Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans and Operating Permits Program; Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; Administrative Changes

AGENCY:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION:

Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

EPA is proposing to approve revisions to the Puerto Rico Regulations for the Control of Atmospheric Pollution, submitted to EPA by the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board (PREQB) on July 13, 2011. This action proposes to approve revisions to Rules 102, 111, 115, 116, 609 and Appendix A. Generally the revisions to the regulations involve administrative changes which improve the clarity of the rules contained in the Commonwealth's Implementation Plan and Operating Permits Program. They do not change the emission limitations nor add significant new requirements. In the “Rules and Regulations” section of this Federal Register, EPA is approving the Commonwealth's SIP submittal as a direct final rule without prior proposal because the Agency views this as a noncontroversial submittal and anticipates no adverse comments. A detailed rationale for the approval is set forth in the direct final rule. If EPA receives no adverse comments, EPA will not take further action on this proposed rule. If EPA receives adverse comments, EPA will withdraw the direct final rule and it will not take effect. EPA will address all public comments in a subsequent final rule based on this proposed rule. The EPA will not institute a second comment period on this action. Any parties interested in commenting on this action should do so at this time.

DATES:

Written comments must be received on or before April 23, 2012.

ADDRESSES:

All comments should be addressed to: Raymond Werner, Chief, Air Programs Branch, Environmental Protection Agency, Region II Office, 290 Broadway, New York, New York 10007-1866.

Copies of the State submittal are available at the following addresses for inspection during normal business hours:

Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2 Office, 290 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10007-1866.

Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2 Caribbean Field Office Centro Europa Building, Suite 417, 1492 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Stop 22, Santurce, Puerto Rico 00909.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Kirk J. Wieber, Air Programs Branch, Environmental Protection Agency, 290 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10278, (212) 637-4249.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

For additional information see the direct final rule which is located in the Rules Section of this Federal Register.