Luminant Generation Co. v. EPA, No. 10-60934 (5th Cir. 2012)
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Two sets of petitioners sought review of the EPA's final rule partially approving and partially disapproving the most recent revision to Texas's State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality pursuant to the Clean Air Act. The portion of the SIP at issue created an affirmative defense against civil penalties for excess emissions during both planned and unplanned startup, shutdown, and maintenance/malfunction (SSM) events. The EPA approved the portion of the SIP revision providing an affirmative defense against civil penalties for unplanned SSM events and disapproved the portion of the SIP revision providing an affirmative defense against civil penalties for planned SSM events. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals denied both petitions for review, holding that the EPA did not act arbitrarily or capriciously, or contrary to law, or in excess of its statutory authority, in its partial approval and partial disapproval of Texas's SIP revision.
The court issued a subsequent related opinion or order on October 12, 2012.
The court issued a subsequent related opinion or order on March 26, 2013.
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Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 1 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS United States Court of Appeals FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT Fifth Circuit FILED July 30, 2012 No. 10-60934 Lyle W. Cayce Clerk LUMINANT GENERATION CO. LLC, ET AL., Petitioners, v. UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, Respondent. Petitions for Review of Orders of the Environmental Protection Agency Before BENAVIDES, STEWART, and GRAVES, Circuit Judges. CARL E. STEWART, Circuit Judge: Two sets of petitioners, hereinafter referred to as Industry Petitioners 1 and Environmental Petitioners, 2 seek review of the United States Environmental Protection Agency s ( EPA ) final rule partially approving and partially disapproving the most recent revision to Texas s State Implementation Plan ( SIP ) submitted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ( TCEQ ) pursuant to the Clean Air Act ( CAA or the Act ), 42 U.S.C. § 7401 1 Luminant Generation Co. LLC, Oak Grove Management Co. LLC, Big Brown Power Co. LLC, and Sandow Power Co. LLC. 2 Environmental Integrity Project, Sierra Club, Environment Texas Citizen Lobby, Inc., Citizens for Environmental Justice, Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services, Air Alliance Houston, and Community In-Power and Development Association. Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 2 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 et seq.3 Because we find that the EPA did not act arbitrarily or capriciously, or contrary to law, or in excess of its statutory authority, in its partial approval and partial disapproval of Texas s SIP revision, we deny both petitions for review. I. BACKGROUND A. Statutory Background The CAA establishes a comprehensive program for controlling and improving the nation s air quality through state and federal regulation. BCCA Appeal Grp. v. EPA, 355 F.3d 817, 821-22 (5th Cir. 2003). Under the CAA, the EPA is responsible for identifying air pollutants and establishing National Ambient Air Quality Standards ( NAAQS ) which specify maximum allowable levels of certain types of pollutants in the air. Id. at 822; 42 U.S.C. §§ 74087409. The states are then permitted, within limits established by [the NAAQS], to enact and administer their own regulatory programs, structured to meet their own particular needs. Hodel v. Virginia Surface Mining and Reclamation Ass n, 452 U.S. 264, 289 (1981). This federal-state partnership is often described as cooperative federalism. Id. To comply with its responsibilities under the Act, each state must create and administer a SIP which provides for the implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of NAAQS by setting emission limitations and other control measures. 42 U.S.C. § 7410(a)(1)-(2). The states have wide discretion in formulating their SIPs, Union Elec. Co. v. EPA, 427 U.S. 246, 250 (1976), including the broad authority to determine the methods and particular control strategies they will use to achieve the statutory requirements. BCCA Appeal Grp., 355 F.3d at 822 (citing Union Elec. Co., 427 U.S. at 266 ( So long as 3 Texas Oil & Gas Association of Business, Texas Association of Manufacturers, and Texas Chemical Council have filed a brief in support of the EPA s partial approval of Texas s SIP. The state of Texas has filed an amicus brief in support of Texas s SIP, as submitted, in its entirety. 2 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 3 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 national standards are met, the state may select whatever mix of control devices it desires. )). Once a state creates or revises a SIP, it is submitted to the EPA for review. 42 U.S.C. §§ 7410(a)(1),(k)(1)-(2). The Act confines the EPA to the ministerial function of reviewing SIPs for consistency with the Act s requirements. Id. at § 7410(k)(3). The EPA must approve the plan in its entirety if it meets the applicable requirements of the Act. Id. at § 7410(k)(3); Fla. Power & Light Co. v. Costle, 650 F.2d 579, 587 (5th Cir. 1981). If only a portion of the [SIP] meets all the applicable requirements of [the Act], the EPA may approve the [submittal] in part and disapprove the [submittal] in part. 42 U.S.C. § 7410(k)(3). The EPA may also provide conditional approval of a SIP, based on a commitment of the State to adopt specific enforceable measures by a date certain, but not later than 1 year after the date of approval of the plan revision. Id. at § 7410(k)(4). States must periodically revise their SIPs as necessary to ensure continuing compliance with current NAAQS. Id. at § 7410(a)(2)(H). The EPA must review and approve or disapprove a SIP revision within 18 months of submission. Id. at §§ 7410(k)(1)(B),(2)-(3). The EPA shall disapprove a SIP revision only if the revision would interfere with any applicable requirement concerning attainment of the NAAQS or any other applicable requirement of the Act. Id. at § 7410(l). If the revision meets all of the applicable CAA requirements, the EPA shall approve such submittal as a whole. Id. at § 7410(k)(3). Once approved by the EPA as meeting the requirements of the Act, the SIP, or the approved portion thereof, is incorporated by reference into the Code of Federal Regulations. See 40 C.F.R. § 52.02 (2011). The CAA provides for shared enforcement of SIPs. A state must include in its SIP, a program to provide for the enforcement of the plan. 42 U.S.C. § 7410(a)(2)(C). The program must provide the state permitting authority power to recover civil penalties in a maximum amount of not less than $10,000 per day 3 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 4 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 for each violation. Id. at § 7661a(b)(5)(E). Additionally, the EPA has the power to enforce a SIP by commencing a civil action for a permanent or temporary injunction, or to assess and recover a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 per day for each violation, or both[.] Id. at § 7413(b). Such suit may be brought in district court, and such court shall have jurisdiction to restrain such violation, to require compliance, to assess such civil penalty, to collect any fees owed to the United States . . . and to award any other appropriate relief. Id. Finally, any person may commence a civil action on his own behalf against any person who is alleged to have violated an emission standard or limitation in a SIP. Id. at § 7604(a). A citizen suit may be brought in district court, which shall have jurisdiction to enforce such an emission standard or limitation and to apply any appropriate civil penalties. Id. In assessing the amount of a civil penalty in either an EPA enforcement action or a citizen suit, the court must consider the penalty assessment criteria outlined in section 7413(e), i.e., the size of the business, the economic impact of the penalty on the business, the violator s full compliance history and good faith efforts to comply, the duration of the violation as established by any credible evidence (including evidence other than the applicable test method), payment by the violator of penalties previously assessed for the same violation, the economic benefit of noncompliance, the seriousness of the violation, and other factors as justice may require. Id. at § 7413(e). B. Facts and Proceedings In its final rule4 which became effective on January 10, 2011, the EPA partially approved and partially disapproved the most recent revision to Texas s 4 Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; Excess Emissions During Startup, Shutdown, Maintenance, and Malfunction Activities, 75 Fed. Reg. 68,989 (Nov. 10, 2010). 4 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 5 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 SIP which was submitted by the TCEQ in 2006.5 The portion of the SIP at issue creates an affirmative defense against civil penalties for excess emissions during both planned and unplanned startup, shutdown, and maintenance/malfunction ( SSM ) events. The EPA approved the portion of the SIP revision providing an affirmative defense against civil penalties for unplanned SSM events and disapproved the portion of the SIP revision providing an affirmative defense against civil penalties for planned SSM events. See 75 Fed. Reg. 68,989, 68,991. Since the creation of its first SIP in 1972, Texas has provided for special treatment of SSM activity. See Tex. SIP § XIV, Rule 12 (Jan. 26, 1972) (providing emissions during upsets and start-up or shutdown . . . may not be required to meet the allowable emission levels ). The revised SIP submitted by Texas in 2000 provided that emissions from SSM activity were exempt from compliance with air emission limitations established in permits, rules, and orders of the commission so long as the owner or operator complied with certain reporting, record keeping, and operational requirements. See General Air Quality Rules, 25 Tex. Reg. 6727, at § 101.11(b) (July 14, 2000). Further, the exceptions were limited to SSM emissions that could not have been prevented through planning and design, that were not part of a recurring pattern, and that did not cause or contribute to a condition of air pollution. See id. The EPA approved the 2000 SIP revision, determining that the exemptions for emissions during SSM activity contained in the plan met the requirements of the CAA. See Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; Excess Emissions During Startup, Shutdown, Malfunction and Maintenance, 65 Fed. Reg. 70,792 (Nov. 28, 2000). In its approval, the EPA noted that under the [CAA], all excess emissions during SSM episodes are violations of applicable emission limitations [however,] we believe it would be inequitable to penalize a 5 30 Tex. Reg. 4090 (July 15, 2005) (proposed), amended by 31 Tex. Reg. 422 (Jan 20, 2006). 5 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 6 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 source for occurrences beyond the company s control. A source has the burden of proving that the excess emissions were due to circumstances beyond the control of the operator or the owner. Id. at 70,793. Additionally, the EPA found that the 2000 SIP revision comported with past EPA guidance contained in its policy statements regarding emissions from SSM activity. Id. at 70,792 93. These policy statements can be found in a collection of memos that we will refer to as the Bennett Memos (19826 & 19837) the Herman Memo (19998). Id. at 70,792. Additionally, in accordance with the EPA s request, 28 Tex. Reg. 5787, 5787 (July 25, 2003) (proposed), Texas s 2004 SIP revision omitted the language indicating that SSM emissions were exempt, and substituted language that such emissions would be subject to an affirmative defense. 29 Tex. Reg. 118, 120 (Jan. 2, 2004) (final). Further, as a result of changes in state law, Texas also distinguished between emissions resulting from planned SSM activity and all other emission events and proposed providing an affirmative defense for these emissions. Id. at 134 (§ 101.222(b),(c)). The proposed affirmative defense for scheduled SSM activity required the owner or operator prove the period of 6 Mem. of Kathleen Bennett, Policy on Excess Emissions During Startup, Shutdown, Maintenance, and Malfunctions (Sept. 28, 1982) (providing that it is reasonable to expect that careful planning will eliminate violations of emissions limitations during [startup and shutdown] periods. . . . [s]imilarly, scheduled maintenance is a predictable event which can be . . . made to coincide with maintenance . . . or other source shutdowns. Consequently, excess emissions during periods of scheduled maintenance should be treated as a violation[.] ). 7 Mem. of Kathleen Bennett, Policy on Excess Emissions During Startup, Shutdown, Maintenance, and Malfunctions (Feb. 15, 1983) (recognizing that, in certain situations, excess emissions during startup and shutdown need not be treated as a violation if the source can show that the excesses could not have been prevented . . . and that bypassing was unavoidable to prevent loss of life, personal injury, or severe property damage. ). 8 Mem. of Steven A. Herman, State Implementation Plans (SIPs): Policy Regarding Excess Emissions During Malfunctions, Startup, and Shutdown (Sept. 20, 1999) (providing that because excess emissions might . . . prevent attainment or interfere with maintenance of [NAAQS], EPA views all excess emissions as violations. . . . Nevertheless, . . . imposition of a penalty for sudden and unavoidable malfunctions . . . may not be appropriate. ). 6 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 7 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 unauthorized emissions . . . could not have been prevented through planning and design. Id. at 134 (§ 101.222(c)(2)). All other emissions would only be protected if they were caused by a sudden breakdown of equipment or process, beyond the control of the owner or operator. Id. at 134 (§ 101.222(b)(2)). The proposed rules stated that the affirmative defense provision would expire on June 30, 2005. Id. at 135 (§ 101.222(h)). The EPA ultimately gave Texas s 2004 SIP revision limited approval. See Limited Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; Excess Emissions During Startup, Shutdown and Malfunction Activities, 70 Fed. Reg. 16,129 (Mar. 30, 2005). The EPA explained that the rule improves the SIP and is largely consistent with the relevant requirements of the [CAA] but noted that the provisions allowing for an affirmative defense for scheduled SSM activity were ambiguous, at best, and inconsistent with the [CAA], at worst, and could create problems with enforcing the underlying applicable emission limits. 70 Fed. Reg. at 16,130. The EPA stated as follows: The EPA s interpretation of [§ 7410] allows an affirmative defense to be asserted against civil penalties . . . for excess emissions activities which are sudden, unavoidable or caused by circumstances beyond the control of the owner or operator . . . . However, EPA has determined that it is inappropriate to provide an affirmative defense for excess emissions resulting from scheduled maintenance . . . . Id. at 16,131. Nevertheless, the EPA approved the 2004 provision, noting section 101.222's expiration date of June 30, 2005, but in doing so, the agency clarified that if Texas revises its rules to include an affirmative defense for excess emissions in the Texas SIP in the future, the State should ensure . . . that the affirmative defense does not apply to excess emissions from scheduled maintenance activities . . . . Id. The EPA then granted a request from Texas to extend the affirmative defense s expiration date to June 30, 2006. See Limited 7 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 8 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; Excess Emissions During Startup, Shutdown and Malfunction Activities, 70 Fed. Reg. 50,205, 50,206 (Aug. 26, 2005). On January 23, 2006, Texas submitted the revised SIP that is the subject of this appeal. The 2006 SIP revision provides in part: (1) For any emission deemed excessive by the state executive director, no affirmative defense would be available. See 30 Tex. Admin. Code § 101.222(a). (2) For unplanned maintenance, startup or shutdown activity, an affirmative defense against civil penalties would be available if the owner or operator proves . . . all of the listed criteria, including that (2) the periods of unauthorized emissions from unplanned [SSM] activity could not have been prevented through planning and design, and (3) the unauthorized emissions from unplanned [SSM] activity were not part of a recurring pattern, and that the (9) unauthorized emissions did not cause or contribute to an exceedance of the NAAQS . . . . See 30 Tex. Admin. Code §§ 101.1(108), 101.222(c); see also id. §§ 101.1(109), 101.222(b) (providing elements for upset events ). (3) For [p]lanned maintenance, startup, or shutdown activity, an affirmative defense against civil penalties would be available if the owner or operator proves all of the criteria listed under the section for unplanned SSM activity, including that (2) the periods of unauthorized emissions from unplanned [SSM] activity could not have been prevented through planning and design, that (3) the unauthorized emissions from unplanned [SSM] activity were not part of a recurring pattern, and that (9) unauthorized emissions did not cause or contribute to an exceedance of the NAAQS . . . . See 30 Tex. Admin. Code § 101.222(h) (emphasis added). The affirmative defense for planned SSM activity would expire after, at most, two years. See id. § 101.222(h)-(i). Thereafter, as mentioned above, the EPA partially approved and partially disapproved the revisions. 75 Fed. Reg. at 68,991. In finalizing its approval of the portion of the SIP revision containing an affirmative defense for unplanned SSM activity, the EPA stated that section 101.222(a)-(g) provides an affirmative defense for certain emission events that is consistent with the interpretation of 8 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 9 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 the Act as set forth in our guidance documents. Id. at 68,990. The EPA explained that it has recognized that sources may, despite good practices, be unable to meet emission limitations during periods of startup and shutdown and, that despite good operating practices, sources may suffer a malfunction due to events beyond the control of the owner or operator. Id. at 68,992. The EPA then finalized its disapproval of section 101.222(h)-(j), which contained an affirmative defense for planned SSM activity, 75 Fed. Reg. at 68,991, relying on its past reasoning that [b]ecause these events are planned, we believe that sources should be able to comply with applicable emission limits during these periods of time. 75 Fed. Reg. 26,892, 26,896 (May 13, 2010). The EPA further stated that it disapproved of the affirmative defense for planned startup and shutdown activity contained in the SIP revision because it found the provisions for such activity to be nonseverable from those for planned maintenance. 75 Fed. Reg. at 68,991. Additionally, the EPA noted that a defect in the wording of the affirmative defense, caused by cross-referencing the section for unplanned SSM activity, rendered that defense far broader than would be consistent with the requirements set forth in the Act. Id. at 68,991 n.5. Environmental Petitioners seek review of the EPA s final rule approving the portion of the SIP revision providing an affirmative defense against civil penalties for excess emissions resulting from unplanned SSM activity. Industry Petitioners seek review of the EPA s final rule disapproving the portion of SIP revision providing an affirmative defense against civil penalties for excess emissions resulting from planned SSM activity. II. STANDARD OF REVIEW Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 7607(b), this court has jurisdiction to hear a petition for review of the EPA s approval of a SIP under 42 U.S.C. § 7410. A petition to review the EPA s approval or disapproval of a SIP is governed by the Administrative Procedure Act. See 5 U.S.C. § 706; BCCA Appeal Grp., 355 F.3d 9 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 10 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 at 824. The EPA s decision is valid unless it is arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law. 5 U.S.C. § 706(2)(A). Agency action that is in excess of statutory authority will also be set aside. Id. at § 706(2)(C). An agency rule is arbitrary and capricious if the agency has relied on factors which Congress has not intended it to consider, entirely failed to consider an important aspect of the problem, offered an explanation for its decision that runs counter to the evidence before the agency, or is so implausible that it could not be ascribed to a difference in view or the product of agency expertise. Tex. Oil & Gas Ass n v. U.S. E.P.A., 161 F.3d 923, 933 (5th Cir. 1998) (quoting Motor Vehicle Mfrs. Ass n v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 463 U.S. 29, 43 (1983)). If the agency s reasons and policy choices conform to minimal standards of rationality, then its actions are reasonable and must be upheld. Tex. Oil & Gas Ass n, 161 F.3d at 934. Nonetheless, the reviewing court may not supply a reasoned basis for the agency s action that the agency itself has not given. Motor Vehicle Mfrs. Ass n, 463 U.S. at 43. [T]he focal point for judicial review should be the administrative record already in existence, not some new record made initially in the reviewing court. Camp v. Pitts, 411 U.S. 138, 142 (1973). The court applies the two-step Chevron analysis to questions involving the EPA s interpretation of the statutes it administers, including the CAA. Chevron, U.S.A., Inc. v. NRDC, Inc., 467 U.S. 837, 842-43 (1984). If Congress has directly spoken to the precise question at issue, the agency and the court must give effect to the unambiguously expressed intent of Congress. Chevron, 467 U.S. at 842-43. In performing this analysis, the court employ[s] traditional tools of statutory construction. Chevron, 467 U.S. at 843 n.9. [A] statutory provision cannot be read in isolation, but necessarily derives its meaning from the context provided by the surrounding provisions, as well as the broader 10 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 11 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 context of the statute as a whole. Khalid v. Holder, 655 F.3d 363, 367 (5th Cir. 2011). If the statute, however, is silent or ambiguous with respect to the specific issue, the court must first assess the administrative decision-making process to determine whether the agency s action is entitled to Chevron deference. United States v. Mead Corp., 533 U.S. 218, 226-31 (2001) (quoting Chevron, 467 U.S. at 843). Under Mead, Congress must have delegated authority to the agency generally to make rules carrying the force of law, and that agency interpretation claiming deference must have been promulgated in the exercise of that authority. BCCA Appeal Grp., 355 F.3d at 825 (quoting Mead, 533 U.S. at 22627). If the agency s decision is a result of a sufficiently formal and deliberative process to warrant deference, the second step of Chevron requires the court to assess whether the agency s interpretation is based on a permissible construction of the statute. Mead, 533 U.S. at 230 (quoting Chevron, 467 U.S. at 843). If the agency s interpretation is reasonable, it will be upheld. Smiley v. Citibank, N.A., 517 U.S. 735, 744-45 (1996). Federal courts accord great deference to the EPA s construction of the [CAA]. Union Elec. Co., 427 U.S. at 266. Where an issue presented is a challenge to an agency s interpretation of its own regulation, the agency s interpretation is controlling unless it is plainly erroneous or inconsistent with the regulation. Auer v. Robbins, 519 U.S. 452, 461 (1997) (quoting Robertson v. Methow Valley Citizens Council, 490 U.S. 332, 359 (1989)). III. DISCUSSION A. Arguments Raised By Environmental Petitioners Environmental Petitioners argue that the EPA s approval of the affirmative defense for unplanned SSM events is in excess of the agency s statutory authority and is not in accordance with the Act. 11 Specifically, Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 12 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 petitioners argue that the final rule conflicts with the plain language of the Act authorizing civil penalties in EPA and citizen suit enforcement actions, as well as the Act s requirement that the state permitting authority be able to assess civil penalties. Environmental Petitioners further argue that, even if the affirmative defense against civil penalties for excess emissions resulting from unplanned SSM activity is not contrary to the CAA, the EPA s approval was arbitrary and capricious. Finally, Environmental Petitioners argue that, in approving the affirmative defense for unplanned SSM activity, the EPA altered the meaning of the SIP as submitted by Texas. We address each of these arguments in turn. 1. In excess of statutory authority & not in accordance with law As stated above, the Act confines the EPA to reviewing SIPs for consistency with the Act s requirements. 42 U.S.C. §§ 7410(k)(3); 7410(a)(1). The EPA shall not approve a revision of a plan if the revision would interfere with any applicable requirement concerning attainment or or any other applicable requirement of the Act. Id. at § 7410(l). Further, as pointed out by petitioners, the CAA provides that, in the case of EPA enforcement and citizen suits, a federal district court shall have jurisdiction to assess a civil penalty. Id. at §§ 7413(b); 7604(a). In assessing the amount of a civil penalty in either an EPA enforcement action or a citizen suit, the court must consider the penalty assessment criteria outlined in section 7413(e). Id. at § 7413(e). Additionally, the CAA mandates that the state permitting authority have the power to recover civil penalties for violations under the Act. 42 U.S.C. § 7661a(b)(5)(E). The Act is silent, however, as to whether or not a state may include in its SIP the availability of an affirmative defense against such penalties. Consequently, so long as the EPA adheres to its duty under the CAA to review Texas s SIP revision for consistency with the Act s requirements, including the attainment and maintenance of NAAQS, 42 U.S.C. §§ 7410(k)(3); 7410(a)(1), it 12 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 13 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 may not interfere with Texas s broad authority to determine the methods and particular control strategies [it] will use to achieve the statutory requirements, BCCA Appeal Grp., 355 F.3d at 822 (citing Union Elec. Co., 427 U.S. at 266), including its decision to include the availability of an affirmative defense for certain unplanned SSM events under narrowly defined circumstances. Additionally, the availability of the affirmative defense does not negate the district court s jurisdiction to assess civil penalties using the criteria outlined in section 7413(e), or the state permitting authority s power to recover civil penalties, it simply provides a defense, under narrowly defined circumstances, if and when penalties are assessed. Accordingly, this court must now assess the EPA s administrative decisionmaking process to determine if its decision to approve the portion of the SIP revision containing an affirmative defense for unplanned SSM events warrants Chevron deference. BCCA Appeal Grp., 355 F.3d at 824-25 (quoting Chevron, 467 U.S. at 843). We hold that it does. The EPA s administrative decision-making process has been consistently formal and deliberative prior to and during its promulgation of final rules under the Act. In addition to providing consistent policy guidance9 to assist states in formulating their SIPs, the EPA has reiterated its policies and reasoning during the notice-and-comment rulemaking periods, in its proposed SIP approvals and disapprovals, and in its final approvals and disapprovals. 75 Fed. Reg. at 68,989-69,002; See Mead Corp., 383 U.S. at 230. In approving the portion of the SIP revision providing an affirmative defense against unplanned SSM activity, the EPA explained as follows: 9 See infra Mem. of Kathleen Bennett, Policy on Excess Emissions During Startup, Shutdown, Maintenance, and Malfunctions (Sept. 28, 1982); Mem. of Kathleen Bennett, Policy on Excess Emissions During Startup, Shutdown, Maintenance, and Malfunctions (Feb. 15, 1983); Mem. of Steven A. Herman, State Implementation Plans (SIPs): Policy Regarding Excess Emissions During Malfunctions, Startup, and Shutdown (Sept. 20, 1999). 13 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 14 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 We are approving these provisions [because t]hey clarify existing reporting requirements; they clarify that the rule does not allow exemptions from compliance with federal requirements . . . they provide for an affirmative defense from unplanned [SSM activity] consistent with the CAA as interpreted by EPA; and they provide for a corrective action plan and written notification concerning excessive emission events. See section D of our May 13, 2010 proposal (75 FR at 26894). 75 Fed. Reg. 26,892, 26,894(D) provides as follows: EPA recognizes that imposition of a penalty for sudden and unavoidable [SSM activity] . . . may not be appropriate. The EPA has provided guidance on two approaches States may use in addressing such excess emissions: enforcement discretion and affirmative defense to civil penalties. The above-mentioned reasoning provided by the EPA in its partial approval of the SIP revision squarely adheres to its past policy guidance. Moreover, the record indicates that the EPA s partial approval of the plan was the result of a formal and deliberative decision-making process. Therefore, we hold that the agency s action approving the portion of the SIP providing an affirmative defense for unplanned SSM activity is entitled to Chevron deference.10 Next, this court must determine whether the EPA s interpretation of the Act is based on a permissible construction of the statute. Chevron, 467 U.S. at 843 (citing Mead, 533 U.S. at 222-31). 10 Other courts have also found that the EPA s interpretation of the CAA as expressed in the Bennett and Herman memos is entitled to Chevron deference. See Ariz. Pub. Serv. Co. v. U.S. E.P.A., 562 F.3d 1116, 1130 (10th Cir. 2009) (deferring to EPA s interpretation of CAA, as expressed in Herman Memo); Mich. Dept. Of Envt l Quality v. Browner, 230 F.3d 181, 185 (6th Cir. 2000) (affording EPA s interpretation of CAA, as expressed in Bennett Memo, Chevron deference). 14 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 15 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 As stated, the EPA has interpreted the CAA as authorizing defenses that are narrowly tailored to address unavoidable, excess emissions. According to the EPA, appropriately crafted affirmative defense provisions give the states the necessary flexibility to ensure that they remain in compliance with the emission limitations set forth in the Act while still accounting for unplanned, unavoidable events, recognizing that despite the most diligent of efforts, emission limits may be exceeded under circumstances beyond the control of the source. The EPA submits that Texas s affirmative defense for unplanned SSM events does not interfere with the Act s requirement that a SIP s emission limitations are continuous or with the state s ability to enforce emission limitations because the limitations remain enforceable through injunctive relief. 42 U.S.C. § 7410(a)(2)(A),(C). Under the portion of the SIP revision approved by the EPA, sources are generally subject to enforcement actions for any upset events, i.e., an unplanned and unavoidable malfunction that results in unauthorized emissions. 30 Tex. Admin. Code § 101.1(109). If an upset event is considered an excessive emission event based on a number of factors including frequency, duration, impact on human health, and other measures, no affirmative defense is available. Id. at § 101.222(a)-(b). If the violation is not deemed excessive, and it occurred during unplanned SSM activity, and nine additional criteria are met, including a demonstration that the unauthorized emissions did not cause or contribute to an exceedance of the NAAQS, PSD increments, or a condition of air pollution, and that the unauthorized emissions could not have been prevented through planning and design, then the affirmative defense is available. Id. at § 101.222(b),(c). Regardless, even if all nine required criteria are met and the violator establishes the applicability of the approved affirmative defense, injunctive relief is still available. 75 Fed. Reg. at 68,991 n.4. 15 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 16 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 In partially approving the SIP revision, the EPA interpreted the affirmative defense for unplanned SSM activity as being consistent with the CAA because it is narrowly tailored, does not interfere with the Act s requirement that a SIP s emission limitations are continuous or with the state s ability to enforce emission limitations, and does not interfere with any other applicable requirement of the Act, including the attainment of NAAQS. Id. at 68,991. We hold that this is a permissible construction of the statute. Chevron, 467 U.S. at 843; Smiley, 517 U.S. at 744-45. 2. Arbitrary and Capricious Environmental Petitioners argue that, even if the affirmative defense for unplanned SSM activity is not contrary to the CAA, the EPA s approval was nonetheless arbitrary and capricious. They argue that the EPA failed to explain why it approved the affirmative defense in light of (1) the EPA s position that affirmative defenses should not be available where a small group of sources could cause exceedance of the NAAQS; (2) precedent indicating that civil penalties serve to encourage compliance with the Act; and (3) the burden an affirmative defense would place on citizen suits. With respect to their first argument, Environmental Petitioners are correct that the EPA has stated in its past policy guidance that [w]here a single source or small group of sources has the potential to cause an exceedance of the NAAQS or PSD increments . . . an affirmative defense approach will not be adequate to protect public health and the environment . . . . 11 Petitioners are also correct that the approved affirmative defense provision does not contain specific language excluding emissions caused by a single source or small group of sources that could potentially cause an exceedance of the NAAQS or PSD increments. But, as pointed out by the agency in its brief, the affirmative 11 See infra Mem. of Steven A. Herman, State Implementation Plans (SIPs): Policy Regarding Excess Emissions During Malfunctions, Startup, and Shutdown (Sept. 20, 1999). 16 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 17 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 defense excludes all emissions that could cause or contribute to an exceedance of the NAAQS, PSD increments, or a condition of air pollution. 30 Tex. Admin. Code § 101.222 (b)(11), (c)(9). Thus, the approved portion of the affirmative defense is not inconsistent with the agency s past policy guidance. Environmental Petitioners remaining two arguments as to why the EPA s approval of the affirmative defense was arbitrary and capricious are also unavailing. Environmental Petitioners are correct that the EPA has recognized that the availability of civil penalties serves as an incentive for companies to take actions to avoid excess emissions. 75 Fed. Reg. at 68,999. In its partial approval of the SIP revision, however, the EPA further recognized that while the availability of civil penalties serves as an incentive for companies to be more cautious, to take more preventative actions, and to seek to develop technologies and management practices to avoid excess emissions[,] . . . the criteria a source would need to prove in order to successfully assert an affirmative defense will encourage companies to take such caution. Id. at 68,999. The EPA s reasoning relies on the fact that the narrowly tailored affirmative defense presents a high burden for any company seeking entitlement to it. Assuming the violation is not deemed excessive, and it occurred during unplanned SSM activity, nine additional criteria must be met, including a demonstration that the unauthorized emissions did not cause or contribute to an exceedance of the NAAQS, PSD increments, or a condition of air pollution, and that the unauthorized emissions could not have been prevented through planning and design. 30 Tex. Admin. Code § 101.222(c). This reasoning supports the EPA s position that its approval of the affirmative defense for unplanned SSM activity will not serve as a disincentive for companies to avoid excess emissions. Thus, there is no conflict with the agency s previous statements that civil penalties encourage compliance with the Act. 17 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 18 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 Environmental Petitioners second argument that the affirmative defense places an unreasonable burden on plaintiffs is also without merit. Environmental Petitioners contend that the affirmative defense only requires a prima facie showing by defendants, after which the burden will shift to the plaintiffs to show that the affirmative defense does not apply. As pointed out by the EPA, however, when a source asserts the affirmative defense, it has the burden of proving the enumerated factors, including that the period of excess emissions was minimized to the extent practicable and that the emissions were not due to faulty operations or disrepair of equipment. 75 Fed. Reg. at 68,992 (citing see 30 Tex. Admin. Code § 101.222(b),(c)). The provision makes no reference to a prima facie showing. Id. Accordingly, the burden remains on the party seeking entitlement to the affirmative defense, not a plaintiff seeking relief under the Act. Given these facts, we agree with the EPA s position that the approved affirmative defense for unplanned SSM activity does not place an unreasonable burden on plaintiffs. Consequently, we hold that the EPA did not act arbitrarily or capriciously in its partial approval of the SIP revision. The above-mentioned reasons and policy choices provided by the EPA for approving the affirmative defense for unplanned SSM activity conform to minimal standards of rationality ; therefore, they are reasonable and will be upheld by this court. Tex. Oil & Gas Ass n, 161 F.3d at 934. 3. Alteration of the meaning of the SIP Environmental Petitioners final argument is that, by approving the affirmative defense for unplanned SSM activity, the EPA impermissibly altered the meaning of the SIP by making the defense potentially applicable to citizen and EPA enforcement actions, thereby limiting injunctive relief available under the Act and delaying the enforcement of excess emission violations. Environmental Petitioners identify a statement by the TCEQ that its rules are 18 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 19 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 not intended to nor do they impact citizens legal rights under the [CAA]. 30 Tex. Reg. at 8922. Environmental Petitioners are correct that, in partially approving a SIP, the EPA may not overid[e] state policy, Bethlehem, 742 F.2d at 1036-37, and alter the meaning of the SIP. In its partial approval of the SIP revision, however, the EPA reasoned as follows: [A]pproval of the provisions in sections 101.222(b), (c), (d), and (e) into the Texas SIP does not preclude citizen suits under the Act. Rather, the affirmative defense may be raised in defense of a claim brought by EPA, the State or a private citizen. 75 Fed. Reg. at 68,999. The EPA went on to state that even where an affirmative defense is successfully raised in defense to an action for penalties, it does not preclude other judicial relief that may be available, such as injunctive relief or a requirement to mitigate past harm or to correct the non-compliance at issue. Id. The above-mentioned reasoning provided by the EPA supports its position that it did not alter the meaning of the SIP or broaden its application beyond what Texas intended in its partial approval of the plan. We therefore reject Environmental Petitioners argument. B. Arguments Raised By Industry Petitioners Industry Petitioners argue that the portion of the SIP revision containing the affirmative defense for planned SSM activity fully complies with the CAA and should have been approved by the EPA. They further argue that the EPA s partial disapproval of the SIP revision was arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law. In the alternative, Industry Petitioners argue that the EPA should have severed and approved the affirmative defense for planned startup and shutdown activity, even if it disapproved the affirmative defense for planned maintenance activity. Industry Petitioners also request that approval of the SIP be backdated to June 30, 2006, so as to eliminate any gap between the expiration of the previous affirmative defense and the current affirmative defense. 19 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 20 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 1. Compliance with the CAA The Act provides that the EPA shall not approve a revision of a plan if the revision would interfere with any applicable requirement concerning attainment of NAAQS or or any other applicable requirement of the Act. See 42 U.S.C. § 7410(l). The CAA, however, does not directly speak to how the EPA is to make a determination of whether or not a SIP s provisions will interfere with attainment and maintenance of NAAQS or any other requirement of the Act. 42 U.S.C. §§ 7410(k)(3); 7410(a)(1), 7410(l). Accordingly, this court must now assess the EPA s administrative decision-making process to determine if its decision to disapprove the portion of the SIP revision containing an affirmative defense for planned SSM events warrants Chevron deference. BCCA Appeal Grp., 355 F.3d at 824-25 (quoting Chevron, 467 U.S. at 843). We find that it does. As explained above, the EPA s administrative decision-making process has been consistently formal and deliberative prior to and during its promulgation of final rules under the Act. In addition to providing consistent policy guidance12 to assist states in formulating their SIPs, the EPA has reiterated its policies and reasoning during the notice-and-comment rulemaking periods, in its proposed SIP approvals and disapprovals, and in its final approvals and disapprovals. 75 Fed. Reg. at 68,989-69,002; See Mead Corp., 383 U.S. at 230.13 12 See infra Bennett Memos and Herman Memo. 13 See infra Limited Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; Excess Emissions During Startup, Shutdown and Malfunction Activities, 70 Fed. Reg. 16,129 (Mar. 30, 2005)(providing an affirmative defense for scheduled SSM activity "could create problems with enforcing the underlying applicable emission limits."). 20 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 21 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 In its final rule disapproving the portion of the SIP containing an affirmative defense for planned SSM activity, the EPA pointed to its long-standing position expressed in guidance documents and other rulemakings that planned maintenance activities are predictable events and stated as follows: [S]ection 110 of the Act . . . allows an affirmative defense to be asserted against civil penalties . . . for excess emissions activities which are sudden, unavoidable or caused by circumstances beyond the control of the owner or operator. . . . However, EPA has determined that it is inappropriate to provide an affirmative defense for excess emissions resulting from planned maintenance. The source or operator should be able to plan maintenance that might otherwise lead to excess emissions to coincide with maintenance of production equipment or other facility shutdowns . . . . Because these events can be planned . . . EPA does not believe it is appropriate under the Act to allow an affirmative defense for any excess emissions . . . . 75 Fed. Reg. at 68,990. Additionally, the agency explained that it disapproved section 101.222(h) in its entirety because the provisions regarding excess emissions during planned startup and shutdown are not severable from that for planned maintenance. Id. The EPA noted that a preferable means of dealing with excess emissions from planned startup and shutdown . . . would be to establish an alternative [applicable] limit[.] Id. The agency also concluded that sections 101.222(i) and (j) were not severable from section 101.222(h). Id. The above-mentioned reasoning provided by the EPA in its partial disapproval of the SIP revision adheres to its past policy guidance. Moreover, the record indicates that the EPA s partial disapproval of the plan was the result of a formal and deliberative decision-making process. Therefore, we hold that the agency s action disapproving the portion of the SIP providing an affirmative defense for planned SSM activity is entitled to Chevron deference. 21 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 22 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 Next, this court must determine whether the EPA s interpretation of the Act is based on a permissible construction of the statute. Chevron, 467 U.S. at 843 (citing Mead, 533 U.S. at 222-31). The EPA submits that it has interpreted the Act as requiring that a state s SIP be designed to deter all avoidable excess emissions in order to ensure attainment and maintenance of NAAQS. In its final rule, the EPA determined that the affirmative defense for planned SSM activity would undermine the enforceability, as well as the attainment, requirements of the CAA. 75 Fed. Reg. at 68,994. The EPA further submits that penalties cannot deter unavoidable excess emissions, but are necessary to deter avoidable violations. Id. at 68,992. Moreover, the EPA has concluded that the Act only authorizes defenses that are narrowly tailored to address unavoidable, excess emissions. Id. at 68,994. The EPA submits that the affirmative defense for planned SSM events is not narrowly tailored because planned maintenance activities are predictable, and excess emissions can be avoided by scheduling maintenance during shutdown periods. Id. at 68,992-93. Further, the EPA contends that the provision is potentially broadly applicable because it contains a defect that could be interpreted as not requiring a source to establish all elements of the affirmative defense. See 75 Fed. Reg. at 68,9991 n.5. The Industry Petitioners, joined by the State of Texas in its amicus brief, argue that the EPA s position that the provision contains a defect is unfounded and ignores [the SIP s] express language. They assert that § 101.222(h) is clear that a source must prove all of the criteria listed in the cross-referenced sections, not just the ones it deems applicable. We do not agree. The EPA s interpretation of approved SIP regulations, and not the state s, is authoritative. See Am. Cyanamid Co. v. U.S. E.P.A., 810 F.2d 493 (5th Cir. 1987) (emphasis added). However, the portion of the SIP provision containing 22 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 23 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 an affirmative defense for planned SSM activity is not an approved SIP regulation, and thus, is considered Texas law until it receives approval by the EPA and is subsequently incorporated in the Code of Federal Regulations. See 40 C.F.R. § 52.02 (2011). Accordingly, the EPA s authority under the CAA is limited to determining whether the proposed SIP revision providing an affirmative defense for planned SSM activity, as written, complies with the Act. The plain text of section 101.222(h), and referenced section 101.222(c), supports the EPA s reasoning that the provision, when applied, may not require a source owner or operator to establish all elements of the affirmative defense. If a source owner or operator who is conducting planned SSM activity seeks to avail himself of the affirmative defense in section 101.222(h), the provision states that he must prove all of the criteria listed in subsection (c)(1) (9) of this section for emissions, or subsection (e)(1) (9) of this section for opacity events . . . . See 30 Tex. Admin. Code § 101.222(h). Thus, in order to determine which criteria he must prove, he must refer to section 101.222(c). Section 101.222(c), however, refers to the elements that must be proved to establish an affirmative defense for emissions or opacity resulting from unplanned SSM activity. Further, with regard to emissions, the elements themselves are limited to emissions from unplanned maintenance. The only elements in section 101.222(c) not limited to emissions from unplanned SSM activity are those relating to reporting, monitoring, a requirement to operate "in a manner consistent with good practices for minimizing emissions," and a requirement that "unauthorized emissions did not cause or contribute to an exceedance of the NAAQS, PSD increments, or a condition of air pollution." See id. § 101.222(1),(5),(7),(9). As a result, a source owner or operator conducting planned SSM activity applying the plain text of section 101.222(c) would find that the majority of the criteria contained in the section refer to unplanned SSM activity, and consequently, find those criteria not applicable to himself as a source owner or 23 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 24 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 operator conducting planned SSM activity. 30 Tex. Admin. Code § 101.222(c)(2),(3),(4),(6),(8). Even if the source owner or operator conducting planned SSM activity attempted to prove all nine criteria in subsection (c), he could not do so since five of the nine criteria are specifically limited to descriptions of unplanned SSM activity. Id. In reference to this section, the EPA stated as follows: [I]nstead of identifying the criteria a source must meet to assert an affirmative defense for planned activities, the Texas rule cross-references the criteria that apply for unplanned events. Thus, sources might argue that many of the criteria would not apply and would not need to be proved when asserting an affirmative defense. The criteria that a source must prove in asserting a defense are critical for ensuring that the defense will not be abused. 75 Fed. Reg. at 68,991 n.5. In its partial disapproval of the SIP revision, the EPA relied on the abovementioned reasoning and concluded that the affirmative defense for planned SSM activity was inconsistent with the requirements of the CAA because: (1) it was potentially broadly applicable due to the cross-referencing in subsection (h) to subsection (c); and, (2) not narrowly tailored because it provided a defense for SSM activities during which excess emissions could be avoided. The EPA s interpretation of the Act, as being inconsistent with the portion of the SIP containing an affirmative defense for planned SSM activity, is a permissible construction of the statute. Chevron, 467 U.S. at 843; Smiley, 517 U.S. at 744-45. 2. Arbitrary and Capricious Industry Petitioners submit several arguments in support of their assertion that the EPA s partial disapproval of the SIP revision was arbitrary and capricious. We address each of these in turn. 24 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 25 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 Citing GHASP v. U.S. E.P.A., 289 F. App x 745 (5th Cir. 2008), Industry Petitioners argue that the EPA must approve any SIP revision that is more stringent than the preexisting SIP. In 2000, the EPA approved a Texas excess emissions rule that included an exemption for emissions from planned maintenance. See 65 Fed. Reg. 70,792 (Nov. 28, 2000); 25 Tex. Reg. 6727-6751 (July 14, 2000). In its brief, however, the EPA points out that it has publicly conceded that its approval of the Texas 2000 rule was erroneous.14 It is the agency s position that it should not be required to make the same mistake twice for the sole purposes of consistency. An agency is not bound to follow a prior, incorrect interpretation of its own policy. Bowles v. Seminole Rock & Sand Co., 325 U.S. 410, 414 (1945). Moreover, an agency is permitted to change its policy interpretations. FCC v. Fox Tele. Stations, Inc., 556 U.S. 502, 514-15 (2009); National Cable & Telecommunications Ass n v. Brand X Internet Services, 545 U.S. 967, 981 (2005). Consequently, we hold that the EPA s previous, admittedly erroneous, approval of a prior Texas SIP provision, does not mandate its approval of the current SIP revision at issue, simply because it is more stringent than the provision previously approved in error. Industry Petitioners next argue that the EPA, in partially disapproving the SIP revision, impermissibly made the SIP more stringent than what Texas had intended, i.e., a SIP without any accommodation for planned SSM emissions. We disagree. The EPA may approve or disapprove a provision in a SIP, but may not require a state to add any provision to its proposal. See Fla. Power & Light Co., 650 F.2d at 587-89. Further, the EPA may not exercise its power to partially 14 Technical Support Document for 30 Tex. Admin. Code Chapter 101, General Air Quality Rules, Rule Log Numbers 2001-075-101-AI & 2003-038-101-AI (March 2, 2004). 25 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 26 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 approve and disapprove portions of a SIP to make it more stringent than intended by the state. See Bethlehem Steel, 742 F.2d at 1034-35. In its partial disapproval of the SIP, the EPA noted the following: The provisions being disapproved address completely separate activities . . . (planned activities) from those addressed by the provisions being approved (unplanned activities). The approved provisions will provide the exact limited relief intended by the State for sources covered by those provisions . . . . EPA's action disapproving similar relief for excess emissions during planned activities does not affect the stringency of the defense being approved for periods of excess emissions during unplanned activities. 75 Fed. Reg. at 68,993. This reasoning supports the EPA s position that its partial disapproval of the SIP did not make the remaining approved portions more stringent than what Texas had intended. Industry Petitioners next argue that the EPA s partial disapproval of the SIP revision was in error because the agency never established that the affirmative defense for planned SSM activity would interfere with NAAQS attainment. 42 U.S.C. § 7410(l). With respect to this issue, the EPA stated that it does not interpret the Act as requiring it to demonstrate that there will be a violation of NAAQS if it disapproves a SIP revision. 75 Fed. Reg. at 68,994. The agency further noted that the language in section 110(l) provides that EPA must disapprove a SIP revision if it would interfere with any applicable requirement concerning attainment. This is quite distinct from an obligation to prove that a violation will occur. Id. This reasoning adequately supports the EPA s position that it is not required by the Act to establish that a SIP revision would interfere with NAAQS attainment as a prerequisite to disapproving the plan. 26 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 27 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 Industry Petitioners also argue that the EPA was required to approve the affirmative defense scheme as a necessary step to Texas s transition to a permitting scheme. In support of their argument, Industry Petitioners point to the doctrines of administrative necessity and one-step-at-a-time. See Ala. Power Co. v. Costle, 636 F.2d 323, 357-60 (D.C. Cir. 1979); U.S. Brewers Ass n, Inc. v. EPA, 600 F.2d 974, 982 (D.C. Cir. 1979). With respect to this issue, the EPA provided the following response: [T]he State's submitted phased-in permitting process will not serve to modify any applicable requirement under the Texas SIP. Furthermore, our action disapproving the three provisions at issue . . . merely maintains the status quo and should have no effect on that permitting process. .... [S]ources have been obligated to comply at all times with the applicable emission limits with no enforcement discretion or affirmative defense provisions since the previous Texas rules expired from the Texas SIP on June 30, 2006 by their own terms. Thus there is no administrative necessity or one step at a time argument applicable in this situation. 75 Fed. Reg. at 69,899-900. This reasoning supports the EPA s position that it was not required to approve the provision containing an affirmative defense for planned SSM activity in light of Texas s transition to a permitting scheme. Consequently, we hold that the EPA did not act arbitrarily or capriciously in its disapproval of the portion of the SIP revision containing an affirmative defense for planned SSM activity. The above-mentioned reasons provided by the EPA for disapproving the provision conform to minimal standards of rationality ; therefore, they are reasonable and will be upheld by this court. Tex. Oil & Gas Ass n, 161 F.3d at 934. 27 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 28 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 3. Severability of planned startup and shutdown activity Industry Petitioners also argue that the EPA should have severed and approved the affirmative defense for planned startup and shutdown activity, even if it had determined that there should be no affirmative defense for planned maintenance activity. We disagree. Congress, through the CAA, delegates authority to the EPA to partially approve and partially disapprove a SIP. 42 U.S.C. § 7410(k)(3). The statutory language indicates that the EPA s exercise of its partial approval power is discretionary, and the EPA may reject a SIP revision in its entirety if it believes any portion violates applicable requirements. Id. (providing, [i]f a portion of the plan revision meets all the applicable requirements of this chapter, the EPA may approve the plan revision in part and disapprove the plan revision in part (emphasis added)). The EPA has determined that the provisions relating to planned startup and shutdown activities are not severable from the planned maintenance provisions. 75 Fed. Reg. 68,991, 68,997. Additionally, as pointed out by the EPA, the drafting defect attendant to the affirmative defense for planned maintenance is also present for the affirmative defense for planned startup and shutdown activity. The EPA expressly identified this deficit in rejecting the affirmative defense for planned startup and shutdown activity. Id. at 68,991 n.5. In its promulgation of the final rule, the EPA provided the following reasoning: [W]e interpret the CAA to allow EPA to approve a SIP revision submittal from a State that provides an affirmative defense for excess emissions during planned startup or shutdown activities, but the inclusion of planned maintenance activities and the failure to include appropriate criteria (due to improper cross-referencing) for planned startup and shutdown activities renders the submitted section 101.222(h) unapprovable. 28 Case: 10-60934 Document: 00511938308 Page: 29 Date Filed: 07/30/2012 No. 10-60934 Id. at 68,997. For the same reasons provided in our discussion above upholding the EPA s disapproval of the affirmative defense for planned maintenance activity contained in 101.222(h), we uphold the EPA s disapproval of the affirmative defense as it applies to planned startup and shutdown activity. Regardless of whether the activity at issue is planned maintenance or planned startup/shutdown, the improper cross-referencing in subsection (h) to subsection (c) leads to an overly-broad applicability of the defense. In addition, as stated, it is within the agency s discretion to exercise its partial approval and disapproval power with regard to SIP submittals. 42 U.S.C. § 7410(k)(3). Because we conclude that the above-mentioned reasoning provided by the EPA conform[s] to minimal standards of rationality, Tex. Oil & Gas Ass n, 161 F.3d at 934, we hold that the EPA was not arbitrary or capricious, or contrary to law, in disapproving the provision as a whole. 4. Backdating approval of the SIP In their final argument, Industry Petitioners request that approval of the SIP be backdated to June 30, 2006. In light of our conclusion that the EPA was not arbitrary, capricious, or contrary to law, when it disapproved the portion of the SIP revision containing an affirmative defense for planned SSM activity, we pretermit discussion of this issue. IV. CONCLUSION For these foregoing reasons, we conclude that the EPA did not act arbitrarily or capriciously, contrary to law, or in excess of its statutory authority, in its partial approval and partial disapproval of Texas s SIP revision. We therefore deny the petitions for review submitted by both Environmental Petitioners and Industry Petitioners. PETITIONS DENIED. 29
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