The EPA has established a suite of
PM2.5 standards based on evidence and numerous health studies
demonstrating that serious health effects are associated with
exposures to elevated levels of PM2.5. Estimates show that
attainment of the PM2.5 standards would result in tens of thousands
fewer premature deaths each year, tens of thousands fewer hospital
admissions each year, and hundreds of thousands fewer doctor
visits, absences from work and school, and respiratory illnesses in
children annually. EPA initially established annual and 24-hour
PM2.5 standards in 1997. The 24-hour standard was subsequently
revised in 2006, and the annual standard was revised in 2012. The
EPA is finalizing the PM2.5 NAAQS SIP Requirements Rule to describe
the CAA requirements that must be met by states with nonattainment
areas required to develop attainment plans for attaining and
maintaining the NAAQS. The intended effect of the SIP Requirements
Rule is to provide certainty to states regarding their planning
obligations such that states may begin SIP development. Only states
with nonattainment areas are required to submit SIPs that meet the
requirements of the rule.
We are requesting an increase
in burden due to implementation of this new regulation and the
implementation of the remaining requirements for the 1997 PM25 and
2006 PM25 NAAQS. This burden estimate is lower than the estimate
for the previous PM2.5 Implementation ICR renewal primarily because
the number of designated nonattainment areas covered by this ICR is
lower. The estimates have been calculated using 2012 dollars and
some assumptions regarding overhead, O&M costs, and capital
costs have been adjusted to meet current guidelines and common
procedures for preparing ICRs.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.