
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 131 (Friday, July 8, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44542-44554]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-15623]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R01-OAR-2012-0950; FRL-9948-58-Region 1]


Air Plan Approval; New Hampshire; Infrastructure Requirements for 
the 2010 Sulfur Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standards

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving 
elements of State Implementation Plan (SIP) submissions from New 
Hampshire regarding the infrastructure requirements of the Clean Air 
Act (CAA or Act) for the 2010 sulfur dioxide National Ambient Air 
Quality Standards (NAAQS). EPA is also updating the classification for 
two of New Hampshire's air quality control regions for sulfur dioxide 
based on recent air quality monitoring data collected by the state. 
Last, we are conditionally approving certain elements of New 
Hampshire's submittal relating to prevention of significant 
deterioration requirements.
    The infrastructure requirements are designed to ensure that the 
structural components of each state's air quality management program 
are adequate to meet the state's responsibilities under the CAA.

DATES: This final rule is effective on August 8, 2016.

ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID 
Number EPA-R01-OAR-2012-0950. All documents in the docket are listed in 
the www.regulations.gov Web site. Although listed in the electronic 
docket, some information is not publicly available, i.e., confidential 
business information (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 at http://www.regulations.gov or at the U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency, EPA New England Regional Office, Office of Ecosystem 
Protection, Air Quality Planning Unit, 5 Post Office Square, Suite 100, 
Boston, MA. EPA requests that if at all possible, you contact the 
contact listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to 
schedule your inspection. The Regional Office's official hours of 
business are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding 
legal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donald Dahl, (617) 918-1657, or by 
email at dahl.donald@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document whenever ``we,'' 
``us,'' or ``our'' is used, we mean EPA.
    Organization of this document. The following outline is provided to 
aid in locating information in this preamble.

I. Summary of SIP Revision
II. Public Comments
    A. Sierra Club General Comments on Emission Limitations
    1. The Plain Language of the CAA
    2. The Legislative History of the CAA
    3. Case Law
    4. EPA Regulations, Such as 40 CFR 51.112(a)
    5. EPA Interpretations in Other Rulemakings
    B. Sierra Club Comments on New Hampshire SIP SO2 
Emission Limits
III. Final Action
IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

I. Summary of SIP Revision

    On June 22, 2010 (75 FR 35520), EPA promulgated a revised NAAQS for 
the 1-hour primary SO2 at a level of 75 parts per billion 
(ppb), based on a 3-year average of the annual 99th percentile of 1-
hour daily maximum concentrations. Pursuant to section 110(a)(1) of the 
CAA, states are required to submit SIPs meeting the applicable 
requirements of section 110(a)(2) within three years after promulgation 
of a new or revised NAAQS or within such shorter period as EPA may 
prescribe.
    On September 13, 2013, the New Hampshire Department of 
Environmental Services (NH DES) submitted a SIP revision addressing 
infrastructure elements specified in section 110(a)(2) of the CAA to 
implement, maintain, and enforce the 2010 sulfur dioxide NAAQS. On July 
17, 2015 (80 FR 42446), EPA published a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPR) for the State of New Hampshire proposing approval of New 
Hampshire's submittal. In the NPR, EPA proposed approval of the 
following infrastructure elements: Section 110(a)(2)(A), (B), (C) 
(enforcement and minor new source review), (D)(i)(II) (Visibility 
Protection), (D)(ii) (International Pollution Abatement), (E)(i) and 
(ii), (F), (G), (H), (J) (consultation, public notification, and 
visibility protection), (K), (L), and (M), or portions thereof. EPA 
also proposed to approve the PSD program relating to infrastructure 
elements (C)(ii), D(i)(II), D(ii), and (J)(iii), except to 
conditionally approve the aspect of the PSD program relating to 
notification to neighboring states. Within the same NPR, EPA also 
proposed taking similar action on New Hampshire's infrastructure SIP 
submittals for the 2008 lead, 2008 ozone, and the 2010 nitrogen dioxide 
standards. EPA has already finalized its action on the infrastructure 
SIPs for the 2008 lead, 2008 ozone, and the 2010 nitrogen dioxide 
standards (80 FR 78139, December 16, 2015).
    In New Hampshire's September 13, 2013 infrastructure SIP for the 
SO2 NAAQS, the state did not submit section 110(a)(2)(I) 
which pertains to the

[[Page 44543]]

nonattainment requirements of part D, Title I of the CAA, since this 
element is not required to be submitted by the 3-year submission 
deadline of section 110(a)(1), and will be addressed in a separate 
process. This rulemaking action also does not include action on section 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) of the CAA, because New Hampshire's September 13, 
2013 infrastructure SIP submittal did not include provisions for this 
element. EPA will take later, separate action on section 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS for New Hampshire.
    The rationale supporting EPA's proposed rulemaking action, 
including the scope of infrastructure SIPs in general, is explained in 
the published NPR. The NPR is available in the docket for this 
rulemaking at www.regulations.gov, Docket ID Number EPA-R01-OAR-2012-
0950.

II. Public Comments and EPA's Responses

    EPA received comments from the Sierra Club on the August 17, 2015 
proposed rulemaking action on New Hampshire's 2010 SO2 
infrastructure SIP. A full set of these comments is provided in the 
docket for this final rulemaking action.

A. Sierra Club General Comments on Emission Limitations

1. The Plain Language of the CAA
    Comment 1: Sierra Club (hereafter referred to as Commenter) 
contends that the plain language of section 110(a)(2)(A) of the CAA, 
legislative history of the CAA, case law, EPA regulations such as 40 
CFR 51.112(a), and EPA interpretations in prior rulemakings require 
that infrastructure SIPs include enforceable emission limits that 
ensure attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS. Accordingly, Commenter 
contends that any infrastructure SIP where emission limits are 
inadequate to prevent exceedances of the NAAQS must be disapproved.
    The Commenter states the main objective of the infrastructure SIP 
process ``is to ensure that all areas of the country meet the NAAQS'' 
and states that nonattainment areas are addressed through 
``nonattainment SIPs.'' The Commenter asserts the NAAQS ``are the 
foundation upon which air emissions limitations and standards for the 
entire country are set,'' including specific emission limitations for 
most large stationary sources, such as coal-fired power plants. The 
Commenter discusses the CAA's framework whereby states have primary 
responsibility to assure air quality within the state, which the states 
carry out through SIPs such as infrastructure SIPs required by section 
110(a)(2). The Commenter also states that on its face the CAA requires 
infrastructure SIPs ``to prevent exceedances of the NAAQS.'' In 
support, the Commenter quotes the language in section 110(a)(1), which 
requires states to adopt a plan for implementation, maintenance, and 
enforcement of the NAAQS, and the language in section 110(a)(2)(A), 
which requires SIPs to include enforceable emissions limitations as may 
be necessary to meet the requirements of the CAA, which the Commenter 
claims includes attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS. The Commenter 
also notes the use of the word ``attain'' in section 110(a)(2)(H)(ii) 
and suggests this is further evidence that the emission limits provided 
for in section 110(a)(2)(A) must ensure attainment of the NAAQS.
    Response 1: EPA disagrees that section 110 is clear on its face and 
must be interpreted in the manner suggested by the Commenter. As we 
have previously explained in response to the Commenter's similar 
comments on EPA's actions approving other states' infrastructure SIPs, 
section 110 is only one provision that is part of the complicated 
structure governing implementation of the NAAQS program under the CAA, 
as amended in 1990, and it must be interpreted in the context of not 
only that structure, but also of the historical evolution of that 
structure.\1\
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    \1\ See 80 FR 46494 (Aug. 5, 2015) (approving Pennsylvania 
SO2 and ozone infrastructure SIP); 80 FR 11557 (Mar. 4, 
2015) (approving Virginia SO2 infrastructure SIP); 79 FR 
62022 (Oct. 16, 2014) (approving West Virginia SO2 
infrastructure SIP); 79 FR 19001 (Apr. 7, 2014) (approving West 
Virginia ozone infrastructure SIP); 79 FR 17043 (Mar. 27, 2014) 
(approving Virginia ozone infrastructure SIP); and 80 FR 63436 (Oct. 
20, 2015) (approving Minnesota ozone, NO2, 
SO2, and PM2.5 infrastructure SIP).
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    EPA interprets infrastructure SIPs as more general planning SIPs, 
consistent with the CAA as understood in light of its history and 
structure. When Congress enacted the CAA in 1970, it did not include 
provisions requiring states and the EPA to label areas as attainment or 
nonattainment. Rather, states were required to include all areas of the 
state in ``air quality control regions'' (AQCRs) and section 110 set 
forth the core substantive planning provisions for these AQCRs. At that 
time, Congress anticipated that states would be able to address air 
pollution quickly pursuant to the very general planning provisions in 
section 110 and could bring all areas into compliance with a new NAAQS 
within five years. Moreover, at that time, section 110(a)(2)(A)(i) 
specified that the section 110 plan provide for ``attainment'' of the 
NAAQS and section 110(a)(2)(B) specified that the plan must include 
``emission limitations, schedules, and timetables for compliance with 
such limitations, and such other measures as may be necessary to insure 
attainment and maintenance [of the NAAQS].''
    In 1977, Congress recognized that the existing structure was not 
sufficient and many areas were still violating the NAAQS. At that time, 
Congress for the first time added provisions requiring states and EPA 
to identify whether areas of a state were violating the NAAQS (i.e., 
were nonattainment) or were meeting the NAAQS (i.e., were attainment) 
and established specific planning requirements in section 172 for areas 
not meeting the NAAQS. In 1990, many areas still had air quality not 
meeting the NAAQS and Congress again amended the CAA and added yet 
another layer of more prescriptive planning requirements for each of 
the NAAQS. At that same time, Congress modified section 110 to remove 
references to the section 110 SIP providing for attainment, including 
removing pre-existing section 110(a)(2)(A) in its entirety and 
renumbering subparagraph (B) as section 110(a)(2)(A). Additionally, 
Congress replaced the clause ``as may be necessary to insure attainment 
and maintenance [of the NAAQS]'' with ``as may be necessary or 
appropriate to meet the applicable requirements of this chapter.'' \2\ 
Thus, the CAA has significantly evolved in the more than 40 years since 
it was originally enacted. While at one time section 110 of the CAA did 
provide the only detailed SIP planning provisions for states and 
specified that such plans must provide for attainment of the NAAQS, 
under the structure of the current CAA, section 110 is only the initial 
stepping-stone in the planning process for a specific NAAQS. More 
detailed, later-enacted

[[Page 44544]]

provisions govern the substantive planning process, including planning 
for attainment of the NAAQS.
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    \2\ The Commenter misses the mark by citing the word ``attain'' 
in CAA section 110(a)(2)(H) as evidence that the emission limits 
submitted to satisfy the infrastructure requirements of 110(a)(2)(A) 
must ensure attainment of the NAAQS. That portion of section 
110(a)(2)(H) is referencing CAA section 110(k)(5)--the ``SIP call'' 
process--which allows the Administrator to make a finding of 
substantial inadequacy with respect to a SIP. As discussed at 
proposal, the existence of section 110(k)(5) bolster's the 
reasonableness of EPA's approach to infrastructure SIP requirements, 
which is based on a reasonable reading of sections 110(a)(1) and 
110(a)(2). Section 110(k)(5) is one of the avenues and mechanisms 
Congress provided to address specific substantive deficiencies in 
existing SIPs. The SIP call process allows EPA to take appropriately 
tailored action, depending upon the nature and severity of the 
alleged SIP deficiency. Section 110(a)(2)(H)(ii) ensures that the 
relevant state agency has the authority to revise the SIP in 
response to a SIP call.
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    Thus, section 110 of the CAA is only one provision of the 
complicated overall structure governing implementation of the NAAQS 
program under the CAA, as amended in 1990, and must be interpreted in 
the context of that structure and the historical evolution of that 
structure. In light of the revisions to section 110 since 1970 and the 
later promulgated and more specific planning requirements of the CAA, 
EPA reasonably interprets the requirement in section 110(a)(2)(A) of 
the CAA that the plan provide for ``implementation, maintenance and 
enforcement'' to mean that the SIP must contain enforceable emission 
limits that will aid in attaining and/or maintaining the NAAQS and that 
the state demonstrate that it has the necessary tools to implement and 
enforce a NAAQS, such as adequate state personnel and an enforcement 
program. EPA has interpreted the requirement for emission limitations 
in section 110 to mean that a state may rely on measures already in 
place to address the pollutant at issue or any new control measures 
that the state may choose to submit. Finally, as EPA has stated in the 
2013 Guidance on Infrastructure State Implementation Plan (SIP) 
Elements under Clean Air Act Sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2) (``2013 
Infrastructure SIP Guidance''), which specifically provides guidance to 
states in addressing the 2010 SO2 NAAQS, ``[t]he conceptual 
purpose of an infrastructure SIP submission is to assure that the air 
agency's SIP contains the necessary structural requirements for the new 
or revised NAAQS, whether by establishing that the SIP already contains 
the necessary provisions, by making a substantive SIP revision to 
update the SIP, or both.'' 2013 Infrastructure SIP Guidance at p. 1-
2.\3\
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    \3\ Thus, EPA disagrees with the Commenter's general assertion 
that the main objective of infrastructure SIPs is to ensure all 
areas of the country meet the NAAQS, as we believe the 
infrastructure SIP process is the opportunity to review the 
structural requirements of a state's air program. While the NAAQS 
can be a foundation upon which emission limitations are set, as 
explained in responses to subsequent comments, these emission 
limitations are generally set in the attainment planning process 
envisioned by part D of title I of the CAA, including, but not 
limited to, CAA sections 172, 181-182, and 191-192.
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2. The Legislative History of the CAA
    Comment 2: The Commenter cites two excerpts from the legislative 
history of the 1970 CAA, claiming they support an interpretation that 
SIP revisions under CAA section 110 must include emissions limitations 
sufficient to show maintenance of the NAAQS in all areas of the state. 
The Commenter also contends that the legislative history of the CAA 
supports the interpretation that infrastructure SIPs under section 
110(a)(2) must include enforceable emission limitations, citing the 
Senate Committee Report and the subsequent Senate Conference Report 
accompanying the 1970 CAA.
    Response 2: As provided in the previous response, the CAA, as 
enacted in 1970, including its legislative history, cannot be 
interpreted in isolation from the later amendments that refined that 
structure and deleted relevant language from section 110 concerning 
demonstrating attainment. See also 79 FR at 17046 (responding to 
comments on Virginia's ozone infrastructure SIP). In any event, the two 
excerpts of legislative history the Commenter cites merely provide that 
states should include enforceable emission limits in their SIPs, and 
they do not mention or otherwise address whether states are required to 
include maintenance plans for all areas of the state as part of the 
infrastructure SIP.
3. Case Law
    Comment 3: The Commenter also discusses several cases applying the 
CAA which the Commenter claims support its contention that courts have 
been clear that section 110(a)(2)(A) requires enforceable emissions 
limits in infrastructure SIPs to prevent exceedances of the NAAQS. The 
Commenter first cites to language in Train v. Natural Resources Defense 
Council, 421 U.S. 60, 78 (1975), addressing the requirement for 
``emission limitations'' and stating that emission limitations ``are 
the specific rules to which operators of pollution sources are subject, 
and which if enforced should result in ambient air which meets the 
national standards.'' The Commenter also cites Pennsylvania Department 
of Environmental Resources v. EPA, 932 F.2d 269, 272 (3d Cir. 1991), 
for the proposition that the CAA directs EPA to withhold approval of a 
SIP where it does not ensure maintenance of the NAAQS, and to Mision 
Industrial, Inc. v. EPA, 547 F.2d 123, 129 (1st Cir. 1976), which 
quoted section 110(a)(2)(B) of the CAA of 1970. The Commenter contends 
that the 1990 Amendments do not alter how courts have interpreted the 
requirements of section 110, quoting Alaska Department of Environmental 
Conservation v. EPA, 540 U.S. 461, 470 (2004), which in turn quoted 
section 110(a)(2)(A) of the CAA and also stated that ``SIPs must 
include certain measures Congress specified'' to ensure attainment of 
the NAAQS. The Commenter also quotes several additional opinions in 
this vein, including Montana Sulphur & Chemical Co. v. EPA, 666 F.3d 
1174, 1180 (9th Cir. 2012) (``The Clean Air Act directs states to 
develop implementation plans--SIPs--that `assure' attainment and 
maintenance of national ambient air quality standards (`NAAQS') through 
enforceable emission limitations.'') and Hall v. EPA, 273 F.3d 1146, 
1161 (9th Cir. 2001) (EPA's analysis is required to ``reflect 
consideration of the prospects of meeting current attainment 
requirements under a revised air quality plan.''). Finally, the 
Commenter cites Michigan Department of Environmental Quality v. 
Browner, for the proposition that an infrastructure SIP must 
``include[] emission limitations that result in compliance with the 
NAAQS.'' 230 F.3d 181, 185 (6th Cir. 2000) (citing Train, 421 U.S. at 
79).
    Response 3: None of the cases the Commenter cites support its 
contention that section 110(a)(2)(A) is clear that infrastructure SIPs 
must include detailed plans providing for attainment and maintenance of 
the NAAQS in all areas of the state, nor do they shed light on how 
section 110(a)(2)(A) may reasonably be interpreted. With the exception 
of Train, none of the cases the Commenter cites concerned the 
interpretation of CAA section 110(a)(2)(A) (or section 110(a)(2)(B) of 
the pre-1990 Act). Rather, the courts reference section 110(a)(2)(A) 
(or section 110(a)(2)(B) of the pre-1990 CAA) in the background 
sections of decisions in the context of a challenge to an EPA action on 
revisions to a SIP that was required and approved or disapproved as 
meeting other provisions of the CAA or in the context of an enforcement 
action.
    In Train, the Court was addressing a state revision to an 
attainment plan submission made pursuant to section 110 of the CAA, the 
sole statutory provision at that time regulating such submissions. The 
issue in that case concerned whether changes to requirements that would 
occur before attainment was required were variances that should be 
addressed pursuant to the provision governing SIP revisions or were 
``postponements'' that must be addressed under section 110(f) of the 
CAA of 1970, which contained prescriptive criteria. The Court concluded 
that EPA reasonably interpreted section 110(f) not to restrict a 
state's choice of the mix of control measures needed to attain the 
NAAQS and that revisions to SIPs that would not impact attainment of 
the NAAQS by the attainment date were not subject to the limits of 
section 110(f). Thus, the issue was not whether a section 110 SIP

[[Page 44545]]

needs to provide for attainment or whether emissions limits providing 
such are needed as part of the SIP; rather the issue was which 
statutory provision governed when the state wanted to revise the 
emission limits in its SIP if such revision would not impact attainment 
or maintenance of the NAAQS. To the extent the holding in the case has 
any bearing on how section 110(a)(2)(A) might be interpreted, it is 
important to realize that in 1975, when the opinion was issued, section 
110(a)(2)(B) (the predecessor to section 110(a)(2)(A)) expressly 
referenced the requirement to attain the NAAQS, a reference that was 
removed in 1990.
    The decision in Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources 
was also decided based on the pre-1990 provision of the CAA. At issue 
was whether EPA properly rejected a revision to an approved plan where 
the inventories relied on by the state for the updated submission had 
gaps. The Court quoted section 110(a)(2)(B) of the pre-1990 CAA in 
support of EPA's disapproval, but did not provide any interpretation of 
that provision. Yet, even if the Court had interpreted that provision, 
EPA notes that it was modified by Congress in 1990; thus, this decision 
has little bearing on the issue here.
    At issue in Mision was the definition of ``emissions limitation,'' 
not whether section 110 requires the state to demonstrate how all areas 
of the state will attain and maintain the NAAQS as part of their 
infrastructure SIPs. The language from the opinion the Commenter quotes 
does not interpret but rather merely describes section 110(a)(2)(A); 
the decision in this case has no bearing here.\4\ In Montana Sulphur, 
the Court was not reviewing an infrastructure SIP, but rather EPA's 
disapproval of a SIP and promulgation of a federal implementation plan 
(FIP) after a long history of the state failing to submit an adequate 
SIP in response to EPA's finding under section 110(k)(5) that the 
previously approved SIP was substantially inadequate to attain or 
maintain the NAAQS. The Court cited generally to sections 107 and 
110(a)(2)(A) of the CAA for the proposition that SIPs should assure 
attainment and maintenance of NAAQS through emission limitations, but 
this language was not part of the Court's holding in the case, which 
focused instead on whether EPA's finding of SIP inadequacy, disapproval 
of the state's required responsive attainment demonstration under 
section 110(k)(5), and adoption of a remedial FIP under section 110(c) 
were lawful. The Commenter suggests that Alaska Department of 
Environmental Conservation stands for the proposition that the 1990 CAA 
Amendments do not alter how courts interpret section 110. This claim is 
inaccurate. Rather, the Court quoted section 110(a)(2)(A), which, as 
noted previously, differs from the pre-1990 version of that provision 
and the Court made no mention of the changed language. Furthermore, the 
Commenter also quotes the Court's statement that ``SIPs must include 
certain measures Congress specified,'' but that statement specifically 
referenced the requirement in section 110(a)(2)(C), which requires an 
enforcement program and a program for the regulation of the 
modification and construction of new sources. Notably, at issue in that 
case was the state's ``new source'' permitting program, not its 
infrastructure SIP.
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    \4\ To the extent the comments could be read to include an 
assertion that New Hampshire's SIP does not contain any ``emissions 
limitations'' relevant to SO2, it should be noted that 
state regulations at Env-A Chapter 400, Sulfur Content Limits in 
Fuels, which EPA previously approved into the state's SIP, see 40 
CFR 52.1520(c), are similar to the regulations that the Mision court 
found to be an ``emission limitation'' in 1976. See 547 F.2d at 129.
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    Two of the other cases the Commenter cites, Michigan Department of 
Environmental Quality and Hall, interpret CAA section 110(l), the 
provision governing ``revisions'' to plans, and not the initial plan 
submission requirement under section 110(a)(2) for a new or revised 
NAAQS, such as the infrastructure SIP at issue in this instance. In 
those cases, the courts cited to section 110(a)(2)(A) solely for the 
purpose of providing a brief background of the CAA.
    EPA does not believe any of these court decisions addressed 
required measures for infrastructure SIPs and believes nothing in the 
opinions addressed whether infrastructure SIPs need to contain measures 
to ensure attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS.
4. EPA Regulations, Such as 40 CFR 51.112(a)
    Comment 4: The Commenter cites to 40 CFR 51.112(a), providing that 
each plan ``must demonstrate that the measures, rules and regulations 
contained in it are adequate to provide for the timely attainment and 
maintenance of the [NAAQS].'' The Commenter asserts that this 
regulation requires infrastructure SIPs to include emissions limits 
necessary to ensure attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS. The 
Commenter states the provisions of 40 CFR 51.112 are not limited to 
nonattainment SIPs and instead apply to infrastructure SIPs, which are 
required to attain and maintain the NAAQS in all areas of a state. The 
Commenter relies on a statement in the preamble to the 1986 action 
restructuring and consolidating provisions in part 51, in which EPA 
stated that ``[i]t is beyond the scope of th[is] rulemaking to address 
the provisions of Part D of the Act . . .'' 51 FR 40656, 40656 (Nov. 7, 
1986). The Commenter asserts 40 CFR 51.112(a) ``identifies the plans to 
which it applies as those that implement the NAAQS,'' which it contends 
means that Sec.  51.112(a) is applicable to infrastructure SIPs.
    Response 4: The Commenter's reliance on 40 CFR 51.112 to support 
its argument that infrastructure SIPs must contain emission limits 
adequate to ensure attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS is not 
supported. As an initial matter, EPA notes this regulatory provision 
was initially promulgated and later restructured and consolidated prior 
to the CAA Amendments of 1990, in which Congress removed all references 
to ``attainment'' in section 110(a)(2)(A). And, it is clear on its face 
that 40 CFR 51.112 applies to plans specifically designed to attain the 
NAAQS. EPA interprets these provisions to apply when states are 
developing ``control strategy'' SIPs such as the detailed attainment 
and maintenance plans required under other provisions of the CAA, as 
amended in 1977 and again in 1990, such as sections 175A, 181-182, and 
191-192. The Commenter suggests that these provisions must apply to 
section 110 SIPs because in the preamble to EPA's action 
``restructuring and consolidating'' provisions in part 51, EPA stated 
the new attainment demonstration provisions in the 1977 Amendments to 
the CAA were ``beyond the scope'' of the rulemaking. It is important to 
note, however, that EPA's action in 1986 was not to establish new 
substantive planning requirements, but rather was meant merely to 
consolidate and restructure provisions that had previously been 
promulgated. EPA noted that it had already issued guidance addressing 
the new ``Part D'' attainment planning obligations. Also, as to 
maintenance regulations, EPA expressly stated that it was not making 
any revisions other than to re-number those provisions. 51 FR at 40657.
    Although EPA was explicit that it was not establishing requirements 
interpreting the provisions of new ``Part D'' of the CAA, it is clear 
the regulations being restructured and consolidated were intended to 
address control strategy plans. In the preamble, EPA clearly stated 
that 40 CFR 51.112 was

[[Page 44546]]

replacing 40 CFR 51.13 (``Control strategy: SOX and PM 
(portion)''), 51.14 (``Control strategy: CO, HC, OX and 
NO2 (portion)''), 51.80 (``Demonstration of attainment: Pb 
(portion)''), and 51.82 (``Air quality data (portion)''). Id. at 
40,660. Thus, the present-day 40 CFR 51.112 contains consolidated 
provisions that are focused on control strategy SIPs, and the 
infrastructure SIP is not such a plan.
5. EPA Interpretations in Other Rulemakings
    Comment 5: The Commenter references a prior EPA rulemaking action 
where EPA disapproved a SIP and claims that action shows EPA relied on 
section 110(a)(2)(A) and 40 CFR 51.112 to reject the SIP. The Commenter 
points to a 2006 partial approval and partial disapproval of revisions 
to Missouri's existing control strategy plans addressing the 
SO2 NAAQS. The Commenter claims EPA cited section 
110(a)(2)(A) for disapproving a revision to the state plan on the basis 
that the State failed to demonstrate the SIP was sufficient to ensure 
maintenance of the SO2 NAAQS after revision of an emission 
limit and claims EPA cited to 40 CFR 51.112 as requiring that a plan 
demonstrates the rules in a SIP are adequate to attain the NAAQS. The 
Commenter claims the revisions to Missouri's control strategy SIP for 
SO2 were rejected by EPA because the revised control 
strategy limits were also in Missouri's infrastructure SIP and thus the 
weakened limits would have impacted the infrastructure SIP's ability to 
aid in attaining and maintaining the NAAQS.
    Response 5: EPA does not agree the prior Missouri rulemaking action 
referenced by the Commenter establishes how EPA reviews infrastructure 
SIPs. It is clear from the final Missouri rule that EPA was not 
reviewing initial infrastructure SIP submissions under section 110 of 
the CAA, but rather reviewing revisions that would make an already 
approved SIP designed to demonstrate attainment of the NAAQS less 
stringent. EPA's partial approval and partial disapproval of revisions 
to restrictions on emissions of sulfur compounds for the Missouri SIP 
in 71 FR 12623 addressed a control strategy SIP and not an 
infrastructure SIP. Nothing in that action addresses the necessary 
content of the initial infrastructure SIP for a new or revised NAAQS.

B. Sierra Club Comments on New Hampshire SIP SO2 Emission 
Limits

    The Commenter contends that the New Hampshire 2010 SO2 
infrastructure SIP revisions did not revise the existing SO2 
emission limits in response to the 2010 SO2 NAAQS and fail 
to comport with assorted CAA requirements for SIPs to establish 
enforceable emission limits that are adequate to prohibit NAAQS 
exceedances in areas not designated nonattainment.
    Comment 6: Citing section 110(a)(2)(A) of the CAA, the Commenter 
contends that EPA may not approve New Hampshire's proposed 2010 
SO2 infrastructure SIP, because it does not include 
SO2 emissions limits or other required measures sufficient 
to ensure attainment and maintenance of the SO2 NAAQS in 
areas not designated nonattainment, which the Commenter claims is 
required by section 110(a)(2)(A), and because it does not include 
SO2 emission limits ``set in light of the 2010 
SO2 NAAQS or even analyzed in light of the standard.'' The 
Commenter also contended that section 110(a)(2)(A) requires not only 
that the state air agency has the authority to adopt future emission 
limitations, but that the SIP include existing substantive emission 
limitations. The Commenter also provided results from a refined air 
dispersion modeling analysis that evaluated SO2 impacts from 
Schiller Station, which the commenter asserts demonstrate that 
SO2 emission limits relied on in the infrastructure SIP are 
insufficient to prevent exceedances of the NAAQS in both New Hampshire 
and Maine and claims that emissions from this source can in theory, and 
have in practice, resulted in exceedances of the 2010 SO2 
NAAQS. Lastly, the commenter asserted the structure of the Act makes 
clear that Congress did not intend states to be relieved of their 
infrastructure SIP obligations under section 110(a)(2)(A) until 
designations occur. For all of these reasons, the Commenter maintained 
that EPA should disapprove New Hampshire's SO2 
infrastructure SIP and promulgate a FIP.
    Response 6: EPA disagrees with the Commenter that EPA must 
disapprove New Hampshire's SO2 infrastructure SIP for the 
reasons provided by the Commenter, including the Commenter's modeling 
results and the state's allegedly insufficient SO2 emission 
limits. EPA is not in this action making a determination regarding the 
State's current air quality status or regarding whether its control 
strategy is sufficient to attain and maintain the NAAQS. Therefore, EPA 
is not in this action making any judgment on whether the Commenter's 
submitted modeling demonstrates the NAAQS exceedances that the 
Commenter claims. EPA believes that section 110(a)(2)(A) of the CAA is 
reasonably interpreted to require states to submit infrastructure SIPs 
that reflect the first step in their planning for attainment and 
maintenance of a new or revised NAAQS. These SIP revisions should 
contain a demonstration the state has the available tools and authority 
to develop and implement plans to attain and maintain the NAAQS and 
show that the SIP has enforceable control measures. In light of the 
structure of the CAA, EPA's longstanding position regarding 
infrastructure SIPs is that they are general planning SIPs to ensure 
that the state has adequate resources and authority to implement a 
NAAQS in general throughout the state and not detailed attainment and 
maintenance plans for each individual area of the state. As mentioned 
above, EPA has interpreted this to mean with regard to the requirement 
for emission limitations that states may rely on measures already in 
place to address the pollutant at issue or any new control measures 
that the state may choose to submit. As stated in response to a 
previous more general comment, section 110 of the CAA is only one 
provision that is part of the complicated structure governing 
implementation of the NAAQS program under the CAA, as amended in 1990, 
and it must be interpreted in the context of not only that structure, 
but also of the historical evolution of that structure. In light of the 
revisions to section 110 since 1970 and the later-promulgated and more 
specific planning requirements of the CAA, EPA reasonably interprets 
the requirement in section 110(a)(2)(A) of the CAA that the plan 
provide for ``implementation, maintenance and enforcement'' to mean 
that the SIP must contain enforceable emission limits that will aid in 
attaining and/or maintaining the NAAQS and that the State demonstrate 
that it has the necessary tools to implement and enforce a NAAQS, such 
as adequate state personnel and an enforcement program. As discussed 
above, EPA has interpreted the requirement for emission limitations in 
section 110 to mean the state may rely on measures already in place to 
address the pollutant at issue or any new control measures that the 
state may choose to submit. Finally, as EPA stated in the 2013 
Infrastructure SIP Guidance, which specifically provides guidance to 
states in addressing the 2010 SO2 NAAQS, ``[t]he conceptual 
purpose of an infrastructure SIP submission is to assure that the air 
agency's SIP contains the necessary structural requirements for the new 
or revised NAAQS, whether by establishing that the SIP already contains 
the necessary provisions, by

[[Page 44547]]

making a substantive SIP revision to update the SIP, or both.'' 2013 
Infrastructure SIP Guidance at p. 2. On April 12, 2012, EPA explained 
its expectations regarding implementation of the 2010 SO2 
NAAQS via letters to each of the states. EPA communicated in the April 
2012 letters that all states were expected to submit SIPs meeting the 
``infrastructure'' SIP requirements under section 110(a)(2) of the CAA 
by June 2013. At the time, EPA was undertaking a stakeholder outreach 
process to continue to develop possible approaches for determining 
attainment status under the SO2 NAAQS and implementing this 
NAAQS. EPA made abundantly clear in the April 2012 letters that EPA did 
not expect states to submit substantive attainment demonstrations or 
modeling demonstrations showing attainment for areas not designated 
nonattainment in infrastructure SIPs due in June 2013. Although EPA had 
previously suggested in its 2010 SO2 NAAQS preamble and in 
prior draft implementation guidance in 2011 that states should, in the 
unique SO2 context, use the section 110(a) SIP process as 
the vehicle for demonstrating attainment of the NAAQS, this approach 
was never adopted as a binding requirement and was subsequently 
discarded in the April 2012 letters to states. The April 2012 letters 
recommended states focus infrastructure SIPs due in June 2013, such as 
New Hampshire's SO2 infrastructure SIP, on traditional 
``infrastructure elements'' in section 110(a)(1) and (2) rather than on 
modeling demonstrations for future attainment for areas not designated 
as nonattainment.\5\ Therefore, EPA asserts that evaluations of 
modeling demonstrations such as the one submitted by the Commenter are 
more appropriately considered in actions that make determinations 
regarding states' current air quality status or regarding future air 
quality status. EPA also asserts that SIP revisions for SO2 
nonattainment areas, including measures and modeling demonstrating 
attainment, are due by the dates statutorily prescribed under subpart 5 
under part D. Those submissions are due no later than 18 months after 
an area is designated nonattainment for SO2, under CAA 
section 191(a). Thus, the CAA directs states to submit these SIP 
requirements that are specific for nonattainment areas on a separate 
schedule from the ``structural requirements'' of 110(a)(2) which are 
due within three years of adoption or revision of a NAAQS and which 
apply statewide. The infrastructure SIP submission requirement does not 
move up the date for any required submission of a part D plan for areas 
designated nonattainment for the new NAAQS. Thus, elements relating to 
demonstrating attainment for areas not attaining the NAAQS are not 
necessary for infrastructure SIP submissions,\6\ and the CAA does not 
provide explicit requirements for demonstrating attainment for areas 
that have not yet been designated regarding attainment with a 
particular NAAQS. As stated previously, EPA believes that the proper 
inquiry at this juncture is whether New Hampshire has met the basic 
structural SIP requirements appropriate at the point in time EPA is 
acting upon the infrastructure submittal. Emissions limitations and 
other control measures needed to attain the NAAQS in areas designated 
nonattainment for that NAAQS are due on a different schedule from the 
section 110 infrastructure elements. A state, like New Hampshire, may 
reference preexisting SIP emission limits or other rules contained in 
part D plans for previous NAAQS in an infrastructure SIP submission. 
New Hampshire's existing rules and emission reduction measures in the 
SIP that control emissions of SO2 were discussed in the 
state's submittal.\7\ These provisions have the ability to reduce 
SO2 overall. Although the New Hampshire SIP relies on 
measures and programs used to implement previous SO2 NAAQS, 
these provisions are not limited to reducing SO2 levels to 
meet one specific NAAQS and will continue to provide benefits for the 
2010 SO2 NAAQS. Additionally, as discussed in the NPR, New 
Hampshire has the ability to revise its SIP when necessary (e.g. in the 
event the Administrator finds the plan to be substantially inadequate 
to attain the NAAQS or otherwise meet all applicable CAA requirements) 
as required under element H of section 110(a)(2).
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    \5\ In EPA's final SO2 NAAQS preamble, 75 FR 35520 
(June 22, 2010), and subsequent draft guidance in March and 
September 2011, EPA had expressed its expectation that many areas 
would be initially designated as unclassifiable due to limitations 
in the scope of the ambient monitoring network and the short time 
available before which states could conduct modeling to support 
their designations recommendations due in June 2011. In order to 
address concerns about potential violations in these unclassifiable 
areas, EPA initially recommended that states submit substantive 
attainment demonstration SIPs based on air quality modeling by June 
2013 (under section 110(a)) that show how their unclassifiable areas 
would attain and maintain the NAAQS in the future. Implementation of 
the 2010 Primary 1-Hour SO2 NAAQS, Draft White Paper for 
Discussion, May 2012 (``2012 Draft White Paper'') (for discussion 
purposes with Stakeholders at meetings in May and June 2012), 
available at http://www.epa.gov/airquality/sulfurdioxide/implement.html. However, EPA clearly stated in this 2012 Draft White 
Paper its clarified implementation position that it was no longer 
recommending such attainment demonstrations for unclassifiable areas 
for June 2013 infrastructure SIPs. Id. EPA had stated in the 
preamble to the NAAQS and in the prior 2011 draft guidance that EPA 
intended to develop and seek public comment on guidance for modeling 
and development of SIPs for sections 110 and 191 of the CAA. Section 
191 of the CAA requires states to submit SIPs in accordance with 
section 172 for areas designated nonattainment with the 
SO2 NAAQS. After seeking such comment, EPA has now issued 
guidance for the nonattainment area SIPs due pursuant to sections 
191 and 172. See Guidance for 1-Hour SO2 Nonattainment Area SIP 
Submissions, Stephen D. Page, Director, EPA's Office of Air Quality 
Planning and Standards, to Regional Air Division Directors Regions 
1-10, April 23, 2014. In September 2013, EPA had previously issued 
specific guidance relevant to infrastructure SIP submissions due for 
the NAAQS, including the 2010 SO2 NAAQS. See 2013 
Infrastructure SIP Guidance.
    \6\ For this reason, EPA disagrees with the comment that the 
infrastructure SIP process is the appropriate mechanism in which to 
demonstrate that emission limitations for Merrimack Station are 
sufficient to ensure the Central New Hampshire nonattainment area 
attains the standard.
    \7\ New Hampshire cites to several SIP approved emission 
limitations relevant to SO2 to demonstrate compliance 
with section 110(a)(2)(A), including Chapter Env-A 400 (Sulfur 
Content Limits in Fuels)(renumbered Env-A 1600). Thus, to the extent 
the Commenter meant to suggest that New Hampshire only has authority 
to set future emission limitations, but that the SIP contains none 
relevant to the 2010 SO2 NAAQS, we disagree.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The requirements for emission reduction measures for an area 
designated nonattainment for the 2010 primary SO2 NAAQS are 
in sections 172 and 191-192 of the CAA, and therefore, the appropriate 
avenue for implementing requirements for necessary emission limitations 
for demonstrating attainment with the 2010 SO2 NAAQS is 
through the attainment planning process contemplated by those sections 
of the CAA. On August 5, 2013, EPA designated as nonattainment most 
areas in locations where existing monitoring data from 2009-2011 
indicated violations of the 1-hour SO2 standard. 78 FR 
47191. At that time, one area in New Hampshire had monitoring data from 
2009-2011 indicating violations of the 1-hour SO2 standard, 
and this area was designated nonattainment in New Hampshire. See 40 CFR 
81.330. On March 2, 2015 the United States District Court for the 
Northern District of California entered a Consent Decree among the EPA, 
Sierra Club and Natural Resources Defense Council to resolve litigation 
concerning the deadline for completing designations for the 2010 
SO2 NAAQS. Pursuant to the terms of the Consent Decree, EPA 
will complete additional designations for all remaining areas of the 
country including remaining areas in New Hampshire.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ The Consent Decree, entered March 2, 2015 by the United 
States District Court for the Northern District of California in 
Sierra Club and NRDC v. EPA, Case 3:13-cv-03953-SI (N.D. Cal.) is 
available at http://www3.epa.gov/so2designations/pdfs/201503FinalCourtOrder.pdf.

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[[Page 44548]]

    For the area designated nonattainment in New Hampshire in August 
2013, the attainment SIP was due by April 4, 2015 and must contain a 
demonstration that the area will attain the 2010 SO2 NAAQS 
as expeditiously as practicable, but no later than October 4, 2018 
pursuant to sections 172, 191 and 192 of the CAA, including a plan for 
enforceable measures to reach attainment of the NAAQS. Similar 
attainment planning SIPs for any additional areas which EPA 
subsequently designates nonattainment with the 2010 SO2 
NAAQS will be due for such areas within the timeframes specified in CAA 
section 191. EPA believes it is not appropriate to interpret the 
overall section 110(a)(2) infrastructure SIP obligation to require 
bypassing the attainment planning process by imposing separate 
requirements outside the attainment planning process. Such actions 
would be disruptive and premature absent exceptional circumstances and 
would interfere with a state's planning process. See In the Matter of 
EME Homer City Generation LP and First Energy Generation Corp., Order 
on Petitions Numbers III-2012-06, III-2012-07, and III 2013-01 (July 
30, 2014) (hereafter, Homer City/Mansfield Order) at 10-19 (finding 
Pennsylvania SIP did not require imposition of 1-hour SO2 
emission limits on sources independent of the part D attainment 
planning process contemplated by the CAA). The history of the CAA and 
intent of Congress for the CAA as described above demonstrate clearly 
that it is within the section 172 and general part D attainment 
planning process that New Hampshire must include SO2 
emission limits on sources, where needed, for the area designated 
nonattainment to reach attainment with the 2010 1-hour SO2 
NAAQS and for any additional areas EPA may subsequently designate 
nonattainment. EPA agrees that the structure of the Act makes clear 
that Congress did not intend to postpone a state's obligation to submit 
and infrastructure SIP under section 110(a)(2)(A) until designations 
occur. EPA disagrees, however, with the Commenter's interpretation that 
section 110(a)(2)(A) requires a state to submit SO2 emission 
limitations for individual sources during this infrastructure SIP 
planning process that ensure attainment and maintenance of the 2010 
SO2 NAAQS. As stated above, in light of the revisions to 
section 110 since 1970 and the later-promulgated and more specific 
planning requirements of the CAA, EPA reasonably interprets the 
requirement in section 110(a)(2)(A) that the plan provide for 
``implementation, maintenance and enforcement'' to mean that the SIP 
must contain enforceable emission limits that will aid in attaining 
and/or maintaining the NAAQS and that the State demonstrate that it has 
the necessary tools to implement and enforce a NAAQS.
    As noted in EPA's preamble for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS, 
determining compliance with the SO2 NAAQS will likely be a 
source-driven analysis and EPA has explored options to ensure that the 
SO2 designations process realistically accounts for 
anticipated SO2 reductions at sources that we expect will be 
achieved by current and pending national and regional rules. See 75 FR 
35520 (June 22, 2010). As mentioned previously, EPA will act in 
accordance with the entered Consent Decree's schedule for conducting 
additional designations for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS and any areas 
designated nonattainment must meet the applicable part D requirements 
for these areas. However, because the purpose of an infrastructure SIP 
submission is for more general planning purposes, EPA does not believe 
New Hampshire was obligated during this infrastructure SIP planning 
process to account for controlled SO2 levels at individual 
sources to satisfy section 110(a)(2)(A). See Homer City/Mansfield Order 
at 10-19. Regarding the air dispersion modeling conducted by the 
Commenter pursuant to AERMOD for Schiller Station, EPA does not find 
the modeling information relevant at this time for review of an 
infrastructure SIP. While EPA has extensively discussed the use of 
modeling for attainment demonstration purposes and for designations, 
EPA has affirmatively stated such modeling was not needed to 
demonstrate attainment for the SO2 infrastructure SIPs under 
the 2010 SO2 NAAQS. See April 12, 2012 letters to states 
regarding SO2 implementation and Implementation of the 2010 
Primary 1-Hour SO2 NAAQS, Draft White Paper for Discussion, 
May 2012, available at http://www.epa.gov/airquality/sulfurdioxide/implement.html.\9\ EPA's Data Requirements Rule contains a process by 
which state air agencies characterize air quality around SO2 
sources through ambient monitoring and/or air quality modeling 
techniques and submit such data to the EPA. See, e.g., 80 FR 51502 
(Aug. 21, 2015). The rule includes a discussion of how EPA anticipates 
addressing modeling that informs determinations of states' air quality 
status under the 2010 SO2 NAAQS. As stated above, EPA 
believes it is not appropriate to bypass the attainment planning 
process by imposing separate attainment planning process requirements 
outside part D and into the infrastructure SIP process.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ EPA has provided draft guidance for states regarding 
modeling analyses to support the designations process for the 2010 
SO2 NAAQS. SO2 NAAQS Designations Modeling 
Technical Assistance Document (draft), EPA Office of Air and 
Radiation and Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, December 
2013, available at http://www.epa.gov/airquality/sulfurdioxide/implement.html.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In conclusion, EPA disagrees with the Commenter's statements that 
EPA must disapprove New Hampshire's infrastructure SIP submission 
because it does not establish specific enforceable SO2 
emission limits, either on coal-fired EGUs or other large 
SO2 sources, in order to demonstrate attainment and 
maintenance with the NAAQS at this time.\10\ Because we are approving 
New Hampshire's infrastructure SIP submission with respect to section 
110(a)(2)(A), we need not promulgate a federal implementation plan. See 
CAA section 110(c)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ Finally, EPA does not disagree with the Commenter's claim 
that coal-fired EGUs are a large source of SO2 emissions 
in New Hampshire based on the 2011 NEI. However, EPA does not agree 
that this information is relevant to our approval of the 
infrastructure SIP, which EPA has explained meets requirements in 
CAA section 110(a)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comment 7: The Commenter claims that New Hampshire's proposed 
SO2 infrastructure SIP lacks emission limitations for 
Schiller Station informed by air dispersion modeling as well as other 
large SO2 sources outside of the nonattainment area and 
therefore fails to ensure New Hampshire will attain and maintain the 
2010 SO2 NAAQS. The Commenter claims EPA must disapprove the 
SO2 infrastructure SIP as it does not ``prevent 
exceedances'' or ensure attainment and maintenance of the 
SO2 NAAQS.
    Response 7: EPA agrees with the Commenter that air dispersion 
modeling, such as AERMOD, can be an important tool in the CAA section 
107 designations process for SO2 and in developing SIPs for 
nonattainment areas as required by sections 172 and 191-192, including 
supporting required attainment demonstrations. EPA agrees that prior 
EPA statements, EPA guidance, and case law support the use of air 
dispersion modeling in the SO2 designations process and 
attainment demonstration process, as well as in analyses of the 
interstate impact of transported emissions and whether existing 
approved SIPs remain adequate

[[Page 44549]]

to show attainment and maintenance of the SO2 NAAQS. 
However, as provided in the previous responses, EPA disagrees with the 
Commenter that EPA must disapprove the New Hampshire SO2 
infrastructure SIP for its alleged failure to include source-specific 
SO2 emission limits that show no exceedances of the NAAQS 
when modeled or ensure attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS.
    In acting to approve or disapprove an infrastructure SIP, EPA is 
not required to make findings regarding current air quality status of 
areas within the state, such area's projected future air quality 
status, or whether existing emissions limits in such area are 
sufficient to meet a NAAQS in the area. The attainment planning process 
detailed in part D of the CAA, including sections 172 and 191-192 
attainment SIPs, is the appropriate place for the state to evaluate 
measures needed to bring in-state nonattainment areas into attainment 
with a NAAQS and to impose additional emission limitations such as 
SO2 emission limits on specific sources.
    EPA had initially recommended that states submit substantive 
attainment demonstration SIPs based on air quality modeling in the 
final 2010 SO2 NAAQS preamble, 75 FR 35520 (June 22, 2010), 
and in subsequent draft guidance issued in September 2011 for the 
section 110(a) SIPs due in June 2013 in order to show how areas then-
expected to be designated as unclassifiable would attain and maintain 
the NAAQS. These initial statements in the preamble and 2011 draft 
guidance, presented only in the context of the new 1-hour 
SO2 NAAQS and not suggested as a matter of general 
infrastructure SIP policy, were based on EPA's expectation at the time 
that, by June 2012, most areas would initially be designated as 
unclassifiable due to limitations in the scope of the ambient 
monitoring network and the short time available before which states 
could conduct modeling to support designations recommendations in 2011. 
However, after conducting extensive stakeholder outreach and receiving 
comments from the states regarding these initial statements and the 
timeline for implementing the NAAQS, EPA subsequently stated in the 
April 12, 2012 letters and in the 2012 Draft White Paper that EPA was 
clarifying its 2010 SO2 NAAQS implementation position and 
was no longer recommending such attainment demonstrations supported by 
air dispersion modeling for unclassifiable areas (which had not yet 
been designated) for the June 2013 infrastructure SIPs. Instead, EPA 
explained that it expected states to submit infrastructure SIPs that 
followed the general policy EPA had applied under other NAAQS. EPA then 
reaffirmed this position in the February 6, 2013 memorandum, ``Next 
Steps for Area Designations and Implementation of the Sulfur Dioxide 
National Ambient Air Quality Standard.'' \11\ As previously mentioned, 
EPA had stated in the preamble to the NAAQS and in the prior 2011 draft 
guidance that EPA intended to develop and seek public comment on 
guidance for modeling and development of SIPs for sections 110, 172 and 
191- 192 of the CAA. After receiving such further comment, EPA has now 
issued guidance for the nonattainment area SIPs due pursuant to 
sections 172 and 191-192. See April 23, 2014 Guidance for 1-Hour 
SO2 Nonattainment Area SIP Submissions. In addition, 
modeling may be an appropriate consideration for states and EPA in 
further designations for the SO2 NAAQS in accordance with 
the Sierra Club and NRDC Consent Decree and the data requirements rule 
mentioned previously.\12\ While the EPA guidance for attainment SIPs 
and for designations for CAA section 107 and the process for 
characterizing SO2 emissions from larger sources discuss the 
use of air dispersion modeling, EPA's 2013 Infrastructure SIP Guidance 
did not suggest that states use air dispersion modeling for purposes of 
the section 110(a)(2) infrastructure SIP. Therefore, as discussed 
previously, EPA believes the New Hampshire SO2 
infrastructure SIP submittal contains the structural requirements to 
address elements in section 110(a)(2) as discussed in the proposed 
approval. EPA believes infrastructure SIPs are general planning SIPs to 
ensure that a state has adequate resources and authority to implement a 
NAAQS. Infrastructure SIP submissions are not intended to act or 
fulfill the obligations of a detailed attainment and/or maintenance 
plan for each individual area of the state that is not attaining the 
NAAQS. While infrastructure SIPs must address modeling authorities in 
general for section 110(a)(2)(K), EPA believes 110(a)(2)(K) requires 
infrastructure SIPs to provide the state's authority for air quality 
modeling and for submission of modeling data to EPA, not specific air 
dispersion modeling for large stationary sources of pollutants. In the 
proposal for this rulemaking action, EPA provided an explanation of New 
Hampshire's ability and authority to conduct air quality modeling when 
required and its authority to submit modeling data to the EPA. The 
comments relating to EPA's use of AERMOD or modeling in general in 
designations pursuant to section 107 are likewise irrelevant as EPA's 
present approval of New Hampshire's infrastructure SIP is unrelated to 
the section 107 designations process. As outlined in the August 23, 
2010 clarification memo, ``Applicability of Appendix W Modeling 
Guidance for the 1-hour SO2 National Ambient Air Quality 
Standard'' (U.S. EPA, 2010a), AERMOD is the preferred model for single 
source modeling to address the 1-hour SO2 NAAQS as part of 
the NSR/PSD permit programs. Therefore, as attainment SIPs, 
designations, and NSR/PSD actions are outside the scope of a required 
infrastructure SIP for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS for section 
110(a), EPA provides no further response to the Commenter's discussion 
of air dispersion modeling for these applications. If the Commenter 
resubmits its air dispersion modeling for the New Hampshire EGU, or 
updated modeling information in the appropriate context, EPA will 
address the resubmitted modeling or updated modeling at that time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ The February 6, 2013 ``Next Steps for Area Designations and 
Implementation of the Sulfur Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality 
Standard,'' one of the April 12, 2012 state letters, and the May 
2012 Draft White Paper are available at http://www.epa.gov/airquality/sulfurdioxide/implement.html.
    \12\ The Consent Decree in Sierra Club and NRDC v. EPA, Case 
3:13-cv-03953-SI (N.D. Cal.) is available at http://www.epa.gov/airquality/sulfurdioxide/designations/pdfs/201503FinalCourtOrder.pdf. See 80 FR 51052, August 21, 2015 (EPA's 
data requirements rule). See also Updated Guidance for Area 
Designations for the 2010 Primary Sulfur Dioxide National Ambient 
Air Quality Standard, Stephen D. Page, Director, EPA's Office of Air 
Quality Planning Standards, March 20, 2015, available at http://www.epa.gov/airquality/sulfurdioxide/pdfs/20150320SO2designations.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commenter, citing administrative law principles regarding 
consideration of comments provided during a rulemaking process,\13\ 
contends that EPA must consider the modeling data the Commenter has 
submitted ``over the years which demonstrate the inadequacy of New 
Hampshire's rules.'' For the reasons previously explained, however, the 
purpose for which the Commenter submitted the modeling--namely, to 
assert that current air quality in the area in which Schiller Station 
is located does not meet the NAAQS--is not relevant to EPA's action on 
this infrastructure SIP, and consequently EPA is not required to 
consider the modeling in evaluating the approvability of the 
infrastructure SIP.

[[Page 44550]]

EPA does not believe infrastructure SIPs must contain emission 
limitations informed by air dispersion modeling in order to meet the 
requirements of section 110(a)(2)(A). Thus, EPA has evaluated the 
persuasiveness of the Commenter's submitted modeling in finding that it 
is not relevant to the approvability of New Hampshire's proposed 
infrastructure SIP for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS, but EPA has made 
no judgment regarding whether the Commenter's submitted modeling is 
sufficient to show violations of the NAAQS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ The Commenter cites to Motor Vehicle Manufacturers 
Association v. State Farm Mutual Auto Insurance Co., 463 U.S. 29, 43 
(1983) and NRDC v. EPA, 571 F.3d 1245, 1254 (D.C. Cir. 2009).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    While EPA does not believe that infrastructure SIP submissions are 
required to contain emission limits assuring in-state attainment of the 
NAAQS, as suggested by the Commenter, EPA does recognize that in the 
past, states have, in their discretion, used infrastructure SIP 
submittals as a `vehicle' for incorporating regulatory revisions or 
source-specific emission limits into the state's plan. See 78 FR 73442 
(December 6, 2013) (approving regulations Maryland submitted for 
incorporation into the SIP along with the 2008 ozone infrastructure SIP 
to address ethics requirements for State Boards in sections 128 and 
110(a)(2)(E)(ii)). While these SIP revisions are intended to help the 
state meet the requirements of section 110(a)(2), these ``ride-along'' 
SIP revisions are not intended to signify that all infrastructure SIP 
submittals must, in order to be approved by EPA, have similar 
regulatory revisions or source-specific emission limits. Rather, the 
regulatory provisions and source-specific emission limits the state 
relies on when showing compliance with section 110(a)(2) have, in many 
cases, likely already been incorporated into the state's SIP prior to 
each new infrastructure SIP submission; in some cases this was done for 
entirely separate CAA requirements, such as attainment plans required 
under section 172, or for previous NAAQS.
    Comment 8: The Commenter asserts that EPA may not approve the 
proposed New Hampshire SO2 infrastructure SIP because it 
fails to include enforceable emission limitations with a 1-hour 
averaging time (or, if longer averaging periods are used, more 
stringent numerical emission limits) that apply at all times. For 
support, the Commenter cites to the definition of ``emission 
limitation'' at CAA section 302(k). The Commenter also claims EPA has 
stated that 1-hour averaging times are necessary for the 2010 
SO2 NAAQS citing to EPA's April 23, 2014 Guidance for 1-Hour 
SO2 Nonattainment Area SIP Submissions, a February 3, 2011, 
EPA Region 7 letter to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment 
regarding the need for 1-hour SO2 emission limits in a PSD 
permit, an EPA Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) decision rejecting use 
of a 3-hour averaging time for a SO2 limit in a PSD 
permit,\14\ and EPA's disapproval of a Missouri SIP that relied on 
annual averaging for SO2 emission rates.\15\ Thus, the 
Commenter contends EPA must disapprove New Hampshire's infrastructure 
SIP, which the Commenter claims fails to require emission limits with 
adequate averaging times.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ In re Mississippi Lime Co., 15 E.A.D. 349, 379-82 (EAB Aug. 
9, 2011).
    \15\ 71 FR 12623, 12,624 (Mar. 13, 2006) (disapproving a control 
strategy SO2 SIP).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Response 8: EPA disagrees that EPA must disapprove the proposed New 
Hampshire infrastructure SIP because the SIP does not contain 
enforceable SO2 emission limitations with 1-hour averaging 
periods that apply at all times, as this issue is not appropriate for 
resolution at this stage. The comment does not assert that the 
SO2 emission limits in New Hampshire's SIP are not 
enforceable or that they do not apply at all times, instead the comment 
focuses on the lack of 1-hour averaging times. As EPA has noted 
previously, the purpose of the section 110(a)(2) SIP is to ensure that 
the State has the necessary structural components to implement programs 
for attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS.\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ As EPA has stated, some areas are designated nonattainment 
areas pursuant to CAA section 107 for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS 
in the State. Thus, while the State, at this time, has an obligation 
to submit attainment plans for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS for 
sections 172, 191 and 192, EPA believes the appropriate time for 
examining necessity of the averaging periods within any submitted 
SO2 emission limits on specific sources is within the 
attainment planning process.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    While EPA does agree that the averaging time is a critical 
consideration for purposes of substantive SIP revisions, such as 
attainment demonstrations, the averaging time of existing rules in the 
SIP is not relevant for determining that the State has met the 
applicable requirements of section 110(a)(2) with respect to the 
infrastructure elements addressed in the present SIP action.\17\ 
Therefore, because EPA finds New Hampshire's SO2 
infrastructure SIP approvable without the additional SO2 
emission limitations showing in-state attainment of the NAAQS, EPA 
finds the issues of appropriate averaging periods for such future 
limitations not relevant at this time. The Commenter has cited to prior 
EPA discussion on emission limitations required in PSD permits (from an 
EAB decision and EPA's letter to Kansas' permitting authority) pursuant 
to part C of the CAA, which is neither relevant nor applicable to the 
present SIP action. In addition, as previously discussed, the EPA 
disapproval of the 2006 Missouri SIP was a disapproval relating to a 
control strategy SIP required pursuant to part D attainment planning 
and is likewise not relevant to the analysis of infrastructure SIP 
requirements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ For a discussion on emission averaging times for emissions 
limitations for SO2 attainment SIPs, see the April 23, 
2014 Guidance for 1-Hour SO2 Nonattainment Area SIP 
Submissions. EPA explained that it is possible, in specific cases, 
for states to develop control strategies that account for 
variability in 1-hour emissions rates through emission limits with 
averaging times that are longer than 1-hour, using averaging times 
as long as 30- days, but still provide for attainment of the 2010 
SO2 NAAQS as long as the limits are of at least 
comparable stringency to a 1-hour limit at the critical emission 
value. EPA has not yet evaluated any specific submission of such a 
limit, and so is not at this time prepared to take final action to 
implement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comment 9: The Commenter states that enforceable emission limits in 
SIPs are necessary to avoid additional nonattainment designations in 
areas where modeling or monitoring shows SO2 levels exceed 
the 1-hour SO2 NAAQS and cites to a February 6, 2013 EPA 
document, Next Steps for Area Designations and Implementation of the 
Sulfur Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standard, which the 
Commenter contends discusses how states could avoid future 
nonattainment designations. The Commenter claims the modeling it 
conducted for Schiller Station indicates exceedances over a wide area 
in both New Hampshire and Maine. The Commenter states that additional 
areas in New Hampshire will have to be designated nonattainment ``if 
source-specific enforceable emissions limits are not placed on PSNH 
Schiller Station through this I-SIP.'' In summary, the Commenter 
asserts that, ``in order to implement the NAAQS, comply with section 
110(a)(2)(A), and avoid additional nonattainment designations for areas 
impacted by'' Schiller Station, EPA must disapprove the New Hampshire 
infrastructure SIP and ensure that emission limits ``relied upon in the 
Infrastructure SIP'' will not allow large sources of SO2 to 
cause exceedances of the 2010 SO2 NAAQS.
    Response 9: EPA appreciates the Commenter's concern with avoiding 
nonattainment designations in New Hampshire for the 2010 SO2 
NAAQS. However, Congress designed the CAA such that states have the 
primary responsibility for achieving and maintaining the NAAQS within 
their geographic areas by submitting SIPs

[[Page 44551]]

which will specify the details of how the states will meet the NAAQS. 
Pursuant to section 107(d), the states make initial recommendations of 
designations for areas within each state and EPA then promulgates the 
designations after considering the state's submission and other 
information. EPA promulgated initial designations for the 2010 
SO2 NAAQS in August 2013 for areas in which monitoring at 
that time showed violations of the NAAQS, but has not yet issued 
designations for other areas and will complete the required 
designations pursuant to the schedule contained in the recently entered 
Consent Decree. EPA will designate additional areas for the 2010 
SO2 NAAQS in accordance with CAA section 107 and existing 
EPA policy and guidance. New Hampshire may, on its own accord, decide 
to impose additional SO2 emission limitations to avoid 
future designations to nonattainment. If additional New Hampshire areas 
are designated nonattainment, New Hampshire will then have the initial 
opportunity to develop additional emissions limitations needed to 
attain the NAAQS, and EPA would be charged with reviewing whether the 
SIP is adequate to demonstrate attainment. See Commonwealth of Virginia 
v. EPA, 108 F.3d 1397, 1410 (D.C. Cir. 1997) (citing Nat. Res. Def. 
Council, Inc. v. Browner, 57 F.3d 1122, 1123 (D.C. Cir. 1995)) 
(discussing that states have primary responsibility for determining an 
emission reductions program for its areas subject to EPA approval 
dependent upon whether the SIP as a whole meets applicable requirements 
of the CAA). However, such considerations are not required of New 
Hampshire at the infrastructure SIP stage of NAAQS implementation, as 
the Commenter's statements concern the separate designations process 
under section 107.\18\ EPA disagrees that the infrastructure SIP must 
be disapproved for not including enforceable emissions limitations to 
prevent future 1-hour SO2 nonattainment designations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ EPA also notes that in EPA's final rule regarding the 2010 
SO2 NAAQS, EPA noted that it anticipates several 
forthcoming national and regional rules, such as the Industrial 
Boilers standard under CAA section 112, are likely to require 
significant reductions in SO2 emissions over the next 
several years. See 75 FR 35520. EPA continues to believe similar 
national and regional rules will lead to SO2 reductions 
that will help achieve compliance with the 2010 SO2 
NAAQS. If it appears that states with areas designated nonattainment 
in 2013 will nevertheless fail to attain the NAAQS as expeditiously 
as practicable (but no later than October 2018) during EPA's review 
of attainment SIPs required by section 172, the CAA provides 
authorities and tools for EPA to solve such failure, including, as 
appropriate, disapproving submitted SIPs and promulgating federal 
implementation plans. Likewise, for any areas designated 
nonattainment after 2013, EPA has the same authorities and tools 
available to address any areas which do not timely attain the NAAQS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comment 10: The commenter notes that New Hampshire did not include 
a submittal to satisfy CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) (the so-called 
``Good Neighbor'' provision) and asserts that, as a result, ``EPA must 
take immediate action here to disapprove the SO2 I-SIP 
Certification . . . and initiate the FIP [Federal Implementation Plan] 
process with regard to the I-SIP's `Good Neighbor' provisions.''
    Response 10: EPA is not taking any action at this time with respect 
to Element D(i)(I), which addresses emissions that significantly 
contribute to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the NAAQS 
in another state, also known as ``good neighbor'' SIPs or ``interstate 
transport'' SIPs. As the commenter notes, New Hampshire did not include 
any provisions to address the requirements of section 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) in its September 13, 2013infrastructure SIP 
submittal for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS. In the NPR, EPA did not 
propose to take any action with respect to New Hampshire's obligations 
pursuant to section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) for the September 13, 2013 
infrastructure SIP submittal.
    Because New Hampshire did not make a submission in its September 
13, 2013 SIP submittal to address the requirements of section 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I), EPA is not required to have proposed or to take 
final SIP approval or disapproval action on this element under section 
110(k) of the CAA. In this case, there has been no substantive 
submission for EPA to evaluate under section 110(k). Nor does the lack 
of a submission addressing section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) require EPA to 
disapprove New Hampshire's September 13, 2013 SIP submittal as to the 
other elements of section 110(a)(2). EPA interprets its authority under 
section 110(k)(3) of the CAA as affording EPA the discretion to 
approve, or conditionally approve, individual elements of New 
Hampshire's infrastructure SIP submissions, separate and apart from any 
action with respect to the requirements of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) 
of the CAA. EPA views discrete infrastructure SIP requirements in 
section 110(a)(2), such as the requirements of 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I), as 
severable from the other infrastructure elements and interprets section 
110(k)(3) as allowing it to act on individual severable measures in a 
plan submission.
    On August 21, 2012, the D.C. Circuit issued a decision in EME Homer 
City Generation, L.P. v. EPA, 696 F.3d 7, 31 (D.C. Cir. 2012), holding, 
among other things, that states had no obligation to submit good 
neighbor SIPs until the EPA had first quantified each state's good 
neighbor obligation. Accordingly, under that decision the submission 
deadline for good neighbor SIPs under the CAA would not necessarily be 
tied to the promulgation of a new or revised NAAQS. While the EPA 
sought review first with the D.C. Circuit en banc and then with the 
United States Supreme Court, the EPA complied with the D.C. Circuit's 
ruling during the pendency of its appeal. The D.C. Circuit declined to 
consider EPA's appeal en banc, but, on April 29, 2014, the Supreme 
Court reversed the D.C. Circuit's EME Homer City opinion and held, 
among other things, that under the plain language of the CAA, states 
must submit SIPs addressing the good neighbor requirement in CAA 
section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) within three years of promulgation of a new 
or revised NAAQS, regardless of whether the EPA first provides 
guidance, technical data or rulemaking to quantify the state's 
obligation.
    Pursuant to CAA section 110(c)(1), EPA is authorized and obligated 
to promulgate a FIP, if EPA takes any of the following actions: (1) 
Finds that a state has failed to make a required SIP submission; (2) 
finds that a required submission was incomplete; or (3) disapproves a 
required SIP submission in whole or in part. With respect to the 2010 
SO2 NAAQS, EPA has not issued a finding of failure to 
submit, issued a finding of incompleteness, or disapproved the 
submission in whole or in part. Consequently, the two-year FIP clock 
has not yet begun to run. EPA agrees in general that sections 110(a)(1) 
and (a)(2) of the CAA require states to submit, within three years of 
promulgation of a new or revised NAAQS, a plan that addresses cross-
state air pollution under section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I). In this 
rulemaking, however, EPA is only approving portions of New Hampshire's 
infrastructure SIP submissions for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS, which 
did not include provisions for interstate transport under section 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I). A finding of failure to submit a SIP submission for 
the 2010 SO2 NAAQS addressing section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) 
could occur in a separate rulemaking. As that issue was not addressed 
in the July 17, 2015 NPR,\19\ and is thus not pertinent to this

[[Page 44552]]

rulemaking, EPA provides no further response. In sum, New Hampshire's 
and EPA's obligations regarding interstate transport of pollution for 
the 2010 SO2 NAAQS will be addressed in later rulemakings.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ See 80 FR 42446, 42452 (July 17, 2015) (``In today's 
rulemaking, EPA is not proposing to approve or disapprove New 
Hampshire's compliance with section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) with respect 
to the 2008 ozone, 2010 NO2 and 2010 SO2 
NAAQS, since New Hampshire's infrastructure SIPs for these NAAQS do 
not include a submittal with respect to transport for sub-element 1, 
prongs 1 and 2.'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Final Action

    EPA is approving a SIP submission from New Hampshire certifying the 
state's current SIP is sufficient to meet the required infrastructure 
elements under sections 110(a)(1) and (2) for the 2010 SO2 
NAAQS, with the exception of certain aspects relating to the state's 
PSD program which we are conditionally approving. On September 25, 
2015, we conditionally approved the portion of New Hampshire's PSD 
program that pertains to providing notification to neighboring states 
of certain permitting actions in New Hampshire. See 80 FR 57722. 
Therefore, we are conditionally approving herein the related portions 
of New Hampshire's infrastructure SIP submittals affected by our 
September 25, 2015 conditional approval. A summary of EPA's actions 
regarding these infrastructure SIP requirements are contained in Table 
1 below.

  Table 1--Action Taken on NH Infrastructure SIP Submittals for Listed
                                  NAAQS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Element                              2010 SO2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(A): Emission limits and other control measures........               A
(B): Ambient air quality monitoring and data system....               A
(C)(i): Enforcement of SIP measures....................               A
(C)(ii): PSD program for major sources and major                    A *
 modifications.........................................
(C)(iii): Permitting program for minor sources and                    A
 minor modifications...................................
(D)(i)(I): Contribute to nonattainment/interfere with                NS
 maintenance of NAAQS (prongs 1 and 2).................
(D)(i)(II): PSD (prong 3)..............................             A *
(D)(i)(II): Visibility Protection (prong 4)............               A
(D)(ii): Interstate Pollution Abatement................             A *
(D)(ii): International Pollution Abatement.............               A
(E)(i): Adequate resources.............................               A
(E)(ii): State boards..................................               A
(E)(iii): Necessary assurances with respect to local                 NA
 agencies..............................................
(F): Stationary source monitoring system...............               A
(G): Emergency power...................................               A
(H): Future SIP revisions..............................               A
(I): Nonattainment area plan or plan revisions under                  +
 part D................................................
(J)(i): Consultation with government officials.........               A
(J)(ii): Public notification...........................               A
(J)(iii): PSD..........................................             A *
(J)(iv): Visibility protection.........................               +
(K): Air quality modeling and data.....................               A
(L): Permitting fees...................................               A
(M): Consultation and participation by affected local                 A
 entities..............................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the above table, the key is as follows:

A--Approve
A*--Approve, but conditionally approve aspect of PSD program relating 
to notification to neighboring states
+--Not germane to infrastructure SIPs
NS--No Submittal
NA--Not applicable

    Additionally, we are updating the classification of two air quality 
control regions in New Hampshire at 40 CFR 52.1521. The classification 
of the Androscoggin Valley Interstate control region is being revised 
from Priority 1A to Priority III and the Merrimack Valley--Southern New 
Hampshire Interstate control region is being revised from Priority I to 
Priority III based on recent air quality monitoring data collected by 
the state.
    EPA is conditionally approving an aspect of New Hampshire's SIP 
revision submittals pertaining to the state's PSD program. The 
outstanding issue with the PSD program concerns the lack of a 
requirement that neighboring states be notified of the issuance of a 
PSD permit by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. 
On September 25, 2015, we conditionally approved New Hampshire's PSD 
program for this reason. See 80 FR 57722. Accordingly, we are also 
conditionally approving this aspect of New Hampshire's infrastructure 
SIP revisions for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS. New Hampshire must 
submit to EPA a SIP submittal addressing the above mentioned deficiency 
in the state's PSD program within the timeframe provided within our 
September 25, 2015 action. If the State fails to do so, the elements we 
are conditionally approving in this rulemaking will be disapproved on 
that date. EPA will notify the State by letter that this action has 
occurred. At that time, this commitment will no longer be a part of the 
approved New Hampshire SIP. EPA subsequently will publish a document in 
the Federal Register notifying the public that the conditional approval 
automatically converted to a disapproval. If the State meets its 
commitment within the applicable time frame, the conditionally approved 
submission will remain a part of the SIP until EPA takes final action 
approving or disapproving the new submittal. If EPA disapproves the new 
submittal, the conditionally approved aspect of New Hampshire's PSD 
program will also be disapproved at that time. If EPA approves the 
revised PSD program submittal, then the portions of New Hampshire's 
infrastructure SIP submittals that were conditionally approved will be 
fully approved in their entirety and replace the conditional approval 
in the SIP. In addition, final disapproval of an infrastructure SIP 
submittal triggers the Federal implementation plan (FIP) requirement 
under section 110(c).

[[Page 44553]]

IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Under the Clean Air Act, the Administrator is required to approve a 
SIP submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and 
applicable Federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). 
Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve state 
choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the Clean Air Act. 
Accordingly, this action merely approves state law as meeting Federal 
requirements and does not impose additional requirements beyond those 
imposed by state law. For that reason, this action:
     Is not a significant regulatory action subject to review 
by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Orders 12866 (58 
FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011);
     Does not impose an information collection burden under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
     Is certified as not having a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
     Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4);
     Does not have Federalism implications as specified in 
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
     Is not an economically significant regulatory action based 
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 1997);
     Is not a significant regulatory action subject to 
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
     Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the 
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 
note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent 
with the Clean Air Act; and
     Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to 
address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental 
effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under 
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
    In addition, the SIP is not approved to apply on any Indian 
reservation land or in any other area where EPA or an Indian tribe has 
demonstrated that a tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of Indian 
country, the rule does not have tribal implications and will not impose 
substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law as 
specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000).
    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 this action 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).
    Under section 307(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act, petitions for 
judicial review of this action must be filed in the United States Court 
of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by September 6, 2016. Filing a 
petition for reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule 
does not affect the finality of this action 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. This action may not be challenged later in 
proceedings to enforce its requirements. (See section 307(b)(2)).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by 
reference, Intergovernmental relations, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Sulfur dioxides.

    Dated: June 15, 2016.
H. Curtis Spalding,
Regional Administrator, EPA New England.

    Part 52 of chapter I, title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations 
is amended as follows:

PART 52--APPROVAL AND PROMULGATION OF IMPLEMENTATION PLANS

0
1. The authority citation for part 52 continues to read as follows:

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

Subpart EE--New Hampshire

0
2. Section 52.1519 is amended by adding paragraph (a)(11) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  52.1519  Identification of plan--conditional approval.

    (a) * * *
    (11) 2010 Sulfur Dioxide NAAQS: The 110(a)(2) infrastructure SIP 
submitted on September 13, 2013, is conditionally approved for Clean 
Air Act (CAA) elements 110(a)(2)(C)(ii), (D)(i)(II), D(ii), and 
(J)(iii) only as it relates to the aspect of the PSD program pertaining 
to providing notification to neighboring states of certain permitting 
activity being considered by New Hampshire. This conditional approval 
is contingent upon New Hampshire taking actions to address these 
requirements as detailed within a final conditional approval dated 
September 25, 2015.
* * * * *

0
3. In Sec.  52.1520, the table in paragraph (e) is amended by revising 
the entry for ``Infrastructure SIP for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS'' 
to read as follows:


Sec.  52.1520  Identification of plan.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *

                                           New Hampshire Nonregulatory
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             State
   Name of nonregulatory SIP    Applicable  geographic  submittal date/ EPA approved date       Explanations
           provision            or  nonattainment area  effective date         \3\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Infrastructure SIP for the      Statewide.............       9/13/2013  7/8/2016 [Insert   Approved submittal,
 2010 SO2 NAAQS.                                                         Federal Register   except for certain
                                                                         citation]          aspects relating to
                                                                                            PSD which were
                                                                                            conditionally
                                                                                            approved. See
                                                                                            52.1519.
 

[[Page 44554]]

 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ In order to determine the EPA effective date for a specific provision listed in this table, consult the
  Federal Register notice cited in this column for the particular provision.


0
4. In Sec.  52.1521, the table is amended by revising the entries for 
``Androscoggin Valley Interstate'' and ``Merrimack Valley--Southern New 
Hampshire Interstate'' to read as follows:


Sec.  52.1521  Classification of regions.

* * * * *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                          Pollutant
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Air quality control region                        Particulate                         Nitrogen
                                                                          matter       Sulfur oxides       dioxide      Carbon monoxide       Ozone
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Androscoggin Valley Interstate.....................................              IA              III              III              III              III
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Merrimack Valley--Southern New Hampshire Interstate................               I              III              III              III                I
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[FR Doc. 2016-15623 Filed 7-7-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


