FR 2021-03196

The document in question is a proposed rule released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding a negative declaration from the State of Louisiana. This declaration communicates that there are no existing incinerators within the state subject to certain emissions guidelines outlined under the Clean Air Act (CAA) for Other Solid Waste Incineration (OSWI) units. On receiving and verifying such declarations, the state is exempted from submitting a plan to control pollutants from these non-existent units, and the EPA is expected to update its regulations accordingly.

General Summary

The EPA has acknowledged a negative declaration from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, indicating that the state has no existing incinerators that require regulation under the specified federal emissions guidelines for OSWI units. Consequently, Louisiana is not obligated to formulate a state-level plan to manage emissions from these units. The EPA's proposed action entails incorporating this declaration into federal regulations, with a public comment period open until March 26, 2021.

Significant Issues and Concerns

The document presents several notable issues:

• Technical Jargon: The text is laden with technical references to specific sections of the CAA and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which may be challenging to comprehend for individuals without a legal or environmental science background. This can limit public engagement and understanding of the proposal's implications.

• Lack of Details: The document lacks explanations about the real-world implications of the negative declaration for Louisiana residents and the environmental landscape. For those unfamiliar with regulatory processes, it does not offer enough context about the absence of OSWI incinerators in Louisiana and what consequences might ensue if the EPA does not accept the negative declaration.

• Impact Considerations: There is no exploration of the potential environmental or economic impacts resulting from accepting the negative declaration, which could frame a more comprehensive understanding of its significance for stakeholders and the public.

Public Impact

For the general public, this document might signify that Louisiana is not currently contributing to pollution in the way that regulated OSWI units might in other states. If accurate, it suggests a cleaner air outlook within this context.

However, the absence of accessible information could lead to misunderstandings about whether this declaration might impact state or local environmental regulations or initiatives. The document's reliance on jargon could obscure its significance or the public's ability to respond effectively during the comment period.

Stakeholder Impact

For specific stakeholders, such as environmental advocacy groups or business entities: - Positive Impact: The absence of OSWI incinerators could be seen as a positive environmental stance by the state, potentially fostering a cleaner business climate. - Negative Impact: Conversely, those advocating for stringent environmental oversight could question the thoroughness of the declaration process and whether it conceals potential compliance or regulatory challenges.

Overall, the lack of acknowledgment of any public or stakeholder consultation as part of Louisiana’s determination may raise concerns about transparency and inclusivity in the decision-making process. This could have ramifications for public trust and stakeholder engagement in future environmental regulatory discussions.