## ILLINOIS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

1021 NORTH GRAND AVENUE EAST, P.O. BOX19276, SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS 62794-9276 • (217) 782-2829 PAT QUINN, GOVERNOR JOHN J. KIM, INTERIM DIRECTOR

217/785-4140 217/782-9143 (TDD)

December 31, 2012

Ms. Susan Hedman Regional Administrator U.S. Enviromnental Protection Agency, Region V 77 West Jackson Boulevard (R-19) Chicago, Illinois 60604-3507

Re: The State of Illinois' llO(a) SIP Requirements for the 2008 NAAQS for Ozone and the 2010 NAAQS for N02 and SOz

Dear Ms. Hedman:

I am writing to confirm that the StateofIllinois continues to retain the resources necessary to evaluate ambient air quality, develop plans to attain new and existing ambient air quality standards, meet the applicable requirements ofthenew source review program, and effectively enforce all applicable requirements. Specifically, the Illinois Enviromnental Protection Agency ("Illinois EPA") has the authority and resources to implement and satisfactorily complete the requirements listed below as set forth in Section 110 ofthe Clean Air Act ("CAA'') for the current National Ambient Air Quality Standards ("NAAQS") and thus meets the current applicablerequirements ofSection 110 ofthe CAA for the 2008 revision for the NAAQS for ozone and the 2010 NAAQS for N02 and SOz.

The State Implementation Plan ("SIP") elements listed below arerequired under Section IIO(a)(l) and (2). Section IIO(a)(l) provides theprocedural and timingrequirements for SIPs. Section IIO(a)(2) lists the basic or "infrastructure" elements that all SIPs must contain.

Emission limits and othercontrolmeasures: Section IIO(a)(2)(A) requires SIPs to include enforceable emission limitations and other control measures, means, or techniques, as well as schedules for compliance, as appropriate to meet the applicable requirements ofthe CAA.

The Illinois EPA continues to monitor and implement needed revisions to its SIP. The Illinois Enviromnental Protection Act ("Act") provides the Illinois EPA withthe authorityto develop rules and regulations necessary to meet ambient air quality standards ( 415 ILCS 5/4). The Act also created the Illinois Pollution Control Board ("Board") and grants the Boardthe authorityto develop rules and regulations. The Board'srules and regulations are necessary to promotethe purposes ofthe Act, are required bylaw, and are part ofthe State's attaimnent planto attain the NAAQS orto complywith the requirements ofthe federal CAA (415 ILCS 5/10).

4302 N. Main St., Rockford, IL 611 03 (815)987-7760 595 S. State, Elgin, ll 60123 (847)608-3131 2125 S. First St., Champaign, IL 61820 (217)278-5800 2009 Moll St., Collinsville, IL 62234 (618)346-51 20

PLEASE PRINT ON RECYCLED PAPER 9511 Harrison St., Des Plaines, IL 60016 (847]294-4000 5407 N. University St., Arbor 113, Peoria, ll61614 (309)693-5462 2309 W. Main St., Suite 116, Marion, ll 62959 (618)993-7200 100 W. Randolph, Suite 11-300, Chicago, IL 60601 (312)814·6026Ambient air quality monitoring data system: Section 110(a)(2)(B) requires SIPs to provide for the establishment and operation ofambient air quality monitors, and procedures necessaryto monitor, compile, and analyze ambient air quality data.

In accordance with its SIP, the Illinois EPA continues to operate an extensive monitoring network incorporating more than 200 monitors that trackthe measurements ofa variety ofpollutants and air toxic compounds throughout the State. The Illinois EPApublishes an annual report, mostrecentlythe Illinois Annual Air QualityReport 2010 (the 2011 report is due to be available shortly), which describes themonitoring network and summarizes the measurements for the year. The Illinois EPA also prepares and publishes for public comment its plans for the coming year. USEPA provides approval ofthe plan in advance ofeach calendar year. All reports and data are routinely shared with the USEPA orreadily available to the USEPAuponrequest. The 2013 Illinois Air Monitoring Network Plan is available onthe Illinois EPA's website at www.epa.state.il.us/air/monitoring/.

Program for enforcement, PSD, and NSR: Section 110(a)(2)(C) requires States to include.aprogram providing for the enforcement ofall SIP measures and the regulation ofconstruction ofnew or modified stationary sources to meet prevention ofsignificant deterioration ("PSD") and nonattainment New Source Review ("NSR") requirements.

The Illinois EPA continues to staffand implement a vigorous enforcement programthat includes the Compliance Section and Division ofLegal ofCounsel. Section4 ofthe Act provides the Directorwith the authorityto implement and administer this program (415 ILCS 5/4). In Illinois, enforcement actions are brought bythe Office ofthe Illinois Attorney General or local States' Attorney offices, with whomthe Illinois EPA consults. Illinois enforces all tenns ofourPSD and nonattairnnent NSR construction and operating pennits.

Since USEPA has not developed a guidance document for ozone, NOz, or SOz infrastructure SIPs, Illinois EPAhas used USEPA's previous guidance for the lead infrastructure SIP along with Illinois EPA's previous PM2.5 infrastructure SIP submittal as guidance. The previous guidance for the lead infrastructure SIP included concerns for PSD programs. Specifically, these concerns address the construction ormodification ofmajor stationary sources that maycause or contribute to a violation of the NAAQS for lead. The concern for purposes ofthis submittal is ozone, N02, and S02
. This guidance also statedthat PSD programs adequately address sources that emit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions consistent with USEPA's Tailoring Rule. Illinois EPA administers the Federal PSD regulations under 40 CFR 52.21. These regulations containprovisions specific to ozone, NOz, and SOz, as well as the appropriateFederalthreshold for the pennitting ofGHG-emitting sources. Therefore, requirements related to PSD for this sectionhavebeenmet.

Interstate and International transport provisions: Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i) requires SIPs to include provisions preventing any source or othertype ofemissions activityinone state from contributing significantlyto nonattainment, or interfering with maintenance, oftheNAAQS in another state, orfrom interfering with measures required to prevent significant deterioration ofair quality orto protect visibility in another state. On August 8, 2011, USEPA adopted a final Federal Implementation Plan addressing the majority of interstatetransport in Illinois and 26 other States for purposes ofthe 2006 fine particulate matter NAAQS (76 

### Fed. Reg. 48208). In addition, the Illinois EPA has adopted and implemented two major programs related to the interstatetransport ofpollution. Title 35 ofthe Illinois Administrative Code Part 225, Control ofEmissions from Large Combustion Sources, sets forth provisions pertaining to the control ofmercury emissions from coal-fired electric generating units ("Illinois MercuryRule") (35 

### Ill. Adm. Code Part 225). Inparticular, the Illinois MercuryRule contains a multi-pollutant standard to reduce NOx and S02 emissions from coal-frred electric generating units. These provisions, which will result inreductions ofS02, NOx, and Hg beyond federal requirements, will significantlyreduce the interstate transport ofpollutants from sources in Illinois. Moreover, the State ofillinoishas good working relationships withthe States ofMissouri, Indiana, and Wisconsin as part ofthe continuing effort to achieve compliance in Illinois' multi-state nonattainment areas. Furthermore, Illinois' SIP revision to address the visibilityprotectionrequirements ofSection 169A ofthe CAA for Federal Class I areas, includingprovisions to apply Best Available Retrofit Technology ("BART") to subject emissionunits, was approved by USEPA on July 6, 2012, thereby meeting the visibilityrequirements ofthis section. Togethertheseregulations and cooperative agreements amply address Congressional and USEPA concerns over the interstatetransport ofemissions ofregulated pollutants. Withrespect to the PSD requirements ofsection 11O(a)(2)(D)(i), wereiterate that Illinois EPA administers the Federal PSD regulations, and therefore Illinois satisfies the applicable PSD requirements ofSection 110(a)(2)(D).

Section llO(a)(2)(D)(ii) requires SIPs to contain provisions that address Section 115 and Section 126 ofthe Clean Air Act. Illinois has no pending obligations under Section 115 ofthe Clean Air Act, whichpertains to internationalpollution abatement. Withrespect to the requirements ofSection 126(a), which requires Illinois to notifY states ofnew or modified sources, we administer the Federal PSD regulations per 40 CFR 52.21 which contain the necessaryprovisions to satisfY the applicable requirement ofSection 126(a). Furthermore, Illinois has no obligations under Section 126(b), which pertains to petitions for finding that major sources emit or would emit prohibited air pollutants.

Adequate resources: Section 110(a)(2)(E) requires states to provide for adequate personnel, funding, and legal authorityunder state law to carry out its SIP and related obligations.

On July 12, 2011, Governor Quinn signed into law Public Act 097-0095/House Bill1297 (the full text

can be found at http://www.ilga.gov/legislationlpublicacts/97/097-0095.htm). The revisions to the Act increase operating permit fees in Illinois and provide additional funding for the Clean Air Act Penni! fund. Including the revisions to the Act, State appropriations provide $6l.ltnillionofappropriations for the Illinois EPA Bureau ofAir programs and 292 full time equivalent staffingpositions (see: www.ilga.gov/legislation/96/HB/PDF/09600HB0859sam003.pdt). In combinationwiththe funding provided bythe Illinois EPA's Performance Partnership Agreement ("PPA") with USEPA, Illinois has the resources to carry out the required air programs. The Act provides the Director, in conjunction withthe Board, with the legal authorityto develop rules and regulations necessaryto meet ambient airquality standards and respond to any EPAfindings ofinadequacy withthe Illinois SIP program (415 ILCS 5/4 and I0). The Boardmay also enact regulations that are required by law, that are otherwise partofthe State's attainment plan and are necessary to attain the national ambient air quality standards,

orthat are necessary to comply with the requirements ofthe federal CAA (415 ILCS 5110).

Section 110(a)(2)(E) also requires states to comply withthe requirements respecting stateboards per Section 128 ofthe Clean Air Act. Board Member Rules can be found under Part 101 ofillinois Administrative Code Title 35, Subtitle A, Chapter 1. Furtherrules addressing the stateboard requirements ofSection 128 canbe found in 5 ILCS 420/, 5 ILCS 430/, and Illinois Executive Order 10.

Stationary source monitoring system: Section 110(a)(2)(F) requires states to establish a systemto monitor emissions from stationary sources and to submit periodic emissions reports.

The Act gives the Illinois EPA and the Board the authorityto require regulated sourcesto install and operatemonitoring equipment, to perform emissions testing, and to submit emissionreports, depending on applicablerequirements and the type ofpermit issued to the source, to the Bureau ofAir for review. All reasonable efforts are madeto maximize the effectiveness ofavailableresources to review the required reports.

Emergency episodes: Section 11O(a)(2)(G) requires statesto provide for authorityto address activities causing imminent and substantial endangerment to public health, including contingencyplans to implement the emergency episodeprovisions intheir SIPs.

Section 34 ofthe Act allows the Illinois EPAto declare alerts upon a finding that episode or emergency conditions exist (415 ILCS 5/34). Further, Section43(a) ofthe Act authorizes the Illinois EPAto request a State's Attorney ofthe Office ofIllinois Attorney General to seek immediate injunctive reliefin circumstances ofsubstantial danger to the environment orto the public health of persons (415 ILCS 5/43(a)). Thus, the Illinois EPA has the necessary authority to address activities causing imminent and substantial endangerment to public health, as required by Section 110(a)(2)(G).

Future SIP revisions: Section IIO(a)(2)(H) requires states to have the authority to revise their SIPs in response to changes inthe NAAQS, availability ofimproved methods for attaining the NAAQS, or in response to a USEPA finding thatthe SIP is substantially inadequate.

TheAct provides the Director, in conjunction withthe Board, withthe authority to develop rules and regulations necessary to meet ambient air quality standards and respond to any USEPA findings of inadequacywiththe Illinois SIP program (415 ILCS 5/4 and 10).Nonattainment area plan or plan revision under Part D: Section 110(a)(2)(I) references nonattainment area planning. Although there are two ozone nonattainment areas in Illinois (Chicago

area and Metro-east), planning requirements for these areas are on a different schedule than general infrastructure SIP elements. USEPA's guidance does not expect states to include these planning requirements as part ofthe infrastructure SIP.

Consultation with government officials, public notification, PSD, and visibility protection: Section 110(a)(2)(J) requires consultation withgovernment officials. Specifically, this sectionrequires states to provide a process for consultation with local governments and Federal Land Managers carrying outNAAQS implementationrequirements pursuant to Section 121 relating to consultation.

The Illinois EPA is required to give notice to the Office ofthe Attorney General and the Illinois Department ofNatural Resources during therulemakingprocess. The Illinois EPA provides notice to both entities during everyrulemaking and includes each as a stakeholder during outreach. The Illinois EPA further provides notice to reasonably anticipated stakeholders and interested parties. The Illinois EPA also gives notice to the Federal Land Manager ("FLM") ifthe mlemaking applies to Federal land

overwhich the FLM has authority. Finally, the Illinois EPA consults withtheUSEPA and the States oflndiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio throughits membership in the Lake Michigan Air Directors' Consortium ("LADCO"), and consults with the State ofMissouri through a process established in a Memorandum ofAgreement ("MOA").

Public notification: Section 110(a)(2)(J) further requires Statesto notify the public ifNAAQS are exceeded in an area and to enhancepublic awareness ofmeasures that can be taken to prevent exceedances.

The Illinois EPA and the Cook CountyDepartmentofEnviromnental Controlroutinely monitor air quality throughout the state and notify the public when unhealthful air quality is measured or forecasted. The Illinois EPAprovides air quality datato USEPA's AIRNOWprogram, and also provides the daily air qualityindex ("AQI") to the media. In addition, the Illinois EPAprovides the AQI to local stakeholder groups, Partners for Clean Air in Chicago, and the Clean Air Partnership in St. Louis, who post the information online. Through these collaborative efforts, the Illinois EPA and the Cook CountyDepartment ofEnviromnental Control provide information to the public on measures that canbetaken to prevent exceedances and this information is also posted on the Illinois EPA's website.

PSD and visibility protection: Section 11O(a)(2)(J) also requires States to meet applicable requirements ofPart C related to prevention ofsignificant deterioration and visibilityprotection.

The Illinois EPA is addressing boththe long termrequirements to meet natural visibility levels by 2064 and the ongoing review ofnew major sources and major modifications under Illinois' approved PSD new source review program. OnJuly 6, 2012, USEPA approved Illinois' regional haze SIP, includingprovisions to implement Best Available Retrofit Technology ("BART") (77 FR 3966).Illinois EPAprovides public notice for all SIP revisions and publichearings for thoserevisions when requested. Requirements for consultation with other government officials and PSD requirements have ·beenaddressed in other sections ofthis document. Specifically, PSD requirements have been included

inthe discussion addressing Section I IO(a)(2)(C), and to reiterate- Illinois EPA administers the Federal PSD regulations per 40 CFR 52.21; therefore, the applicablerequirements for section IIO(a)(2)(J) regarding PSD havebeenmet.

Air quality modeliug/data: Section 11O(a)(2)(K) requires that SIPsprovide for performing air quality modeling forpredicting effects on air quality ofemissions for anyNAAQS pollutant and submission ofsuch datato USEPA upon request.

The Illinois EPA maintains a capabilityto performmodeling ofthe air quality impacts ofemissions of all criteriapollutants, including the capabilityto use complexphotochemical grid models. The Illinois EPAperforms modeling in support ofthe SIP for all nonattaimnent areas inthe State. The Illinois EPA also requires air quality modeling in support ofpermitting the construction ofmajor and some minor new sources under the PSD program. Thesemodeling studies are thoroughly documented and

are available to the USEPA and the public uponrequest. Furthermore, the Illinois EPAparticipates in multi-stateregional modeling efforts, including participation and providing funding for LADCO. LADCO conducts regional modeling that is utilized for statewideplanningpurposes.

Permitting fees: Section 11O(a)(2)(L) requires SIPs to require eachmajor stationary source to pay permitting fees to coverthe cost ofreviewing, approving, implementing, and enforcing a permit.

The Illinois EPA continues to implementthe approved Title V operatingpennit program as set forth in Section 39.5 ofthe Act, whichincludes requiring major sources to paypermit fees (415 ILCS 5/39.5). The Illinois EPA also requires fees from applicants ofpotentialnew ormodified sources inthe form of constructionpermit application fees.

Consultation/participation by affected local entities: Section 11O(a)(2)(M) requires Statesto provide for consultation and participation in SIP development bylocal political subdivisions affected bythe SIP.

The Illinois EPA follows approvedprocedures for allowing public participation, consistent with 35 Ill. Adm. Code Part 164, Procedures for Informational and Quasi-Legislative Public Hearings, and 35 

### Ill. Adm. Code Part 252, Public Participation inthe Air Pollution Control Permit Program. Part 252 is an approvedportion ofIllinois' SIP.Based onthe infonnationprovided in these discussions
, I believe that the Illinois EPA meets or exceeds all ofthenecessary CAA Section 110 infrastructure needs
, enablingus to continueto satisfy those requirements ofthe CAA. Ifthere are any questions
, please feel free to contactDavid Bloomberg (217-524-4949), ormyself.



### m Interim Director Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

AttachmentsPAT QUINN GOVERNOR

December 18, 2012

Interim DirectorJohn J. Kim

### OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR JRTC, 100W. RANDOLPH, Sum 16-100 (HIC-\GO, ILUNO!:. 60601

lllinois Environmental Protection Agency 1021 North Grand Avenue, East P.O. Box 19276 Springfield, lL 62794-9276

Re: Authorization to submit StateImplementation Plan revisions

DearInterim Director Kim:

I hereby designate the Director ofthe Illinois Environmental Protection Agency with the authority to sign all State Implementation Plans, revisions, and other supporting documents submitted onbehalfofthe State ofillinois to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. As Interim Director, you are granted the same authority during your tenure as Interim Director.

# 'it-~~

# ~"m" Governor State oflilinoisSims, Jackie

From: Frost, Brad Sent: To: Monday, December 31, 2012 8:25AM Sims, Jackie Subject: Ozone, N02 and S02 Infrastructure SIP comments

Jackie,

We received no comments or requests for hearing during the recent comment period for the Infrastructure SIP for ozone, N02 and 502 which ended December 26, 2012.

Brad

Brad Frost Office of Community Relations Illinois EPA 1021 North Grand Avenue, East PO Box 19506 Springfield, IL 62794-9506 217/782-7027 217/524-5023 fax brad.frost@illinois.gov

1Sims, Jackie

From: Frost, Brad Sent: To: Tuesday, December 18, 2012 9:24AM Sims, Jackie; Bloomberg, David E. Attachments: Public notice for Ozone-N02-S02 ISIP 2012.doc

Attached is the notice that ran.

A list ofthe people that the notice was e-mailed to:

Ann Alexander- NRDC Amy Funk- UIUC Verena Owen- Sierra Club Constantine Blathras- USEPA Brian lmus -Illinois PIRG Brian Urbaszewski- Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago David Ogulei- USEPA Faith Bugel- ELPC Heidi Hansen James Giampietro- Sierra Club Kathy Hodge Kristin Henry- Sierra Club Lionel Trepanier- Chicago Greens Marcus Danny- USEPA Rick Diericx- Dynegy Senator Dick Durbin Susan Zingle Angela Tin- American Lung Tom Shepherd- Southeast Environmental Task Force Keith Harley Kathleen Logan-Smith- Washington University Andrea Gross- Washington University Kathy Andria- American Bottoms Association Christine Favilla- Sierra Club Robert Kuehn- Washington University Michael Stansfield- MO ON R Andy Stewart- Wisconsin EPA Doug Campbell-Iowa DNR Linda McDonald- MO DNR Mary Douglas- Michigan EPA James Morse- Kentucky EPA Patty Pear-IN OEM

I'm tracking down the tearsheets and will forward to you when I have them.

Brad Frost Office of Community Relations Illinois EPA 1021 North Grand Avenue, East PO Box 19506 Springfield, IL 62794-9506

1217/782-7027 217/524-5023 fax brad.frost@illinois.gov

2Illinois EnvironmentalProtection Agency Public Notice Order Form

Division: 

### Air Permits

Ordered By: Bradley Frost Phone: 217/782-7027

PublicNotice Number: SIP12- 002

Newspaper orlocation where ad is to beplaced: State Paper (Taylorville, The BreezeCourier)

Run Date(s): 11/26/2012

Special Instructions:

Ad is to run as anROP Display- NOT as a legal notice

Pleasetypeset and border ad copy. Ad Size: 2 x 5

Authorizing Name: Brad Frost Date: November 20, 2012Illinois Enviromnental Protection Agency



### Notice oflnfrastructure State Implementation Plan Submittal to Address Ozone, N02, and S02

The Illinois Enviromnental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) is sending nptice for cormnent concerning the submittal ofan Infrastructure State Implementation Plan for the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone and the 2010 NAAQS for N02 and S02. The Illinois EPA is required to submit an Infrastructure State Implementation Planto the United States Enviromnental Protection Agencyunder Section 110(a)(2) ofthe Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) concerning the capabilities ofsuch Agency to implement, maintain, and enforce the ozone, N02, and SOz protection requirements within the State ofIllinois already functioning inthe State Implementation Plan (SIP).

The infrastructureplan is not a notice for any new rule development orrevisions to any existing rulemakings, but informs the United States Enviromnental Protection Agency that Illinois EPA is able to maintain current monitoring and modeling data systems, enforcement and permitting programs including New Source Review and Prevention of Significant Deterioration, adequateresources with current funding, and authority for existing regulations involving the ozone, N02 , and S02NAAQS. Illinois EPA believes that all the requirements underthe Infrastructure State ImplementationPlanhave been met. This planwill be submitted for review and approval as arevision to the SIP and meets the Federal requirements as set forth under Title 40: Protection ofthe Enviromnent, Part 51 -Requirements for Preparation, Adoption, and Submittal ofimplementation Plans.

It should also be noted that any further action concerning the ozone, NOz, and S02 NAAQS, be it new rulemaking orrevisions to any current regulations, will go through properprocedures including public cormnent and hearing. The complete Infrastructure State ImplementationPlan can bereviewed online at http://www.epa.state.il.us/publicnotices/ and at the Illinois EPA offices at 1021 North Grand Avenue East, Springfield, 217/782-7027, 2009 Mall Street, Collinsville, 618/ 346-5120, and 9511 West Harrison in Des Plaines, 847/294-4000 (for all locations, please call ahead to assure that someone will be available to assist you).

The Illinois EPAis accepting cmmnents onthe Infrastructure State Implementation Plan. Comments must be postmarked by midnight December 26, 2012. Cmmnents or requests for public hearing concerning the Infrastructure State ImplementationPlan canbe mailed to Brad Frost, Illinois Enviromnental Protection Agency, Bureau ofAir, 1021 North Grand Ave. East, P.O. Box 19276, Springfield, IL 62794-9276 or emailed to Brad.Frost@illinois.gov.i, ILLINOIS
perhaps he canbe helpful in

.e process ofgettingthe gover- >r to the table." Senate President John ullerlon favors a ncgoUalcd 1cl, but hasn't commiltcd to :Uon before Januruy, when wmakcrs arc scheduled to cct next, spokeswoman keeshaPhelan said. Quinn'soffice did notrespond requestsfor comment. Inear- :r comments to theAP, Quinn nmded uncharacteristically Jbeat abouta casino plan, ''I'm optimistic we can put 1meth1ng together," he said. In cmiUng a state budget last inter, Quinn slashed spending lth plans to close several cor· ctlonal facilltics and units for ental health treatment and

tre ofllie developmentally dis· lied. Lawmakers objected, sending

m a buclgetwith moneyappro· 'fated to keep open places Uke

c Tamms htgh-sccurtty prison 1d the women's lockup at wight. Quinn stood Orm, clueing that allocation by $57 illJon andsaying hewanted to
;e the money for other proams, such as chUd protective :rvlccs. Cullerton, a Chicago**~mocrat,** is preparingan overmtly slowing the economic covery. The figures echo estimates ' private forecasters and by te Congressional Budget ffice. Congress and Obama have J.tll the end of the year to 'Old across the board tax
creases that would do away lth rates set during the lminlstratlon of President ::orge W. Bush and restore gher tax rates In place dur· g President Blll Clinton's lmlnlstraUon when the ·anomy was robust and the dcral government had a 1dget surplus. Many middle income tax· lyers alsowould be exposed

automatic tax Increases 1der the Alternative Infmum Tax, which is :signed to guarantee a cerln level of lax payment by**~althlcr** taxpayers. According to the report, a nrrled

. , ,s_9uplc .c.arn{ng :tween '

-$50,000 and 15,000 with two chlldren )uld sec a $2,200 increase their taxes. Obamawants U1e Bush-era
x: rates to remain at U1Cir u-rent level for households rnlng less than $250,000.
! Is calling on Congress to
crease taxes for families rnlng more than that

111on. For the holiday season-to· 1le, comScore found that 3.7 billion has been spent 11lne, marking a 16 percent
crease over last year. The <:P$1rrh nrm nrPrllf'b:; th:tt ww\v.brccze-courier.com MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26,2012 PAGE 3

ride of that budget-bill reduc· tlon, Phelan said. But it would onlymeanQuinncouldn'tspend the money as he pleased. It would not force the governor lo keep prisons and other sites open.

Lawmakers believe the facill· tics arc still needed and \vantcd to save jobs, parllcularly tl10se employedat prisons ineconoml· cally hard·hil southern llllnols
areas.

Sen. David Leuchtefeld, R· Oka\Wille, hopes he doesn't lose gt.m-rclated Jegtslation he sponsored to a Quinn assaultweaponsban. Lcuchlefcld's pro· posalwouldclose a loophole that prevents Illinois residents from buyingammunition through the maJl from lliinols suppliers.

It easily won legislative approval, but Quinn used his amendatory veto power to sub· stitute language banning new assault-style weapons, largecapacllyammunition magazines and similar guns. His move, which some legislative experts believe exceeded his authority,

came after a gunman killed 12 people in a suburban Denver movie theater.

Leuchtefcld's got no qualms aboutdebatingguncontrol ifthe governor finds a friendly lcglslathreshold.

Obama's plan Is part of an overaii deficit reducUon package that would Increase lax

revenueby about $1.5 trillion and reduce spending by a similar amount over I0 years.

Congressional Republicans, led by Boehner, have said they are open to Includlng discussions about additional revenue but have baJked at any plan that rals·

es tax rates on the wealthy. They argue that the higher rates would also hit some small businesses, stifling economic growth.

Instead, they have advocated changes in the tax code that would eliminate tax breaks and loopholes that primarilybenefit the wealthy. Several key RepublJcan lawmakers have also said they would not be bound by a notax-Increase pledge that they bnvc adhered tnJn UIC pa&t.

-**HDllse'MaJO~rty.LcadCr-** Eric····

Cantor said Mollday the urgency of finding solutions Intensifies as the end of the year approaches.

"Ifwe don't do anything. on Jan. I, 2013, there's a lot

more people paying a lot more," the VIrginia Republican said on MSNBC.

Cantor said the rapidly

historically earned by tl1e last day shoppers could order Items with standard shipping rates and get them delivered before Christmas. That day changes every year, but usu-**::~llv f:~ll.c:**  In**l:~tP** T)prpmhPr tor to write a separate bill, not hijack whathesees ascommon·
sense legislation.

"He has to knowIt's going too far to do what he did," Lcuchtcfcld said. "He has to know I wouldn't allow it lo hap· pen."

Among other issues, Quinn, Cullerton and Republlcans annolUlcedsupportlastweekfor lcg.Jslation to allow lllegallmml· grants to gel driver's Ilcenses, making roads safer wiU1 bellerlralned and more Insured drivers. Discussions arc under way aboutwhether additional money might be necessary for htunan services and chlld protection.

Langsaid he Js doseto the 60 votes he needs for House app,roval ofa medical marijuana bl\1, allowing people with Sp:!cillc llh1esscs-who, forexample, get pain relieffrom marijuana- to possess small amounts purchased from licensed dlspen· saries. Medical marijuanause is OK In 18 states and Washington, D.C.

''This is without any question U1e Ughtest andmosthighlyreg· ulatcd medical marijuana bill

ever written In tl1is country," Langsaid.

approaching deadline accounts for the more serious tone to the debate, bul also reaffirmed the GOP's opposl· lion to raising tax rates for the wealthy. "We've got to have the president step up and say, here's my position

on how we reform these enU· tlements and start managing down the deficlts,n he said.

"What should be on the table Is a recipe to fix the problem and not give away growth," Cantor said, when asked whether Rcpubllcans would agree to have lncrcas·

cs In tax rates considered.

"We were re-elected to fix the problems, get the economy going again," he said. "Well, the president got reelected and we know at the end of the year taxes arc going to go up on everybody, rich and poor alike... If no acllon is taken to avert the hikes. For That Special Person on Your Ust Manicure- $15; Pedicure- $35 For Both- $45 Gijl CertijicateJAvailable Call Carrie Peel< to 

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RT.AC'K li'RffiAV SPR.C'TAT.S QAM-dPM ONT:VReid over the wecltend, The aides would not reveal details of the conversations. Obama last met with the bipartisan congressional leadership to discuss the fiscal cliffon Nov. 16. No new meeUngs have been announced.

Meanwhile, the stock market edged lower in the mornlOg as the outcome of the budget taJks remained Inconclusive.

Retailers such as Macy's, Target and Saks were down In early trading, amid fears that consumers might cut back this season. But the National Retail Federation reported earlier that 247 million shoppers visilcd stores and shopping webslles durIng the long Thanksgiving weekend, up 9 percent from a year ago. They spent an aver· age of$423, up 6 percent.

The While House report also says a sudden Increase In· taxes for middle-Income taxpayers would reduce consumer spending Jn 2013 by nearly $200 billion, signlfi

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than they did when Shop.org, the digital division of trade group The National Retail Federation, Introduced the term "Cyber Monday."

"People years ago didn't have

... connectivity to shop online at their homes. So when they went back to work after Thanksgiving they'd shop on the Monday after," said Vicki Cantrell, executive director of Shop.org. "Now they don't need the work computer to be able to do that."

As a result, the period between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday has become busy for online shopping as well. Indeed, online sales on Thanksgiving Day, trad!Uonally not a popular day for online shopping, rose 32 percent over last year to $633 million, according to comScore. And online sales

on Black Friday were up 26 percent from the same day last year, to $1.042 bJllion. It
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## 824-5454 avoid across the board tax increases Utat would do away with rates set during the administration of President George W. Bush and restore higher tax rates In place durIng President Bill Clinton's adminlslraUon when the economy was robust and the federal government had a budget surplus.

Many middle income taxpayers also would be exposed to automatic tax increases under the Alternative Minimum Tax, which Is designed to guarantee a certain level of lax payment by wealthier taxpayers.

According to U1e report, a married couple earning between $50,000 and $85,000 with two children would sec a $2.200 Increase in their taxes.

Obarna wants theBush-era lax rates to remain at their current level for households earning less than $250,000. He IS calllng on Congress to Increase taxes for families earning more than that

billion.

For the holiday season-todate, comScore found that $13.7 billion has been spent onllnc, marking a 16 percent increase over last year. The research firm predicts that online sales wlll surpass 10 percent of total retail spending this holiday season. The Nal!onal Rctan Federation esllmatcs that overall retail sales in November and December will be up 4.1 per· cent this year to $586.1 billion

But as other days become popular for online shopping, Cyber Monday may lose some of Us cache. To be sure, Cyber Monday hasn't always been the biggest online shopping day. In fact, up unUI three years ago, that title was Congressional Republicans, led by Boehner, have said they are open to Including discussions about additional revenue but have balked at any plan that raises tax rates on the wealthy. They argue that the higher rates would also hil some small businesses, sUfling economic growth.

Instead. they have advocated changes in the tax code that would eliminate tax breaks and loopholes that prlmartlybenefitthe wealthy. Several key Republican Jaw· makers have also said they would nol be bound by a notax-Increase pledge that they hnvc adhered to In th'i,**p<~st.**

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said Monday the urgency of finding solutions intensifies as the end of the year approaches.

"Ifwe don't do anything, on Jan. 1, 2013, there's a Jot
more people paying a lot more," the Virginia Republican said on MSNBC.

Cantor saJ.d the rapidly

hisloricaJly earned bythe last day shoppers could order Items wiUl standard shlpplllg rates and get them delivered before Christmas. That day changes every year, but usu· ally falls In late December.

Even though Cyber Monday Is expected to be the biggest shopping day this year, Industrywatchers say H couldjustbe a matter of time before other days take that ranking.

"Of all lhe benchmark spending days, Thanksgiving Is growing at the fastest rate, up 128 percent over the last five years," said Andrew Llpsman, a spokesman with

comScore.

Notice of Infrastructure State lmplemeniatlon Plan Submlital to Address Ozone, N02, and 502 The Illinois Environmental Proieclion Agency (Illinois EPA) is sending no\Jce ror comment concerning the submHtal of an Infrastructure Stale lmplementaUon Plan for the 2008 National Ambient A!r**Qual~y** Standard (NAAQS} for ozone and the 2010 NAAQS for N02 and S02. The Illinois EPA is required to submit an lnfrastruclure Stale Jmplemenlalion Plan to the Uniled States Environmental Proteclion Agency underSeciion 110(a}(2) of ihe Federal Clean AirAci (CAA) concerning the capabilities of such Agency to Implement maintain, and enfor;;e the ozone, N02, and S02 protection requirements whhin the Slate of Illinois already functioning in IheSlate Implementation Plan (SIP), The Infrastructure plan Is not a noiice forany new rule development or revisions to any existing rulemaklngs, bui Informs the United S1ates Environmental Protection Agency that llllnols EPA is able to maintain current monitoring and modeling data systems, enforcement and permliling programs including NewSouo::e Revlewand Prevention of S!gniflcani Deierloration, adequate reSOtJrces wHh current funding, and authorily for existing regulations involving the ozone, N02, and 502 NAAOS. Illinois EPA believes that an ihe requirements under the lnfraslruciure State Implementation Plan have been met. This plan will be submilted for review and approval as a revision to ihe SIP and meets the Federal requirements as set forth under Trtle 40: Protection of the Environment, Part 51

- Requirements for Preparation, Adoption, and Submittal of Implementation Plans. !\should alsobe noiedthat any furtherac!Jon concerning the ozone, N02,and S02 NAAOS, beit newrulemaklng orrevisionsto any current regulations, will go through proper procedures including public comment and hearing. The complete lnfrastruclure State Implementation Plan can be reviewed online at hllp:lfwww.epa.state.i!.usfpublic-notices/and aithe Illinois EPAoffices at 1021 Not1h Grand Avenue East, Springfield, 217n82·7027, 2009 Mall Street, Collinsville, 6181 34&5120, and 9511 West Harrison in Des Plaines, 8471294-4000 (for all locations, please call ahead to assure that someone will be available to assist you). The Illinois EPA Is accepting comments on the lnfras!ruclure State**Jm~emenlation** Plan. Comments must be postmarked by midnight December 26, 2012. Comments or requests for public hearing concerning the Infrastructure State Implementation Plan can be mailed to Brad Frosi, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau clAir, 1021 North GrandAve. Easi, P.O. Box 19276, Springfield, !L 62794-9276 or emalled to Brad.Frost@illinols.gov. on how we reform these entitlements and start managing down the deficits,'' he said_

"What should be on the table is a recipe to fix the problem and not give away growth," Cantor said, when asked whether Republicans would agree lo have Increases In tax rates considered.

"We were re-elected lo fix lhc problems, get the economy going again," he said. "Well, the president got reelected and we know at the end of the year taxes are going to go up on everybody, rich and poor alike," if no acUon is taken to avert the hllms. 

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