[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 202 (Monday, October 20, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 54409]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-27621]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[FRL-5910-3]
Acid Rain Program: Public Workshop on an Emissions Trading
Program for Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX)
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Public workshops on a NOX emissions trading program.
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SUMMARY: This fall, EPA will be issuing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
to reduce regional transport of ozone. As part of this rulemaking, EPA
is planning to develop a NOX emissions trading program for
large combustion sources. States will be encouraged to participate in
the trading program as a simple and cost-effective strategy for meeting
the requirements of the upcoming regional transport rule.
EPA supported the Ozone Transport Assessment Group (OTAG), which
fostered a collaborative process among States and stakeholders in
developing analyses and proposing strategies to address the problem of
ozone transport. The central conclusion from the OTAG process was that
regional reductions of NOX are needed to reduce the
transport of ozone and its precursors. EPA considered OTAG's
recommendations when crafting the transport rule, which will limit
NOX emissions through implementation of state-wide
NOX emissions budgets. OTAG also concluded that cost
effective emission reductions from large stationary sources could be
greatly facilitated through an emissions trading program.
As a way to increase flexibility, maximize cost savings, and
promote workable solutions, EPA is offering to administer a multi-state
cap and trade program for large stationary sources. States are
encouraged to participate in the trading program as a simple and cost-
effective strategy for meeting their state-wide emission budget
requirements. In developing the framework for a cap and trade program,
EPA will build upon the work produced by OTAG's Trading/Incentives
Workgroup. The NOX Trading Rule Workshops will provide an
opportunity for interested participants to contribute to the
development of the model trading rule. It is anticipated that the model
trading rule will be included in a supplemental notice of proposed
rulemaking for the transport rule in early 1998 and will be finalized
along with the transport rule in September 1998.
EPA would like to continue the cooperative, open process
established by OTAG as we develop the trading program. Two workshops
will be held, in early November and early December. The purpose of
these workshops is to provide a forum for input on the framework of an
emissions trading program that can be used to cost-effectively reduce
emissions of NOX.
DATES: The first workshop will be held on November 5, from 9:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. A second workshop will be scheduled for early December and
will be announced in a future document.
ADDRESSES: The November workshop will be held at the Washington
Marriott located at 1221 22d Street, NW., Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephanie Benkovic in EPA's Acid Rain
Division (6204J), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street
SW, Washington, DC 20460 at (202) 233-9142.
Dated: October 10, 1997.
Brian J. McLean,
Director, Acid Rain Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs, Office of
Air and Radiation.
[FR Doc. 97-27621 Filed 10-17-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P