The EPA has established a suite of PM2.5 standards based on evidence and numerous health studies demonstrating that serious health effects are associated with exposures to elevated levels of PM2.5. Estimates show that attainment of the PM2.5 standards would result in tens of thousands fewer premature deaths each year, tens of thousands fewer hospital admissions each year, and hundreds of thousands fewer doctor visits, absences from work and school, and respiratory illnesses in children annually. EPA initially established annual and 24-hour PM2.5 standards in 1997. The 24-hour standard was subsequently revised in 2006, and the annual standard was revised in 2012.
The EPA is finalizing the PM2.5 NAAQS SIP Requirements Rule to describe the CAA requirements that must be met by states with nonattainment areas required to develop attainment plans for attaining and maintaining the NAAQS. The intended effect of the SIP Requirements Rule is to provide certainty to states regarding their planning obligations such that states may begin SIP development. Only states with nonattainment areas are required to submit SIPs that meet the requirements of the rule.
We are requesting an increase in burden due to implementation of this new regulation and the implementation of the remaining requirements for the 1997 PM25 and 2006 PM25 NAAQS. This burden estimate is lower than the estimate for the previous PM2.5 Implementation ICR renewal primarily because the number of designated nonattainment areas covered by this ICR is lower. The estimates have been calculated using 2012 dollars and some assumptions regarding overhead, O&M costs, and capital costs have been adjusted to meet current guidelines and common procedures for preparing ICRs.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
2258ss04.docx
PM 2.5 NAAQS Implementation Rule - 2006 Standard