(a)(3) and 
71.6(a)(3).
    Other commenters indicated that language stating that the required 
monitoring is ``sufficient to assure compliance'' is not an 
authorization for permitting officials to make their own determinations 
regarding the sufficiency of monitoring in existing rules and permits, 
but a recognition that the monitoring required under Sec. Sec.  
70.6(a)(3)(i) and 71.6(a)(3)(i)--i.e., existing monitoring as 
supplemented by ``periodic monitoring,'' ``enhanced monitoring'' under 
CAA section 114(a)(3), and/or any other monitoring procedures 
established by rule under section 504(b)--are deemed sufficient to 
assure compliance. One commenter agrees with EPA that the Act does not 
compel EPA to provide such authority to itself or States. The commenter 
continues that allowing EPA or State permitting agencies to change or 
add to monitoring and compliance methods already established through 
State and federal rulemakings and permitting proceedings is 
inconsistent with Title V and with other substantive and procedural 
requirements of the Act.
    Response: We generally agree with these commenters statements. We 
have determined that the correct interpretation of Sec. Sec.  
70.6(c)(1) and 71.6(c)(1) is that these provisions do not establish a 
separate regulatory standard or basis for requiring or authorizing 
review and enhancement of existing monitoring independent of any review 
and enhancement that may be required under other portions of the rules. 
Sections 70.6(c)(1) and 71.6(c)(1) constitute general provisions that 
direct permitting authorities to include the monitoring required under 
existing statutory and regulatory authorities in title V permits along 
with other compliance related requirements. These provisions do not 
require or authorize a new or independent assessment of monitoring 
requirements to assure compliance. We disagree with the comment that 
cites section 504(b) of the Clean Air Act as the only provision of 
title V that authorizes EPA to adopt new monitoring requirements. 
Congress granted EPA broad discretion to decide how to implement the 
title V monitoring requirements. Two provisions of title V specifically 
address rulemaking concerning monitoring (sections 502(b)(2) and 
504(b)), and other provisions of title V refer to the monitoring 
required in individual permits (sections 504(c) and 504(a)). As more 
fully explained in the preamble for the proposed interpretation (71 FR 
at 32012), taken together these provisions clearly authorize the Agency 
to require improvements to the existing monitoring required by 
applicable requirements in at least two ways. First, we may require 
case-by-case monitoring reviews as described in the September 17, 2002 
proposal. Alternatively, we may achieve any improvements in monitoring 
through federal or State rulemakings that amend the monitoring 
provisions of applicable requirements themselves.
    We have chosen the latter approach because we believe it is 
preferable to an approach requiring case-by-case monitoring reviews 
conducted without a structured process such as is included in part 64. 
Consistent with this approach, we agree with commenters that the plain 
language of Sec. Sec.  70.6(c)(1) and 71.6(c)(1), which begin with the 
phrase ``[c]onsistent with'' 70.6(a)(3) and 71.6(a)(3), indicates that 
the (c)(1) provisions include and gain meaning from the more specific 
monitoring requirements in the (a)(3) provisions. Read in isolation, 
the general language of Sec. Sec.  70.6(c)(1) and 71.6(c)(1) does not 
provide any indication of what type of frequency of monitoring is 
required. When read together with the more detailed periodic monitoring 
rules, which specify that periodic monitoring must be ``sufficient to 
yield reliable data from the relevant time period that are 
representative of the source's compliance with the permit,'' these 
provisions take on practical meaning.
    Finally, we also agree with commenters that the statute and our 
regulations clearly support the interpretation that permitting 
authorities are not required or authorized to assess or revise existing 
monitoring requirements. Rather, under the authority of part 70 or 71, 
permitting authorities are to impose monitoring requirements only where 
the underlying rule contains no monitoring of a periodic nature.
    B. The proposed interpretation is incorrect in principle and is 
inconsistent with the plain language of the rule and the Clean Air Act.
    Several commenters strongly opposed EPA's proposal. Two commenters 
contended that by interpreting the Title V regulations neither to 
require nor to authorize a permitting authority to include additional 
monitoring in a Title V permit to supplement periodic, but inadequate, 
monitoring obligations specified in an underlying applicable 
requirement, EPA's proposed regulatory interpretation would violate the 
plain statutory language requiring that each Title V permit include 
monitoring that is sufficient to ``assure compliance'' with each 
applicable requirement. One commenter indicated that EPA's proposed 
interpretation would violate the plain language of CAA section 504(c) 
requiring that ``[e]ach permit * * * shall set forth inspection, entry, 
monitoring, compliance certification, and reporting requirements to 
assure compliance with the permit terms and conditions.'' The commenter 
continued that EPA's proposed interpretation would violate the plain 
language of CAA section 504(a) requiring that ``[e]ach permit issued 
under this subchapter shall include enforceable emission limitations 
and standards, * * * a requirement that the permittee submit to the 
permitting authority, no less often than every 6 months, the results of 
any required monitoring, and such other conditions as are necessary

[[Page 75425]]

to assure compliance with applicable requirements of this chapter.'' By 
using the word ``shall'' in section 504(a) and (c), Congress clearly 
stated its intent for monitoring sufficient to ``assure compliance'' 
with applicable requirements to be a mandatory element of each Title V 
permit.
    This same commenter stated that EPA's proposed interpretation would 
violate Congress's unambiguous directive that EPA ensure that a Title V 
permitting authority possesses adequate authority to ``issue permits 
and assure compliance by all [Title V sources] with each applicable 
standard, regulation or requirement under this chapter.'' CAA section 
502(b)(5)(A). If a permitting authority is prohibited from requiring 
additional monitoring in a source's Title V permit when it determines 
that existing monitoring is insufficient to assure compliance, the 
commenter said that the permitting authority plainly cannot do what the 
statute requires, namely, issue permits that ``assure compliance'' with 
each applicable requirement. Several commenters believed that EPA's 
proposed prohibition against supplemental monitoring would prevent EPA 
from fulfilling its statutory duty to object to Title V permits that 
lack monitoring sufficient to assure compliance, and would eliminate 
the public's right to petition EPA to fulfill that duty when the agency 
fails to object on its own accord. As EPA itself acknowledged in a D.C. 
Circuit brief,

[i]n the absence of effective monitoring, emissions limits can, in 
effect, be little more than paper requirements. Without meaningful 
monitoring data, the public, government agencies and facility 
officials are unable to fully assess a facility's compliance with 
the Clean Air Act.\1\
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    \1\ Initial Brief of Respondent United States Environmental 
Protection Agency, Appalachian Power Co., et al. v. Envtl. 
Protection Agency, No. 98-1512 (D.C. Cir., Oct. 25, 1999).

    Commenters further stated that EPA's interpretation violates CAA 
section 114(a)(3), which requires ``enhanced monitoring'' by ``any 
person which is the owner or operator of a major stationary source.'' 
The commenters noted that, in 1997, EPA implemented 40 CFR part 64, 
compliance assurance monitoring or CAM, requiring enhanced monitoring 
for a limited number of sources. Commenters indicated that EPA noted 
that even though the CAM rule did not cover all stationary sources, the 
rule satisfied section 114(a)(3) because ``all [T]itle V operating 
permits * * * include monitoring to assure compliance with the permit * 
* * includ[ing] all existing monitoring requirements as well as 
additional monitoring (generally referred to as `periodic monitoring') 
if current requirements fail to specify appropriate monitoring.'' 62 FR 
54,900, 54,904 (Oct. 22, 1997). Although the CAM rule alone did not 
satisfy the section 114 requirement for enhanced monitoring at all 
major sources, EPA argued that the CAM rule together with Title V 
requirements for monitoring sufficient to assure compliance at all 
major sources did satisfy section 114. If the EPA interprets its Title 
V regulations such that they neither require nor authorize permitting 
authorities to enhance existing monitoring requirements, EPA's 
regulations will no longer satisfy section 114's requirement for 
enhanced monitoring at all major sources.
    Response: We disagree with commenters that our interpretation of 
Sec. Sec.  70.6(c)(1) and 71.6(c)(1) is inconsistent with the plain 
language of the Act. Congress granted EPA broad discretion to decide 
how to implement the title V monitoring requirements and the ``enhanced 
monitoring'' requirement of section 114(a)(3) of the Act. Two 
provisions of title V of the Act specifically address rulemaking 
concerning development and implementation of monitoring for assuring 
compliance with applicable emissions limitations. First, section 
502(b)(2) of the Act requires EPA to promulgate regulations 
establishing minimum requirements for operating permit programs, 
including ``[m]onitoring and reporting requirements.'' Second, section 
504(b) authorizes EPA to prescribe ``procedures and methods'' for 
monitoring ``by rule.'' Section 504(b) specifically provides: ``The 
Administrator may by rule prescribe procedures and methods for 
determining compliance and for monitoring and analysis of pollutants 
regulated under this Act, but continuous emissions monitoring need not 
be required if alternative methods are available that provide 
sufficiently reliable and timely information for determining compliance 
* * *.''
    Other provisions of title V refer to the monitoring required in 
individual operating permits. Section 504(c) of the Act, which contains 
the most detailed statutory language concerning monitoring, requires 
that ``[e]ach [title V permit] shall set forth inspection, entry, 
monitoring, compliance certification, and reporting requirements to 
assure compliance with the permit terms and conditions.'' Section 
504(c) further specifies that ``[s]uch monitoring and reporting 
requirements shall conform to any applicable regulation under [section 
504(b)] * * *.'' Section 504(a) more generally requires that ``[e]ach 
[title V permit] shall include enforceable emission limitations and 
standards, * * * and such other conditions as are necessary to assure 
compliance with applicable requirements of this Act, including the 
requirements of the applicable implementation plan.'' The statutory 
monitoring provisions, particularly section 504(c) which specifically 
requires that monitoring contained in permits to assure compliance 
``shall conform to any applicable regulation under [section 504(b)],'' 
clearly contemplate that monitoring in permits must reflect current 
regulations.
    We disagree with commenters that the interpretation with regards to 
parts 70 and 71 will eviscerate the States' abilities to issue permits 
that include effective monitoring requirements. There are numerous 
other means available and outlined in the Act, including the 
development of effective and complete monitoring regulations included 
in State implementation plans developed to implement the national 
ambient air quality standards. Further, there are existing and 
developing requirements for monitoring under federal rules such as new 
source performance standards (NSPS) of 40 CFR part 60, national 
emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) of 40 CFR 
parts 61 and 63, acid rain rules of 40 CFR parts 72 through 78, and the 
compliance assurance monitoring rule of 40 CFR part 64.
    With respect to the effect of this interpretation on State 
authority to address inadequate monitoring, we disagree that by 
finalizing this interpretation of the operating permits regulations we 
have limited or usurped the authority State agencies have to revise 
their own regulations or conduct case-by-case monitoring reviews 
pursuant to State authority.
    We agree with commenters that there may be some monitoring required 
under existing applicable requirements that could be improved; however, 
we believe a better interpretation of the Act provides that we revise 
such monitoring through notice and comment rulemaking. For example, the 
interpretation that part 70 is not the vehicle for making changes to 
existing monitoring in no way prohibits the States from developing and 
implementing regulations in the context of the Act that include 
appropriate monitoring requirements to assure compliance with State 
regulations such as rules implementing the national

[[Page 75426]]

ambient air quality standards (i.e., State Implementation Plans or 
SIPs).
    We also are continuing to pursue the four-step strategy that we 
described in the January 22, 2004 notice (69 FR 3202) including 
improving existing monitoring where necessary through rulemaking 
actions while reducing resource-intensive and poorly supported case-by-
case monitoring reviews. This clarifying interpretation of Sec. Sec.  
70.6(c)(1) and 71.6(c)(1) is a first part of that strategy. A second 
step included a notice published on February 16, 2005 (70 FR 7905), in 
which we requested comment on potentially inadequate monitoring in 
applicable requirements and on methods to improve such monitoring. We 
are reviewing comments received in response to that notice and intend 
to take appropriate action in response.
    A third element of that strategy is addressing the monitoring 
required for implementation of the national ambient air quality 
standard (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (particulate matter with 
an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, 
PM2.5). In support of that final rule, we plan to issue 
monitoring guidance that we will make available for public comment (see 
proposal at 70 FR 65984, November 1, 2005). We intend that such 
material would encourage States and Tribes to improve monitoring in 
SIPs and TIPs relative to implementing the NAAQS. The last of the four 
steps is to address requirements in existing rules that are not now 
affected by 40 CFR part 64 (e.g., units with control measures other 
than add-on devices) including potentially expanding the applicability 
of part 64 and revising post-1990 NESHAP and NSPS. We agree and have 
learned through implementing the operating permits and other regulatory 
programs that there continue to be opportunities to improve monitoring 
in existing requirements, achieve improved compliance, and assure 
emissions reductions. We believe that the most effective route to 
meeting these opportunities is through regulatory review and revisions, 
as necessary. For example, recently published performance standards for 
solid and hazardous waste incineration (70 FR 74870 and 70 FR 75348) 
and commercial and industrial boilers (71 FR 9866) include not only 
improved monitoring requirements relative to existing requirements but 
also options for use of continuous emissions monitoring systems with 
appropriate incentives.
    In sum, we believe that the plain language and structure of 
Sec. Sec.  70.6(c)(1) and 71.6(c)(1) do not provide permitting 
authorities an independent basis to perform case-by-case monitoring 
reviews to resolve any such deficiencies. We believe that a 
comprehensive regulatory development approach more accurately reflects 
and is consistent with the Act's requirements for addressing improved 
monitoring. Further response beyond what we note above regarding the 
scope and effect of the periodic monitoring provisions of Sec. Sec.  
70.6(a)(3)(i)(B) and 71.6(a)(3)(i)(B) is beyond the scope of the 
proposal.
    C. The effect of the rule on previous permit decisions is not 
minimal and resultant conditions should be removed from permits.
    Several commenters disagreed with the Agency's assertion that the 
effect of this proposed interpretation would or should have minimal 
effect on existing permits. One commenter recognized that EPA 
acknowledges in this rulemaking that its responses relative to the 
monitoring for the Pacificorp and Fort James Camas Mills facilities \2\ 
permit petitions were based on an improper interpretation of Sec.  
70.6(c)(1). Further, the commenters disagreed with the Agency's 
conclusion that this legal interpretation of the monitoring 
requirements had a ``minimal'' effect on EPA's decisions relative to 
those permits and hence ``follow-up activity with regard to the 
Pacificorp or Fort James permits is unnecessary.'' The commenter 
instead identified facility owners who believe that, in a number of 
instances, the addition of monitoring terms by States have created 
problems and should be revisited.
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    \2\ In the Matter of Pacificorp's Jim Bridger and Naughton 
Electric Utility Steam Generating Plants, Petition No. VIII-00-1 
(November 16, 2000) (Pacificorp) (available on the Internet at: 
http://www.epa.gov/region07[fxsp0]/programs/artd/[fxsp0]air/title5/

[fxsp0]petitiondb/[fxsp0]petitions/[fxsp0]woc020.pdf), and
    In the Matter of Fort James Camas Mill, Petition No. X-1999-1 
(December 22, 2000) (Fort James) (available on the Internet at: 
http://www.epa.gov/region07/[fxsp0]programs/artd/[fxsp0]air/title5/

[fxsp0]petitiondb/[fxsp0]petitions/[fxsp0]fort--[fxsp0]james--
[fxsp0]decision1999.pdf).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Another commenter said that if EPA were to change the stringency of 
monitoring without evaluating and revising the stringency of the 
emission standards, this change could, by default, increase the 
stringency of the underlying emissions standard. This is because the 
stringency of an emissions standard is a function of an emission limit, 
the method for measuring emissions, and the monitoring requirements 
contained in the standard. Only by evaluating the monitoring in 
conjunction with the underlying emissions limitations in the rule can 
EPA assure that a control technology identified by the rule can meet a 
standard. This is a particular issue under Sec.  70.6(c)(1) in which 
there is no standard against which monitoring is to be judged and 
little or no backstop against which a source can challenge the 
imposition of overly stringent monitoring provisions in its permit. 
Such an approach would effectively allow States to alter federally-
established emissions standards by changing the compliance method and 
the manner in which compliance and violations of the Clean Air Act are 
established, an authority Congress gave to EPA alone. Moreover, 
additional monitoring could impose new substantive and potentially 
costly requirements on sources ostensibly under the authority of Title 
V. As stated in Sec.  70.1, Title V does not provide EPA or the States 
with authority to create new substantive requirements which must be 
established in the same context in order to assure that EPA and States 
are not ``redefining'' compliance.
    Other commenters indicated that review and removal of these terms, 
in some instances, will appreciably reduce the costs of the Title V 
program, which the Title V Task Force recently observed cost many times 
EPA's original cost estimates. Even with the administrative cost of 
removing these terms, the commenters believed there will be a net 
program benefit. One commenter asserted that EPA must state in the 
final rulemaking that removal of new monitoring requirements including 
recordkeeping and reporting that were added to permits pursuant to the 
2002 and 1998 policies, which exceeded EPA's and the State authority in 
the instance of the 1998 policy voided by the D.C. Circuit in 
Appalachian Power, does not constitute ``backsliding.''
    Response: We disagree that all monitoring currently included in 
individual permits that may be a result of an interpretation of Sec.  
70.6(c)(1) or Sec.  71.6(c)(1) different than the proposed 
interpretation must be removed. There are other authorities that allow 
permitting authorities to revise monitoring that may or may not be 
included in applicable rules. First, the gap-filling requirements of 
the periodic monitoring provisions requires permitting authorities to 
establish and include monitoring requirements in the permit where the 
underlying requirement specifies no monitoring method, no frequency, or 
only a one-time test. Second, some States have separate authority under 
their existing State SIP regulations to revise existing monitoring 
through the addition of permit conditions as necessary to assure 
compliance with applicable requirements (e.g., State of Oregon Clean 
Air Act Implementation Plan,

[[Page 75427]]

Operating and Maintenance Requirements, as adopted under OAR 340-200-
0040; New Jersey Department Of Environmental Protection, New Jersey 
Administrative Code Title 7, Chapter 27, Subchapter 22, 7:27-22.9 
Compliance plans, (c)2.i.). When other authority to require monitoring 
exists, such monitoring may be retained (or revised as appropriate) in 
the permit but the permitting authority would revise the statement of 
the origin of and authority for the monitoring to reflect the proper 
legal authority, consistent with Sec. Sec.  70.6(a)(1)(i) and 
71.6(a)(1)(i) at an appropriate time. Also, when such monitoring is 
independently required solely by a State-only enforceable regulation, 
the monitoring would remain, but the permit would be revised to 
designate the monitoring as a non-federal requirement from a 
enforcement perspective, consistent with Sec. Sec.  70.6(b)(2) and 
71.6(b)(2).
    Any source may apply for a modification of its permit to remove 
permit terms and conditions for monitoring included in the permit 
pursuant to an inappropriate interpretation of Sec.  70.6(c)(1) or 
Sec.  71.6(c)(1) (or an inappropriate interpretation of Sec.  
70.6(a)(3)(i)(B), such as the one set forth in the periodic monitoring 
guidance subsequently vacated by Appalachian Power Co. v. EPA, 208 F.3d 
1015 (D.C. Cir. 2000)). A source may limit the scope of its permit 
modification application to those monitoring conditions it believes are 
affected by this rule. EPA encourages States to review such 
applications carefully and expeditiously (without expanding the scope 
of the modification). EPA believes that such modification is 
appropriate and permitting authorities should remove permit terms and 
conditions for monitoring where such monitoring was imposed pursuant to 
Sec.  70.6(c)(1) and such monitoring is not justified under other legal 
authority.
    Under the current parts 70 and 71 rules, changes such as removing 
existing monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting are generally 
designated significant modifications. Further, any changes that would 
result in less stringent monitoring in a permit would most typically be 
treated as significant modifications by States. (See Sec.  70.7(e)(2) 
and (e)(4).) Finally, in the event EPA is specifically required to 
review monitoring in a permit, for example, in the context of permit 
renewal or significant modification requests, we would have to ensure 
that such change conforms to all sections of the parts 70 and 71 rules 
and interpretations in effect at that time.
    In the specific cases of the Pacificorp and Fort James citizen 
petitions, we noted in the preamble to the proposed interpretation that 
we believe that the decisions had minimal effect on compliance for 
these two facilities. In the former instance, while we acknowledge that 
EPA would not have been authorized to require additional monitoring 
under this interpretation of Sec. Sec.  70.6(c)(1) and 71.6(c)(1), we 
required an already-required continuous opacity monitoring system 
(COMS) to provide opacity data in lieu of quarterly Method 9 visible 
opacity readings. We note that the owners or operators would have to 
collect the COMS data in any case and report any excursions or excess 
emissions as other information available as part of the semiannual 
reporting requirement (Sec.  70.6(a)(3)(iii)(A)) and the annual 
compliance certification. In the latter instance, we relied on the 
authority under the periodic monitoring rule (Sec. Sec.  70.6(a)(3) and 
71.6(a)(3)) to specify a frequency for an inspection in which there was 
no frequency of monitoring specified in the standard. In neither case 
did the decision change the stringency of the applicable requirement in 
averaging time or the applicable emissions limit.
    We recognize and agree with the need to establish monitoring and 
testing requirements consistent with the intended compliance 
obligations. Part 64, for example, provides for such assessment and 
associated flexibility in monitoring selection on a case-by-case basis 
with a carefully constructed process that includes site-specific field 
testing and documentation to verify that the monitoring data will 
provide a reasonable assurance of compliance with the existing 
applicable requirement. In the established EPA regulatory development 
process (e.g., new and revised NSPS and NESHAP rules), we assess the 
availability of data and monitoring technology for establishing ongoing 
compliance obligations and evaluate cost and benefit implications and 
the application of various monitoring technologies. We believe that 
this approach is correct and consistent with the intent of the Act, 
sections 504(b) and (c), in developing and implementing monitoring 
requirements. On the other hand, the question of whether the stringency 
of existing emissions limits were changed by earlier case-by-case 
decisions about monitoring in preparing operating permits is not 
relevant to the issue of the authority to require such monitoring and 
not within the scope of this action.
    D. The authority for the permitting authorities to fill periodic 
monitoring gaps should be reinstated.
    Several commenters observed that the rule eliminated the authority 
of State and local agencies to include so-called ``gap-filling 
monitoring'' in permits in situations in which applicable requirements 
contain monitoring provisions, but such provisions are inadequate. The 
commenters said that EPA should reconsider reinstating the ability of 
the State and local agencies to include ``gap-filling monitoring'' in 
Title V permits in the meantime.
    One commenter offered that finalization of that proposal will not 
affect the authority and obligation of State and local permitting 
authorities with approved part 70 operating permit programs to continue 
to require such supplemental, enhanced monitoring. The commenter 
asserted that the new interpretation that EPA proposes was not the 
agency's interpretation when EPA acted on part 70 program approvals for 
State and local permitting authorities. Nor is it the interpretation 
that EPA has held over the course of implementing the part 70 permit 
program since such initial approvals, as indicated in part by the 
agency objection letters and orders responding to Title V petitions, 
discussed above. Instead, the commenter contends, EPA's proposed new 
interpretation is a direct contradiction and refutation of EPA's 
longstanding interpretation, the opposite of that interpretation. The 
commenter suggested that the provisions of the permit programs approved 
prior to this latest interpretation will continue to govern permit 
monitoring decisions despite the final dispensation of the proposal, 
unless and until: (1) State, local and tribal permitting authorities 
choose to undertake rulemaking to change their more rigorous permitting 
authorities and practices, and weaken them by adopting EPA's new 
interpretation as a matter of State or local law; (2) EPA receives 
revised program submittals from State or local authorities, and issues 
proposed federal rulemakings to revise the previously approved State or 
local program for purposes of federal law, complete with notice and 
comment and opportunity for public hearing; and (3) EPA finalizes the 
proposed program revisions to codify the State or local's revised, 
weaker practice as a matter of federal law.
    Another commenter said that by prohibiting States from enhancing 
the monitoring established in existing rules and SIPs, EPA is not only 
usurping States' authority to carry out their programs, but preventing 
the opportunity for States to devise innovative and creative approaches 
to compliance monitoring where

[[Page 75428]]

something beyond existing requirements exists. A commenter indicated 
that withdrawing the proposed interpretation and reinstating the States 
authority to impose new monitoring are necessary to ensure the health 
and safety of adjacent communities, to protect or further maintenance 
of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, and to ensure that 
sources are required to correct compliance problems in a timely manner.
    Response: We reassert that the authority in Sec. Sec.  
70.6(a)(3)(i)(B) and 71.6(a)(3)(i)(B) to fill gaps in existing 
regulations with new periodic monitoring remains unaffected by this 
proposed interpretation. We disagree with commenters that our 
interpretation of Sec. Sec.  70.6(c)(1) and 71.6(c)(1) is inconsistent 
with the plain language of the Act, as discussed in detail above. 
Consistent with the broad authority the Act provides, we interpret 
these regulatory sections, as the rules are written, as not providing 
an authority to require permitting authorities to assess and revise 
existing monitoring requirements independent of the periodic monitoring 
requirements. In short, we have determined that other regulatory 
avenues (e.g., revising existing EPA rules with inadequate monitoring, 
expanding applicability of part 64, and providing guidance for 
implementing the PM2.5 NAAQS) would be a more effective 
policy approach. We also disagree with the commenter that previously 
approved State and local permitting programs will have to be revised in 
response to this action. State and local permitting authorities are 
required to conduct approved title V permitting programs in accordance 
with the requirements of 40 CFR part 70 and any agreement between the 
permitting authority and EPA concerning operation of the program. As 
evident by this action, we have determined that Sec. Sec.  70.6(c)(1) 
and 71.6(c)(1) do not require or authorize State/local/Tribal 
permitting authorities to review and revise existing monitoring 
requirements in operating permits.
    E. Existing monitoring requirements in current rules are inadequate 
and case-by-case review and revision are necessary.
    Several commenters suggested that while many rules include 
comprehensive and modern monitoring requirements, others do not. 
Commenters provided substantive and detailed comments and declarations 
previously submitted (in response to the February 16, 2005, notice, 70 
FR 7905) to the Agency to support their contention that many existing 
federal regulatory monitoring requirements are insufficient to assure 
compliance. Additionally, commenters noted that many sources are not 
covered by updated NSPS or NESHAP rules that are intended to fill those 
gaps. Where updated and complete monitoring requirements already exist 
in federal or State rules, commenters believed that States are unlikely 
to consider that more rigorous monitoring is necessary. But where 
monitoring in existing rules is not sufficient, State permitting 
authorities are much better suited than the EPA to understand 
individual sources, their unique compliance histories and challenges, 
and to fashion reasonable monitoring requirements that will assure the 
public, the source, and the permitting authority of the source's 
ongoing compliance. By prohibiting States from enhancing the monitoring 
established in existing rules and SIPs, the commenter believed EPA is 
not only usurping States' authority to carry out their programs, but 
preventing the opportunity for States to devise innovative and creative 
approaches to compliance monitoring where something beyond existing 
requirements exists.
    Another commenter noted that, regardless of federal requirements on 
gap filling, States independently have authority to gap-fill if they 
include such provisions in their rules. The commenter said that EPA can 
not attempt to limit State authority with this rulemaking. The 
commenter cites EPA assertions that improvements to monitoring through 
federal or State rulemakings (by amending the monitoring provisions of 
applicable requirements themselves) will avoid time spent in case-by-
case sufficiency monitoring reviews in Operating Permits. The commenter 
also agreed EPA should improve the monitoring, recordkeeping, and 
reporting requirements in many of its rules; but disagree that this 
should substitute for independent authority to add monitoring and 
recordkeeping requirements on a case-by-case basis.
    Response: While we agree that there may be examples of inadequate 
monitoring in existing rules, the proposed interpretation is about the 
appropriate regulatory means to address those instances. The comments 
providing examples of inadequate monitoring are not responsive to the 
proposal. As noted above, with respect to the effect of this 
interpretation on State authority to address inadequate monitoring, we 
disagree that by finalizing this interpretation of the operating 
permits regulations we have limited or usurped the authority State 
agencies have to revise their own regulations or conduct case-by-case 
monitoring reviews pursuant to State authority.
    As we have stated previously, the interpretation that part 70 is 
not the appropriate vehicle for making changes to existing monitoring, 
other than to apply periodic monitoring to fill gaps in regulations. 
Further, the interpretation in no way prohibits the States from 
developing regulations that include appropriate monitoring requirements 
to assure compliance with State regulations such as SIPs. Likewise, 
this interpretation does not prohibit a permitting authority from 
implementing other State rule provisions including revising monitoring 
in existing rules through the permitting process to assure compliance 
with State regulations such as SIPs. We certainly encourage States to 
act through regulatory development or other means to apply monitoring 
as needed to assure ongoing compliance with State regulations. To the 
extent that States have authority under State law to perform case-by-
case monitoring reviews and issue permits including additional 
monitoring, such monitoring should be included on the ``State-only'' 
side of the permit. We agree that EPA regulations must include 
monitoring sufficient to assure compliance and, as indicated above, we 
believe that the most effective route to effect this policy is for us 
to continue to improve such requirements by conducting additional 
rulemakings.
    F. The Agency should provide further clarification or regulatory 
action on the effect of monitoring policies on enforcement.
    One commenter requested some discussion from EPA concerning 
existing permits which contain monitoring requirements created prior to 
this interpretation of Sec. Sec.  70.6(c)(1) and 71.6(c)(1) and have 
resulted in reported deviations from those permit conditions. Since EPA 
interpretations are being reversed, the commenter asked whether 
deviations from monitoring conditions set, without the legal standing 
of established rulemaking processes following existing statutes and 
regulations, would also be affected. Another commenter indicated that 
reading Title V as imposing some new criterion for enforceability on 
existing emissions standards beyond what Congress directed in section 
114(a)(3) would be inconsistent with existing statutory requirements. 
This commenter also cited examples for which use of a different test 
method or procedure can lead to fundamental differences in results, due 
to differences in analytical method, data reduction, or measurement 
location. Even if the specified (or a

[[Page 75429]]

comparable) method is used, testing under conditions different from, or 
conducted more frequently than, the testing considered in setting the 
standard can reveal operating variability that was unknown or ignored 
when the standard was set. In short, the commenter noted that changing 
the method of measuring compliance with an emissions limitation can 
affect the stringency of the limitation itself.
    The same commenter outlined how use of the specified method is also 
often necessary to preserve assumptions regarding cost. Accordingly, 
where emissions standards are subject to specific statutory criteria 
and regulatory review requirements, any revision to those standards 
must be accompanied by an evaluation of the revised standard, using 
specified administrative procedures, to ensure its consistency with 
statutory and regulatory review criteria. For example, when EPA or a 
State identifies a control technology under the criteria for a 
particular standard (e.g., identifies BDT for a particular NSPS), a 
revision to that standard (including specification of a new compliance 
method) is valid only if data show that the revised standard also can 
be reliably and consistently achieved with the original control 
technology. Even if achievability of the standard is not in question, 
the commenter noted, substitution of one compliance method for another 
is a substantive change that requires consideration of a number of 
factors, including the cost of that change.
    Response: As noted above, the question of whether the stringency of 
existing emissions limits were changed by earlier case-by-case 
decisions about monitoring in preparing operating permits is not 
relevant to the issue of the authority to require such monitoring and 
not within the scope of this action. That is, whether Sec. Sec.  
70.6(c)(1) and 71.6(c)(1) authorize permitting authorities to assess or 
revise existing monitoring requirements different from assessment and 
revision under other regulations has no bearing on a source's 
compliance obligation under the applicable emissions limitation. The 
proposed interpretation addresses only whether part 70 or 71 is a 
proper vehicle for assessment and adjustment to existing monitoring 
requirements beyond other requirements for assessing or revising 
monitoring that may be required under Sec. Sec.  70.6(a)(3)(i) and 
71.6(a)(3)(i) or other regulations.
    We disagree with commenters on the need to limit use of any data 
collected with monitoring that might be a result of a misinterpretation 
of the rule. To the extent that there are questions about whether data 
from monitoring developed under a previous interpretation are relevant 
to a compliance or enforcement decision, case-by-case review of any 
actions based on specific permit conditions would be more effective and 
appropriate. We believe that these situations will be very few in 
number.

V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review

    Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), we must 
determine whether a regulatory action is ``significant'' and therefore 
subject to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review and the 
requirements of the Executive Order. The Order defines a ``significant 
regulatory action'' as one that is likely to result in a rule that may:
    1. Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, 
adversely affecting in a material way the economy, a sector of the 
economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
health or safety in State, local, or tribal governments or communities;
    2. Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an 
action taken or planned by another agency;
    3. Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlement, grants, 
user fees, or loan programs of the rights and obligations of recipients 
thereof; or
    4. Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal 
mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in 
the Executive Order.
    Under Executive Order 12866, it has been determined that this 
interpretative rule is a ``significant regulatory action'' because it 
raises important legal and policy issues. As such, we submitted this 
rule to OMB for review. Changes made in response to OMB suggestions or 
recommendations will be documented in the public record.

B. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This action does not impose any new information collection burden. 
This action merely states that notwithstanding the recitation in 
Sec. Sec.  70.6(c)(1) and 71.6(c)(1) of monitoring as a permit element, 
these provisions do not establish a separate regulatory standard or 
basis for requiring or authorizing review and revision of existing 
monitoring independent of any review and revision as may be required 
under Sec. Sec.  70.6(a)(3) and 71.6(a)(3). The information collection 
requirements in the existing regulations (parts 70 and 71) were 
previously approved by OMB under the requirements of the Paperwork 
Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. The existing ICR for part 70 is 
assigned EPA ICR number 1587.06 and OMB control number 2060-0243; for 
part 71, the EPA ICR number is 1713.05 and the OMB control number is 
2060-0336. A copy of the OMB approved Information Collection Request 
(ICR) may be obtained from Susan Auby, Collection Strategies Division; 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2822T); 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., 
NW., Washington, DC 20004 or by calling (202) 566-1672.
    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, burden means the total time, 
effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, 
maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a 
federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; 
develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the 
purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, 
processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing 
information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously 
applicable instructions and requirements; train personnel to be able to 
respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete 
and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise 
disclose the information. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a 
person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless 
it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control 
numbers for EPA's regulations in 40 CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) generally requires an Agency 
to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis of any rule subject to 
notice and comment rulemaking requirements under the Administrative 
Procedure 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 not-for-profit enterprises, and small governmental jurisdictions.
    For purposes of assessing the impacts of this action on small 
entities, small entity is defined as: (1) A small business as defined 
by the Small Business Administration by category of business using the 
North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) and codified at 
13 CFR 121.201; (2) a small governmental jurisdiction that is a 
government of a city, country, town, school district, or special 
district with a

[[Page 75430]]

population of less than 50,000; and (3) a small organization that is 
any not-for-profit enterprise which is independently owned and operated 
and is not dominant in its field.
    After considering the economic impacts of this final rule on small 
entities, I certify that this action will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The 
originally promulgated part 70 and part 71 rules included the text of 
Sec. Sec.  70.6(c)(1) and 71.6(c)(1), and this interpretation does not 
revise that text. Moreover, any burdens associated with the 
interpretation of Sec. Sec.  70.6(c)(1) and 71.6(c)(1) as described in 
this action are less than those associated with any interpretation 
under the rule and that we may have previously enunciated.

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Public 
Law 104-4, establishes requirements for federal agencies to assess the 
effects of their regulatory actions on State, local, and tribal 
governments and the private sector. Under section 202 of the UMRA, EPA 
must prepare a written statement, including a cost-benefit analysis, 
for proposed and final rules with ``federal mandates'' that may result 
in expenditures to State, local, and tribal governments, in the 
aggregate, or to the private sector, of $100 million or more in any one 
year. Before promulgating a rule for which a written statement is 
needed, section 205 of the UMRA generally requires EPA to identify and 
consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives and adopt the 
least-costly, most cost-effective or least burdensome alternative that 
achieves the objectives of the rule. The provisions of section 205 do 
not apply where they are inconsistent with applicable law. Moreover, 
section 205 allows EPA to adopt an alternative other than the least-
costly, most cost-effective or least burdensome alternative if the 
Administrator publishes with the final rule an explanation why that 
alternative was not adopted.
    Before EPA establishes any regulatory requirements that may 
significantly or uniquely affect small governments, including tribal 
governments, EPA must have developed under section 203 of the UMRA a 
small government agency plan. The plan must provide for notifying 
potentially affected small governments, enabling officials of affected 
small governments to have meaningful and timely input in the 
development of our regulatory proposals with significant federal 
intergovernmental mandates, and informing, educating, and advising 
small governments on compliance with the regulatory requirements.
    This action contains no new federal mandates (under the regulatory 
provisions of title II of the UMRA) for State, local, or tribal 
governments or the private sector. This action imposes no new 
enforceable duty on any State, local or tribal governments or the 
private sector. Rather, EPA merely states that Sec. Sec.  70.6(c)(1) 
and 71.6(c)(1) do not establish a separate regulatory standard or basis 
for requiring or authorizing review and revision of existing 
monitoring, independent of any review and revision as may be required 
under the periodic monitoring rules, Sec. Sec.  70.6(a)(3) and 
71.6(a)(3). Therefore, this action is not subject to the requirements 
of sections 202 and 205 of the UMRA.
    In addition, EPA has determined that this action contains no new 
regulatory requirements that might significantly or uniquely affect 
small governments. With this action, EPA sets out the correct 
interpretation of Sec. Sec.  70.6(c)(1) and 71.6(c)(1), which is that 
they do not require or authorize title V permitting authorities--
including any small governments that may be such permitting 
authorities--to conduct reviews of and revise existing monitoring 
through case-by-case monitoring reviews of individual permits under 
Sec. Sec.  70.6(c)(1) and 71.6(c)(1). Therefore, this action is not 
subject to the requirements of section 203 of the UMRA.

E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism

    Executive Order 13132, entitled ``Federalism'' (64 FR 43255, August 
10, 1999), requires EPA to develop an accountable process to ensure 
``meaningful and timely input by State and local officials in the 
development of regulatory policies that have federalism implications.'' 
``Policies that have federalism implications'' is defined in the 
Executive Order to include regulations that 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.''
    This action does not have any new federalism implications. The 
action will not have new 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 
interpretation will not impose any new requirements. Accordingly, it 
will not alter the overall relationship or distribution of powers 
between governments for the part 70 and part 71 operating permits 
programs. Thus, Executive Order 13132 does not apply to this action.

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

    Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and Coordination with Indian 
Tribal Governments'' (65 FR 67249, November 6, 2000), requires EPA to 
develop an accountable process to ensure ``meaningful and timely input 
by tribal officials in the development of regulatory policies that have 
tribal implications.'' ``Policies that have tribal implications'' is 
defined in the Executive Order to include regulations that have 
``substantial direct effects on one or more Indian tribes, on the 
relationship between the Federal Government and the Indian tribes, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal 
Government and Indian tribes.''
    This action does not have new tribal implications because it will 
not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on 
the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal 
Government and Indian tribes, as specified in Executive Order 13175. 
This action does not significantly or uniquely affect the communities 
of Indian tribal governments. As discussed above, this action imposes 
no new requirements that would impose compliance burdens beyond those 
that would already apply. Accordingly, Executive Order 13175 does not 
apply to this rule.

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

    Executive Order 13045, ``Protection of Children from Environmental 
Health Risks and Safety Risks'' (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997), applies 
to any rule that: (1) Is determined to be ``economically significant'' 
as defined under Executive Order 12866, and (2) concerns an 
environmental health or safety risk that EPA has reason to believe may 
have a disproportionate effect on children. If the regulatory action 
meets both criteria, the Agency must evaluate the environmental health 
or safety effects of the planned rule on children and explain why the 
planned regulation is preferable to other potentially effective and 
reasonably feasible alternatives considered by the Agency.
    This action is not subject to Executive Order 13045 because it is 
not

[[Page 75431]]

``economically significant'' as defined under Executive Order 12866 and 
because it is not expected to have a disproportionate effect on 
children.

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

    This action is not a ``significant energy action,'' as defined in 
Executive Order 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use'' (66 FR 
28355, May 22, 2001), because it is not likely to have a significant 
adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. This 
action merely finalizes that these provisions in parts 70 and 71 do not 
establish a separate regulatory standard or basis for requiring or 
authorizing review and revision of existing monitoring independent of 
any review and revision of monitoring as may be required under 
Sec. Sec.  70.6(a)(3) and 71.6(a)(3). Further, we have concluded that 
this action is not likely to have any adverse energy effects.

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 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 EPA to provide 
Congress, through OMB, explanations when the Agency decides not to use 
available and applicable voluntary consensus standards.
    The NTTAA does not apply to this action because it does not involve 
technical standards. Therefore, EPA did not consider 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, ''Federal Actions to Address Environmental 
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations'' (February 
11, 1994), is designed to address the environmental and human health 
conditions of minority and low-income populations. EPA is committed to 
addressing environmental justice concerns and has assumed a leadership 
role in environmental justice initiatives to enhance environmental 
quality for all citizens of the United States. The Agency's goals are 
to ensure that no segment of the population, regardless of race, color, 
national origin, income, or net worth bears disproportionately high and 
adverse human health and environmental impacts as a result of EPA's 
policies, programs, and activities. Our goal is to ensure that all 
citizens live in clean and sustainable communities. This action merely 
finalizes an interpretation of an existing rule and includes no changes 
that are expected to significantly or disproportionately impact 
environmental justice communities.

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. EPA will submit a report containing the 
final rule amendments and other required information to the United 
States Senate, the United States House of Representatives, and the 
Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of the 
final 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). The final 
rule will be effective on January 16, 2007.

    Dated: December 11, 2006.
Stephen L. Johnson,
Administrator.
 [FR Doc. E6-21427 Filed 12-14-06; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
