[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 246 (Wednesday, December 26, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 66184-66196]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-27773]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R01-OAR-2018-0637; FRL-9987-95-Region 1]


Air Plan Approval; Maine; Infrastructure State Implementation 
Plan Requirements for the 2010 Sulfur Dioxide NAAQS

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to 
approve elements of the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submission from 
Maine that addresses the infrastructure and interstate transport 
requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) for the 2010 sulfur 
dioxide (SO<INF>2</INF>) National Ambient Air Quality Standards 
(NAAQS). 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. This action is being taken under the Clean Air Act.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before January 25, 2019.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R01-
OAR-2018-0637 at https://www.regulations.gov, or via email to

[[Page 66185]]

<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2347424b4f0d474c4d424f47634653420d444c55"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="402421282c6e242f2e212c24002530216e272f36">[email protected]</span></a>. For comments submitted at Regulations.gov, follow 
the online instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, 
comments cannot be edited or removed from Regulations.gov. For either 
manner of submission, EPA may publish any comment received to its 
public docket. Do not submit electronically any information you 
consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Multimedia 
submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written 
comment. The written comment is considered the official comment and 
should include discussion of all points you wish to make. EPA will 
generally not consider comments or comment contents located outside of 
the primary submission (i.e., on the web, cloud, or other file sharing 
system). For additional submission methods, please contact the person 
identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. For the full 
EPA public comment policy, information about CBI or multimedia 
submissions, and general guidance on making effective comments, please 
visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets. Publicly 
available docket materials are available at https://www.regulations.gov 
or at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Region 1, 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, Air Permits, Toxics, and 
Indoor Programs Unit, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Region 
1, 5 Post Office Square--Suite 100, (Mail Code OEP05-2), Boston, MA 
02109--3912, tel. (617) 918-1657, email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2f4b4e4743014b40414e434b6f4a5f4e01484059"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d0b4b1b8bcfeb4bfbeb1bcb490b5a0b1feb7bfa6">[email protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document whenever ``we,'' 
``us,'' or ``our'' is used, we mean EPA.

Table of Contents

I. Background and Purpose
II. What guidance is EPA using to evaluate this SIP submission?
III. State Submission and EPA's Analysis
    A. Section 110(a)(2)(A)--Emission Limits and Other Control 
Measures
    B. Section 110(a)(2)(B)--Ambient Air Quality Monitoring/Data 
System
    C. Section 110(a)(2)(C)--Program for Enforcement of Control 
Measures and for Construction or Modification of Stationary Sources
    1. Sub-Element 1: Enforcement of SIP Measures
    2. Sub-Element 2: PSD Program for Major Sources and Major 
Modifications
    3. Sub-Element 3: Preconstruction Permitting for Minor Sources 
and Minor Modifications
    D. Section 110(a)(2)(D)--Interstate Transport
    1. Sub-Element 1: Section 110(A)(2)(D)(I)(I)--Contribute to 
Nonattainment (Prong 1) and Interfere With Maintenance of the NAAQS 
(Prong 2)
    a. State's Analysis
    b. EPA's Prong 1 Evaluation
    c. EPA's Prong 2 Evaluation
    2. Sub-Element 2: Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II)--PSD (prong 3)
    3. Sub-Element 3: Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II)--Visibility 
Protection (Prong 4)
    4. Sub-Element 4: Section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii)--Interstate Pollution 
Abatement
    5. Sub-Element 5: Section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii)--International 
Pollution Abatement
    E. Section 110(a)(2)(E)--Adequate Resources
    1. Sub-Element 1: Adequate Personnel, Funding, and Legal 
Authority Under State Law To Carry Out Its SIP, and Related Issues
    2. Sub-Element 2: State Board Requirements Under Section 128 of 
the CAA
    F. Section 110(a)(2)(F)--Stationary Source Monitoring System
    G. Section 110(a)(2)(G)--Emergency Powers
    H. Section 110(a)(2)(H)--Future SIP Revisions
    I. Section 110(a)(2)(I)--Nonattainment Area Plan or Plan 
Revisions Under Part D
    J. Section 110(a)(2)(J)--Consultation With Government Officials; 
Public Notifications; Prevention of Significant Deterioration; 
Visibility Protection
    1. Sub-Element 1: Consultation With Government Officials
    2. Sub-Element 2: Public Notification
    3. Sub-Element 3: PSD
    4. Sub-Element 4: Visibility Protection
    K. Section 110(a)(2)(K)--Air Quality Modeling/Data
    L. Section 110(a)(2)(L)--Permitting Fees
    M. Section 110(a)(2)(M)--Consultation/Participation by Affected 
Local Entities
IV. Proposed Action
V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

I. Background and Purpose

    On April 19, 2017, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection 
(ME DEP) submitted its infrastructure SIP for the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> 
NAAQS. Under sections 110(a)(1) and (2) of the CAA, states are required 
to submit infrastructure SIPs to ensure that SIPs provide for 
implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of the NAAQS, including 
the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS.
    The requirement for states to make a SIP submission of this type 
arises out of CAA sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2). Pursuant to these 
sections, each state must submit a SIP that provides for the 
implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of each primary or 
secondary NAAQS. States must make such SIP submission ``within 3 years 
(or such shorter period as the Administrator may prescribe) after the 
promulgation of a new or revised NAAQS.'' This requirement is triggered 
by the promulgation of a new or revised NAAQS and is not conditioned 
upon EPA's taking any other action. Section 110(a)(2) includes the 
specific elements that ``each such plan'' must address.
    EPA commonly refers to such SIP submissions made for the purpose of 
satisfying the requirements of CAA sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2) as 
``infrastructure SIP'' submissions. Although the term ``infrastructure 
SIP'' does not appear in the CAA, EPA uses the term to distinguish this 
particular type of SIP submission from submissions that are intended to 
satisfy other SIP requirements under the CAA, such as ``nonattainment 
SIP'' or ``attainment plan SIP'' submissions to address the 
nonattainment planning requirements of part D of title I of the CAA.
    This rulemaking will not cover three substantive areas that are not 
integral to acting on a state's infrastructure SIP submission: (i) 
Existing provisions related to excess emissions during periods of 
start-up, shutdown, or malfunction at sources (``SSM'' emissions) that 
may be contrary to the CAA and EPA's policies addressing such excess 
emissions; (ii) existing provisions related to ``director's variance'' 
or ``director's discretion'' that purport to permit revisions to SIP-
approved emissions limits with limited public process or without 
requiring further approval by EPA, that may be contrary to the CAA 
(``director's discretion''); and, (iii) existing provisions for 
Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) programs that may be 
inconsistent with current requirements of EPA's ``Final New Source 
Review (NSR) Improvement Rule,'' 67 FR 80186 (December 31, 2002), as 
amended by 72 FR 32526 (June 13, 2007) (``NSR Reform''). Instead, EPA 
has the authority to address each one of these substantive areas 
separately. A detailed history, interpretation, and rationale for EPA's 
approach to infrastructure SIP requirements can be found in EPA's May 
13, 2014, proposed rule entitled, ``Infrastructure SIP Requirements for 
the 2008 Lead NAAQS'' in the section, ``What is the

[[Page 66186]]

scope of this rulemaking?'' See 79 FR 27241 at 27242-45.

II. What guidance is EPA using to evaluate this SIP submission?

    EPA highlighted the statutory requirement to submit infrastructure 
SIPs within 3 years of promulgation of a new NAAQS in an October 2, 
2007, guidance document entitled ``Guidance on SIP Elements Required 
Under Sections 110(a)(1) and (2) for the 1997 8-hour Ozone and 
PM<INF>2.5</INF> National Ambient Air Quality Standards'' (2007 
guidance). EPA has issued additional guidance documents and memoranda, 
including a September 13, 2013, guidance document entitled ``Guidance 
on Infrastructure State Implementation Plan (SIP) Elements under CAA 
Sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2)'' (2013 guidance).\1\
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    \1\ This memorandum and other referenced guidance documents and 
memoranda are included in the docket for today's action.
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    With respect to Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i), sometimes referred to as 
the Good Neighbor provision, EPA notes that although SO<INF>2</INF> is 
emitted from a similar universe of point and nonpoint sources, 
interstate transport of SO<INF>2</INF> is unlike the transport of fine 
particulate matter (PM<INF>2.5</INF>) or ozone in that SO<INF>2</INF> 
is not a regional pollutant and does not commonly contribute to 
widespread nonattainment over a large (and often multi-state) area. The 
transport of SO<INF>2</INF> is more analogous to the transport of lead 
(Pb) because its physical properties result in localized pollutant 
impacts very near the emissions source. However, ambient concentrations 
of SO<INF>2</INF> do not decrease as quickly with distance from the 
source as Pb, because of the physical properties and typical release 
heights of SO<INF>2</INF>. Emissions of SO<INF>2</INF> travel farther 
and have wider ranging impacts than emissions of Pb, but do not travel 
far enough to be treated in a manner similar to ozone or 
PM<INF>2.5</INF>. The approaches that EPA has adopted for ozone or 
PM<INF>2.5</INF> transport are too regionally focused and the approach 
for Pb transport is too tightly circumscribed to the source. 
SO<INF>2</INF> transport is therefore a unique case and requires a 
different approach. Given the physical properties of SO<INF>2</INF>, 
EPA selected the ``urban scale''--a spatial scale with dimensions from 
4 to 50 kilometers (km) from point sources--to evaluate these SIP 
submissions for SO<INF>2</INF> transport.\2\ As such, EPA utilized an 
assessment up to 50 km from point sources when considering possible 
transport of SO<INF>2</INF> from Maine to downwind states.
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    \2\ For the definition of spatial scales for SO<INF>2</INF>, 
please see 40 CFR part 58, appendix D, section 4.4 (``Sulfur Dioxide 
(SO<INF>2</INF>) Design Criteria''). For further discussion on how 
EPA is applying these definitions with respect to interstate 
transport of SO<INF>2</INF>, see EPA's proposal on Connecticut's 
SO<INF>2</INF> transport SIP. 82 FR 21351, 21352, 21354 (May 8, 
2017).
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    As discussed in Section III.D of this document, EPA first reviewed 
ME DEP's analysis to assess how Maine evaluated the transport of 
SO<INF>2</INF> to other states, the types of information used in the 
analysis and the conclusions drawn by the ME DEP. EPA then conducted a 
weight of evidence analysis, including ME DEP's submission and other 
available information, including air quality, emission sources, and 
emission trends within the state and in neighboring states to which 
SO<INF>2</INF> emission sources in Maine could potentially contribute 
or interfere.\3\
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    \3\ This proposed approval action is based on the information 
contained in the administrative record for this action, and does not 
prejudge any other future EPA action that may make other 
determinations regarding any of the subject states' air quality 
status. Any such future actions, such as area designations under any 
NAAQS, will be based on their own administrative records and EPA's 
analyses of information that has become available at those times. 
Future available information may include, and is not limited to, 
monitoring data and modeling analyses conducted pursuant to EPA's 
SO<INF>2</INF> Data Requirements Rule (80 FR 51052, August 21, 2015) 
and information submitted to EPA by states, air agencies, and third-
party stakeholders such as citizen groups and industry 
representatives.
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III. State Submission and EPA's Analysis

    EPA is soliciting comment on our evaluation of ME DEP's 
infrastructure SIP submission in this notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM). In ME DEP's submission, a detailed list of Maine Laws and 
previously SIP-approved Air Quality Regulations show precisely how the 
various components of its EPA-approved SIP meet each of the 
requirements of section 110(a)(2) of the CAA for the 2010 
SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS. The following review evaluates the state's 
submissions in light of section 110(a)(2) requirements and relevant EPA 
guidance.

A. Section 110(a)(2)(A)--Emission Limits and Other Control Measures

    This section (also referred to in this action as an element, e.g., 
Element A) of the Act requires SIPs to include enforceable emission 
limits and other control measures, means or techniques, schedules for 
compliance, and other related matters. However, EPA has long 
interpreted emission limits and control measures for attaining the 
standards as being due when nonattainment planning requirements are 
due.\4\ In the context of an infrastructure SIP, EPA is not evaluating 
the existing SIP provisions for this purpose. Instead, EPA is only 
evaluating whether the state's SIP has basic structural provisions for 
the implementation of the NAAQS.
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    \4\ See, e.g., EPA's final rule on ``National Ambient Air 
Quality Standards for Lead.'' 73 FR 66964, 67034 (November 12, 
2008).
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    ME DEP statutory authority with respect to air quality is set out 
in 38 Maine Revised Statutes Annotated (``MRSA'') Chapter 4, 
``Protection and Improvement of Air.'' \5\ Statutory authority to 
establish emission standards and regulations implementing ambient air 
quality standards is contained in 38 MRSA Chapter 4, sections 585 and 
585-A. Maine's infrastructure submittal for this element cites Maine 
laws and regulations that include enforceable emissions limitations and 
other control measures, means or techniques, as well as schedules and 
timetables for compliance to meet the applicable requirements of the 
CAA. For instance, ME DEP cites 38 MRSA Sec.  603-A, a state law that 
establishes a statewide sulfur limit of 15 parts per million (ppm) for 
distillate oil and 0.5% by weight for residual oil. On April 24, 2012, 
EPA incorporated these statutory limits into Maine's SIP. See 77 FR 
24385. In addition, ME DEP cited its SIP approved new source review 
permitting regulation 06-096 CMR Chapter 115, ``Emission License 
Regulations'' last amended on August 1, 2016. See 81 FR 50353.
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    \5\ ME DEP consists of the Board of Environmental Protection 
(``Board'') and a Commissioner. 38 MRSA Sec.  341-A(2). In general, 
the Board is authorized to promulgate ``major substantive rules'' 
and the Commissioner has rulemaking authority with respect to rules 
that are ``not designated as major substantive rules.'' Id. Sec.  
341-H.
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    EPA proposes that Maine meets the infrastructure SIP requirements 
of section 110(a)(2)(A) with respect to the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS. 
As previously noted, EPA is not proposing to approve or disapprove any 
existing state provisions or rules related to SSM or director's 
discretion in the context of section 110(a)(2)(A).

B. Section 110(a)(2)(B)--Ambient Air Quality Monitoring/Data System

    This section requires SIPs to provide for establishment and 
operation of appropriate devices, methods, systems, and procedures 
necessary to monitor, compile, and analyze ambient air quality data, 
and make such data available to EPA upon request. Each year, states 
submit annual air monitoring network plans to EPA for review and 
approval. EPA's review of these annual monitoring plans includes our 
evaluation of whether the state: (i) Monitors air quality at 
appropriate locations throughout the state using

[[Page 66187]]

EPA-approved Federal Reference Methods or Federal Equivalent Method 
monitors; (ii) submits data to EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) in a 
timely manner; and (iii) provides EPA Regional Offices with prior 
notification of any planned changes to monitoring sites or the network 
plan.
    Pursuant to authority granted to it by 38 MRSA Sec. Sec.  341-A(1) 
and 584-A, ME DEP operates an air quality monitoring network, and EPA 
approved the state's most recent Annual Air Monitoring Network Plan for 
SO<INF>2</INF> on October 25, 2018.\6\ Furthermore, ME DEP populates 
AQS with air quality monitoring data in a timely manner, and provides 
EPA with prior notification when considering a change to its monitoring 
network or plan. EPA proposes that ME DEP meets the infrastructure SIP 
requirements of section 110(a)(2)(B) with respect to the 2010 
SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS.
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    \6\ See EPA approval letter located in the docket for this 
action.
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C. Section 110(a)(2)(C)--Program for Enforcement of Control Measures 
and for Construction or Modification of Stationary Sources

    States are required to include a program providing for enforcement 
of all SIP measures and the regulation of construction of new or 
modified stationary sources to meet NSR requirements under PSD and 
nonattainment new source review (NNSR) programs. Part C of the CAA 
(sections 160-169B) addresses PSD, while part D of the CAA (sections 
171-193) addresses NNSR requirements.
    The evaluation of each state's submission addressing the 
infrastructure SIP requirements of section 110(a)(2)(C) covers the 
following: (i) Enforcement of SIP measures; (ii) PSD program for major 
sources and major modifications; and (iii) a permit program for minor 
sources and minor modifications.
1. Sub-Element 1: Enforcement of SIP Measures
    ME DEP identifies the sources of its authority to enforce the 
measures it cites to satisfy Element A as 38 MRSA Section 347-A, 
``Violations,'' 38 MRSA Section 347-C, ``Right of inspection and 
entry,'' 38 MRSA Section 348, ``Judicial Enforcement,'' and 38 MRSA 
Section 349, ``Penalties,'' which include processes for both civil and 
criminal enforcement actions. Construction of new or modified 
stationary sources in Maine is regulated by 06-096 CMR Chapter 115 
``Major and Minor Source Air Emission License Regulations,'' which 
requires best available control technology (BACT) controls for PSD 
sources, including for SO<INF>2</INF>. EPA proposes to find that Maine 
meets the enforcement requirement of section 110(a)(2)(C) with respect 
to the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS.
2. Sub-Element 2: PSD Program for Major Sources and Major Modifications
    PSD applies to new major sources or modifications made to major 
sources for pollutants where the area in which the source is located is 
in attainment of, or unclassifiable with regard to the relevant NAAQS. 
ME DEP's EPA-approved PSD rules, contained at 06-906 CMR Chapter 100 
``Definitions Regulations'' and 06-096 CMR Chapter 115 ``Major and 
Minor Source Air Emission License Regulations,'' contain provisions 
that address applicable requirements for all regulated NSR pollutants.
    In our proposal on March 26, 2018 regarding the submittal of 
infrastructure SIPS for the 2008 Pb, 2008 ozone, and 2010 
NO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS by the ME DEP, we explained how Maine's SIP meets 
this sub-element for PSD. See 83 FR 12905. On June 18, 2018, we took 
final action approving those multi-pollutant infrastructure SIP 
submissions, including finding that Maine's SIP satisfies this sub-
element. See 83 FR 28157. Maine's PSD SIP has not changed since our 
June 18, 2018 approval, and no new PSD requirements have arisen; 
therefore, based on our rationale contained in the March 26, 2018 
document, EPA proposes to find that Maine has met the PSD requirement 
of section 110(a)(2)(C) with respect to the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS. 
For the purposes of today's rulemaking on Maine's infrastructure SIP, 
EPA reiterates that NSR Reform is not in the scope of this action.
3. Sub-Element 3: Preconstruction Permitting for Minor Sources and 
Minor Modifications
    To address the pre-construction regulation of the modification and 
construction of minor stationary sources and minor modifications of 
major stationary sources (minor NSR), an infrastructure SIP submission 
should identify the existing EPA-approved SIP provisions and/or include 
new provisions that govern the minor source pre-construction program 
that regulate emissions of the relevant NAAQS pollutants. Maine's minor 
NSR program is contained within 06-096 CMR Chapter 115, ``Major and 
Minor Source Air Emission License Regulations.'' EPA last approved 
revisions to Chapter 115 on August 1, 2016 (81 FR 50353). ME DEP and 
EPA rely on Chapter 115 to ensure that new and modified sources not 
captured by the major NSR permitting programs do not interfere with 
attainment and maintenance of the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS.
    We are proposing to find that Maine has met the requirement to have 
a SIP-approved minor new source review permit program as required under 
Section 110(a)(2)(C) for the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS.

D. Section 110(a)(2)(D)--Interstate Transport

    Section 110(a)(2)(D) of the CAA contains a comprehensive set of air 
quality management elements pertaining to the transport of air 
pollution with which states must comply. It covers the following five 
topics, categorized as sub-elements: Sub-element 1, Significant 
contribution to nonattainment and interference with maintenance of a 
NAAQS; Sub-element 2, PSD; Sub-element 3, Visibility protection; Sub-
element 4, Interstate pollution abatement; and Sub-element 5, 
International pollution abatement. Sub-elements 1 through 3 above are 
found under section 110(a)(2)(D)(i) of the Act, and these items are 
further categorized into the four prongs discussed in the following 
sections, two of which are found within sub-element 1. Sub-elements 4 
and 5 are found under section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii) of the Act and include 
provisions insuring compliance with sections 115 and 126 of the Act 
relating to interstate and international pollution abatement.
1. Sub-Element 1: Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I)--Contribute to 
Nonattainment (Prong 1) and Interfere With Maintenance of the NAAQS 
(Prong 2)
    In this section, we provide an overview of Maine's 2010 
SO<INF>2</INF> transport analysis, as well as EPA's evaluation of 
prongs 1 and 2. Table 1 shows emission trends for Maine and its 
neighboring state New Hampshire.\7\ The table will be referenced as 
part of EPA's analysis.\8\
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    \7\ EPA also analyzed potential impacts from Maine sources on 
Massachusetts, which is on the other side of NH and is approximately 
24 km from Maine. There are no sources in Massachusetts within 50 km 
of Maine that emitted over 100 tons per year of SO<INF>2</INF>. The 
closest source in Maine that is over 100 tons per year of 
SO<INF>2</INF> is approximately 95 km away from Massachusetts. Maine 
sources are not expected to contribute to a nonattainment area 
within Massachusetts, and we do not foresee any interference with 
maintenance of the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS.
    \8\ This emissions trends information was derived from EPA's web 
page https://www.epa.gov/air-emissions-inventories/air-pollutant-emissions-trends-data, accessed on November 1, 2018.

[[Page 66188]]



                             Table 1--Statewide SO2 Data for Maine and New Hampshire
                                                 [Tons per year]
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                                                                                                  SO2 reduction,
              State                    2000            2005            2010            2017        2000-2017 (%)
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maine...........................          57,906          32,397          17,020          10,447            82.0
New Hampshire...................          68,768          63,634          35,716           6,401            90.7
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a. State's Analysis
    In Maine's April 19, 2017 infrastructure SIP submission addressing 
the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS, the state explicitly refers to the 
interstate transport provision of CAA Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i). In its 
April 19, 2017 SIP submittal, the ME DEP stated that sources within 
Maine do not significantly contribute to any monitored SO<INF>2</INF> 
violations in another state. Maine based its assertion on EPA's air 
quality designations for the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS and included a 
reference to EPA's Round 1 designations. See ``https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-08-05/pdf/2013-18835.pdf'' 78 FR 47191, August 5, 
2013. Maine also referenced its PSD permit program, which assists the 
State in controlling future emissions from new or modified major 
sources.
    The SIP submission addresses prong 1 of Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i) by 
stating that ``Maine sources do not significantly contribute to any 
monitored sulfur dioxide violations in other states. . . .'' However, 
the SIP submission does not appear to specifically address whether 
Maine interferes with maintenance of the NAAQS in a nearby state (prong 
2). On October 29, 2018, Maine submitted a letter to EPA clarifying the 
State intended to demonstrate in its April 19, 2017 SIP submittal that 
it does not interfere with maintenance of the NAAQS in other states 
(prong 2). Therefore, EPA concludes that Maine's submission was 
intended to address both prongs of the interstate transport provision 
given that the submission refers to the entirety of CAA section 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I).
b. EPA's Prong 1 Evaluation
    EPA proposes to find that Maine's SIP submittal meets the 
interstate transport requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I), 
prong 1 for the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS, as discussed below. As 
described below, we have analyzed the air quality, emission sources and 
emission trends in Maine and New Hampshire. Based on that analysis, we 
propose to find that Maine will not significantly contribute to 
nonattainment of the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS in any other state.
    We reviewed 2015-2017 SO<INF>2</INF> concentrations design values 
at monitors with data sufficient to produce valid 1-hour SO<INF>2</INF> 
design values for Maine and neighboring states.\9\ In Table 2 below, we 
have included monitoring data satisfying any of the following selection 
criteria: (1) All of the monitor data from Maine; (2) the monitor with 
the highest SO<INF>2</INF> level in New Hampshire; (3) the monitor in 
New Hampshire closest to the Maine border; and (4) all monitors in New 
Hampshire within approximately 50 km of the border. EPA reviewed these 
ambient air quality data in Maine and New Hampshire to see whether 
there were any monitoring sites, particularly near the Maine border, 
with elevated SO<INF>2</INF> concentrations that might warrant further 
investigation with respect to interstate transport of SO<INF>2</INF> 
from emission sources near any given monitor. As shown, there are no 
violating design values in Maine or New Hampshire.
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    \9\ Data retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/air-trends/air-quality-design-values#report, accessed on November 1, 2018.

                                                 Table 2--SO2 Monitor Values for Maine and New Hampshire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            Approximate
                                                                                            distance to      2013-2015       2014-2016       2015-2017
                       State/area                            Scenario         Site ID        Maine/New     Design value    Design value    Design value
                                                                                             Hampshire         (ppb)           (ppb)           (ppb)
                                                                                            border (km)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maine/Portland..........................................               1       230050029              57              12              11               9
Maine/Hancock County....................................               1       230090103             219               2               1               1
Maine/Eliot \a\.........................................               1       230310009  ..............          \b\ NA          \b\ NA          \b\ NA
New Hampshire/Merrimack County..........................               4       330131006              46              20              20              15
New Hampshire/Rockingham County-Pierce Island...........            2, 3       330150014              <1              29              22              16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
a. The Sawgrass Lane monitor collected SO2 concentration data from October 24, 2014 to April 1, 2016. The maximum 1-hour SO2 concentration observed from
  this monitor was 37.7 parts per billion (ppb) on January 8, 2015, when winds came from the direction of Schiller Station in New Hampshire.
b. The DV for this site is invalid due to incomplete data for this period and is not for use in comparison to the NAAQS.

    The data presented in Table 2 show that Maine's network of 
SO<INF>2</INF> monitors with data sufficient to produce valid 1-hour 
SO<INF>2</INF> design values indicates that monitored 1-hour 
SO<INF>2</INF> levels in Maine are between 1% and 12% of the 75 parts 
per billion (ppb) level of the NAAQS. As shown, there are no Maine 
monitors located within 50 km of a neighboring state's border. The 
nearest monitor is approximately 57 km from New Hampshire. Two monitors 
in New Hampshire are located within 50 km of the Maine border, and 
these monitors recorded SO<INF>2</INF> design values ranging between 
20% and 21% of the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS. Thus, these air quality 
data do not, by themselves, indicate any

[[Page 66189]]

particular location that would warrant further investigation with 
respect to SO<INF>2</INF> emission sources in Maine that might 
significantly contribute to nonattainment in the neighboring states. 
However, because the monitoring network is not necessarily designed to 
find all locations of high SO<INF>2</INF> concentrations, this 
observation indicates an absence of evidence of impact at these 
locations but is not sufficient evidence by itself of an absence of 
impact at all locations in the neighboring states. We have therefore 
also conducted a source-oriented analysis. As noted, EPA finds that it 
is appropriate to examine the impacts of emissions from stationary 
sources in Maine in distances ranging from 0 km to 50 km from the 
facility, based on the ``urban scale'' definition contained in appendix 
D to 40 CFR part 58, Section 4.4. The list of Maine sources of 100 tons 
per year (tpy) or greater of SO<INF>2</INF> within 50 km from state 
borders is shown in Table 3 below.

                               Table 3--Maine SO2 Sources Near Neighboring States
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Nearest
                                       2016 SO2       distance to    Distance to nearest    Nearest neighboring
           Maine source                emissions       Maine/New      neighboring state      state major source
                                      (tons) \a\       Hampshire     major SO2 source \b\    SO2 emissions \c\
                                                        border               (km)                  (tons)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Catalyst Paper Operations, Inc. in             846              38  168 (Dartmouth         246 (Dartmouth
 Rumford.                                                            College in Hanover,    College).
                                                                     NH).
S.D. Warren Company in Westbrook..             198              50  74 (Newington Station  304 total (Newington
                                                                     and Schiller Station   Station (41) and
                                                                     in Newington and       Schiller Station
                                                                     Portsmouth, NH,        (263)).
                                                                     respectively).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
a. See https://www.maine.gov/dep/ftp/AIR/DATA/CAP_SUMMARIES/, accessed on November 1, 2018.
b. A source emitting 100 tons per year (tpy) or greater of SO2 emissions.
c. Emission data from Dartmouth College are for the year 2014. Emission data for Schiller and Newington Station
  are for the year 2017.

    Table 3 identifies the nearest out-of-state source emitting above 
100 tpy of SO<INF>2</INF>, because elevated levels of SO<INF>2</INF>, 
to which SO<INF>2</INF> emitted in Maine may have a downwind impact, 
are most likely to be found near such sources. The distances to these 
sources are listed because the impact of the sources in Maine decreases 
with distance. In the case of Catalyst Paper, the distance between this 
source and the Maine/New Hampshire state border is 38 km and the 
nearest major SO<INF>2</INF> source in neighboring state New Hampshire 
is 168 km. With regards to S.D. Warren, the distance between this 
source and the Maine/New Hampshire state border is 50 km and the 
nearest major SO<INF>2</INF> sources in neighboring state New Hampshire 
is 74 km. This information indicates that emissions from Maine are very 
unlikely to contribute significantly to problems with attainment of the 
2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS in New Hampshire.
    EPA also reviewed the location of sources in New Hampshire emitting 
more than 100 tpy of SO<INF>2</INF> and located within 50 km of the 
Maine border and found that the only sources that meet these criteria 
are Schiller and Newington Stations. The interaction between these 
sources and sources in Maine has been addressed in the discussion of 
Table 3.
    In addition to analyzing the distances between sources emitting 100 
tons per year of SO<INF>2</INF>, EPA acknowledges that New Hampshire, 
as required by the 40 CFR part 51, subpart BB (SO<INF>2</INF> Data 
Requirements Rule), provided air quality modeling information. The New 
Hampshire modeling indicated that emissions allowed under new, 
federally-enforceable emissions limits included in state air permits 
for Newington and Schiller Stations and emissions from some other 
sources that were explicitly represented in the modeling, combined with 
a representative background concentration that reflects the impact of 
sources that were not explicitly represented in the modeling, would not 
result in a violation of the NAAQS in the portions of New Hampshire, 
Maine, and Massachusetts that were included in the modeling domain.\10\ 
Given that there are no NAAQS violations within the modeling domain, we 
conclude that sources in Maine are not significantly contributing to 
NAAQS violations in the New Hampshire or Massachusetts portion of the 
domain. In addition, the modeling provided no suggestion that 
violations are occurring beyond the edge of the modeling domain.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ A detailed description of EPA's assessment of the modeling, 
and associated visualizations, are available in Chapter 27 of the 
Technical Support Document for EPA's Intended Round 3 Area 
Designations for the 2010 1-Hour SO<INF>2</INF> Primary National 
Ambient Air Quality Standard for New Hampshire, included in this 
docket, number EPA-R01-OAR-2018-0637. See 82 FR 41903 (September 5, 
2017). In referencing EPA's Intended Round 3 Area Designations, EPA 
is not reopening the SO<INF>2</INF> area designations action. A 
notice of the final rule for these designations was published on 
January 9, 2018. See 83 FR 1098.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA also analyzed whether any sources within Maine are 
significantly contributing to violations in the Central New Hampshire 
nonattainment area. The Central New Hampshire nonattainment area is 
approximately 20 km from the Maine state border. The nearest Maine 
source with SO<INF>2</INF> emissions greater than 100 tpy is in 
Westbrook Maine, approximately 82 km away. In its attainment plan for 
the Central New Hampshire nonattainment area, New Hampshire included 
air dispersion modeling to establish federally enforceable 
SO<INF>2</INF> emission limits for Merrimack Station in Bow, New 
Hampshire, the main contributor to the nonattainment area. New 
Hampshire demonstrated that with these emission limits in place there 
will be no NAAQS violations within the nonattainment area. See 82 FR 
45242 (September 28, 2017).\11\ As already noted, recent monitoring 
data from 2013-2017 indicates no NAAQS violations within the 
nonattainment area. Thus, we propose to conclude that sources in Maine 
are not significantly contributing to NAAQS violations in the 
nonattainment area.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ In referencing EPA's approval of New Hampshire's plan and 
attainment demonstration for the Central New Hampshire Nonattainment 
Area, EPA is not reopening the nonattainment area plan approval 
action. A notice of the final rule for the plan approval was 
published on June 5, 2018. See 83 FR 25922.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Given the localized range of potential 1-hour SO<INF>2</INF> 
impacts and the analysis of sources emitting at least 100 tpy of 
SO<INF>2</INF>, along with modeling analysis provided to EPA for other 
CAA purposes, EPA proposes to conclude that SO<INF>2</INF> emissions 
from Maine will not will not contribute significantly to nonattainment 
of the SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
c. EPA's Prong 2 Evaluation
    Prong 2 of the good neighbor provision requires state plans to

[[Page 66190]]

prohibit emissions that will interfere with maintenance of a NAAQS in 
another state. Given the trend of decreased emissions from sources 
within Maine to date, as shown in Table 1, and our conclusion that 
there are no current violations of the SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS in the 
portions of the neighboring states that are near Maine, EPA believes 
that a reasonable analysis of whether sources or other emissions 
activity originating within Maine interfere with its neighboring 
states' ability to maintain the NAAQS consists of evaluating whether 
these decreases in emissions can be maintained over time.
    As shown in Table 4, the combined SO<INF>2</INF> emissions from the 
two largest categories, Fuel Combustion: Other category (home heating 
oil) and Fuel Combustion: Industrial, was 79% of total SO<INF>2</INF> 
state-wide emissions.

Table 4--Summary of 2014 National Emissions Inventory (NEI) SO2 Data for
                                  Maine
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Emissions
                        Category                             (tons per
                                                               year)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fuel Combustion: Electric Utilities.....................             928
Fuel Combustion: Industrial.............................           4,042
Fuel Combustion: Other..................................           4,842
Waste Disposal and Recycling............................             627
Other Industrial Process................................             433
Highway Vehicles........................................             152
Off-Highway.............................................             197
Miscellaneous...........................................              40
Petroleum & Related Industries..........................              19
                                                         ---------------
    Total...............................................          11,280
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    When compared to the year 2014, the SO<INF>2</INF> emissions from 
both households and industrial sources are expected to be significantly 
reduced \12\ due to 38 MRSA Chapter 603-A, which established, effective 
as of January 1, 2018, statewide sulfur limits of 15 parts per million 
(ppm) for distillate oil and 0.5% by weight for residual oil. As stated 
earlier, EPA incorporated this statute into Maine's SIP on April 24, 
2012. See 77 FR 24385.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ The State statute required that most industrial sources 
that combust fuel oil to lower the sulfur content from 2% to 0.5%, a 
75% reduction. The statute requires distillate oil, mainly used in 
homes, to be reduced from home heating oil went from 5,000 ppm to 15 
ppm by weight, a 99% reduction.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As shown in Table 1, statewide SO<INF>2</INF> emissions in Maine 
have decreased over time. A number of factors are involved that caused 
this decrease in emissions, including the State's adoption of 38 MRSA 
Chapter 603-A and the change in capacity factors at EGUs in Maine over 
time due to increased usage of natural gas to generate electricity in 
the region. Actual SO<INF>2</INF> emissions from the facilities 
currently operating in Maine have decreased between 2000 and 2017, and 
EPA concludes based on this trend that emissions originating in Maine 
are not expected to interfere with the neighboring states' ability to 
maintain the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS.
    Lastly, any new or modified major sources of SO<INF>2</INF> 
emissions will be addressed by Maine's SIP-approved Prevention of 
Significant Deterioration (PSD) program, last amended on August 1, 
2016. See 81 FR 50353. Future minor sources of SO<INF>2</INF> emissions 
will be addressed by the State's minor new source review permit 
program, last amended on March 23, 1993. See 58 FR 15430. The 
permitting regulations contained within these programs, along with the 
other factors already discussed, are expected to help ensure that 
ambient concentrations of SO<INF>2</INF> in neighboring states will not 
exceed the NAAQS as a result of new facility construction or 
modification occurring in Maine.
    It is also worth noting air quality trends for concentrations of 
SO<INF>2</INF> in the Northeastern United States.\13\ This region has 
experienced an 84% decrease in the annual 99th percentile of daily 
maximum 1-hour averages between 2000 and 2017 based on 40 monitoring 
sites, and the most recently available data for 2017 indicates that the 
mean value at these sites was 12.9 ppb, which is less than 18% of the 
NAAQS. When this trend is evaluated alongside the monitored 
SO<INF>2</INF> concentrations within Maine as well as the 
SO<INF>2</INF> concentrations recorded at monitors in New Hampshire, 
EPA does not believe that sources or emissions activity from within 
Maine are significantly different than the overall decreasing monitored 
SO<INF>2</INF> concentration trend in the Northeast region. As a 
result, EPA finds it unlikely that sources or emissions activity from 
within Maine will interfere with other states' ability to maintain the 
2010 primary SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ See https://www.epa.gov/air-trends/sulfur-dioxide-trends, 
accessed on November 1, 2018.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Based on each of factors contained in the prong 2 maintenance 
analysis above, EPA proposes to find that sources or other emissions 
activity within Maine will not interfere with maintenance of the 2010 
primary SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS in any other state.
2. Sub-Element 2: Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II)--PSD (Prong 3)
    To prevent significant deterioration of air quality, this sub-
element requires SIPs to include provisions that prohibit any source or 
other type of emissions activity in one state from interfering with 
measures that are required in any other state's SIP under Part C of the 
CAA. One way for a state to meet this requirement, specifically with 
respect to in-state sources and pollutants that are subject to PSD 
permitting, is through a comprehensive PSD permitting program that 
applies to all regulated NSR pollutants and that satisfies the 
requirements of EPA's PSD implementation rules. For in-state sources 
not subject to PSD, this requirement can be satisfied through a fully-
approved NNSR program with respect to any previous NAAQS. EPA last 
approved revisions to Maine's NNSR regulations on February 14, 1996 (61 
FR 5690).
    To meet the requirements of Prong 3, ME DEP cites to its PSD 
permitting programs under 06-096 CMR Chapter 115, ``Major and Minor 
Source Air Emission License Regulations,'' to ensure that new and 
modified major sources of emissions do not contribute significantly to 
nonattainment, or interfere with maintenance, of any NAAQS. As noted 
above in our discussion of Element C, Maine's PSD program fully 
satisfies the requirements of EPA's PSD implementation rules. 
Consequently, we propose to approve Maine's infrastructure SIP 
submission for the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS related to section 
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) Prong 3 for the reasons cited under Element C.
3. Sub-Element 3: Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II)--Visibility Protection 
(Prong 4)
    Prong 4 requires a state's SIP to have adequate provisions 
prohibiting emissions in amounts that will interfere with measures in 
other states' SIPs to protect visibility. The prong 4 requirement is 
closely connected to the regional haze program under part C of the CAA, 
in which states work together in a regional planning process to 
determine each state's contribution to the visibility impairment in 
that region and agree to emission reduction measures to improve 
visibility. Maine is a member of the Mid-Atlantic/North East Visibility 
Union. EPA regulations require that a state participating in a regional 
planning process include in its regional haze SIP all measures needed 
to achieve its apportionment of emission reduction obligations agreed 
upon through that process. See, e.g., 40 CFR 51.308(d)(3). Thus, a 
fully approved regional haze SIP meeting the requirements of 40 CFR 
51.308 will ensure that emissions from sources under an air agency's 
jurisdiction are not interfering with measures required to be included 
in other air agencies'

[[Page 66191]]

plans to protect visibility and will, therefore, satisfy Prong 4. EPA 
approved Maine's Regional Haze SIP on April 24, 2012 (77 FR 24385). 
Accordingly, EPA proposes that Maine meets the visibility protection 
requirements of 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) for the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS.
4. Sub-Element 4: Section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii)--Interstate Pollution 
Abatement
    This sub-element requires each SIP to contain provisions requiring 
compliance with requirements of section 126 relating to interstate 
pollution abatement. Section 126(a) requires new or modified sources to 
notify neighboring states of potential impacts from the source. The 
statute does not specify the method by which the source should provide 
the notification. States with SIP-approved PSD programs must have a 
provision requiring such notification by new or modified sources.
    EPA-approved regulations require the ME DEP to provide pre-
construction notice of new or modified sources to, among others, ``any 
State . . . whose lands may be affected by emissions from the source or 
modification.'' See 06-096 CMR Chapter 115, Sec.  IX(E)(3), approved 
March 23, 1993 (58 FR 15422). These provisions are consistent with 
EPA's PSD regulations and require notice to affected states of a 
determination to issue a draft PSD permit. Regarding section 126(b), no 
source or sources within the state are the subject of an active finding 
with respect to the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS. Consequently, EPA 
proposes to approve Maine's infrastructure SIP submittals for this sub-
element with respect to the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS.
5. Sub-Element 5: Section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii)--International Pollution 
Abatement
    This sub-element requires each SIP to contain provisions requiring 
compliance with the applicable requirements of CAA section 115 relating 
to international pollution abatement. There are no final findings under 
section 115 against Maine with respect to the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> 
NAAQS. Therefore, EPA proposes to find that Maine meets the applicable 
infrastructure SIP requirements of section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii) related to 
section 115 for the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS.

E. Section 110(a)(2)(E)--Adequate Resources

    This section requires each state to provide for personnel, funding, 
and legal authority under state law to carry out its SIP and related 
issues. In addition, Section 110(a)(2)(E)(ii) requires each state to 
comply with the requirements with respect to state boards under section 
128. Finally, section 110(a)(2)(E)(iii) requires that, where a state 
relies upon local or regional governments or agencies for the 
implementation of its SIP provisions, the state retain responsibility 
for ensuring implementation of SIP obligations with respect to relevant 
NAAQS. This last sub-element, however, is inapplicable to this action, 
because Maine does not rely upon local or regional governments or 
agencies for the implementation of its SIP provisions.
1. Sub-Element 1: Adequate Personnel, Funding, and Legal Authority 
Under State Law to Carry out its Sip, And Related Issues
    Maine, through its infrastructure SIP submittal, has documented 
that its air agency has authority and resources to carry out its SIP 
obligations. Maine cites to 38 MRSA Sec.  341-A, ``Department of 
Environmental Protection,'' 38 MRSA Sec.  341-D, ``Board 
responsibilities and duties,'' 38 MRSA Sec.  341-H, ``Departmental 
rulemaking,'' 38 MRSA Sec.  342, ``Commissioner, duties,'' and 38 MRSA 
Sec.  581, ``Declaration of findings and intent.'' These statutes 
provide the ME DEP with the legal authority to enforce air pollution 
control requirements and carry out SIP obligations with respect to the 
2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS. Additionally, state law provides ME DEP with 
the authority to assess preconstruction permit fees and annual 
operating permit fees from air emissions sources and establishes a 
general revenue reserve account within the general fund to finance the 
state clean air programs. Maine also receives CAA sections 103 and 105 
grant funds through Performance Partnership Grants along with required 
state-matching funds to provide funding necessary to carry out SIP 
requirements. The ME DEP states that these funding sources provide it 
with adequate resources to carry out the SIP. Therefore, EPA proposes 
to find that Maine meets the infrastructure SIP requirements of this 
portion of section 110(a)(2)(E) with respect to the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> 
NAAQS.
2. Sub-Element 2: State Board Requirements Under Section 128 of the CAA
    Section 110(a)(2)(E) also requires each SIP to contain provisions 
that comply with the state board requirements of section 128 of the 
CAA. Section 128(a) contains two explicit requirements: (1) That any 
board or body which approves permits or enforcement orders under this 
chapter shall have at least a majority of members who represent the 
public interest and do not derive any significant portion of their 
income from persons subject to permits and enforcement orders under 
this chapter, and (2) that any potential conflicts of interest by 
members of such board or body or the head of an executive agency with 
similar powers be adequately disclosed.
    As mentioned earlier, the ME DEP consists of a Commissioner and a 
Board of Environmental Protection (``BEP'' or ``Board''), which is an 
independent authority under state law that reviews certain permit 
applications in the first instance and also renders final decisions on 
appeals of permitting actions taken by the Commissioner as well as some 
enforcement decisions by the Commissioner. Because the Board has 
authority under state law to hear appeals of some CAA permits and 
enforcement orders, EPA considers that the Board has authority to 
``approve'' those permits or enforcement orders, as recommended in the 
2013 Guidance. For this reason, and because the Board also issues some 
permits directly, the requirement of CAA section 128(a)(1) applies to 
Maine--that is, that ``any board or body which approves permits or 
enforcement orders members who represent the public interest and do not 
derive any significant portion of their income from persons subject to 
permits and enforcement orders under this chapter.''
    Pursuant to state law, the BEP consists of seven members appointed 
by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the State Legislature. See 
38 MRSA Sec.  341-C(1). The purpose of the Board ``is to provide 
informed, independent and timely decisions on the interpretation, 
administration and enforcement of the laws relating to environmental 
protection and to provide for credible, fair and responsible public 
participation in department decisions.'' Id. Sec.  341-B. State law 
further provides that Board members ``must be chosen to represent the 
broadest possible interest and experience that can be brought to bear 
on the administration and implementation of'' Maine's environmental 
laws and that ``[a]t least 3 members must have technical or scientific 
backgrounds in environmental issues and no more than 4 members may be 
residents of the same congressional district.'' Id. Sec.  341-C(2). EPA 
proposes to find that these provisions fulfill the requirement that at 
least a majority of Board members represent the public interest, but do 
not address the requirement that at least a majority ``not derive any 
significant portion of their

[[Page 66192]]

income from persons subject to'' air permits and enforcement orders. 
Furthermore, section 341-C is not currently in Maine's SIP. In a letter 
dated March 1, 2018 (extended to pertain to the 2012 SO<INF>2</INF> 
NAAQS in a letter dated October 29, 2018), the ME DEP committed to 
revise section 341-C to address the CAA section 128(a)(1) requirement 
that at least a majority of Board members ``not derive a significant 
portion of their income from persons subject to'' air permits or 
enforcement orders and to submit, for inclusion in the SIP, the 
necessary provisions to EPA within one year of EPA final action on its 
infrastructure SIPs for the 2008 lead (Pb), 2008 ozone, and 2010 
nitrogen dioxide (NO<INF>2</INF>) NAAQS. Final action on these SIPs was 
published on June 18, 2018 (83 FR 28157). Consequently, EPA proposes to 
conditionally approve Maine's infrastructure SIP submittal for this 
requirement of CAA section 128(a)(1) for the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS.
    As noted above, section 128(a)(2) of the Act provides that ``any 
potential conflicts of interest by members of such board or body or the 
head of an executive agency with similar powers be adequately 
disclosed.'' As EPA has explained in other infrastructure SIP actions, 
the purpose of section 128(a)(2) is to assure that conflicts of 
interest are disclosed by the ultimate decision maker in permit or 
enforcement order decisions. See, e.g., 80 FR 42446, 42454 (July 17, 
2015). Although the Board is the ultimate decision maker on air 
permitting decisions in Maine, certain air enforcement orders of the 
DEP Commissioner are not reviewable by the Board, but rather may be 
appealed directly to Maine Superior Court. For this reason, EPA 
interprets the conflict of interest requirement of CAA section 
128(a)(2) to be applicable in Maine to both Board members and the DEP 
Commissioner.
    In a recent infrastructure SIP action for the 2008 Pb, 2008 ozone, 
and 2010 NO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS, EPA determined that Maine's conflict of 
interest statute, 5 MRSA Sec.  18, and a provision explicitly making it 
applicable to Board members, 38 MRSA Sec.  341-C(7), together satisfy 
the CAA section 128(a)(2) requirement for Maine with respect to Board 
members, and EPA approved both statutes into the Maine SIP. See 83 FR 
28157 (June 18, 2018). For more information, see 83 FR 12905, 12912 
(March 26, 2018). EPA proposes to find that Maine's SIP also satisfies 
CAA section 128(a)(2) with respect to Board members for the 2010 
SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS for the same reasons.
    Regarding the DEP Commissioner, state law at 38 MRSA Sec.  341-
A(3)(D) also explicitly makes that official subject to 5 MRSA Sec.  18, 
the same conflict-of-interest statute to which the Board is subject. In 
the above-referenced multi pollutant infrastructure SIP action, EPA 
determined that 5 MRSA Sec.  18, which is in the Maine SIP, and 38 MRSA 
Sec.  341-A(3)(D), which is not currently in the SIP, together satisfy 
the conflict of interest requirement with respect to the DEP 
Commissioner. See 83 FR 28157 (June 18, 2018); 83 FR 12905, 12912 
(March 26, 2018). While 38 MRSA Sec.  341-A(3)(D) is not currently in 
the SIP, ME DEP has already committed to submitting it to EPA for 
inclusion within one year of EPA's final action on Maine's 
infrastructure SIP submissions for the 2008 Pb, 2008 ozone, and 2010 
NO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS. See 83 FR 28157 (June 18, 2018). Consequently, 
EPA proposes to conditionally approve Maine's infrastructure SIP 
submissions for the conflict of interest requirement of CAA section 
128(a)(2) with respect to the DEP Commissioner for the 2010 
SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS.

F. Section 110(a)(2)(F)--Stationary Source Monitoring System

    States must establish a system to monitor emissions from stationary 
sources and submit periodic emissions reports. Each plan shall also 
require the installation, maintenance, and replacement of equipment, 
and the implementation of other necessary steps, by owners or operators 
of stationary sources to monitor emissions from such sources. The state 
plan shall also require periodic reports on the nature and amounts of 
emissions and emissions-related data from such sources, and correlation 
of such reports by each state agency with any emission limitations or 
standards. Lastly, the reports shall be available at reasonable times 
for public inspection.
    Maine's infrastructure submittal references existing state 
regulations previously approved by EPA that require sources to monitor 
emissions and submit reports. First, Maine references 06-096 CMR 
Chapter 115, ``Major and Minor Source Air Emission License 
Regulations.'' This regulation contains compliance assurance 
requirements regarding emissions monitoring and reporting for licensed 
sources.
    Maine also references 06-096 CMR Chapter 117, ``Source 
Surveillance,'' which specifies air emission sources required to 
install, calibrate, maintain, and operate continuous emission 
monitoring systems (CEMS) and to submit periodic reports to EPA. 
Chapter 137 was approved into the SIP by EPA on March 21, 1989 (54 FR 
11524).
    In addition, Maine's emission statement rule, at 06-096 CMR Chapter 
137, requires certain facilities to report emissions of air pollutants 
on an annual basis. EPA most recently approved revisions to Chapter 137 
into the SIP on November 21, 2007. See 73 FR 65462. We further note 
that 38 MRSA Sec.  347-C, ``Right of inspection and entry,'' 
(referenced in ME DEP's submission with respect to enforcement under 
element C) authorizes ME DEP to inspect facilities, take samples, 
inspect records, and conduct tests as appropriate to determine 
compliance with permits, orders, regulations, and laws. Finally, by 
letter dated March 1, 2018 (extended to pertain to the 2010 
SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS in a letter dated October 29, 2018), ME DEP also 
certified that there are no provisions in Maine law that would prevent 
the use of any credible evidence of noncompliance, as required by 40 
CFR 51.212.
    Regarding the section 110(a)(2)(F)(iii) requirements that the SIP 
provide for the correlation and public availability of emission 
reports, the ME DEP uses a web-based electronic reporting system, the 
Maine Air Emissions Inventory Reporting System (``MAIRIS''), for this 
purpose that allows it to package and electronically submit reported 
emissions data to EPA under the national emission inventory (NEI) 
program. NEI data are available to the public.\14\ The MAIRIS system is 
structured to electronically correlate reported emissions with permit 
conditions and other applicable standards and identify all 
inconsistencies and potential compliance concerns.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ See www.epa.gov/air-emissions-inventories/national-emissions-inventory-nei.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Pursuant to ME DEP's EPA-approved regulations, ``Except as 
expressly made confidential by law; the commissioner shall make all 
documents available to the public for inspection and copying including 
the following: 1. All applications or other forms and documents 
submitted in support of any license application: 2. All correspondence, 
into or out of the Department, and any attachments thereto. . . .'' See 
06-096 CMR Chapter 1, Sec.  6(A). Furthermore, ``The Commissioner shall 
keep confidential only those documents which may remain confidential 
pursuant to 1 MRSA Section 402.'' Id. Sec.  6(B). We also note that the 
Maine Freedom of Access Law does not expressly make emissions 
statements confidential, 1 MRSA Sec.  402, and that, pursuant to ME 
DEP's EPA-approved regulations, ``[i]nformation concerning the nature 
and extent of the

[[Page 66193]]

emissions of any air contaminant by a source''--which includes emission 
reports--``shall not be confidential.'' See 06-096 CMR Chapter 115, 
Sec.  IX(B)(1). By letter dated March 1, 2018, extended to pertain to 
the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS in a letter dated October 29, 2018, Maine 
further certified that Maine's Freedom of Access law does not include 
any exceptions that apply to stationary source emissions.
    For the above reasons, EPA proposes to approve Maine's submittals 
for the requirements of section 110(a)(2)(F) for the 2010 
SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS.

G. Section 110(a)(2)(G)--Emergency Powers

    This section requires that a plan provide for state authority 
comparable to that provided to the EPA Administrator in section 303 of 
the CAA, and adequate contingency plans to implement such authority. 
Section 303 of the CAA provides authority to the EPA Administrator to 
seek a court order to restrain any source from causing or contributing 
to emissions that present an ``imminent and substantial endangerment to 
public health or welfare, or the environment.'' Section 303 further 
authorizes the Administrator to issue ``such orders as may be necessary 
to protect public health or welfare or the environment'' in the event 
that ``it is not practicable to assure prompt protection . . . by 
commencement of such civil action.''
    We propose to find that a combination of state statutes and 
regulations discussed in ME DEP's April 19, 2017 submittal and a March 
1, 2018 letter (extended to apply to the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS in a 
letter dated October 29, 2018) provides for authority comparable to 
that in CAA section 303. The statutes and regulations are: 38 MRSA 
Sec.  347-A, ``Emergency Orders,'' 38 MRSA Sec.  348, ``Judicial 
Enforcement,'' 37-B MRSA Sec.  742, ``Emergency Proclamation,'' 38 MRSA 
Sec.  591, ``Prohibitions,'' and 06-096 CMR Chapter 109, ``Emergency 
Episode Regulations.'' In our proposal to approve this requirement for 
Maine's 2012 PM<INF>2.5</INF> infrastructure SIP submission, we 
explained how this combination of authorities provides ME DEP with 
authority comparable to that in CAA section 303. See 83 FR 39957, 
39966-39967 (August 13, 2018). These statutes and the regulation apply 
in the same manner to SO<INF>2</INF> emissions as they do to 
particulate matter emissions. Accordingly, for the reasons contained in 
our proposal to approve this element for the 2012 PM<INF>2.5</INF> 
infrastructure SIP, we propose to find that this combination of state 
statutes and regulations provide for authority comparable to that in 
CAA section 303 for the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> infrastructure SIP.
    Section 110(a)(2)(G) also requires that, for any NAAQS, states have 
an approved contingency plan for any Air Quality Control Region (AQCR) 
within the state that is classified as Priority I, IA, or II. See 40 
CFR 51.152(c). As relevant to this proposed rulemaking action, three of 
the five AQCRs in Maine are classified as IA or II for sulfur oxides 
(SO<INF>X</INF>). See 40 CFR 52.1021. Consequently, Maine's SIP must 
contain an emergency contingency plan meeting the specific requirements 
of 40 CFR 51.151 and 51.152 with respect to SO<INF>X</INF>.
    Maine's submittal cites to 06-096 CMR Chapter 109, ``Emergency 
Episode Regulations,'' which specifies episode criteria for, and 
emission control measures to be implemented during, air pollution 
alerts, warnings, and emergencies to prevent ambient pollution 
concentrations from reaching significant harm levels (see 40 CFR 
51.152(a)(1), (3)), and is very closely modeled on EPA's example 
regulations for contingency plans at 40 CFR part 51, appendix L. EPA 
last approved C06-096 CMR Chapter 109 into Maine's SIP in 1995. See 60 
FR 2885 (January 12, 1995). As stated in Maine's infrastructure SIP 
submittal under the discussion of public notification (Element J), 
Maine also, as a matter of practice, posts on the internet daily air 
quality forecasts to the public levels through the EPA AirNow and EPA 
EnviroFlash systems. Information regarding these two systems is 
available on EPA's website at www.airnow.gov. Maine's participation in 
the AirNow and EnviroFlash programs addresses several of the public 
announcement and communications procedures and coordination with the 
National Weather Service included in the discussion of contingency 
plans in subpart H. See 40 CFR 51.152(a)(2), (b)(1), (b)(3).
    In addition, 38 MRSA Sec.  347-C, ``Right of inspection and 
entry,'' which ME DEP cites under Element C of its infrastructure SIP 
submittal, provides employees and agents of the ME DEP the authority to 
inspect sources of air pollution to determine compliance with laws 
administered by ME DEP. Thus, this authority allows the ME DEP to 
conduct the inspection of sources to ascertain compliance with any 
required emission control actions in accordance with 40 CFR 
51.152(b)(2).
    Therefore, EPA proposes that Maine, through the combination of 
statutes and regulations discussed above and participation in EPA's 
AirNow program, meets the applicable infrastructure SIP requirements of 
section 110(a)(2)(G) with respect to the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS.

H. Section 110(a)(2)(H)--Future SIP Revisions

    This section requires that a state's SIP provide for revision from 
time to time as may be necessary to take into account changes in the 
NAAQS or availability of improved methods for attaining the NAAQS and 
whenever EPA finds that the SIP is substantially inadequate.
    To address this requirement, Maine's infrastructure submittal 
references 38 MRSA Sec.  581, ``Declaration of findings and intent,'' 
which characterizes the state's laws regarding the Protection and 
Improvement of Air as an exercise of ``the police power of the State in 
a coordinated state-wide program to control present and future sources 
of emission of air contaminants to the end that air polluting 
activities of every type shall be regulated in a manner that reasonably 
insures the continued health, safety and general welfare of all of the 
citizens of the State; protects property values and protects plant and 
animal life.'' In addition, we note that ME DEP is required by statute 
to ``prevent, abate and control the pollution of the air [, to] 
preserve, improve and prevent diminution of the natural environment of 
the State [, and to] protect and enhance the public's right to use and 
enjoy the State's natural resources.'' See 38 MRSA Sec.  341-A(1). 
Furthermore, ME DEP is authorized to ``adopt, amend or repeal rules and 
emergency rules necessary for the interpretation, implementation and 
enforcement of any provision of law that the department is charged with 
administering.'' Id. Sec.  341-H(2); see also id. Sec.  585-A 
(recognizing DEP's rulemaking authority to propose SIP revisions). 
These general authorizing statutes give ME DEP the power to revise the 
Maine SIP from time to time as may be necessary to take account of 
changes in the NAAQS or availability of improved methods for attaining 
the NAAQS and whenever EPA finds that the SIP is substantially 
inadequate.
    Consequently, EPA proposes to find that Maine meets the 
infrastructure SIP requirements of CAA section 110(a)(2)(H) for the 
2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS.

I. Section 110(a)(2)(I)--Nonattainment Area Plan or Plan Revisions 
Under Part D

    The CAA requires that each plan or plan revision for an area 
designated as a nonattainment area meet the applicable requirements of 
part D of the CAA. Part D relates to nonattainment areas. EPA has 
determined that section 110(a)(2)(I) is not applicable to the 
infrastructure SIP process. Instead, EPA

[[Page 66194]]

takes action on part D attainment plans through separate processes.

J. Section 110(a)(2)(J)--Consultation With Government Officials; Public 
Notifications; Prevention of Significant Deterioration; Visibility 
Protection

    The evaluation of the submission from Maine with respect to the 
requirements of CAA Section 110(a)(2)(J) is described in the following 
sections.
1. Sub-Element 1: Consultation With Government Officials
    States must provide a process for consultation with local 
governments and Federal Land Managers (FLMs) in carrying out NAAQS 
implementation requirements.
    In a March 26, 2018, NPRM regarding infrastructure SIPs for the 
2008 Pb, 2008 ozone, and 2010 NO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS, we explained how 
Maine satisfies this requirement. See 83 FR 12905. On June 18, 2018, we 
took final action approving those multi-pollutant infrastructure SIP 
submissions, including finding that Maine's SIP satisfies this sub-
element. See 83 FR 28157. Based on the rationale contained in the March 
26, 2018 document, EPA proposes that Maine meets this infrastructure 
SIP requirement with respect to the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS.
2. Sub-Element 2: Public Notification
    Section 110(a)(2)(J) also requires states to notify the public if 
NAAQS are exceeded in an area, advise the public of health hazards 
associated with exceedances, and enhance public awareness of measures 
that can be taken to prevent exceedances and of ways in which the 
public can participate in regulatory and other efforts to improve air 
quality.
    As mentioned elsewhere in this document, state law directs ME DEP 
to, among other things, ``prevent, abate and control the pollution of 
the air . . . improve and prevent diminution of the natural environment 
of the State[, and] protect and enhance the public's right to use and 
enjoy the State's natural resources.'' See 38 MRSA Sec.  341-A(1). 
State law also authorizes ME DEP to ``educate the public on natural 
resource use, requirements and issues.'' Id. To that end, ME DEP makes 
real-time and historical air quality information available on its 
website.
    Maine also provides extended-range air-quality forecasts, which 
give the public advanced notice of air quality events. This advance 
NPRM allows the public to limit their exposure to unhealthy air and 
enact a plan to reduce pollution at home and at work. The ME DEP 
forecasts daily ozone and particle levels and issues these forecasts to 
the media and to the public via its website, telephone hotline, and 
email. Alerts include information about the health implications of 
elevated pollutant levels and list actions to reduce emissions and to 
reduce the public's exposure. In addition, Air Quality Data Summaries 
of the year's air-quality monitoring results are issued annually and 
posted on the ME DEP Bureau of Air Quality website. Maine is also an 
active partner in EPA's AirNow and EnviroFlash air quality alert 
programs.
    EPA proposes that Maine meets the infrastructure SIP requirements 
of this portion of section 110(a)(2)(J) with respect to the 2010 
SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS.
3. Sub-Element 3: PSD
    State plans must meet the applicable requirements of part C of the 
CAA related to PSD. Maine's PSD program in the context of 
infrastructure SIPs has already been discussed in sections 110(a)(2)(C) 
and 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) and, as we have noted, fully satisfies the 
requirements of EPA's PSD implementation rules. Consequently, we 
propose to approve the PSD sub-element of section 110(a)(2)(J) for the 
2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS, consistent with the actions we are proposing 
for sections 110(a)(2)(C) and 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II).
4. Sub-Element 4: Visibility Protection
    With regard to the applicable requirements for visibility 
protection, states are subject to visibility and regional haze program 
requirements under part C of the CAA, which includes sections 169A and 
169B. In the event of the establishment of a new NAAQS, however, the 
visibility and regional haze program requirements under part C do not 
change. Thus, as noted in EPA's 2013 Guidance, we find that there is no 
new visibility obligation ``triggered'' under section 110(a)(2)(J) when 
a new NAAQS becomes effective. In other words, the visibility 
protection requirements of section 110(a)(2)(J) are not germane to 
infrastructure SIP submissions.

K. Section 110(a)(2)(K)--Air Quality Modeling/Data

    Section 110(a)(2)(K) of the Act requires that a SIP provide for the 
performance of such air quality modeling as the EPA Administrator may 
prescribe for the purpose of predicting the effect on ambient air 
quality of any emissions of any air pollutant for which EPA has 
established a NAAQS, and the submission, upon request, of data related 
to such air quality modeling. EPA has published modeling guidelines at 
40 CFR part 51, appendix W, for predicting the effects of emissions of 
criteria pollutants on ambient air quality. EPA has interpreted section 
110(a)(2)(K) to require a state to submit or reference the statutory or 
regulatory provisions that provide the air agency with the authority to 
conduct such air quality modeling and to provide such modeling data to 
EPA upon request. See 2013 Guidance at 55.
    Maine state law implicitly authorizes ME DEP to perform air quality 
modeling and provide such modeling data to EPA upon request. See 38 
MRSA Sec. Sec.  341-A(1), 581, 591-B. In addition, Maine cites 06-096 
CMR Chapters 115 and 140, which provide that any modeling required for 
pre-construction permits and operating permits for minor and major 
sources be performed consistent with EPA-prescribed modeling guidelines 
at 40 CFR part 51, appendix W. Chapter 115 also requires that 
applicants submit data related to modeling to ME DEP. See 06-096 CMR 
chapter 115, section VII.E. Consequently, the SIP provides for such air 
quality modeling as the Administrator has prescribed and for the 
submission, upon request, of data related to such modeling.
    EPA proposes to find that Maine meets the infrastructure SIP 
requirements of section 110(a)(2)(K) with respect to the 2010 
SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS.

L. Section 110(a)(2)(L)--Permitting Fees

    This section requires SIPs to mandate that each major stationary 
source pay permitting fees sufficient to cover the reasonable cost of 
reviewing, approving, implementing, and enforcing a permit.
    Maine implements and operates a Title V permit program (see 38 MRSA 
Sec.  353-A; 06-096 CMR Chapter 140) which was approved by EPA on 
October 18, 2001. See 66 FR 52874. To gain this approval, Maine 
demonstrated the ability to collect sufficient fees to run the program. 
See 61 FR 49289, 49291 (September 19, 1996). Maine state law provides 
for the assessment of application fees from air emissions sources for 
permits for the construction or modification of air contaminant sources 
and sets permit fees. See 38 MRSA Sec. Sec.  353-A (establishing annual 
air emissions license fees) and 352(2)(E) (providing that such fees 
``must be assessed to support activities for air quality control 
including licensing, compliance, enforcement, monitoring, data 
acquisition and administration'').
    EPA proposes to find that Maine meets the infrastructure SIP 
requirements of section 110(a)(2)(L) for the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS.

[[Page 66195]]

M. Section 110(a)(2)(M)--Consultation/Participation by Affected Local 
Entities

    To satisfy Element M, states must provide for consultation with, 
and participation by, local political subdivisions affected by the SIP. 
Maine's infrastructure submittal references the Maine Administrative 
Procedure Act, 5 MRSA Chapter 375, and explains that it requires public 
notice of all SIP revisions prior to their adoption, which allows for 
comment by the public, including local political subdivisions. In 
addition, Maine cites 38 MRSA Sec.  597, ``Municipal air pollution 
control,'' which provides that municipalities are not preempted from 
studying air pollution and adopting and enforcing ``air pollution 
control and abatement ordinances'' that are more stringent than those 
adopted by DEP or that ``touch on matters not dealt with'' by state 
law. Finally, Maine cites Chapter 9 of Maine's initial SIP, which was 
approved on May 31, 1972 (37 FR 10842), and contains intergovernmental 
cooperation provisions.
    EPA proposes to find that Maine meets the infrastructure SIP 
requirements of section 110(a)(2)(M) with respect to the 2010 
SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS.

IV. Proposed Action

    EPA proposes to approve Maine's April 19, 2017 infrastructure SIP 
submission certifying that its current SIP is sufficient to meet the 
required infrastructure elements under sections 110(a)(1) and (2) for 
the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS, with the exception of CAA section 
110(a)(2)(E)(ii) regarding State Boards and Conflicts of Interest, 
which we propose to conditionally approve, as described in more detail 
above. EPA's proposed actions regarding these infrastructure SIP 
requirements are contained in Table 5.

    Table 5--Proposed Action on Maine's Infrastructure SIP Submittals
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Element                              2010 SO2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(A): Emission limits and other control     A
 measures.
(B): Ambient air quality monitoring and    A
 data system.
(C)1: Enforcement of SIP measures........  A
(C)2: PSD program for major sources and    A
 major modifications.
(C)3: PSD program for minor sources and    A
 minor modifications.
(D)1: Contribute to nonattainment/         A
 interfere with maintenance of NAAQS.
(D)2: PSD................................  A
(D)3: Visibility Protection..............  A
(D)4: Interstate Pollution Abatement.....  A
(D)5: International Pollution Abatement..  A
(E)1: Adequate resources.................  A
(E)2: State boards.......................  CA
(E)3: Necessary assurances with respect    NA
 to local agencies.
(F): Stationary source monitoring system.  A
(G): Emergency power.....................  A
(H): Future SIP revisions................  A
(I): Nonattainment area plan or plan       NG
 revisions under part D.
(J)1: Consultation with government         A
 officials.
(J)2: Public notification................  A
(J)3: PSD................................  A
(J)4: Visibility protection..............  NG
(K): Air quality modeling and data.......  A
(L): Permitting fees.....................  A
(M): Consultation and participation by     A
 affected local entities.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the above table, the key is as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.................................  Approve
CA................................  Approve but conditionally approve
NG................................  Not germane to infrastructure SIPs
NA................................  Not applicable
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA is soliciting public comments on the issues discussed in this 
proposal or on other relevant matters. These comments will be 
considered before EPA takes final action. Interested parties may 
participate in the Federal rulemaking procedure by submitting comments 
to this proposed rule by following the instructions listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this Federal Register. As noted in Table 5 of this 
document, EPA is proposing to conditionally approve one portion of 
Maine's April 19, 2017 infrastructure SIP for the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> 
NAAQS. The outstanding issue with this SIP revision pertains to element 
(E)(2) regarding State Boards and Conflicts of Interest.
    Under section 110(k)(4) of the Act, EPA may conditionally approve a 
plan based on a commitment from the State to adopt specific enforceable 
measures by a date certain, but not later than 1 year from the date of 
approval. If EPA conditionally approves the commitment in a final 
rulemaking action, the State must meet its commitment to submit an 
update to its State Board rules that fully remedies the deficiency 
mentioned above under Element E. If the State fails to do so, this 
action will become a disapproval on (list the date if under a statutory 
requirement) or one year from the date of final approval. 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 Maine 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 
submission. If EPA disapproves the new submittal, the conditionally 
approved infrastructure SIP element will also be disapproved at that 
time. If EPA approves the submittal, the infrastructure SIP element 
will be fully approved in its entirety and replace the conditionally 
approved program in the SIP.
    If the conditional approval is converted to a disapproval, the 
final disapproval triggers the Federal implementation plan (FIP) 
requirement under section 110(c).

[[Page 66196]]

V. 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 proposed 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 proposed action:
    <bullet> 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);
    <bullet> This action is not expected to be an Executive Order 13771 
regulatory action because this action is not significant under 
Executive Order 12866.
    <bullet> Does not impose an information collection burden under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
    <bullet> 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.);
    <bullet> 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);
    <bullet> Does not have Federalism implications as specified in 
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
    <bullet> Is not an economically significant regulatory action based 
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 1997);
    <bullet> Is not a significant regulatory action subject to 
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
    <bullet> 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
    <bullet> 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).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

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

    Dated: December 17, 2018.
Alexandra Dunn,
Regional Administrator, EPA Region 1.
[FR Doc. 2018-27773 Filed 12-21-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


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