View Rule

View EO 12866 Meetings Printer-Friendly Version     Download RIN Data in XML

EPA/OAR RIN: 2060-AV58 Publication ID: Spring 2023 
Title: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Taconite Iron Ore Processing Amendments 
Abstract:

This action addresses the Agency’s amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for the Taconite Iron Ore Processing source category as a result of the D.C. Circuit court’s opinion in Louisiana Environmental Action Network v. EPA, 955 F.3d 1088 (D.C. Cir. 2020) (LEAN). The Taconite Iron Ore Processing NESHAP, 40 CFR part 63, subpart RRRRR, was promulgated pursuant to section 112(d) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) on October 30, 2003. The residual risk and technology review (RTR) for this source category was promulgated pursuant to CAA sections 112(f) and 112(d)(6) on July 28, 2020. The NESHAP establishes emission limitations and/or work practice requirements based on maximum achievable control technology (MACT) for controlling emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAP) from new and existing major sources of HAP within the source category, including taconite ore crushing and handling operations, pellet indurating furnaces, finished pellet handling operations, and ore dryers. The court in LEAN held that EPA must set limits on uncontrolled hazardous air pollutant emissions when it conducts technology reviews under section 112(d)(6) of the CAA, 42 U.S.C. section 7412(d)(6). Pursuant to the D.C. District Court's April 15, 2021, order in Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League v. Regan, Case No: 1:16-cv-00364-CRC (D.D.C. filed Feb. 24, 2016), the EPA must complete the final action for the Taconite Iron Ore Processing NESHAP by November 16, 2023.

 
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: Undetermined  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 63, subpart RRRRR     (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.)
Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7414, 7601   
Legal Deadline:
Action Source Description Date
Final  Judicial  The Consent Decree deadline for the final rule signature date is 11/16/23. (1:16-cv-1074-KBJ (D.D.C. 2018)).  11/16/2023 
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  05/15/2023  88 FR 30917   
NPRM Comment Period End  06/29/2023 
Final Rule  12/00/2023 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
Sectors Affected: 21221 Iron Ore Mining 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
David Putney
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Air and Radiation
109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Mail Code D-243-02,
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Phone:919 541-2016
Fax:919 541-4991
Email: putney.david@epa.gov

Chuck French
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Air and Radiation
109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Mail Code D243-02,
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Phone:919 541-7912
Fax:919 541-4991
Email: french.chuck@epa.gov