FR 2021-03982

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing revisions to how the public is notified about air pollution permits in Illinois. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) submitted these changes, which aim to modernize the process by allowing notifications to be provided electronically, rather than requiring publication in newspapers. This shift aligns with broader federal guidelines intended to streamline communications and take advantage of digital efficiencies.

General Summary

The document highlights the shift from traditional newspaper notices to electronic notices for informing the public about draft air permits under the Clean Air Act (CAA) in Illinois. The EPA believes this transition will foster faster and more cost-efficient communication with the public, asserting that the new state system adheres to federal requirements stipulated by the CAA. The document includes details about how these changes were made and evaluated, mentioning hearings and effective dates.

Significant Issues and Concerns

A notable issue with this proposal is the potential exclusion of certain groups who may not have reliable internet access. By moving away from newspaper notices, there is a risk that some individuals, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, might not receive critical information about air quality permits that could affect their health and surroundings. This raises equity concerns regarding public participation.

Additionally, while the transition to electronic notifications might reduce costs associated with newspaper publications, the document lacks a thorough analysis of the costs involved in establishing and maintaining a robust electronic notification system. Without detailed cost information, it is challenging to fully understand the economic impacts of this change.

The technical language used in the document, such as terms like "permitting authorities," "e-notice," and "e-access," could be confusing for those not well-versed in environmental regulation processes. This complexity might hinder public understanding and engagement with the permitting process.

Broad Public Impact

For the general public, this shift aims to provide more timely and accessible updates on air permits and relevant actions. Electronic notifications can be disseminated more widely and quickly than traditional print methods, potentially allowing for more dynamic public engagement with environmental regulations and decisions that affect their communities.

However, the effectiveness of this approach relies heavily on widespread internet access and digital literacy among the public. Without addressing these infrastructural and educational gaps, the benefits of faster communication may not be fully realized for all.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For environmental groups and residents actively monitoring air quality permits and changes, this transition could be advantageous by providing quicker, more frequent updates through digital platforms. It also allows for a broader reach, theoretically engaging more stakeholders in public comment periods and other participatory processes.

Conversely, stakeholders with limited internet access, including some rural communities and older adults who may prefer traditional media, could find it more difficult to stay informed under this new system. This could marginalize their involvement in environmental decision-making processes, potentially leading to less representative public input into air quality regulations.

In conclusion, while this proposal to modernize public notices for air permits holds the promise of efficiency and cost savings, careful consideration and additional measures are needed to ensure inclusive access to information for all stakeholders. Addressing potential equity gaps remains critical to the success of these regulatory updates.