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EPA/AR RIN: 2060-AS12 Publication ID: Fall 2014 
Title: Identification of Nonattainment Classification and Deadlines for Submission of State Implementation Plan (SIP) Provisions for the 1997 Fine Particle (PM2.5) NAAQS and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS 
Abstract:

This rule identifies: (1) the classification under subpart 4 for areas currently designated nonattainment for the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 standards; (2) the deadline for states to submit attainment-related SIP elements for these nonattainment areas that are required pursuant to subpart 4; and (3) EPA guidance that is currently available regarding subpart 4 requirements. In doing so, this rule helps clarify deadlines and expectations following the DC Circuit opinion from January 2013, which held that EPA erred in implementing the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS pursuant solely to the general implementation provisions of the CAA, rather than also the particulate-matter-specific provisions of subpart 4 of part D. In classifying all nonattainment areas as "moderate" under subpart 4, the EPA is affirming the outcome required "by operation of law" under subpart 4. To the extent one could argue that states' implementation plans demonstrating attainment of the PM2.5 NAAQS are overdue, this rule relieves burdens from the states and provides them an opportunity to address the interpretation announced by the Court earlier this year. Finally, the EPA directs states to long-standing general guidance that will help them ascertain the impact of subpart 4 requirements on their ongoing efforts to meet the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 standards.

 
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Completed Actions 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 51   
Legal Authority: 42 USC 7401    42 USC 7408    42 USC 7410    42 USC 7601(a)(1)   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  11/21/2013  78 FR 69806   
Final Rule  06/02/2014  79 FR 31565   
Additional Information: Docket #:EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0694
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Information URL: http://www.epa.gov/airquality/particlepollution/actions.html  
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Mia South
Environmental Protection Agency
Air and Radiation
Mail Code C539-01 , 109 T.W. Alexander Drive ,
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Phone:919 541-5550
Email: south.mia@epa.gov