Document ID: EPA-R08-OAR-2013-0059-0010
Agency: epa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Air Quality State Implementation Plans; Approvals and Promulgations: Wyoming; Revised General Conformity Requirements and an Associated Revision
Posted Date: 2013-08-15T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 158 (Thursday, August 15, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49685-49690]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-19603]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 52

[EPA-R08-OAR-2013-0059; FRL-9846-8]

Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; 
State of Wyoming; Revised General Conformity Requirements and an 
Associated Revision

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: EPA is approving a State Implementation Plan revision 
submitted by the State of Wyoming. On December 21, 2012, the Governor 
of Wyoming's designee submitted to EPA revisions to Wyoming's Air 
Quality Standards and Regulations Chapter 8, Nonattainment Area 
Regulations, involving Section 3 of Chapter 8 that addresses general 
conformity requirements and a new Section 5 to Chapter 8 that involves 
incorporation by reference. The SIP submission addresses revisions and 
additions to Wyoming's general conformity requirements in order to 
align them with the current federal general conformity regulation 
requirements and incorporates by reference those sections of the Code 
of Federal Regulations that are referred to in the State's general 
conformity requirements. EPA is approving the submission in accordance 
with the requirements of section 110 of the Clean Air Act.

DATES: Effective Date: This final rule is effective September 16, 2013.

ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID 
No. EPA-R08-OAR-2013-0059. All documents in the docket are listed on 
the www.regulations.gov Web site. Although listed in the index, some 
information is not publicly available, e.g., Confidential Business 
Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted 
by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, is 
not placed on the Internet and will be publicly available only in hard 
copy form. Publicly available docket materials are available either 
electronically through www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Air 
Program, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 8, 1595 Wynkoop 
Street, Denver, Colorado 80202-1129. EPA requests that if at all 
possible, you contact the individual listed in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT section to view the hard copy of the docket. You may view the 
hard copy of the docket Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 
excluding Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Russ, Air Program, EPA, Region 8, 
Mailcode 8P-AR, 1595 Wynkoop, Denver, Colorado 80202-1129, (303) 312-
6479, russ.tim@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Definitions

    For the purpose of this document, we are giving meaning to certain 
words or initials as follows:

    (i) The words or initials Act or CAA mean or refer to the Clean 
Air Act, unless the context indicates otherwise.
    (ii) The words EPA, we, us or our mean or refer to the United 
States Environmental Protection Agency.
    (iii) The initials NAAQS mean national ambient air quality 
standard.
    (iv) The initials SIP mean or refer to State Implementation 
Plan.
    (v) The words Wyoming and State mean the State of Wyoming.

Table of Contents

I. Background Information
II. What was the State's process?
III. EPA's Evaluation of the State's Revisions to Chapter 8, 
Sections 3 and 5
IV. Response to Comments
V. Consideration of Section 110(1) of the Clean Air Act
VI. Final Action
VII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

I. Background Information

    On May 7, 2013, EPA published a proposed rule in the Federal 
Register in which we proposed approval of a State Implementation Plan 
(SIP) revision that was submitted by the State of Wyoming on December 
21, 2012. Our proposed rule provided an opportunity for public comment 
through June 6, 2013 (see 78 FR 26563). The SIP submission addressed 
revisions and additions to the State's general conformity requirements 
in order to align them with the current federal general conformity 
regulation requirements and incorporated by reference those sections of 
the Code of Federal Regulations that are referred to in the State's 
general conformity requirements. In response to our May 7, 2013 
proposed rule, we received six comment letters in support of our 
proposed rule and we did not receive any adverse comments.
    As background, we note the intent of the general conformity 
requirement is to prevent the air quality impacts of federal actions 
from causing or contributing to a violation of a National Ambient Air 
Quality Standard (NAAQS) or interfering with the purpose of a SIP. 
Under the Clean Air Act (CAA) as amended in 1990, Congress recognized 
that actions taken by federal agencies could affect state and local 
agencies' abilities to attain and maintain the NAAQS. Section 176(c) of 
the CAA, as codified in Title 42 of the United States Code (42 U.S.C. 
7506), requires federal agencies to assure that their actions conform 
to the applicable SIP for attaining and maintaining compliance with the 
NAAQS. General conformity is defined to apply to NAAQS established 
pursuant to section 109 of the CAA, including the NAAQS for carbon 
monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone, particulate 
matter (PM), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Because certain 
provisions of section 176(c) of the CAA apply only to highway and mass 
transit funding and approval actions, EPA published two sets of 
regulations to implement section 176(c) of the CAA--one set for 
transportation conformity and one set for general conformity. The 
federal general conformity regulations were published on November 30, 
1993 (58 FR 63214) and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations 
(CFR) at 40 CFR part 93 Subpart B.
    On July 17, 2006, EPA revised the federal general conformity 
regulations via a final rule (71 FR 40420). EPA had promulgated a new 
NAAQS on July 18, 1997 (62 FR 38652) that established a separate NAAQS 
for fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter 
(PM2.5). The prior coarse particulate matter NAAQS 
promulgated in 1997 pertains to particulate matter under 10 micrometers 
in diameter (PM10). EPA's July 17, 2006 revision to the 
federal general conformity regulations (71 FR 40420) added requirements 
for PM2.5 for the first time, including annual emission 
limits of PM2.5 above which covered federal actions in NAAQS 
nonattainment or maintenance areas would be subject to general 
conformity applicability.

[[Page 49686]]

    On April 5, 2010, EPA revised the federal general conformity 
regulations to clarify the conformity process, authorize innovative and 
flexible compliance approaches, remove outdated or unnecessary 
requirements, reduce the paperwork burden, provide transition tools for 
implementing new standards, address issues raised by federal agencies 
affected by the rules, and provide a better explanation of conformity 
regulations and policies (75 FR 17254, April 5, 2010). EPA's April 2010 
revisions simplified state SIP requirements for general conformity, 
eliminating duplicative general conformity provisions codified at 40 
CFR Part 93 Subpart B and 40 CFR Part 51 Subpart W. Finally, the April 
2010 revision updated federal general conformity regulations to reflect 
changes to governing laws passed by Congress since EPA's 1993 rule. The 
Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A 
Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) passed by Congress in 1995 contains a 
provision eliminating the CAA requirement for states to adopt general 
conformity SIPs. As a result of SAFETEA-LU, EPA's April 2010 rule 
eliminated the federal regulatory requirement for states to adopt and 
submit general conformity SIPs, instead making submission of a general 
conformity SIP a state option.
    With respect to a chronology of Wyoming's general conformity 
requirements, EPA originally approved Wyoming's ``Conformity of general 
federal actions to state implementation plans'' into Section 32 of 
Wyoming's Air Quality Standards Regulations (WAQSR) with our direct 
final rule of November 19, 1999 (64 FR 63206). That version of 
Wyoming's ``Conformity of general federal actions to state 
implementation plans'' requirements was developed by the State to 
address the federal general conformity requirements that were 
promulgated on November 30, 1993 (58 FR 63214). On July 28, 2004, we 
approved Wyoming's restructuring and renumbering SIP submittal which 
then located Wyoming's ``Conformity of General Federal Actions to State 
Implementation Plans'' into WAQSR Chapter 8, Section 3 (69 FR 44965).

II. What was the State's process?

    Section 110(a)(2) of the CAA requires that a state provide 
reasonable notice and public hearing before adopting a SIP revision and 
submitting it to us.
    On October 5, 2012, the Environmental Quality Council of the 
Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality conducted a public hearing 
to consider the adoption of revisions and additions to the WAQSR. The 
revisions affecting the SIP involved Chapter 8, ``Nonattainment Area 
Regulations'', Section 3, ``Conformity of general federal actions to 
state implementation plans'', and Section 5, ``Incorporation by 
reference''. After reviewing and responding to comments received before 
and during the public hearing, the Wyoming Environmental Quality 
Council approved the proposed revisions on October 5, 2012. The SIP 
revisions became State effective on December 19, 2012 and the 
Governor's designee submitted the SIP revisions to EPA on December 21, 
2012.
    We have evaluated Wyoming's SIP revision submittal and have 
determined that the State met the requirements for reasonable notice 
and public hearing under section 110(a)(2) of the CAA. By a letter 
dated March 20, 2013, we advised the Governor's designee that the SIP 
revision submittal was deemed to have met the minimum ``completeness'' 
criteria found in 40 CFR part 51, Appendix V.

III. EPA's Evaluation of the State's Revisions to Chapter 8, Sections 3 
and 5

    On December 21, 2012, the State of Wyoming submitted revisions to 
its SIP. The SIP revision consisted of changes and additions to 
Wyoming's WAQSR Chapter 8, Section 3, ``Conformity of general Federal 
actions to state implementation plans'', and a new Section 5, 
``Incorporation by reference''. The purpose of Wyoming's SIP revision 
was to update its general conformity requirements to address and align 
the State's requirements with the federal general conformity 
requirements promulgated on July 17, 2006 (71 FR 40420) and on April 5, 
2010 (75 FR 17254), as described above. The revisions to Wyoming's 
general conformity regulation, adopted on October 5, 2012 and State 
effective on December 19, 2012, were described in our May 7, 2013, 
proposed rule and for the reader's convenience, are again provided 
below. The State's revisions make numerous changes to the prior, EPA-
approved version of Wyoming's general conformity requirements (State 
effective October 29, 1999 and EPA effective on January 18, 2000). In 
addition, Wyoming added a new section 5 which incorporates by reference 
certain provisions of the federal regulations.

A. Revisions to WAQSR Chapter 8, Section 3

    1. Section 3(a), ``Prohibition'', was modified to remove obsolete 
provisions in (a)(iii) and now makes this section reserved.
    2. Section 3(a), ``Prohibition'', was modified to define NEPA in 
(a)(iv) and to add a new section (v) that indicates if an action in one 
nonattainment or maintenance area would affect another nonattainment or 
maintenance area, both areas must be evaluated.
    3. Section 3(b), ``Definitions'', was modified to revise, add or 
delete the definitions for: ``Applicability analysis'', ``Applicable 
implementation plan or applicable SIP'', ``Areawide air quality 
modeling analysis'', ``Cause or contribute to a new violation'', 
``Confidential business information (CBI)'', ``Conformity 
determination'', ``Conformity evaluation'', ``Continuing program 
responsibility'', ``Continuous program to implement'', ``Direct 
emissions'', ``Emission inventory'', ``Emissions offsets'', ``Emissions 
that a Federal agency has a continuing program responsibility for'', 
``EPA'', ``Federal agency'', ``Indirect emissions'', ``Local air 
quality modeling analysis'', ``Maintenance area'', ``Maintenance 
plan'', ``Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)'', ``Milestone'', 
``Mitigation measure'', ``National ambient air quality standards 
(NAAQS)'', Nonattainment area (NAA)'', ``Precursors of a criteria 
pollutant'', ``Reasonably foreseeable emissions'', ``Regionally 
significant action'', ``Restricted information'', and ``Take or start 
the Federal action''.
    4. Section 3(c), ``Applicability'', was revised as follows:
    a. Section 3(c)(ii) was modified to provide clarification of 
emissions to include ``criteria'' and ``precursors''.
    b. Section 3(c)(ii)(A) was modified to update the language to state 
``Other ozone NAAs inside an ozone transport region'' and emissions 
thresholds were added for PM2.5 and its precursors.
    c. Section 3(c)(ii)(B) was modified to add emissions thresholds for 
PM2.5 and its precursors.
    d. Section 3(c)(iii) was modified by adding language to indicate 
the requirements of this section do not apply to certain federal 
actions.
    e. Section 3(c)(iii)(B)(XXII) was added to address air traffic 
control activities.
    f. Section 3(c)(iv)(A) was modified to include the portion of an 
action that includes, in addition to major, minor new or modified 
stationary sources that require a permit under the New Source Review 
(NSR) program (Section 110(a)(2)(C) and section 173 of the CAA)), and 
therefore, a conformity determination is not required for sources so 
permitted.
    g. Section 3(c)(iv)(B) was modified to remove specific examples of 
natural

[[Page 49687]]

disasters and keep the provisions to address emergencies.
    h. Section 3(c)(v)(B)(I) adds language that a federal agency must 
provide a draft copy of the written determinations required to affected 
EPA Regional Office(s), the affected state(s) and/or air pollution 
control agencies, and any federally recognized Indian tribal government 
in the nonattainment or maintenance area. Those organizations must be 
allowed 15 days from the beginning of the extension period to comment 
on the draft determination.
    i. Section 3(c)(v)(B)(II) adds language that within 30 days after 
making the determination, federal agencies must publish a notice of the 
determination by placing a prominent advertisement in a daily newspaper 
of general circulation in the area affected by the action.
    j. Section 3(c)(v)(C) adds language that if additional actions are 
necessary in response to an emergency or disaster under this subsection 
beyond the specified time period in paragraph (v)(B) of this 
subsection, a federal agency can make a new written determination for 
as many 6-month periods as needed, but in no case does this exemption 
extend beyond three 6-month periods. An exception is where an agency 
provides information to EPA and the state stating that the conditions 
that gave rise to the emergency exemption continue to exist and how 
such conditions effectively prevent the agency from conducting a 
conformity evaluation.
    k. Section 3(c)(vi) adds language which states that actions 
specified by individual federal agencies as ``presumed to conform'' may 
not be used in combination with one another when the total direct and 
indirect emissions from the combination of actions would equal or 
exceed any of the rates specified in Section 3 paragraphs (c)(ii)(A) or 
(c)(ii)(B).
    l. Section 3(c)(vii) adds language that the federal agency must 
meet the criteria for establishing activities that are presumed to 
conform by fulfilling the requirements set forth in Section 3 
paragraphs (c)(vii)(A), or (c)(vii)(B), or (c)(vii)(C).
    m. Section 3(c)(vii)(C) adds language that the federal agency must 
clearly demonstrate that the emissions from the type or category of 
actions and the amount of emissions from the action are included in the 
applicable SIP and the state, local, or tribal air quality agencies 
responsible for the SIP(s) provide written concurrence that the 
emissions from the actions along with all other expected emissions in 
the area will not exceed the emission budget in the SIP.
    n. Section 3(c)(viii) states that in addition to meeting the 
criteria for establishing exemptions as set forth in paragraphs 
(vii)(A) or (vii)(B) of the subsection, the new paragraph (vii)(C) is 
also included.
    o. Section 3(c)(viii)(A) adds language that the referenced Federal 
Register action must clearly identify the type and size of the action 
that would be ``presumed to conform'' and provide criteria for 
determining if the type and size of action qualifies it for the 
presumption.
    p. Section 3(c)(viii)(B) adds language that if the ``presumed to 
conform'' action has regional or national application (e.g., the action 
will cause emission increases in excess of the de minimis levels of 
this subsection) in more than one of EPA's Regions, the federal agency, 
as an alternative to sending it to EPA Regional Offices, can send the 
draft conformity determination to EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning 
and Standards.
    q. Section 3(c)(ix) removed previous language and added language 
that emissions from actions are ``presumed to conform'' from: (1) 
Installations with facility-wide emission budgets meeting the necessary 
requirements and that the State has included the emission budget in the 
EPA-approved SIP and the emissions from the action along with all other 
emissions from the installation will not exceed the facility-wide 
emission budget; (2) prescribed fires conducted in accordance with a 
smoke management program which meets the requirements of EPA's Interim 
Air Quality Policy on Wildland and Prescribed Fires or an equivalent 
replacement EPA policy; or (3) emissions for actions that the State 
identifies in the EPA-approved SIP as ``presumed to conform''.
    r. Section 3(c)(x) removed previous language and added language 
which states that even though an action would otherwise be ``presumed 
to conform'' under Section 3 paragraphs (vi) or (ix) of this 
subsection, an action shall not be ``presumed to conform'' and the 
requirements of 40 CFR 93.151, subsection (a), subsections (d) through 
(j) and subsections (l) through (n) shall apply to the action if EPA or 
a third party shows that the action would: (1) Cause or contribute to 
any new violation of any standard in any area; (2) interfere with 
provisions in the applicable SIP for maintenance of any standard; (3) 
increase the frequency or severity of any existing violation of any 
standard in any area; or (4) delay timely attainment of any standard or 
any required interim emissions reductions or other milestones in any 
area including, where applicable, emission levels specified in the 
applicable SIP for purposes of a demonstration of reasonable further 
progress, a demonstration of attainment, or a maintenance plan.
    s. Section 3(c)(xi)(d) was modified to add language that the 
provisions of Section 3 shall apply except in the case of newly 
designated nonattainment areas where the requirements are not 
applicable until 1 year after the effective date of the final 
nonattainment designation for each NAAQS pollutant in accordance with 
section 176(c)(6) of the CAA.
    t. Section 3(c)(xi)(e), ``Reporting requirements'', was modified to 
add language that any federal agency must notify the appropriate EPA 
Regional Office(s), state and local air quality agencies, any 
federally-recognized Indian tribal government in the nonattainment or 
maintenance area. In addition, the added language stated that the draft 
and final conformity determination shall exclude any restricted 
information or confidential business information. The disclosure of 
restricted information and confidential business information shall be 
controlled by the applicable laws, regulations, security manuals, or 
executive orders concerning the use, access, and release of such 
materials. Subject to applicable procedures to protect restricted 
information from public disclosure, any information or materials 
excluded from the draft or final conformity determination or supporting 
materials may be made available in a restricted information annex to 
the determination for review by federal and state representatives who 
have received appropriate clearances to review the information.
    u. Section 3(c)(xi)(f)(ii), (iii), and (iv) under ``public 
participation'' was modified to add language that if the action has 
multi-regional or national impacts (e.g., the action will cause 
emission increases in excess of the de minimis levels identified in 
subsection (c)(ii) in three or more of EPA's Regions)), the federal 
agency, as an alternative to publishing separate notices, can publish a 
notice in the Federal Register.
    v. Section 3(c)(xi)(f)(v) under ``public participation'' was 
modified to add language that the draft and final conformity 
determination shall exclude any restricted information or confidential 
business information. This section also notes that the disclosure of 
restricted information and confidential business information shall be 
controlled by the applicable laws, regulations, or executive orders 
concerning the release of such materials.

[[Page 49688]]

    w. Section 3(c)(xi)(g) was renamed ``Reevaluation of conformity'' 
and included new language in sections (c)(xi)(g)(i) and (iv) addressing 
when a federal action has commenced and that once a conformity 
determination is completed by a federal agency, that determination is 
not required to be reevaluated if the agency has maintained a 
continuous program to implement the action; the determination has not 
lapsed; or any modification to the action does not result in an 
increase in emissions above the levels specified in Section 3. The 
additional language continues that if a conformity determination is not 
required for the action at the time the NEPA analysis is completed, the 
date of the finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for an 
Environmental Assessment, a record of decision (ROD) for an 
Environmental Impact Statement, or a categorical exclusion 
determination can be used as a substitute date for the conformity 
determination date.
    x. Section 3(c)(xi)(g)(iv) also notes that if the federal agency 
originally determined through the applicability analysis that a 
conformity determination was not necessary because the emissions for 
the action were below the limits in subsection (c)(ii) of this section 
and changes to the action would result in the total emissions from the 
action being above the limits in subsection (c)(ii) of this section, 
then the federal agency must make a conformity determination.
    y. Section 3(c)(xi)(h), ``Criteria Determining Conformity of 
General Federal Actions'', had several revisions addressing: (1) 
Addition of ``precursor'' for emissions; (2) offsets coming from a 
nearby area of equal or higher classification provided the emissions 
from that area contribute to the violations, or have contributed to 
violations in the past, in the area with the federal action; (3) where 
a federal agency made a conformity determination based on a state's 
commitment and the state has submitted a SIP to EPA covering the time 
period during which the emissions will occur or is scheduled to submit 
such a SIP within 18 months of the conformity determination; (4) where 
a federal agency made a conformity determination based on a state 
commitment and the state has not submitted a SIP covering the time 
period when the emissions will occur or is not scheduled to submit such 
a SIP within 18 months of the conformity determination, the state must, 
within 18 months, submit to EPA a revision to the existing SIP 
committing to include the emissions in the future SIP revision; (5) 
offset emissions may come from within the same nonattainment or 
maintenance area or from a nearby area of equal or higher 
classification provided the emissions from that area contribute to the 
violations, or have contributed to violations in the past, in the area 
with the federal action; (6) baseline emissions from the most current 
calendar year with a complete emission inventory available before an 
area is designated unless EPA sets another year or the emission budget 
in the applicable SIP; (7) the motor vehicle emissions model previously 
specified by EPA as the most current version may be used unless EPA 
announces a longer grace period in the Federal Register; (8) 
``Guideline on Air Quality Models'' as noted in Appendix W to 40 CFR 
part 51; and (9) the attainment year specified in the SIP, or if the 
SIP does not specify an attainment year, the latest attainment year 
possible under the CAA as specified in three options.
    z. Section 3(c)(xi)(h)(i)(D), ``For CO or directly emitted 
PM10''. EPA notes that although the State updated other 
sections of WAQSR Chapter 8, Section 3 to address our general 
conformity provisions for PM2.5, it inadvertently did not 
include the EPA revision to 40 CFR 93.158(a)(4). In our April 5, 2010 
Federal Register action (75 FR 17254) we changed the language at 40 CFR 
93.158(a)(4) from ``For CO or directly emitted PM10'' to 
``For CO or directly emitted PM''. The reason for this change to only 
``PM'' was to address both PM2.5 and PM10. EPA 
does not view this inadvertent omission by the State as being an 
approvability issue. Currently, all of Wyoming is designated as 
``attainment/unclassifiable'' for both the 1997 annual PM2.5 
NAAQS and the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS (70 FR 944, January 
5, 2005 and 74 FR 58688, November 13, 2009, respectively, and 40 CFR 
81.351). Therefore, general conformity for PM2.5 does not 
apply in Wyoming. If in the future any area in Wyoming is designated as 
nonattainment for either the annual or 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, 
general conformity will not apply until 1 year after the effective date 
of the nonattainment designation (CAA section 176(c)(6)). Within that 1 
year ``grace period'' before general conformity would apply, EPA will 
require Wyoming to update Chapter 8, Section 3(c)(xi)(h)(i)(D) to 
correctly reflect ``For CO or directly emitted PM'' and submit this 
update to EPA as a revision to the SIP.
    aa. Section 3(c)(xi)(k), ``Conformity Evaluation for Federal 
Installations With Facility-Wide Emission Budgets'', revised and added 
new language that included requirements and provisions addressing: (1) 
Time periods; (2) the pollutants or precursors of the pollutants for 
which the area is designated nonattainment or maintenance; (3) specific 
quantities allowed to be emitted on an annual or seasonal basis; (4) 
that the emissions from the facility along with all other emissions in 
the area will not exceed the emission budget for the area; (5) specific 
measures to ensure compliance with the budget; (6) the submittal to EPA 
as a SIP revision and the SIP revision must be approved by EPA; (7) 
that the facility-wide budget developed and adopted in accordance with 
paragraph (i) of this subsection; (8) that total direct and indirect 
emissions from federal actions in conjunction with all other emissions 
subject to general conformity from the facility that do not exceed the 
facility budget are ``presumed to conform'' to the SIP and do not 
require a conformity analysis; (9) that if the total direct and 
indirect emissions from the federal actions in conjunction with the 
other emissions subject to general conformity from the facility exceed 
the budget adopted the action must be evaluated for conformity; (10) 
that if the SIP for the area includes a category for construction 
emissions, the negotiated budget can exempt construction emissions from 
further conformity analysis; and (11) that for emissions beyond the 
time period covered by the SIP the federal agency can demonstrate 
conformity with the last emission budget in the SIP, or request the 
state to adopt an emissions budget for the action for inclusion in the 
SIP.
    bb. In addition to those items noted in section III(A)(4)(aa) of 
this action, Section 3(c)(xi)(k), ``Conformity Evaluation for Federal 
Installations With Facility-Wide Emission Budgets'', also revised and 
added new language that included requirements and provisions 
addressing: (1) Timing of offsets and mitigation measures; (2) inter-
precursor mitigation measures and offsets; and (3) early emission 
reduction credit programs at federal facilities and installations 
subject to federal oversight.

B. Revisions to WAQSR Chapter 8, Section 5

    Wyoming added a new Section 5 to WAQSR Chapter 8 entitled 
``Incorporation by reference''. This new section states that all CFR 
citations in Chapter 8, including their Appendices, revised and 
published as of July 1, 2011, not including any later amendments, are 
incorporated by reference. The section continues with noting where 
copies of the applicable CFRs are available for

[[Page 49689]]

public inspection or may be obtained, at cost, from the State.
    EPA has reviewed Wyoming's revisions to WAQSR Chapter 8, Section 3, 
``Conformity of general federal actions to state implementation 
plans'', and the new Section 5, ``Incorporation by reference'', and has 
concluded that our approval is warranted. Based on our review, we 
determined that the revisions to Section 3 incorporate and address the 
additional federal general conformity requirements that we promulgated 
in July 2006 and April 2010. In addition, the new Section 5 that 
incorporates relevant sections of the CFR is also acceptable. EPA is 
approving Wyoming's December 21, 2012 SIP revision submittal in order 
to update the State's general conformity requirements for federal 
agencies, with applicable federal actions, and to align the State's 
general conformity requirements with the federal general conformity 
rule's requirements.

IV. Response to Comments

    On May 7, 2013, EPA published a proposed rule in the Federal 
Register in which we proposed approval of Wyoming's general conformity 
requirements SIP revision that was submitted by the State of Wyoming on 
December 21, 2012. Our proposed rule provided an opportunity for public 
comment through June 6, 2013 (see 78 FR 26563). In response to our May 
7, 2013 proposed rule, we received six comment letters in support of 
our proposed rule and we did not receive any adverse comments. EPA 
notes and appreciates these comments. Copies of these comment letters 
are provided in the docket for this final rule.

V. Consideration of Section 110(1) of the Clean Air Act

    Section 110(1) of the CAA states that a SIP revision cannot be 
approved if the revision would interfere with any applicable 
requirement concerning attainment and reasonable further progress 
towards attainment of a NAAQS or any other applicable requirement of 
the CAA. As described in section III.A.4.f. of this action, the changes 
to the Wyoming SIP would not require a conformity determination for 
minor new or modified stationary sources that require a permit under 
the NSR permitting program (section 110(a)(2)(C) and section 173 of the 
CAA)). The State of Wyoming indicates that SIP permitting regulations 
prevent the State from issuing a permit if the facility would prevent 
the attainment or maintenance of any ambient air quality standard 
(``the proposed facility will not prevent the attainment or maintenance 
of any ambient air quality standard'', WAQSR Chapter 6, Section 
2(c)(ii)). With this final rule, EPA is finding that these Wyoming SIP 
general conformity minor stationary source permit provisions are 
adequate to ensure that this SIP revision will not interfere with any 
applicable requirement concerning attainment and reasonable further 
progress towards attainment of a NAAQS or any other applicable 
requirement of the CAA.

VI. Final Action

    EPA is approving the December 21, 2012 submitted SIP revisions to 
Wyoming's WAQSR Chapter 8, Section 3, ``Conformity of general federal 
actions to state implementation plans'', and Section 5, ``Incorporation 
by reference''. These revisions incorporate and address the federal 
general conformity rule requirements that were promulgated on July 17, 
2006 and April 5, 2010. EPA is approving this Wyoming SIP revision 
submittal in order to update the State's general conformity 
requirements for federal agencies, with applicable federal actions, and 
to align the State's general conformity requirements with the federal 
general conformity rule's requirements.

VII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Under the Clean Air Act, the Administrator is required to approve a 
SIP submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and 
applicable Federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). 
Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve state 
choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the Clean Air Act. 
Accordingly, this action merely approves state law as meeting federal 
requirements and does not impose additional requirements beyond those 
imposed by state law. For that reason, this action:
     Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' subject to 
review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 
12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993);
     Does not impose an information collection burden under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
     Is certified as not having a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
     Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4);
     Does not have Federalism implications as specified in 
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
     Is not an economically significant regulatory action based 
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 1997);
     Is not a significant regulatory action subject to 
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
     Is not subject to requirements of section 12(d) of the 
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 
note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent 
with the Clean Air Act; and
     Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to 
address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental 
effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under 
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
    In addition, this rule does not have tribal implications as 
specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), 
because the SIP is not approved to apply in Indian country located in 
the state, and EPA notes that it will not impose substantial direct 
costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law.
    The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the 
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally 
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating 
the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, 
to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the 
United States. EPA will submit a report containing this action and 
other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of 
Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior 
to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. A major rule cannot 
take effect until 60 days after it is published in the Federal 
Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 
804(2).
    Under section 307(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act, petitions for 
judicial review of this action must be filed in the United States Court 
of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by October 15, 2013. Filing a 
petition for reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule 
does not affect the finality of this action for the purposes of 
judicial review nor does it extend the time within which a petition for 
judicial review may be filed, and shall not postpone the effectiveness 
of such rule or action. This action may not be challenged later in 
proceedings to

[[Page 49690]]

enforce its requirements. (See section 307(b)(2).)

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Carbon monoxide, 
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Lead, Nitrogen 
dioxide, Ozone, Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Sulfur oxides, and Volatile organic compounds.

    Dated: July 16, 2013.
Judith Wong,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 8.
    40 CFR part 52 is amended to read as follows:

PART 52--[AMENDED]

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

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

Subpart ZZ--Wyoming

0
2. Section 52.2620, the table in paragraph (c)(1) is amended under 
Chapter 8 by revising the entry for Section 3 and by adding a new entry 
for Section 5 to read as follows:

Sec.  52.2620  Identification of plan.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                State adopted and    EPA approval date
      State citation          Title/subject       effective date     and citation \1\         Explanations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Chapter 8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 3................  Conformity of         10/5/12, 12/19/12  8/15/13 [insert FR
                            general federal                          page number where
                            actions to state                         document begins].
                            implementation
                            plans..
Section 5................  Incorporation by      10/5/12, 12/19/12  8/15/13 [insert FR  ........................
                            reference..                              page number where
                                                                     document begins].
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ In order to determine the EPA effective date for a specific provision that is listed in the table, consult
  the Federal Register cited in this column for that particular provision.

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2013-19603 Filed 8-14-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P