Overview
Title
Indiana: Final Approval of State Underground Storage Tank Program Revisions
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The EPA wants to help Indiana update how they take care of big tanks underground that store things like gas. They think everything looks good and don't expect anyone to disagree, but if people do, they will listen and make sure everything is fair.
Summary AI
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to approve updates to Indiana's Underground Storage Tank (UST) program as part of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). They are implementing these changes through a direct final rule, expecting no opposition or controversial feedback. If any adverse comments are received, the EPA will withdraw the direct final rule and address all public comments in a subsequent final rule. Comments on this proposal need to be submitted by March 19, 2021.
Abstract
Pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA or Act), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to take direct final action to approve revisions to the State of Indiana's Underground Storage Tank (UST) program submitted by the State. This action is based on EPA's determination that the State's revisions satisfy all requirements needed for UST program approval. In the "Rules and Regulations" section of this Federal Register, EPA is approving the changes by direct final rule because we believe this action is not controversial and do not expect comments that oppose it.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register outlines the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) intention to approve updates to Indiana's management of underground storage tanks (USTs). This approval, falling under the guidelines of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), is proposed through a direct final rule — a mechanism that allows regulations to be implemented without the usual preliminary proposal if they are not expected to be controversial. The document indicates that any contentious feedback could lead to the withdrawal of this rule, suggesting the EPA will consider public input if significant concerns arise.
General Summary
The document primarily focuses on the EPA’s procedural decision to approve amendments to Indiana's UST program. The EPA believes this process will be noncontroversial and anticipates minimal negative response from the public. Stakeholders and members of the public are encouraged to submit comments regarding this proposal by March 19, 2021, through various digital platforms.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One significant aspect of the document is its reliance on complex legal frameworks, such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and associated legal codes. For the general public, without background knowledge of these regulations, understanding the nuances of the proposed rule could be challenging. Additionally, the term "direct final rule" might not be immediately clear to those not familiar with legal procedures, potentially leading to confusion about the nature of the EPA’s actions.
The document also lacks clarity on what constitutes "relevant adverse comments," which might leave stakeholders uncertain about the type of feedback that could influence the EPA's final decisions. While the language used to describe the submission process is thorough, it may overwhelm individuals not accustomed to regulatory documentations.
Impact on the Public
For the wider public, this document and the proposed changes signify a governmental regulatory process designed to ensure environmental safety through the careful management of underground storage tanks in Indiana. If the program is approved without objection, Indiana residents might observe changes in environmental management practices concerning underground storage.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For stakeholders, particularly those in environmental and regulatory sectors within Indiana, these revisions could bring both opportunities and challenges. State agencies and organizations responsible for the implementation and oversight of UST systems might experience both administrative changes and potential operational benefits through enhanced regulatory clarity. Conversely, any new requirements or adjustments derived from these program revisions may result in additional compliance costs or logistical adjustments.
Overall, while there appears to be an anticipated lack of controversy, stakeholders, and interested members of the public should consider reviewing the document and submitting their comments if they have concerns or recommendations. The EPA’s openness to considering public feedback offers a chance for those impacted to voice their perspectives and potentially shape the final regulatory outcome.
Issues
• The document involves the approval of revisions to Indiana's UST program, which requires careful scrutiny to ensure no bias or favoritism towards state organizations, though none is explicitly noted here.
• The use of terms like 'direct final rule' without immediately providing a simple explanation might confuse some readers unfamiliar with regulatory processes.
• The language involving submission methods and comment instructions is somewhat detailed, which might confuse or overwhelm some users unfamiliar with the process.
• The document references complex regulatory frameworks such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and other legal codes without additional context or explanation for lay readers.
• The document refers to 'relevant adverse comments' without specifying clear examples, which might leave some ambiguity about what constitutes a relevant comment.