Opinion ID: 413378
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Temporary Emergency Suspensions

Text: 127 The other mandatory exemption which petitioners challenge allows for an exemption if the failure of the source to comply is due solely to the conditions by reason of which a temporary emergency suspension is authorized under [section 110(f) or (g) ]. Sec. 120(a)(2)(B)(v). The sections in question--Secs. 110(f), (g)--authorize suspensions of state implementation plans by the President or the governor in case of an energy or economic emergency. EPA's regulations implementing this exemption, 40 C.F.R. Sec. 66.31(a)(5), (b) (1981), limit the applicability of the exemption to instances when the suspensions have issued. 128 Industry petitioners object to the regulations and argue that the statute mandates the exemption whenever a suspension could be granted. Such an interpretation would create an administrative nightmare, forcing EPA to second-guess governors or the President. EPA's regulations, on the other hand, requiring that the suspension actually have been granted, are a reasonable interpretation of the statute given that what authorizes a suspension is the executive decision to issue it. Therefore, we affirm EPA regulations 40 C.F.R. Sec. 66.31(a)(5), (b) (1981).