Document ID: EPA-R06-OAR-2016-0293-0001
Agency: epa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: LA055.01 Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans and Designation of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes; Louisiana; Redesignation of Baton Rouge Nonattainment Area 2008 8-Hour Ozone Nonattainment Area to Attainment, Proposed rule, 9 pages.
Posted Date: 2016-11-04T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 214 (Friday, November 4, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 76891-76899]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-26584]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Parts 52 and 81

[EPA-R06-OAR-2016-0293; FRL-9954-35-Region 6]

Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans and Designation 
of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes; Louisiana; Redesignation of 
Baton Rouge Nonattainment Area, 2008 8-Hour Ozone Nonattainment Area to 
Attainment

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: On May 2, 2016, the State of Louisiana submitted a request for 
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to redesignate the five-
parish Baton Rouge Nonattainment Area (BRNA or Area) for the 2008 8-
hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS or standard) 
to attainment and to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision 
containing a maintenance plan for the area. EPA is proposing to 
determine that the BRNA is continuing to attain the 2008 ozone NAAQS; 
to approve into the SIP the State's plan for maintaining attainment of 
the standard in the Area, including the motor vehicle emission budgets 
(MVEBs) for nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic 
compounds (VOC) for the years 2022 and 2027; and to redesignate the 
BRNA to attainment for the standard.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 5, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket No. EPA-R06-OAR-
2016-0293, at http://www.regulations.gov or via email to 
jacques.wendy@epa.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or removed from 
Regulations.gov. The 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. The 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 Wendy Jacques, (214) 665-
7395,

[[Page 76892]]

jacques.wendy@epa.gov. For the full EPA public comment policy, 
information about CBI or multimedia submissions, and general guidance 
on making effective comments, please visit http://www2.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets.
    Docket: The index to the docket for this action is available 
electronically at www.regulations.gov and in hard copy at the EPA 
Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas. While all 
documents in the docket are listed in the index, some information may 
be publicly available only at the hard copy location (e.g., copyrighted 
material), and some may not be publicly available at either location 
(e.g., CBI).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wendy Jacques, (214) 665-7395, 
jacques.wendy@epa.gov. To inspect the hard copy materials, please 
schedule an appointment with Ms. Jacques or Mr. Bill Deese at 214-665-
7253.

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

I. What are EPA's proposed actions?

    EPA is proposing to take the following three separate but related 
actions, one of which involves multiple elements: (1) To determine that 
the BRNA continues to attain the 2008 ozone NAAQS; \1\ (2) to approve 
into the SIP, Louisiana's plan for maintaining the 2008 ozone NAAQS 
(maintenance plan), including the associated MVEBs for the BRNA; and 
(3) to redesignate the BRNA to attainment for the 2008 ozone NAAQS. EPA 
is also notifying the public of the status of EPA's adequacy 
determination for the MVEBs for the BRNA. The BRNA is comprised of five 
parishes that make up the historical metropolitan statistical area: 
Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, and West Baton 
Rouge. Today's proposed actions are summarized below and described in 
greater detail throughout this notice of proposed rulemaking.
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    \1\ On May 4, 2016, we determined that the BRNA had attained the 
ozone NAAQS, by the applicable attainment date of July 20, 2015, 
based on 2012-2014 monitoring data. See 81 FR 26697.
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    EPA is proposing to approve Louisiana's maintenance plan for the 
BRNA as meeting the requirements of section 175A [such approval being 
one of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) criteria for redesignation to 
attainment status]. The maintenance plan is designed to keep the BRNA 
in attainment of the 2008 ozone NAAQS through 2027. The maintenance 
plan includes 2022 and 2027 MVEBs for NOX and VOC for the 
BRNA for transportation conformity purposes. EPA is proposing to 
approve these MVEBs and incorporate them into the Louisiana SIP.
    EPA also proposes to determine that the BRNA has met the 
requirements for redesignation under section 107(d)(3)(E) of the CAA. 
Accordingly, in this action, EPA is proposing to approve a request to 
change the legal designation of the BRNA, as found at 40 CFR part 81, 
from nonattainment to attainment for the 2008 ozone NAAQS.
    EPA is also notifying the public of the status of EPA's adequacy 
process for the 2022 and 2027 NOX and VOC MVEBs for the 
BRNA. The Adequacy comment period began on May 6, 2016, with EPA's 
posting of the availability of Louisiana's submissions on EPA's 
Adequacy Web site (http://www3.epa.gov/otaq/stateresources/transconf/currsips.htm). The Adequacy comment period for these MVEBs closed on 
June 6, 2016. No comments, adverse or otherwise, were received during 
the Adequacy comment period. Please see section VII of this proposed 
rulemaking for further explanation of this process and for more details 
on the MVEBs.
    In summary, today's notice of proposed rulemaking is in response to 
Louisiana's May 2, 2016, redesignation request and associated SIP 
submission that address the specific issues summarized above and the 
necessary elements described in section 107(d)(3)(E) of the CAA for 
redesignation of the BRNA to attainment for the 2008 ozone NAAQS.

II. What is the background for EPA's proposed actions?

    On March 12, 2008, EPA promulgated a revised 8-hour ozone NAAQS of 
0.075 parts per million (ppm). See 73 FR 16436 (March 27, 2008). Under 
EPA's regulations at 40 CFR part 50, the 2008 ozone NAAQS is attained 
when the 3-year average of the annual fourth highest daily maximum 8-
hour average ambient air quality ozone concentrations is less than or 
equal to 0.075 ppm. See 40 CFR 50.15. Ambient air quality monitoring 
data for the 3-year period must meet a data completeness requirement. 
The ambient air quality monitoring data completeness requirement is met 
when the average percent of days with valid ambient monitoring data is 
equal to or greater than 90 percent, and no single year has less than 
75 percent data completeness as determined in Appendix P of part 50.
    Upon promulgation of a new or revised NAAQS, the CAA requires EPA 
to designate as nonattainment any area that is violating the NAAQS, 
based on the three most recent years of complete, quality assured, and 
certified ambient air quality data at the conclusion of the designation 
process. The BRNA was designated nonattainment for the 2008 ozone NAAQS 
on May 21, 2012 (effective July 20, 2012) using 2008-2010 ambient air 
quality data. See 77 FR 30088 (May 21, 2012). At the time of 
designation, the BRNA was classified as a marginal nonattainment area 
for the 2008 ozone NAAQS. In the final implementation rule for the 2008 
ozone NAAQS (SIP Implementation Rule),\2\ EPA established ozone 
nonattainment area attainment dates based on Table 1 of section 181(a) 
of the CAA. This rule established an attainment date three years after 
the July 20, 2012, effective date of designation for areas classified 
as marginal for the 2008 ozone nonattainment designations.\3\ 
Therefore, the BRNA's attainment date was July 20, 2015.
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    \2\ This rule, entitled Implementation of the 2008 National 
Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone: State Implementation Plan 
Requirements and published at 80 FR 12264 (March 6, 2015), addresses 
a range of nonattainment area SIP requirements for the 2008 ozone 
NAAQS, including requirements pertaining to attainment 
demonstrations, reasonable further progress, RACT, reasonably 
available control measures, major NSR, emission inventories, and the 
timing of SIP submissions and of compliance with emission control 
measures in the SIP. This rule also addresses the revocation of the 
1997 ozone NAAQS and the anti-backsliding requirements that apply 
when the 1997 ozone NAAQS are revoked.
    \3\ The SIP Implementation Rule modified 40 CFR 51.1103 to 
establish attainment dates that run from the effective date of 
designation, i.e., July 20, 2012. This action was in response to the 
D.C. Circuit's decision in NRDC v. EPA (D.C. Cir. No. 12-1321) (Dec. 
23, 2014). The Court's decision held ``that the EPA's decision to 
run the attainment periods from the end of the calendar year in 
which areas were designated was unreasonable.'' 80 FR 12264, at 
12268.
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III. What are the criteria for redesignation?

    The CAA provides the requirements for redesignating a nonattainment 
area to attainment. Specifically, section 107(d)(3)(E) of the CAA 
allows for redesignation providing that: (1) The Administrator 
determines that the area has attained the applicable NAAQS; (2) the 
Administrator has fully approved the applicable implementation plan for 
the area under section 110(k); (3) the Administrator determines that 
the improvement in air quality is due to permanent and enforceable 
reductions in emissions resulting from implementation of the applicable 
SIP and applicable Federal air pollutant control regulations and other 
permanent and enforceable reductions; (4) the Administrator has fully 
approved a maintenance plan for the area as meeting the requirements of 
section

[[Page 76893]]

175A; and, (5) the state containing such area has met all requirements 
applicable to the area for purposes of redesignation under section 110 
and part D of the CAA.
    On April 16, 1992, EPA provided guidance on redesignation in the 
General Preamble for the Implementation of title I of the CAA 
Amendments of 1990 (57 FR 13498), and supplemented this guidance on 
April 28, 1992 (57 FR 18070). EPA has provided further guidance on 
processing redesignation requests in the following documents:

1. ``Ozone and Carbon Monoxide Design Value Calculations,'' 
Memorandum from Bill Laxton, Director, Technical Support Division, 
June 18, 1990;
2. ``Maintenance Plans for Redesignation of Ozone and Carbon 
Monoxide Nonattainment Areas,'' Memorandum from G.T. Helms, Chief, 
Ozone/Carbon Monoxide Programs Branch, April 30, 1992;
3. ``Contingency Measures for Ozone and Carbon Monoxide (CO) 
Redesignations,'' Memorandum from G.T. Helms, Chief, Ozone/Carbon 
Monoxide Programs Branch, June 1, 1992;
4. ``Procedures for Processing Requests to Redesignate Areas to 
Attainment,'' Memorandum from John Calcagni, Director, Air Quality 
Management Division, September 4, 1992 (hereafter referred to as the 
``Calcagni Memorandum'');
5. ``State Implementation Plan (SIP) Actions Submitted in Response 
to Clean Air Act (CAA) Deadlines,'' Memorandum from John Calcagni, 
Director, Air Quality Management Division, October 28, 1992;
6. ``Technical Support Documents (TSDs) for Redesignation of Ozone 
and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Nonattainment Areas,'' Memorandum from G.T. 
Helms, Chief, Ozone/Carbon Monoxide Programs Branch, August 17, 
1993;
7. ``State Implementation Plan (SIP) Requirements for Areas 
Submitting Requests for Redesignation to Attainment of the Ozone and 
Carbon Monoxide (CO) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) 
On or After November 15, 1992,'' Memorandum from Michael H. Shapiro, 
Acting Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation, September 17, 
1993;
8. ``Use of Actual Emissions in Maintenance Demonstrations for Ozone 
and CO Nonattainment Areas,'' Memorandum from D. Kent Berry, Acting 
Director, Air Quality Management Division, November 30, 1993;
9. ``Part D New Source Review (Part D NSR) Requirements for Areas 
Requesting Redesignation to Attainment,'' Memorandum from Mary D. 
Nichols, Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation, October 14, 
1994; and
10. ``Reasonable Further Progress, Attainment Demonstration, and 
Related Requirements for Ozone Nonattainment Areas Meeting the Ozone 
National Ambient Air Quality Standard,'' Memorandum from John S. 
Seitz, Director, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, May 
10, 1995.

IV. Why is EPA proposing these actions?

    On May 2, 2016, the State of Louisiana, through the Louisiana 
Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), requested that EPA 
redesignate the BRNA to attainment for the 2008 ozone NAAQS. EPA's 
evaluation indicates that the entire BRNA has attained the 2008 ozone 
NAAQS, and that the BRNA meets the requirements for redesignation as 
set forth in section 107(d)(3)(E), including the maintenance plan 
requirements under section 175A of the CAA. As a result, EPA is 
proposing to take the three related actions summarized in section I of 
this notice.

V. What is EPA's analysis of the request?

    Our analysis of the State's request with respect to the five 
redesignation criteria provided under CAA section 107(d)(3)(E) is 
discussed in the following paragraphs of this section.
    Criteria (1)--The BRNA has attained the 2008 ozone NAAQS.
    For redesignating a nonattainment area to attainment, the CAA 
requires EPA to determine that the area has attained the applicable 
NAAQS (CAA section 107(d)(3)(E)(i)). For ozone, an area may be 
considered to be attaining the 2008 ozone NAAQS if it meets the 2008 
ozone NAAQS, as determined in accordance with 40 CFR 50.15 and Appendix 
P of part 50, based on three complete, consecutive calendar years of 
quality-assured air quality monitoring data. To attain the 2008 ozone 
NAAQS, the 3-year average of the fourth-highest daily maximum average 
ozone concentrations measured at each monitor within an area over each 
year must not exceed 0.075 ppm. Based on the data handling and 
reporting convention described in 40 CFR part 50, Appendix P, the 2008 
ozone NAAQS are attained if the design value is 0.075 ppm or below. The 
data must be collected and quality-assured in accordance with 40 CFR 
part 58 and recorded in the EPA Air Quality System (AQS). The monitors 
generally should have remained at the same location for the duration of 
the monitoring period required for demonstrating attainment.
    EPA is proposing to determine that the BRNA is continuing to attain 
the 2008 ozone NAAQS. EPA reviewed ozone monitoring data from 
monitoring stations in the BRNA for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS for 
2011-2015, and the design values for each monitor in the Area are less 
than 0.075 ppm. These data have been quality-assured, are recorded in 
AQS, and indicate that the Area is attaining the 2008 ozone NAAQS. The 
fourth-highest 8-hour ozone values at each monitor for 2011, 2012, 
2013, 2014, 2015, and the 3-year averages of these values (i.e., design 
values), are summarized in Table 1, below.

                                               Table 1--2011-2015 Design Value Concentrations for the BRNA
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                                                                4th Highest 8-hour ozone value (ppm)                     3-Year design values (ppm)
                      Site                       -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      2011         2012         2013         2014         2015      2011-2013    2012-2014    2013-2015
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Plaquemine......................................        0.079        0.074        0.061        0.061        0.069        0.071        0.065        0.063
Carville........................................        0.084        0.073        0.068        0.068        0.075        0.075        0.069        0.070
Dutchtown.......................................        0.080        0.071        0.062        0.069        0.074        0.071        0.067        0.068
LSU.............................................        0.083        0.075        0.067        0.075        0.073        0.075        0.072        0.071
Port Allen......................................        0.074        0.070        0.060        0.066        0.066        0.068        0.065        0.064
Pride...........................................        0.075        0.070        0.062        0.068        0.062        0.069        0.066        0.064
French Settlement...............................        0.077        0.071        0.069        0.073        0.070        0.072        0.071        0.070
Capitol.........................................        0.080        0.072        0.066        0.070        0.069        0.072        0.069        0.068
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[[Page 76894]]

    The 3-year design value for 2011-2013 for the BRNA is 0.075 ppm,\4\ 
which meets the 2008 ozone NAAQS. Further, quality assured data shows 
the 2012-2014 design value for the BRNA has decreased to 0.072 ppm and 
the 2013-2015 design value for the BRNA has decreased to 0.071 ppm. In 
today's action, EPA is proposing to determine that the BRNA is 
continuing to attain the 2008 ozone NAAQS. EPA will not take final 
action to approve the redesignation if the 3-year design value exceeds 
the NAAQS prior to EPA finalizing the redesignation. As discussed in 
more detail below, the State of Louisiana has committed to continue 
monitoring in this Area in accordance with 40 CFR part 58.
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    \4\ The monitor with the highest 3-year design value is 
considered the design value for the BRNA.
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    Criteria (2)--Louisiana has a fully approved SIP under section 
110(k) for the BRNA; and Criteria (5)--Louisiana has met all applicable 
requirements under section 110 and part D of title I of the CAA.
    For redesignating a nonattainment area to attainment, the CAA 
requires EPA to determine that the state has met all applicable 
requirements under section 110 and part D of title I of the CAA (CAA 
section 107(d)(3)(E)(v)) and that the state has a fully approved SIP 
under section 110(k) for the area (CAA section 107(d)(3)(E)(ii)). EPA 
proposes to find that Louisiana has met all applicable SIP requirements 
for the BRNA under section 110 of the CAA (general SIP requirements) 
for purposes of redesignation. Additionally, EPA proposes to find that 
the Louisiana SIP satisfies the criterion that it meets applicable SIP 
requirements for purposes of redesignation under part D of title I of 
the CAA in accordance with section 107(d)(3)(E)(v). Further, EPA 
proposes to determine that the SIP is fully approved with respect to 
all requirements applicable for purposes of redesignation in accordance 
with section 107(d)(3)(E)(ii). In making these determinations, EPA 
ascertained which requirements are applicable to the Area and, if 
applicable, that they are fully approved under section 110(k). SIPs 
must be fully approved only with respect to requirements that were 
applicable prior to submittal of the complete redesignation request. 
See Sierra Club v. EPA, 375 F.3d 537 (7th Cir. 2004). See also 68 FR 
25424, 25427 (May 12, 2003) (redesignation of St. Louis, Missouri); 
September 4, 1992 Calcagni memorandum; September 17, 1993 Michael 
Shapiro memorandum, and 60 FR 12459, 12465-66 (March 7, 1995) 
(redesignation of Detroit-Ann Arbor, MI).

a. The BRNA Has Met All Applicable Requirements Under Section 110 and 
Part D of the CAA

    General SIP requirements. General SIP elements and requirements are 
delineated in section 110(a)(2) of title I, part A of the CAA. These 
requirements include, but are not limited to, the following: Submittal 
of a SIP that has been adopted by the state after reasonable public 
notice and hearing; provisions for establishment and operation of 
appropriate procedures needed to monitor ambient air quality; 
implementation of a source permit program; provisions for the 
implementation of part C requirements (Prevention of Significant 
Deterioration (PSD)) and provisions for the implementation of part D 
requirements (Nonattainment NSR permit programs); provisions for air 
pollution modeling; and provisions for public and local agency 
participation in planning and emission control rule development.
    Section 110(a)(2)(D) requires that SIPs contain certain measures to 
prevent sources in a state from significantly contributing to air 
quality problems in another state. To implement this provision, EPA has 
required certain states to establish programs to address the interstate 
transport of air pollutants. The section 110(a)(2)(D) requirements for 
a state are not linked with a particular nonattainment area's 
designation and classification in that state. EPA believes that the 
requirements linked with a particular nonattainment area's designation 
and classifications are the relevant measures to evaluate in reviewing 
a redesignation request. The transport SIP submittal requirements, 
where applicable, continue to apply to a state regardless of the 
designation of any one particular area in the state. Thus, EPA does not 
believe that the CAA's interstate transport requirements should be 
construed to be applicable requirements for purposes of redesignation. 
See 75 FR 2091, January 14, 2010.
    In addition, EPA believes other section 110 elements that are 
neither connected with nonattainment plan submissions nor linked with 
an area's attainment status are applicable requirements for purposes of 
redesignation. The area will still be subject to these requirements 
after the area is redesignated. The section 110 and part D requirements 
that are linked with a particular area's designation and classification 
are the relevant measures to evaluate in reviewing a redesignation 
request. This approach is consistent with EPA's existing policy on 
applicability (i.e., for redesignations) of conformity and oxygenated 
fuels requirements, as well as with section 184 ozone transport 
requirements. See Reading, Pennsylvania, proposed and final rulemakings 
(61 FR 53174, October 10, 1996), (62 FR 24826, May 7, 1997); Cleveland-
Akron-Loraine, Ohio, final rulemaking (61 FR 20458, May 7, 1996); and 
Tampa, Florida, final rulemaking (60 FR 62748, December 7, 1995). See 
also the discussion on this issue in the Cincinnati, Ohio, 
redesignation (65 FR 37890, June 19, 2000), and in the Pittsburgh, 
Pennsylvania, redesignation (66 FR 50399, October 19, 2001).
    Title I, Part D, applicable SIP requirements. Section 172(c) of the 
CAA sets forth the basic requirements of attainment plans for 
nonattainment areas that are required to submit them pursuant to 
section 172(b). Subpart 2 of part D, which includes section 182 of the 
CAA, establishes specific requirements for ozone nonattainment areas 
depending on the area's nonattainment classification. As provided in 
Subpart 2, the specific requirements of section 182(a) apply in lieu of 
the demonstration of attainment (and contingency measures) required by 
section 172(c). 42 U.S.C. 7511a(a). A thorough discussion of the 
requirements contained in sections 172(c) and 182 can be found in the 
General Preamble for Implementation of Title I (57 FR 13498, April 16, 
1992).
    Section 182(a) Requirements. Section 182(a)(1) requires states to 
submit a comprehensive, accurate, and current inventory of actual 
emissions from sources of VOC and NOX emitted within the 
boundaries of the ozone nonattainment area. Louisiana provided an 
emissions inventory for the BRNA to EPA in this SIP submission. On July 
5, 2016, EPA published a direct final rule to approve this emissions 
inventory into the SIP. See 81 FR 43490.
    Under section 182(a)(2)(A), states with ozone nonattainment areas 
that were designated prior to the enactment of the 1990 CAA amendments 
were required to submit, within six months of classification, all rules 
and corrections to existing VOC reasonably available control technology 
(RACT) that were required under section 172(b)(3) of the CAA (and 
related guidance) prior to the 1990 CAA amendments. The BRNA is subject 
to the section 182(a)(2) RACT ``fix up'' and has been approved (59 FR 
23166, May 5, 1994).
    Section 182(a)(2)(B) requires each state with a marginal ozone 
nonattainment area that implemented, or was required to implement, an 
inspection and maintenance (I/M)

[[Page 76895]]

program prior to the 1990 CAA amendments to submit a SIP revision 
providing for an I/M program no less stringent than that required prior 
to the 1990 CAA amendments or already in the SIP at the time of the 
amendments, whichever is more stringent. The BRNA is subject to the 
section 182(a)(2)(B) and does have an approved I/M program (71 FR 
66113, November 13, 2006).
    Regarding the permitting and offset requirements of section 
182(a)(2)(C) and section 182(a)(4), Louisiana does have an approved 
part D NSR program in place (62 FR 52948, October 10, 1997). However, 
EPA has determined that areas being redesignated need not comply with 
the requirement that a NSR program be approved prior to redesignation, 
provided that the area demonstrates maintenance of the NAAQS without 
part D NSR, because PSD requirements will apply after redesignation. A 
more detailed rationale for this view is described in a memorandum from 
Mary Nichols, Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation, dated 
October 14, 1994, entitled, ``Part D New Source Review Requirements for 
Areas Requesting Redesignation to Attainment.'' Louisiana's PSD program 
will automatically become applicable in the BRNA upon redesignation to 
attainment. See Louisiana Regulations Title 33, Part III, Chapter 5, 
section 504 that is part of the SIP.
    Section 182(a)(3) requires states to submit periodic inventories 
and emissions statements. Section 182(a)(3)(A) requires states to 
submit a periodic inventory every three years. As discussed below in 
the section of this notice titled Criteria (4)(e), Verification of 
Continued Attainment, the State will continue to update its emissions 
inventory at least once every three years. Under section 182(a)(3)(B), 
each state with an ozone nonattainment area must submit a SIP revision 
requiring emissions statements to be submitted to the state by sources 
within that nonattainment area. Louisiana provided a SIP revision to 
EPA on March 3, 1993, addressing the section 182(a)(3)(B) emissions 
statements requirement, and on January 6, 1995, EPA published a final 
rule to approve this SIP revision. See 60 FR 2014.
    Section 176 Conformity Requirements. Section 176(c) of the CAA 
requires states to establish criteria and procedures to ensure that 
federally supported or funded projects conform to the air quality 
planning goals in the applicable SIP. The requirement to determine 
conformity applies to transportation plans, programs, and projects that 
are developed, funded, or approved under title 23 of the United States 
Code and the Federal Transit Act (transportation conformity) as well as 
to all other federally supported or funded projects (general 
conformity). State transportation conformity SIP revisions must be 
consistent with Federal conformity regulations relating to 
consultation, enforcement, and enforceability that EPA promulgated 
pursuant to its authority under the CAA.
    EPA interprets the conformity SIP requirements \5\ as not applying 
for purposes of evaluating a redesignation request under section 107(d) 
because state conformity rules are still required after redesignation 
and Federal conformity rules apply where state rules have not been 
approved. See Wall v. EPA, 265 F.3d 426 (6th Cir. 2001) (upholding this 
interpretation); see also 60 FR 62748 (December 7, 1995) (redesignation 
of Tampa, Florida). Nonetheless, Louisiana has an approved conformity 
SIP. See 71 FR 63247 (October 30, 2006). EPA proposes that the BRNA has 
satisfied all applicable requirements for purposes of redesignation 
under section 110 and part D of title I of the CAA.
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    \5\ CAA section 176(c)(4)(E) requires states to submit revisions 
to their SIPs to reflect certain Federal criteria and procedures for 
determining transportation conformity. Transportation conformity 
SIPs are different from the MVEBs that are established in control 
strategy SIPs and maintenance plans.
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    b. The BRNA has a fully approved applicable SIP under section 
110(k) of the CAA.
    EPA has fully approved the applicable Louisiana SIP for the BRNA 
under section 110(k) of the CAA for all requirements applicable for 
purposes of redesignation. EPA may rely on prior SIP approvals in 
approving a redesignation request (see Calcagni Memorandum at p. 3; 
Southwestern Pennsylvania Growth Alliance v. Browner, 144 F.3d 984, 
989-90 (6th Cir. 1998); Wall, 265 F.3d 426) plus any additional 
measures it may approve in conjunction with a redesignation action (see 
68 FR 25426, May 12, 2003, and citations therein). Louisiana has 
adopted and submitted, and EPA has fully approved at various times, 
provisions addressing the various SIP elements applicable for the ozone 
NAAQS. See e.g. 76 FR 74000, November 15, 2011.
    As indicated above, EPA believes that the section 110 elements that 
are neither connected with nonattainment plan submissions nor linked to 
an area's nonattainment status are not applicable requirements for 
purposes of redesignation. EPA has approved all part D requirements 
applicable for purposes of this redesignation.
    Criteria (3)--The air quality improvement in the BRNA is due to 
permanent and enforceable reductions in emissions resulting from 
implementation of the SIP and applicable Federal air pollution control 
regulations and other permanent and enforceable reductions.
    For redesignating a nonattainment area to attainment, the CAA 
requires EPA to determine that the air quality improvement in the area 
is due to permanent and enforceable reductions in emissions resulting 
from implementation of the SIP, applicable Federal air pollution 
control regulations, and other permanent and enforceable reductions 
(CAA section 107(d)(3)(E)(iii)). EPA has preliminarily determined that 
Louisiana has demonstrated that the observed air quality improvement in 
the BRNA is due to permanent and enforceable reductions in emissions 
resulting from Federal measures and from state measures adopted into 
the SIP. EPA does not have any information to suggest that the decrease 
in ozone concentrations in the BRNA is due to unusually favorable 
meteorological conditions.
    Federal measures enacted in recent years have resulted in permanent 
emission reductions. Most of these emission reductions are enforceable 
through regulations. The Federal measures that have been implemented 
include the following:
    Tier 2 vehicle and fuel standards. Implementation began in 2004 in 
phases and requires all passenger vehicles in any manufacturer's fleet 
to meet an average standard of 0.07 grams of NOX per mile. 
In January 2006 the sulfur content of gasoline was required to be on 
average 30 ppm which assists in lowering the NOX emissions 
(65 FR 6698, February 10, 2000).\6\
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    \6\ Louisiana also identified Tier 3 Motor Vehicle Emissions and 
Fuel Standards as a federal measure. EPA issued this rule in April 
28, 2014, which applies to light duty passenger cars and trucks. EPA 
promulgated this rule to reduce air pollution from new passenger 
cars and trucks beginning in 2017. Tier 3 emission standards will 
lower sulfur content of gasoline and lower the emissions standards.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Large non-road diesel engines rule. This rule was promulgated in 
2004, and was phased in between 2008 through 2014 (69 FR 38958, June 
29, 2004). This rule reduces the sulfur content in the nonroad diesel 
fuel, and also reduces NOX, VOC, particulate matter, and 
carbon monoxide emissions. These emission reductions are federally 
enforceable. This rule applies to diesel engines used in industries, 
such as

[[Page 76896]]

construction, agriculture, and mining. It is estimated that compliance 
with this rule will cut NOX emissions from non-road diesel 
engines by up to 90 percent nationwide.
    Heavy-duty gasoline and diesel highway vehicle standards. EPA 
issued this rule in January 2001 (66 FR 5002). This rule includes 
standards limiting the sulfur content of diesel fuel, which went into 
effect in 2004. A second phase of the rule took effect in 2007, which 
further reduced the highway diesel fuel sulfur content to 15 ppm, 
leading to additional reductions in combustion NOX and VOC 
emissions. EPA expects that this rule will achieve a 95 percent 
reduction in NOX emissions from diesel trucks and buses and 
will reduce NOX emissions by 2.6 million tons by 2030 when 
the heavy-duty vehicle fleet is completely replaced with newer heavy-
duty vehicles that comply with these emission standards.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ 66 FR 5002, 5012 (January 18, 2001).
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    Nonroad spark-ignition engines and recreational engines standards. 
The nonroad spark-ignition and recreational engine standards, effective 
in January 2003, regulate NOX, hydrocarbons, and carbon 
monoxide from groups of previously unregulated nonroad engines (67 FR 
68242, November 8, 2002). These engine standards apply to large spark-
ignition engines (e.g., forklifts and airport ground service 
equipment), recreational vehicles (e.g., off-highway motorcycles and 
all-terrain-vehicles), and recreational marine diesel engines sold in 
the United States and imported after the effective date of these 
standards. When all of the nonroad spark-ignition and recreational 
engine standards are fully implemented, an overall 72 percent reduction 
in hydrocarbons, 80 percent reduction in NOX, and 56 percent 
reduction in carbon monoxide emissions are expected by 2020. These 
controls reduce ambient concentrations of ozone, carbon monoxide, and 
fine particulate matter.
    National program for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fuel 
economy standards. The federal GHG and fuel economy standards apply to 
light-duty cars and trucks in model years 2012-2016 (phase 1) (75 FR 
25324, May 7, 2010) and 2017-2025 (phase 2) (proposed at 80 FR 40138, 
July 13, 2015). The final standards are projected to result in an 
average industry fleet-wide level of 163 grams/mile of carbon dioxide 
which is equivalent to 54.5 miles per gallon if achieved exclusively 
through fuel economy improvements. The fuel economy standards result in 
less fuel being consumed, and therefore less NOX emissions 
released.
    Point Sources. In the submittal Louisiana noted their adoption of a 
NOX control rule that was approved by EPA (76 FR 38977, July 
5, 2011). Additionally, we note that RACT controls were implemented in 
the area for the 1997 ozone NAAQS (76 FR 74000, November 30, 2011 and 
76 FR 75467, December 2, 2011).
    Criteria (4)--The BRNA has a fully approved maintenance plan 
pursuant to section 175A of the CAA.
    For redesignating a nonattainment area to attainment, the CAA 
requires EPA to determine that the area has a fully approved 
maintenance plan pursuant to section 175A of the CAA (CAA section 
107(d)(3)(E)(iv)). In conjunction with its request to redesignate the 
BRNA to attainment for the 2008 ozone NAAQS, LDEQ submitted a SIP 
revision to provide for the maintenance of the 2008 ozone NAAQS for at 
least 10 years after the effective date of redesignation to attainment. 
EPA believes that this maintenance plan meets the requirements for 
approval under section 175A of the CAA.

a. What is required in a maintenance plan?

    Section 175A of the CAA sets forth the elements of a maintenance 
plan for areas seeking redesignation from nonattainment to attainment. 
Under section 175A, the plan must demonstrate continued attainment of 
the applicable NAAQS for at least 10 years after the Administrator 
approves a redesignation to attainment. Eight years after the 
redesignation, the state must submit a revised maintenance plan 
demonstrating that attainment will continue to be maintained for the 10 
years following the initial 10-year period. To address the possibility 
of future NAAQS violations, the maintenance plan must contain 
contingency measures as necessary to assure prompt correction of any 
future violations of the 2008 ozone NAAQS. The Calcagni Memorandum 
provides further guidance on the content of a maintenance plan, 
explaining that a maintenance plan should address five requirements: 
The attainment emissions inventory, maintenance demonstration, 
monitoring, verification of continued attainment, and a contingency 
plan.\8\ As is discussed more fully below, EPA is proposing to 
determine that Louisiana's maintenance plan includes all the necessary 
components and is thus proposing to approve it as a revision to the 
Louisiana SIP.
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    \8\ Procedures for Processing Requests to Redesignate Areas to 
Attainment, Memorandum from John Calcagni, Director, Air Quality 
Management Division, September 4, 1992.
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b. Attainment Emissions Inventory

    EPA is proposing to determine that the BRNA has attained the 2008 
ozone NAAQS based on quality-assured monitoring data for the 3-year 
period from 2011-2013, and is continuing to attain the standard based 
on 2012-2014 and 2013-2015 data. Louisiana selected 2011 as the base 
year (i.e., attainment emissions inventory year) for developing a 
comprehensive emissions inventory for NOx and VOC, for which projected 
emissions could be developed for 2022 and 2027. The attainment 
inventory identifies a level of emissions in the Area that is 
sufficient to attain the 2008 ozone NAAQS. Louisiana began development 
of the attainment inventory by first generating a baseline emissions 
inventory for the State's portion of the BRNA. The projected emission 
inventories have been estimated using projected rates of growth in 
population, traffic, economic activity, and other parameters. In 
addition to comparing the final year of the plan (2027) to the base 
year (2011), Louisiana compared an interim year to the baseline to 
demonstrate that this year is also expected to show continued 
maintenance of the 2008 ozone standard.
    The emissions inventory is composed of four major types of sources: 
nonroad, onroad, nonpoint and point. The complete descriptions of how 
the inventories were developed are discussed in the Appendix F and 
Appendix K of the May 2, 2016, submittal, which can be found in the 
docket for this action. The 2011 NOx and VOC emissions for the BRNA, as 
well as the emissions for other years, were developed consistent with 
EPA guidance and are summarized in Table 2 of the following subsection 
discussing the maintenance demonstration.

c. Maintenance Demonstration

    The maintenance plan associated with the redesignation request 
includes a maintenance demonstration that:
    (i) Shows compliance with and maintenance of the 2008 ozone NAAQS 
by providing information to support the demonstration that current and 
future emissions of NOx and VOC remain at or below 2011 emissions 
levels.
    (ii) Uses 2011 as the attainment year and includes future emissions 
inventory projections for 2022 and 2027.
    (iii) Identifies an ``out year'' at least 10 years after the time 
necessary for EPA to review and approve the maintenance plan. Per 40 
CFR part 93, NOx and VOC

[[Page 76897]]

MVEBs were established for 2022 and 2027 (see section VII below).
    (iv) Provides actual (2011) and projected emissions inventories, in 
tons per day (tpd), for the BRNA, as shown in Table 2, below.
    On July 5, 2016, we approved the BRNA 2011 Base Year Emissions 
Inventory (EI) for the 2008 8 Hour NAAQS. See 81 FR 43490. LDEQ 
developed projected EIs for the years 2022 and 2027 using the 2011 EI 
(Table 2). The projected emissions for 2022 and 2027 indicate that 
ozone precursor emissions in the BRNA will remain below those in the 
attainment year inventory for the duration of the maintenance plan. 
While LDEQ projected an increase in NOx and VOC emissions from the 
nonpoint source sector, they projected that the increases from this 
sector would be offset from reductions in the nonroad mobile and onroad 
mobile source sectors. LDEQ will compare emission inventory data 
submitted to the National Emission Inventory with the emission growth 
data submitted in the maintenance plan to ensure emission reductions 
(from all sources, collectively) continue the downward trend 
considering all emission sources.

                  Table 2--Summary of 2011 and Future NOX and VOC Emissions (tpd) for the BRNA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              2011              2022              2027         [Delta] 2011-2027
                Sector                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          NOX      VOC      NOX      VOC      NOX      VOC       NOX       VOC
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nonpoint..............................     17.1     82.6     17.9     90.5     17.9     92.7       0.8      10.1
Nonroad...............................     27.3      8.7     12.6      6.5     15.2      6.1     -12.1      -2.6
Onroad................................     38.4     19.2     14.4     13.0     11.0     11.4     -27.4      -7.8
Point.................................     74.2     33.6     74.2     33.6     74.2     33.6       0.0       0.0
                                       -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total.............................    157.0    144.0    119.0    143.5    118.2    143.6     -38.8      -0.4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

d. Monitoring Network

    There currently are 8 monitors measuring ozone in the BRNA. The 
State of Louisiana, through LDEQ, has committed to continue operation 
of the monitors in the BRNA throughout the maintenance period in 
compliance with 40 CFR part 58.

e. Verification of Continued Attainment

    The State of Louisiana, through LDEQ, has the legal authority to 
enforce and implement the maintenance plan for the BRNA. This includes 
the authority to adopt, implement, and enforce any subsequent emissions 
control contingency measures determined to be necessary to correct 
future ozone attainment problems.
    LDEQ will track the progress of the maintenance plan through 
continued ambient ozone monitoring in accordance with the requirements 
of 40 CFR part 58, and by performing future reviews of actual emissions 
from all sources in the area using the latest emissions factors, 
models, and methodologies. LDEQ will work with EPA to ensure that the 
air monitoring network continues to be effective and will quality 
assure the data according to Federal requirements as one way to verify 
continued attainment.
    Additionally, under the Air Emissions Reporting Requirements 
(AERR), LDEQ is required to develop a comprehensive, annual, statewide 
emissions inventory every three years that is due twelve to eighteen 
months after the completion of the inventory year. As noted above, LDEQ 
will compare emission inventory data submitted to the National Emission 
Inventory with the emission growth data submitted in the maintenance 
plan to ensure emission reductions (from all sources, collectively) 
continue the downward trend.

f. Contingency Measures in the Maintenance Plan

    Section 175A of the CAA requires that a maintenance plan include 
such contingency measures as EPA deems necessary to assure that the 
state will promptly correct a violation of the NAAQS that occurs after 
redesignation. The maintenance plan should identify the contingency 
measures to be adopted, a schedule and procedure for adoption and 
implementation, and a time limit for action by the state. A state 
should also identify specific indicators to be used to determine when 
the contingency measures need to be implemented.
    The contingency plan included in the submittal includes a 
triggering mechanism to determine when contingency measures are needed 
and a process of developing and implementing appropriate control 
measures. The trigger of the contingency plan will be a violation of 
the 2008 ozone NAAQS (i.e., when the three-year average of the 4th 
highest values is equal to or greater than 0.075 ppm at a monitor in 
the Area).
    Once a trigger is activated, the LDEQ has committed to adopt 
additional measures, if LDEQ determines that the violations are caused 
by sources within the State, and to implement the measures as 
expeditiously as practicable, but no later than 24 months following the 
trigger. The following contingency measures are identified for possible 
implementation, but may not be limited to:
     Extending the applicability of the state's NOX 
control rule in LAC 33:III.2202 to include the months of April and 
October each year (currently Chapter 22 applies from May 1 to September 
30). This would assist in reducing incidences of high ozone days in the 
BRNA. In addition, the state will consider other measures such as 
lowering the NOX emission factors of LAC 33:III.2205.D and/
or requiring more stringent monitoring of elevated flares, as well as 
measures targeting the following:
     Diesel retrofit/replacement initiatives;
     Programs or incentives to decrease motor vehicle use;
     Implementation of fuel programs, including incentives for 
alternative fuels;
     Employer-based transportation management plans;
     Anti-backsliding ordinances; and
     Programs to limit or restrict vehicle use in areas of high 
emissions concentration during periods of peak use.
    Given the substantial amount of industrial emissions in the BRNA, 
and the fact the Area's ozone problem is mostly driven by 
NOX emissions, these potential contingency measures would be 
appropriate for adequately correcting an attainment problem.
    EPA proposes to conclude that the maintenance plan adequately 
addresses the five basic components of a maintenance plan: the 
attainment emissions inventory, maintenance demonstration, monitoring, 
verification of continued attainment, and a

[[Page 76898]]

contingency plan. Therefore, EPA proposes that the maintenance plan SIP 
revision submitted by Louisiana for the BRNA meets the requirements of 
section 175A of the CAA and is approvable.

VI. What is EPA's analysis of louisiana's proposed NOX and 
VOC MVEBs for the Baton Rouge Area?

    Under section 176(c) of the CAA, new transportation plans, 
programs, and projects, such as the construction of new highways, must 
``conform'' to (i.e., be consistent with) the part of the state's air 
quality plan that addresses pollution from cars and trucks. Conformity 
to the SIP means that transportation activities will not cause new air 
quality violations, worsen existing violations, or delay timely 
attainment of the NAAQS or any interim milestones. If a transportation 
plan does not conform, most new projects that would expand the capacity 
of roadways cannot go forward. Regulations at 40 CFR part 93 set forth 
EPA policy, criteria, and procedures for demonstrating and assuring 
conformity of such transportation activities to a SIP. The regional 
emissions analysis is one, but not the only, requirement for 
implementing transportation conformity. Transportation conformity is a 
requirement for nonattainment and maintenance areas. Maintenance areas 
are areas that were previously nonattainment for a particular NAAQS but 
have since been redesignated to attainment with an approved maintenance 
plan for that NAAQS.
    Under the CAA, states are required to submit, at various times, 
control strategy SIPs and maintenance plans for nonattainment areas. 
These control strategy SIPs, including maintenance plans, create MVEBs 
for criteria pollutants and/or their precursors to address pollution 
from cars and trucks. Per 40 CFR part 93, a MVEB must be established 
for the last year of the maintenance plan. A state may adopt MVEBs for 
other years as well. The MVEB is the portion of the total allowable 
emissions in the maintenance demonstration that is allocated to highway 
and transit vehicle use and emissions. See 40 CFR 93.101. The MVEB 
serves as a ceiling on emissions from an area's planned transportation 
system. The MVEB concept is further explained in the preamble to the 
November 24, 1993, Transportation Conformity Rule (58 FR 62188). The 
preamble also describes how to establish the MVEB in the SIP and how to 
revise the MVEB.
    As part of the interagency consultation process on setting MVEBs, 
LDEQ held discussions to determine what years to set MVEBs for the BRNA 
maintenance plan. According to the transportation conformity rule, a 
maintenance plan must establish MVEBs for the last year of the 
maintenance plan (in this case, 2027). See 40 CFR 93.118. Louisiana 
also provided MVEBs for 2022. Table 3 below provides the NOX 
and VOC MVEBs in tpd for 2022 and 2027, as reflected in Section 9, 
Tables 9.1 and 9.2 of the State's submittal.

                       Table 3--Baton Rouge MVEBs
                                  [tpd]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Year                             NOX      VOC
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2022..................................................    14.37    13.19
2027..................................................    10.95    11.55
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Through this rulemaking, EPA is proposing to approve the MVEBs for 
NOX and VOC for 2022 and 2027 for the Baton Rouge Area 
because EPA believes that the Area maintains the 2008 ozone NAAQS with 
the emissions at the levels of the budgets. Once the MVEBs for the BRNA 
are approved, they must be used for future conformity determinations.

VII. What is the status of EPA's adequacy determination for the 
proposed NOX and VOC MVEBs for the BRNA?

    EPA found the BRNA MVEBs adequate for transportation conformity 
purposes effective July 14, 2016, see 81 FR 42350 (June 29, 2016). The 
MVEB must be used by state and Federal agencies in determining whether 
proposed transportation projects conform to the SIP as required by 
section 176(c) of the CAA.
    EPA's substantive criteria for determining adequacy of a MVEB are 
set out in 40 CFR 93.118(e)(4). The process for determining adequacy 
consists of three basic steps: public notification of a SIP submission, 
a public comment period, and EPA's adequacy determination. This process 
for determining the adequacy of submitted MVEBs for transportation 
conformity purposes was initially outlined in EPA's May 14, 1999, 
guidance, ``Conformity Guidance on Implementation of March 2, 1999, 
Conformity Court Decision.'' EPA adopted regulations to codify the 
adequacy process in the Transportation Conformity Rule Amendments for 
the ``New 8-Hour Ozone and PM2.5 National Ambient Air 
Quality Standards and Miscellaneous Revisions for Existing Areas; 
Transportation Conformity Rule Amendments--Response to Court Decision 
and Additional Rule Change,'' on July 1, 2004 (69 FR 40004). Additional 
information on the adequacy process for transportation conformity 
purposes is available in the proposed rule entitled, ``Transportation 
Conformity Rule Amendments: Response to Court Decision and Additional 
Rule Changes,'' 68 FR 38974, 38984 (June 30, 2003).

VIII. What is the effect of EPA's proposed actions?

    EPA's proposed actions establish the basis upon which EPA may take 
final action on the issues being proposed for approval today. Approval 
of Louisiana's redesignation request would change the legal designation 
of the BRNA as found at 40 CFR part 81, from nonattainment to 
attainment for the 2008 ozone NAAQS. Approval of Louisiana's associated 
SIP revision would also incorporate a plan for maintaining the 2008 
ozone NAAQS in the BRNA through 2027 into the SIP. This maintenance 
plan includes contingency measures to remedy any future violations of 
the 2008 ozone NAAQS and procedures for evaluation of potential 
violations. The maintenance plan also establishes NOx and VOC MVEBs for 
2022 and 2027 for the Baton Rouge Area. The MVEBs are listed in Table 5 
in section VI. Additionally, EPA is notifying the public of the status 
of EPA's adequacy determination for the newly-established NOx and VOC 
MVEBs for 2022 and 2027 for the Baton Rouge Area.

IX. Proposed Actions

    EPA is proposing three separate but related actions regarding the 
redesignation and maintenance of the 2008 ozone NAAQS for the BRNA. EPA 
is proposing to determine that the BRNA is attaining the 2008 ozone 
NAAQS. EPA is also proposing to approve the maintenance plan for the 
BRNA, including the NOX and VOC MVEBs for 2022 and 2027, 
into the Louisiana SIP (under CAA section 175A). The maintenance plan 
demonstrates that the Area will continue to maintain the 2008 ozone 
NAAQS through 2027 and that the budgets meet all of the adequacy 
criteria contained in 40 CFR 93.118(e)(4) and (5). Further, as part of 
today's action, EPA is describing the status of its adequacy 
determination for the NOX and VOC MVEBs for 2022 and 2027 in 
accordance with 40 CFR 93.118(f)(2). Within 24 months from the 
effective date of EPA's adequacy determination for the MVEBs or the 
publication date for the final rule for this action, whichever is 
earlier, the transportation partners will need to demonstrate 
conformity to the new NOX and VOC MVEBs pursuant to 40 CFR 
93.104(e)(3).

[[Page 76899]]

    Additionally, EPA is proposing to determine that the BRNA has met 
the criteria under CAA section 107(d)(3)(E) for redesignation from 
nonattainment to attainment for the 2008 ozone NAAQS. On this basis, 
EPA is proposing to approve Louisiana's redesignation request for the 
BRNA. If finalized, approval of the redesignation request would change 
the official designation of the portion of BRNA, as found at 40 CFR 
part 81, from nonattainment to attainment for the 2008 ozone NAAQS.

X. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Under the CAA, redesignation of an area to attainment and the 
accompanying approval of a maintenance plan under section 107(d)(3)(E) 
are actions that affect the status of a geographical area and do not 
impose any additional regulatory requirements on sources beyond those 
imposed by state law. A redesignation to attainment does not in and of 
itself create any new requirements, but rather results in the 
applicability of requirements contained in the CAA for areas that have 
been redesignated to attainment. Moreover, the Administrator is 
required to approve a SIP submission that complies with the provisions 
of the Act and applicable Federal regulations. See 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 CAA. 
Accordingly, these proposed actions merely propose to approve state law 
as meeting Federal requirements and do not impose additional 
requirements beyond those imposed by state law. For this reason, these 
proposed actions:
     Are 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);
     do not impose an information collection burden under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
     are 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.);
     do not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-4);
     do not have Federalism implications as specified in 
Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);
     are not economically significant regulatory actions based 
on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 1997);
     are not significant regulatory actions subject to 
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);
     are 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 CAA; and
     do 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 proposed 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

40 CFR Part 52

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by 
reference, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Volatile organic compounds.

40 CFR Part 81

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control.

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

    Dated: October 27, 2016.
Samuel Coleman,
Acting Regional Administrator, Region 6.
[FR Doc. 2016-26584 Filed 11-3-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P