[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 202 (Monday, October 20, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 54409]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-27621]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[FRL-5910-3]


Acid Rain Program: Public Workshop on an Emissions Trading 
Program for Oxides of Nitrogen (NO<INF>X</INF>)

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Public workshops on a NO<INF>X</INF> emissions trading program.

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SUMMARY: This fall, EPA will be issuing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 
to reduce regional transport of ozone. As part of this rulemaking, EPA 
is planning to develop a NO<INF>X</INF> emissions trading program for 
large combustion sources. States will be encouraged to participate in 
the trading program as a simple and cost-effective strategy for meeting 
the requirements of the upcoming regional transport rule.
    EPA supported the Ozone Transport Assessment Group (OTAG), which 
fostered a collaborative process among States and stakeholders in 
developing analyses and proposing strategies to address the problem of 
ozone transport. The central conclusion from the OTAG process was that 
regional reductions of NO<INF>X</INF> are needed to reduce the 
transport of ozone and its precursors. EPA considered OTAG's 
recommendations when crafting the transport rule, which will limit 
NO<INF>X</INF> emissions through implementation of state-wide 
NO<INF>X</INF> emissions budgets. OTAG also concluded that cost 
effective emission reductions from large stationary sources could be 
greatly facilitated through an emissions trading program.
    As a way to increase flexibility, maximize cost savings, and 
promote workable solutions, EPA is offering to administer a multi-state 
cap and trade program for large stationary sources. States are 
encouraged to participate in the trading program as a simple and cost-
effective strategy for meeting their state-wide emission budget 
requirements. In developing the framework for a cap and trade program, 
EPA will build upon the work produced by OTAG's Trading/Incentives 
Workgroup. The NO<INF>X</INF> Trading Rule Workshops will provide an 
opportunity for interested participants to contribute to the 
development of the model trading rule. It is anticipated that the model 
trading rule will be included in a supplemental notice of proposed 
rulemaking for the transport rule in early 1998 and will be finalized 
along with the transport rule in September 1998.
    EPA would like to continue the cooperative, open process 
established by OTAG as we develop the trading program. Two workshops 
will be held, in early November and early December. The purpose of 
these workshops is to provide a forum for input on the framework of an 
emissions trading program that can be used to cost-effectively reduce 
emissions of NO<INF>X</INF>.

DATES: The first workshop will be held on November 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 
5:00 p.m. A second workshop will be scheduled for early December and 
will be announced in a future document.

ADDRESSES: The November workshop will be held at the Washington 
Marriott located at 1221 22d Street, NW., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephanie Benkovic in EPA's Acid Rain 
Division (6204J), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street 
SW, Washington, DC 20460 at (202) 233-9142.

    Dated: October 10, 1997.
Brian J. McLean,
Director, Acid Rain Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs, Office of 
Air and Radiation.
[FR Doc. 97-27621 Filed 10-17-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P