Extension of Deadline for Action on the Second Section 126 Petition From New Jersey

Résumé

In this action, EPA is determining that 60 days is insufficient time to complete the technical and other analyses and the public notice and comment process required for our review of a petition submitted by the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (New Jersey) pursuant to section 126 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). The petition requests that EPA make a finding that the coal- fired Portland Generating Station in Upper Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, is emitting air pollutants that significantly contribute to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the 1-hour sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). Under the CAA, EPA is authorized to grant a time extension for responding to the petition if EPA determines that the extension is necessary, among other things, to meet the purposes of the CAA's rulemaking requirements. By this action, EPA is making that determination. EPA is therefore extending the deadline for acting on the petition to no later than May 16, 2011.