Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NESHAP for Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Facilities-Surface Coating (Renewal)
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The EPA wants to keep checking how ships are painted, so they make sure it doesn’t pollute the air. They’re asking for more time to collect information from shipbuilders and repairers to ensure the air stays clean, and they want people to tell them what they think about this plan by the end of March 2025.
Summary AI
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted a request to extend the information collection for the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, specifically focusing on shipbuilding and ship repair facilities' surface coating operations. This request, approved through February 2025, aims to ensure compliance with air quality standards by gathering data from affected facilities. Public comments are open until March 31, 2025, and can be submitted via www.regulations.gov or mail. The facilities involved in this process are required to provide initial notifications, performance tests, and periodic reports to ensure they meet the necessary standards.
Abstract
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), NESHAP for Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Facilities--Surface Coating (EPA ICR Number 1712.12, OMB Control Number 2060-0330) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through February 28, 2025. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on May 18, 2023 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments.
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Sources
AnalysisAI
The recent notice from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), published in the Federal Register, reveals ongoing efforts to maintain environmental standards in industrial operations, specifically targeting the shipbuilding and ship repair industries that utilize surface coating processes. This action is part of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), and the agency seeks to extend the collection of information necessary for compliance through an Information Collection Request (ICR).
Summary of the Document
The EPA has initiated a process to renew its information collection regarding air quality standards at shipbuilding and repair facilities. The goal is to ensure that these facilities adhere to the regulations set forth to control hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). This initiative affects facilities that build, repair, or modify ships, particularly concerning their surface coating operations. The existing ICR, which is soon to expire, needs renewal to continue monitoring compliance effectively. Public comments on this proposal are welcome until March 31, 2025, allowing stakeholders to express opinions or concerns about the process.
Significant Issues or Concerns
One of the recurring concerns with such regulatory measures is the burden they may place on industries. Compliance often necessitates rigorous reporting, performance testing, and the maintenance of detailed records, which can be resource-intensive. The EPA has noted that there have been no changes in the regulatory requirements over the past three years, and the industry growth is slow, reducing the likelihood of increased compliance burdens. However, maintaining current levels of compliance remains a significant, ongoing effort.
Another concern is the transparent inclusion of public comments. The EPA states that all submitted comments are considered unless they include inappropriate content or confidential business information, which may make some stakeholders wary of sharing sensitive information.
Impact on the General Public
For the broader public, the extension of these regulations and their enforcement is likely beneficial as it ultimately aims to reduce pollution and protect air quality, directly contributing to healthier communities. Ensuring stringent controls over hazardous emissions helps mitigate the environmental impact of industrial activities, protecting ecosystems and public health.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For stakeholders within the shipbuilding and ship repair industry, this notice signifies continued regulatory oversight, necessitating adherence to reporting and testing requirements. While this can be seen as challenging due to resource demands, it also ensures a fair playing field where all entities must observe the same environmental standards.
Environmental advocacy groups may view this measure positively, as it represents a commitment to ongoing environmental protection efforts. Conversely, industry representatives might express concerns over the operational and financial implications of compliance, despite recognizing its importance for sustainable practices.
In summary, this EPA notice highlights the ongoing balancing act between environmental protections and industrial capabilities, seeking feedback and collaboration from the public to fine-tune its approaches to air quality management.
Financial Assessment
The document from the Federal Register pertains to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) submission of an information collection request related to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for shipbuilding and ship repair facilities, specifically focusing on surface coating. Within this submission, important financial details are provided that warrant closer analysis.
Summary of Financial References
The primary financial reference within the document states that the total estimated cost associated with this information collection request is $3,390,000 per year. This cost is notable as it encompasses the financial obligations imposed on the respondents, which in this case are shipbuilding and repair facilities required to comply with NESHAP standards.
This sum of $3,390,000 is defined to include all the estimated costs related to compliance with the regulation, such as preparing and submitting reports, maintaining records, and any other administrative burden. Interestingly, it is explicitly mentioned that this figure includes $0 in annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs. This implies that the financial burden is primarily related to operational processes and compliance administration rather than involving significant investments in new equipment or ongoing maintenance.
Financial Allocations and Their Relation to Compliance
The financial allocation of $3,390,000 is directly related to ensuring compliance with federal environmental standards. This financial estimate represents the total burden on the industry for adhering to the mandatory early and ongoing reporting and record-keeping requirements set forth by the EPA under the NESHAP regulations (40 CFR part 63, subpart II).
The document notes that the estimated respondent burden has not changed compared to the previously approved Information Collection Request (ICR). This consistency is attributed to two main factors: firstly, the regulatory requirements have remained unchanged over the past three years and no substantial changes are anticipated in the forthcoming period. Secondly, the growth rate of the industry is described as very low or non-existent, suggesting stability in the number of facilities impacted by these regulations.
Indeed, understanding these financial references is critical for stakeholders in the shipbuilding and repair industry as it outlines the financial obligations necessary to maintain compliance while avoiding potential penalties for non-compliance. These financial implications also highlight the broader economic considerations governmental agencies must balance when enforcing environmental standards.
Conclusion
In sum, the financial references in this document underscore the annual cost of $3,390,000 to the shipbuilding and repair industry in terms of ensuring compliance with specific hazardous air pollutant standards. This cost is vital for environmental compliance and regulatory adherence but does not require substantial capital investment, emphasizing the administrative nature of the financial burden.